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Some Sensors that can Transform your Electronics Experience

Sensors allow your electronic device to detect what is going on the world around it and to react to the stimuli it encounters.

There are many different types of sensors, each with their own method of interacting with its environment, different power sources, power requirements etc.

Of the many different types of sensors that are out there, there are a few that are more commonly used than others.

That said; here are some of the most popular sensors that you can use with your Arduino platform.

Photocells – Photocells are sensors that are used to detect light and darkness. They can also be used in street lighting, automatic night lights as well as carrying out simple object detection.

Temperature – Temperature sensors are used to determine temperatures in the sensors immediate environment. These types of sensors are either contact or non-contact sensors meaning that some require connection with the environment while others can be used from a distance.

PIR sensors – Passive infrared sensors are used to sense movement in people, animals or objects. Common applications include burglar alarms and movement detection lighting systems.

Force sensitive resistor – A force sensitive resistor is a sensor that can be used to detect stimuli such as pressure, pinching, squeezing and weight. They are used in keypads and also in portable electronic devices.

When you use an electronics platform such as Arduino, sensors allow you to create magical projects that will completely enhance your experience. Using sensors with your Arduino Australia will open a whole new world of exciting electronics projects for you to get stuck into!

For more information on Arduino Australia. Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 Reasons why Mini Drones are just the Best Thing Ever!

Drones have taken the world by storm and you can be sure that when you visit an open-air space anywhere in Australia, you will find people flying drones of all shapes and types.

However, it is the little brother of a standard drone that is beginning to gain just as much popularity. We’re talking about a mini drone of course!

Read on to find out why mini drones are just as much, if not more fun, than their big brother!

Portable

Larger drones need to be carefully packed into a protective case when being transported as they are susceptible to damage.

These cases can be bulky, awkward and difficult to transport, especially if you are travelling on public transport.

A mini drone, however, can fit into the palm of your hand and its protective case can be easily stowed away in any small bag.

Selfies

The rise of the selfie photograph is well documented and now you can take even better selfies with your mini drone.

Because of their diminutive size, you can fly your mini drone closer to you without fear of injury and take the perfect selfie with its on board camera.

Price

Standard sized drones vary significantly in price with some larger drones leaving quite a dent in your bank balance!

This can make investing in a drone a very big decision, especially if your funds are limited. Mini drones in Australia carry a much smaller price tag, which make them especially popular amongst first time drone pilots.

For fun and games at a reasonable price, a mini drone is the must-have toy to have.

For more information, please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Do you need a HDMI splitter or a HDMI switch?

Due to the rise in popularity and use of High Definition technology, cabling requirements have gotten so much easier. All you need to stream HDMI technology into your home is an HDMI cable and you’re ready to go!

HDMI cabling accessories such as an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch are easily confused and some people have real difficulty in deciding whether to buy an HDMI splitter or an HDMI switch.

If you’ve got this dilemma, we’re about to help you out…

Do you just have one HDMI screen?

If you have just one screen but have many HDMI devices that you want to connect to that screen, an HDMI switch is what you need.

An HDMI switch is used where you have one screen that only has a limited number of HDMI outlets.

For example, if you have a Blu-ray player, a games console and a DVD player that you want to connect to our HDMI television but the television only has one HDMI outlet, you will need a HDMI switch to not have to unplug cables continuously.

Do you have more than one HDMI screen?

If you have an HDMI device that you want to hook up to more than one HDMI screen then what you need is an HDMI splitter.

An HDMI splitter takes a single HDMI signal and splits it between several HDMI screen so, as the name suggests, it takes the signal and splits it between screens. This means that you can send your HDMI signal to several HDMI screens without losing any quality or resolution.

Put simply, the number of screens that you want to connect will help you make the decision between switch and splitter.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 Useful Tips when Purchasing a New Home Theatre System

So you’ve finally taken the plunge and invested in a brand new, shiny home theatre system that is going to be the pride of your living room.

However exciting this is, there are a few things which you should consider when you have purchased a home theatre system to ensure a pleasant experience all round!

Speakers

Consider carefully where you will be placing your home theatre system speakers. Make sure that the speakers are not blocked by furniture and that there are speakers in close proximity to seating areas of your living room.

In this way, people watching TV with you will be able to enjoy the benefits of your system’s surround sound.

Cables

When connecting your home theatre system, you will need to take care with the cable that you use. Typically, you will use HDMI cables but you must be careful not to extend or stretch them unnecessarily as you risk causing damage to them.

