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Electronic Circuit Projects, Tutorials, and Practical Engineering Solutions

A practical electronics engineering resource focused on tested circuit projects, clear theory explanations, design calculations and real world troubleshooting support for students, hobbyists, and professionals.

Questions Answered with Practical Working Solutions

Backed by more than two decades of hands on circuit design experience, reader questions posted in the comments are reviewed and answered personally. Wherever necessary, circuit corrections, design improvements, and verified working solutions are provided to ensure accuracy and reliability.

How To Use This Website

  • Start with the Electronics Tutorials section if you are new to circuit design.
  • Explore application based projects to find ready to use circuits.
  • Read the comments for practical tips, corrections, and reader discussions.
  • Post your questions to get guidance and improvements where needed.

Learn Electronics Step By Step

Electronics Tutorials

Foundational tutorials explaining electronic concepts, calculations, and working principles in a simple and practical way.

Semiconductor Theory

LED internal semiconductor structure

Detailed explanations of semiconductor devices and circuit theory with practical examples and applications.

Arduino and Microcontrollers

Arduino programming tutorials and microcontroller based automation projects with complete circuit details.

IC 555 Timer Circuits

555 adjustable duty cycle PWM circuit

Classic and modern IC 555 timer circuits explained with calculations, diagrams, and application ideas.


Power Electronics and Energy Systems

Inverter Circuits

SG3525 full bridge inverter circuit using P channel mosfets

Designs that convert DC power into 220V AC with explanations ranging from basic to advanced sine wave systems.

Battery Charger Circuits

Controlled battery charging circuits covering lead acid, lithium, and industrial battery systems.

Power Supply Circuits

full bridge power supply with calculations

Fixed and variable voltage power supply projects for workbench testing and embedded applications.

Solar Controllers

solar battery charger circuit

Solar charge controllers and renewable energy projects using PWM, MPPT, and microcontroller techniques.


Application Based Electronic Projects

Home Electrical Projects

homemade pellet burner working 1

Electronic circuits designed to enhance safety, automation, and efficiency in home electrical systems.

Industrial Electronics

PCB drill machine

Control and automation circuits used in industrial machinery and process systems.

Automobile Electronics

AutomaticAutomobileLightDipperCircuitDiagram252CImage

Automotive electronic projects for lighting, safety, and performance enhancements.

Motor Control Projects

Pump Motor Timer Circuit with Dry Run Protection

Speed and torque control circuits for DC and AC motors used in home and industrial applications.

LED and Lighting Projects

IMG_1094

Decorative and functional LED lighting circuits including dimmers, chasers, and drivers.

Remote Control Circuits

remote pressing 1

Wireless and IR remote control circuits for convenient device operation from a distance.


Specialized and Utility Circuits

Wireless and GSM Projects

wireless battery

Wireless control and GSM based communication projects for monitoring and automation.

Meters and Testers

Hand-built electronic meters and testers useful for diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Timer and Relay Circuits

555 monostable timer with relay

Delay timers and relay switching circuits for automation and protection applications.


Learning Through Discussion

A lot of the circuits here slowly get better through questions and discussions in the comments. Readers point out real world problems, ask for small changes, or request clarifications, and over time this back and forth helps turn the designs into more reliable and practical working circuits.

Try and Test Circuits Online

To help readers better understand how circuits behave, this website also includes a simple online circuit simulator. It can be used to visualize basic circuit operation, test component changes and explore circuit behavior before building it practically.

Recent Community Discussions

Latest questions, answers, and circuit improvements discussed by readers and the author.

  1. Swagatam on 9 Simple Solar Battery Charger CircuitsFebruary 3, 2026

    Hi Karthik, I am designing the circuit now...and will give you by tomorrow morning, because I am designing a professional…

  2. Karthik B S on 9 Simple Solar Battery Charger CircuitsFebruary 3, 2026

    I am gagana's project teammate sir. As she requested please share the circuit diagram as you told sir please

  3. Swagatam on True MPPT Solar Controller Circuit using IC 555February 3, 2026

    Yes, this circuit can be connected to a wind generator also.

  4. Swagatam on Arduino 2-Step Programmable Timer CircuitFebruary 3, 2026

    Thank you so much Jacquelin, and I am so glad the code worked nicely for you!! your previous message also…

  5. Swagatam on How to Add a Dimmer Facility to a LED BulbFebruary 3, 2026

    I tested one Phillips 20W LED bulb with a 0.1uF/400V series capacitor and it became significantly dim. The light was…

Common Problems Addressed

  • Circuits that do not work as expected after assembly.
  • Confusion about component values and calculations.
  • Improper power supply or overload issues.
  • Noise, heating, and instability in practical circuits.
  • Modification of existing circuits for custom requirements.

Note: All circuits are provided for educational and experimental purposes. Readers are advised to follow proper safety precautions while working with mains voltage and high power circuits.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Pat says:
January 25, 2025 at 8:43 am

Swagatam

An old friend here
I know you have the experience to help me solve this problem

I have a few HO, DC diesel locomotives. 
There is an AC/DC train transformer that provides 3-11DCV power to the tracks.
In these locomotives there only a simple light board that supplies DC power from the track to the motor and to two directional 3mm LED lights (Front and Back)

Now, I have noticed that when the locomotive(s) are going forward the front LED is “ON” as suppose to be, but the rear LED is flickering. 
The same happens when the locos are moving in the reverse, the rear LED is ON, but the front LED is flickering. 
I try several of these locos but they ALL having the same issue.

Is any component to add to the light circuit in order to isolate the opposite direction LED so will not flicker, or do you recommend a little home made circuit to install in the existing light board in order to avoid this problem?

