Nuts and Volts - August 2008

TECHFORUM

This is a READER-TO-READER Column.

All questions AND answers are submitted by Nuts&Volts readers and are intended to promote the exchange of ideas and provide assistance for solving problems of a technical nature. Questions are subject to editing and will be published on a space available basis if deemed suitable by the publisher. Answers are submitted by readers and NOGUARANTEES WHATSOEVERare made by the publisher. The implementationof any answer printed in this column may require varying degrees of technical experience and should only be attempted by qualified individuals. Always use common sense and good judgement!

All questions and answers should be sent by email to forum@nuts volts.com All diagrams should be computer generated and sent with your submission as an attachment.

QUESTIONS

To be considered, all questions should relate to one or more of the following:

❶ Circuit Design

❷ Electronic Theory

❸ Problem Solving

❹ Other Similar Topics

■ Be brief but include all pertinent information. If no one knows what you're asking, you won't get any response (and we probably won't print it either).

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■ No questions will be accepted that offer equipment for sale or equipment wanted to buy.

■ Selected questions will be printed one time on a space available basis.

■ Questions are subject to editing.

ANSWERS
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Feedback section if space allows.
94 August 2008

>>> QUESTIONS

I'm looking for information on power line communication systems. Does the US power grid broadcast any information that can be read from the power lines coming into my home? Are there any projects that can tap that information?

#8081

Steven Van Epps via email

I need info on refurbishing or building custom solar yard lights. I currently have a Lighthouse lawn ornament that has a solar light that doesn't recharge the replaceable rechargeable battery. Information on troubleshooting would be helpful for what I assume to be a fairly common circut. I would also like to illuminate the lantern of a Lawn Jockey and a Pagoda. Adding multiple LEDs with changing colors and blinking patterns could also be a take off. Anyone have a circuit?

#8082 Mike Hoffert via email

>>> ANSWERS

[#5084 - May 2008]

I'm looking for an affordable (US) PCB MFG who specializes in prototype quantities (<100) of COB (chip on board) from DIE that I provide. I need a company who can lead-attach the DIE

and epoxy-seal it, forming a COB PCB.

#1 I found these companies online. They offer prototype services among others.

IDAX microelectronics Lab Anaheim, CA 714-632-5088 www.idaxlabs.com/services.asp Quik-Pak San Diego, CA 858-674-4676 www.icproto.com/products/ Majelac Technologies Aston, PA 610-459-8786 www.majelac.com/

Daryl via internet

#2 I have had prototype and full production PCBs made with the company listed below, with excellent personal service, board quality, and pricing without any problems for over 25 years. They are directly associated with several companies that will provide your requests with great satisfaction.