Instead, you should invest in two small but powerful gadgets – an HDMI extender and a HDMI splitter – both of which will allow you to enjoy HDMI on all your devices without damaging cables.

Instruction Manual

Another great tip is to carefully read its instruction manual before you attempt to put any of the components together.

If you run into any trouble or feel that you are out of your depth at any stage, call a professional to complete the job as these systems are much too expensive to take any risks with.

A home theatre system can completely revolutionise your TV viewing experience so it’s worth taking on board all the advice you can before you install yours.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 Exceptional Gadget Gift Ideas for Music Lovers

If you have a music lover in your life and you’re tired of buying them record store vouchers or CDs for every birthday or Christmas that rolls around, you’re undoubtedly looking for some gift inspiration this holiday season.

If so, we’re here to help you out! Here are three of the best gadget gifts for music lovers everywhere:

Bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth speakers are easily synced with the device of your choice, allowing music lovers to enjoy their music wirelessly and without limitation.

In addition, when you buy Bluetooth speakers, you are not compromising on sound quality as the majority of Bluetooth speakers offer unparalleled audio quality.

Headphones

If you want to treat someone to a musical gadget gift that they will love then a set of headphones are just the thing. Good quality headphones allow you to enjoy the full impact of music you enjoy and they have also become a bit of style accessory.

With a set of stylish, high quality headphones, your music lover can increase their enjoyment of music while looking good too!

Vinyl player

One of the newest musical gadgets to hit it big is a digital vinyl player. This hot new device allows you to play your old vinyl records and it uses a digital audio converter so that you can enjoy your vinyl record collection through your digital speakers.

These newer vinyl players can be quite expensive but smaller, cheaper models are also beginning to enter the market so keep watch for them.

It’s clear that technology has taken the music world by storm and so the options for different music gift ideas has been revolutionised. We all love music and giving a gift of music to your loved one is always a winner.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Why a GPS Feature is a Fantastic Feature on any Quadcopter

With the festive season fast approaching, many of us will be rushing out to purchase some of the best quadcopters Australia has to offer as they are at the top of a lot of people’s Christmas list this year.

There are so many brands and models out there that it’s hard to know which features are worth looking out for and which ones you can give a miss.

That said; there’s one feature that your new quadcopter should definitely have, and that’s GPS navigation.

Here are some reasons why:

Return to Home

A GPS quadcopter has a unique ability to return to its point of take-off should its battery run low or if the device should drop its signal from the base controller.

This is known as the ‘Return to Home’ feature. This feature is especially useful if you forget how much power is left in your battery as its internal controls will override your controls and return it to its take-off point automatically.

Position Hold

‘Position Hold’ is a GPS feature on many quadcopters that allows the device to hold itself in one location even if the controller is released.

This feature is invaluable for beginner quadcopter pilots as it allows some time for deliberation on what to do next.

Object Avoidance

This particular GPS feature is very useful if you want to ensure that your quadcopter doesn’t fly anywhere it is not meant to.

For example, it is prohibited to fly near airports or over built up areas. With ‘Object Avoidance’, you can key in areas that you want your device to avoid such as these onto a map.

There are so many different features available on the newest generation of quadcopters but GPS is definitely top of the list so don’t miss out!

For more information on Gps Quadcopter, Quadcopters Australia. Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 techie gifts that the programmer in your life will LOVE!

Christmas shopping can be a chore for many people but it’s especially so when you have to buy for loved ones with interests that are very far removed from your own.

For many of us, computer programming is like a whole different language and it can be impossible to know what to buy for someone with this passion.

If you’re stuck in this predicament, don’t stress as the following is our guide to the top 3 techie gifts that any programmer would love:

Arduino

The Arduino Uno is a perfect starter model for anyone with a growing passion for programming. It is a perfect platform for building simple interactive devices.

For something a little more advanced, the Arduino Leonardo is much more suitable and is ideal for those whose programming skills that are more adept.

Mini quadcopters

Mini quadcopters are so much fun and they’re loved universally, and not just by those who like electronics.

The techie in your life will enjoy some of the more complex features that mini quadcopters have so if your loved one doesn’t have one yet, put it on your list!

Gift certificates

If all else fails, go for the old reliable gift certificate. But, to guarantee that it will be well received, choose a gift certificate for an electronics store that specialises in gadgets, electronic components or both.

In this way, you can be sure that they can either choose a gadget of their liking or purchase the parts they need to build their new electronics project.

These useful gifts are sure to have your techie family member/partner/friend beaming from ear to ear so you can only hope that he/she will put as much thought into your gift!

For more information on Arduino Leonardo, Arduino Uno . Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Splitters, Switches and Extenders – HDMI unravelled!