I thank you in advance for you expert advice

Pat

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 25, 2025 at 12:13 pm

Thank you Pat,
To understand the problem, I will need to see the schematic of the application or at least how the LEDs are wired. If you have the schematic diagram, please upload it here, so that i can analyze and provide my suggestions.
Otherwise, you can just try adding a 1000uF/25V capacitor in parallel with the front/back LEDs separately, and check the response, whether it solves the problem or not.
Let me know how it goes…

Reply
Pat says:
January 25, 2025 at 9:33 pm

OK
Thanks Swagatam

I send to you a pic of the little circuit. Please see it and if you have any questions let me know.
Unfortunately was not able to send to you the bottom view because the file was too big.
On the bottom view you can see, a couple of 560Ω resistors and I believe a couple of diodes.
I ll try to send to you the Bottom View of this circuit on a separate comment

I already order a few 1000uF/25V capacitors as well

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 9, 2025 at 12:00 pm

Hello, can you please post this comment under the following article, I will try to figure out the design:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/soil-moisture-tester-circuit/

Reply
Ghouse says:
January 2, 2025 at 10:01 pm

Hello I’m from India I want electric drum circuit arbeno

Reply
Dajax Johnson says:
December 3, 2024 at 6:40 am

Once upon a time “All Electronics” was a go to for surplus parts but sadly has closed up shop. What do you use for parts and accessories.

BTW you have developed a Wealth of information on homemade-circuits.com. i truly lov it !
Thanks

Reply
Swagatam says:
December 3, 2024 at 7:46 am

Thank you Dajax, Glad you liked this website.
In India electronic parts are very easily available from any local spare part shop, or I can also quickly buy it from an online store like amazon…

Reply
Rashid abdallah says:
November 16, 2024 at 8:57 pm

swagatam how can we solve the problem of cooking with solar, because the companies offering such things are very very expensive, can we cook with solar panel alone it’s really stressing because it may need a very big battery and so on, so please just help try to look for simple solutions thank you

Reply
Swagatam says:
November 17, 2024 at 8:50 am

Surely it can be accomplished rather cheaply, by using appropriately rated solar panels, and through induction heaters. Induction heaters have become quite affordable nowadays so that can be also procured easily.

Reply
Pradosh says:
November 8, 2024 at 11:49 am

Hello Swagatam,
The FM stations in my locality is very far and hardly i am getting any signal. There are some antennas available in market but i am not sure if only using the antenna will resolve the issue. Can you please suggest signal booster and any circuit to increase my reception of FM signals?

Reply
Swagatam says:
November 8, 2024 at 1:08 pm

Hi Pradosh,
You can try the following circuit, and check if it works or not:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/fm-radio-booster-circuit-with-adjustable-gain/

Reply
Pradosh says:
November 8, 2024 at 1:20 pm

Thanks a lot for quick response.. will try and take your help if required…

Reply
Swagatam says:
November 8, 2024 at 1:38 pm

Ok, no problem…

Reply
Michael R says:
October 4, 2024 at 10:26 am

Hi again Swagatam
Just wondering if you can suggest a circuit that “knows” when the power is off and can use the charge from a capacitor to shutdown other things?
Thanks

Reply
Swagatam says:
October 4, 2024 at 3:15 pm

Hi Michael,
If power is not there then all other things would automatically shut-down, so why would an additional circuit required?
Let me know about it, I will try to figure it out.

Reply
Michael R says:
October 4, 2024 at 4:39 pm

Hi Swagatam
So specifically I have a motor turning and the power can go off at any point in its rotation but I need to make sure the motor always stops at zero degrees for example. The motor keeps turning from the capacitors discharging and I am thinking I can stop it with a switch to ground at zero degrees but this can ONLY happen when the main power to the motor is off.

Reply
Swagatam says:
October 4, 2024 at 5:54 pm

Thanks Michael,
So basically you want that the motor should keep rotating using the stored energy from capacitor once power is not available to the motor, right?

Reply
Michael R says:
October 5, 2024 at 4:46 am

Actually, I think these points summarize what is needed:
1. Extended power to the motor I assume from a “keep alive” capacitor.
2. Capacitor needs to supply power for <1 revolution only.
3. A switch that becomes active when the power goes off (probably needs to be on the same capacitor). The same switch should go to ground when on so it stops the motor.
I am assuming it's just an isolated circuit in parallel with the motor but just not sure how to hook it in with the existing one.
Thanks again.

Reply
Swagatam says:
October 5, 2024 at 9:37 am

Keeping the motor alive for a couple of seconds using the capacitor’s stored energy is possible, but i am not sure how to stop the motor at zero degrees, that might need some kind of detection mechanism to detect the motor position.

Reply
Michael R says:
October 5, 2024 at 3:17 am

Yes that’s correct. It will only ever need to turn <1 revolution but need to get back to zero degrees each time.
Thanks

Reply
Jabam says:
October 1, 2024 at 8:55 pm

Hello Friend..do you have datasheet for SM4047 DC to DC IC?
i had LG monitor 23MP68VQ with flickering issue need to locate where is the switching voltage there or the ODD/EVEN signal. I don’ have data sheet for that.
Any help, much appreciated..

Thank You.

Reply
Swagatam says:
October 2, 2024 at 9:24 am

Hello Jabam,
I am not sure what is the function of that IC, is it thee same as the standard oscillator IC 4047?
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/ic-4047-datasheet-pinouts-application/

I might need more information about SM4047 circuit in your board to understand whether it is the same as the standard 4047 or something else….I couldn’t find any relevant datasheet for the SM4047.

Reply
Kingsley says:
September 22, 2024 at 2:49 am

good day sir, please what can make a 12 volts inverter 1kva to display low battery while the battery is charged

Reply
Swagatam says:
September 22, 2024 at 9:46 am

Hello Kingsley, you can add the following circuit to your battery:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/low-battery-indicator-circuit-using-two/

Reply
Matheus Mello says:
September 13, 2024 at 1:06 am

Hi, Mr. Swagatam! Just passing to say how awesome you site/blog is! I always find myself looking for something or using one of your schematics into my own projects! Just wanted to thank you for your contribution for a better and educated world!

