June 2026

Teach-In 2026 – World of Wireless
An Introduction to Radio and Wireless Technology
Part 12.8: Frequency conversion with multipliers and mixers

This month’s instalment of our tutorial series considers frequency conversion methods used in receivers, transmitters and synthesisers, with particular emphasis on how multipliers and mixers can change a signal’s frequency. Practical constructional details for a 50MHz Digital Frequency Meter (DFM) are included.

RGB ‘Analog’ Clock

This novel electronic timepiece uses a PIC microcontroller to drive a 200mm diameter analog-style clock display using a ring of 60 LEDs. They light up in different colours to depict hours, minutes and seconds. Features include user-selectable colour schemes, ‘chaser’ light effect, auto ambient light level dimming and, best of all, built-in GPS for accurate timekeeping.

USB Power Adaptor

Here’s a simple, low cost little module that provides an easy way to add an off-board USB socket to a 5V-powered device. It offers a Type-C or USB mini/ micro Type B socket, and provides optional reverse power flow/ reverse polarity protection, as well as LED power indication. A simple idea for adding USB-power connectivity to a 5V project.

Circuit Surgery

This advanced primer on techniques for measuring frequency response describes differential signals and the THAT1646 line driver i.c. This exceptional series by Ian Bell is bound to appeal to advanced designers involved with digital signal processing and associated technologies.

SSB Shortwave Receiver (Part 2)

Last month we introduced this news shortwave receiver that covers the entire SW band from 3MHz to 30MHz. It’s digital tuned and is equipped with a host of features to satisfy the discerning SW radio enthusiast, including squelch, USB/ LSB support, good sensitivity, fast or slow AGC and a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) display. The receiver utilises an Arduino Nano, and assembly and interwiring details are given this month.

Max’s Cool Beans
Weird & Wonderful Arduino Projects

Work continues on the retro games console, but first, we explore the applications of inertial measurement units, or IMUs. Then attention turns to the displays which will utilise VFDs (vacuum fluorescent displays).

Power Electronics (Part 3)
Isolated DC-DC Converters

Continuing our primer on power supply circuitry, an isolated DC-DC converter offers improved safety and flexibility compared with non-isolated types. This month’s article starts with transformer fundamentals and then moves on to applications.

Audio Out
All-pass filters (Part 3) – building an all-pass filter

Practical design and construction considerations for all-pass filters in loudspeaker design are laid bare by our audio expert this month. We offer details of a single-stage to eight-stage all-pass filter board that you can build using standard components.

Techno Talk

Max muses over the very latest trends in AI processing and connectivity.

433MHz Digital Receiver Module

Following on from our 433MHz Transmitter Module (May 2026 issue), this month we offer an unashamedly superior 433MHz Receiver to go with it!

Next month

Home Automation Satellite; Raspberry Pi RP2350 Development Board; The ‘SmartProbe’ voltage and continuity checker.