When it comes to high definition devices, most people just know how to switch them on and off. Ask them to troubleshoot a problem and they’ll most likely say, “What’s that?”

This rule can apply to some of the most common high definition multimedia devices and gadgets that are widely used in homes across Australia today.

Let’s talk a little more about HDMI splitters, switches and extenders. We’ll clarify what each gadget is used for so that life with your HDMI devices is made a little easier.

HDMI Splitter

A HDMI splitter allows you to split and extend a HDMI signal from one High Definition source to multiple output devices.

For example; a HDMI splitter can allow you to show the same content on your High Definition television in your living room as what’s playing in your bedroom.

HDMI Switches

An HDMI switch allows you to connect several high definition sources to one output device.

So if your TV only has a limited number of HDMI ports and you want to connect, for example, a Blu-ray disc player, video games console and media streaming device, you will need to use an HDMI cable to connect these devices to an HDMI switch which will, in turn, connect into your TV.

HDMI Extender

An HDMI extender is a device that can increase and, indeed, enhance the strength and range of the signal from your HDMI cables through the use of equalisers and amplifiers.It can, essentially, extend your HDMI display up to distances of 60m and more from its original source.

These gadgets, when used properly, can literally transform the way in which you play your multimedia so doesn’t it make sense to know what device does what? We certainly think so and we hope you’ve enjoyed this post!

For more information on HDMI splitter, HDMI extender. Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 hi-tech gadgets that every music lover needs to have!

Technology has completely changed the way that we make, produce and listen to music.

There is a huge range of high-tech accessories on the market that can heighten your enjoyment of music and we’re about to uncover 3 of them in this post below!

Bluetooth speakers

Bluetooth speakers are a revolutionary way to listen to your favourite tracks and tunes, allowing you to access music from your stereo, smartphone and even your laptop.

Wireless bluetooth speakers go that bit further by enabling you to listen to your music while you are on the move. They bring a whole new level of portability to the world of music.

Portable booming system

As we know, listening to music doesn’t have to be a one-person past-time and there’s nothing better than sharing your tunes with your friends and family.

For this purpose, a portable booming system helps you do just that but it also looks extremely cool at the same time.

Headphones

Traditional headphones have had a major transformation in recent years and now they are the embodiment of cool, allowing you to enjoy your music while looking effortlessly trendy as you do!

With many different headphones designed by music celebrities and DJs, every music lover wants to get their hands on a pair of stylish headphones.

There are so many more gadgets that music lovers all over the world would love to own and that list is just going to get longer as technology evolves even further. With gadgets such as those mentioned above, music can be consumed in a new, fashionable and fun way.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Christmas Gift Guide for your Teenager

With Christmas just around the corner, it’s time to get your thinking cap on and start to put your Christmas gift list together.

If you have teenagers in your life, you will know only too well how difficult it can be to choose a gift that will pass their approval.

That said; here is a useful guide to some Christmas gifts that should be received well by your teenager!

Selfie stick

Teenagers and selfies pretty much go hand in hand and what better way to take the perfect selfie than with a hi-tech selfie stick.

There are many different types of sticks to choose from and the one you choose will really come down to your budget that you want to spend.

You never know, you might even be invited to share a selfie pic on Christmas morning when all presents are opened!

Smartphones

If you’ve got a typical ‘tech-loving’ teen, it’s likely that he/she spends a large amount of their time burrowed into a smartphone.

If his/her current model is looking a bit tired or doesn’t have the same capabilities as some of the newer releases, why not surprise your teenager with a smartphone upgrade this Christmas? He/she will love you for it.

Remote control toys

You might think that your teenager has grown out of toys and you’d be right but remote controlled toys are perfectly acceptable by their standards!

In particular, remote control planes and drones are especially popular and will go down a treat with your teenager.

There are also plenty of accessories that can be purchased for these RC planes and drones, giving other family members plenty of options for gift ideas too.

With these three great ideas, there’s no need for you to be stuck for some Christmas gift inspiration for your teenager!

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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A brief guide explaining analogue to digital audio conversion and why it’s so important

We are surrounded by analogue signals and the most common type of analogue signals that require conversion to digital signals is sound.

In order to allow digital devices and equipment to manipulate sound signals, they need to be converted into a readable format.

This is where an analogue to digital audio converter plays a vital part.

Music

Sound is an analogue signal that is converted to digital signals for many different uses. For example, in a recording studio, an analogue to digital audio converter is used to alter sounds into a digital format that can be recorded onto a digital device such as a disc or other storage medium.

