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Contents Vol.37, No.09 September 2024 16 Energy Harvesting Page 16 Image source: Tex Energy Energy harvesting is the process of obtaining small amounts of energy from the environment. While this type of power generation is not always cost-effective, it is useful for powering small devices away from the grid. By Dr David Maddison, VK3DSM Off-grid energy 29 Exteek C28 transmitter/receiver This device acts as an audio transmitter or receiver over Bluetooth. It uses a 3.5mm jack and works great with headphones, amplifiers or even in a car. Review by Allan Linton-Smith Bluetooth audio 48 Mains Earthing Systems We take a look at the different Earthing systems that are used worldwide and describe how they work. By Brandon Speedie Mains power Unconventional Power Generation upgrade your instrument with these Electric & Bass Guitar Pickguards 71 Electronics Manufacturing in Oz Continuing the tale of the long history of electronics manufacturing in Australia, from the 1930s to its pseudo-demise in the 1970s. Part 2 by Kevin Poulter Historical feature 32 Compact OLED Clock/Timer This portable and rechargeable device combines a clock, timer and stopwatch into a single unit. It can display different time zones, and uses an internal crystal plus WiFi time source to make sure it is always accurate. By Tim Blythman Timekeeping project 52 Pico Mixed-Signal Analyser Our USB PicoMSA monitors and decodes serial buses and other logic signals in an inexpensive package. It uses a single Raspberry Pi Pico and features up to 20 protected digital inputs with three protected analog inputs. By Richard Palmer Test instrument project 66 Jaycar-sponsored Mini Projects This month, we have an IR helper that can help reduce the number of IR remote controls you need to juggle. Next, we have a circuit that demonstrates RGB LED colour shifting using no ICs. By Tim Blythman Mini projects 78 Discrete Ideal Bridge Rectifiers Providing active rectification of a centre-tapped transformer or combining two DC supplies are just two very handy features of these Bridge Rectifiers, which have maximum ratings of 80V and 10A. By Phil Prosser & Ian Ashford Power supply project 86 Electric Guitar Pickguards These PCBs suit many popular models of electric & bass guitars, offering advanced features and a cool aesthetic. By Brandon Speedie Musical instrument project Starting on Page 86 2 Editorial Viewpoint 5 Mailbag 15 Subscriptions 45 Circuit Notebook 96 Serviceman’s Log 102 Vintage Radio 107 Online Shop 108 Ask Silicon Chip 111 Market Centre 112 Advertising Index 112 Notes & Errata 1. Power control for a dashcam 2. Ball maze game Stromberg-Carlson “Air Hostess” model 4A19 by Graham Parslow