Silicon Chip October 2017

In the October issue of Silicon Chip Magazine, build the new Touchscreen Frequency Meter. This unit offers a full colour touchscreen for easy operation and with large clear digits for easy reading. The unit has amazing accuracy and will measure from 0.01Hz up to 6GHz with selectable input impedance, as well as frequency or period mode. There is also the option of adding a GPS module to increase the accuracy. Also this month, build Kelvin the clever cricket. This updated design is based on a microcontroller and offers a number of new interesting features. The unit starts chirping in the dark and the rate of the chirps also varies with the temperature, flashing eyes also indicate the current temperature. This is a great starter project for those interested in microcontrollers and will offer many hours of fun.

Finally this month, the second part of the 3-way Active Crossover project for speakers. This month, how to put the unit together and setting it up in your audio system. All projects come complete with circuit diagram and electronic parts list.

In this month’s feature article, a look at Australia’s first satellite, launched into space 50 years ago from the Woomera Rocket Range in South Australia. This article looks at the design and some of the people behind the project. Also this month, how to change the thermostat setting on your hot-water system. Most thermostats at set at around 65°, this can be easily reduced to 50° to reduce the power consumption and risk of scalding.

Part Code: SILCHIPOCT2017

Features

• WRESAT: Australia’s first satellite - 50 years ago
• Three of our miniature satellites have gone missing
• Reduce your hot-water thermostat and save dollars

Projects

• 0.01Hz - 6GHz+ Touchscreen Frequency Meter, Part 1
• Kelvin - the very clever cricket
• 3-way Active Crossover for Speakers, Part 2
• Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 3
• El Cheapo Modules Part 10: GPS Receivers

Great Value at only $6.90