Shift Registers - An introduction (20-Sept-2013)
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This brief article (available as a PDF download) contains an introduction to shift registers and gives a working example of controlling long chains of seven segment LED display digits.
The .ZIP file below contains the AMICUS18 BASIC Source code and a .HEX file that can be used to program the PIC18F25K22 PIC. The two images below show the simple hardware running 24 LED digits (I ran out of displays to make the chain any longer) but fiddled the hardware so it thought the chain was 255 digits long, and it worked fine. 20th Sept... Opps... I've now uploaded the correct PDF file. 
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Power Supplies (03-Jan-2013)
Here you will find articles and information on power supplies. How they work, problems you may encounter and details on how to build your own.
I've justed added a section that covers linear voltage regulators.
I've justed added a section that covers linear voltage regulators.
Making Double-Sided Circuit Boards (13-Nov-2011)
I've added some notes here on making double-sided PCB's that seems to work rather well.
Making Printed Circuit Boards (04-Apr-2011)
Making PCB’s (Printed Circuit Boards) isn’t overly difficult for the hobbyist if you’ve got the right equipment and skills, but there are some pitfalls for the uninitiated and in this article were going to try and explain some of them.
Were going to explore a traditional technique for producing good quality single-sided PCBs and also look at alternatives for some of the more expensive items of equipment that are required. It should be stressed that there are several methods that can be used for making PCB’s, but this article will only focus on one of them specifically; making single-sided boards using UV light exposure.
Were going to explore a traditional technique for producing good quality single-sided PCBs and also look at alternatives for some of the more expensive items of equipment that are required. It should be stressed that there are several methods that can be used for making PCB’s, but this article will only focus on one of them specifically; making single-sided boards using UV light exposure.
SMD Soldering (Updated 9-Mar-2013)
Soldering SMD (Surface Mount Device) components is a great way to induce a mild panic attack in people that have never tried this before. With mental images of components too small to see or handle, the engineer can be filled with apprehension at just the thought of it and so never reaps the benefits that SMD has to offer.
I've included a short video clip showing how to solder a resistor.
I've included a short video clip showing how to solder a resistor.
