Introduction

The first issue of Nuts & Volts was published in 1980.  It was originally designed as a newsprint, all-advertising publication that was mostly given away.  Over the next few years, the magazine continued to grow in readership and advertising, however, not much changed until February 1992 when Nuts & Volts was changed to a tabloid format and started to make the shift to a more content-oriented publication.  New editorial features were added along with monthly columns and projects for electronics DIYers.  Since then, it has grown into one of the most popular and relevant magazines for the electronics hobbyist in the nation.  Beginning with the January 2003 issue, Nuts & Volts was reformatted from a tabloid size back to a standard magazine size.  Nuts & Volts now averages about 100 pages and is printed on high-quality paper in full color.

Nuts & Volts is the leading magazine for those seriously interested in electronics.  There now remain only a handful of magazines written for the electronics community with Nuts & Volts being the highest readership, longest running electronics publication left in the U.S. today.  And we still have readers and advertisers that have been with us since the early 1980s.

Nuts & Volts Magazine is a very unique electronics publication.  Designed for the hobbyist, each issue is filled with valuable parts & equipment resources, as well as hard-to-find info on topics of interest to the electronics enthusiast.  Articles on amateur radio, cellular communications, scanning, computers, amateur robotics, lasers, and more along with build-it-yourself electronics projects are just some of the exciting features you will find each month.

Columns

Amateur Robotics - Karl Lunt  Covers all aspects of robotic design, construction, components, modifications, programming, as well as other peripheral topics.  Karl is actively involved with the Seattle Robotics Society and participates in contests and other robotic events held throughout the year.  Information and techniques featured here are regular topics of discussion on the Internet and other robotics forums.

Open Channel - Joe Carr  Covers any and all aspects of RF communications.  Past topics have included Radio Pirates, AM Band Expansion, Satellite Signals from Space, Shortwave Outlaws, Antenna Construction, Scanner-Related Topics, Radio Astronomy, and much more!

Resource Bin - Don Lancaster  Don's topical insights and opinions on virtually any electronics-related resource.  Past columns have covered Home Automation, Test Equipment, Alarm & Security, Automotive Electronics, Desktop Publishing, Electronic Music, and more.  Don always includes an extensive sidebar to put his vast database of resources at your fingertips.

Software Wizardry - Harry Helms  As DOS-based programs are quickly phasing out and being replaced by graphical environments and multimedia CD-ROMs, this column covers development, tools, and techniques for creating your own Windows-based commercial software.

Stamp Applications - Scott Edwards  "Putting the Spotlight on BASIC Stamp Projects, Hints, and Tips."  Each month, Scott brings us innovative Stamp accessories, projects, tips, and insight into this very popular microcontroller.  Scott also creates his own brand of interesting electronic kits which are spotlighted regularly as feature articles in this and other major publications.

The Laser Experimenter - Anthony Charlton  This column covers just what its title implies.  Experimenting with lasers, building laser power supplies, how different types of lasers work, sources for parts, interesting applications such as laser surveillance, measuring distance, and anything else conceivable!

The Solderless Breadbox - Don Wilcher  Electronic Sensor ICs for building temperature controllers, Light and Photometry, Optical ICs, Strain Gauges and Instrumentation Amplifiers are all examples of topics that have been covered.  This column is geared toward the beginner and attempts to explain the function of popular electronic components and circuits.  Sample circuits are given for additional reader experimentation.

Full Duplex - Damien Thorn  This column is usually interactive, where Damien answers reader questions regarding cellular telephone technology, the phone company, computers, and other topics.  Cell phone cloning, phone company services such as Caller ID, scanners, etc., have all been covered.  Damien also reviews popular equipment and accessories from companies such as Optoelectronics.

Features & Information

Tech Forum  A reader-to-reader technical question and answer forum.  Questions of all types including circuit design, locating specific components, explanations of technologies, etc., are all covered by the vast knowledge and experience of our readership.

Events Calendar  Attending hamfests, electronic swapmeets, and computer shows has become very popular in recent times.  Our events calendar is the largest of its kind (that we know of) listing the dates and locations of these types of events.  A typical calendar would include over 250 listings!

Feature Articles  Past articles have included offerings on Printed Circuit Board Prototyping, the Global Positioning System, Amateur Radio Topics, Electric Car Conversion, the Internet, Audio-animatronics, Virtual Reality, PLUS Software Reviews and all types of Build-It-Yourself Electronic Projects.

New Product News  Each month, we receive dozens of news releases from companies announcing their latest and greatest new products, upgrades to old products, new technologies, and whatever information you need to stay on the cutting edge.

Advertising  It's been said that one of the most interesting things to read in Nuts & Volts is the ads.  Our classified ad base consists of literally hundreds of ads.  You are guaranteed to find interesting, hard-to-find, unusual, sometimes "borderline" items here that you just won't see anywhere else.

• 1992
• 1993
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004

1992

Prior to February 1992, Nuts & Volts Magazine was mostly just advertisements and electronic trade show information.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 2  (February 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 3  (March 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 4  (April 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 5  (May 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 6  (June 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 7  (July 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 8  (August 1992) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 9  (September 1992) Build a Compact, Five-Part Crystal Receiver  - by Phil Anderson, W0XI Build A Telephone Hold Button  - by Fred Blechman Build This Telephone Memory Dialer  - by Steve Sokolowski Spread Spectrum Spotlight  - What spread spectrum does, by Randy Roberts Versatile Frequency Counters  - by Gordon West Optoelectronics - Interface Specifications & Utilities Resource Bin  - Exploring those electronic trade journals.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 10  (October 1992) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - First column; philosophy; sources for parts and tools; introduction to 8051 MCU; Suncoast Technologies 8051 single-board computer; introduction to BAS051 8051 BASICcompiler.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 11  (November 1992) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Adding A/D and RAM to the 8051 single-board computer; A/D connector wiring; two-channel DC motor driver; +5 VDC power supply using 7805 regulator; selecting motors for a line-following robot.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 13, No. 12  (December 1992) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Tooter, an 8051-based line-following robot; frame construction; wheel selection; controlling electrical noise from motors; change to motor controller board; building the sensor pod; light shielding.

1993

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 1  (January 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - An 8051-based Robo-Pet; bumper switches; pulse-width modulation.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 2  (February 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Starting an 8051-based Sumo robot; rules; designing a belt drive system; ideas for a frame; problems burning an EPROM for the 8051 board; Robix Robotics Construction Set.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 3  (March 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - More Sumo robot; starting the base; LM567 used as IR object detector.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 4  (April 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - More Sumo robot; LED dropping resistors; mounting the drive wheels; front casters; review of 1992 All-Japan Sumo Tournament.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 5  (May 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Wind-up of Sumo series; RadioShack IR detector module; LM567 tone decoder; LM556 tone generator; LM317 voltage regulator.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 6  (June 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Review of Mobile Robots book; parts list for basic 68HC11 robot computer; introduction to 68HC11 MCU; source for PCBUG11 manual.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 7  (July 1993) Radical Radio Range Every July  Take advantage of the extra long range VHf and UHF conditions which occur this time of year due to tropospheric ducting, by Gordon West Electronic Privacy - Part 2  Do you need to be concerned about electronic surveillance and phone tapping!  Take a look at some of the equipment that is commonly used by professionals and amateurs alike, plus, an inside look at countermeasures and countermeasures experts, by Damien Thorn The Silent? Deep  - This simple project will let you explore the world of underwater audio, by James Melton Detector '700  - Whether it's for nature listening, safety or fun, you can build this super-gain microphone amplifier and open your ears to the distant sounds that are all around us, by Anthony Charlton Storm-Man EMP Detector  - With the summer storm season on the way, it's time to build this en"lightning" EMP detector, by Nick Goss Build a DC Digital Voltmeter  - A low price of about $20 makes this a must have for the electronics hobbyist on a budget, by Fred Blechman Super Audio Filter  - This filter does it all!  Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass , all-pass, even crossover as well as acts as a test device or educational tool, by Richard Schroeder Resource Bin  - The furry with the syringe on top. Spread Spectrum Spotlight  Current spread spectrum events and more hardware. The Solderless Breadbox  - Op-amp basics. Amateur Robotics  - Schematic for basic 68HC11 robot computer; pinout of 68HC11 PLCC socket; schematic for RS-232 converter; modifying hobby R/C servo motors; using PCBUG11.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 8  (August 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Huey, a 68HC11-based Robo-Pet; frame construction; mounting hobby R/C motors; mounting R/C control horns on the wheels; using the RadioShack IR detector module; sources for the software.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 9  (September 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Review of the CGN 1001 68HC11 MCU module; the Rapid Deployment Maze (RDM); construction of switch boxes; building the power unit; RDM rules; making a 68HC11-based RDMrobot; building the ping-pong ball grabber; sources for the software.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 10  (October 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Muscle wires; report on Robothon Northwest; description of several robots at the contest; subsumption architecture.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 11  (November 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Review of the CGN 1101 68HC11 MCU module; using a 68HC11 MCU in expanded mode; the 68HC11 reset problem; introduction to Forth.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 14, No. 12  (December 1993) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Introduction to tiny4th; tokenizing compilers; using tiny4th; renewable alkaline batteries; sidebar on lithium batteries.

1994

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 1  (January 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 2  (February 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 3  (March 1994) MISSING Rising From The Underground  - A review of HoHoCon '93, which took place on December 17-19, 1993 in Austin, Texas, by Damian Thorn

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 4  (April 1994) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 5  (May 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 6  (June 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 7  (July 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 8  (August 1994) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 9  (September 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 10  (October 1994) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 11  (November 1994) Cimple Computer Numerical Control (CCNC) Three-Axis Motion Controller  - Assemble and test an actual controller capable of running a variety of small CNC machines, by Dan Mauch Ham Radio CD-ROMs  - Interested in ham-oriented computer programs?  Looking for fellow hams?  Trying to locate a ham station?  Check out these CD-ROMs for all your amateur radio needs, by Fred Blechman Radio Doctors Give Free Advice on Marine H.F. SSB  - Tune in to "Rescue 911" in real life on your marine SSB!, by Gordon West An Easy-to-Build, Inexpensive Video Game  - Remember going to the arcade and feeding a lot of quarters into a machine to play the game Pong?  Enjoy the ol' classic once again with this simple project, by Mark Emery Bolles The Secret Guide to Computers  - A review of the latest edition of this popular book might just cure your computer ills, by Fred Blechman Telerobotic Systems  - Telepresence robots can be built for a few thousand dollars that rival those costing hundreds of thousands, if not millions!, by John Iovine Electric Car Speed Controllers  - In the past 20 years, the speed control system has advanced more than any other component of the electric vehicle, by Shari Prange Build a Safe, Multipurpose, High-Voltage Power Supply  - Step up your voltage with this simple $20.00 project, by Anthony Charlton The X Files  - Xicor EEPROM files away 8192 bytes of data in a tiny, solid-state "disk drive" for the BASIC Stamp and PIC microcontrollers, by Scott Edwards The Feely Monster  - Kids aren't the only ones who'll have fun with this creature feature, by Randy Henderson Amateur Robotics  - Two men on a mission. Open Channel  - And the latest rage is... vacuum tube radio! Resource Bin  - New developments in remote controls. The Laser Experimenter  - Designing a power supply for a helium-neon laser. The Solderless Breadbox  - SCR basics.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 15, No. 12  (December 1994) MISSING

1995

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 1  (January 1995) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 2  (February 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 3  (March 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 4  (April 1995) MISSING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 5  (May 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 6  (June 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 7  (July 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 8  (August 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 9  (September 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 10  (October 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 11  (November 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 16, No. 12  (December 1995) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING

