Dilshan R Jayakody’s Web Log

Pink noise is an essential tool in audio testing, widely used for analyzing speaker systems, room acoustics, and crossover networks. Unlike white noise, which has equal energy across all frequencies, pink noise features equal energy per octave, making it ideal for audio response testing. This characteristic ensures that pink noise offers a flat frequency response when analyzed on a logarithmic scale, providing a more accurate representation of audio systems. Assembled pink noise generator kit. We developed a this pink noise generator to meet various audio testing requirements. This device combines simplicity and performance, featuring a minimal component count for ease of assembly without compromising accuracy and usability. This pink noise generator design uses a reverse-biased emitter-base junction of a 2SC945 transistor as the noise source. In this configuration, the transistor behaves like a noisy zener diode, producing a broad spectrum of white noise. In this design the NJM...

The LM386 is a low-voltage audio power amplifier designed by National Semiconductor , which is now part of Texas Instruments . Introduced in 1983, it has been widely used in various audio applications, such as amplifying signals in small radios, portable speakers, and other low-power audio equipment. This compact device integrates all the essential components of a basic audio amplifier circuit, including an internal biasing network, an input stage, and an output driver. It operates within a supply voltage range of 4V to 12V, making it ideal for driving small speakers while consuming minimal power. A standout feature of the LM386 is its adjustable gain, which can be varied between 20 (26dB) and 200 (46dB) using external components. Assembled LM386 power amplifier. Although modern Class-D amplifiers offer higher efficiency and greater power output, the LM386 remains a viable solution in certain applications due to its straightforward design, low cost, ease of assembly (thanks to i...

Simtelic Music Module is a user-programmable module that uses RTTTL data to store and play melodies. EL0003 - Programmable music module. RTTTL , which stands for Ring Tone Text Transfer Language , was created to provide a simple, text-based format for sharing ringtones on early mobile phones. Developed by Nokia , it quickly became popular due to its compact size and compatibility with text messaging services. This format allowed users to easily exchange custom melodies without needing specialized software or data connections. RTTTL is a human-readable data format where each ringtone is represented as a sequence of notes, durations, and optional settings. According to Simtelic naming conventions, this module is identified as EL0003 and is available for purchase online. Top view of the EL0003 module. This module is built around a 32-bit MCU, a 2Kbit EEPROM, and a CH340 USB bus conversion chip. It is compatible with the latest Windows and Linux-based PCs. The module is user-fr...

In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of developing a monolithic kernel call tinyOS from scratch by following tutorials from JamesM's and Bran's Kernel Development guides. This includes setting up a cross-compilation toolchain, writing assembly and C code for the kernel, creating an ISO image with GRUB , and testing it in a virtual machine (VM) using VirtualBox . Since some resources are no longer available, we will also provide alternative solutions and details on the entire process. There are several kernel development tutorials available on the internet, but JamesM's tutorial stands out as more organized and comprehensive, covering a broad range of features. I followed this tutorial a few years ago, but unfortunately, the original site is no longer accessible. Thankful to archive.org, the content is still available , and the full source code can also be downloaded from the site . tinyOS in GRUB menu. Before diving into the kernel development, we need...

The HX711 is a versatile integrated circuit (IC) designed for precision analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, particularly suited for strain gauge load cell applications. It features a 24-bit A/D converter with a differential input stage capable of handling both single-ended and differential input signals. Additionally, this device offers adjustable gain amplification to accommodate various load cell sensitivities. HX711 module. A common module based on the HX711 available in the market, including on AliExpress , is shown below. This module utilizes its internal analog supply regulator, which ensures a stable analog supply (AVDD) for the ADC and other internal components. The output voltage of the regulator (AVDD) is calculated using the following formula: V AVDD = V BG × (R1 + R2) / R2. AVDD voltage test setup. According to the electrical characteristics listed in the datasheet, the reference bypass voltage (V BG ) is 1.25V. For the modules mentioned, R1 is set at 8.2kΩ and R2 at 20k...

Have you ever faced the frustration of dealing with an overflowing tank or a pump running dry? These unexpected events can result in costly damage and inconvenience. A reliable floater switch alarm system can provide early warnings, allowing you to take prompt action and prevent further issues. This project guides you through building a do-it-yourself floater switch alarm system using a PIC12F508 microcontroller. The circuit for this project is relatively simple and requires very few components. The system is designed to operate with a 12V DC power supply and utilizes a 230V AC buzzer unit for audible alerts. Prototype version of the alarm controller. The circuit includes a mute function that allows you to temporarily silence the alarm for a specified duration. Additionally, a built-in timeout mechanism ensures continuous alarm activation if the floater switch remains closed for an extended period, indicating a potential emergency. This project is suitable for various applications, in...

RDS ( Radio Data System ) is a communication protocol standard used for embedding small amounts of digital information in traditional FM radio broadcasts. It enables radio stations to transmit data such as station identification, program information, and traffic updates.  To capture and decode RDS data, one method involves using a Software Defined Radio (SDR) along with GNU Radio and RFtap . GNU Radio provides a framework for creating software radios, while RFtap acts as a bridge between GNU Radio and conventional network monitoring and packet analysis tools like Wireshark . Decoding RDS data using Wireshark. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, RFtap is no longer being maintained and does not work with the latest version of GNU Radio (version 3.10.10). This post offers guidelines for rebuild and using RFtap with the new GNU Radio release. This post assumes that the reader has access to DVB-T dongles based on the Realtek RTL2832U and a PC running Ubuntu or Debian Linux. For ...