In theory, isolation transformers (IST) sound like “the” essential safety device for an ECE workbench. The question is, are you trying to protect your equipment, yourself or both? The two other essential safety devices for your ECE workbench are a decent variac and Differential Probes. A Note from HL: I wanted to go ahead and […]
EDS 88A-II DC-Resistance and ESR (w/ Smart Freq Sel.) – Build Video
Video #2 in the HL Complete Build Series, found on YouTube. This time I am showing my EDS 88A Capacitor Tester build. This one runs a bit under an hour in length. Soldering well over a hundred pad locations in this one!
ES9038 DAC Overhaul: Sockets, Capacitors, Resistors (Video Included)
HL tears the ES9038 DAC down to the bones for a full hardware upgrade! In stage 1 of upgrades, I worked on the analog side of the board, replacing nearly all the stock parts, including: resistors, DIP-8 sockets, and capacitors. The results have been impressive, giving a much more reference leaning tone. (ELNA SILMIC Super Gold included)
Update: Adding THD Measurements to my Capacitors | S. Groner Linear Audio XII
A look at the design process for the upcoming HL THD Tester for capacitors. I will be using SPDT or SPST switches to allow a variety of capacitances. Resolution depends on quality of reference arm, but measuring down -160dB, is easily achieved.
Update On Dual-DIP SS2590 + Loose DAC DIP8 (Peek at New IsoRegen)
After spending weeks trying to figure out why I was getting random noise, coming out of my digital equipment, I found the cause. I noticed that it kept coming through, with nearly every op-amp. I figured out my DIP8 socket (on the ES9038 DAC) was faulty. It feels like it has lost all pin tension. The larger op-amps, especially those with lifted DIP8 adapters, tended to fall out of the socket. The review should be out in September. This is mainly due to the number of op-amps involved in the testing process. Which is also why, these sockets are very important.
I also acquired an UpTone Audio IsoRegen, as this is a must for HiFi on a Home-HPC. This totally isolates the USB 2.0 line from the power supply in the computer itself. This is something I had been wanting to get for a while. Got lucky and found one for less than half the normal cost. It looks to be barely used, with the stock power supply, all in great condition.
HL Custom PCB #1: 5V Charger + V1.0 vs. V2.2 Performance Showdown
Update 8/6/20: Grades for the 5V Charger were posted today. I got a 190/200 (95%) on the final project, giving me an A (overall) in Jr Design. If I hadn’t forgotten to show the PCB partially inserted in the enclosure, I would have made a 100! Update 7/30/20: Revision 2.2 arrived in the nick of […]
New Hardware Day: “AF5FV Octopus” I/V Curve Tracer
A preview into the new Hallman Labs curve tracer. A review will be done at some point.
ESD FAQ: “Is it Okay To Plug Yourself Directly Into the Ground of an Outlet?”
ESD FAQ and common misconceptions about electrostatic discharges.
HL Vintage & Modern Catalogs Section Live!
HL Component Catalogs Catalogs and Data books Added: 200+Number of Brands: 45 I finally found the time and had all the pieces together again, to be able to share a lot of my vintage catalogs, handbooks and more! I hope that this helps some people find what they are looking for. A couple of years […]
Video: Converting SMD Components to Full-Size (Op-Amp and Capacitors Shown)
How to Video on Converting SMD components to Full-Size. Op-amp and capacitors upgrades are shown.