Projects in the January
2004 issue of EPE Magazine |
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Car Computer
- Our PIC 16F877 microcontroller-powered project automatically calculates
MPG (miles per UK gallon) or by KM per litre. Apart from monitoring fuel
consumption, our Car Computer lets you log 'service intervals', as the
project can be configured to track elapsed time and distance, and prompt
you at the appropriate moment. These service points can be entered directly
into the keypad or downloaded via your PC.Also functions correctly with
US gallons.
![](img/00_picmicro_button.gif)
It is not necessary to install it into the vehicle's electrics, as the
motorist simply enters the present mileometer reading into the Car Computer
using the keypad. Works in stand alone mode or can connect through a serial
interface to a PC.
PLEASE
TAKE NOTE: a revised version of the software was placed in our Downloads
area to fix a minor display bug.
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Bedside
Nightlight -
A two-in-one design that will bring 'comfort and joy' to your youngster's
room. Part of our 'Top Tenner' projects that can be built for less than
Ten Pounds ($15). Features a safe, low voltage bulb driver circuit that
dims gently, coupled to an optional sound-sensitive trigger circuit. Battery
operated, no mains voltages are present.
![](img/00ideal-ffccff.gif)
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PIC Watering
Timer - keep your plants in pristine condition, with our PIC 16F84A
project which controls a motorised valve, in order to provide an automatic
low pressure watering system for a greenhouse or garden.
![](img/00_picmicro_button.gif)
![](img/pic-watering-timer2.jpg)
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Practical
Radio Circuits (Part 8). The Superhet: Prescaler, Mixers and Oscillators.
Concluding our highly acclaimed series of radio circuits for the set-builder
and experimenter, we present a double-conversion superhet for the Short
Wave bands. A Dual-Conversion SW Receiver is described, plus a signal
strength meter and a BFO (beat frequency oscillator) product detector
circuit.
There is probably nothing more satisfying to the radio hobbyist than
listening to live radio broadcasts on a home-built receiver. This top
quality series (please check our Online Shop for back issues) describes
in complete detail a variety of practical radio circuits, also detailing
the theory of operation and many fundamental radio principles. The series
is fully illustrated and photographed in detail. We don't think you'll
find a better introduction to radio project building anywhere!
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Teach-In
2004 (Part 3) - Experimenting with op.amps. Operational amplifiers
(op.amps) are simple integrated circuits that form a fundamental building
block used in many areas of electronics. Our Teach-In series helps beginners
to use them in a number of practical demonstrations. Using solderless
breadboard prototyping systems and a selection of low cost components,
you'll see how op.amps can be used to form useful systems or building
blocks.
If you're just starting out in electronics, then Teach-In 2004 is for
you. Don't miss this important educational series - back issues are available
from our Online Shop.
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GPS to
PIC and PC interfacing
How to extract data from a GPS handset and use it in your PIC microcontroller
circuitry and Visual Basic 6 programs.
Also in the January 2004 issue:
TechnoTalk: speculating on the future of television services; Ingenuity
Unlimited (readers' own circuits). New Technology Update - how IntelliFET
devices improve power supply protection, and new fuel cell developments.
Net Work, our Internet column, explains the usefullness of newsgroups
and suggests alternatives to the Google search engine. Circuit Surgery
- defining source and sink currents. MOSFETs in linear mode, and an electric
meter that offers voltage, frequency, true rms readings and more.
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