Reply
Swagatam says:
September 13, 2024 at 8:18 am

Thank you so much Matheus, for your kind feedback! Glad you found my projects useful.
If you have any related questions, please do not hesitate to ask, I am always happy to help!

Reply
Neeraj Kumar says:
August 26, 2024 at 8:37 am

Hi,
Is there a way I can send a circuit to you to find out the issue. I made s PCB for a soft latch using 555 IC to turn on/off an electrical socket. I have a wearied problem, the latch energizes the relay when the momentary switch is pressed however the state of the flip-flop changes only for the relay and the relay is shut off automatically. The indicator LED however is responsive to the momentary switch turning on/off. I have also checked by replacing the transistor and the IC the problem persist. The circuit is working perfectly on another board again designed by me. This time all I did was to keep the board a little small. I can email the circuit and the screenshot of the PCB file. Appreciate your help and support

Reply
Swagatam says:
August 26, 2024 at 9:05 am

Hi, if the circuit is working on another board that means your schematic diagram is good, the problem could be somewhere in your new PCB.
Unfortunately finding the fault in the PCB design can be difficult for me.
If the fault was in your schematic I could have checked it quickly, but checking the PCB tracks can be a lot difficult.
You are saying that the relay turns off, but the output LED remains illuminated, meaning the IC has not changed its output state, yet the relay is turning off.
Do one thing, please connect the LED in series with the base resistor of the transistor, and now check the response.
Use a 4.7k resistor for the base resistor and make sure the relay coil voltage is same as the DC supply voltage of the circuit.
let me know how it goes?

Reply
Okongwu Miracle says:
August 15, 2024 at 4:17 am

Hello swagatam
pls I need your help with a ac voltage stabilizer I am repairing the light is showing unusual and the delay light is not turning off and no output.
pls I need help on how to troubleshoot and find out the problem with the stabilizer.

the stabilizers ic is two lm324N op-amp and four relays for the switching and it a 2000kva Avr starlite stabilizer

Reply
Swagatam says:
August 15, 2024 at 8:46 am

Hello Miracle,
I understand your problem, however without seeing the schematic diagram it can be difficult for me to provide you with the necessary troubleshooting tips, so if possible please provide the schematic diagram… I will try to help…

Reply
Nasir umar gwadabe says:
July 12, 2024 at 8:00 pm

pleas I need an assistance on my project design and implementation of an efficient active noise control system in musical industry.
The aim of the project is to cancel on wanted noise from the system. please help me

Reply
Swagatam says:
July 13, 2024 at 9:01 am

You can refer to the circuits explained in the following article, and check if these helps or not.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/active-filter-circuits-using-op-amps/

Reply
B. Tschacher says:
May 31, 2024 at 7:15 am

I have need of a circuit that would turn on to divert a portion of DC ssolar power from my array through my MPPT controller to a resistive load as in a heating element in my water heater. So the heating element is rated at 300w @12vdc. I’m using the solar array to charge a bank of batteries (12v) nom. Here is the cituation. I’m using LiFePo4 batteries which are 12.8v nom., my inverter is intended to work with 12.6 batteries and the charge controller is running the voltage up over 14.5 on occassion which causes the inverter to shut down for an over voltage condition. There are some L.A. batteries in the system to keep things going if the LiFe batteries drop below the disconnect voltage set by the inboard controller BMS’s of those LiFe batteries. I’ve look and thought about thyristors but those need to be manually reset once triggered. I’ve looked at an LTC4365 and not sure if this is really what I need. I’ve considered a comparator also, a simple zener controlled MOSFET but still not sure which way would be the best, simplest and most accurate/practical. Any help would be greatly appreciated and very welcome.

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 31, 2024 at 11:45 am

I would propose you the following circuit, which is simple yet very accurate. You simply have to adjust the zener diode value to set the MOSFET turn ON threshold, for the intended shunting of excess solar panel voltage.

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/solar-panel-excess-power-shunt-regulator-water-heater.jpg

Reply
Alamin says:
May 23, 2024 at 1:46 pm

Hi

I was hoping I could get help with my final year project circuit. I got a lot of inspiration from your circuit on this site so I decided to try it as my project. 

My title: construction of automatic multi-power sources emergency lamp with implementation of jules resurrection circuit.

I know there are many circuits for emergency lamps but I want to add another option as a source using non- non-rechargeable DC batteries in case when the rechargeable battery runs out.

The aims of the project

  1. To develop a portable multi-power source emergency lamp that can utilize various power sources.
  2. To incorporate a joules resurrection circuit on the DC battery to maximize energy efficient
  3. To implement an automatic switching mechanism that will seamlessly transition between different power source base on the availability
  4. Ability to switch ON and OFF using ldr

The source I want to utilize is: AC, rechargeable DC, DC battery and (optional solar) will make the circuit complex you can disregard the solar.

Thank you in advance

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 23, 2024 at 2:30 pm

Hi, Can you please provide the battery voltage/Ah specifications, LED specifications, and what will be used for the AC to DC conversion?

Reply
Alamin says:
May 24, 2024 at 12:16 am

I want use 6v battery. And for LED I want to use 12 LED, for ac to DC I think bridge rectifier will work using step down xformer.

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 27, 2024 at 12:31 pm

This is the basic design you can try:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/emergency-lamp-circuit-with-multifeatures.jpg

Reply
Alamin says:
May 27, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Thank you 👍, but the specification of them component

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 28, 2024 at 8:52 am

Here’s the parts list:
All resistors are 1/4 watt CFR
R1 = 1M
R3, R4, R9 = 10k
R5, R6 = 1k
R8 = 4.7k
R7 = 1k
P1 = 10k preset
LDR = any standard
D1, D2 = 1N5402
D3, D4 = 1N4148
Z1 = To be adjusted as per battery full charge level.
T1, T5 = TIP122
T2, T4 = 2N2222
T3 = BC547
IC1 = 741
LEDs, 5mm 20mA RED and Green.

