I'm very new to robotics.  I've read in a few places that it's best to
start off with all-new components.  But after a while, one may recycle
components from previois robots and from other electronic equipment.

I have a load of old electronic stuff cluttering up my flat.  I've
never got round to taking to it the tip.  Bow I'm wondering if any of
it might be useful.  A cursory glance reveals this (though I'm sure
there's more):

AC/AC adapter - model MW48-1201100UKA
Input:230 V AC 50 HZ
Output:12V AC 1100 mA
CB APPROVAL NO:SE 1200

Canon AC adapter - AD-150C
Input:240 V ~ 50 Hz   140 mA
Output:9.5 V - 1.5 A   15 VA

Turntable (from separates stereo system)
Cassette tape deck
Stereo audio amplifier
An old image scanner (with lead that plugs into PC's printer port)
Length of co-ax cable.
A lap-top computer that was killed by coffee. (it didn't get drenched
- but some must have found its way inside.

The stereo equipment doesn't work (though they do light up).  Assuming
that there are usable components, how can I find out if the parts are
in working order?

On Wed, 2007-12-09 at 13:40 -0700, dapunka wrote:

> The stereo equipment doesn't work (though they do light up).  Assuming
> that there are usable components, how can I find out if the parts are
> in working order?

    The best way is to take things apart as much as possible, and then
to see if you can locate model numbers or at least manufacturer
brandnames for each individual component. Then do a quick google search
for whatever you glean, and locate the relevant data sheets.

    See from the sheet what kind of input the pieces need. Depending on
the component, it may be as simple as "5 V DC" or it may be various
waveforms. Do your best (check local universities/colleges/electricians
for function generators etc. or make it your first project to build a
simple pulse generator or whatever), and see if you get a response.

    Best of luck,

Felix

Well that's not the usual pile of stuff in the junk box.

But I would hasten to add that there's probably no "usual"
stuff in any box.

A quick look around my desk shows:
- a yoyo.
- 2 45 volt batteries.
- a small CO2 tank (paintball)
- one of those dog collar electronic receivers.
- proto board with some Atmega suff.
 and various other junk.

That doesn't include the rest of my shop where I have
everything from a laser to a variety of machine tools.

I usually try to strip out parts from things like printers, cameras..
and toss out the shells and bits like specialty pc boards.

Whenever I start to trip over everything, I sell or give away
enough to continue with my bad habits. :-)

DOC

Buys junk. Screws around.



On Sep 12, 4:40 pm, dapunka  wrote:
> I'm very new to robotics.  I've read in a few places that it's best to
> start off with all-new components.  But after a while, one may recycle
> components from previois robots and from other electronic equipment.
>
> I have a load of old electronic stuff cluttering up my flat.  I've
> never got round to taking to it the tip.  Bow I'm wondering if any of
> it might be useful.  A cursory glance reveals this (though I'm sure
> there's more):
>
> AC/AC adapter - model MW48-1201100UKA
> Input:230 V AC 50 HZ
> Output:12V AC 1100 mA
> CB APPROVAL NO:SE 1200
>
> Canon AC adapter - AD-150C
> Input:240 V ~ 50 Hz   140 mA
> Output:9.5 V - 1.5 A   15 VA
>
> Turntable (from separates stereo system)
> Cassette tape deck
> Stereo audio amplifier
> An old image scanner (with lead that plugs into PC's printer port)
> Length of co-ax cable.
> A lap-top computer that was killed by coffee. (it didn't get drenched
> - but some must have found its way inside.
>
> The stereo equipment doesn't work (though they do light up).  Assuming
> that there are usable components, how can I find out if the parts are
> in working order?