Monday, March 30, 2015

Mains Voltage Monitor

Many electronics hobbyists will have experienced the following: you try to finish a project late at night, and the mains supply fails. Whether that is caused by the electricity board or your carelessness isn’t really important. In any case, at such times you may find yourself without a torch or with flat batteries. There is no need to panic, as this circuit provides an emergency light. When the mains fails, the mains voltage monitor turns on five super bright LEDs, which are fed from a 9 V battery (NiCd or NiMH) or 7 AA cells. A buzzer has also been included, which should wake you from your sleep when the mains fails.

You obviously wouldn’t want to oversleep because your clock radio had reset, would you? When the mains voltage is present, the battery is charged via relay Re1, diode D8 and resistor R10. D8 prevents the battery voltage from powering the relay, and makes sure that the relay switches off when the mains voltage disappears. R10 is chosen such that the charging current of the battery is only a few milliamps. This current is small enough to prevent over-charging the battery. D6 acts as a mains indicator. When the relay turns off, IC1 receives power from the battery. The JK flip-flops are set via R12 and C4.

Circuit diagram:
mains-voltage-monitor-circuit diagram
Mains Voltage Monitor Circuit Diagram

This causes T1 and T2 to conduct, which turns on D1-D5 and the buzzer. When the push button is pressed, a clock pulse appears on the CLK input of flip-flop IC1b. The output then toggles and the LEDs turn off. At the same time IC1a is reset, which silences the buzzer. If you press the button again, the LEDs will turn on since IC1b receives another clock pulse. The buzzer remains off because IC1a stays in its reset state. R11, R3 and C3 help to debounce the push button signal. In this way the circuit can also be used as a torch, especially if a separate mains adapter is used as the power supply.

As soon as the mains voltage is restored, the relay turns on, the LEDs turn off and the battery starts charging. The function of R13 is to discharge C4, preparing the circuit for the next mishap. If mains failures are a regular occurrence, we recommend that you connect pairs of LEDs in series. The series resistors should then have a value of 100 ?. This reduces the current consumption and therefore extends the battery life. This proves very useful when the battery hasn’t recharged fully after the last time. In any case, you should buy the brightest LEDs you can get hold of. If the LEDs you use have a maximum current of 20 mA, you should double the value of the series resistors! You could also consider using white LEDs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Source by : Streampowers
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Sunday, March 29, 2015

2013 Toyota Verso Review

With the 2013 Toyota Verso has a family van in the offer that has already been distinguished by its generous space and the good price / performance ratio. The facelift brought the hitherto rather staid Van a good portion dynamics. Toyota has in fact especially the front section assumed that now follows the new design line Toyota and the Van is not only a very individual character, but it can also act as very high quality and sporty.

Toyota Verso 2013

Verso with the popular 2.0-liter diesel engine with 124 hp elected in the upscale lounge facilities. Toyota Verso with ABS, ESP, 7 airbags, 17 "alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, electrically adjustable, heated and foldable exterior mirrors, a parking aid front and rear, rear view camera, cruise control, electric windows front and rear, a front center armrest, the Toyota Touch system with 6.1 "touch screen, a 2-zone climate control, a cooled glove box, a CD radio with AUX-in and USB connection, 6 speakers and more much more.

The changes in the interior are down only slightly the facelift, but in sum, the revised Verso has a much higher quality. Was revised especially the center console, which now houses the new Toyota Touch system with 6.1 "touch screen. Moreover, the Verso has also received lots of chrome trim elements in the Lounge version, which gives the interior a sporty touch. On require some getting used to at first glance to be the center, but towards the driver-oriented fittings, but after a few meters you will find the positioning his favor.

Toyota Verso 2013 interior

After all, the Verso will look even more spacious, an impression which is perhaps enhanced by the large panoramic roof. Also, the operation of all functions is very simple, only the Toyota Touch system has many idiosyncratic logic. So it is for example not as easy wegzuschalten the traffic, here the driver must laboriously in any submenu and goes looking for it in danger of being equal to itself a report in Traffic.

No reason to complain when there is space available. The 446 cm long Van offers truly princely space. In two rows, larger people comfortably, and the trunk volume is also designed to be very family friendly with 484 liter capacity. At the request of the boot can be increased by folding the rear seats up to 1,575 liters. Many practical shelves round the positive impression of the interior further.