Analogue signals can assume any value but digital signals only recognise two numbers – zeros and ones – therefore, a digital signal contains no unwanted noise except the audio that is meant to be heard.

Communications

Analogue to digital audio conversion also takes place when you talk on a telephone. Your voice is an analogue signal but the technology which transmits your voice between telephone switches is digital.

Therefore, your voice is converted to digital signals in order to allow it to transmit clearly.

Digital Audio converter

Although sound signals are regularly converted into digital signals, the reverse is also required at times.

For example, when you play an audio CD, a digital audio converter changes the digital information contained on a CD into an analogue sound, allowing you to hear audio.

This brief guide should give you a little more understanding as to how analogue to digital conversion works and some of the important uses that it has for today’s world.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Is your drone in need of repair? Here’s what you’ll need to get the job done

If you’re used to flying a remote control drone in Australia, you’ll most likely know all too well about having to make repairs to it every so often.

This is because flying drones and remote control planes is a tricky art and it can take a lot of practice to master the skills that are needed to ensure a smooth flight.

For this reason, we recommend that you carry your own drone repair kit should you need to mend it at an inconvenient time. Build your own tool kit today by grouping the following items:

Propellers

Your drone’s propellers will usually be the first thing that will either fall off or get broken, especially if you’re a newbie drone pilot.

This is why keeping an extra set of propellers close to hand isn’t just a good idea – it’s a great idea. If anything happens your drone’s propellers while you are out flying, you can simply remove them and pop your spare set on. Simple!

Toolset

A small toolset with a Phillips screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver and pliers should have a prized place right alongside those propellers.

These tools will ensure that all parts of your drone are tight and secure which is very useful if you need to carry out quick field repairs. Just make sure you know how to use them.

Batteries

Drone piloting and dead batteries do not mix well. Save yourself the hassle of being powerless when out flying by always carrying at least one spare battery.

Now that you know what your drone repair kit needs to have, it’s your job to gather the necessary supplies. Do this and you’ll have more flying time and less heartache where your drone is concerned.

For more information, Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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What to Use to Clean your Drone

In order to prolong the life of your trusted drone, it is important to care for it as best you can. This includes cleaning your gadget after every use so that its appearance and its performance remains as it were before you took it for its first flight.

For this, you’ll need to put a cleaning kit together. It won’t be expensive to do so as your kit should only contain the following basic and accessible supplies:

Cleaning brush

A small, soft cleaning brush is an essential tool in your drone cleaning kit. You can use it to remove any debris or dust that collects into its nooks and crannies, as these would be extremely hard to get to otherwise.

Canned air

Normally used to clean keyboards, canned air will be your second power tool when it comes to removing dirt and dust from the hard to reach places on your drone.

It will be especially useful when it comes to cleaning the circuit boards as these are very delicate but can withstand canned air.

Isopropyl alcohol

Does the shell of your drone need a good cleaning? If so, this solution will do the best job of making it look brand new again.

Most drones in Australia have to battle with grass stains, dry sandy air and harsh terrain; so most drone pilots will have a bottle of isopropyl alcohol stashed away in their carry case. For best results, use this solution with a microfibre cloth.

Lubricant

Some full-size drones and some mini drones in Australia require lubricant to be put on their component parts in order for them to work as they should.

That said; it’s always a good idea to carry a bottle of lubricant for times when certain mechanisms look slow or agile.

Keep your drone investment safe by ensuring that your cleaning routine is effective and your cleaning schedule happens frequently.

For more information, please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Audio Accessories that can Literally Transform the Art of Listening

Millions of people around the world enjoy listening to music in one form or another. From LPs and CDs to tapes and MP3s, listening to music has long been a perfect way to unwind and relax or get energised and pumped.

The art of listening to music has come a long way thanks to recent developments in technology. If you’re an avid music listener who’s looking for some accessories that could literally transform your experience, this article is for YOU!

Bluetooth headphones

Music is now wireless! Bluetooth headphones give you all of the advantages of listening to your music but with an added benefit of portability.

Without any annoying wires to think about, users can now rock out to Queen classics and let loose in the know that there are no nasty wires to trip over.

Audio converters

If you’ve just invested in a new digital speaker system only to discover that it won’t work with your old stereo receiver, you need to get yourself an analogue to digital audio converter.

Similarly, if you have an LCD or plasma TV, the only way you can get sound through your sound stereo system is by using a digital audio converter.

Whether you want to access your favourite music from a digital or analogue source, you’ll always have it to hand when you’ve got the right converters.

