December 2013

USB Multi-Instrument Project: Six Test Instruments in One Tiny Box!

Turn your Windows-based PC into a versatile suite of test instruments using this USB design. It’s a 2-channel digital scope, AC DMM and frequency counter, plus a 2-channel audio signal/ function/ waveform generator – six useful instruments in one.

Compatible with Windows-based Virtual Instrument software such as Virtins Mi 3.2 (standard and Pro versions, see our separate review this month). A single p.c.b. carries all components in a sturdy diecast box. High quality design for the experienced constructor.

SMD components – good soldering skills are necessary.

ClassiC-D Amplifier (Part 2)

Building the CLASSiC-D Amplifier – constructional details of the world’s first DIY high-power high-performance Class-D amplifier: 250W into 4 ohms, 150W into 8 ohms

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We also describe the loudspeaker protector board, power supply assembly and test procedures for the completed modules and show how to connect for mono, stereo or bridge modes.

SMD components – good soldering skills are necessary.

Teach-In 2014 Raspberry Pi – Part 3

The Raspberry Pi board has now sold over two million units and has been an amazing success story. This month our Teach-In Pi experts delve more deeply into the practical aspects of connecting a Pi to the outside world, including the GPIO library module. More Python Quickstart hints and tips are provided along with suggestions for further reading. An absolute must-read for Raspberry Pi fans everywhere!

Virtins Technology Multi-instrument 3.2 review

Here’s a run-down on a powerful software package that will let you use it as a 2-channel audios cope combined with a powerful spectrum analyser, 2-ch audio signal/ function generator and an audio DMM which even includes a frequency counter!

Read more about Virtins Technology Multi-instrument 3.2 in this review.

PIC n’ MIX

It’s “welcome back” to Mike Hibbett’s expertly-written column dedicated to PICmicro enthusiasts.  Mike continues his quest for a low-cost, low power PIC development board bringing us up to date with progress so far.

Circuit Surgery

Our in-house surgeon continues with Part 3 of his mini-series on mastering rotary encoders, including how to handle and clean up non-ideal signals.

Also in this issue:

• Interface for PC enthusiasts – Our Interface instructor offers an 8-bit ADC for the Raspberry Pi.
• Net Work – the Internet column – a round-up of the latest Google apps and using Google Voice Search on a Windows PC.
• Max’s Cool Beans Blog – Max discovers 507 Mechanical Movements from the 19th Century that are still as good today! A Solidoodle 3D printer also arrives in Max’s worklab.
• TechnoTalk blows the whistle on hi-fi accessory tomfoolery.
• Editorial, adverts, readers’ letters and more, all in the #1  UK Magazine for electronics technology and computer projects.