1996

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 1  (January 1996) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING Amateur Robotics  - BYRD's leash; 811bug monitor for downloading S19 files; BYRD's code in SBasic EASYTRAX.ZIP  Easytrax - DOS-based PCB Layout program from Protel.  Reviewed in the article "Circuit Design Software Under $100.00" by TJ Byers. PCTRACE.ZIP  PC-Trace - Shareware, Windows-based PCB Layout/Capture Link program.  Reviewed in the article "Circuit Design Software Under $100.00" by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 2  (February 1996) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING Amateur Robotics  - Marvin Green's BOTBoard 2; adding more memory to the BB2; e9bug monitor for downloading S19 files; Tamiya motors and gearing systems; Mondo-tronics' catalog.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 3  (March 1996) Digital Satellite Service  - DSS offers more channels, higher-resolution viewing, easier channel surfing, plus more than traditional cable TV, by Michael Posner Real-World Power for the BS2!  - This data collection protoboard for the Stamp II computer adds analog input, 32k storage, and a real-time clock, by Scott Edwards Voice Recording and Playback: Look - No Tape!  - This project lets you "yack" it up without tapes, CDs, A/D or D/A converters, or microprocessors, by Ronald Reis and Jimmy Te Overboard Alarm  - Stay "ALERT" with this water-activated emergency transmitter and companion alarm receiver, by Gordon West Today's Electronics  - What's available in integrated circuit voltage references, by Anthony Chariton Amateur Robotics  - Encoders for hobby R/C servo motors; SBasic code to use servo motors; other approaches to adding encoders to servos. Open Channel  - More on VLF monitoring. Resource Bin  - Injection molding and plastic prototyping. Software Wizardry  - Solving common Windows PC problems. Stamp ApplicationS  - Catching and correcting operating errors plus a few bits of Boolean logic. The Laser Experimenter  - Homebrew laser projects. The Solderless Breadbox  - Playing around with potentiometers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 4  (April 1996) MISSING Amateur Robotics  - Full design of a road-rally style line maze; basic rules of Time-Speed-Distance road rallies; design of TSD rally for robots.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 5  (May 1996) Understanding and Using A/D Converters - Part 1  - Like the omnipresent op-amp, the 12-bit sampling ADC has become a staple of our industry, by TJ Byers Weak Signal Omni Loops  - Find out the best antenna setup to get in on the "weak signal action" this summer, by Gordon West Today's Electronics  - Using strobes for home security, by Anthony Charlton Tele-Videoconferencing  - High-power home computers, plus the development of inexpensive PC software, have made it possible for the average computer user to enjoy videoconferencing, by John Iovine $100.00 QuickCam: Useful Utility or Ball of Fun?  - Develop all sorts of applications with this innovative hardware-software combo, by Michael Ecker Talking with MIME  - Having trouble sending graphics and application programs through the Internet?  Let MIME help you breach the barrier, by TJ Byers Morse Call Signer  - Use the Parallax BASIC Stamp to build a versatile Call Signer, by Gerald Fasse Amateur Robotics  - BOTBIOS, the ultimate PC robot tool; running PC .COM files on a V25 robot board; the design of Bill Bailey's BOTBIOS; my ROMMAKER program. Open Channel  - Data Conversion (A/D and D/A) - Part 2. Resource Bin  - Choosing your own personal computer. Stamp Applications  - Understanding the RCtime instruction and creating strings in EEPROM. The Laser Experimenter  - Lasers in space. BINHEX50.SIT  Binhex file converter for the Macintosh.  Added by reader request, as a supplemental file to the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. ICODE300.ZIP  Intercode - Windows-based program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. MIME64B.ZIP  MIME64 - DOS-based freeware program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. ECD67WIN.ZIP  ESS-Code for windows - Windows-based program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. ECDOS.ZIP  ESS-Code - DOS-based program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. MPACK15D.ZIP  MPACK/MUNPACK - DOS-based freeware program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. UUD273.ZIP  UUDecoder - DOS-based program for decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. UUDVD04H.ZIP  UUDeview - DOS-based freeware program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. UUDVW04H.ZIP  UUDeview for Windows - Windows-based freeware program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. WNCOD270.ZIP  Wincode - Windows-based freeware program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. XFERP110.ZIP  Xferpro - Windows-based program for encoding/decoding documents in MIME format.  Reviewed in the article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers. YA-BASE64-129.HQX  MIME Decoder for the Macintosh.  Added by reader request, as a supplemental file to the May 1996 article "Talking With MIME" by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 6  (June 1996) MISSING Understanding and Using A/D Converters - Part 2  - In this installment, TJ shows you how to use 12-bit sampling ADCs in everyday designs, by TJ Byers Solar Engine  - Build this "sunsational" circuit for use in robotics, solar racing, audio graffiti, and other novel applications, by John Iovine Icom IC-706: The Inside Story  - Gordon reviews Icom's latest offering for amateur radio enthusiasts, by Gordon West Understanding Programmable Logic Devices - Part 1  - You, too, can reap the rewards of learning how to use and design with PLDs, by Jeffrey Mazur Zippa-Dee-Doo-Drive  - Iomega's Zip drive 100 offers a reliable, alternative method for completely backing-up hard drives, by Marvin Mallon PCM: Pseudo Cooperative Multitasking  - This article provides you with a framework program that is structured with small control applications in mind, by Jeff Stefan Amateur Robotics:  - Line-following sensor board; why SBasic is free; Dan Mauch's simple wheel adapter; National Semiconductor's AirShare RF modem; getting started with SBasic and PCBUG11. Open Channel  - Data Conversion (A/D and D/A) - Part 3. Resource Bin  - Selecting your own Actors and Acrobats. Stamp Applications  - Using BS2 serial communication plus the ABCs of ASCII characters. The Laser Experimenter  - Are laser communications possible... Software Wizardry  - Back to the future with the BeBox.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 7  (July 1996) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING Understanding Programmable Logic Devices - Part 2  - Boolean Logic - the language used to program and test PLDs - is covered in this month's installment, by Jeffrey Mazur External Filters Can Quiet the Squawk  - Bandpass and notch filters really do the trick when it comes to reducing intermod distortion, by Gordon West The Ubiquitous Resistor: All About the Most Widely Used Electronic Component of All Time  - Learn all about the omnipresent resistor, and why circuits just can't live without them, by Ronald Reis Build the ADV-SNARE: An Analog Drum Voice for Percussive Musical Effects  - The ADV-SNARE can simulate a staggering array of percussive instruments, by Thomas Henry and Jack Orman Build a Code Practice Oscillator  - Get the "CW" speed you need with the help of the Code Buddy, and extend your privileges on the ham bands, by Fred Blechman Home Automation Controller  - Now you can affordably create your own system on your PC to control all your household current devices!, by Terry Weeder Amateur Robotics  - My latest stepper motor robot; basics of stepper motor electronics; Bill Bailey's L297/L298 chopper driver; stepper software in SBasic. Open Channel  - Using the IC voltage comparator. Resource Bin  - Picking a potent peck of pliant PICs. Stamp Applications  - Exploring the BS1 EEPROM with a homemade browser. The Laser Experimenter  -More lasers in space, audio circuit that hears refractive index changes in air, back to laser basics. ASTCLOCK.COM  Real-time clock utility for use with AST SixPack Plus boards and most Dallas Semiconductor clock chips.  Mentioned in Q&A column. WINSOCK.DLL  File mentioned in the Q&A column needed to run Netscape with AOL.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 8  (August 1996) Understanding Programmable Logic Devices - Part 3  - This final installment covers hardware and software tools needed to use these devices, plus a real world example of circuit design using PLDs, by Jeffrey Mazur Marine Worldwide SSB Frequencies  - The modern marine SSB is a powerful communications device - know its capabilities and what the channels can do for you, by Gordon West Telephone/Computer Interface  - Change the setup of your customized home automation system from any Touch-Tone phone in the world, by Terry Weeder Capacitors - Hold That Charge!  - After the resistor, the capacitor is the most widely used component in electronic circuits, by Ronald A. Reis DSVD: Talking Modems  - New modem technology lets you talk and send data at the same time over a single, analog phone line, by TJ Byers Amateur Robotics  - Hacking the Ready-Set-Go toy truck; replacing the on-board MCU with a BOTBoard; full map of the RSG control signals; software for reading the keypad and controlling the motors. Open Channel  - Experimenting with a magnetic sensor that has frequency output. Resource Bin  - Exploring the web for your first time. Stamp Applications  - Using the DS1267 pot as a versatile digital-to-analog converter. The Laser Experimenter  - Radiation detectors. The Solderless Breadbox  - LEGOs and DC circuits. GSETUP31.ZIP  Generic diagnostic program for the AT.  Mentioned in the Q&A column. HOGS16.ZIP  Windows shareware, memory-checking program that shows your RAM usage, what's working and what's not.  Mentioned in the Q&A column.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 9  (September 1996) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING Microwave Excitement at 10,000 MHz  - Use it or lose it, by Gordon West Understanding Gerber Files For Flawless PCB Output  - Explore the mysteries of Gerber photo-plotting files and Excellon drill files used in PCB manufacture, plus discover strategies to achieve great results of your own, by Scott Edwards Inductors: Store That Energy  - More than just a coil of wire wound around a core, the inductor has some remarkable uses, by Ronald A. Reis PC Power Supply Repair  - Repairing a broken PC power supply is easier - and cheaper - than you might think, by TJ Byers A DC Motor PWM Speed Controller  - Use this easy-to-build controller in your next robotic or other homebrew design, by Lyndon Walker Flame Speaker: An Experiment in Plasma Acoustics  - Try this hot project for some cool results, by John Iovine Home Security with PCM and the Parallel Port  - Don't throw out that old XT!  Turn it into a security system, by Jeff Stefan Amateur Robotics  - Three guys take on the 68HC12; Motorola introduces a 68HC12 upgrade; Kevin Ross' Background Debug Mode (BDM) interface; Marvin Green's 68HC12 PCB; building our first 68HC12 board; getting my port of Motorola's as12 assembler. Open Channel  - Sometimes two are better than one... Resource Bin  - Creating your own web home page. Stamp Applications  - Project double-header: Connect BS2 to phone lines, give the BS1an LED display. The Laser Experimenter  - Recent developments and price reductions of diode lasers. The Solderless Breadbox  - Using oscillators. SECURE.C  Code listing for the article "Home Security with PCM and The Parallel Port" by Jeff Stefan. TRAXAN.ZIP  Unsupported freeware program to read a .PCB file and generate an aperture file.  Introduced in the article "Understanding Gerber Files for Flawless PCB Output" by Scott Edwards.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 10  (October 1996) MISSING The FCC Commercial Ticket ... Is It Worth Getting?  - Should you crack the books and study to get your GROL?, by Gordon West Voice Squeeze  - Talk is cheap with this low-cost speech compression program, by John Iovine PIC!  Cheap Universal PIC54/56 Carrier Board  - With one cheap carrier board, you can have a host of electronic applications at your fingertips, by Michael Davenport Construct a Solar-Powered Varmint Zapper  - Ranging from raccoons to deer, this electrical circuit will harmlessly - but effectively - keep these unwanted guests out of your garden, by Anthony Charlton Build Two Simple Telephone Accessories  - Dial into these two easy-to-construct projects with parts from your junkbox, by Fred Blechman PC Parallel Port Interface  - While some may claim this port is limited in speed, discover what can be done with just a little imagination, by Dave Dage A Road Warrior's Survival Guide  - Traveling abroad?  Make sure you take along the tools you'll need to keep your portable computer humming, by TJ Byers Amateur Robotics  - The SRS kicks robo-butt at the AAAI 1995 tourney; the Newton Research Labs' color vision system; Bill Bailey's M1 stepper 'bot; all the details of the event. Open Channel  - Sometimes two are really better than one - part 2. Resource Bin  - Useful resources for electronic servicing. Stamp Applications  - Use the BS1's debug output for Stamp-PC communication, plus a big-digit clock demo for the BASIC Stamp II. The Solderless Breadbox  - Experimenting with the TLC2543 evaluation module.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 11  (November 1996) From Steppers to Servos Without Getting Torqued  - Learn about steppers and servos, plus design a system of your own, by Jeffrey Kerr Beaming in Winter Weather Maps and Satellite Imagery on your PC  - Watch winter weather storms direct from the airwaves without having to spend a cent on land-line Internet access, by Gordon West Holography 2: Improving the Single Beam  - This follow-up feature will "show you the light" on how to enhance your holographic images, by John Iovine Build the ADV-BASS  - Construct this inexpensive analog drum synthesizer for exciting percussive musical effects, by Thomas Henry and Jack Orman Most Popular Maritime Mobile Ham and Marine Channels  - Check out this list to find the frequencies you've been looking for, by Gordon West The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - Explore the exciting world of photovoltaics in this new monthly feature, by TJ Byers Fabricate this 12-Key Serial Keypad Utilizing the U-54/56  - Try this economical serial keypad for use in your homebrew project, by Michael Davenport Build the Scope Booster  - Increase the frequency of your oscilloscope to 170 MHz, by Henry Wolf Amateur Robotics  - Building a dead-reckoning robot; National Semiconductor's LM2595 switcher board (FREE!); problems with running steppers; ramping steppers to solve resonance problems; contest variations. Open Channel  - Methods for integration. Resource Bin  - Getting a charge out of batteries. Stamp Applications  - Look into "the eye from TI" for precision light readings. Software Wizardry  - Programming for the World Wide Web with Java's little brother. The Solderless Breadbox  - Digital indicators. RFSPICE.ZIP  Various Spice Models for RF devices.  Mentioned in the Q&A Readers Tip.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 17, No. 12  (December 1996) A Beginner's Guide to World-Wide Television Standards  - Tune into how distinct and diverse the world-wide TV signals really are, by Fernando Garcia Tuning in Life-and-Death Radio Calls  - Whether you have a scanner or simply a small shortwave set with a beat frequency oscillator or SSB switch, there are plenty of fingernail biting radio calls to tune into, by Gordon West Semiconductor Part Substitution  - There's no substitute for accurate information when finding the correct replacement part.  Check out what three major manufacturers have to offer, by Fred Blechman How Much Scope is Enough? - Part 1  - If you are considering purchasing your first oscilloscope, or thinking of buying a better one, here is the information you need to make the right selection, by Jeffrey Mazur NiCad Battery Charger  - Build this battery charger that can be easily modified to work with a large variety of voltages and charging currents, by John Iovine Industrial SMT Assembly: Look, No Hands!  - Get a first-hand, "no-hands" look at the amazing automated SMT assembly process, by Ronald Reis Chase Noise With the Big Ear  - Track down power-line interference with this handy device, by Jim Ford Amateur Robotics  - Hercules, a palm-sized robot; tricks to keep your robot small; another look at the 4427 H-bridge; a high-powered, 24-line SPI output port; MIT's Cyborg project; the WinSystems tiny 386SX board. Open Channel  - More on sensors. Resource Bin  - Starting your own tech venture. Stamp Applications  - Scan a keypad with the BS2 for push-button user input, plus a beginner's race-timer project. Software Wizardry  - Answering calls for "Help" in Windows 95. The Solderless Breadbox  - Digital indicators. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - How to use the sun after sundown. OCRSHR22.ZIP  Shareware, optical-character-recognition program.  Mentioned in the Electronics Q&A column.