Reply
Alamin says:
May 28, 2024 at 11:04 am

Thank you I tried it

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 28, 2024 at 11:17 am

You are welcome!

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 24, 2024 at 10:25 am

12V LED will be a single 12V LED or multiple 3.3V LEDs connected in series?

Reply
Nikita says:
May 22, 2024 at 6:19 am

Hi Swagatam. I need to increase the AC voltage from 6 (or less volts 1-6) to 12 volts with a frequency of 4 Hz. (Or make a circuit that can produce a customizable voltage of 9-24 volts at the output and customizable frequencies from 1 to 100 Hz) I’m thinking about how this can be done.
I have several options for this:

1.Maybe make a transformer? I have a ferrite toroidal ring 6.3 x 3.8 x 2.4 mm.I tried to make it and it didn’t work. On the primary winding there was an enameled copper wire 0.31 mm and 70 turns; on the secondary winding 0.18 mm and 210 turns. According to calculations in the program, that’s exactly what was needed. I don’t know what’s wrong. Perhaps I did not take into account the low (4 hz) frequency, and the program in which I calculated the windings took into account 50 Hz (but maybe there is something wrong with the wires).
So, what characteristics should the primary and secondary windings have in order to increase the voltage from 6 volts to 12 (maybe 18 volts) with a frequency of 4 Hz? The current strength is not important for me and should be made lower. How thick should the wires be and how many windings should be will do?

2.Can I use a step-down transformer AC-AC 220 – 24 (5W) in reverse?That is, apply voltage to the secondary winding? Will this work at 4 Hz?

Which option is simpler and will work?Be that as it may,do you have a sine wave generator circuit that will output a customizable voltage with peak-to-peak amplitude of 9-24 volts Vpp and a customizable frequency 1-100 hz?

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 22, 2024 at 9:03 am

Hi Nikita,

For a 4 Hz frequency you must use a laminated iron-core based transformer, therefore using a standard iron core step-down transformer is the ideal option for your current application.

Yes, I have sine wave oscillator circuits which might suit your requirements.

For further discussions, please feel free to comment under the following article:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/transcranial-random-noise-stimulation-trns-circuit/

Reply
mohsen says:
May 15, 2024 at 1:32 pm

Hello. Good time. I need an ion detector circuit. To find old metals like gold. Do you have such a circuit?

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 15, 2024 at 2:16 pm

Hi, I do not have a gold detector circuit right now, however I have a deep soil metal detector circuit which can be perhaps customized to detect gold also:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/deep-soil-metal-detector-circuit-ground/

Reply
Awak Awai says:
May 13, 2024 at 8:47 pm

Hi Swagatam,

Sorry I should post here, on your
‘Digital Capacitance Meter Circuit Using Arduino’, no comment available. I like to question wether this capacitance meter is only for polar elco or able for non polar elco (run capacitor) as well?Thanks

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 14, 2024 at 8:47 am

Hi Awak,
You can check any type of capacitor with that circuit, regardless of whether it is polar or non-polar…..

Reply
Awak Awai says:
May 14, 2024 at 3:40 pm

Thank u 👍

Reply
shabbir says:
May 4, 2024 at 10:04 pm

about induction I want to talk ic irs2453

Reply
Swagatam says:
May 5, 2024 at 9:04 am

Please comment under an induction heater article, I will try to help!

Reply
Ed Spencer says:
April 29, 2024 at 10:41 pm

In the free energy group, the first item has zero free energy. light bulb 1 is in series with one leg of the main. Most of the voltage is in series with the diode bridge. Bulb 1 has very little applied voltage. bulb 2 has full voltage applied from the transformer secondary-thus a brighter light.

Reply
Gowtham Adabala says:
April 27, 2024 at 6:41 pm

I want some help regarding my PCB. How can I contact you directly

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 27, 2024 at 7:12 pm

I am sorry, currently I have stopped manufacturing PCBs.

Reply
Colin Redway says:
April 25, 2024 at 4:17 am

Bill
i seem to have lost the reply and schematic that you sent me. Could you advise on how to get it back

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 25, 2024 at 7:51 am

Hello Colin,

You can find our recent discussions under the following article:

https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simple-delay-timer-circuits-explained/#comment-151751

Reply
Shadman says:
April 22, 2024 at 3:14 pm

Hello, is there any way or idea to prevent solar PV from feeding power back to the grid?

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 22, 2024 at 5:02 pm

Hello, to understand he issue better, please explain how the system is operated and connected with the grid, if possible provide a schematic.

Reply
Shadman says:
April 22, 2024 at 5:27 pm

My inquiry is about PV systems connected to the grid. Is there a circuit or relay that doesn’t allow the system to feed into the grid?

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 22, 2024 at 5:54 pm

I do not have a ready circuit idea which can do this. However, if you show me the full PV diagram then maybe I can design one.

Reply
Shadman says:
April 22, 2024 at 6:40 pm

I apologize, but I am not able to provide you with instructions on how to sketch here.

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 22, 2024 at 6:53 pm

In that case it might be difficult for me to provide a possible solution.

Reply
Michael Richter says:
April 16, 2024 at 1:05 pm

Hi All,
I am needing a small circuit that runs a motor for exactly 3 rotations.
Wondering the best way to achieve this? The start needs to be triggered by a random input from a light that will go on and then off and the rotations are independent of the light being on – so there is a separate power source for the motor which supplies the motor.
I am thinking if possible, the light triggers the closure of the motor circuit starting the motor. An optical interrupter then closes three separate transistor switched circuits. When the 3rd circuit is closed, this then opens the motor circuit. This should also ignore any subsequent trigger events while operating so I am guessing the circuit from the trigger source (light) needs to be open between the motor being triggered and stopping.
Hope this makes some sense. Getting back in to all this so pardon any odd explanations. Thanks
Michael

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 16, 2024 at 2:14 pm

Hi, thanks for the question.
I guess the light needs to remain ON until the 3 rotations are completed by the motor, otherwise, in the absence of light the opto-interrupter might not be able to sustain the triggers for the 3 transistor switches?
Please Let me know if I am correct.

