Category Dev Tools

Tools and software of interest to electronics hobbyists.

Steve holding a logic analyzer

Quest For a Simple JTAG SVF Player

Where are all the cheap and simple third-party JTAG programmers? My work on the Yellowstone disk controller was sidetracked by issues with the Lattice-clone JTAG programmer, and discussion about ways that future Yellowstone customers might do JTAG programming. Eventually I…

Zeroplus Logic Cube box

Zeroplus LAP-C 322000 Logic Analyzer Review

Who needs a logic analyzer? You do! If you enjoy working with electronics, a good logic analyzer is an indispensable tool. It lets you examine exactly what’s happening with your data signals, so you can troubleshoot problems quickly or reverse-engineer…

Microchip PIC32 chip

PIC32MX Mini-Review

Now that I’ve been using a PIC32MX microcontroller for a while, and its associated software tools from Microchip, it’s time for a mini-review. My previous microcontroller experience was primarily with 8-bit Atmel AVRs, so my comments will reflect that. Many…

ROM-inator solder pads photo

Reflow Soldering Re-re-re-revisited

This was my 6th *@#&% attempt to assemble some ROM-inator II PCBs using reflow soldering, instead of my normal drag-soldering with an iron. I may not be too bright, but at least I’m persistent. All of the previous attempts failed…

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