home sectionhome sectionThe tone control on a stereo is an audio signal filter that is commonly used to increase or decrease treble and bass. The tone control itself is an electronic component called a potentiometer. If the tone control on the stereo does not seem to work, it is likely the potentiometer has gone bad. If this is the case, the potentiometer has to be replaced. It takes roughly an hour to replace the tone control on the stereo.
Robots use a variety of electronic sensors to sense the objects around them and control their movements. An ultrasonic range finder tracks the distance between an object, such as a wall or table, and itself by emitting an ultrasonic signal and waiting for that signal to reflect back. To use the range finder, connect it to the microcontroller controlling your robot and modify the microcontroller's code to accept data from the range finder and change the robot's behavior based on the received information.
Even when a scene in a movie is supposed to be dark, projectors still produce a solid black image or square on the screen because they are projecting light. This can be distracting to the audience. A DMX controller can resolve this problem by sliding a plastic sleeve across the projector. A DMX controller regulates the slide for the plastic sleeve. It can be created with a few engineering steps.
The stepper motor is an important electronic component used in circuits that require a high degree of accuracy, and are commonly found in a range of devices from office equipment like printers and faxes to assembly line robotics for industrial manufacturing. Unlike normal motors which spin constantly, the stepper motor is controlled using small electrical pulses that typically only produce rotations of 7.5 to 15 degrees.
Like a computer, cellular phones and PDAs use a main circuit board to function. This circuit board is called a PCB (printed circuit board). These boards have controller ports in which to attach other components of the unit, such as the screen. These components connect to the ports via ribbon cables. These cables are secured with a latch, so there is a little trick to attaching them securely to the PCB.
Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, is the method used throughout industry for precision machining and manufacturing. By communicating with the tool through a series of binary values, the CNC controller is able to reliably reproduce a design every time, which is important when close tolerances must be met. As a hobbyist, you can enjoy a similar level of precision by creating your own CNC tool. However, this will require a CNC controller to operate the tool, and you can either buy one off the shelf or make your own, which is more satisfying to many hobbyists.
To approximate the feel and sound of real instruments, electronic drum machines have specially designed pedals for the kick drum and hi-hats. The hi-hat is a dynamic instrument. On a real kit, you determine the sound of the hats by opening and closing the cymbals with your foot pedal, resulting in more or less “sizzle” depending on the gap. On an electric hi-hat controller, a slide potentiometer approximates this function by allowing more or less signal to pass to the jack. You can make your own hi-hat controller by rigging up a potentiometer-based jack to a standard hi-hat pedal.
A blind controller is used to control the blinds or shades in your house, including automatic blind openers. These openers make it quick and easy to open your blinds and can be constructed by any DIY homeowner.
Even with the introduction of the CD and digital players, the turntable remains an integral component for audio enthusiasts. Many of these record players feature a pitch slider that enables the user to precisely control the speed at which the record is played. As with all electronic devices, a time may come when your turntable needs maintenance. Replacing your own pitch control for use with your turntable saves you money when compared with professional technicians.
Dander is the common term used to describe the dry materials routinely shed by household pets. Like dandruff, these tiny bits of skin and hair are unsightly and unpleasant; however, unlike ordinary scalp flakes, excessive dander can lead to the development of pet allergies. While washing and brushing can help reduce dander, spraying pets daily with a skin-safe solution made from naturally soothing peppermint can help minimize flaking, reduce the urge to itch and keep dander under control.
Raccoons may look like cute little furry creatures, but they can become pests if they take up residence in your yard. These bandit-masked animals will eat anything. Although they may keep mice away from your home, raccoons will eat trash and distribute the evidence in your yard and around the neighborhood. Raccoons also love destroying the hard work and sweat it takes to make a beautiful garden. There are a few things to keep in mind if you would like to scare away this pest.
Mice, rats and other rodent intruders often make a mess of a home and contaminate it with potential disease. Trapping the rodents is a step toward getting rid of the problem, but stopping access to the home is just as important. Finding the entry points where the rodents are getting inside allows a homeowner to reinforce the areas to keep out rodents. There are several ways to locate the general area where the creatures are entering.
Pest control inside the house spans the gamut from ridding yourself of roaches to repairing a screen door to keep critters from getting inside the home. The best strategy for dealing with pests is prevention before a problem gets out of hand. If prevention is not a suitable means of keeping insects and animals out of the house, you've got a wealth of other options to choose from.
Storing wool rugs leaves them susceptible to moth damage if you do not take the proper precautions. The moth larvae will chew the fibers of the rugs, destroying the weaving and causing damage that is expensive to repair. By taking the proper moth-proofing steps before putting the wool rug in storage, you can prevent this damage and keep the rug looking like new for as long as possible.
