14 November 2009

The final article this month shows you how to assemble the various modules for the Stereo DAC into a low-profile steel case. We also tell you how to get the remote control working and how to customise the configuration.

13 November 2009

There is a famous line in the "Yes Minister" series where Sir Humphrey is attempting to block the minister's latest scheme. "But minister", he vehemently protests, "I foresee all sorts of unforeseen consequences".

11 November 2009

09 November 2009

Avoid unnecessary noise and vibration in twin-engine boats by using this Twin Engine SpeedMatch Indicator. It comprises a meter that is centred when both motors are running at the same speed. When the motors are not matched in revs, the meter shows which motor is running faster and by how much.

06 November 2009

We take Roland's EGX-350 CNC milling machine on a test run making fast prototype PC boards. We found it surprisingly good – it can route, drill and cut out a complete PC board quickly, without using chemicals. It lets you move from concept to working prototype in a matter of hours.

05 November 2009

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.

01 November 2009

Now that HDMI sockets are standard on a wide range of LCD and plasma TV sets, set top boxes, DVD players and many computers, there is a need for a standard HDMI test source that can test this equipment. The Quantumdata 780 Handheld Test Instrument is a comprehensive solution which also provides digital audio test signals for DACs and Home Theatre receivers.

23 October 2009

This hardware I/O board will let you drive a host of digital and analog I/O (input/outputs) via the USB interface on your laptop or desktop computer. Based on an Atmel Atmega32 microprocessor and not much else, it works on Windows, Linux and Macs.

19 October 2009

Last month, we introduced our new Wideband Oxygen Sensor Controller and described the circuit. This month, we show you how to build it and give the test and installation details.

17 October 2009

FLIR Systems' new i5 camera is a compact handheld instrument weighing only 340g. You just aim and shoot with it and the result is a false colour picture showing the temperature gradients of a building, machinery, electrical equipment, a human body or whatever. You can use it as a precise non-contact thermometer which will also show the full temperature range of everything in the camera's view.