MEP EP#276: Skippy Documentation

Fake LM338 Voltage Regulators?
- X-RAY results
- Should we Xray legit LM137 and see if the XRAY matches?

SCPI or Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments
- IEEE 488.2-1987
- Send command strings over serial to configure and get results from test equipment
- Test equipment mostly adhere to this with some weird gotchas

COM port snooper / sniffer?
- Is there good software out there that can sniff the buffers / communication string between Windows and a hardware device?

Is bad documentation worse than no documentation?
- “With no documentation you know immediately you're fucked.”

Bringing back the Tasty Chips segment - E-Z Hook Insulation Piercing Wire Clamp - 8507
- Spring loaded clamp that has teeth
- When you insert a wire the teeth slice into the insulation making contact
- Datasheet specifications are interesting to say the least!
- Max Current 1 AMP
- Max Voltage 0 V ?!?

Adventures in plastic molding
- Getting custom actuator parts injection molded
- First prototype parts got shot this week
- What to expect
  - Provide model to company
  - Initial review
  - DFM report
  - Release for prototype
    - 5 to 6 weeks for the initial mold to be cut
    - Prototype units are shot and sent for approval
    - Second round of mold adjustments are cut - 2 weeks
    - Second prototype units are shot and sent for approval
    - Mold is sent to US
    - Production is run
  - Mold cost ~12k
    - Half up front
    - Remainder at time of delivery
    - Includes all DFM and both prototypes
- Previous solution was about $35/unit
  - New solution with dome snap switches and injection molded plastic is about $23 to $27/unit

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