January 2026

High-Bandwidth Differential Probe

This accessory is ideal for use with oscilloscopes amongst other applications. It measures the differential voltage between two points in a circuit, rather than just with reference to ground. Our design can be built at a fraction of the price of commercial units. It’s self-contained and uses a rechargeable battery. Surface-mount design.

NFC-Programmable InfraRed Remote Control Keyfob

This tiny keyfob hosts an IR emitter triggered by three pushbuttons. They can be programmed wirelessly using Near-Field Communications (NFC). Using a PIC micro in a surface-mount design, it can hang on a keychain.

Variable Speed Drive for Induction Motors (Part 2)

Last month, we introduced the Mk. 2 version of our sophisticated variable speed controller designed for induction motors. In this second instalment, all the practical construction and interwiring details are provided in full detail.

Teach-In 2026: The world of wireless
An introduction to radio and wireless technology
Part 3: Transmitters and Receivers

Our latest tutorial series explores the principles of radio communications, starting with the simplest Morse Code, then AM and FM techniques, TRF (tuned radio frequency) receivers and the superhet. Designs for an accurate reference oscillator and a variable frequency oscillator are given for you to build.

Techno Talk

Max shines a light on the very latest industrial developments in ultra-miniature Edge AI processors and their likely applications.

Max’s Cool Beans
Weird & Wonderful Arduino Projects
Part 13: numerical superiority and defying logic

Max moves ever onwards with the design and construction of a retro games console, delving more deeply this month into its digital display.

Circuit Surgery
Measuring the frequency response of a circuit using a PC sound card
Part 4: analysing circuit frequency responses.

This month, our in-house surgeon examines the effects of placing a capacitor across the feedback resistor in a non-inverting op.amp circuit.

Audio Out

Following hard on the heels of the popular ‘Transmanium’ guitar fuzzbox described in previous issues, our analogue audio expert presents the Pre-driver guitar overdrive pedal. It’s used in many music genres and can be built for a fraction of the cost of a commercial unit.

Unconventional Energy Harvesting

This special feature offers a fascinating insight exploring alternative and unorthodox ways in which electricity can be generated – including some intriguing ways you may not have thought about!

The Fox Report

Barry brings news of the latest in HDMI-to-USB converter dongles, this time from a recognised Western brand.

Next month

The PicoMite 2; Power LCR Meter; Simple Waveform Generator