1 Jul, 2012

4 Jul, 2012

If you're in NSW, you may have seen those "check speed" signs with flashing lights mounted near the large "school zone" signs which mark the areas around schools where children will be present before and after school. They're the result of a lot of political pressure - and heartache - by Peter Olsen over the past six years. Of particular interest to SILICON CHIP, they're powered by PICAXE microcontrollers.

5 Jul, 2012

Stop that dangerous kick-back...

7 Jul, 2012

Many homes have had solar panels installed over the last few years, usually ranging from about 1.5kW up to 4kW. But how safe are they, especially if they have been installed in a rush to meet subsidy deadlines?

9 Jul, 2012

Most readers will have heard of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project which SILICON CHIP reported on in the December 2011 issue. It was supposed to be a bidding contest between Australia and South Africa. In simple terms, South Africa won and we lost. But that's not the end of the story.

11 Jul, 2012

Letters and emails should contain complete name, address and daytime phone number. Letters to the Editor are submitted on the condition that Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd may edit and has the right to reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters. This also applies to submissions to "Ask SILICON CHIP" and "Circuit Notebook".

13 Jul, 2012

Last month, we introduced our new Wideband Oxygen Sensor Controller Mk.2 and described the circuit. This month, we give the circuit for the display unit and the full construction details.

15 Jul, 2012

A powerful 8-bit USB-capable microcontroller board the size of a flash drive! And our publisher was so chuffed that they'd name a board after him...

17 Jul, 2012

Most DCC base stations have puny current capabilities which are exposed if you want to run more than a few locos and peripherals on your model railway layout. Problem is, DCC boosters are expensive, with a well-known 5A booster costing over $200. Problem no longer; build this 10A beauty at a fraction of the cost.

19 Jul, 2012

Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.

21 Jul, 2012

Did you know that you can convert the flea-power motors from old CD or DVD-ROM drives to high-power operation - eg, for model aircraft or other demanding uses? While it may seem improbable it is relatively easy to do, the main change being to fit Neodymium 'Rare Earth' magnets. Oh, you also need to find some suitable motors.

25 Jul, 2012

Got a technical problem? Can't understand a piece of jargon or some technical principle? Drop us a line and we'll answer your question. Write to: Ask Silicon Chip, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097 or send an email to silicon@siliconchip.com.au

27 Jul, 2012

Built in Australia more than 50 years ago, this AWA 157P 7-transistor radio is still in good condition and required only a few minor repairs to restore it to working order. It's built like a valve receiver, with point-to-point wiring and no printed circuit board.

29 Jul, 2012

When breadboarding or prototyping, sometimes you need to experiment with a capacitor value. Substituting a range of different capacitors can be a bit tedious. What you need is a capacitance decade box, which makes it easy to find the right value for your circuit.