In addition to the interior of the 2.0-liter diesel also turns out as a family friend. The 124 hp (91 kW) engine may be gone from the start convincing with a pleasant smoothness and lively performance. Its maximum torque of 310 Nm, it provides 1600-2400 r / min. For the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h, the Verso 2.0 D-4D then needs 11.3 seconds, top speed is 185 km / h

Toyota Verso 2013

The motor is especially suited to cross-country trips a good pulling power, which at low speed is too much power in high gears available. The manual 6-speed transmission also can be buttery soft switch and is translated rather long, so you can be on the road quite gearshift and yet economical.

Those who do not so often uses the liveliness of the engine, will come surely looking pretty close to the factory consumption of 4.9 liters. In normal driving mode, not at all hesitant acceleration and driving pleasure present, we have come in our test on 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers. The compact van that is also fun to drive and is very good on the road. To the great surprise are more sporty chassis and suspension tuned, without, however, have significant adverse effects on comfort.

The very light steering could indeed be a bit more direct, but when parking is very good. Through the large windows of the Verso is also very clear, when the parking aid parking maneuvers and the rear camera support in addition.

Toyota Verso 2013

So the van loses its terror in the city and there is just so good to move as a small car. But as an ideal family transporter, he naturally shows its strengths on the long haul. The noise insulation is up to 110 km / h very good, but then raise the wind and road noise - as so often in Japanese cars that are geared towards other speed limits than ours.

In any case, the facelifted Toyota Verso has a very positive effect. He has kept its strengths, has improved in detail and can mainly has set a truly dynamic appearance. The generous space and good facilities in combination with the fair price can be sure not only the heart beat of the family head, even for the practical Van Company can be an alternative to other vehicles.

The economical diesel allows for very smooth performance, in combination with the suspension set for a car of this class a lot of fun.

Toyota Verso 2013
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New Suzuki Alto SZ L Special Edition for UK Buyers

Wallpapers of New Suzuki Alto SZ-L
A new special edition version of the Suzuki Alto has been released in Britain. Featuring various cosmetic and equipment upgrades, the SZ-L model is available in a limited number of 500 units, priced at £8,170 a piece.Offered in either Superior White or Bright Red non metallic colours, the Alto SZ-L is based on the SZ3 mid grade model with air conditioning, pollen filter and side airbags fitted as standard equipment. Exterior upgrades include unique wheel caps, black fog lamp surrounds and black B pillar trims as well as SZ-L embossed tailgate trim and black side mouldings.

New Suzuki Alto SZ-L Interior

  • The SZ-L gains carpet mats
  • Silver coloured trim for gearshift knob,
  • Side ventilation louvres and door openers,
  • Plus body-colored surrounds for the heater controls,
  • Gear lever and door handles.
The small city car is powered by a 1.0-liter gasoline engine delivering 60HP and 90Nm / 66 lb-ft of peak torque, which returns a combined fuel economy of 64.2mpg UK and tailpipe emissions of 103g/km.

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2013 New Ford Ranger

Ford has a long tradition in the pick-up segment, which extends back to 1917. Instead of pure workhorse of modern pick-ups but are much more lifestyle-made cars, which have retained the old qualities.

2013 New Ford Ranger

The best example is the all- 2013 new Ford Ranger, the charge-quality cars and brings comfort to a common denominator. Gone are the days of the cane-brake and hand the Spartan interior with truck-feeling.

In the style of the brand is how the new Ranger in "kinetic design" and has been at first very high quality and modern. The interior benefits from a stylish design and is located on an average passenger car, as far as features and convenience.
2013 New Ford Ranger

As standard, the Ranger has been here about the new all-wheel drive, which can be switched up to a speed of 120 km / h. For extreme terrain there is then the knob for the four-wheel drive position "4L", which leads to its reduction to the Ranger and through difficult terrain.

