November 2014

50^th Anniversary Edition Special!

The November 2014 issue marks a special 50 Year milestone in the evolution of Practical Electronics – the “PE” in “EPE”. In the first of a two part special feature reminiscing about Britain’s last remaining hobby electronics magazine, we meander down memory lane and look at the earliest years from 1964, showing how the magazine adapted with the advent of emerging technologies.  Some highlights of our earliest years are included along with some evocative cover shots, so be sure not to miss this fascinating article that celebrates our half-century.

GPS Tracker

This project will record your journeys on an SD card and then you can run software such as Google Earth to see them mapped onto the surface of the Earth with an incredible resolution of just a few metres. Record in Google Earth KML, GPS Exchange, raw NMEA data or two Excel-compatible formats.

It is powered from a vehicle’s 12V supply and can be hard-wired into your car or vessel. Mounted on a single PCB carrying a GPS module and USB port. PIC32MX250 powered. At the time of writing a full kit (catalogue no. KC5525) is available from Jaycar

Hi-Fi Stereo Headphone Amplifier (Part 2)

Last month we introduced our new Hi-Fi Headphone Amplifier design which features very low distortion and noise. It can even drive efficient 8-ohm loudspeakers. This month we show how to build and test the unit, including all PCB details and photos in full colour to enable you to construct this exciting design with confidence.

SiDRADIO (Part 2)

Last month, the circuitry and PCB assembly of our Software-Integrated and Defined Radio were outlined. This month we explain how to fabricate the various screens of our communications receiver, and then we complete the construction by installing everything into a plastic case, including a DVB-T dongle, and then the hardware side is complete. Part 3 next month walks trough the software setup.  Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to experience advanced radio communications for yourself!

PIC n’ MIX

Our PIC expert continues to put more applications for PIC micros under the magnifying glass, with analog-to-digital conversion being the topic this month.

Make Your Own PCBs (Part 3)

How to produce your own printed circuit boards using modern computer-aided techniques. This month, using EagleCAD software to create a simple single-sided board.

Audio Out

A high-quality test-bench amplifier is described in our column dedicated to audio design and techniques.

Also in our 50th anniversary issue:

• Net Work describes the perils of the PDF and some online threats that web surfers need to be aware of.
• Techno Talk – how electric cars need to be more appealing and affordable. Can graphene be the answer?
• Circuit Surgery – Part 2 of a voltage regulation special tutorial.
• Practically Speaking – workshop hints and tips for the electronics constructor
• Max’s Cool Beans – Max is on the trail of vintage moving coil meters.