04 March 2011

There's on often-quoted cliche in advertising which says "its use is limited only by your imagination . . ." Well, here is a project that goes way beyond your imagination because you, like us, will have only scratched the surface of uses. We're pretty proud of this one: a powerful but very economical microcomputer which has so much potential that you will probably think of uses we haven't even dreamed of!

02 March 2011

Name something which is very useful, where you get more than you will ever likely need and at a cost that is trivial. Enter the newest processor in the Microchip stable

25 February 2011

In this third and final article on the USB Data Logger, we describe how to use the accompanying Windows host software. This software allows you to edit and test scripts, upload them to the logger and change its settings.

20 February 2011

So you made last month's 433MHz "sniffer" receiver and now fancy some adventurous tracking? Here's a versatile PICAXE-08M controlled transmitter, based around Jaycar's ZW-3100 companion 433.92MHz ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) module. While relatively short range, this transmitter makes a great model plane or model rocket locator and/or tracking beacon - something we’ve been asked about numerous times.

17 February 2011

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.

14 February 2011

Ever wondered how switchmode regulator ICs work? Here's everything you need to know but were afraid to ask.

10 February 2011

Are you building the ultrasonic anti-fouling unit for your boat? You will need a solar panel and a charge controller to keep the batteries topped up. Or are you thinking of a large solar panel for your caravan or 4-wheel drive? Again, you will need a solar charge controller. This is the one to build.

08 February 2011

Many people have a love of boating. But boaties tend to fall into one of two camps, sail or power - and the two seldom see eye-to-eye. Power boaties find yachts a problem because they always seem to demand right of way (even when not under sail!) and yachties turn their noses up at power boats for being noisy, smelly and so on - they call 'em "stink boats". But what if there was a power boat that could also appeal to yachties? There is: the Greenline 33.

04 February 2011

Caution: these LEDs are so bright they will burn your eyeballs!

02 February 2011

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is that it is so unremarkable. It is a fully electric vehicle but more importantly, it is a compact hatchback that can transport four adults practical distances in comfort, after just a few hours of charging.