On board, a hill-start assist, a hill descent control, an emergency brake assist, ESP, ABS, a trailer stabilization, 7 airbags, audio system, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and electric windows in front.
2013 New Ford Ranger

Excluding Double Cab XLT trim levels, the three higher, Limited and Wildtrak is available. The XLT comes standard with the 2.2 liter TDCi already with 150 hp (110 kW) on the market and can also be combined with an automatic transmission.

also be looking forward more than a higher-quality audio system with 4.2 "multi-function display, a 2-zone automatic climate control, electrically folding exterior mirrors, electrically adjustable driver seat, leather seats, park distance control rear and 17" alloy wheels.

2013 New Ford Ranger
st.) at the dealer and have the 3.2 liter TDCi 200 PS (147 kW) under the hood, and additionally the Ford navigation system with 5 "monitor, roof rails, 18" alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and part-leather seats Wildtrak decor on board.

For a first outing, we have chosen the 150-horsepower diesel engine in combination with the limited equipment. The 535.9 cm grown pick-up gives the same ambience as the sporty Ford car models designed fittings and good clarity characterize the cockpit of Ranger.

2013 New Ford Ranger
With the comfortable leather seats, front center armrest and a separately adjustable climate control also has plenty of luxury you on board. Unfortunately, the beautiful leather steering wheel and not only in height adjustable in length, which spoils the overall impression of something positive.

2013 New Ford Ranger

2013 New Ford Ranger
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Fiat Punto Evo Abarth Features Specification Photos Reviews

The abarth powered by Powertain technologies with 1.4 liter 4 cylinder 16 valve multiair engine provide 165 bhp max power with body type hatchback , five passenger capacity i n EVO Abarth Fiat. This fiat can speed acceleratin for 0-60 mph in just 7.9 seconds and top speed 132 Mph.

For fuel economy of abarth 47 mpg average and total cost of this Fiat Punto Evo Abarth approx Euro 16,500.

Fiat Punto Evo Abarth Car Wallpaper


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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Top 20 Best Selling SUVs In America December 2014

The Honda CR-V led all SUVs and crossovers in December 2014, just as it did on the year as a whole. The CR-V ended 2014 28,807 sales ahead of the second-ranked Ford Escape, a big leap from the 7911-unit gap with which it ended 2013.


• Americas 25 Best-Selling SUVs/Crossovers In 2014


For the fourth consecutive month, the Cherokee led all Jeeps. There were four Jeeps in Americas top 18 plus one Dodge. 


• U.S. Vehicle Sales Rankings By Model - December 2014 Year End
• U.S. SUV/Crossover Sales Rankings By Model - December 2014 Year End


GM contributed four nameplates, Ford two, Toyota/Lexus three, Hyundai-Kia two, Nissan and Subaru one each, and another Honda to join the CR-V. 

Historical monthly and yearly sales figures for any of these best-selling SUVs and crossovers can always be accessed through the dropdown menu at GCBCs Sales Stats page, and for those not viewing the mobile version of this site, near the top right of this page, as well. GoodCarBadCar has already published the list of Americas best-selling trucks in December and will shortly publish the list of Americas 20 best-selling cars.

January 2015 • November 2014 • December 2013
Rank
Best-Selling SUV/Crossover
December
2014
December
2013
%
Change
2014 2013 %
Change
#1
Honda CR-V
32,36928,75912.6%335,019 303,904 10.2%
#2
Ford Escape
25,603 24,462 4.7% 306,212 295,993 3.5%
#3
Toyota RAV4
22,997 20,970 9.7% 267,698 218,249 22.7%
#4
Chevrolet Equinox
21,298 17,212 23.7% 242,242 238,192 1.7%
#5
Ford Explorer
18,464 16,907 9.2% 209,994 192,397 9.1%
#6
Jeep Cherokee
17,715 15,038 17.8% 178,508 25,786 592%
#7
Jeep Grand Cherokee
17,176 16,517 4.0% 183,786 174,275 5.5%
#8
Subaru Forester
15,163 13,229 14.6% 159,953 123,592 29.4%
#9
Toyota Highlander
15,019 12,344 21.7% 146,127 127,572 14.5%
#10
Nissan Rogue
14,879 14,676 1.4% 199,199 162,751 22.4%
#11
Jeep Wrangler
14,003 12,028 16.4% 175,328 155,502 12.7%
#12
Lexus RX
13,625 13,169 3.5% 107,490 103,920 3.4%
#13
Honda Pilot
11,479 8971 28.0% 108,857 126,678 -14.1%
#14
Chevrolet Tahoe
11,259 8646 30.2% 97,726 83,502 17.0%
#15
GMC Terrain
11,032 7998 37.9% 105,016 99,525 5.5%
#16
Hyundai Santa Fe
10,395 8249 26.0% 107,906 88,844 21.5%
#17
Kia Sorento
9688 7482 29.5% 102,520 105,649 -3.0%
#18
Jeep Patriot
9434 6158 53.2% 93,462 75,797 23.3%
#19
Chevrolet Traverse
8654 7802 10.0% 103,943 96,467 7.7%
#20
Dodge Journey
8421 7616 10.6% 93,572 83,933 11.5%
Source: Automakers
* The Subaru Outback (up 34% to 14,772 in December; up 18% to 138,790 in 2014) is listed with best-selling cars.
 