1997

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 1  (January 1997) A High-Quality Desktop Linear Power Supply for Automotive Electronics  - Construct this high-quality power supply for a fraction of the cost of those on the market, William C. Hendry, IV The DC Volt  - Just what is a volt and how is it maintained?  Discover answers to these questions, plus take a look at the search for more accurate methods of building a "standard volt", by Ron Tipton How Much Scope is Enough? - Part 2  - This series concludes with a discussion on digital storage scopes and information on a few specialty scopes, by Jeffrey Mazur RS-232 Digital Input/Output  - Unlock your own programming potential via your serial port and this I/O module, by Terry Weeder Building an Industrial Strength Motor Controller on a Hobbyist Budget  - Get down to the brass tacks of building a servo motor control system at a reasonable price, by Jeffrey Kerr Quick Tracy - Semiconductor Sleuth  - Take the mystery out of determining if bargain semiconductors are good or bad with the help of your oscilloscope and "Quick Tracey", by Fred Blechman Family Radio Service on the Air!  - Tune in to how you can utilize and enjoy this new personal radio service, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics  - Building the marble maze-runner; a two-servo joint for tilting the maze; a sample maze layout; a surplus handheld serial terminal; the maze software in SBasic. Open Channel  - Doing the numbers - or distributing saltwater taffy(?). Resource Bin  - Finding answers on the web. Stamp Applications  - Electronic control for DC motors using discrete bridge circuits. Software Wizardry  - All about ActiveX components. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - Building a small solar power plant, plus answers to frequently-asked questions DVAOL.ZIP  Drag and View Gold - Shareware, file viewer program for Windows 3.1, from Canyon Software.  Mentioned in the Q&A column. WEEDER.ZIP  Object and source code files for the article "RS-232 Digital Input/Output" by Terry Weeder.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 2  (February 1997) Buying Used Test Equipment  - Although there are good deals out there, purchasing used test equipment can be a gamble... unless you know what you're doing, by Gerald Roylance Portable GPS Maps Go Inland  - Now you can use your marine unit on shore with the help of new cartography cartridges, by Gordon West Serial Communications and Protocol Stacks: Why All the Layers? - Part 1  - Learn the concept of layered protocol stacks and discover interrupt driven serial communications routines to use in your own applications, by Jeff Stefan Build a Three-Axis Stepper Motor Controller  - Control up to three stepper motors simultaneously and independently using your serial port, by Daniel Eggert An Inexpensive Home Security Camera Switcher  - Construct this low-cost circuit which allows for selective switching of up to eight cameras, plus gives a numeric readout of which view is being presented, by George Cole The Bender-2PP Tube Push-Pull Amplifier Rebuild Project - Part 1  - Give an old transistor a new twist with this unique project, by Steve Bender Amateur Robotics  - World Micro-Robot Soccer Championship; team from SRS kicks more robo-butt; details on the winning design; the Cognachrome vision system. platform.zip  Source code (in SBasic) for the maze-tilting robot featured in my February 1997 Nuts & Volts column. Open Channel  - More on data acquisition and sensor resolution. Resource Bin  - A few of Don's favorite web sites. Stamp Applications  - Learn how to connect your Stamp to the global phone system via a modem, plus add a display and other features to the ongoing three-lane race timer project. Software Wizardry  - Make a good image with PCs. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - Part 1 of a 50 watt photovoltaic installation. MODEMD60.ZIP  The Modem Doctor - Shareware program that checks various aspects of modem operation to help troubleshoot modem problems.  Mentioned in the Electronics Q&A column by TJ Byers. PK250W16.EXE  Shareware version of PKZip for Windows 3.1 from PKWare.  Create self-extracting compressed files (EXE), as well as unzipping files.  Mentioned in the Electronics Q&A column by TJ Byers. PK250W32.EXE  Shareware version of PKZip for Windows 95 or NT from PKWare.  Create self-extracting compressed files (EXE), as well as unzipping files. Mentioned in the Electronics Q&A column by TJ Byers. SSCDISK.EXE  Binary file and software example programs from the article "Build a Three-Axis Stepper Motor Controller" by Daniel Eggert STACKS.ZIP  Serial communications routines and C source code for the DL1.EXE file, presented in the February & March 1997 articles "Serial Communications And Protocol Stacks - Parts 1&2" by Jeff Stefan.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 3  (March 1997) Side-Scanning Sonar to the Rescue  - New technology packs plenty of bang for the buck when it comes to underwater scanning, by Gordon West The Agamemnon: Construction of the 1996 Robot Wars Middleweight Winner.  - Late-night machining, welding sunburns, and low bank balances were worth the headaches on the way to the winner's circle, by Dan Danknick Agamemnon  Robot Wars Wiki Serial Communications and Protocol Stacks: Why All the Layers? - Part 2  - In this second installment, build the Message Buffer service functions and develop a Data Link protocol to transfer data packets from machine to machine, by Jeff Stefan The Bender-2PP Tube Push-Pull Amplifier Rebuild Project - Part 2  - Our rebuild/conversion project continues with some new revisions, by Steve Bender A Transformer Tutorial  - Much as we learn about ourselves from our mistakes, we can learn a great deal about transformers from their imperfections, by Frank W. Smith Build a Deluxe Timebase  - Ever wondered about the accuracy of the dials and digital readouts on your frequency-related test equipment?  Here's a simple and inexpensive way to calibrate, by Fred Blechman Amateur Robotics  - Checking out the 68HC12B32; details of the new MCU; a free assembler for the 68HC12; SBasic for the 68HC12; PWM on the 68HC12. Open Channel  - Dealing with resistive sensors. Resource Bin  - A new way to explore trade journals. Stamp Applications  - Analog-to-digital conversion the old-fashioned way. Software Wizardry  - A look inside next-generation operating systems. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - Part 2 of a 50 watt photovoltaic installation. DSVD17W6.DOC  Original Intel DSVD specs.  Now out of print and obsolete, but builds a good foundation.  Mentioned in the Q&A column.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 4  (April 1997) Noise-Canceling Radio Mics  - Over-deviation and syllable dropout got you down?  Here's a remedy, by Gordon West Almost All Digital Electronics L/C Meter IIB  - Build this self-calibrating, auto-ranging inductance/capacitance meter and sort out all those RF and audio components you have stashed in your junk box, by Neil Heckt GBPPR Vision #7: Review of the AADE L/C Meter IIB Almost All Digital Electronics (AADE) L/C Meter IIB  Main website. LC Meter Project and Kit - L/C Meter IIB  Technical overview of the meter's operation. The AC Volt  - Follow the evolution of the AC volt "standard" in the quest for ever higher measurement accuracy, by Ron Tipton The Bender-2PP Tube Push-Pull Amplifier Rebuild Project - Part 3  - The final details of our rebuild/conversion project are provided in the last installment, by Steve Bender A Do-It-Yourself Sound Blaster 16  - A multitude of musical applications are awaiting you at your MIDI port, by Thomas Henry An Experimenter's Cheap Robotic Sonar System  - Develop a sonar-based ranging system for your mobile robot, by Carl Motsinger Amateur Robotics  - Getting started in robotics; using the Internet; design o a small 'bot; modifying the S148 hobby servo. Open Channel  - Dealing with 60 Hz interference. Resource Bin  - A painless way to student papers fast. Stamp Applications  - Stamp gives the green light to efficient programming. Software Wizardry  - All about Java. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - Two DIY charge controllers and a solar CD-ROM review. PSP311.EXE  Paint Shop Pro - Graphics viewing program for use with Windows 3.1.  Mentioned in the Solar Workshop by TJ Byers. PSP414.EXE  Paint Shop Pro - Graphics viewing program for use with Windows 95.  Mentioned in the Solar Workshop by TJ Byers. PVL22.ZIP  Preview Lite - Postscript preview program for Windows.  Mentioned in the Q&A column. SONAR.TXT  Microcontroller source code for the Sonar System, presented in the article "An Experimenter's Cheap Robotic Sonar System" by Carl Motsinger.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 5  (May 1997) Quick & Easy Real-World Control for PCs  - Learn how to use Visual Basic to access your PC's standard parallel port, as well as ports on custom I/O cards, for all your real-world projects, by Jan Axelson No Holes in My Vehicle!  - Gutter and/or lip mounts are the way to go for antenna installation on your vehicle, by Gordon West Fractals Unraveled  - Concepts of fractal geometry are explained plus a simple program is provided to help you generate your own fractal images, by Jeff Stefan User's Guide to Special Audio Processing ICs - Part 1  - Discover some practical ways of using three special types of audio processing ICs in this opening installment of a new three-part series, by Ray Marston RS-232 Analog Input  - Utilize this "sense"-itive circuit in your computer-related applications that are dependent upon data input from the specific environment, by Terry Weeder Amplitude Modulation or Single-Sideband: What's the Difference?  - AM or SSB?  It's all spelled out for you, by Dave Sweeney Amateur Robotics  - Getting started - part 2; the electronics; using pcbug11; an intro to SBasic; loading your code into a 68HC11; some sample programs. SBasic68k Compiler Version 3.4 - User's Manual Open Channel  - Electrical power all over the place... and a few safety notes. Resource Bin  - The human side of the web. Stamp Applications  - Measure water level without getting wet. Software Wizardry  - Getting aboard the right bus. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - How to go from 12 volts DC to 110 VAC. FRACTALS.ZIP  C source code and data files for the Fractal Image generator, presented in the article "Fractals Unraveled" by Jeff Stefan. RS-232.ZIP  Object and source code files from the article "RS-232 Analog Input" by Terry Weeder.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 6  (June 1997) MISSING User's Guide to Special Audio Processing ICs - Part 2  - Take a look at some practical ways of using hi-fi analog switching ICs in this second installment, by Ray Marston Novice/Technician Exams Change on July 1, 1997  - Find out what the "big change" is all about on the Novice/Technician level examination, by Gordon West Windows and the Serial Port  - Learn how to use the Windows SDK communications support functions, by Jeff Stefan Beat the Heat!  - Keep your electronic equipment cool with these hot tips, by Fred Blechman and Marvin Mallon Build the Exerometer  - This device really "measures up" for a myriad of calculations, by D. Derek Verner Game Machine  - This circuit board will help you push all the right buttons in game design, by Robert Davis Amateur Robotics  - The art of designing software; writing robot code in SBasic; how the 68HC11 runs your code; a look at interrupts; a book recommendation; an SBasic quiz. Open Channel  - PC-based data acquisition the easy way. Resource Bin  - Some video game tools and techniques. Stamp Applications   - Nifty networking chips link Stamps far and wide. Software Wizardry  - Jamba: Java's clever little brother. The Nuts & Volts Solar Workshop  - PCM.TXT  Code listing for the article "PCM: Pseudo Cooperative Multitasking" by Jeff Stefan. SRIALPRT.ZIP  C source code for the program WINDL.EXE, presented in the article "Windows and the Serial Port" by Jeff Stefan.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 7  (July 1997) MISSING HAVE NEEDS SCANNING User's Guide to Special Audio Processing - Part 3  - ICs In this final installment, we look at two remote-controlled audio tone/volume ICs and the MF10C filter IC, by Ray Marston Two Simple Electronic Sirens You Can Build  - Whether it's the Mad Blaster or the Wailing Siren, you'll be "alarmed" at the ease of construction and multitude of applications, by Fred Blechman An Experimenter's Cheap Antenna Tuner  - Gain a better understanding of antenna tuners by constructing a working model, by Carl Motsinger Installing a Multi-Band HF Mobile Whip  - Get the details for proper installation of an Outbacker whip antenna, by Gordon West Electric Field Proximity Sensor  - Need a simple, non-mechanical device that can detect the presence of either a moving or stationary human body, through solid objects, from a distance of yards?  Read on, by Russell J. Bik Turing Machines  - The most powerful computer in the universe is actually the simplest.  Take this "tour" and find out why, by Jeff Stefan Printer Port Oscilloscope  - Part 1 of a three-part series on handy devices you plug in through your printer port, by Robert Davis Electronic Stethoscope - Find That Noise!  - Make trouble-shooting various systems a lot easier with this handy listening aid, by Bill Stiles Amateur Robotics  - The extremes of hobby robotics; the Photopopper; building a solar robot; the 1996 Robot Wars; gutting cassette drives for parts. Open Channel  - Optical sensors - and some books. Resource Bin  - Useful tools for book-on-demand publishing. Stamp Applications  - IC temperature sensors are accurate and flexible. PPO.TXT  Code listing for the article "Printer Port Oscilloscope" by Robert Davis. TURING.ZIP  Source code for the Turing Machine Simulator, presented in the article "Turing Machines" by Jeff Stefan.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 8  (August 1997) MISSING Printer Port Video Adapter  - Part 2 of a three-part series on handy devices you plug in through your printer port, by Robert Davis A Sweat-Free, Wallet-Friendly Way to Upgrade from Steppers to Servos  - Discover a simple alternative that allows you to use your stepper controller software to drive virtually any servo control system that uses a digital encoder for feedback, by Jeffrey Kerr Seagoing Hams Link Up on the Internet  - Amateur radio operators are making best use of the worldwide, high-frequency shortwave bands by adapting their equipment to transmit and receive text-based e-mail, by Gordon West User's Guide to Audio Power Amplifiers - Part 1  - Audio power amplifier IC basics are explained in this opening episode of a special five-part series, by Ray Marston Build a Vox (Voice-Operated Switch)  - Construct this handy device to voice-activate a recorder or amateur ham radio transmitter, among other uses, by Fred Blechman The Service Technician's Guide to the World Wide Web  - If you are actively involved in electronics, then check out these tips for web-surfing in your specific area of expertise, by Jeff Mazur Walker Robots  - Transverse the roughest of terrain with this easy-to-build walker robot, by John Iovine A Two-Wheeled Robot  - You'll get on a roll when you construct this robot, and learn a few principles of technology, physics, and engineering along the way, by Michael Gray Amateur Robotics  - The Mars Sojourner; a Mars-exploring contest; Tackle-bot; roboscrn, a PC robot-control program. Open Channel  - Meteor scatter reception. Resource Bin  - Getting started in amateur astronomy. Stamp Applications  - PBASIC programming with style. Software Wizardry  - Creating your own web page. UVBE51A.ZIP  Display Power Management Signaling (DPMS) shareware utility.  The primary benefit is reduced (up to 90%) power consumption from your monitor, when your computer is sitting idle.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers. VIDEO.ZIP  Code listings for the article "Printer Port Video Adapter" by Robert Davis.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 9  (September 1997) The Universal Laser Receiver and Decoder  - Learn how to build a broad-based laser light receiver and decoder for an unbelievable price, by Zachary Scott Data Encryption: Why the Controversy?  - This article explains the concepts and controversy behind data encryption and provides an encryption program for your own personal use, by Jeff Stefan JuJu!  Disk-fiksing - Last Chance for Lost Data  - Your floppy disk has crashed with valuable data.  Before you throw it in the trash, there might be one last chance, by Alan Johnson Encyclopedia of Electronic Circuits: The CD-ROM of 1,000 Circuits - Part 1  - In this three-part series, TJ will show you how to use this CD to go from concept to copper, and build a karaoke amplifier in the process, by TJ Byers Digital Voltmeter Capacitance Adapter  - Use this inexpensive capacitance adapter with a DVM or DMM to measure capacitor values from 20 pF to 2 µF, by Fred Blechman Float Your Portable  - Keep your portable electronic equipment "in the bag" to protect it from the perils of water damage, by Gordon West User's Guide to Audio Power Amplifiers - Part 2  - Take a look at nine popular audio power amplifier ICs with maximum output power ratings in the range 325 mW to 5.5 W in this second part of a five-part series, by Ray Marston Printer Port Audio Analyzer  - The final installment of this three-part series on handy devices you plug in through your printer port, by Robert Davis Amateur Robotics  - Starting a robotics club, mini Sumos, and chocolate eclairs. Open Channel  - Renewing your most renewable resource. Resource Bin  - Terribly tricky terrific toner techniques. Software Wizardry  - Windows 95 hot-rodding. Stamp Applications  - Demystifying character-based LCDs. ANALYZER.ZIP  Code listings for the article "Printer Port Audio Analyzer" by Robert Davis. ENCRYPT.ZIP  Source code for the data encryption program, presented in the article "Data Encryption: Why the Controversy?" by Jeff Stefan. KARAOKE.ZIP  Finished schematic, parts list, and PCB layout for the karaoke machine project presented it the article "Encyclopedia of Electronic Circuits: The CD-ROM of 1,000 Circuits" by TJ Byers. MINISUMO.BAS  Partial code listing for the minisumo robot, presented in the "Amateur Robotics" column, by Karl Lunt. SGATFMT4.ZIP  Program from Seagate to do a medium level format (data scrub) of a hard drive.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 10  (October 1997) MISSING User's Guide to Audio Power Amplifiers - Part 3  - Take a look at eight popular audio power amplifier ICs with maximum output power ratings in the range of 6W to 12W in this episode of our five-part series, by Ray Marston Breadboards - Then and Now  - Breadboard your ideas faster and with less frustration with this 20-year-old remedy, by Ron Tipton Encyclopedia of Electronic Circuits: The CD-ROM of 1,000 Circuits - Part 2  - In this month's installment, wire the modules together to complete the design of the karaoke machine, by TJ Byers 3-1/2 Digit Module Primer  - For less than $10.00, you can modernize your old test equipment with an accurate 3-1/2 digit display, by Fred Blechman GPS Maps vs. A Wet Tee-Shirt - Which Way to the Launch Ramp?  - How accurate is GPS, really?  Get an update on some of the latest happenings with the global positioning system, by Gordon West Add MIDI to Your Electronic Drums!  - Breathe new life into analog musical instruments with this simple, yet sophisticated stand-alone "computer", by Thomas Henry Build a Lab - And Improve Your AM Radio Reception Tonight!  - In one evening, build this AM-tuned coil loop antenna booster, and hear stations you never knew existed, by Larry Ball Amateur Robotics  - Success in robotics depends on your tool set. Open Channel  - Modeling and simulation (plus other stuff). Resource Bin  - An update on robotic resources. Stamp Applications  - More LCDs: custom characters, animation, and another connection method. Software Wizardry  - Inside Visual Basic 5.0.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 11  (November 1997) Monitor Repair Simplified  - Technicians can improve their troubleshooting skills and learn an approach to repairing monitors that really works, by Don Doerr Recovering Components of Disposable Cameras, and Basics of Flash Tube Circuits  - Before you discard your disposable camera, first see what might develop from the salvageable parts, by Brian J. Mork Build the AK-210 Talking Alarm Clock  - This project offers many custom features for instant voice reporting of the time, by Fred Blechman User's Guide to Audio Power Amplifiers - Part 4  - Take a look at nine popular audio power amplifier ICs with maximum output power ratings in the range of 18W to 68W in this installment of our five-part series, by Ray Marston Build a $15.00 Computer Control Interface for Your Scanner  - Once you try this nifty device, you'll never want to use a front panel keypad again, by John R. Montalbano Incoming Meteors Soon  - Stargazers and ham operators alike are gearing up for one of the biggest light shows of the year, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics  - Fire in the home - the 1998 Trinity College Fire-Fighting Home Robot Contest. Open Channel  - Radio direction finding. Resource Bin  - Exploring PostScript PIC flutterwumpers. Stamp Applications  - Using the Dallas Semiconductor DS1302 RTC. Software Wizardry  - Understanding the Windows registry. DIAL.ZIP  Dial-It Pro - Windows based phone dialing program that lets you dial the phone from any Windows application.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers. SVGA9PIN.JPG  Schematic and pinout for making a 9 pin to 15 pin SVGA cable.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 18, No. 12  (December 1997) RS-232 Relays  - Simplify the task of hardware and software design by learning what tools can get the job done quickly and effectively, by Ryan Sheldon Inexpensive Power Inverter Conversion Project  - With the cost of solar energy being far from free, this project suggests a low-cost alternative that produces quality modified sinewave power for your household appliances, by Kenton Chun User's Guide to Audio Power Amplifiers - Part 5  - Practical IC-based audio power amplifier circuit design techniques are described in the final episode of this five-part series, by Ray Marston Robot Wars 1997: Pretty Hate Machine  Take a look at one of the more novel entries from this year's contest, by Dan Danknick Pretty Hate Machine  Robot Wars Wiki Boaters See Big Improvements in Radars  - Although mariners don't have the sophisticated transponders that private pilots now have, it appears that marine radar and radar systems are now getting more sophisticated for the water, by Gordon West Build Your Own MIDI-to-Synthesizer Interface  - Miss the richer and warmer sound of your favorite instruments of yesteryear?  Well, with the MTS-100, it's a snap to connect a modern music keyboard or a personal computer running sequencer software to your dinosaurs, by Thomas Henry Encyclopedia of Electronic Circuits: PCB Layout - Part 3  - In this final installment, the karaoke schematic is converted into a printed circuit board, by TJ Byers Amateur Robotics  - Take a brief look at both the Forth language and the powerful Time Processing Unit built into the Motorola 68332. Open Channel  - More radio direction finding, with a look at some additional types of antenna and receiver systems used for RDF activity. Resource Bin  - My secrets of web-based research. Stamp Applications  - It's time to get real - Part 2.  Create an alarm clock using the Pocket Watch B. HTMLASCI.ZIP  Windows based shareware program to convert HTML files to plain text.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers.

