Terminology/Definitions - Revision history

Dirknerkle at 17:21, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T17:21:16Z

Dirknerkle: /* D */

2022-12-03T13:52:33Z

Dirknerkle: /* G */

2019-06-03T18:58:51Z

Dirknerkle: /* G */

2019-06-03T18:58:29Z

Dirknerkle: /* Y */

2019-06-03T18:50:21Z

Dirknerkle: /* N */

2019-06-03T18:47:20Z

Dirknerkle: /* N */

2019-06-03T18:46:34Z

Dirknerkle: /* N */

2019-06-03T18:46:12Z

Dirknerkle: /* M */

2019-06-03T18:42:42Z

Dirknerkle: /* R */

2019-06-03T18:41:48Z

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 '''DirkCheap.''' A concept and philosopy that Dirknerkle used to help lower the cost of participating in this hobby. It applies to several products the DIGWDF engineers created, such as the DirkCheapSSR, a no-frills 4-channel unit that is "dirt cheap" to make... In most cases, "DirkCheap" products used minimal parts due to their extra-sparse designs, such as no protective fusing or terminal blocks for convenience. It was the end-user's responsibility to address these issues on his/her own. The first product to carry this moniker was indeed the DirkCheapSSR, which lowered the DIYer's cost per A/C control channel by almost 70%, down to less than $1/channel.
-'''Dirknerkle.''' The patron saint of this site. Dirk runs not only the forums and wiki, but also was the proprietor of The DIGWDF Store [http://digwdf.org/ Dirknerkle’s Inventorium and Generally Worthless Device Factory], an online store that provided items of greater or lesser interest to holiday lighting enthusiasts. (based on sales totals, mostly lesser...)
+'''Dirknerkle.''' The original patron saint of this site, which started in November 2011. Dirk also was the proprietor of The DIGWDF Store [http://digwdf.org/ Dirknerkle’s Inventorium and Generally Worthless Device Factory], an online store that provided items of greater or lesser interest to holiday lighting enthusiasts. (based on sales totals, mostly lesser...)
 '''DIYC.''' Can refer to either [http://www.DoitYourselfChristmas.com DoitYourselfChristmas.com] or [http://www.DIYChristmas.org DIYChristmas.org].

@@ Line 59: / Line 59: @@
 '''DirkCheap.''' A concept and philosopy that Dirknerkle used to help lower the cost of participating in this hobby. It applies to several products the DIGWDF engineers created, such as the DirkCheapSSR, a no-frills 4-channel unit that is "dirt cheap" to make... In most cases, "DirkCheap" products used minimal parts due to their extra-sparse designs, such as no protective fusing or terminal blocks for convenience. It was the end-user's responsibility to address these issues on his/her own. The first product to carry this moniker was indeed the DirkCheapSSR, which lowered the DIYer's cost per A/C control channel by almost 70%, down to less than $1/channel.
-'''Dirknerkle.''' The patron saint of this site. Dirk runs not only the forums and wiki, but also was the proprietor of The DIGWDF Store [http://digwdf.com/ Dirknerkle’s Inventorium and Generally Worthless Device Factory], an online store that provided items of greater or lesser interest to holiday lighting enthusiasts. (based on sales totals, mostly lesser...)
+'''Dirknerkle.''' The patron saint of this site. Dirk runs not only the forums and wiki, but also was the proprietor of The DIGWDF Store [http://digwdf.org/ Dirknerkle’s Inventorium and Generally Worthless Device Factory], an online store that provided items of greater or lesser interest to holiday lighting enthusiasts. (based on sales totals, mostly lesser...)
 '''DIYC.''' Can refer to either [http://www.DoitYourselfChristmas.com DoitYourselfChristmas.com] or [http://www.DIYChristmas.org DIYChristmas.org].

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 == G ==
-'''Gerber Files.''' - The standard file formats that PCB production facilities use to set up their equipment to manufacture the boards. Usually provided as a set of 8 or sometimes more files; each file describes a specific layer of the PCB, such as the top copper layer (GTL), bottom copper layer GBL), top solder mask (GTS), bottom solder mask (GBS), top silkscreen (GTO), bottom silkscreen (GBO), drill hole sizes (TXT or DRL) and a mechanical (outside dimension, GML) layer. Gerber files are generally produced by PCB design software as an export from the software.
+'''Gerber Files.''' - The standard file formats that PCB production facilities use to set up their equipment to manufacture the boards. Usually provided as a set of 8 or sometimes more files; each file describes a specific layer of the PCB, such as the top copper layer (GTL), bottom copper layer GBL), top solder mask (GTS), bottom solder mask (GBS), top silkscreen (GTO), bottom silkscreen (GBO), drill hole sizes (TXT or DRL) and a mechanical (outside dimension, GML) layer. Gerber files are generally produced by PCB design software as an export function.
 '''GFCI — ground fault circuit interrupter.''' An electrical safety device installed in a power panel, sub-panel or outlet box that instantly shuts off the electricity when a leakage to ground occurs. This leakage can increase the risk of electrical shock. A GFCI should be used in all outdoor high-voltage environments and the device should be tested on a regular basis.

