Everything for Electronics

Microcontrollers

Driving LEDs with a Microcontroller

Typically, one of the first experiments people do when working with microcontrollers is to blink an LED. However, the thrill of this wears out pretty quickly, so let’s see what else can be done.

Toss the Toggle

Most electronic devices today have a single button you push to turn them on and off. Think of your cell phone, laptop, and even your TV. There is no toggle to flip, no knob to turn back and forth, nor slide switch to move. So, how do you get one of these power buttons into your project so your latest gadget can sit next to your other devices without the embarrassment of a toggle or slide switch?

A Unique LED Clock

Just when you thought there were no more cool electronic clocks to build, this Arduino-controlled version showed up.

Build the CHROMATICON

Want to be sure you’re playing musical chords correctly? This unit will tell you if you are and display a light show in the process. I stumbled upon this circuit while trying to design a custom frequency tuner for my guitar and is hands down the best sound to light device you could ever build.

Build the LED Matrix Game Player

Those 8 x 8 matrix displays are good for more than just making scrolling signs. With a little imagination and a whole lot of extra time on your hands, you can actually use them to create simple yet amazing little action games. If the game is interesting enough, at some point you stop noticing that it is taking place on a field of only 64 LEDS. The only thing that matters is victory.

Turn your Raspberry Pi into a remote-controllable Internet radio/music file player

Now, while I’m sitting in my favorite chair, I can listen to Internet radio stations or play artists, albums, or individual songs from a Flash drive plugged into my Raspberry Pi. Get step-by-step instructions on how to turn your RPi into a remote-controllable Internet radio/music file player.

Raspberry Pi, Anyone?

The Raspberry Pi represents a breakthrough in low cost computing power. Get a piece of this popular DIY action by learning how to cook up your own RPi to start experimenting with.

Steampunk Planetarium Clock

This unique timekeeper will have you seeing stars ... even the same skies the Spanish missionaries observed back in the 1600s!

Build the 3D LED Matrix Cube

This article shows you how to build a really cool 3D cube with a 4 x 4 x 4 monochromatic LED matrix which has a total of 64 LEDs.

Computer Controlled Air/Steam Engine

This alternative energy project is two-fold. First, convert a two-cycle engine to run on pressure (air/steam). Then, create a control system to optimize engine performance. This project is very easily reproduced by any experimenter with average mechanical skills; the controller is an easy breadboard; and — best of all — it’s cheap and green!