RECOMMENDED READING
Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs In America - January 2015
Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs In America - November 2014 
Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs In America - December 2013 
U.S. Auto Sales Brand Rankings - December 2014 & Year End   
Top 13 Best-Selling Trucks In America - December 2014 & Year End
Top 20 Best-Selling Cars In America - December 2014
Top 25 Best-Selling SUVs In America - 2014 Year End
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Minivan Sales In Canada October 2014 YTD

2015 Kia Sedona SXL brown
Canadian sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan grew 9% in October 2014, the Grand Caravans 14th consecutive month of improved year-over-year volume. 


• Canada Vehicle Sales Rankings By Model - October 2014 YTD


Canada minivan sales chart October 2014
Click Chart To Expand
Combined, the Grand Caravan and its Chrysler twin, the Town & Country, accounted for 59.4% of Canadas minivan market and 66.4% of Canadas "full-size" minivan market, up from 56.1% and 65.7% a year ago.

Meanwhile, the trio of smaller MPVs from Chevrolet, Kia, and Mazda combined for a 26% decline in October to just 723 units. This means the whole sub-segment was outsold not only by the Grand Caravan but by the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey, as well. Both those latter vans posted modest increases in October.

Not so modest, at least on a percentage scale, was the new Kia Sedonas 174% leap. That gain, a meaningful one, equalled 82 extra Sedona sales for Kias Canadian stores. But keep in mind, the far more trivial-sounding 9% increase at Dodge translated to 322 extra sales. 

You can click any model name in the tables below to find historical monthly and yearly Canadian auto sales data. You can also select a make and model at GCBCs Sales Stats page. This table is now sortable, so you can rank minivans any which way you like. Suggestions on how GCBC should break down segments can be passed on through the Contact page.

Click Column Headers To Sort • November 2014 • September 2014 • October 2013
Minivan
October
2014
October
2013
%
Change
2014
YTD
2013
YTD
%
Change
Chevrolet Orlando
83
123-32.5%1283 2114 -39.3%
Chrysler Town & Country
256
267-4.1%8100 7870 2.9%
Dodge Grand Caravan
3798
34769.3%45,018 40,173 12.1%
Honda Odyssey
950
9420.8%10,055 8658 16.1%
Kia Rondo
385
644-40.2%4962 5228 -5.1%
Kia Sedona
129
47174%514 676 -24.0%
Mazda 5
255
20623.8%3360 3183 5.6%
Nissan Quest
---
27-100%63 631 -90.0%
Toyota Sienna
970
9393.3%10,00810,185 -1.7%
Volkswagen Routan
---
--------- 100 -100%
---
---
--------- --- ---
Orlando/Rondo/5
723
973-25.7% 9605 10,525 -8.7%
---
---
--------- --- ---
T&C/DGC/Odyssey/Sedona
Quest/Sienna/Routan
6103
56987.1% 73,758 68,293 8.0%
---
---
--------- --- ---
Total
6826
66712.3% 83,363 78,818 5.8%
Source: Automakers & ANDC

RECOMMENDED READING
Minivan Sales In Canada - November 2014 YTD
Minivan Sales In Canada - September 2014 YTD
Minivan Sales In Canada - October 2013 YTD
Canada Auto Sales Brand Rankings - October 2014 YTD
Commercial Van Sales In Canada - October 2014 YTD
Top 20 Best-Selling SUVs In Canada - October 2014
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