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:58, 3 June 2019
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	== G ==		== G ==
		+	'''Gerber Files.''' - The standard file formats that PCB production facilities use to set up their equipment to manufacture the boards. Usually provided as a set of 8 or sometimes more files; each file describes a specific layer of the PCB, such as the top copper layer (GTL), bottom copper layer GBL), top solder mask (GTS), bottom solder mask (GBS), top silkscreen (GTO), bottom silkscreen (GBO), drill hole sizes (TXT or DRL) and a mechanical (outside dimension, GML) layer. Gerber files are generally produced by PCB design software as an export from the software.
		+
	'''GFCI — ground fault circuit interrupter.''' An electrical safety device installed in a power panel, sub-panel or outlet box that instantly shuts off the electricity when a leakage to ground occurs. This leakage can increase the risk of electrical shock. A GFCI should be used in all outdoor high-voltage environments and the device should be tested on a regular basis.		'''GFCI — ground fault circuit interrupter.''' An electrical safety device installed in a power panel, sub-panel or outlet box that instantly shuts off the electricity when a leakage to ground occurs. This leakage can increase the risk of electrical shock. A GFCI should be used in all outdoor high-voltage environments and the device should be tested on a regular basis.

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 == Y ==
 == Z ==
 '''Zero cross.''' A technique for dimming AC lights which determines the point at which an AC line oscillates at zero volts. Employing the technique is necessary to allow AC lights to dim accurately. Other terms are zero cross detection, zero cross signal, ZC signal...
 '''ZigBee.''' See [[Terminology/Definitions#X|XBee]].

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 '''nRF24l01.''' A type of digital radio transceiver that supports transmission rates up to 2 megabits per second, using the 2.4GHz frequency, manufactured by Nordic Semiconductor. The radio is made as a 4mm x 4mm QFN surface-mount chip and requires certain additional components to operate. It only became popular when it was packaged in a small, pre-built printed circuit board with an antenna (or antenna connector) and an eight-pin connector. Has an effective range of about 250-500 feet in line-of-site environments. Used in the [http://www.komby.com Komby] line of wireless Christmas-lighting controllers.
-'''NOP.'''  A "no-op" or "no-operation" command is often used in assembly language programming to cause the CPU to use-up one or more cycles just doing basically nothing. In this way, one can tweak the exact timing of a chip's CPU to better match a needed circuit function.
+'''NOP.'''  A "no-op" or "no-operation" command is often used in assembly language programming to cause the CPU to use-up one or more clock cycles just doing basically nothing. In this way, one can tweak the exact timing of a chip's CPU to better match a needed circuit function.
 '''Null pixel.''' In instances where the first pixel of the display and the controller are too far apart, a “null pixel” is included halfway in between in order to boost the signal. The device is usually just the [[Terminology/Definitions#P|pixel]] controlling chip without the [[Terminology/Definitions#L|LEDs]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 3 June 2019
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	'''MOC3023.''' A 6-Pin DIP 400V Random Phase Triac Driver Output Optocoupler from Fairchild Semiconductor. It provides both [[Terminology/Definitions#T\|Triac]] services and [[Terminology/Definitions#O\|optoisolator]] services in one package.		'''MOC3023.''' A 6-Pin DIP 400V Random Phase Triac Driver Output Optocoupler from Fairchild Semiconductor. It provides both [[Terminology/Definitions#T\|Triac]] services and [[Terminology/Definitions#O\|optoisolator]] services in one package.
		+
		+	'''MORON.''' What other DIY'ers will think of you if you don't RTFM (see below).

	== N ==		== N ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:41, 3 June 2019
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	'''RS485.''' A telecommunications protocol, Recommended Standard 485 is typically used in building automation, the programming of logic controllers, sound system control, lighting control and video surveillance camera control. It is a two-wire system that uses a differential form of signaling that supports the transmission of data packets. It can be used over a long distance and supports multi-point connections. It is used in Christmas lights as a distribution system for light controllers signaling devices, sometimes using the DMX512 or the Renard protocols.		'''RS485.''' A telecommunications protocol, Recommended Standard 485 is typically used in building automation, the programming of logic controllers, sound system control, lighting control and video surveillance camera control. It is a two-wire system that uses a differential form of signaling that supports the transmission of data packets. It can be used over a long distance and supports multi-point connections. It is used in Christmas lights as a distribution system for light controllers signaling devices, sometimes using the DMX512 or the Renard protocols.
		+
		+	'''RTFM''' A long-standing acronym in the tech community that stands for "READ THE F***ING MANUAL." Many DIY projects available in this community do have accompanying user guides, assembly manuals and other printed documentation. Don't be a moron -- when documentation is available, take the time to read it and follow it. It's there for a reason.

	== S ==		== S ==