DIY electronics

Between Analog and Digital: Comparators

Between Analog and Digital: Comparators

Comparators compare voltages and are used in devices like microcontrollers. They resemble operational amplifiers and can be used in PWM circuits and thermometers. Comparators convert analog signals to digital logic, enabling automated control with hysteresis for stability. They can operate without microcontrollers, as shown in an electronic thermometer using LM324 chips.

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How does logic work? Decoders and Demultiplexers

How does logic work? Decoders and Demultiplexers

Decoders and demultiplexers expand microcontroller ports and create effects like running lights. The CD4017 chip, clocked by a multivibrator, lights LEDs dynamically. Using the binary CD4060 with a 74HC138 decoder simplifies the circuit. The 74HC154 offers more outputs, enhancing digital functionality.

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How does logic work? The magic of the CD4017 decimal counter

How does logic work? The magic of the CD4017 decimal counter

The CD4017 decimal counter and its simplicity, efficiency, and applications. Various practical uses for creating sequential lighting effects and controlling devices such as a wheel of fortune, electronic dice, and party lights with sound response controlled by the CD4017 and NE555 timer.

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The Cheapest and Simplest Audiophile Headphone Amp

The Cheapest and Simplest Audiophile Headphone Amp

A cost-effective, compact amp using the NE5532 op-amp, providing clean, high-quality audio for headphones and as a buffer with gain in audio systems. It avoids the complexity of tube and transistor amps.

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How does logic work? CD4060 Binary Counter

How does logic work? CD4060 Binary Counter

Many of us program microcontrollers and know that counters and timers are important parts of them. But not everyone remembers that they are also produced in the form of separate ICs, and once upon a time counters were assembled using flip-flops and logic elements.

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DIY ProCo RAT: The True Vintage Distortion Pedal

DIY ProCo RAT: The True Vintage Distortion Pedal

Welcome to my guitar effects workshop! This scheme is already 46 years old. If you want tons of vintage mojo, you should consider assembling of this guitar pedal.

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PWM LED dimmer

PWM LED dimmer

Let's assemble a completely analog PWM LED brightness controller using four operational amplifiers and figure out why PWM is needed and what it is.

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How does binary logic work? Shift registers

How does binary logic work? Shift registers

What do you do when the controller doesn't have many pins to connect buttons, indicators, relays, etc.?

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Marshall Guv`nor: a Pedal that sounds like a Tube Stack

Marshall Guv`nor: a Pedal that sounds like a Tube Stack

When it comes to clean guitar tone, we all think of Fender amps. And the overdriven sound is, of course, Marshall. Can a small transistor pedal replace a real tube amp? - Let's try and listen!

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VGA videocard for microcontrollers. Part 2

VGA videocard for microcontrollers. Part 2

In this second part, we'll examine how to transform a successfully prototyped idea into a physical product. Several key aspects need to be reconsidered.

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