Contents
Vol.35, No.1
January 2022
12 All About Batteries – Part 1
24
Life without batteries would be unthinkable. We’d be stuck with fixed
phones, non-portable computers, and have to crank-start cars. This series
covers everything you need to know about batteries.
By Dr David Maddison
Science
37 Dick Smith Autobiography
Dick Smith – businessman, adventurer, publicity stunt creator, publisher,
food brand, environmentalist and great promoter of Australia. His new
autobiography is a great read for just about anyone.
By Nicholas Vinen
Book review
64
38 Solar Power with Batteries
After collecting data on my solar panels over their lifetime I wanted to see
whether adding batteries to my system would be worthwhile, what type I
should use and how large it should be.
By Dr Alan R. Wilson
96
72 LTDZ Spectrum Analyser
Geekcreit’s low-cost LTDZ V5.0 spectrum analyser can perform analysis over
the range of 35MHz to 4.4GHz. It’s controlled from a PC via USB, and includes
a tracking generator, RF amplifier and more.
By Jim Rowe
Low-cost electronic modules
24 Two Classic LED Metronomes
These two metronomes, one with eight LEDs and the other with 10 LEDs,
simulate the classic pendulum design, with a pointer swinging left-and-right.
They are great projects for beginners due to not requiring any programming.
By Randy Keenan
Musical project
46 Multi-Channel Speaker Protector
This compact Speaker Protector works with up to six amplifier modules and
can operate from the same supply (up to ±40V DC). It perfectly suits the
Hummingbird Amplifier module described last month.
By Phil Prosser
Audio project
64 The PicoMite
The PicoMite is a BASIC interpreter running on the Raspberry Pi Pico
(MMBasic, in fact). It can be easily connected to a variety of displays,
including OLED and e-Ink panels, with extensive support for other peripherals.
By Geoff Graham & Peter Mather
Raspberry Pi project
96 Remote Control Range Extender
Converting your remote control from infrared to UHF will bring its working
range up to 25m with this project! All you need to do is build these two boards,
one goes near the receiving device and the other fits inside the remote.
By John Clarke
Remote control project
2
Editorial Viewpoint
4
Mailbag
11
Subscriptions
52
Product Showcase
61
Circuit Notebook
78
Vintage Radio
89
1. Conway’s Game of Life on Micromite
2. PCB joiner for the MIDI Keyboard
3. Compact reed relay module
The Mysterious Mickey Oz by Ian Batty
Serviceman’s Log
106
Online Shop
108
Ask Silicon Chip
111
Market Centre
112
Advertising Index
112
Notes & Errata
