DIY electronics

How to make a PCB

How to make a PCB

Want to build your own custom circuit board? This hands-on guide shows an easy, step-by-step approach for designing and transferring layouts, prepping a fiberglass blank, and etching a single-sided PCB. Using KiCad 7.0 and everyday items like an iron, you’ll learn tips for printing, drilling, and finishing your project with solder paste. Get pro-quality results on a DIY budget—start making PCBs today!

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The amazing secrets of Krank Distortus Maximus

The amazing secrets of Krank Distortus Maximus

The Krank Distortus Maximus pedal uses a single LM386N3 chip and minimal components to emulate high-gain, tube-like tones of Krank Amplifiers. Its simple yet sophisticated circuit showcases clever engineering in guitar effects design.

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Brown Sound in a Box

Brown Sound in a Box

Eddie Van Halen's "Brown Sound": tracing guitar evolution from jazz to solid-body guitars. Highlights his Frankenstrat Superstrat, unique amp and effects setup, and building a pedal to emulate his tone—imperfections add character.

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Old School Digital Frequency Counter

Old School Digital Frequency Counter

Build a digital frequency counter without a microcontroller. Convert waveforms to pulses via diodes. Use an MC14553B counter and CD4017 sequencer. Measure frequency by counting pulses over one second.

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Why there are so many diverse Tube Screamers?

Why there are so many diverse Tube Screamers?

Maxon's OD808 (1979), developed by Susumu Tamura, became the Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer, based on the BOSS OD-1 with a tone control added. It inspired many overdrive pedals that enhance amp overdrive by emphasizing certain frequencies.

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A simple DIY guitar tremolo pedal

A simple DIY guitar tremolo pedal

How to build a simple DIY guitar tremolo pedal using three transistors? Electronic tremolo is easy to create without altering amplifier bandwidth or signal delay. The design uses a low-frequency oscillator (LFO) and a voltage-controlled amplifier (VCA), each on one transistor. Excellent results with a simple, thoughtful design (like the Univox U65RN and EA tremolo).

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DAC0832 Digital-to-Analog Converter

DAC0832 Digital-to-Analog Converter

The DAC0832 is a precise digital-to-analog converter used with the LM317T for voltage control in power supplies. It features dual latches, requires an op-amp, and uses 74HC193 counters for digital input management.

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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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