current transducer/transformer will be recognized when
attached to any compatible Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscope
or motor drive analyzer. This saves time and possible
errors involved in manually entering scaling factors and
units each time the device is connected. Examples of
devices that can be used with the CA10 include Pearson
current transformers, Danisense current transducers, PEM-UK Rogowksi coils, or any conventional turns-ratio current
transformer.
The TPA10 is priced at $950; the CA10 is priced at
$295. There is also a QuadPak available (qty 4 of each
device) for $3800 and $1180, respectively. The QuadPak
includes a soft-carrying case to store the adapters.
Delivery time for each item is 4-6 weeks.
WOMBAT
PROTOTYPING BOARD
Anyone interested in creating their own Raspberry Pi projects should take a look at the Wombat
prototyping board, recently released by Gooligum
Electronics. It’s designed to make it easy to prototype
original circuits that connect to a Raspberry Pi — whether
playing with ideas or designing a new product — freeing
up time from the nitty gritty so the more challenging task
of seeing a design come to fruition can be focused on.
The newer Raspberry Pi models provide 40 GPIO pins
which is ideal for experimenting and product
development. However, connecting those pins to circuits
can be messy and error-prone. The Wombat simplifies
access to the Pi’s GPIO pins by breaking them out to a
clearly labelled header alongside a large solderless
breadboard (mounted on a sturdy base supported by
rubber feet), which won’t limit users to building small
projects.
Although the Pi’s GPIO pins operate at 3.3V, its
onboard 3.3V regulator is not intended to power external
devices, so the Wombat includes a 3.3V regulator which
can supply up to 500 mA — enough to power more
complex projects.
The Wombat also provides eight analog input pins
(something the Raspberry Pi lacks) for use with analog
sensors, along with a trimpot that can be deployed as a
simple analog control. It includes a number of LEDs and
pushbutton switches for use as digital outputs and inputs,
or for testing.
The analog inputs along with the LEDs and
pushbuttons are all made available through a Python
module. The functions are fully documented and clear
examples are provided, making it easy to adapt them to a
project, using them in Python 2 or 3 programs. For those
not using Python, the comprehensive documentation
includes full schematics.
The Wombat adds a USB serial console to the
Raspberry Pi via a genuine FTDI serial-to-USB
bridge, making it possible to set up a Pi or debug
problems when the Pi is running headless and the
network connection isn’t set up yet — such as when
taking a Pi to a makerspace or jam. The Wombat’s
micro USB connector can also be used instead of
the Pi’s power connector to power both the project
and the Pi. The Pi and project can be powered and
controlled all through a single cable (as long as the
laptop’s USB port supplies enough current; many
can), making for a very clean uncluttered setup.
A set of introductory projects featuring an RGB
LED and light and temperature sensors is bundled
with each board, including all the project
components and a set of breadboard jumpers. Each
project is fully documented with source code provided.
The Wombat board retails for $50. Bulk purchase and
educational discounts are available.
Continued on page 79
For more information, contact:
Teledyne LeCroy
www.teledynelecroy.com
20 September 2015
For more information, contact:
Gooligum Electronics
www.gooligum.com
If you have a new product that you would
like us to run in our New Products section,
please email a short description (300-500
words) and a photo of your product to:
newproducts@nutsvolts.com
