I knew that was coming...

I guess there is plenty of room to move the breadboard on top of those red bins.

I'm gonna cheat and use 2 two pictures (maybe I'll get a real camera today too).... but my Sunday will be cleaning up this mess since my latest project is done.

[Electronics & Robotics]

I was browsing the bookstore today and noticed that their electronic magazine selection seems to be random.  So I figured I would start subscribing to whatever I could.  Lets get a list of common and not so common magazines that would interest Arduino users.

I'm thinking maybe 2 categories, electronics & robotics and science & technology.  I'll get it started.

Electronics & Robotics
SERVO
Nuts n Volts
Elektor
Make
Element 14 (not sure how to subscribe, but I have seen a few issues floating around)
Circuit Cellar

Science & Technology
Popular Science
Popular Mechanics

Hello from DeKalb, IL USA

Saw this today and thought some might be interested...
http://blog.teusink.net/2010/07/hacking-wireless-presenters-with.html

I think when I originally set up an account with Digi-Key in the US, the did ask these questions.  I have had an account from them for several years and the only piece if mail I get from them is a several pound catalog once a year.  So I doubt this information is being given out to anyone else.

My guess is they use that information anonymously to help figure out who their customers are.

I've worked with a bunch of SMD Atmega2560's and never had a problem... and those have a 100 pins.  Are you using filter caps at the power pins?  and on the regulator if you have one? and a pullup resistor on the reset?

If it is an SMD part, there could be a lot of reasons.  I would look very carefully at the pins with a magnifying glass or loup and make sure there are no solder bridges shorting them out.  Also double check that they are actually soldered to the board.

Heat damage from soldering may have done something too.

Depending on the size of the hole and use of solder paste the solder can wick through the hole plating the other side.  As far as reliability goes... you would just have to do some trial and error. Maybe try plating the pins and holes with solder on the "unsolderable" side first... then some solder paste on the holes, then insert the component and heat up the lead from the other side adding very thin solder and it might pull it through the hole reliably.

We had a problem at a company I used to work for with drives overheating.  Some things I found that help the problem...

1. Space the drives apart allowing for airflow.
2. Add extra fans to the case.
3. Make sure cables aren't blocking airflow.
4. Make sure you use all 4 screws to mount the drive. (most people are too lazy to or just don't think it is necessary) The most import thing this accomplishes is allowing the case to act as a heatsink.  Also helps reduce any vibrations that could cause damage.

In the end we just got 5 1/4" drive bay enclosures that had 2 built in fans. Something like this... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835119062

I am trying to get a unique kit together to sell in my store.  What parts are you looking for?  I wouldn't mind building a custom kit around your specifications and budget.

The average for most of my sites is about once a week.  Active sites, such as blogs and forums get scanned a lot more frequently.  Also there are several site sending live feeds to google so they are searchable instantly.  Some examples are facebook and twitter

Maybe a scam in the workings?  Once they get a high feedback rating, they start selling fake Atmega328's and other things with huge margins.

I've actually been in the process of setting up an online store... shipping from the Northern Illinois area.  I hope to specialize in some custom Arduino shields and devices built around the Arduino platform. Definitely have some ideas for devices for the Amateur Radio community.  I plan on launching in the middle of May, might even have some Atmega328 DIP's by then.

But to stay more on topic.  I think it would be great to have another source in the area.  I love being able to order things regular shipping and have them the next day.  Which seems to not happen much in this area.

My online store will be at http://www.jkdevices.com

I haven't used that one... but I have used this http://mightyohm.com/blog/2008/09/arduino-based-avr-high-voltage-programmer/

It is based on the Arduino. As long as you have a working Arduino you can fix any chip.  I bricked an Atmega2560 and had the fuses fixed in no time.  Just had to change the code to reflect the fuse bits I wanted.

Also I did no use the resistors.  I just wired it directly and had no problem.