Universal Temperature Alarm

This compact and handy alarm can monitor the operating temperature in a variety of applications and is ideal for eg tropical aquaria, home brewing, fridge freezer, domestic hot water systems and more. Based on the classic LM335Z temperature sensor, it acts as an over- or under-alarm and monitors a temperature range -33°C to +125°C.  On-board piezo disc alarm sounder. A straightforward double-sided PCB with discrete components make this project easy to build. 9V-12V power supply required. Full details of an aquarium temperature probe are included.

 

Touchscreen Appliance Energy Meter (Part 2)

 

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE – PLEASE TAKE NOTE

Since Part One was published last month, a minor change to the circuitry has been made. We added a 100nF capacitor between the earth (ground) terminal on CON8 and the VREF (pin 10) of IC2.We now only supply the RevI PCB (see this issue, page 21) which uses an ACS718 (SOIC-16, IC4) and one extra 1nF 0805 SMD capacitor. This is needed as the previous ACS712 current sensor, shown on the original circuit diagram last month, had insufficient reinforced voltage rating for double-insulated use. Consequently, also please note a slightly amended circuit schematic which is downloadable below.

 

Energy Meter Circuit Diagram Revision (PDF)

This sophisticated appliance meter incorporates a 2.8” touch screen to display energy usage data, running costs, graphical displays and data logging. In Part Two this month we cover the process of building the PCBs and assembling the whole unit, as well as describing some of the interesting features of the meter’s software.

 

• Jim Hiley’s Windows/ Linux MMEdit (DonationWare) is available at www.c-com.com.au/MMedit.htm

‘Banggood’ DSO138 LCD ‘scope kit

 

 

We’ve looked at some very cheap electronics modules from China recently, but the one reviewed here brings you a real, working, digital sampling oscilloscope in a kit for just £24! It’s from Chinese vendor Banggood and we describe what’s involved in assembling and using this value for money kit.

 

Power supply for battery-operated valve (vacuum tube) radios

 

Batteries for vintage radios can be hard to get and expensive, so this mains power supply design could be the ideal solution for vintage radio enthusiasts.  Offers 90V and 135V and A & C rails as well.

 

Using Cheap Asian Electronics Modules (Part 8)

This month’s peek at cheap and cheerful Far Eastern modules looks at two battery controllers, one suited for Li-Ion cells and another designed for Lithium-Ion Polymer cells.

 

PIC n MIX

Our PIC expert Mike O’Keefe returns from a break and straight away delves into Microchip’s latest offering, the PICkit 4. Mike takes one apart and explains what advancements the PIC enthusiast can hope to see.

 

Audio Out - Analogue Synthesis (Part 1)

Analogue lives! Our in-house analogue audio expert delves deep (and we mean deep!) into the world of analogue synthesisers.

 

This month we offer you a fascinating and well-illustrated introduction to generating audio signals, including the latest version of the classic Dubreq Gen X-1 Stylophone!  If you love synthesisers or want to delve into the circuitry behind them, don’t miss this mammoth series in Audio Out, starting this month.

CORRECTION – Please Take Note – a revised Fig 5 of Part 1, with correct TL431 pinouts is shown below.

 

 

 Also in this issue:

• Circuit Surgery offers a full primer on the theory of summing differentiator circuits
• Lucy’s Lab – our brand new column for makers and hobbyists offers some great hints and tips for soldering components together
• Techno Talk  relates the latest news of electronics aids for automotive applications
• Electronics Building Blocks – ideas for a low cost key-fob controlled remote control
• Net Work - the Internet column - more on the GDPR, Eudora lives again, Pinterest.

 

Next month

Touchscreen Energy Meter for Appliances (Part 3); Dead-easy Superhet IF Alignment using Direct Digital Synthesis; 3-Way Fully Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover for Loudspeakers; Ultra-Low-Voltage MINI LED Flasher; Low-cost Electronic Modules (Part 9) - Using an AD9850 based circuit.

 

Contents may be subject to change.

 

EPE is packed with practical electronics projects and theory for the hobbyist. You can order a printed copy of EPE for delivery to your door (worldwide), or try the PDF Version (needs Adobe Reader for Windows), or the Pocketmags for your mobile device. Subscribe now!

 

 

Source code file 0818.zip

(Appliance Meter case artwork and firmware)

 

Energy Meter Circuit Diagram Revision (PDF)

 

• The Silicon Chip USB Serial Port Driver for legacy PC systems can be downloaded from here

 

Download Help

 

Can't find what you're looking for? Our Library Help Page offers extensive information and help with downloading files.

 

The August 2008 issue had a Four Channel A/V Selector, a thermostatic switch, a DC Relay Switch and a Main Monitor.

 

Sadly the Mains Monitor was the last constructional project to be designed by our Technical Editor John Becker before he passed away. A tribute was paid in the September 09 issue of EPE Magazine. ARW

 

 

PCB artwork

 

As from July 2013 issue PCB artwork is available free to subscribers only.

 

Non-subscribers may purchase artwork files for a nominal sum. Please contact our Orders Dept for information or to place an order.

 

EPE Printed Circuit Boards

 

We can supply ready-made printed circuit boards (8-digit order codes) to the original design specification via mail order or from our Online Shop.