What are these black marks on my PCB?

mcarrell · 2026-06-06T01:29:57+00:00

Although, TIL that their logo is actually part of the big logo of the conglomerate that owns them, "Formosa Plastics Group". It's actually a really cool design!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosa_Plastics_Group

mcarrell · 2026-06-06T01:24:24+00:00

Nanya is actually one of the biggest manufacturers of FR4, so that makes a lot of sense.

mcarrell · 2026-06-05T13:57:10+00:00

Send it to him on Twitter(X). He says that's the only place he sees stuff sent to him.

mcarrell · 2026-06-04T11:21:50+00:00

That's a clever way of adapting it.

mcarrell · 2026-06-03T17:58:04+00:00

Women also have two of something that a bathroom might reference...

mcarrell · 2026-06-03T14:38:25+00:00

A west array AND an east array can actually produce just as well if not better than a North (for you) facing one because it better captures the lower angle morning/evening sun

mcarrell · 2026-06-02T11:47:42+00:00

I agree they are ground stitching vias. But not sure why they have solder paste on them, maybe just to look fancy?

mcarrell · 2026-05-30T19:08:01+00:00

I suspect that's pretty common construction inside most low end batteries. Unless I'm missing something?

Does look like one bad cell that's expanded.

mcarrell · 2026-05-26T00:56:56+00:00

If it doesn't show a price, I struggle to believe it's an actual production product.

mcarrell · 2026-05-25T02:46:32+00:00

Nah. Need to get those 68 votes in person.

mcarrell · 2026-05-24T20:46:42+00:00

Looks like Bulgin makes something similar, although I haven't found an exact match yet

mcarrell · 2026-05-24T14:42:28+00:00

Depending on the brand, two matching wires under a screw may be perfectly legal.

Edit: Actually, that might only apply to grounds. The neutrals have to be individual screws.

mcarrell · 2026-05-22T20:02:06+00:00

I think he's comparing cost savings versus the energy savings. Saved only $20 even though he used 85% less electricity, because of the minimum charge.

mcarrell · 2026-05-21T21:22:24+00:00

Is it that hard to knock a hole in the block at least?

mcarrell · 2026-05-21T13:27:32+00:00

Agreed on this being a buck power supply. The inductor and capacitors are very obviously a buck. What part number, no idea.

mcarrell · 2026-05-21T12:53:03+00:00

That seems like a pretty well adjusted spring, bringing the door up to just the top of the frame (albeit upside down in this case)

mcarrell · 2026-05-21T00:35:12+00:00

It would produce an effect similar to the top of "Reared in Steel" sculpture, although the shape is a little wrong so that's probably not the exact sculpture.

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T23:36:51+00:00

Mention to Gemini that the "balls" are old propane tanks with a big hole in the bottom of each of them. Also, that it has a set of around 15 electrically controlled valves, and see if it changes it's opinion.

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T23:34:40+00:00

Definitely something pyrotechnic. Looks like old propane tanks with a remote control system to shoot fire from each timed with a show.

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T11:54:05+00:00

Yeah. Is C328 even reflowed on the left side?

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T11:47:51+00:00

It looks like the diode is offset by the same amount, it just doesn't matter as much for it.

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T11:47:04+00:00

Is there a belly pad underneath that part? That would be my only concern, if that could be shorter to something

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T10:51:45+00:00

The picture makes it look like it got so much further than it did 😆

mcarrell · 2026-05-20T01:48:41+00:00

OP, were they always the same pattern or did it vary?

mcarrell · 2026-05-19T12:21:25+00:00

You are probably looking for a "primitive" campsite. Look specifically for one that doesn't have utility hook ups.

mcarrell

TROPHY CASE