March 2026

Power LCR Meter
Part 2: Construction and usage

The concluding part of this sophisticated test equipment describes the printed circuit board construction, interwiring and enclosure. Then critical usage hints and tips are offered for testing components out of circuit.

Programmable Frequency Divider Counter

This small and inexpensive project is brimming with features: it can reduce the frequency of an incoming pulse train by a factor of anything between 3 and 21 million, and has an operating range of 300Hz to 77MHz. It is configured by a USB interface. The circuit uses surface mount 74HC logic together with a PIC microcontroller. Connections via SMA ports, USB-C power.

Rotating Light for Models

A great project for modelmakers and hobbyists, this simple circuit uses eight LEDs in a circular pattern that imitates a miniature rotating hazard beacon or light, with one or two “beams”. It’s programmable from about 10 to 30 rotations per second, and has variable brightness and beam angle too! The LED pattern imitates a lighthouse, emergency beacon or anything that needs an electronic replacement for a traditional rotating light. PIC microcontroller based, surface mount components are used throughout, but you can use discrete through-hole LEDs of any colour if you wish.

Teach-In 2026
World of Wireless – an Introduction to Radio and Wireless Technology
Part 5: Antennas

Our tutorial series on modern radio techniques turns to the subject of aerials (antennas), covering how several popular types are built, and how well different types of antenna perform. Dipoles and Yagi antenna are covered in depth, as well as the operating principles of coaxial cable. The construction of a VHF dipole reference antenna is described.

Circuit Surgery
Measuring the frequency response of a circuit using a PC sound card
Part 6: Op.amp capacitive loading

The amount of capacitance at the output of an op.amp impacts stability and phase margin. This detailed examination explains how to figure out whether or not it will be stable.

The Fox Report

A practical run-down of the steps needed to network Windows devices is offered this month.

Audio Out

Our analogue audio expert delves deeply into the area of stomp switches, or guitar pedals, as used by guitarists. He explores many current commercial products and describes how robust foot switches can be produced with cheaper components.

Weird & Wonderful Arduino Projects
Part 15: Gentlepersons, start your engines!

Max continues the development of an Arduino-based retro-style games console, heading towards the creation of a game ‘cartridge’. Plenty more techniques and coding are offered for readers to feast their eyes on.

Techno Talk
The dark arts of technology

After reflecting on the origins of machine code and assembler language, Max tell us how abstraction explains, empowers and occasionally conceals modern technologies.

Special feature: Inside Data Centres

This feature article lifts the lid on data centres, critical parts of modern communications that have evolved from the 1940s to become the beating hearts of today’s Internet-based world. We’re offered an insight into cloud computing as well as the cutting-edge processors and servers that are instrumental in handling ever-increasing volumes of data. Artificial intelligence, cooling systems and fire-suppression methods are also explained in this fascinating tour of data centre infrastructure.

Next month

Power Rail Probe; Versatile Battery Checker; Pico 2 Audio Analyser.