Reply
Michael Richter says:
April 16, 2024 at 4:40 pm

Seems like my last reply didn’t make it to the thread.
Thanks for the prompt reply. The light is essentially the trigger to start the motor. Its circuit provides the input to the motor circuit. So when the light flashes the motor needs to turn 3 times even though the light circuit is off. So the motor has its own power and its circuit is closed when the light flashes and opens after three rotations. The motor has a disc with a small plate that passes through the opto. I am thinking that this could be used to eventually open the motor power circuit on the 3rd rotation. Hopefully this makes it a little clearer.

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 16, 2024 at 4:58 pm

Thanks for the clarification.
Your last reply was also received and posted.
Ok, the external light is only for the initial triggering for the motor.
That means the opto-interrupter should be having its own light, such as an LED for implementing the switching actions, right?
If yes, then i think the whole operation (until switch off after 3rd rotation) can be implemented using a 4017 IC.

Reply
Michael Richter says:
April 16, 2024 at 6:50 pm

Thanks so much for the lead. I have read up on the 4017IC and agree that it looks promising. Another question is that the specs talk about CLOCK pulses and it identifies the use of the 555 IC. Is this because of the shape of the pulse? Or could the opto to just pass the positive charge to PIN14? Or do you think I should use the opto to trigger the 555 IC to send a CLOCK pulse?

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 16, 2024 at 6:56 pm

I think the opto can be directly configured with pin#14 of the IC 4017 and will work well, no need of employing a 555 monostable in the middle.

Reply
Michael Richter says:
April 17, 2024 at 8:32 am

This leads to another question … the opto is essentially always on (correct?) so when the “cam” passes through the opto it will close the circuit on the collector side of the opto. Closing that circuit then provides the pulse for PIN#14 on 4017IC. Have I got this right?

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 17, 2024 at 9:56 am

You are absolutely right. You can also reverse the action by connecting the emitter side of the opto transistor with pin14. A resistor of around 100k will need to be connected between pin14 and ground.

Reply
Michael Richter says:
April 18, 2024 at 5:45 am

I have run into a small problem … The external light flashes and that raises the voltage at the base of the NPN transistor which closes the circuit to start the motor. Correct so far? The problem (afaik) is that circuit will open when the base voltage drops and the motor will stop. I have worked out the 4017IC usage to count 3 turns and then stop. The motor is geared down to roughly 1 rev per sec. How do I keep the motor circuit closed after the initiating flash?

Reply
Swagatam says:
April 18, 2024 at 11:09 am

I think the following circuit should be able to solve the problem:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/simple-delay-hold-timer-circuit.jpg

Make sure to replace the BC557 with TIP127 (or as per the current rating of your motor) and you can alter the values of the 470uF and the 22k resistor to adjust the delay OFF time as required.

Michael Richter says:
April 26, 2024 at 7:50 am

Thanks for your help with this. So I now have an opto-controlled circuit working well on a 5V circuit divided from a 9V battery. I need to turn the motor on and off from the collector of the opto. It works fine for an LED but not for the motor which needs >7V (the LED is getting approximately 1.5V). I am guessing here that I use a diode to the base of an NPN transistor to open and close the higher voltage circuit that the motor is on? If so, how do I get this to work as the transistor does not seem to be switching … its always on at the moment. If there is another way to do this, what would your suggestion be? Thanks

Swagatam says:
April 26, 2024 at 8:49 am

Can you please tell me which opto-coupler you have used? And also please provide the voltage and current specifications of the motor. I will try to solve it for you.

Michael Richter says:
April 26, 2024 at 8:59 am

The opto is ZD1901 (Vf = 1 to 1.3) I am seeing 1.95V at the collector. The motor specs are here 55RPM 12VDC Reversible Gearhead Motor | Jaycar Electronics. Thanks. Appreciate your help.

Swagatam says:
April 26, 2024 at 9:45 am

Thanks for the information.
The opto transistor will not be able to handle the motor directly, since the motor is too heavy for the opto transistor.
Could you please explain how do you wish to configure the motor with the opto-interruptor?
Please explain the working of the configuration in short.

Michael Richter says:
April 26, 2024 at 11:21 am

The opto-interrupter circuit needs to work on a 5V circuit so I am just using it to switch on and off. The motor needs to run off a 6 to 12V circuit so I am thinking it will be on a separate circuit which is switched on and off by a transistor with diodes connected to the collector??

Swagatam says:
April 26, 2024 at 11:38 am

You can try one of the methods explained in the following article:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/how-to-drive-relay-through-opto-coupler/
The relay coil can be replaced by your motor. The 1N4007 will remain as is, parallel to the motor connections.
Let me know if you have any further doubts.

Michael Richter says:
April 27, 2024 at 9:48 pm

I must be doing something wrong but have checked it a few times. I have dropped the need for the 5V input so I have the 9V available for the motor. On my breadboard I have the opto switching correctly to turn the LED on/off but there is nowhere to get the 9V for the motor or the current for the motor to operate in line with the opto (like the LED).

Swagatam says:
April 28, 2024 at 9:12 am

You can try the following configuration:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZD1901-circuit-configuration.jpg
When the LED light is unobstructed, the motor is ON. When the LED light is obstructed the Motor is OFF.

Michael Richter says:
May 5, 2024 at 5:49 pm

Thank you very much. Works well!
Now I have to circle back a bit. I need to change the voltage up to 12V which will be fine. This motor control needs to be triggered by a 5V “pulse” (a light on/off cycle). It needs to run independently of the trigger circuit until the opto is obstructed. This time I am guessing I need an NPN before the motor where the base is on the triggering circuit… but the base will need to stay high until the opto is obstructed. So it will need to connect with the opto collector? Is this right?