1998

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 1  (January 1998) MISSING Portable GPS Does Roads!  - It's here... a portable GPS that does land and sea for under $99.00, by Gordon West Build the PC Telephone Logger  - Need to keep track of your calls?  Want to know who has been called on your phone or check the accuracy of your phone bill?  Then this device is for you, by Chris B. Sakkas Electronic Mail is In-dicator  - Know exactly when your mail has arrived with this nifty device that really delivers!, by Kenton Chun Power Supplies for Electronic Music  - Learn why a quality power supply is crucial to good musical performance, and how to construct your own, by Thomas Henry Phone Line Transponder  - Want an easy way to re-boot a locked-up PC, reset an alarm system, toggle a few relays, or just listen for sounds of an intruder?  This project provides the answer, by Terry J. Weeder Build a Telephone FM Transmitter  - Now the whole family can talk with this easy-to-build kit that transmits both sides of a phone conversation, by Fred Blechman Night Vision Power Supply  - Build a power supply for night vision binoculars that runs on a 9V battery, and is also suitable for other high-voltage, low current applications, by Richard Panosh DC Voltage Converter Circuit  - DC voltage converter operating principles are explained, and a selection of practical application circuits are presented, by Ray Marston Amateur Robotics  - Our fire-fighting robot takes its first steps, plus TopDraw 3.0 and Protoboard SMT-52 are discussed. Open Channel  - Different strokes... Numerous topics are covered from getting credentials to loop antennas. Resource Bin  - A first look at wireless resources. Stamp Applications  - Back to basics (PBASIC) with fun and games. TRNSPOND.ZIP  Object and source code files for the article "Phone Line Transponder" by Terry Weeder. TRANSX95.EXE  Transfer 95 - Windows 95 software that allows you to move Windows 95 program files from one hard disk to another.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 2  (February 1998) The Weekend Workbench  - Looking for some fun, one-night projects?  Let Andy show you, by Andy A. Node Indoor Thermometer  - Build a digital indoor thermometer that can display temperature either on the traditional Fahrenheit scale or the Celsius scale, by Richard Panosh Build a PIC-Based Electronics Stopwatch With Giant 2.5" LED Display   - Take the Jameco JE725 electronic clock kit one step further by converting it into a stopwatch, by Scott Edwards First Steps in Artificial Intelligence  - If you're interested in AI but don't know where to start, this is the place to be, by Jeff Stefan Forever Doorbell  - Get burned up when your doorbell light burns out?  Then this project will have a nice a nice ring to it, by Kenton Chun IR Remote Decoder  - Incorporate remote control and/or keypad entry into your customary circuit designs, by Terry J. Weeder Be a FCC Licensed Shore Station  - Set up your own private coast station and be a part of the action on the airwaves, by Gordon West Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 1  - Electronic security system basic principles are explained in this opening episode to a new series, by Ray Marston Build a Sound-Operated AC Switch  - Don't stay in the dark!  With a clap of your hands, the Graymark Model 147P can shed some light on your situation, by Fred Blechman The Toilight - High-Tech Toilet Light  - Check out this toilet nightlight that burns bright when you need it the most, by Kenton Chun Amateur Robotics  - More progress on the fire-fighting robot. Open Channel - Like electronics?  Think you can write?  Discover tips on submitting articles, plus information on the CET program and a mini quiz. Resource Bin  - Insider secrets of surplus and auctions. Software Wizardry  - Tracking visitors to your web site. Stamp Applications  - Parallax's technical support staff discusses synthesizing a real-time clock, floating point math simulation, and counting pulses on multiple I/O pins. THERMO.ZIP  Object and source code files for the article "Indoor Thermometer" by Richard Panosh. STOPW.ZIP  PIC program and PCB artwork from the article "Build a PIC-based Electronic Stopwatch with Giant 2.5" LED Display" by Scott Edwards. IRREMOTE.ZIP  Object and source code files for the article "IR Remote Decoder" by Terry Weeder.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 3  (March 1998) Compressor and Optional Fuzz for Guitar  - Musicians... tune into this great sounding project that offers three features of interest, by Peter Lehmann GPS Road Warrior  - Put together a laptop computer, GPS, and software for an optimum navigational system, by Kenton Chun Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 2  - Electronic security system basics continued, by Ray Marston Robot Wars 1997: The Defiant  - Though nine months in the making and gobbling up $2,500.00 in materials, Defiant put on a spectacular show at the 1997 Robot Wars held in San Francisco, by Dan Danknick Defiant  Robot Wars Wiki Robot Wars 1997 - Defiant vs. X7 The Computer-Controlled World: RS-232 Network Control Methods and Applications  - Bridge the gap between customized hardware and the end-user with a powerful graphical user interface, by Ryan Sheldon The Weekend Workbench  - This month, Andy builds a lie detector, by Andy A. Node Build the Elenco $20.00 Digital Multimeter Kit  - This DMM - complete with 3-1/2 digit display - offers transistor and diode tests in addition to the more conventional voltage, current, and resistance measurements, by Fred Blechman High-Frequency Mobile Antenna Comparisons  - Everything you need to know about selecting and installing a mobile antenna for high-frequency, single-sideband, double-sideband, CW, and digital watts but were afraid to ask, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics  - Trying out the Precision Navigation, Inc., Vector 2X magneto-inductive compass board, plus hacking Game Boy. Open Channel  - Sensor linearity improvement. Resource Bin  - Shaking down some seismic and earthquake info. Stamp Applications  - Serial LCDs go graphic!  Learn about Scott Edwards latest marvel: the G12864. CD-ROM.ZIP  DOS software used to configure a CD-ROM drive.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers. LIES.ZIP  PC Board artwork for the lie detector project presented in The Weekend Workbench column.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 4  (April 1998) Copper Foil Grounding for Radio Frequencies  - For a powerful marine and ham single-sideband transmission - and improved reception - good grounding techniques at the radio and automatic antenna tuner are extremely important, by Gordon West Passive Infrared Varmint Chaser  - Try this humane way of deterring "unwelcome visitors", by Kenton Chun Fuzzy Logic  - This article explains how fuzzy logic works, and provides you with a simple program so you can experiment with fuzzy logic systems of your own, by Jeff Stefan Character LCD Networkability  - Control up to 16-character LCD displays of any size using only two wires from the RS-232 port of your computer, by Ryan Sheldon Build Quick Henry to Measure Inductance  - Construct this simple adapter for use with your audio or RF signal generator to measure inductance values from one microhenry to over one henry, by Fred Blechman Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 3  - Contact-operated security circuits are covered in the third installment of this ongoing series, by Ray Marston Build a "Super" Etching Tank  - Etch boards faster and conserve etchant with this innovative tank design, by Larry Ball Amateur Robotics  - A "necessary" diversion from the fire-fighting robot - hacking the Game Boy, plus a very "timely" project. Open Channel  - What they didn't teach you... if they ever even knew!  Find out why theory and practicality don't always mix when it comes to electronics. Resource Bin  - Shattering a few virtual reality illusions. Software Wizardry  - Webcasting: Learn how to implement it on your web site. Stamp Applications  - Getting back to the BS1.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 5  (May 1998) Product Review:Pint-Sized SSB Offers Great Performance  - The SGC-2020 transceiver packs a powerful punch in a small package, by Gordon West High-Frequency 2-50 MHz Automatic Antenna Couplers  - Discover a single tall whip that can be externally resonated to work on any and all frequencies from 1.8 MHz up to 52 MHz, plus explore base station use of a long-wire antenna that may also be externally resonated, by Gordon West Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 4  - Take a look at practical visible-light optoelectronic security circuits in the fourth episode of this series, by Ray Marston Naked Data  - Explore the power of wireless data communications using inexpensive off-the-shelf hardware, by Ryan Sheldon Amateur Robotics  - Fire-fighting robot results, the ADAPT-11, and final farewells. Open Channel  - Some measurement tricks. Resource Bin  - New opportunities in home automation. Software Wizardry  - Server-side programming. Stamp Applications  - Building a custom digital thermometer.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 6  (June 1998) Free Radio Signals for GPS Error Correction  - Right now, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation are providing GPS users with free correction signals, by Gordon West Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 5  - Take a look at IR light-beam and PIR movement-detector circuits and systems in this month's installment, by Ray Marston The Weekend Workbench  - Andy returns with an IR switch that lets you control your lights with your VCR remote, by Andy A. Node C Pointers and Linked Lists  - This article will help you understand pointers, and provides linked list code that you can use in your own applications, by Jeff Stefan Printed Circuit Boards for Everyone  - Thanks to ExpressPCB, prototyping with printed circuit boards can be inexpensive and hassle-free, by David Schneider and Stanley Reifel Robot Wars 1997: La Machine  - Described by the creators as "a car accident on wheels," La Machine demonstrated its own version of a "smash fest' at the Robot Wars competition, by Dan Danknick La Machine  Robot Wars Wiki Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Our new host starts with a simple, easily customizable project: the Breadbot. Open Channel  - Some practical matters: troubleshooting, op-amps, and PCB software. Resource Bin  - A look at accessing offshore electronics. Software Wizardry  - Getting animated with your graphics. Stamp Applications  - Talk is cheap.  Give your BASIC Stamp projects a voice with the SP0256-AL2 allophone speech processor from General Instrument. IR_RELAY.ZIP  PCB layouts, parts list, and schematics for the IR switch project presented in The Weekend Workbench column.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 7  (July 1998) Hacking the Epson IM-403  - Learn how to turn a $99.00 cash register into a dynamite computer for the hobbyist, by Karl Lunt Understanding Microchip's Family of PIC Micros  - Learn the basic differences in the most common PIC microcontrollers, by Chuck Hellebuyck Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 6  - Take a look at anti-burglary and burglar alarm principles in this month's episode of the series, by Ray Marston The Weekend Workbench  - Build a wireless FM microphone, by Andy A. Node The Indestructible Outbacker HF Whips  - Tune into some tricks you can play to get increased performance with these antennas plus get some inside evaluations on what this indestructible whip can - and cannot - do, by Gordon West The Computer-Controlled World  - Bridge the gap between Windows and the world using the latest and greatest of the available technology and Visual Basic 5. Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Breadbot continued: "Bow Tie," wire, and program this amazing motorized protoboard. Open Channel  - Electromagnetic interference - if you've got electronic equipment, then you've got EMI! Resource Bin  - Starting your own web page. Stamp Applications  - Remote control stamping - the beginnings of "Stamp Net." PCTIME.ZIP  DOS software needed to use the free NIST service, called Automated Computer Time Service, that lets you set your computer clock to the exact nanosecond.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers. WINACTS.ZIP  Windows software needed to use the free NIST service, called Automated Computer Time Service, that lets you set your computer clock to the exact nanosecond.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 8  (August 1998) Short Circuits  - This new department features mini-projects, quickie-tips, etc., as submitted by readers.  This month's selection includes a schematic for building a remote telephone alarm.  Send or e-mail your favorite "Short Circuit" for possible publication. News Bytes  - This section will feature relevant news and happenings in the various electronics communities.  This month spotlights free Year 2000 compliance software. The Year 2000 Problem  - As the new century draws nearer, computer systems large and small are headed for disaster.  Find out just why, what, and how, by Jeff Stefan Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 7  - This month's installment concentrates on practical build-it-yourself anti-burglary circuits, by Ray Marston Digital Frequency Counters - Part 1  - Find out about typical low-cost counters and how they are used, by Fred Blechman The Computer-Controlled World  - Learn how to build an RS-232 networkable dual-channel analog-to-digital converter. Tropo Time in August on the VHF/UHF Airwaves  - It's that time of year that hams love the most...  Tropospheric ducting in August can extend communication paths as much as 10 times the normal line-of-sight range, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Calibrating Breadbot, plus SimmSticks and the ADAPT-11 family. Open Channel  - More on earning an electronics technology degree, plus radio receiver sensitivity. Resource Bin  - Finding semiconductor and IC data. Stamp Applications  - Remote control stamping - part 2. DOSCHK.ZIP  Test program used for checking your computer for Y2K compliance.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers. TEST2000.ZIP  Test program used for checking your computer for Y2K compliance.  Mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byers.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 9  (September 1998) News Bytes  - This section will feature relevant news and happenings in the various electronics communities.  This month , the fun cotinues with Icom's newest radio station on wheels. Ham Radio Loops  - Get the scoop on what loop is best for you, by Gordon West The Weekend Workbench  - Andy adds watts to his Walkman with a single IC amplifier, by Andy A. Node Divide by aN  - Take a unique fictional look into analog electronics, by E.Z. Camp Digital Frequency Counters - Part 2  - More details on the Sound Master SM-100 are covered, plus several other units from various manufacturers are described, by Fred Blechman Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 8  - Discover circuits that react to temperature, voltage, current, or resistance in this installment, by Ray Marston Home on the Web  - Let your computer do the work automatically when it comes to updating data on your web page, by Karl Lunt The Computer-Controlled World  - Learn how to control an LCD display from your desktop PC, a BASIC Stamp, DOS, etc. - part 1. Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Converting Breadbot to run with a BS2. Open Channel  - Gates: the basic building blocks of digital circuits. Resource Bin  - Locating elusive test equipment manuals. Stamp Applications  - Complementary I/O.  Expand your project's I/O capabilities without a lot of code.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 10  (October 1998) Emergency Toddler Finder  - With holiday shopping just around the corner, this handy device may be a relief to have with you when you're out with your child, by Kenton Chun Family Radio Service Radios - Facts and Much Fiction  - Find out what's hype and what's not about FRS. Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 9  - Take a look at a miscellaneous collection of security circuits in this next to the last installment, by Ray Marston SPI and the Printer Port  - Add up to eight devices to a single printer port, using little more than a ribbon cable and some C software, by Karl Lunt A Sonar Sensor for Amateur Robotic Platform  - Incorporate this "sensitive" device into your own homebrew projects, by Lawrence Foltzer Build This Stepper Motor Controller  - If you're interested in robotics, motion control, or just want to learn about stepper motors, then you should try building this versatile stepper motor controller, by David Williams The Computer-Controlled World  - Pictures for Windows: control up to eight graphic LCD displays from Visual Basic 5.0 for Windows - part 2. Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Making progress "the hard way' on Breadbot with the help of BS2, SimmSticks, VROC, and solder smoke. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Some more tools for radioscience observers. Resource Bin  - New secrets of military surplus - part 1.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 11  (November 1998) FCC Proposes Ham Test Changes  - Several aspects of current ham testing requirements may be undergoing drastic changes.  Get your feedback in to the FCC and ARRL by December 1st, by Gordon West Interfacing a Magnetic Stripe Reader  - Cards with magnetic stripes are everywhere.  Learn how the stripes are utilized, and how to interface your own magnetic stripe reader. The Ins and Outs of Optimizing Compiler  - Want to write better code?  Consider understanding compiler optimizations. Resistance is Futile!  - by E. Z. Camp Security Electronics Systems and Circuits - Part 10  - A variety of add-on automobile security circuits are described in this final episode of the series, by Ray Marston The Computer-Controlled World  - Mixed control for the masses.  See how a simple control system using four devices can be utilized for a heating and cooling system. Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Due to time constraints, there will not be a robotics column included in this month, but it will return in December. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Flipping out over flip-flops, digital circuit power supplies, and RF exposure to hams. Resource Bin  - New secrets of military surplus - part 2. Stamp Applications  - Timing is everything - taking a look at Interrupts, plus a serial follow-up.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 19, No. 12  (December 1998) The Computer-Controlled World  - Gain a better understanding of RS-232 serial capabilities and limitations. A New Use for an Old Switch  - Get a "line" on how to keep your phone, fax, answer machine, and modem calls straight, by Chuck Baird Programming a Microchip PIC  - Discover four unique programmer packages to get you started programming PICs, by Chuck Hellebuyck Electronic Circuit Symbols & Notations  - Take a look at some controversial aspects of modern circuit symbology, by Ray Marston Build an Air Joystick  - Construct this one-handed joystick for use with your Sega Genesis game machine, by Mark Hanslip Build a Sega Controller Tester  - Streamline your repair time with this easy-to-construct tester, by Mark Hanslip Secrets of Making Attractive Rack Panels  - Follow these practical techniques to make your homebrew projects look fabulous, by Thomas Henry Recovery and Refining of Gold from Scrap Electronics  - Learn how to recover gold on a small scale in your own "backyard", Michael E. Young A License for Making Money  - How would you like to earn $1,000.00 a day by conducting ship radio station inspections aboard commercial boats required by law to carry marine radio equipment?, by Gordon West Test Leads  - It's pretty hard to get excited about a bunch of low-tech wires, but when you don't have the right ones, it can lead to all kinds of clumsy connections, by Gerald Roylance Amateur Robotics Notebook  - The benefits of learning how to program in machine language, tidbits on better ways to bend wires, and where to look for technical inspiration. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Antenna gain and pattern measurement. Resource Bin  - Fun with some neat stuff.  A review of miscellanous electronic goodies and high tech toys. Stamp Applications  - Stamp Applications will be back next month hosted by a new columnist.

