Teach-In
2000 is our flagship educational series which covers everything (almost!)
that a novice needs to learn about electronics. Our series includes practical
solderless experiments and interactive computer simulations to help you
understand all the basic principles of electronics. The first in a 10-part
series, don't miss this unique introduction to the fascinating world of
modern electronics! Part 1 this month deals with resistors and their colour
codes. Experiments include simple l.e.d. tests and resistance measurements
using a multimeter. Software (DOS/ QBASIC) for the IBM-compatible PC is
available free from here ty2kv1_2.zip or the EPE file area on our FTP
site. [LEGACY FILE FOR REFERENCE ONLY]
Demister
One-Shot
Specially for the motorist, this heated rear screen timer will help save
the car battery from winter's ravages by switching it off automatically,
and perhaps improve fuel consumption a little too! Easy to build, based
around a custom automotive timer i.c.
In the December
1999 issue (P. 882), we said that on P.844, Fig. 4, on the p.c.b. component
layout diagram, the "body" outlines of capacitors C1 and C2
should be transposed - see photo at the top of page 845. The electrolytic
shown as a circle, should connect to the IC1 pin 8 copper track (+) and
the common GND (-) track. The actual annotations are correct.
Ginormous
Stopwatch (Part 1)This events timer is crystal controlled and has a built-in l.c.d. display and a remote display with BIG digits, plus optional radio-controlled stop-start gating. It's ideal for sporting events where it will display periods up to ten hours with a resolution of 1/100th second. Keen hobbyists can interface the unit for their own purposes.
Acoustic
Probe
You'll love this audio "telescope" or stethescope project which
investigates distant or low-level sounds. Another project ideal for beginners,
this safe battery-powered circuit uses a tiny electret microphone capsule
together with earphones.
Practical Oscillator Designs (5) - Crystal Oscillators
This brilliantly written, authoritative series has received much praise
from readers. It continues with another hands-on practical guide, this
time looking at crystal oscillators, with worked examples and much practical
guidance. Don't miss this exceptional insight into the often overlooked
but all-important world of oscillator design.
VibralarmThis multi-purpose vibration-triggered alarm has remarkable sensitivity, thanks to the use of a special bi-morph element (a piezo-electric strip which is highly sensitive to mechanical shock). The resultant signal is amplified and then triggers an audio alarm.
Practically Speaking looks at the beginner's guide to using integrated circuits - which way round do they go? Circuit Surgery examines conductivity, resistivity, protecting your modem from lightning strikes and more. New Technology Update - reporting how copper based interconnections in i.c.s increase their speed. Net Work - the Internet column warns of the latest viruses and the world's most popular chat program - ICQ.