Swagatam says:
May 6, 2024 at 9:37 am

Thanks for your feedback, however I have some confusions.
In the following figure, the motor will start running as soon the +9V (or +12V) is applied to the circuit.
So what modifications do you want to have in the following design so that motor can be triggered by an external 5V “pulse” (a light on/off cycle), and it runs independently of the trigger circuit until the opto is obstructed.
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ZD1901-circuit-configuration.jpg

Michael Richter says:
May 6, 2024 at 3:37 pm

The circuit you suggested is good. So I guess the concept I am chasing is for this circuit to always be open unless it is triggered by a 5V light getting a pulse so it flashes. This flash then closes the motor circuit which remains closed until the opto is interrupted and it switches off the motor AND opens the motor circuit again. So power is always available to the motor circuit. But the motor is effectively switched on by the flash going off and switched off by the opto being interrupted.
Hope this helps

Swagatam says:
May 6, 2024 at 4:49 pm

So where do we connect the opto interrupter LED in the previous circuit? Do we connect it with the 5v pulse?

Michael Richter says:
May 6, 2024 at 7:23 pm

I think that circuit from the motor input to the TIP output is good. Between the +9V and the motor needs to be open until the 5V flash pulse so I am guessing an NPN with the base going high from the 5V pulse. But it will also need to stay high until the opto is interrupted. So this “motor circuit” is closed by the 5V pulse and opened by the opto.

Swagatam says:
May 7, 2024 at 8:37 am

Ok, so I think you can try the following circuit:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/motor-control-using-photo-interruptor.jpg

Michael Richter says:
May 9, 2024 at 5:52 am

Nice. Thanks for this… basically there. I noticed the control is not necessarily based on the opto though. I increased the capacitor to 470uF which gives me almost 3 rotations of the motor which is excellent. I also found that the pulse does not restart the motor as the cam on the motor remains over the LED opto. I have fixed this by connecting the motor directly to the incoming pulse which just moves the cam enough to clear the opto slot and then the motor circuit is closed and it runs until the cam comes around again. So this is exactly what I was after. Thanks for your assistance with this. Much appreciated.

Swagatam says:
May 9, 2024 at 8:20 am

Thanks for updating the results. Glad it worked. All the best to you!

Michael Richter says:
May 10, 2024 at 7:01 am

Apologies but I spoke too soon. All good with what I have now it’s working. The other issue is that the whole circuit needs to ignore the input pulse from the flash for at least 30 seconds after the opto is interrupted. So I was thinking this could be done using some arrangement with the 4017IC you had mentioned in an earlier message. Or is there a simpler option?
Thanks

Swagatam says:
May 10, 2024 at 8:09 am

No problem, it can be designed using the IC 4017 and a small 30 second, however this idea may work consistently only if the IC 4017 circuit is allowed to reset after the 30 second period.

Michael Richter says:
May 12, 2024 at 5:56 pm

One more thing, If the input voltage was changed to 12V, should any of the components be changed for the higher voltage? The motor is rated 9-12V.

Swagatam says:
May 13, 2024 at 8:16 am

Nothing needs to be changed in the previous circuit for a 12V supply, all the parts can remain as is.

Michael Richter says:
May 13, 2024 at 7:42 pm

Thanks. 12V is much better. After reviewing what is going on electronically and mechanically, what would be the best way to open the circuit at the pulse while the opto is unobstructed? would it be feasible to use a PNP transistor across the pulse input and 33K resistor. Would the base be connected to the TIP emitter?

Swagatam says:
May 14, 2024 at 8:39 am

But the circuit or the motor is supposed to close (switch ON) when the input pulse arrives, right?
By “open” do you mean turn OFF?
I am not able to understand the new working.
Please elaborate a little.
Yes, a PNP can be used a switch to toggle the input pulse, between the input pulse source and the 33k. Emitter towards the (+) pulse source.

Michael R says:
May 14, 2024 at 6:56 pm

Switch ON scenario is correct. Yes I mean the circuit is open so its OFF. Now looking at it in its operating environment, I need the motor circuit to “ignore” all pulses UNTIL it is switched OFF when the opto is interrupted. When I am testing it I can send a pulse as many times as I like and the motor keeps turning. I am having difficulty deciding how to ignore the pulses – either using the 4017IC to set a “lock-out” period or to do something which ignores the pulses as mentioned above.

Swagatam says:
May 15, 2024 at 8:57 am

Yes, the 4017 can be used to ignore the pulses. This can be set depending on the number of rotations for which the pulses need to be ignored.

Michael R says:
May 16, 2024 at 6:20 am

So using two 4017 I can keep the base on the PNP transistor high for say 30s? Then reset the first 4017 at pin 15 from pin 7 on the 2nd 4017, correct? The timer circuit would also be closed (ON) with the first pulse and then it should ignore additional pulses for 30 seconds. Does that seem correct? Thanks

Swagatam says:
May 16, 2024 at 7:42 am

Yes, that’s absolutely correct. However, holding the 30s period will depend on how many pulses are sent within these 30s.
If the number of pulses are more then 18 then two 4017 ICs might not work, because you can get only as many as 18 outputs from two cascaded 4017 ICs.

Michael Richter says:
April 16, 2024 at 4:02 pm

Thanks for the prompt response. I should clarify that the light is external to this design. It is a merely an intermittent light that I need to use as a trigger only. It is intended that the motor will have a disc with a “tag” which passes through the opto-interrupter with each rotation. So each time the opto is opened/closed it needs to do something so that on the third rotation it shuts off the motor. Hopefully that helps.

Reply
Girish K says:
April 14, 2024 at 11:43 am

Hi sir..I want to build a personal website filled with my personal electronics design interests and wish to build my skills with a dedicated storage space organized neatly.So please help me on how to create website like yours.

