Construction Projects
Binary Clock (3-January-2014) Intermediate Difficulty
|
This is an upgrade to the LED clock published on the 19th October 2013. It uses exactly the same controller but has a different display and replacement software for the controller.
|
LED Clock. (19-October-2013) Intermediate Difficulty
|
A simple PIC based LED clock project that would be ideal as either a stand-alone clock in it's own right, or used as the basis for experimentation into other clock designs.
Complete with full construction details, source code and PCB layouts. 25th October 2013 I've updated this project to make better use of the free I/O pins as I will be using the controller board as the basis for other projects in the future. |
Bench Audio Amplifier. (28-March-2013) Intermediate Difficulty
|
This is a simple audio amplifier project suitable for the workbench. It has it's own internal mains PSU but this can be substituted for an external PSU for those constructions not comfortable working with mains electricity. It provides a pre-amplifier module, three-band equiliser and has output short-circuit and thermal protection.
|
Over-Temperature Alarm. (18-Sept-2012) Medium Difficulty
|
This project was built to monitor the temperature of one of our computer rooms at work that has rather temperamental air-conditioning. The maximum temperature can be set, and if this is exceeded an alarm is activated. The unit gives a continuous display of current temperature and it’s possible for the constructor to change the device program firmware or display board.
|
Breadboard Pluggable 5v regulated PSU board. (15-Jan-2012) Beginner Friendly
|
Here you will find complete construction details including circuit diagrams and PCB layout for a breadboard plug-in module that converts a standard mains plug-in transformer to a +5v regulated PSU suitable for powering TTL/CMOS, microprocessor and other projects.
|
PIC Digital Thermometer & Clock (3-Sept-2011) Medium Difficulty (UPDATED)
|
Using a PIC and handful of other components, this project is a simple digital thermometer and clock that is designed to use some large LED displays to display temperatures from -55 to + 125 degrees C from up to two temperature sensors, and has an optional on-board real-time-clock.
Included are pictures of the prototype and finished project, construction notes (PDF document), source code, PIC .HEX file and PCB art-work. All can be downloaded. 
This project was recently updated with new firmware that should help make the display brighter, reduce flicker, and re-arranged internally to allow easier changes to be made by the constructor if required. You must also ONLY use DS18B20 temperature sensor ICs and NOT the DS1820 variants. A further update now allows support for the must more accurate DS3231 RTC.
|
A simple FM transmitter (04-Apr-2011) Beginner Friendly
This article shows you how to build a very simple FM transmitter from thirteen components, one of these you make yourself, a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and a 9v battery.
It should be mentioned that this unit will be illegal in some countries as it transmits on the FM band anywhere from around 70 to 180MHz, however, it puts out very little RF power and shouldn’t really interfere with anything or anybody.
It should be mentioned that this unit will be illegal in some countries as it transmits on the FM band anywhere from around 70 to 180MHz, however, it puts out very little RF power and shouldn’t really interfere with anything or anybody.
LED UV Exposure Unit (04-Apr-2011) Beginner Friendly
Making Printed Circuit Boards (PCB’s) is a fairly simple process if you have the correct tools, however by far the most expensive item that is required is the Ultra Violet (UV) exposure unit and even a small basic unit can very expensive to buy.
Described here is the basis for a UV expose unit that does not need mains voltages and can be built for around £15 if you do some shopping around for the parts.
Described here is the basis for a UV expose unit that does not need mains voltages and can be built for around £15 if you do some shopping around for the parts.