Practical Electronics Magazine Aug-21 Back Issue

Projects, projects, projects…
We have a pleasingly eclectic collection of projects for you this
month. First up is the Ol’ Timer, an intriguing take on a digital
clock that manages to tell the time without numbers or hands.
A nice design bonus is the clever capacitive-touch technology
built into its PCB in place of push buttons. We first covered this
last month (see: ATtiny816 Breakout and Development Board
with Capacitive Touch). It’s a handy technology that could be
transferred to many other projects. Why not give it a try?
Next, for all you RF fans, we have a Low-cost, Wideband Digital
RF Power Meter that uses some cheap pre-built modules that
when assembled produce an excellent piece of instrumentation –
thoroughly recommended!
Is there any one of us who hasn’t used at least one 78xx linear
regulator? For decades, their simplicity and reliability have made
them the go-to solution for quick and easy regulated power supply
construction. They do have one major problem though – they can
be inefficient. Now, though, that is a problem of the past thanks to
the Switch-mode Replacement for 78xx Regulators; a brilliant little
design that enables you to build a drop-in replacement for 78xx
regulators with a much more efficient switcher.
PCBs back in stock!
Recently, we’ve had a couple of minor problems with PCB
deliveries that unfortunately turned into rather a long delay – so,
apologies to everyone who’s had to wait for July’s boards. We’ve
also stocked up on some older projects that had run low or even
reduced to zero. So, if you’ve been disappointed recently when
looking for a particular project’s PCB then do try again, almost
everything from the last five years is now in the shop.
One other shop reminder – don’t forget that for all your Audio Out
requirements Jake Rothman is now running the ‘Audio Out Shop’.
See page 5 for hard-to-find goodies at great prices.