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Swagatam says:
April 14, 2024 at 1:12 pm

Hi Girish,
You can create and manage a website cheaply on a WordPress platform.
Learning WordPress is a comprehensive process and can take many months to master. However as far the initial setup is concerned, you don’t have to worry at all, since it will be done by your hosting provider. You can also take their help to further learn regarding how to optimize your WordPress site. Go for hosting provider who offer the best SSD storage with litespeed cache, compare the plans and select which you find the most economical.

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wayne says:
April 10, 2024 at 5:42 am

lm386 is running very hot very hot to touch is this normal?

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Swagatam says:
April 10, 2024 at 9:18 am

It is not normal, how much supply voltage did you use? Try with 5V first then try 9V.

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Albrecht Feltz says:
April 9, 2024 at 7:28 pm

Hi, I’m Albrecht.
I’m looking around for a low noise amplifier for very tiny amounts of charge. For low low noise reasons I consider to use an Agilent ATF-55143, Although this device is made for rather high frequency applications in my case the required frequency band is more like “DC”, i.e. 10kHz up to 3MHz. Are there somewhere advices how to bias in an optimal way the pHEMT in order to get the maximum S/B ratio?

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Swagatam says:
April 10, 2024 at 9:14 am

Hello Albrecht,
Did you check its datasheet, I can see some related information being available at the bottom section of the datasheet.
https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/33952.pdf

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wayne says:
April 7, 2024 at 12:49 pm

HI
is there a component tester for intergrated ccts eg LM386 ?

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Swagatam says:
April 7, 2024 at 2:50 pm

Hi, the easiest way to test the IC is by building its basic configuration as shown below:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lm386amplifierwithgain20.png
The pot is not required. Simply touching the pin#3 directly should cause the speaker to generate a loud buzzing sound, indicating a good IC.

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Purnendu Dasgupta says:
February 27, 2024 at 4:44 am

I have a relatively high impedance voltage source that puts out +/- 200 mV depending on the pH of the solution it is exposed to. I would like to have a simple op-amp based circuit that would apply a opposing voltage to this device such that net zero current flows. I would be monitoring the opposing voltage. The overall impedance is of the order of 1 MOhm, so the short circuit current otherwise will be in nanoamps. So the need is for a zero current, constant current circuit…
Your thoughts are most appreciated…

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Swagatam says:
February 27, 2024 at 10:04 am

As per my understanding, you want another 200mV DC source through an opamp that could be connected with your existing 200mV?

Please let me know if I understood it correctly.

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Purnendu Dasgupta says:
February 27, 2024 at 11:32 am

Yes basically so. It will end up applying exactly negative of the voltage the exiting probe is generating, in the extreme +/- 450 mV.

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Swagatam says:
February 27, 2024 at 1:55 pm

Sorry, I am still having problems understanding the configuration.
Do you want to sink the existing 200mV source to GROUND?
This can be done by shunting the source to ground with a jumper, what is the role of the op amp supposed to be here?

Reply
Jolly says:
February 9, 2024 at 5:59 pm

Hi boss, thanks for the circuit diagram. But I have some issues. 1, I don’t understand what kind of dieyot is D3 and I can find 48volt relay, is there any resistor I can use to convert it to either 12or 24volt relay. 2, which of the virable resistors is responsible for setting the low voltage level. Like if I want the relay to come or at either 50,40 or 30 percent. Thanks for all your response.

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Swagatam says:
February 9, 2024 at 6:47 pm

Hi Jolly, which circuit are you referring to? Please reply under the same comment so that I can refer to the circuit diagram.

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Jolly says:
February 9, 2024 at 8:07 pm

Hi, I can’t find it either. But I received a circuit diagram for the 48volts battery monitoring relay. The idea was that the system is a 48volts system. The device was to monitor the 48volts when the voltage get low to like 30 or 40 percent a relay on the monitoring device should switch on and when the battery goes to full level the relay should switch off. I got a circuit diagram from you today about it but there are some things I’ll want to to look into on the drawing.

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Swagatam says:
February 10, 2024 at 8:59 am

Your initial question was posted under the following article. Please ask it under the same thread, I will try to help:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/3-step-dc-voltage-level-monitor/

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Jolly says:
February 9, 2024 at 7:04 pm

The 48volts monitoring relay circuit

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Swagatam says:
February 9, 2024 at 7:58 pm

Sorry I cant find the original post where you posted you previous question.

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BANKOLIZ says:
January 26, 2024 at 9:32 am

Pls can I see some of this components to buy in Nigeria

Reply
OP Verma says:
January 20, 2024 at 12:13 am

I find this site very educational, thank you Swagatam and everyone.

I have the a need for the following device. Would be grateful for your help in building it.

—————————-

Light trap for Insects : the device turns on LED light automatically at dusk for 2-4 hours and attracts harmful insects in a crop field.

  • The device has a small 3W solar panel for charging battery.
  • This charges a 1500 – 1800 mAH battery during the day.
  • At dusk, device lights up a LED strip of 1-3 W, using the battery power.
  • The light remains on for 2 hrs or 3 hrs or 4 hrs (selectable through a microswitch) and then switches off.

Device should not overcharge the battery, nor allow it to be depleted below a certain level to extend battery life.

Device should have a switch to manually turn the lights on and off.

The device should use low cost components since I need to deploy many of these devices.

The device should be essentially weather proof as it will be deployed in open field.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 20, 2024 at 9:15 am

Thank you OP,
I will try to design the circuit soon, and let you know once it is done.

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OP Verma says:
January 20, 2024 at 10:20 pm

Thank you Swagatam, truly appreciate your help in this regard.

