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All miniature electronic devices operate off batteries. Some of them need higher than the standard battery voltages to operate efficiently. If the battery of that specific voltage is unavailable, we are forced to connect additional cells in series to step up the DC voltage. Thus, the true meaning of miniaturisation is lost. A simple way to overcome this problem is to employ a voltage doubler, if the device under consideration can operate at a small current.... [read more]

This novel circuit uses a flashing LED as the clock input for a 4017 decade counter. Typical flashing LEDs (eg, DSE cat Z-4044) flash at about 2Hz so the outputs Q0-Q9 will cycle through at that rate. For example, Q0 will turn on for half a second, then Q1, then Q2 etc up to Q8 then it will start at Q0 again. Up to nine outputs can be used. If you want fewer outputs, connect an earlier output to MR, pin 15. If MR is not used, connect it to 0V.... [read more]

This power supply was designed for use with the ‘Simple hybrid amp’ published elsewhere in this issue. It is of course suitable for use in other applications as well. We’ve used a cascade generator for the 170 V, a switch mode supply for the 16 V, a series regulator for the 12 V and a separate transformer for the 6.3 V filament supply. We’ve chosen an LT1074CT (IC1) for the regulator, which means that the circuit can be built with relatively standard components and will have a high efficiency. The power loss is less with this device compared to a linear voltage regulator.... [read more]

This Keypad is suitable for the Modular Burglar Alarm. However, it has other applications. Entering the First Four Digits of your chosen Five-Digit code - will energize the relay. Entering the Full Five-Digit code - will de-energize it.... [read more]

When running 12V electronic devices from lead-acid battery banks, the voltage to the appliance can vary from below 11V with discharged batteries, to well above 14V during charging. Many appliances will not tolerate such a wide fluctuation and may perform poorly or be damaged.... [read more]

This simple circuit generates narrow pulses at about 700-800Hz frequency. The pulses, containing harmonics up to the MHz region, can be injected into audio or radio-frequency stages of amplifiers, receivers and the like for testing purposes.... [read more]