Practical
Electronics
Volume 55. No. 03
March 2026
ISSN 2632 573X
Contents
Projects and Circuits
USB-Programmable Frequency Divider/Counter by Nicholas VInen
12
This small PCB doesn’t cost a lot but can reduce the frequency of an incoming signal
or pulse train by a factor of between 3 and 21,327,000 that’s easily configured over a
USB serial port. It can also provide basic frequency measurements.
Rotating Light for Models by Nicholas Vinen
42
Here’s a simple circuit that has various applications, such as for a model lighthouse, or
as a siren on top of a model emergency vehicle. It sequences eight LEDs, using PWM
brightness control, to form a convincing imitation of a rotating light.
Power LCR Meter, part two by Phil Prosser
70
This isn’t just another LC meter; it can deliver up to 30A to determine how an
inductor behaves as its core starts to saturate. It can also measure very high
capacitances and very low resistances. This article covers assembly, testing and use.
Series, Features and Columns
Audio Out by Jake Rothman
Continuing on the subject of musical instrument pedals and effects, here is a stomp
switch that’s as quiet as a ninja wearing sneakers.
4
The Fox Report by Barry Fox
11
Sharing files over a network in Windows 11 isn’t easy, so I made a step-by-step guide.
Teach-In 12.5: the World of Wireless by Mike Tooley
20
This month, we look in detail at those all-important radio parts, antennas. There’s a
lot more to an antenna than just a random length of wire. We look at many different
types, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to make them.
Circuit Surgery by Ian Bell
32
Measuring the frequency response of a circuit using a PC sound card, part 6: op
amp capacitive loading. The amount of capacitance at the output of an op amp
impacts stability and phase margin. We explain how to figure out if it will be stable.
Max’s Cool Beans by Max The Magnificent
48
Weird & Wonderful Arduino Projects, part 15: making cartridges. We are now making
great strides in getting the Games Console ready to play games. That includes updating the LED display based on what buttons we press. We’re so close, I can taste it!
Techno Talk by Max the Magnificent
56
The dark arts of technology. From physics experiments to smartphone sensors, reverse
engineering, obfuscation and generative AI—an exploration of how abstraction explains, empowers and occasionally conceals modern technology.
Inside Data Centres by Dr David Maddison
58
This month we write about an important piece of mostly invisible internet infrastructure:
data centres. They are rarely seen and little is known of them by the general public.
Regulars and Services
Made in Australia & the UK.
Written in Britain, Australia,
the USA and Ireland.
Read everywhere.
© Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd 2026
Copyright in all drawings, photographs, articles, technical
designs, software and intellectual property published in
Practical Electronics is fully protected, and reproduction
or imitation in whole or in part are expressly forbidden.
The April 2026 issue of Practical Electronics will be
published on Thursday, 5th of March, 2026 (see p80).
Practical Electronics | March | 2026
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