Contents
Vol.37, No.09
September 2024
16 Energy Harvesting
Page 16
Image source: Tex Energy
Energy harvesting is the process of obtaining small amounts of energy
from the environment. While this type of power generation is not always
cost-effective, it is useful for powering small devices away from the grid.
By Dr David Maddison, VK3DSM
Off-grid energy
29 Exteek C28 transmitter/receiver
This device acts as an audio transmitter or receiver over Bluetooth. It uses
a 3.5mm jack and works great with headphones, amplifiers or even in a car.
Review by Allan Linton-Smith
Bluetooth audio
48 Mains Earthing Systems
We take a look at the different Earthing systems that are used worldwide
and describe how they work.
By Brandon Speedie
Mains power
Unconventional
Power Generation
upgrade your instrument with these
Electric & Bass Guitar
Pickguards
71 Electronics Manufacturing in Oz
Continuing the tale of the long history of electronics manufacturing in
Australia, from the 1930s to its pseudo-demise in the 1970s.
Part 2 by Kevin Poulter
Historical feature
32 Compact OLED Clock/Timer
This portable and rechargeable device combines a clock, timer and
stopwatch into a single unit. It can display different time zones, and uses
an internal crystal plus WiFi time source to make sure it is always accurate.
By Tim Blythman
Timekeeping project
52 Pico Mixed-Signal Analyser
Our USB PicoMSA monitors and decodes serial buses and other logic signals
in an inexpensive package. It uses a single Raspberry Pi Pico and features up
to 20 protected digital inputs with three protected analog inputs.
By Richard Palmer
Test instrument project
66 Jaycar-sponsored Mini Projects
This month, we have an IR helper that can help reduce the number
of IR remote controls you need to juggle. Next, we have a circuit that
demonstrates RGB LED colour shifting using no ICs.
By Tim Blythman
Mini projects
78 Discrete Ideal Bridge Rectifiers
Providing active rectification of a centre-tapped transformer or combining
two DC supplies are just two very handy features of these Bridge Rectifiers,
which have maximum ratings of 80V and 10A.
By Phil Prosser & Ian Ashford
Power supply project
86 Electric Guitar Pickguards
These PCBs suit many popular models of electric & bass guitars, offering
advanced features and a cool aesthetic.
By Brandon Speedie
Musical instrument project
Starting on Page 86
2
Editorial Viewpoint
5
Mailbag
15
Subscriptions
45
Circuit Notebook
96
Serviceman’s Log
102
Vintage Radio
107
Online Shop
108
Ask Silicon Chip
111
Market Centre
112
Advertising Index
112
Notes & Errata
1. Power control for a dashcam
2. Ball maze game
Stromberg-Carlson “Air Hostess”
model 4A19 by Graham Parslow
