1 Oct, 2012

3 Oct, 2012

In August, we looked at the burgeoning field of multi-rotor RPAs and SGMAs. But long before multi-rotor aircraft had enough computer grunt to actually keep them in the air, conventional (ie, fixed-wing) electric-powered model aircraft were being flown by radio control.

5 Oct, 2012

Ever had that sinking feeling when a hard disk drives fails and you haven't backed up critical data? Or have you accidentally deleted one or more important files? Retrieving your data depends on the nature of the problem and the experience of the person doing the recovery.

10 Oct, 2012

If you believe the conspiracy theorists, HAARP is a "death ray", it can cause earthquakes, control weather, bring down aircraft . . . even cause buildings to disintegrate. But as we shall see, HAARP, the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program facility in Alaska is a highly useful and promising research centre.

10 Oct, 2012

Now you can have a kaleidoscope of colour which continually changes in time to music. This consists of 16 strings of LEDs which are individually controlled by 16 frequency bands. Louder signals in each of those bands means that the respective LED string will be brighter. Use it for a Christmas light show, a disco or just for fun when playing music.

11 Oct, 2012

Another project for DCC Model Railway enthusiasts...

13 Oct, 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.

17 Oct, 2012

This portable/hand-held instrument can run from mains or for up to four hours on an optional Lithium-ion battery. It has multiple measurement modes, USB flash drive support, PC connectivity (also USB) and an automatic signal finder mode. Its average noise level is -127dBm.

17 Oct, 2012

Do you have a miscreant "puddy-tat" that likes to jump on kitchen benches (or worse)? It can be a real problem, especially at night when no-one is looking. The Nick-Off Cat Deterrent (aka the Ted-Off) is the perfect solution. It uses an infrared sensor to detect said cat and triggers an answering machine to play back simulated, demented barking. It also lights two white LEDs which form the eyes of an angry dog.

19 Oct, 2012

It's not common to see two sets that look almost identical on the outside but which are completely different on the inside. Such is the case with the Philips BX462A (Dutch) and 115 (Australian) receivers. In fact, the closer one looks at the chassis of these two sets, the more the differences become apparent.

21 Oct, 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".

24 Oct, 2012

Building the unit and using its new sound & colour features

25 Oct, 2012

Don't waste time going to the start button; just instantly press the button on a hand-held remote to trigger the unit and shut the mutt up.

27 Oct, 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