DIY electronics

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.