1999

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 1  (January 1999) Your Hottest Tool May Be ICE!  - Been drooling over the thought of owning your own in-circuit emulation tool?  Here's one for under $130.00!, by Tim Deagan Inexpensive Digital Timer  - Never ruin another circuit board again with this handy device that shuts off the exposure time automatically, by Raymond C. Buck More Ways to Use Low-Cost Digital Meters  - If you like things that are cheap and simple but do the job, then check out these imported panel meters for under $10.00!, by John Sharp CURI vs. Cat  - Integrating robots into real-world applications - in a "catty" kind of way, by George Katz (Mostly) Tuned and Tested  - Check out these down-to-earth reviews on some "truly trick" ham equipment, by Gordon West PIC-Based Data Acquisition System Characterizes Laser Diodes  - With the huge success of CD-ROM technology, semiconductor diode lasers have become readily available and inexpensive.  But now theres a new, more exciting semiconductor laser, by Lawrence Foltzer Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Robotic goals for the new year, what it takes to go from point A to point B, and an alternative to optical encoders. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Some interesting circuits: a "universal" IF amplifier and a logarithmic amplifier. Resource Bin  - A look at some medical electronics. Stamp Applications  - Back to the BASICs... find out what lies ahead for "Stampers" in the upcoming year. The Computer-Controlled World  - Three convenient sizes of graphic LCD displays offer complete display solutions for most embedded and PC applications.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 2  (February 1999) Boaters and Rovers Upset with HF SSB Phone Service Shutdown  - February 28th is the final day that AT&T will handle telephone calls over high-frequency single-sideband.  But there will still be ways to communicate effectively, by Gordon West Looking Inside a Power Splitter  - Ever wonder what's inside a TV power splitter?, by Gerald Roylance Automotive Navigation: Where It's At and Where It's Going  - This article explains the inner workings of automotive navigation systems, by Jeff Stefan Build an Inexpensive Whole-House Temperature/Humidity Monitoring System - Part 1  - With the THX10 remote monitoring system described in this article, you will be able to transmit data from up to eight monitoring stations on your house's power line, and receive the information on your PC, without any calibration or wiring between rooms, by Mike Keryan Magnifiers 1X to 1000X  - Magnifiers come in many sizes, shapes, and prices.  Find out which one is the best for your applications, by John C. Little Doing Electronic Calculations with ELCAD  - Learn to use this simple software program that allows you to do some fairly complex electronic calculations quickly, and print out the results, by Fred Blechman Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Even though you will be starting with a very simple hardware/software combination, this month's project will put your skills to the test. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Lightning observing: some lightning detection history, types of lightning, and constructing a storm scope. Resource Bin  - Another look at some favorite websites. Stamp Applications  - If you ever wanted to store a text file and parse the data out to some serial device, or have a string of serial data stored automatically, then the RAMPack B may be just what you're looking for. The Computer-Controlled World  - Will return next month.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 3  (March 1999) Some Practical Light Meters - Part 1  - For years, photographers have used light meters to help determine the correct exposure for a picture.  Take a look at several ways to measure the amount of light your camera sees, then learn some ways to customize a light meter that best meet your particular needs, by Evert Fruitman E-Mailing from 3 MHz-30 MHz  - There is a wide variety of ways to send short packets of e-mail over the airwaves.  Find out where and how, by Gordon West Data Logging With a Digital Multimeter and Your PC  - If you have the need to monitor slowly changing electrical measurements for periods of minutes to days, then you'll want to know about a "new breed" of DMM. The "Opto" in Optoelectronics - Part 1 - Learn the basic nature and behavior of light and mirrors in this opening episode of an optoelectronics-related four-part series, by Ray Marston Build an Inexpensive Whole-House Temperature/Humidity Monitoring System - Part 2  - With the THX10 remote monitoring system described in this article, you will be able to transmit data from up to eight monitoring stations on your house's power line, and receive the information on your PC, without any calibration or wiring between rooms, by Mike Keryan Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Finishing the Breadbot brain transplant, taking the software much farther, plus some new "arrivals." Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Radio telemetry on a budget. Resource Bin  - Supraluminal dowsing for Brown's Gas in Roswell. Stamp Applications  - Powerful graphic Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). The Computer-Controlled World  - Will return next month. DATALOG.BAS  QuickBASIC/QBASIC program for DOS data logging to screen.  Change PRINT to LPRINT for printer output.  From the article "Data Logging with a Digital Multimeter and Your PC" by Fred Blechman. LCD_399.BS2  Graphic LCD Code - This program is used to control a BS2 based device to record bit maps to the RAMPack B and then relay them to a Scott Edwards Electronics G12032 Graphics LCD.  From the Stamp Applications column by Lon Glazner. THMONITG.BAS  BASIC program used to monitor temperature and humidity.  From the article "Build an Inexpensive Whole-House Temperature/Humidity Monitoring System - Part 2" by Mike Keryan WANDER.ASM  Robot wander behavior test program.  From the Amateur Robotics Notebook column by Robert Nansel.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 4  (April 1999) Some Practical Light Meters - Part 2 - Determine and construct the specific "lighting" system which suits your particular needs, and learn the details that apply to that system, by Evert Fruitman Safe and Sane SMD Repair  - Learn how to successfully remove and replace SMD chips, by TJ Byers Build the Pot Box  - Useful to experimenters and circuit designers, this inexpensive decade potentiometer box allows you to conveniently determine the best value of resistance to use in a circuit, by Fred Blechman The "Opto" in Optoelectronics - Part 2 - Learn the basic nature and behavior of optical prisms and lenses in this installment of a four-part series, by Ray Marston Build a Sepic Regulator for Your Battery Powered Digital Project  - Portable power for your portable electronics is not a trivial consideration, by Fernando Garcia Marine Electronics for the Land RV Market  - Electronics that go into boats and vehicles share a lot of common applications.  Find out the advantages of technology exchanges between these two markets, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics Notebook  - A GrowBot review, Breadbot code on-line, and SimmStick Design Contest99 details. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Some design rules for building circuits. Resource Bin  - Exploring used test equipment options. Stamp Applications  - Step beyond the application note. The Computer-Controlled World  - Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Computer-Controlled World will be postponed for one more issue.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. MD6BPAD-.HTM  Software info for the Sega Genesis Game Controller as mentioned in the Q&A column by TJ Byer NV_499.BAS  Self-scaling 8-channel A/D code listing from the Stamp Applications column, by Lon Glazner.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 5  (May 1999) Live Pictures from the Mir Space Station  - Amateur radio and Mir combine to make history with anSSTV system, by Farrell Winder At Home with Computer Numerical Control (CNC) - Part 1  - This article will explain the concepts of CNC and will be the first step in automating the home workshop, by Dan Mauch The "Opto" in Optoelectronics - Part 3  - The basic nature and behavior of fiber optic cables and communication systems is described in this penultimate installment, by Ray Marston Low Earth Orbit Handheld Communicators  - There are GEOs, MEOs, and LEOs in space, and each satellite system has unique capabilities for keeping us in touch with land lines and the Internet anywhere in the world, by Gordon West Switching Voltage Regulator Basics - Part 1  - Weighing the Options: see how the industry converts voltage from one value to another without wasting power using switching converters.  And learn how to do it yourself, by TJ Byers Cow-Patty Pageant Race Timer  - Discover the capability of Microchip's small but powerful microcontrollers with this simple, yet dis"stink"tive timer, by Lawrence Foltzer Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Giving Breadbot some modest navigation and obstacle avoidance abilities, plus a robotics book-of-the-month choice on the future of AI. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - That upcoming science fair: miscellaneous tips for entries and judges. Resource Bin  - The hydrogen scene: It's a gas. Stamp Applications  - Dual digital power supply - part 1. The Computer-Controller World  - Video for Windows: Watch 16 video sources simultaneously in a Windows 98 window - part 1. COWPATTY.TXT  Code listing for the article "Cow-Patty Pageant Race Timer" by Lawrence Foltzer. MAY99.BS2  User interface code listing from the Stamp Applications column by Lon Glazner. F5.PDF  National Semiconductor whitesheet on switching regulator technology.  Mentioned in the article "Switching Voltage Regulator Basics - Part 1" by TJ Byers

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 6  (June 1999) Three-Axis Chopper, Step Motor Controller for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Applications - Part 2  - This month, we build our three-axis, two-amp driver and do initial check-out so the controls are ready for our machine to be converted to CNC, by Dan Mauch Switching Power Supply  - Find a simple solution to vehicular power-supply problems with this modular switching regulator that provides safe, steady five volts from your vehicle's 12-volt system, by D.P. Roberts The "Opto" in Optoelectronics - Part 4  - The basic operating principles of LEDs and lasers are described in this final installment of the series, by Ray Marston A Wolf in PIC's Clothing?  - Discover a new microprocessor that is compatible with a PIC, but has even more features, not to mention it is low-cost and can run about as fast as a PIC with a 200 MHz clock!, by Al Williams Out-of-Sight High Frequency Antennas  - Getting onto the high frequency bands requires big antennas.  And, with Technican Class operators anticipating their new General Class privileges (due to the FCC restructuring of test requirements), manufacturers are ready with the right kinds of equipment, by Gordon West Switching Voltage Regulator Basics - Part 2  - Weighing the Options: See how the industry deals with converting 110 VAC into 5 volts, 12 volts into 1,000 volts, and +5 volts into -5 volts; design rules and typical applications are provided, by TJ Byers Making RS-232 Interfaces Work  - Although the RS-232 interface is one of the most common ways of getting information into and out of computers, misunderstanding about the RS-232 have buried users in a profusion of swapped pins, gender changers, breakout boxes, and hydra-head cables, by Gerald Roylance Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Giving Breadbot some modest navigation and obstacle avoidance abilities, plus a robotics book-of-the-month choice on the future of AI. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - That upcoming science fair: miscellaneous tips for entries and judges. Resource Bin  - The hydrogen scene: It's a gas. Stamp Applications  - Dual digital power supply - part 2.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 7  (July 1999) Using Those Wide-Range, All-Mode Handheld Receivers  - Competition really heats up among manufacturers of DC to daylight all-mode handheld scanning receivers.  So how do you decide which one is best for you?, by Gordon West A High-Power PIC Macro Library  - An extensive library of PIC macros is presented here that you can add to your own assembly language projects, by Karl Lunt Three-Axis Chopper, Step Motor Controller for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Applications - Part 3  - Configure, connect, adjust, and test the three-axis chopper driver built in last month's article, by Dan Mauch New Life for a Vintage Audio Filter  - Follow this easy conversion process for a filter that dissipates less heat and is lighter in weight than the original, by Ron Tipton EL Light: Playing in the Dark  - EL lamps are everywhere, from cell phones to laptops.  Here's how they work, and how to make them work in your projects, by TJ Byers Low Loss Electronic Switch  - With the "flip of a switch," easily go between portable and stationary power with this handy circuit, by Fernando Garcia Voice Changer  - Voice changing can be an interesting application of electronics.  Try out the Holtek HT8950A: an electronic circuit using a digital signal processing-type approach, but with no programming required, by Jack Dennon Amateur Robotics Notebook  - The challenge of allocating I/O bits with Breadbot. Open Channel  - Notes on vibration detectors and seismographs - Part 1. Electronics Q&A  - Stamp Applications  - WWVB clock interface: making use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology radio station. The Computer-Controlled World  - Vacuum Florescent Displays (VFD), one of the finest display technologies available is now easy to use with any device capable of sending RS-232 characters. NV_JUL99.BS2  Code listing from the Stamp Applications column by Lon Glazner.  This BS2 code interfaces to the Ultralink WWVB Receiver and decoder module that is available through Parallax, Inc.  This code makes use of two of the features available in the module.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 8  (August 1999) Three-Axis Chopper, Step Motor Controller for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Applications - Part 4  - Retrofitting a desktop milling machine for CNC, by Dan Mauch Build a Digital Watt and Watt-Hour Meter  - Ever wondered why your electric bill is so high, or how much electricity your freezer, blow dryer, or air conditioner consumes?  With the Watts Showing digital meter kit, you can accurately measure power consumption and calculate operating costs on anything that plugs into a 120 VAC outlet, by Dan Harrison Top 10 Solar PV Power Applications  - Just in time for summer... Look at 10 terrific solar power applications that will show positive cost benefits, by Kenton Chun High "TEC" Refrigerator  - Build your own electric cooler for a quarter of the price you would normally pay, plus make it solar-powered, by Kenton Chun DC-to-Light Radios: Yaesu and Icom Comparisons  - Two brand new ham transceivers from these major manufacturers undergo side-by-side comparisons, along with some torture tests, by Gordon West Servos, Steppers, and Optical Encoders - Part 1  - Which one works best in your robotic or RC project?  Here's everything you need to know, by TJ Byers Build an LED Digital Thermometer  - Construct this under-$38.00 kit for an LED digital display thermometer that can measure temperatures in all kinds of environments from either -40° to +100° Centigrade, or from -40° to +212° Farenheit, by Fred Blechman Amateur Robotics Notebook  - The birth of Breadbot's power switch board, more on I2C, and loving Linux. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Notes on vibration detectors and seismographs - part 2, plus a note on lightning and WWV clocks. Stamp Applications  - A Stamp-controlled high power H-Bridge.  This circuit can be used for controlling high current motors, driving relays, controlling lamps, and powering heating elements, just to name a few possible applications.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 9  (September 1999) Servos, Steppers, and Optical Encoders - Part 2  - Which one works best in your robotic or RC project?  This month: bipolar stepper motors, by TJ Byers Hams Happy in Holding Pattern  - Ham radio operators are getting the royal treatment from equipment manufacturers and dealers in preparation for the long-awaited amateur radio service restructuring rules, by Gordon West Outfitting Your "Mad" Scientist's Lair  - This Halloween is your time to cackle, throw back the curtains, and reveal wild arcs of electricity surging through your house with your very own Tesla coil!, by Walt Noon PowerPointing Your Projects - Part 1  - Learn how to use Microsoft PowerPoint for creating a personalized "palette" of schematic symbols and a "toolkit" for creating PC board drawings, by Steve Daniels Ion Propulsion is a Reality!  - Build your own ion propulsion motor that works on the same basic principles as NASA's Deep Space 1 craft, by David Williams Put the Operation Back in Op-Amps  - Almost every project today uses an op-amp to amplify analog signals.  However, operational amplifiers were originally designed to perform mathematical operations in analog computers.  Check out these sample circuits that can do much more than just amplify, by Richard Panosh Build a Photo-Electric Counter  - You can "count" on this construction project to give you the numbers that you need for a myriad of applications, by Fred Blechman Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Why use a multimaster I2C network?  Read on... Open Channel  - Dealing with instrument problems. Stamp Applications  - Protecting your Stamp from the cold, cruel world through de-coupling capacitors.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 10  (October 1999) Practical Y2K Precautions  - With the dawn of the new millenium fast approaching, now is a good time to take a look at some common-sense precautions, by Kenton Chun Audio Design With Op-Amps  - Learn some techniques that help "fill in the gaps" in standard op-amp design for high-quality, low-noise audio circuits.  You'll get the basic formulas you need to get started, plus a few not so well-known tricks, by Thomas Henry PowerPointing Your Projects - Part 2  - This installment shows the construction of another PowerPoint template - one that will allow us to create artwork for making PC boards, by Steve Daniels Atmospherics Enhance VHF/UHF/SHF Radio Range  - There is no coincidence when summer and fall weather bring enhanced radio range to frequencies 100 MHz to 10,000 MHz, by Gordon West Automatic Night LED  - Make several useful, practical, portable lights using LEDs, by Evert Fruitman Servos, Steppers, and Optical Encoders - Part 3  - Which one works best in your robotic or RC project?  This month: bipolar stepper motor electronic controllers, by TJ Byers Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Building a software-only I2C master. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - A little digression: a "boatanchor" kit, plus more on the AD8307 chip, the lightning detector revisited, hybrid couplers, and the Magic-T transformer. Stamp Applications  - Faster, stronger, better: the BASIC Stamp 2SX.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 11  (November 1999) Any Controversy on Mass Merchandising the Ham Radio Service?  - Electronic superstores such as RadioShack, Tech America (now RadioShack.com), and Fry's provide a nice balance along with local specialized ham businesses in offering service and products for amateur radio operators, by Gordon West Radio Control Servos - A Primer!  - Get the skinny on radio control servos and what will work for you, by Eloy Marez Build a Tunable Noise Generator  - Electrical noise is often considered an enemy.  But, in fact, noise can be useful in a great number of applications, by Thomas Henry Reviving NiCad-Powered Devices  - Take a look at some ways to salvage dead nicads from the scrap heap and recycle them back into active duty, by Kenton Chun PowerPointing Your Projects - Part 3  - This month, we put the template from last month to use by doing a board layout for the schematic created in Part 1, by Steve Daniels Robbi's Violin/Guitar Tuner.  - Stay in tune with this practical instrument, by Evert Fruitman Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Bit-level routines for an I2C slave, mini reviews on two robot kits, and a few words about the loneliness of the long-distance robot builder. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Dealing with AC power line and electrical device EMI. Stamp Applications  - Meet Stamp Net: a multi-drop Stamp-based network. The Computer-Controlled World  - Utilizing the BASIC Stamp 2SX to manage a graphical user interface with all the "bells and whistles."

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 20, No. 12  (December 1999) BotBash '99  - This yearly event held in Phoenix is an excellent venue for both those just starting out in robot combat events, and seasoned vets, by Dan Danknick Using Low-Cost Melody and Sound-Effects Generator ICs  - Create a festive holiday atmosphere with these melody ICs.  And, with a wide variety of songs and sound effects to choose from, you can personalize gifts or cards, by Ray Marston Orbital E-Mail - An Affordable Solution  - Have access to e-mail anywhere you go, with the help of Magellan's GSC-100 handheld and the Orbcomm satellite service. A Simple Controller for Stepper Motors to Use With Microprocessors  - Construct this controller for use with unipolar motors.  It's perfect for use with microprocessors since it has just two control lines: one to control the stepping of the motor and the other to control the direction of the motor's rotation. A Headset Junction Box  - Have the convenience of a headset on your computer without the inconvenience of having to constantly plug and unplug the speakers and microphone at the back of your computer, by Gerald Roylance A+ Certification - What Can It Do for You?  - You've probably heard of the A+ certification for computer technicians.  But what can it do for you?  Read on, by Larry Ball Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Bit-level routines that make the master pay attention to what the slave is doing, a nifty new PWM part, and some suggestions for good winter reading. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). Stamp Applications  - STAMP Net: A multi-drop Stamp-based network - part 2. The Computer-Controlled World  - Advanced RS-232 Control of Relays: January will mark the release of the largest and most powerful relay controller yet, and begin a whole new way of thinking. XISTOR.JPG  Transistor chart from Q&A  column by TJ Byers.