Speakers

To give a rich, deep sound to music from your laptop or computer, a good set of audio speakers is what’s required.

By adding some necessary bass and great volume control, your listening pleasure will be massively enhanced with the addition of some good audio speakers. They’re not expensive and they’ll be so worth it.

Take some time to figure out which of the above would benefit you the most. Once you’ve pinpointed that, make an investment in your listening experience and you won’t regret it. Trust us.

For more information, please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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Some Frequently Asked Questions about Drones

Flying drones in Australia has evolved from a niche hobby to a commonly enjoyed past time that millions of people enjoy all over the country.

For those of you who are interested in experimenting in drone flying, you may have many questions that you would like answered before you go out and buy one. If you do, know that you are not alone!

That said; we’re about to reveal some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to flying drones in Australia:

Where can I buy a drone?

Drones can be bought in most electronic and big department stores throughout the country.

However, some of the best bargains are found on the internet and you can make substantial savings when you search for online drones in Australia.

Where can I fly a drone?

The best place to fly a drone is in a wide open space, a good distance away from other people.

In fact, there are rules in Australia which state that users should not fly a drone within 5.5kms of any airport or more than 400 feet in the air.

How are drones powered?

Drones are powered using high-strength batteries. Even though these batteries are more powerful than regular ones, given the level of power required to operate a drone, battery power can quickly deplete.

This is why it is important to keep an eye on your battery level at all times when flying your drone.

Which drone should I buy?

This is a very subjective question, as your choice of model will depend on your pilot skills, what features you want and what your budget is.

To help you decide, make sure to research as many different drones as possible so that you get the very best one that suits your specifics.

If you have found the answer to your question, don’t delay any longer in joining the millions of other Australians who are out flying their drones at this very moment.

For more information on online drones in Australia, drones in Australia. Please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 cool things to do with your remote control vehicles!

You can spend endless hours racing RC planes, cars and trucks around your home or in wide-open spaces. But what else can you do with your RC vehicles?

If you would like to try something a little different than just the norm, here are 3 really cool things that you can do with your RC vehicles:

Play bowling

This is a quick and easy game to play with your RC vehicle. All you need to do is set up some bowling pins or plastic bottles, that’s if you have no pins of course.

Mark out a lane that is long enough for you to rack up some speed and, on a count of three, rev it up and race towards the pins and see how many you can knock down.

Whoever knocks down the most pins wins; it’s that simple!

Remote control soccer

Remote control soccer is great fun to play with your RC truck or car. Set up two goals on a small version of a playing pitch and throw a small ball in.

Using your RC truck or car, guide the ball around your playing pitch and past your opponent’s RC vehicle to score a goal in the opposite goals.

The person with the higher number of goals after a pre-determined time period wins.

Stunt competition

Why not edge up the risk factor and have a stunt competition using your RC vehicles? You can easily set up ramps to help your vehicle do impressive jumps and flips.

You can also see which RC vehicle can do the longest wheelies or figure-of-8’s. To determine an overall winner, get a third person to score each stunt.

Now that you have discovered even more ways to enjoy your RC vehicles, go and have some fun!

For more information on RC truck, RC planes. Please visit :http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/

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3 Fun Games to Play with a Mini Drone

Mini drones pack all the thrills and spills of drone flying into a miniature size. Mini drones in Australia are perfect for helping budding drone pilots become more familiar with the kind of control that’s need to successfully fly a larger drone.

That said; you can also have A LOT of fun with a mini drone. And, on that note, here are 3 fun games that you can play to relax and take your mind of the more serious side of learning to fly a drone:

Soda can battle

All you need for this game is two soda cans (full or empty, it doesn’t really matter!), a timer and a competitor with a mini drone to play against.

Place your soda can on a table and step back about 2 -3 metres from it. From this position, try and land your mini drone on top of the soda can.

Time your efforts and see who can land their mini drone in the fastest time. The fastest person to land successfully wins.

Glass bottle battle

This game is essentially the same as ‘soda can battle’ but it poses a bit more of a challenge. The only difference is that instead of using a can, you’ll have to use a glass bottle.

Having a smaller landing zone will take greater concentration and effort to land it accurately. Again, the winner is whoever can land his/her mini drone the quickest.

Mini drone racing

Simple but fun, mini drone racing requires a racetrack. To make one, just mark out a start and end point and decide on a course to be taken.

Race your competitor around and as with any good race, the person to cross the finish line first gets victory.

Mini drones are more than just great for practicing with; they’re really good fun and these three games will show you just how much fun they can be.

For more information, please visit : http://www.auselectronicsdirect.com.au/