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Contents Vol.38, No.12 December 2025 16 Humanoid Robots, Part 2 Humanoid and android robots are now a reality; while they’re not yet perfect, they are becoming more widespread. So let’s look at some of the most interesting robots of the past and present. By Dr David Maddison, VK3DSM Robotics DCC Decoder for model locomotives 30 Power Electronics, Part 2 In this series of articles, we explore the broad term of power electronics. Part two continues the series by covering the control systems required to make DC-DC converters work. By Andrew Levido Electronic design Page 70 Earth Radio 52 How to Design PCBs, Part 1 PCB fabrication is inexpensive nowadays, with plenty of scope for customisation. To help you take advantage of this, we show you the entire process of designing and ordering your own PCBs from scratch. By Tim Blythman Making your own PCBs Page 60 96 BC-211 Frequency Meter The BC-211 is one of a family of frequency meters that were designed for military use by the USA around 1940. It needed to remain accurate even for use in the field, so how did they do it? By Ian Batty Vintage Electronics 41 RGB LED Star Ornament Jazz up your Christmas tree or anywhere around the house using this Star with its 80 RGB LEDs and pre-programmed patterns. It is also sold partially pre-assembled, with only a small amount of soldering required. By Nicholas Vinen Christmas decoration project 60 Earth Radio, Part 1 Solar and atmospheric disturbances, like storms or auroras, can be heard using this ‘natural’ radio receiver. It is battery-powered and utilises a portable loop antenna, so you can use it from nearly anywhere. By John Clarke Scientific / radio receiver project 70 DCC Decoder A DCC Decoder is essential for controlling every model train. This project is the first in a series covering all parts of a complete DCC (digital command control) system. The later parts explain you how to use DCC, build a Base Station, Remote Controller, Booster and Reverse Loop Controller. Part 1 by Tim Blythman Model train project 82 Digital Preamplifier, Part 3 This advanced preamplifier uses digital processing and can also act as a crossover. In the final part of this series, we explain how to prepare the case, mount the modules, wire it up and play some music. By Phil Prosser Audio/hifi project Part 3: Page 82 Digital Preamplifier and Crossover 2 Editorial Viewpoint 4 Mailbag 10 Product Showcase 15 Online Shop 79 Circuit Notebook 90 Serviceman’s Log 102 Ask Silicon Chip 103 Market Centre 104 Advertising Index 104 Notes & Errata 1. Pulse-counting logic probe 2. 10A ammeter using a digital voltmeter