I had another go at getting this thing to communicate with various devices and step the voltage up for higher power delivery, but drew a blank. It just didn't happen. It would have been handy to have a USB-C breakout PCB to check voltages, since the middle output didn't seem to activate at all, even for 5V. This is one of many clone power supplies being sold on eBay at a higher price than a safe and compliant charger from somewhere like IKEA. There's absolutely no guarantee of safety with the grey import units. A good USB charger is an essential part of modern digital life, so it pays to get a good one and also a decent cable for your higher power items. These units from unaccountable sellers often pose a high shock and equipment damage risk through cost cutting and bad design. The circuitry is quite intriguing because of the way they have implemented the ability to initially have a standard 5V supply, but then allow two different ICs to negotiate a higher voltage with the connected equipment and then override the preset 5V reference to raise it to the desired level. The two power supply modules are quite unusual for having separate rectifiers and smoothing capacitors on the primary side. They could have used a single rectifier and smoothing capacitor. I wonder if it's to avoid interaction, or just based on a duplicated single power supply design. The use of a TL431 shunt regulator with a near-50/50 divider to hit its threshold of 2.5V with a supply rail of 5V is quite neat. The primary side control chips are almost certainly a clone of another prominent IC like a Viper 22A If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. #ElectronicsCreators ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jN-728RHYbM

A thorough exploration of the very retro perpetual motion style ornament that was HUGE in the 1970's, and still lives on with little difference to the circuitry. A starter search on eBay would be:- https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=magnetic+perpetual+motion&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&LH_BIN=1&_sop=15 Target price $12 to $20. The technology is very similar to the solar powered rocking ornaments, but they actually use a dedicated blob-chip that has self starting ability due to a voltage threshold trigger that can pulse a coil to try and get the pendulum started, and then uses the same coil to detect the swinging magnet and nudge the threshold of the coil pulser. This older technology uses the brute force of a big magnet travelling at high speed over a large coil to trigger a single transistor directly. I'm not sure why they don't use a flyback diode across the coil to protect against the coil's back EMF (ElectroMotive Force). I'd guess it's because these ornaments are all based on an original design. I don't think there's a drawback to doing the modification, and it didn't seem to affect the operation of the pendulum. Magnetically maintained pendulums are fascinating. A lot of fun to build and they can run forever with a solar panel topping up a small cell. Long decorative pendulums make a very pleasing wall ornament. If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcoC9nYBVpU

It's both creepy and impressive that they can ram a tiny little high voltage (about 5kV) power supply that runs directly from the mains supply into such a tiny space. Because the current required is small they use a very simple capacitor discharge system to pulse the primary of a very tiny transformer. I tried this module on 110V and while it did work the output was much lower. Theoretically all they need to change in the design is the value of the two input resistors, so they probably do a 120V version. This video also introduces a specialist component called a SIDAC. Basically a self triggering shunt device reminiscent of a diac, but specifically designed for pulsing things like ignition transformers. The links included at the end of the video are:- Fran's investigation of a complex electromechanical display:- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFV4AOjrdO0 Curious HVAC guy for troubleshooting videos - and beard:- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_36CTEqlWUSSc9Z4iStg2w South Main Auto for vehicle related troubleshooting. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAGzm9e_liY7ko1PBhzTHA Bobby Duke Arts for humour-laced artistry. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSC1HqVmTaE4Shn32ihbC7w If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl0g_z25xqo

This American style LED emergency light was sent by Andy for exploration. It's very neat, I like it. That might be because it's so different from the normal UK versions and has a certain "American appeal" to it. The design is simple and functional, and the choice of red LEDs means that it should put in a good long service life. Changing the battery pack is easy and the circuitry is simple, so it should last a long time if the transformer runs cool. The transformer is tapped for 120V and 277V for use with standard supplies or the higher voltage lighting circuits. Make sure you always insulate unused taps on transformers as explained in the video. The case has no screws and just snaps together which is an interesting approach. If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbjLZmAWEmI