PICRONOS
(Part 1) - A giant-size 250mm diameter LED clock with a difference
- it uses an inner ring of 60 l.e.d.s displaying both seconds and minutes,
an outer ring of 12 l.e.d.s displaying hours, plus an inner zone of 100
l.e.d.s in 7-segment style, giving time, month, days and temperature.
PIC 16F877 based design, mains-adaptor powered, battery backup. Free PICmicro
source code available from our FTP download site. Large p.c.b. aids construction.
In July
2003 issue (p. 503) we said that Fig. 5, IC5 pins 1 and 9 should be
connected to the +5V line,not 0V. The p.c.b. is correct.
EPE
PIC Tutorial Version 2 (Part 3). The final part of our free PICmicro
tutorial series, simply the easiest low-cost way to learn about these devices.
Also includes a brief look at some advanced concepts and two other PICmicro
families. If you want to get to grips with PIC micros, this is the series
for you! Back issues are available from our Online Shop. 
Practical
Radio Circuits - Part 1. The start of a brand new series introducing
the principles of radio. The series features a variety of practical circuits
for the set builder and experimenter. In Part One we offer an introduction
to radio waves, and suggest three projects for you to build: a simple
crystal set, a single i.c. radio receiver based on the MK484 (was, ZN414),
and a headphone amplifier.
This practical series is specially written to dispel the mysteries of radio and will be of interest to novices and experienced constructors everywhere.
Back
to Basics (Part 5) - Mini Theremin - our Back-to-Basics transistor
series concludes with a simple Theremin design, a mini musical instrument
that is played by placing a hand near to an aerial/ antenna plate.
Back to Basics
(Part 5) - Twilight Switch -switches on a low power lamp at dusk and
off again at dawn. Many uses as an automatic light-sensitive switch. Optional
triac or relay output for controlling a mains load.
"FIDO"
Pedometer. A novel design that keeps track of how far you have walked!
PIC 16F84 design, works in miles or kilometres. Reasonable accuracy of
distance is provided by detecting and counting the number of strides.
It can record the distance traversed and also calculate average speed.
The unit isworn around the left upper calf, and two mercury switches detect
correct leg motion.