Compact Hybrid SwitchMode 100W Bench Supply (Pt 1)

 

This very compact bench PSU offers 0-40V up to 5A with fast and accurate current limiting. It has a 3½ digit 7-segment LED readout of current and voltage. It can be powered from any 12-24V DC supply such as a PC or laptop power supply or lead acid battery. A combination of switchmode and linear circuitry offers the added benefits of good regulation and low residual noise.

 

The switchmode circuitry is described this month, with more circuit and construction details in the October 2016 issue.

 

Speedo Corrector (Mk. 3)

If you've swapped your car’s instrument panel, gearbox or differential  with one from a different vehicle, then your speedo and odometer may no longer be correct. The same is true if you have fitted wheels or tyres with a different overall diameter. This Speedo Corrector project for electronic speedometers and tachometers is microcontroller based and it takes the digital speedo/ tacho signal and multiplies it up or down according to a trimpot setting, allowing you to correct the reading.

 

12 or 24V operation, built-in adjustment to compensate for speedo lag. PIC16F88 based, with source code downloadable from our Library.

 

Note the warnings in the article about disassembling the steering wheel section which may affect your airbag.

 

LED Party Strobe (Mk. II)

A brilliantly simple design based upon a 230V 30W LED floodlight which can be sourced cheaply online.

 

It uses a MOSFET driver to flash a cheap LED floodlight at up to approx 18 Hz or so (variable). This article describes full construction along with some interesting info on LED arrays.

 

Introducing the Arduino

Part 8 : IR remote control

Our Arduino experts continue with their infra-red control theme by investigating means of adding IR remote control to Arduino Uno and Nano projects. IR transmitters and receivers are explored and we get to grips with the IR code library. Lastly, a multi-channel IR remote control system is described that allows you to control heating, lighting and a host of other gadgets from your armchair.

 

Also in this issue:

• Techno Talk – the science behind LoRa, and utility meter radio communications and eco-powering them
• Net Work – second part of a special feature charting the evolution of the Internet over the past 50 years
• Circuit Surgery – our in-house surgeon tackles the thorny aspects of a.c. bias and MLCCs (multilayer ceramic capacitors).
• PIC n MIX – continuing with our beginner’s guide to PIC microcontrollers, looking into more code basics and some simple applications for novice programmers. Everything you need to get started in PIC microcontrollers is here, so don’t miss out on this great tutorial series!
• Audio Out – our hands-on audiophile offers a retro amp-speaker combo (Part 3)
• Max’s Hot Beans – Max builds a super-PC for VR gaming with the Oculus Rift

 

In next month’s issue:

Arduino-based USB electrocardiogram with datalogger; Compact Hybrid SwitchMode 100W Bench Supply (Part 2), 5-Element Yagi Antenna; Teach-In 2016 (Part 9): connecting Arduino to a LAN and the Internet.

 

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 [Speedo Corrector] 0916.zip

 

Download Help

 

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

 

The September 2006 issue had a Smart Mixture Display for cars; low-cost 50MHz Frequency Meter; a range of DIY LED torches; a remote Water Level Gauge.

 

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.