March 2008 Issue

A summary of this month's contents.

Multi Throttle Controller for PC flight simulators — this project is essentially a 4-axis 4-switch analogue controller which plugs into a standard PC game port, or can be expanded to hook up via a USB port instead. It is a low cost design that allows the "pilot" to vary the individual engine speed (RPM) using Microsoft's proprietary Control Panel. Tested under Windows XP, a basic flight sim compatibility table is included in the article.

 

Fluorescent Tube Driver — provides fluorescent lighting from a 6V rechargeable battery. Ideal for emergency, camping and no-mains lighting applications. Uses a transistor driven converter circuit and a custom wound transformer and coil to generate the higher voltages needed by the fluorescent tube. Built-in filament preheat function helps prevent premature blackening of the tube. Output power 6 Watts.

Full details of the coil and transformer assemblies are also provided.

 

THIS CIRCUIT IS FOR EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTORS ONLY. HIGH VOLTAGES ARE GENERATED BY THIS CIRCUIT AND EXTREME CARE MUST BE TAKEN WHEN TESTING OR HANDLING THE CIRCUITRY.

 

Studio Series - Stereo Headphone Amplifier — a top class headphone amp that can drive high or low impedance phones to full power levels, with very low noise and distortion levels. Drives high and low-impedance headphones. High output level (up to 200mW into 8R and 32R). Dual sockets can drive two pairs, and it works with a preamp or any line level audio source. THD typically 0.001% into 32R.

Also see our Stereo Preamp described in the February 2008 issue

 

Midi Drum Kit (Part 4) - setting up the software. Final part of our series, describing the installation of the software drivers. Also in this issue

  • Teach-In 2008 Part 5 - introduction to timers, BCD counting and equality checking
  • TechnoTalk - some fascinating facts on the evolution of some well known brand names, including Tandy, McMurdo and more.
  • Practically Speaking - electronic component basics for beginners
  • Circuit Surgery on Current Sources
  • PIC n MIX - CRC checks
  • Net Work - how to find discount vouchers on the web.

All this and all your favourite features, articles and advertisements in the Number One hobby electronics magazine

 

 

PCB artwork pcb0308.zip

 

PCB artwork

 

As from July 2013 issue PCB artwork is available free to subscribers only.

 

Non-subscribers may purchase artwork files for a nominal sum. Please contact our Orders Dept for information or to place an order.

 

EPE Printed Circuit Boards

 

We can supply ready-made printed circuit boards (8-digit order codes) to the original design specification via mail order or from our Online Shop.

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