2000

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 1  (January 2000) Color Imaging on Most Any Radio System  - You don't necessarily need to be a licensed amateur radio operator to take advantage of the latest breed of add-on radio technology: color video imaging, by Gordon West Indoor Digital Humidity Meter  - It's no sweat to keep track of your household humidity levels with this easy-to-construct device, by Richard Panosh Closed Captions, V-Chip, and Other VBI Data  - There's more in your TV signal than just video and audio.  Closed captions, V-chip information, time of day, program and network information, Internet links, and more lurk within the broadcast signal just waiting for you to pull it all out, by Gary Robson Build a Throbbing Heart  - Special Valentine's Project: Express your enduring love this year with 28 bright red LEDs, by Fred Blechman BotBash '99  - Meet Mechadon: a 435-pound bug. An Improved AC-DC Voltage Reference  - This voltage reference is useful for calibrating AC and DC voltmeters and oscilloscopes, and it uses standard, off-the-shelf parts.  Plus, it has no calibration adjustments - just build and use!, by Ron Tipton Light-Sensitive Circuits  - Learn basic operating principles and applications for a variety of light-sensitive devices, by Ray Marston Building a Better Mouse Trap - Part 1  - Turn your mouse into a nifty input device for programming your VCR, controlling your model train layout, or other homebrew gadget, by Steve Parkis Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Lonely Gearhead contest results and the beginning of a multi-part tutorial on the heart of robotics: motor control. The Computer-Controlled World  - Check out Byte Bugs - simple processors that are pre-programmed with simple instructions to do simple things - available exclusively to Nuts & Volts subscribers. Electronic Q&  - Open Channel  - Used to test and troubleshoot radio receivers and other circuits, signal generators are of primary interest to almost everyone interested in electronics - Part 1. Stamp Applications  - Take a look at a couple of simple circuits that allow you to make the most out of your analog-to-digital converter. The Computer-Controlled World  - Check out Byte Bugs - simple processors that are pre-programmed with simple instructions to do simple things - available exclusively to Nuts & Volts subscribers. MOUSE.TXT  Demonstration program for the article "Build a Better Mousetrap - Part 1" by Steve Parkis. ICPREFIX.JPG  IC table from Q&A column by TJ Byers. NV100.BAS  Interfacing to the MAX144 12-bit ADC code from Stamp Applications by Lon Glazner

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 2  (February 2000) Thanks for the Memory - A Storage Scope for Your PC  - Check out the Velleman PCS65i - a PC-based digital storage oscilloscope that doubles as a spectrum analyzer, by Al Williams Optocoupler Circuits  - Operating principles and practical applications of a variety of optocoupler devices are described, by Ray Marsto An Easily Built & Practical SWBB Receiver  - Discover modifications to the design of a shortwave receiver that will greatly improve reception of the broadcast band stations, by Peter Lehmann Federal Communications Commission Simplifies Ham Tests and Lowers Code Speeds  - On April 15, 2000, the FCC amateur radio service license restructuring becomes law.  If you ever wanted to get your ham ticket, there's no better time than right now to do it!, by Gordon West Building a Better Mouse Trap - Part 2  - In this installment, a mouse, BASIC Stamp II, LCD, and a Scenix SX28-based interface are integrated to provide complete mouse functions for a BASIC Stamp, by Steve Parkis Plugging Electricity Leaks  - Learn how to save electricity, money, and the environment with options that cut down "miscellaneous" leak, by Bill Siuru Protolab Circuit Design and Simulation  - If you have any interest at all in electronic circuit design or analysis, then this is the program for you!, by Fred Blechman Digital Voltage Supply From Your PC  - You'll find many uses in the general area of circuit building and testing with this power supply completely controlled by your PC, by Russ Knapp Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Motor control continued and what's hot in robotics reading. Electronic Q&A  - Open Channel  - Let's look at the frequency synthesizer, the king of all signal generators - part 2. Stamp Applications  - Motor control made easy. The Computer-Controlled World  - The SCAM Chip: Control the pan and tilt of 256 different cameras from your desktop PC. MOUSMENU.BS2  Program demonstrates advanced use of mouse interface.  Uses menus, point-and-click, drag-and-drop functions.  From the article "Build a Better Mousetrap - Part 2" by Steve Parkis. MINMOUS.BS2  This program implements a PS/2 mouse interface for use with a Parallax BASIC Stamp II.  It supports all standard, two-button PS/2 commands.  It also provides a simple LCD interface.  From the article "Build a Better Mousetrap - Part 2" by Steve Parkis. MMBDEMO.BS2  Motor speed control code from Stamp Applications by Lon Glazner SWBB.PDF  Simple Short Wave Receiver Construction by R.A. Penfold (pages 53-63 of chapter 3), referred to by the article "An Easily Built & Practical SWBB Receiver" by P. Lehman.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 3  (March 2000) Building a Better Mouse Trap - Part 3  - A Keyboard for Your Stamp.  This final installment will show how programming modifications alone provide a PS/2 keyboard interface for use with a BASIC Stamp.  Learn fundamental keyboard functions, have the SX28 interface program presented to you, and its use illustrated with some BASIC Stamp code snippets, by Steve Parkis Max Mod - A Low-Cost 20 MHz Function Generator Module  - A 20 MHz function generator for $20.00?!?  Maxim's new chip - the MAX038 - not only operates easily to 20 MHz, but works beyond that, and produces a good clean constant amplitude wave form.  Get step-by-step construction details of this module which an experimenter can easily use to build test instruments or computer-controlled test setup, by James Lyman Understanding MP3 Audio Compression  - The MP3 audio format has become somewhat of a standard method for deploying video and audio media across the Internet.  This article will show what an MP3 file looks like, how it works, and a general description of how to decode one, by Robert Kelley Put USB in Your Projects  - Have you been shopping for a PC lately and have noticed something missing, like serial, parallel, mouse, and keyboard connectors?  In their place, you'll find the new Universal Serial Bus (USB).  This article introduces you to USB and describes options for designing devices that connect to this more "flexible" interface. Working Worldwide HF on a Tiny Dual-Band Ham Radio  - You can now put together a ham radio system that lets you work your worldwide station remotely with a little ham radio dual-band handheld.  The Sky Command System by Kenwood Corporation is helping to put hams in touch around the world, by Gordon West Practical LED Indicator and Flasher Circuits  - A variety of LED indicator and LED flasher circuits are described here.  Come up with some "bright" ideas for using these circuits in your own projects. Build a Telephone-Busy Lite  - Playing "modem roulette" whenever you are online?  If the telephone line you use for your computer modem has extension telephones on that same line, you probably get dumped off the Internet a lot.  Plug this simple project into your phone line and when any phone using that line is in use, the red LED will light, by Fred Blechman Countdown Controller  - Need a time delay for your project?  Check out this simple circuit.  This circuit is ideal for applications such as toy rocket ignition systems or camera self-timers, by Dennis Eichenberg Amateur Robotics Notebook  - More good 'bot books, Divide-and-Conquer classifying of robots, and more motor driver circuits.  Get some great insights from Robert as he "packs it up" for his big move... Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Mystery EMI: Rusty downspouts and all that...  Revisit some of Joe's more colorful EMI service calls from past years. Stamp Applications  - A digital-to-analog converter for all seasons.  Lon covers a powerful and simple circuit that is flexible enough for a myriad of designs which might require analog control signals. The Computer-Controlled World  - More Byte Bugs: Nine New CPUs simplify your computer-controlled world.  Ryan introduces you to his new family of simple-to-use CPUs including VU Meter and VU Meter2 - analog control processors that do a specific function without a computer attached. KEYBOARD.TXT  This program implements a PS/2 keyboard interface for use with a Parallax BASIC Stamp II.  It supports all standard PS/2 keyboard commands.  It also provides a simple LCD interface.  From the article "Build a Better Mousetrap - Part 3" by Steve Parkis. DAC_AMP.BS2  Writes to the MAX5250 4-channel 10-bit DAC generating a sawtooth wave.  Code from Stamp Applications by Lon Glazner

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 4  (April 2000) Build an Electronic Compass  - This solid-state circuit contains no moving parts.  The electronic compass described here is easy to build and will easily outperform the old-fashioned magnetic types, by Anthony J. Caristi A Magnetic Field Mapping Device  - Did you know that you can sense the strength and direction of magnetic fields?  We already use them for navigation, but could it be possible to also use them to predict earthquakes?, by Robert Davis Digital dB Using the BASIC Stamp II: A Lookup Table Approach  - The problem with displaying wide-ranging signals is that the smallest values are hardly visible above zero, while the largest values may be saturated.  This project's objective is to logarithmically transform an input DC signal, with an input range of a few millivolts to a few volts, by Allen Rushing SMD Shortwave Receiver  - You can listen to the world with this tiny receiver.  It may be small, but it can pull in a large number of foreign broadcast stations, by Homer L. Davidson Temperature Measurement and Control  - For most people, the comfort zone is a fairly narrow climate range around "room temperature."  Even electronic equipment is demanding regarding temperature.  This article takes a look at some of the devices we use to measure and control temperature, by Ron Tipton LED Chaser/Sequencer Circuits  - The so-called chaser or sequencer is one of the most popular types of LED-driving circuits.  Presented here is a dynamic selection of the popular practical 4017B-based circuits, by Ray Marston Rescue Beacon System to the Test  - ELTs, PLBs, EPIRBs...  Learn how "beacon" search and rescue missions work, and how they have improved by using the latest in technology, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics Notebook  - (Un)Packing It Up... some more.  Get a status report on the Lonely Gearhead contest, and a tutorial on the ROBBI interface scheme. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Dummy Loads and the USB Port.  Find out what exactly a dummy load is and why you use one, plus a quickie review on Jan Axelson's new book (USB Complete: The Developer's Guide) on the USB port. Stamp Applications  - Calling All Stamps: Using modems and the BASIC Stamp for data collection and control.  Check out the demonstration project using a simple remote recording thermometer. The Computer-Controlled World  - Big Byte Bugs.  Discover seven new devices that offer even more capabilities.  And, since some of them are E3C-compliant, it will be possible to chain servo controllers, A/D converters, vacuum florescent displays, relay controllers, and digital I/O chips all on a single serial port. CERMETEK.ZIP  Contains the program CERMETEK.BS2 which monitors a Dallas Semiconductor DS1620 digital thermometer while waiting for an incoming call.  Also has app notes for the Cermetek 1786 modem.  Code from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams MAPPER.TXT  Software listing for the article "A Magnetic Field Mapping Device" by Robert Davis. DB60.TXT  Stamp program "Digital db Converter" for the article "Digital db Using the BASIC Stamp II: A Lookup Table Approach" by Allen Rushing

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 5  (May 2000) Tools and Techniques for Robot Builders  - You can blue-sky all kinds of ideas for a robot to build, but sooner or later, you have to start making a frame, dealing with electronics, and writing code.  This article will describe some simple tools and techniques to help you get your robot going sooner, by Karl Lunt FET Principles and Circuits - Part 1  - Learn the basics of Field-Effect Transistors (FET) in this opening segment of a four-part series, by Ray Marston Build a Watchdog Timer Using the PC Speaker Output  - How do you get a stand-alone system to automatically recover from a lock-up and continue running its programming?  Check out this watchdog timer circuit you can build yourself.  It monitors the PC speaker rather than an I/O address and only costs around $10.00, by Mike Keryan Make Your Own Printer Port LED Array Sign for Around $50.00  - Got a message to flash?  This article is about a programmable sign that connects to a computer's printer port.  It is both useful and versatile, by Robert Davis Build an Infrared Detector  - They are everywhere!  What?  Infrared (IR) remote controls.  Build this simple circuit to test infrared remote controls.  It uses only 10 common electronic parts.  No PCB is required and a common nine-volt battery will last "forever", by Fred Blechman Digital Alarm Clock  - Alarm clocks have become so common and cheap, that it's hard to find a construction project for a complete alarm clock.  This article is just that - a complete alarm clock, from the power supply to the case, by Brian Beard More on 121.5 MHz  - Last month, the importance of the emergency locator beacon service at 121.5 MHz and the relatively new 406.025 MHz datastream was described.  This month, learn how rescue personnel can get activated and on-scene faster when GPS coordinates are also carried in the signal, by Gordon West Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Explore the topic of integrated H-bridges. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Dealing With AC Power Line EMI.  AC power line harmonics and spark hash can create havoc with radio reception.  But with the methods discussed this month, you will be able to overcome many of these problems. Stamp Applications  - Stamping Myself Into Better Shape.  Build an exercise timer and review practical project development tips in the process. The Computer-Controlled World  - Video for Windows: Watch 16 video cameras in a Windows 98 window and control the position of each camera - part 2. CK2ALARMCLOCK.ASM  Source Code for the article "Digital Alarm Clock" by Brian Beard XTIMER.ZIP  Hardware test code for exercise timer project.  Code from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams LED_SIGN.TXT  Software listing for the article "Make Your Own Printer Port LED Array Sign" by Robert Davis.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 6  (June 2000) Late-Breaking News: Your GPS Equipment Now Has Better Accuracy  - At midnight on May 2nd, the Defense Department pulled the plug on Selective Availability.  What does this mean to civilian GPS users?  Perhaps not the "pinpoint" or "spot-on" accuracy you might think, by Gordon West A PC-Board Cutting Jig for the Dremel Tool  - Always finding new uses for your Dremel tool and its accessories?  How about using it for cutting PC boards accurately, simply, and inexpensively?  This article will explain how the idea for an innovative accessory came about, how to built it, and how to use, by Steve Daniels FET Principles and Circuits - Part 2  - We continue this month with a look at some practical JFET circuits, their basic usage, and applications, by Ray Marston Another AC-DC Voltage Reference  - Back in January, Ron described an improved AC-DC voltage reference.  This month, he shows us his latest design that produces the output reference voltage directly, so a switched divider isn't needed at all, by Ron Tipton Old Scopes Don't Need to Die - A Repair Story  - Many electronics bargains can be found today at swap meets, hamfests, and in the pages of this magazine.  But what if they don't work?  Take a fictional trip to "Bob's repair shop" and get some factual, basic troubleshooting techniques along the way, by Fred Blechman Modular Instrument System: A Method for Power Without Zillions of Batteries  - When testing or researching projects, small, custom instruments always pose a problem for powering them, a question of either using batteries or building a complete AC power supply which often can be larger and heavier than the instrument itself.  This article describes a powering system which features a standardized power supply that is quickly and easily connected to small instruments, by James Lyman Build a Shaded Pole AC Motor  - Intrigued by electric motors?  Build this shaded pole model which makes an excellent display of the early Fleming-Thomson motor and also is excellent as a science project.  Plus, enjoy a history tour in the process, by Richard Panosh Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Coverage of the Seventh Trinity Firefighting Home Robot Contest, plus beginnings of a new robot. Electronics Q&A  - Open Channel  - Noise Cancellation Techniques.  Noise is bad, and getting rid of noise battering a signal is a major chore.  Try out the "invert and obliterate" method described here to overcome your own "signal sabatoge." Stamp Applications  - Menus Made Easy.  Apply a great UI design to the BASIC Stamp, creating a platform from which any number of distinct control projects can be developed. STAMPUI2.BS2  Stamp user interface for general control applications.  Code from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams. SCARECV.PDF  Code sheet for programming the Radio Plus FM Subcarrier receiver.  From Tech Forum Answer #4010.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 7  (July 2000) CNC Retrofit: Affordable Servo Control for Your Desktop Milling Machine  - Put together a high-performance, servo motor-based CNC controller using low-cost servo motor controllers and Windows-based freeware, by Jeffrey Kerr FET Principles and Circuits - Part 3  - Take a look at practical MOSFET and CMOS circuits, by Ray Marston More PIC Macros  - PIC programmers: Check out some additional utilities inspired by Karl Lunt's July 2000 article "A High-Power PIC Macro Library", by Tom Lyons Fisher and Mayeul Marie Rigo Ham Operators Enjoying the New License Structure  - Even though the new rules may have caught old-time hams off-guard, the 5 wpm code is inspiring many would-be amateur radio operators to "go for it."  And, as the hobby continues to grow, "ham ambassadors" can help bridge the gap between old and new, by Gordon West A Simple Tunable Low-Pass Active Filter  - A fifth-order Butterworth filter in an eight-pin chip is just what the doctor ordered when it comes to experimenting with electronic systems, by James Lyman Build This Low-Cost Function Generator  - Anyone who likes to tinker with electronic circuits needs, from time to time, a generator that will provide a signal - of some desired frequency - that can be used to drive a circuit or component such as an amplifier or speaker.  However, most people don't want to invest a large sum of money for a signal generator.  The answer to this is to build the simple, yet versatile, quality function generator presented here, by Anthony Caristi Troubleshooting an RF Signal Generator  - Troubleshooting old equipment is often easier than dealing with PCS, integrated circuit chips, and tiny SMT components used in modern equipment.  Follow the adventures of Steve and Bob to learn how signal generators work and how to repair them, by Fred Blechman Build the Incredible Electronic Mailbox!  - Noooo, not e-mail!  This device transmits a wireless signal from your mailbox which sounds a chime in your house to announce when the mail has arrived.  And, unlike most previously published mailbox projects, this one is simple, cheap, and foolproof, by Russ Shumaker Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Meet "Jiffy"... not just your standard brand of peanut butter any more. Electronics Q&A  - The definitive answer on converting multi-line telephones.  AC and DC lamp dimmers, alarm clock relay, and an RV water tank gauge.  Solutions to some perplexing component replacement part problems, and cool web sites for on and out of this world. Open Channel  - Telephones and EMI.  Electromagnetic interference to telephone receivers is often difficult to nail down.  Nevertheless, the EMI problem can be dealt with using the methods discussed in this month's column. Stamp Applications  - Stamps in the Lab.  The BS2 is a great lab interface.  It's got 16 I/O lines, all kinds of neat functions, and a serial interface to the PC that doesn't take away any of the I/O structure.  This month, find out about a neat little program the guys at SelmaWare Solutions came up with.  It's called Stamp Plot Lite and it is a fully configurable, general-purpose graphing and data logging utility. TEMPPLOT.BS2  Plot temperatures measured by a DS1620 using Stamp Plot Lite from SelmaWare Solutions.  Code from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams. STAMPTOPC.ZIP  Visual Basic program discussed in Stamp Applications by Jon Williams.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 8  (August 2000) Power Supply Design Software  - Meet Power 456 plus: A software tool that can help you keep track of all the details of a switched-mode power supply design, and help you design the compensation, by Ken Coffman The Hidden Sounds on Your Telephone Line  - "Listen-Down-The-Line" with this simple amplifier that lets you hear exactly what's happening on your phone line, by M. L. Shannon Handheld Satellite/Cell Phone from Globalstar  - With the failure of the Iridium satellite/terrestrial portable phone system, many people have their doubts about this type of communication system.  However, Globalstar can allievate these concerns since their "satellite" system is just like using cellular, by Gordon West A Tethered Backyard Explorer-Bot  - Adding a simple tether to an easily-constructed robot frame can give you a powerful, fun-to-run machine with little cost or work, by Karl Lunt Taking Things Apart: The Joy of Microcontroller Disassembly - Part 1  - This article will describe the basic concepts you need to understand how a disassembler works, by Tim Deagan FET Principles and Circuits - Part 4  - In this final installment, you'll take a look at practical VMOS power FET circuits, by Ray Marston Build a Party Strobe Light  - Flash back to the disco scene with this "like totally kewl" sound-sensitive strobe with built-in microphone.  However, its applications aren't limited to pounding music, dazzling lights, and mirrored balls, by Fred Blechman and David Mcdonald IOKit and Bridge Software  - Construct this cost-effective power supply which includes a two-channel volmeter, an SPDT relay, an optically isolated digital input, and some expandability, by Don L. Powrie Amateur Robotics Notebook  - This month, we finish the wiring and electronics for Jiffy, take a look at an unusual three-wheeled robot controlled by a PalmPilot, dabble into some historical and philosophical musings on the nature of hacking and the nurture of innovation, then wind things up with some suggested summer reading. Electronics Q&A  - Need to fix a bunch of monitors or power supplies?  Not a problem, it's probably a common component.  Capactive ESR revisited, and a nudge about vacuum tubes.  More to come on valves next month.  Finally, Mars as art - 25,000 photos on the web as eye candy. Open Channel  - VLF Radio.  Take a more extensive look at ELF, VLF, and LF. Stamp Applications  - Stamps in the Lab continued.  Last month, we kept our PC connected to the Stamp and used it as an "information provider," pumping out data.  This month, we want to ask our Stamp for specific information and also give it information to affect its behavior. POLLSTMP.BS2  This program waits for a text command from the PC and responds with a string that contains the name of the data and its current value.  Code from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams. PLOTGPIB.ZIP  From Tech Forum Answer #8003.  Allows a PC, via its parallel port , to connect to a GPIB device.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 9  (September 2000) Clearing Up TV Reception Afloat  - There is plenty that you can do to improve your existing TV reception whether down at the dock or out on the water, by Gordon West LED 'Graph' Circuits  - A wide variety of practical LED dot-graph and bar-graph analog-value display circuits are presented, by Ray Marston Build an IR Remote Control Toggle Switch  - Just about every popular electronic device these days can be operated with an IR remote control.  This "toggle transmitter" will allow you to turn on or off electrical devices from at least 20 feet away, by Fred Blechman How to Draw Schematics Using MS Paint  - Ever ask yourself "How do I draw neat, accurate schematics without spending a lot of money for special software?"  You'll find your answer here, by Steve Daniels An Easy Hum Killer - A Deep Notch 60 Hz Rejection Filter  - Remove annoying AC noise without altering your signals with the modular instrument described here.  You can also incorporate the basic filter circuit into other designs requiring rejection of 60 Hz AC noise, such as audio applications, by James Lyman Taking Things Apart: The Joy of Microcontroller Disassembly - Part 2  - A PIC 16C84 Disassembler in Python.  This month, write code to implement the functions described in Part 1, by Tim Deagan Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Planes, Trucks, and Ferries.  Highlights of this years's GEAR rendezvous. Electronics Q&A  - Analog math circuits, new life for vintage radios, and a high-current motor speed controller.  NiCad battery maintenance circuits, from proper care to rescues.  Two PC solutions, and an RIAA update. Open Channel  - Let's be Radio/Electronics Safe... Please?  Joe shares some insights and personal experiences regarding the importance of safety precautions. Stamp Applications  - A Talking Pet Trainer.  Utilizing the ISD25xxx series of chips (digital recorders) along with a BS2 in a project worth "squawking" about. 16CXX_DISASSEMBLE.TXT  Source code for the PIC 16C84 disassembler in Python.  From the article "Taking Things Apart: The Joy of Microcontroller Disassembly - Part 2" by Tim Deagan. PET_TRAINER.ZIP  This file contains the program PARROT.BS2 and app notes for the ISD25xxx ChipCorder in PDF format.  From Stamp Applications,by Jon Williams PARROT.BS2  - This program allows the user to record a message on the ISD2560 ChipCorder and play it back several times.  From Stamp Applications by Jon Williams

