Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

Contents Vol.38, No.09 September 2025 16 Aerial Drones Drones are commonly used in commercial applications, like aerial photography. We cover the technological advances that drones have undergone, along with some of the latest types. By Dr David Maddison, VK3DSM Unmanned aerial vehicles PICkit Basic with Power Breakout 33 The MPLAB PICkit Basic Microchip’s MPLAB PICkit Basic is their newest programmer/debugger for use with version 6.25 of the MPLAB X IDE. It uses the familiar 8-pin connector and comes with an optional SWD (serial wire debug) adaptor. Review by Tim Blythman Microcontroller programmer/debugger 48 HomeAssistant, Part 1 Pages 33 & 38 Page 42 Here’s how to set up your own fully featured home automation system using a Raspberry Pi. By Richard Palmer Home automation 62 Amplifier Cooling, Part 2 For the second and final part of this series, we show you how we modified an existing amplifier design to improve its cooling. By Julian Edgar Electronic system design 38 Power Breakout for PICkit Basic Since the PICkit Basic programmer can’t provide power to a connected chip, you can build this handy adaptor board. It supplies 3.3V & 5V from a USB-C cable and connects inline with the programmer. By Tim Blythman Adaptor project 42 Pendant Speaker, Part 1 This high-performance speaker can be mounted up on a roof or ceiling and is built into a pre-made enclosure. It uses a 170mm woofer with dome tweeter and has a 90W continuous output rating. By Julian Edgar Audio project 54 HomeAssistant Satellite This companion project can be used to wirelessly connect different sensors, displays and more to a HomeAssistant-based system. By Richard Palmer Home automation project 68 Ducted Heat Transfer Controller Improve the energy efficiency of your home by transferring warm or cool air between rooms automatically using this smart controller. Part 2 by Julian Edgar & John Clarke Home automation project 78 USB-C Power Monitor, Part 2 Measure voltage, current, power and energy supplied to nearly all USB-C devices with readings up to 60V, ±5A, 300W and 999999J. By Tim Blythman Test & measurement project Pendant Speaker 2 Editorial Viewpoint 4 Mailbag 15 Subscriptions 76 Circuit Notebook 85 Online Shop 86 Serviceman’s Log 92 Vintage Radio 100 Ask Silicon Chip 103 Market Centre 104 Advertising Index 104 Notes & Errata 1. UV monitor using an ATtiny85 2. Emergency light using a supercap 3. Switching between 115V & 230V AC Pye PHA 520 “Colombo Plan” radio by Alby Thomas & Ian Batty