8 May, 2008

Letters and emails should contain complete name, address and daytime phone number. Letters to the Editor are submitted on the condition that Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd may edit and has the right to reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters. This also applies to submissions to "Ask SILICON CHIP" and "Circuit Notebook".

8 May, 2008

The first all-electric production road vehicle available in Australia

19 May, 2008

Since our debunking of the "Electricity saving box" in the November 2007 issue, another device along the same lines has appeared in Harvey Norman stores. Called the "Enersonic Power Saver" it claims potential power savings of up to 24%. At $59.00, it is considerably more expensive than the previous device but just like that one, it won't save you a cent on your electricity bills.

19 May, 2008

Here's a handy piece of test gear you can build for yourself - a Digital LC Meter for measuring inductance and capacitance over a wide range. It's based on an ingenious measurement technique, delivers surprising accuracy and is easy to build.

19 May, 2008

This low-cost unit can program all dsPIC30F series microcontrollers in the DIP package, along with most PIC microcontrollers. It's easy to build and uses standard parts.

19 May, 2008

Need to operate a CD, DVD or MP3 player from the cigarette lighter socket in your car? Or perhaps run a digital still or video camera or some powered speakers from the power supply inside your PC? This Low-Voltage Adjustable Regulator will step the voltage down to what's needed. It has jumper shunts to select one of six common output voltages (from 3-15V) and depending on the input voltage and the heatsink(s) you use, it can deliver an output current of just over 4A.

19 May, 2008

If the CDI module in your motorbike, outboard, ride-on mower or other small petrol motor fails, you could be in for a shock. Depending on the brand or model, they can cost up to $400. You can build this one for less than $50 and it will do the same job for most engines.

19 May, 2008

Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions from readers are welcome and will be paid for at standard rates.

26 May, 2008

If you're a small manufacturer, design lab or college without in-house PC board prototyping facilities, who do you turn to? It's a problem a lot of organisations face - even SILICON CHIP - but there are answers out there . . .