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 10  (October 2000) An Arcade-Quality Game Controller for Your Computer  - Play those classic video arcade games from the 1980s with your own customized controller, by Phil Combs Prosthetic Sarcasm With Emoticons for Speech  - Can't find the words for what you have to say?  Then go digital!  Whether you're giving a digital wink to someone across a crowded bar or an LED thumbs up to someone speaking on a stage, this device lends you all the incredible power of ASCII graphics and more!  ;-), by Tim Deagan Family Radio Service More Than Toy Walkie-Talkies  - FRS is now a part of many local radio systems and has earned the respect of even seasoned radio amateurs who originally thought the 14 license-free channels would become another Class D CB bungle, by Gordon West Build an Electronic Solar-Powered Digital Barometer  - To some, the current barometric reading is a bit of a mystery.  Learn what this weather parameter means, plus build your own electronic barometer which requires no external power source, by Anthony J. Caristi Build a Model Rocket Launcher  - Blast off efficiently and safely with this updated launcher, by Fernando Garcia Using BASIC to Generate G-Code  - An industry standard method to control a CNC milling machine after it's built is to create a G-code file that is interpreted by the milling machine's computer.  This article explores using BASIC programming to create the G-code instruction file, by Matthew Evans Miscellaneous "555" Circuits  - Discover a variety of unusual ways to use a 555 timer IC in applications such as Schmitt triggers, astable gadgets, alarms, and long-period timers, by Ray Marston The "Xylotron" - 'Bot With a Beat  - You'll be singing praises when you construct this musical project - turn a xylophone into a MIDI instrument that can be played manually or by a computer interface, by Bob Lang Flame Flicker Simulator  - Keep your candle burning with this simple circuit.  It's ideal for jack-o-lanterns!, by Dennis Eichenberg Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Robert begins a design dialog on what goes into building robots to meet specific requirements.  This month, he leads off with what it takes to build an elementary two-wheel drive system for a sumo bot. Electronics Q&A  - Plans for a sound level alarm and a unique volume limiter for a 20-meter receiver.  Where to find manuals, teaching aids, and schematics for all sorts of devices and technologies. Open Channel  - Using the PIN Diode.  The PIN diode has a number of uses that are unique, and will do some of the same jobs as regular signal diodes, only better.  This month's column looks at the structure of the PIN diode and some of its applications. Stamp Applications  - A Stamp-II ISD Sound Lab.  Last month's project - the pet trainer - used the ISD in its simplest mode.  However, with a little more work and some more connections, you can make the ISD25xx do all sorts of cool things, like adding speech to your favorite projects. Robotics_Drawing.JPG  Schematc diagram from the Robotics article. GCG.BAS  Program to generate G-code.  From the article "Using Basic to Generate G-Code" by Mattew Evans. ICONIZER.TXT  Source code for the Iconizer project.  From the article "Prosthetic Sarcasm With Emoticons For Speech" by Tim Deagan. ISD_LAB.BS2  This program facilitates experimenting with the ISD2560 ChipCorder.  Code from Stamp Applications (listing 1) by Jon Williams SAYNUMBER.BS2  This program demonstrate ISD message concatenation.  Code from Stamp Applications (listing 2) by Jon Williams.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 11  (November 2000) Holiday Lighting Dimmer  - With the holidays fast approaching, lighting displays will soon be appearing across the country.  Make your display unique with this dimming display controller that gives you more than just the usual on/off blinking options, by James A. Cart Switched-Capacitor Filters  - A surprising number of people are unaware of switched-capacitor filters, even though they have been around for years.  These filters offer ingenious designs, they're easy to work with, and are very cost-effective, by Anton Kruger More Changes for the Ham Code Test  - Review what the 5 wpm code "restructuring" has done for amateur radio so far, plus find out about some new code guidelines, by Gordon West RS-232 on a Breadboard  - Discover a handy board that converts RS-232 to TTL and plugs directly into a solderless breadboard.  It has a lot of applications including BASIC Stamps and experimenting with the PC serial port.  Plus, the construction technique is a nice way to make little modules that you can plug into a breadboard, by Al Williams Building Electronic Kits  - Why build a kit?  Do you need to know anything about electronics?  Will you save time or money?  Are they hard to build?  Where can you get these kits?  Everything you want to know about kit building, but were afraid to ask, by Fred Blechman '555' Monostable Circuits  - Learn 555 basics and discover ways of using the IC in several different monostable applications such as a pulse generator, analog meter driver, event-failure alarm, an automatic delayed-turn-off headlight control for cars, and an automatic porch light, by Ray Marston A Data Transponder for Model Rocket Engine Development  - When developing rocket engines from scratch, there is a positive, non-zero probability of an explosion on any given firing.  Thus, a device to gather data from the tests which allows you to be elsewhere is highly useful.  Meet the Data Transponder, by Bob Vun Kannon USB Quick Start: Using thE Universal Serial Bus  - Learn a nifty way to use USB to monitor and control digital signals from a PC with a handy, small PC board called the USBSimm, by Jan Axelson Build the Incredible Christmas Tree Dipstick!  - Tired of having to lay across piles of packages while trying to pour water into a hidden tree holder only to discover (the hard way) it didn't really need water after all?  Your problem is solved!, by Russ Shumaker Amateur Robotics Notebook  - The theory behind robotic drive systems. Electronics Q&A  - Whistlers primer, active filters, and how they relate to long lengths of wire.  A unique relay-operated well pump and garage watchdog.  Reader's feedback with old radio and RIAA trivia, and a more serious side of etching PC boards.  Finally, some nifty freebies. Open Channel  - Calculating Radio Antenna Bearings: The Great Circle.  If you use a directional antenna in your radio work, then it might be nice to know the direction in which to point the thing. Stamp Applications  - Look Mom, No Chips.  The Stamp's FREQOUT command is capable of some pretty amazing sound effects.  Plus, it doesn't require any external components! HOLIDAY-LIGHTS.ZIP  Code, listings, PCB art, etc. from the article "Holiday Lighting Dimmer" by James A. Cart SOUNDS.BS2  This program demonstrates the versatility of the Stamp 2 FREQOUT command.  Code from Stamp Applications (listing 1) by Jon Williams. TRANSPONDER.ZIP  All code listings from the article "A Data Transponder for Model Rocket Engine Development" by Bob Vun Kannon. USB.TXT  Listing from the article "USB Quick Start: Using the Universal Serial Bus" by Jan Axelson.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 21, No. 12  (December 2000) Build a Pocket-Sized Digital Altimeter  - For those who like to drive or hike up mountain roads or trails, this easy-to-build pneumatically-operated electronic altimeter is just what you are looking for, by Anthony Caristi Sequencing and Dimming - Add Some Pizazz to Your Holiday Lights  - This holiday lighting project utilizes the Motorola 68HC11 for making the season bright, by Eric Gunnerson '555' Astable Circuits  - Find a variety of ways to use a 555 timer IC in several astable waveform generator circuits, by Ray Marston Starting With the 68HC11  - The 68HC11 is very popular, but hard to breadboard with because most varieties are in a PLCC package.  However, have you ever heard of the 68HC811E2CP2?, by Al Williams Loops Introduce VHF/UHF Weak Signal Operation  - Using the right loop antenna can make a world of difference when trying to get contacts on VHF and UHF SSB, by Gordon West Designing a General-Purpose Programming System - Part 1  - Meet the LP120: a general-purpose device programmer that not only incorporates basic functions - communication with a host, generating the programming-pulse voltage, generating any unique supply voltage required by the device, and controlling the digital interface to the device - but can work with Windows PCs, Macs, laptops, and desktops old and new, by Brian Beard OzTrip Car Computer  - Whether on land or sea, the OzTrip Computer can be used to display trip info on 27 functions of speed, fuel, time, and distance of your "vehicle."  It also includes a sprint timer which is ideal for timing a standing quarter mile, plus it can be used as a general-purpose data logger not even related to vehicles. Build Your Own Voice Recognition X10 Control System  - Man as long sought convenience and versatility in remotely controlling his world.  A very popular format for doing this is with the X10 protocol.  Voice recognition has now made it possible to control these X10 modules with your own voice and, with the project discussed here, for just around $100.00, by Dennis Shepard Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Buying cars, peanut butter jars, CNC glimmers, books that are winners. Electronics Q&A  - The response to TJ's high-pass and notch filters in last month's column was overwhelming, so this month he has added instruments and websites that take the concept one step further.  Specifically, a sensitive AC voltmeter, sinewave generator, and three bipolar power supplies.  There's also a 3.3V switching supply and a coaxial "bias-tee" power supply. Open Channel  - Large Loop Antennas.  Large loop antennas offer gain over a dipole, and can be built on smaller-sized lots than a host of other antennas.  They are easy to build and use. Stamp Applications  - There's a New Stamp in Town.  Meet the BASIC Stamp IISX+ (BSP).  It takes all the really good stuff of the BASIC Stamp IISX, makes it better, and adds some really great features. LIGHT-EFFECTS.ZIP  Controller code and scripts for the article "Sequencing and Dimming - Add Some Pizzaz to Your Holiday Lights" by Eric Gunnerson. VD364.OBJ  Object code from the article "Build Your Own Voice Recognition X10 Control System" by Dennis Shepard. STAMP1200.ZIP  - (Listing 1) - Program reads and displays the ROM code and temperature data from a DS1820 (1-wire) sensor.  (Listing 2) - Reads and displays the temperature from multiple DS1820 (1-wire) sensors.  (Listing 3) - Demonstrates the I2C routines of the BSP by connecting to a Philips PCF8583 RTC/RAM chip.  Source code from the Stamp Applications column by Jon Williams.

