17 June 2010

While there has been a lot of publicity around the latest introduction of 3D movies and the accompanying 3D screens and glasses, 3D movie production is very expensive. In fact, it comes as a surprise to most people to find that the blockbuster “Alice in Wonderland” was actually shot in conventional 2D and labouriously converted to 3D later! Now there is a new Australia camera rig, the SpeedWedge, which promises to streamline the whole process.

13 June 2010

This linear bench supply can deliver up to 1.6A from positive and negative outputs with a range of ±0-19V. It has adjustable current limiting for both outputs and can display the voltage or current reading for either rail. If powered from an AC plugpack, no mains wiring is required, although less current is available. It also has a 5V 750mA output for powering digital logic ICs and microcontrollers.

09 June 2010

This Air Quality Monitor indicates carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) levels on a dual bargraph and sounds an alarm when either level reaches a preset concentration. You should use it if you have an unflued heater in your home, boat, caravan or any indoor space.

05 June 2010

This two-channel, 100MHz Digital Storage Oscilloscope takes up to 500 million samples per second, has comprehensive USB connectivity and a wide range of features in a stylish, compact package

03 June 2010

Most readers would be aware that UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) are used extensively for surveillance and for bombing missions in Afghanistan and Pakistan. But did you know that UAVs are being made in Australia? Not only that but they are being sold around the world for a range of applications. The manufacturer is Silvertone, a company with decades of experience and run by Bob Young.

22 May 2010

In the March and April 2010 issues, we described the design and construction of our new Digital Audio Signal Generator. The final article this month has the driving instructions.

18 May 2010

Looking for an efficient USB charger that can operate from a 12V car battery? This unit functions at up to 89% efficiency and can charge USB devices at currents up to 525mA. Best of all, it won’t flatten the battery if it's left permanently connected, as long as you remember to unplug the USB device.

14 May 2010

This bench-top multimeter features 6½ digit readings, a graphic LCD and a number of advanced features such as trend plot, histogram and dual measurement mode. With front and rear panel inputs, its short term and 1-year accuracy figures are outstanding.

10 May 2010

Amplifiers which run from 12V DC generally don’t put out much power and they are usually not hifi as well. But this little stereo amplifier ticks the power and low distortion boxes. With a 14.4V supply, it will deliver 20 watts per channel into 4-ohm loads at clipping while harmonic distortion at lower power levels is typically less than 0.03%.

08 May 2010

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.