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Swagatam says:
January 22, 2024 at 9:19 am

Thank you OP, I have published the article, you can find it under the following link:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/insect-light-trap-circuit-for-protecting-crops/

Reply
Swasti verma says:
January 19, 2024 at 9:11 am

I have simple mosfet wire loop security device but there is an issue the thieves can can joint the loop before the protected gadget thus making the system normal and steal the protected gadget can you design a wire loop circuit such that it activates alarm on both cutting and jointing the loop
Please i will be very thankful

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 19, 2024 at 9:52 am

Hi Swasti,
If the intruder already knows the location of the trip wire and manually fixes it then there’s nothing we can do. The trip wire or the loop wire is supposed to be hidden from the intruder, if it is visible or known to the intruder then it is impossible for it to work effectively. In that case better to install a simple PIR based alarm circuit or a motion detector alarm circuit.

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Swasti verma says:
January 19, 2024 at 10:15 am

Thank you sir
Yes sir i have considered pir based alarm and think but In my case there in the protected area sometimes animals like dogs and cats are walking so it is possible that most of the times my PIR based alarm will give false alarms therefore it is failed
Kindly if you have another idea or circuit then please guide me i need your support please

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 19, 2024 at 11:50 am

Hi Swasti,
Yes, PIR sensor or any other motion sensor will detect animals also and give false alarm, which cannot be avoided.
I think a vibration sensor can be the best option in that case, which will detect strong vibrations if an attempt is made to remove the solar panels from their installations.
Let me know your thoughts on this.

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Swasti verma says:
January 19, 2024 at 12:25 pm

Sir you are the expert if you consider it helpful then i will be waiting for the circuit diagram of vibration sensor please make i perfect diagram so that i make the device soon
I appreciate ?

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Swagatam says:
January 19, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Thank you Swasti,
According to me the first circuit from the following article will be most suitable for you:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/simplest-sound-activated-relay-switch/
You can reduce the sensitivity of the MIC simply by increasing the value of R1 to 10k or 22k or 33k.
You can enclose the whole circuit in a plastic box and clamp it with your solar panels. If anybody tries to remove the solar panels or tries to tamper with the circuit box, the relay will be instantly activated causing the alarm to sound.

If you want more information about the circuit details or the construction you can comment under the above linked article post, I will try to sort it out for you.

Reply
Carlos Velazquez says:
January 9, 2024 at 11:28 pm

The LEDs are 3.4 v, 20 mA white, it is only 1 square of 44 x 60 cm. Thank you.

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Swagatam says:
January 10, 2024 at 2:15 pm

OK, I have designed the circuit, you can find the post in the following link:
https://www.homemade-circuits.com/automatic-night-activated-wireless-light-circuit-for-paintings/

Reply
Carlos velazquez says:
January 9, 2024 at 4:17 am

Good afternoon, regarding the LEDs, I did a test with 6 LEDs but I need more light, so I ask your suggestion which would be the ideal one and regarding the battery, as you told me, it can be either solar or AC rechargeable.
I thank you for your attention and support of this important project for me. Thank you.

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Swagatam says:
January 9, 2024 at 9:02 am

It will be difficult for me to know how much light you need for the painting. It will depend on the size of the painting, and the number of paintings.
If 6 LEDs are not enough, you can try 10 LEDs.
I will also need to know the specifications of the LEDs you are using (Voltage and current rating)

Reply
Carlos velazquez says:
January 1, 2024 at 7:03 am

Disculpe, no encuentro mi comentario donde lo podre encontrar y verificar el favor que le pedí.

Reply
Chibueze Nwakpuda says:
January 8, 2024 at 3:43 am

I’m Chibueze Nwakpuda from Nigeria, a regular follower of your blog. Please sir, I am experiencing difficulty in building electric stove using plaster of Paris (poo) as my element base. The pop cracks when heated. Kindly advise me on the substance I can place my heating spring coil element on that cannot crack.
Thank you.

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 8, 2024 at 8:56 am

Hi Chibueze, Sorry, I have no idea how the Pop cracking problem can be solved, it is beyond the scope of my expertise.

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Swagatam says:
January 1, 2024 at 8:42 am

The comment might have disappeared for you maybe due to the automatic clearing of the site cache, but no worries, I have received your comment and will try to design it soon.

Reply
Carlos velazquez says:
December 31, 2023 at 10:18 pm

Good morning, I’m Carlos Velazquez. I hope you are in good health.
I’m trying to make a circuit that illuminates a painting at night for 14 hours. Starting at 6:00 p.m. and turning off at 8:00 hrs. The lighting is with LED, it must be activated with LDR when capturing the darkness outside and sending a signal with RF 433mhz and turned off when capturing the light by sending a signal to the receiver.
The transmitter must be outside the house powered by a solar cell that recharges a battery that does not consume much current and inside the receiver with a rechargeable battery, this process is daily.
For your attention, I thank you for your time and support.

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 3, 2024 at 12:29 pm

Hi, how is LED lamp powered? Is it through a chargeable battery or from an AC outlet indoors. If AC outlet is available indoors then the receiver battery can be also charged through this AC source.

Reply
Carlos Velazquez says:
January 4, 2024 at 1:56 am

Yes, it is a rechargeable battery that is inside the house, could you suggest which battery to use? Thank you for your time

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 4, 2024 at 11:16 am

The battery voltage and Ah specifications will depend on the LED specifications. If you tell me the LED specifications, I can figure out the battery specifications.
How would you charge this battery, is it through the home AC outlet or through a solar panel?

Reply
Swagatam says:
January 1, 2024 at 8:40 am

Good Morning Carlos,
I will design the circuit and post it as a new article. Once it is done I will let you know.

Reply
Swagatam says:
December 6, 2023 at 11:53 am

Thank you very much!

Reply
Jamal hamid says:
October 25, 2023 at 7:04 pm

I would like to know the values of R 45 and R 49 in Microtek VO 3.32 UPS board. In one circuit diagram it is 100K ohm both. Installed resistors in my board are 47 ohm each.Thank you.

Reply
Swagatam says:
October 26, 2023 at 9:31 am

Sorry, I do not have sufficient information regarding your question at this moment.

Reply
Lukas says:
October 19, 2023 at 11:16 pm

please let me join and get your projects

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