Moths are notorious for destroying clothing and almost every other type of fabric. The moth larvae, rather than the adult moths seen flying around, do the majority of damage. According to the New Mexico State University College of Agriculture, the best way to prevent moth problems is with cleanliness. Moths are naturally attracted to any dark, dusty area, which is often the condition in closets and other rooms used primarily for storage.
Fossil shell powder, also known as diatomaceous earth (DE), is made up of crushed fossil shells from single-cell aquatic plants called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth is sold in pool- and food-grade forms. Food grade is the type required to control flies. Food-grade DE is found at gardening supply stores, particularly ones that sell hydroponic gardening supplies. Diatomaceous earth is effective in controlling flies. As they crawl through the powder, flies are cut by the shells and ultimately die as a result.
Many people think of cockroaches, as dirty but they are actually very clean. The presence of cockroaches in your home doesn't add to dirt but indicates that your home needs to be cleaned. Cockroaches are attracted by easy-to-find food sources, such as food crumbs, dirty dishes and open containers of food. While you can use commercial cockroach pesticides to get rid of the roaches in your home, these chemicals are often unsafe around small children and pets. Do-it-yourself cockroach control allows you to use supplies that do not introduce chemicals into your home or the environment.
Moles live under the ground, burrowing tunnels and creating hills as they devour beetles, slugs, snails and other soil-loving creatures. Moles do not usually eat bulbs or flowers, but they create damage to gardens in other ways with their extensive network of tunnels. In some ways, moles may be beneficial to gardens because they eat pests and fungus that are undesirable, but many homeowners regard them as pests. DIY mole control is a big undertaking, but sometimes it may be necessary for homeowners to get rid of these underground dwellers.
Bugs and mice find homes attractive places to be because of the free food and shelter they provide, so it is up to every homeowner to make the houses they live in less attractive to pests. There are a number of things homeowners can do to get the old pests out and keep new ones from coming in.
Flies are annoying pests that can also bring disease into your home. Their quick reflexes and small bodies make them hard to swat, but there are alternate methods for capturing and killing these insects. Equally important is prevention, such as regular cleaning out of the garbage and food that attracts flies. Finding and killing larvae and eggs prevent future generations from pestering your house.
Rodents can be controlled or eliminated in a number of ways. Electronic methods are becoming more and more popular, as it's not as messy as mouse traps and often doesn't involve harming the rodent at all. You can build or perform many of these electronic versions of rodent control yourself.
Finding roaches in your home may shock you and make you question your housekeeping ability. While keeping food put away and cleaning up spills can make your home a little less inviting for these pests, it's no guarantee you won't see any. Several companies offer a monthly service to help you control all kinds of pests, but this can get expensive. You do have other options.
Raccoons may appear to be cute, cuddly creatures, but they can wreak havoc on your yard, trashcans, gardens, and move into your attic or basement. Eliminating the attraction of food, water, and shelter around your home can help you successfully control raccoons.
Electric motors are found in devices ranging from computer fans to railroad engines. These devices are useful in that they can convert electricity into mechanical work done. However, since some electric motor applications have variable speed requirements, a speed control circuit is required to operate the motor properly. Because the speed of a direct current electric motor is controlled by how many Volts are applied across the motor leads, the electrical circuit must control the voltage.
Most people do not mind birds sitting in their trees or singing songs or even perching on the clothesline or windowsill. However, some birds can become a nuisance by overpopulating a residential area, destroying some plants and making a mess and possible health hazard by leaving their droppings all over vehicles, windows and other places. Since bird control is not meant to be a total eradication, there are some simple do-it-yourself methods to control the birds in your area.
Pests often threaten homes and sometimes threaten health. It's important to control pests around your property, but you can save money when you purchase supplies and do it yourself instead of hiring an exterminator. When you control pests yourself, you don't have to use harsh, damaging chemicals, and you can choose when and where to put sprays, traps, bait, and other pest control supplies.
Lawn care and controlling pests are a priority during the summer. With the heat approaching, it is vital to take steps to control lawn pests to keep your lawn looking lush and beautiful. Do-it-yourself lawn care and pest control can be time-consuming. However, it is easier on your wallet and will result in a beautiful lawn. Natural lawn care depends on healthy soil with good amounts of organic matter and a large population of active soil organisms
Squirrels are fun to watch but can quickly become infuriating when they destroy your bird feeders, dig up your garden and chew through your wiring. Many states do not allow homeowners to poison or shoot squirrels, and most homeowners prefer to deal with squirrels as humanely as possible.