2001

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 22, No. 1  (January 2001) Build a Low-Cost NiCad/NiMH Battery Charger  - Based on the Velleman "Low-Cost Battery Charger Kit," this battery charger is for home and car use, and can be used to charge single rechargeable NiCad and rechargeable NiMH batteries in AAA, AA, C, and D sizes, by Fred Blechman Closed-Loop Feedback Control  - This project - which is perfect for a beginning roboteer - shows how to set up a simple programmable feedback loop motor control system using components that are inexpensive compared to encoder/servo pairs, by John M. Baxley Internet Telephony 101  - The concept of Internet telephony has been around for almost as long as there's been a world wide web, but has never taken off like other applications.  However, several million people are currently using the web to make some of their calls, to other PC users and to people with regular phones.  Want to join them?, by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr. Designing a General-Purpose Programming System - Part 2  - This month, discover a specific programming-module that allows the LP120 to program PIC microcontrollers, by Brian Beard Portable High-Frequency System Under Test  - One leading USA manufacturer of military, marine, aviation, and amateur radio equipment recognized the need for a relatively small and portable high-frequency transceiver, battery D-cell capable, covering all worldwide frequencies from 1.8 MHz through 30 MHz.  Meet the SGC-2020, by Gordon West DC Motor Speed Controller  - Have an application where you need to be able to control the speed of a motor through acceleration and deceleration without any jerking?  Then this controller is for you!, by Jon Varteresian Using Voltage Reference and Temperature Sensor ICs - Part 1  - In this first installment of a four-part series, Ray shows you how to use various popular 'voltage reference' ICs, by Ray Marston Cyber-Street Survival - Part 1: Getting Started  - Cyber-Street Survival is a six-part series about privacy and security for people new to the Internet.  With the information here, you will be able to help prevent viruses, spammers, stalkers, and pesky salespeople from bothering you, by M. L. Shannon Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Machina Speculatrix, Brittle Robots, Nanotechnology, and Robot of the Month. Electronics Q&A  - Cascading LM3914 chips, more about CueCat, and printer port relay interface defined.  Free software, microwave ovens, Windows 98 shortcuts - and a reader solves a sticky problem. Open Channel  - Fiber Optic Technology - Part 1.  Fiber optics is the latest in communications and instrument technology, at least as far as the "wiring" is concerned.  This month, we take an opening look at this technology. Stamp Applications  - There's A New Stamp In Town - Part 2.  Updates, pin polling (firmware interrupts), and how to use the 40-pin BS2p are covered this month. DCSPEED.ZIP  Firmware assembly and compiled code from the article "DC Motor Speed Controller" by Jon Varteresian. STAMP0101.ZIP  (Listing 1) - Program reads and displays the ROM code and temperature data from a DS1820 (1-wire) sensor.  (Listing 2) - Demonstrates the use of STORE to create a flat EEPROM space from program slots 2-7 (12,000 bytes).  (Listing 3) - Demonstrates BS2p polled-inputs and polled output control.  Program listings from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams FEEDBACK.ZIP  BS2 programs from the article "Closed Loop Feedback Control" by John M. Baxley. DEVICE_DRIVER_HEADER.ASM  File header for LP120 driver programs, from the article "A PIC Programming Module For The LP120" by Brian Beard.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 22, No. 2  (February 2001) OOPics in My Pressroom  - See how OOPics helped simplify the task of gathering data in an environment not hospitable to electronics, by Michael Dennis Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 1  - Ever wanted to use a PC to control a device or read external digital data?  Or perhaps you need to read some analog data, such as a temperature sensor.  Maybe you want to monitor switch closures and are looking for an alternative to continuous polling.  Here you will find an RS-232 serial I/O board which, when connected to your PC's serial port, will let you do all these things and more, by Ben, Phil, and John Bright Using Voltage Reference and Temperature Sensor ICs - Part 2  - This month, see how to use various popular 'current source' and 'temperature sensor' ICs, by Ray Marston Cyber-Street Survival - Part 2  - Spam: Just Say Delete.  Spam seems to be the scourge of the Internet.  So, what can you do to protect yourself?  Find out some useful information on what you realistically can do to "junk the junk", by M.L. Shannon Practical Range of Amateur Television in Aircraft  - Flying with amateur television adds a unique dimension to the capabilities of what amateur radio communications may do for emergency and emergency preparedness, by Gordon West Light That Switch  - Bob Vun Kannon CMOS Ding-Dong Chime  - Dennis Eichenberg Using the Elenco Model DT-100 Transistor Diode Tester  - Probably among the most-used components in hobbyist electronic circuits these days are transistors and diodes of various types.  This transistor tester dynamically checks most kinds of transistors and diodes and is available as a kit or pre-assembled, by Fred Blechman HDTV 101: You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet  - What equipment do you need to watch HDTV?  Is the picture that much better?  (Yes!!)  Is it worth it to use an HDTV converter with an analog NTSC set?  HDTV has raised many questions.  Here are some answers, by Ed Driscoll FrenZy  - Meet Patrick Campbell, founder of Team Minus Zero, and his best pal FrenZy - a battling bot which represents the culmination of six years of competition robot building, by Dan Danknick TechKnowledgey 2001  - Events, Advances, and News from the Electronics World.  This column will cover it all: Advanced Technologies, Computers and Networking, Circuits and Devices, Industry and the Profession... check it out! Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Heavy Iron, The Call of the Wild, Robots in the Weeds, Meet Tryclops, and the cry of a baby. Stamp Applications  - Let There Be LEDs.  Integrating the Maxim MAX7219 LED driver for a project that's packed with potential. Open Channel  - Fiber Optic Technology - Part 2.  Solutions to dispersion problems. Electronics Q&A  - Chatty headlights-on reminder, voice-less doorbell chime, and how to interpret schematic pinouts.  Plenty of charts and tables, directing you to web sites, dealers, and books.  And finally, a look at rechargeable batteries and chargers, with a rechargeable substitute for the ubiquitous CR123A lithium camera battery. SERIAL_IO.ZIP  Firmware, software library, examples, and documentation from the article "Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 1" by Ben, Phil, and John Bright. SERIAL_IO2.ZIP  PCB layouts and schematic from the article "Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 1" by Ben, Phil, and John Bright. OOPic.zip  OOPic and VB source code, from the article "OOPics in My Pressroom" by Michael Dennis MANUALS.HTM  Listing of companies and individuals that have manuals for sale for various types of equipment.  From the Q&A column. TVREPAIR.ZIP  Listing of companies that provide TV repair tips, parts, and schematics.  From the Q&A column. PASSWORDS.ZIP  Listing of passwords that sometimes work if the user-set password is forgotten.  From the Q&A column. LEDARRAY.BS2  Program listing from Stamp Applications, by Jon Williams.  This program uses the MAX7219 to drive a 5x7 LED array.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 22, No. 3  (March 2001) The Computers of the Future  - We won't be living in a world with one supercomputer controlling our lives... we'll be living in a world where each of us will have dozens of small computers seamlessly allowing us to live our lives more comfortably, by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr. Build Your Own Voice Recognition Alarm System  - Build this universal VR alarm system which recognizes up to three separate voices and provides a full range of options for the most discriminating user, by Dennis Shepard Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 2  - This month, take a look at some of the logic behind the firmware presented last time, the tasks it performs, and how you can easily use the board from your PC applications, by Ben, Phil, and John Bright OOPics Get the Message  - Utilizing OOPics in a remote operator notification system, by Michael Dennis AIBO the Robotic Pet - Part 1  - Move over Tekno, there's a new dog in town.  The AIBO ERS-210 Entertainment Robot from Sony packs a serious amount of hardware and software into a tiny package, by Jeff Mazur Telephone Wiring Demystified  - The focus of this article is not to turn you into a service repair-person, but rather to give you the courage and confidence to wire your home for telephones as you see fit, by Sean Troutner Mini MIDI Monitor - Part 1  - If you use RS-232 or MIDI data links, this project will provide a useful addition to your toolkit which enables you to control musical synthesizers and other musical equipment from computers, by Robert Lang Using Voltage Reference and Temperature Sensor ICs - Part 3  - Discover how to use a further selection of popular 'temperature sensor' ICs in the final installment of this series, by Ray Marston Multi-Use Radio Service Sparks Cheers and Fears  - What exactly is the impact of the new Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) offering five prime VHF channels with absolutely no licensing requirement?  Read on, by Gordon West Cyber-Street Survival - Part 3  - "Without a Trace."  Take a close look at email, how to make it more private, and a little bit more about spam, by M. L. Shannon TechKnowledgey 2001  - Events, Advances, and News from the Electronics World.  Mini-robots suitable for spy work, Spherical motor provides three-dimensional movement, Wireless network becomes reality at Georgia Tech, Are you ready for a networked kitchen?, Best processor awards for 2000, Power shortage dims silicon valley prospects, William R. Hewlett dies. Electronics Q&A  - High-power lamp chaser, high-power power supply, and reverse-powered triacs.  Another round of NiCad/NiMH charging questions.  Two good parts and manual search suggestions, plus a new look at our web site.  Reader input on previous questions/answers, and finally, it's all happening at the zoo. Stamp Applications  - Conversion Considerations.  With five members of the BS2 family in circulation, it's very likely you'll want to start moving code from one BS2 Stamp to another.  Learn about the speed differences between the various commands, and how to create portable code that's easy to update when you want to upgrade to a faster Stamp. Amateur Robotics Notebook  - New life at the Robot Ranch, Heavy Iron update, crucible furnace building, BEAM robotics techniques, Solar Engine Circuits, and an excellent AI read. STAMP0301CODE.ZIP  Program listings from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams. SERIAL_IO.ZIP  Firmware, software library, examples, and documentation from the article "Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 1" by Ben, Phil, and John Bright. SERIAL_IO2.ZIP  PCB layouts and schematic from the article "Build an RS-232 Serial I/O Board - Part 1" by Ben, Phil, and John Bright. PARTFIND.HTM  Listing of companies and individuals that have manuals for sale for various types of equipment.  From the Q&A column. OP_ADVANCED.OSC  Uses RF receiver and HT648L to decode 8 data lines.  The lines are used to trigger canned messages in the OOPic.  Uses LCD Optrex 2X8 or similar.  Sets up a virtual circuit that strobes data to the LCD.  Adapted from the tech notes at www.oopic.com/lcd.htm.  From the article "OOPics Get The Message" by Michael Dennis.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 22, No. 4  (April 2001) AIBO the Robotic Pet - Part 2  - Take a closer look at the software side of AIBO.  A detailed outline of how AIBO matures from infant to adult is presented along with several shareware applications, by Jeff Mazur The PIC16F84 Grows Up  - Now, with the PIC16F87x family of parts, you can get all the features you want in an electrically-erasable package for under $10.00, by Al Williams High Flying Ham TV  - Whether it's fast-scan or slow-scan, there is plenty of excitement out there on the live ham radio "video" airwaves, by Gordon West Build a Carbon Monoxide Sniffer  - Avoid tragedy with this sensitive electronic detector that checks for dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, by Anthony Caristi Build Your Very Own Arcade Machine  - Have you ever had a desire to own an arcade machine?  Now you can build one with all the bells, whistles, joysticks, and push buttons utilizing MAME or MESS PC-compatible systems, by Kerry Barlow Syd Mead: Visual Futurist  - What does the future hold for cars and their technology?  Find out what Syd Mead envisions, by Edward B. Driscoll, Jr. Using a PIC Bootloader  - This utility should open the doors for PIC development to hobbyists long shut out by the need for a device programmer for every code revision.  Load this into one of the new PICs, then put your PICStart Plus on the shelf; you won't be needing it again anytime soon, Karl Lunt Mini MIDI Monitor - Part 2  - This installment covers the programming of the brain of the Mini MIDI system: the 16F873 PIC, by Robert Lang Refilling Inkjet Cartridges  - Tired of paying for new, expensive Inkjet cartridges?  Think refill, refill, refill, by AJ Saferstein Cyber-Street Survival - Part 4  - "Security and Other Things."  What you can and can't do about CyberStalking and CyberPorn, plus utilizing CommView - a packet sniffer that will tell you what information is entering and leaving your computer, by M. L. Shannon Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Check out a great new robot kit from Solarbotics, review Braitenberg's Vehicles, and meet "Mot." TechKnowledgey 2001  - Events, Advances, and News from the Electronics World.  New smart probe detects cancerous cells; Magnetic "gun' propels pellets at 20 km/s; Wireless Internet reaches Native American tribes via solar-powered net; PC-based data acquisition, free; One-bit technology: The future of audio?; Batteries recharged with electricity or heat; Updated web site for job seekers; and Lucent announces first-quarter woes. Stamp Applications  - Searching The 1-Wire Bus Utilizing the 1-Wire Bus with the BS2p microcontroller in a hands-on project. Electronics Q&A  - A real battery saver, and a medley of low-voltage battery indicators.  More LED answers and circuits, and a peak AC voltmeter.  Adding USB to an old PC, and what to do with old PCs not worth upgrading.  Replacing lost remotes and web sites that have answers to your questions. STAMP0401CODE.ZIP  Program listings from Stamp Applications by Jon Williams. PIC16F84.ZIP  Code listing and Bill of Materials from the article "The PIC16F84 Grows Up" by Al Williams. BOOTLDR.ASM  Flash-resident bootloader for the PIC16F876/7.  Derived from the original Microchip program, BOOT877.ASM  From the article "Using a PIC Bootloader" by Karl Lunt.

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 22, No. 5  (May 2001) Turn Your Home Into a Robot  - Turn your home into a "sensing machine" utilizing X10 technology and some robotic-type principles, by Karl Lunt Unusual Trace Switcher  - Have you ever tried to adjust the gains of a number of analog signal stages for equilibrium when those signals interact with each other?  Well, here's a circuit that maintains a good handle on what is normally a painful exercise, by Stanley York Using Seven-Segment Displays - Part 1  - Learn the basic operating principles for using seven-segment alphanumeric displays, by Ray Marston Hawaii to California Tropo Time Soon  - This year, the tropospheric ducting opportunity will not be limited just to specialized single-sideband or CW emissions, but will encompass common frequency modulation mode communications between Hawaii and the mainland on two meters - thanks to some generous donations, by Gordon West Add a Universal Serial Bus Interface to Your Next Project - It's Easier Than You Might Think!  - If you can write Windows application software that can open, read from, and write to the PC's RS-232 serial ports, then you already know enough to incorporate USB into your next hardware design!, by Don Powrie Laser Measure  - Set your sights on this device that uses two laser diodes, coupled to a microcontroller, for measuring lengths and angles.  This is a little bit different approach since it relies on the visibility of two laser spots to measure lengths, as opposed to distances, by John Boyd Small Logic Gates Spawn Big Dreams - Part 1  - Learn how to turn your junk box orphans into a construction project or replacement part treasures, by TJ Byers Build the Breath-o-Meter  - This simple, but sophisticated electronic testing device checks blood alcohol concentration, by Anthony Caristi Cyber-Street Survival - Part 5  - "Security and Other Things."  Learn about hackers, viruses, Trojan horses, and encryption.  Plus, take a look at several programs, starting with a port scanner, by M. L. Shannon Amateur Robotics Notebook  - Nano-scale cloggers and eye gloopers, Solarbotics SunSeeker kit, and a much-anticipated update on Heavy Iron. TechKnowledgey 2001  - Events, Advances, and News from the Electronics World.  World's first plastic superconductor; Clock rates may become irrelevant; Pentium 4 is disappointment; Web site provides computer security data; 61-inch plasma monitor ready for production; 48 GB hard drive is quietest; and "Father of Information Theory" passes on. Stamp Applications  - Lookin' for the Light Have some good, clean experimental fun connecting a couple types of light sensors with the BS2. Electronics Q&A  - Learn how to create hard-to-find and esoteric parts using simple devices you probably have in your junk boxes; a keypad encoder; slick Internet tips; tutorial web sites; and everything you ever wanted to know about coils and inductors (but were sorry you asked).

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2002

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2003

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2004

Nuts & Volts - Vol. 25, No. 1  (January 2004) The New Electronics Experimenter  - Is our hobby on the way out?  No way, it's just changing its face, by Louis Frenzel Experiments in Inductive Signal Transmission  - Build a new wireless audio link system with parts you probabaly have lying around, by Philip Kane Pocket Geiger Unit  - Hunt for oomies with this minimal G-M tube driver and detector, by Tom Napier Instant Ethernet  - Not only Ethernet, but TCP/IP as well -- glued right to your favorite PIC!, by Peter Best Introduction to GPS  - Part 2 of 2: Now that you know where you are, what can you use that information for?, by D. Prabakaron Bipolar Transistor Cookbook  - Part 7 of 8: The power of audio amplifiers, by Ray Marston Introduction to FPGAs  - Learn the why and how of field programmable logic on this quick tour, by Chris Hannold Electronics Q&A  - What's Up: Test insruments galor, that's what.  A handful of voltmeters, a diode, electrolytic capacitor ESR, and novel continuity tester. In the Trenches  - For design engineers facing real world problems.  This month: Intellectual property protection. Just for Starters  - Easy ways to power your projects. Let's Get Technical  - Fiber optic communications - for everyone! Personal Robotics  - The instant bipedal walker. Stamp Applications  - An industrial cup o'Joe - using the Javelin (and Java) as the brain of a PLC. Techknowledgey 2004  - Nanosprings, electricity from wind and water, getting Schmart, a big pile of Thinkpads, a small pile of tech jobs ... and more!

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2000
http://gramlich.net/projects/nuts_and_volts/downloaded/sep00toc.htm

2006
https://web.archive.org/web/20061116072124/https://www.nutsvolts.com/toc_Pages/aug06toc.htm

2016
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/04
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/06
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/07
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/08
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/09
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/10
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/11
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2016/12

2017
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/04
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/06
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/07
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/08
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/09
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/10
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/11
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2017/12

2018
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/07
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/09
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2018/11

2019
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/04
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2019/06

2020
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/04
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2020/06

2021
no issues

2022
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/01
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/02
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/03
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/04
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/05
https://www.nutsvolts.com/magazine/issue/2022/06

notes
https://sdiy.info/wiki/Nuts_%26_Volts_SDIY_articles_index
https://archive.org/details/nuts-and-volts-1992-2003