Jameco's Newsletter: November 2012

My Story
I Survived a Hurricane Without Blowing Myself Up

Hurricane Isaac was slowly working its way north, while its winds topped 80mph, and Jameco customer Posey Bowers was almost prepared. As a veteran of Hurricane Katrina, Posey was determined to keep his power running in spite of the Hurricane. But while he was stocked up on food and water, fuel quickly went in short supply. Posey didn’t let a lack of fuel for his generator slow him down.

You’ll never believe what Posey used to fuel his generator.

Technology News Round-Up
Homeland Security Drafts Tuna Robot to Team

The BIOSwimmer mimics a real tuna, but this is a robot complete with the maneuverability of a fighter jet at both high and low speeds.

Why in the world does homeland security need a robotic tuna?

You think that’s wild? Checkout the MIT pencil that draws sensors, the Hybrid Drive System Ebike and LED turning 50 in our Technology New Round-Up.

Club Jameco Featured Kit
Solar Sequencer Kit

Club Jameco member John Guyer designed a device to enable a single solar panel to charge multiple lead-acid batteries, like those used in cars, trucks, lawn mowers and off-road vehicles. His Solar Sequencer Kit uses a Parallax BASIC Stamp microcontroller to be a “smart-charger,” knowing which battery needs to be charged.

Discover the details of this essential device for a garage full of toys, er, uh, equipment.

Find the most unique kits exclusively at ClubJameco.com. While you're there make sure to vote for your favorites!

Tech Tip
Lighting Specifications Explained

Lumens, flux, wavelength, candle power and millicandelas are all terms used to describe the light brightness and intensity of LEDs. Jameco Product Manager Robert Cong helps us make sense of LED technology with an easy to understand overview for people purchasing LEDs.

Get the breakdown on determining light brightness and intensity.

Greg's Corner
Computer Eats Humans

No one can manage a business these days without the aid of computers and yet when a business loses its human touch, it will probably lose its customers as well. I’m reluctant to tell a customer service story about a credit card company because they are easy pickings, but here’s a story about how the computer seems to have eaten the humans.

You’ll love this customer service automation comedy of errors.

Like all companies we make mistakes, but you’ll never accuse the Jameco team of a lacking a human approach. If you ever think that we’ve gone awry please let me know. Unlike my credit card company, I’ll fix the problem.

Regards,

Greg Harris
Vice President, Marketing
Jameco Electronics
Greg@Jameco.com

Club Jameco Kit Mart
Exclusive Kits for all Skill Levels!

Browse through the most unique collection of electronics kits, collaborate with Club Jameco Designers, or design a kit and earn a commission on every sale.

Power Kit: Variable Digital Load Kit | By: GuShH
Variable load allows you to dynamically set values according to your current requirements
Now only $29.95!

Games Brief: Instructables Pico Blimp | By: masynmachien
World’s smallest indoor RC airship with 3g total empty mass, including balloon.

Power Brief: Portable 5V / 3.3V Regulator | By: sath9
Portable DC power voltage regulator for Arduino, Xbee, or any robot/electronic project!

Jameco welcomes the contributions of its customers. Frankly, we think what you write is more interesting than anything we could write. Share your electronic component story, project, or challenge, and we'll share it with the world. Send your story to MyStory@Jameco.com.