June 2024

Wi-Fi Time Source for GPS Clocks

We show you how the Raspberry Pi Pico W can be used as a substitute for GPS modules in existing time-keeping designs, for when you can’t get a reliable GPS signal. It gets the time from an Internet-based NTP server via Wi-Fi and is accurate to a fraction of a second.

Heart Rate Sensor Module

We review a ready-made module that features an Analog Devices AD8232 heart rate monitor front-end IC to provide a low-cost Arduino interface for monitoring the human heart. The suggested kit includes three pads. This article also explains the background principles of the human heartbeat and its electrical activity. An interesting insight into the human heart and how to monitor it.

Loudspeaker Test Jig

This design will please devoted audiophiles as it measures the performance of loudspeakers and allows you to tweak and tune your speaker setup to perfection. The test jig uses your PC’s sound card coupled to a microphone to measure responses, and both Windows and Mac software captures the results. The sophisticated circuit uses discrete components throughout, and full PCB layout and interwiring details are provided as usual.

Setting up and using Room EQ Wizard and Speaker Workshop software

This supplement accompanies our Loudspeaker Test Jig feature and shows how to utilise the free software (Mac or Windows) along with our module, to analyse the performance and characteristics of your loudspeakers.

Teach-In 2024
Learn electronics with the ESP32 (Part 4)

In the fourth part of this tutorial series, we show how to utilise matrix and seven-segment LED displays, interface a motion sensor and generate (and use) random numbers. The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) is also introduced. Teach-In 2024 is a must-read series for anyone interested in harnessing the power of the ESP32, so be sure not to miss our specially-written practical tutorials.

Audio Out – Switching in audio equipment (Part 1)

The pros and cons of using mechanical switches in electronics. Practical examples and plenty of background knowledge are on offer in this month’s article

Also in this issue:

• Techno Talk – Max muses about the meteoric rise of the FPGA since the 1980s
• Net Work – a USB/ Power Delivery (PD) special, and the latest EV and space programme news
• Max’s Cool Beans – Arduino Bootcamp – Part 18 – Max dives into the world of controlling seven-segment displays, and the coding surrounding them, utilising the Arduino.
• Circuit Surgery – continuing the discourse on the complexities of digital signal processing  (DSP) and analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs).

Next month

Dynamic NFC tag; Reciprocal Frequency Counter; Carriage Uncoupler for Model Trains; Pi Pico-based Thermal Image Camera. Contents may be subject to change