4 December 2016
22 Build a Sump-Fill Level
Controller
Whether you need to keep track of high or low fluid
levels, these two versions of a level monitor will do the
job without any moving parts, linkages, floats, or switches
that can stick or fail.
■ By Ron Hoffman
29 Take a CAN Bus for a Spin
A Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is designed to allow
microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each
other in applications without a host computer. This three-part series will give you the knowledge you need to utilize
this protocol. First up: Learn how to use a CAN bus with a
Propeller MCU.
■ By Jon Titus KZ1G
34 Replacing the 555 with a PIC
Inspired by Forrest Mims and his Mini-Notebook series,
we will detail the emulation of a 555 or 556 using a PIC in
several different circuits in our own series. The particular
implementation this month covers both monostable and
astable modes, and the PIC does not have to be
reprogrammed in any way.
■ By Larry Cicchinelli
40 Computer
Control and
Interfacing with
the NI MyRIO
National Instruments’ MyRIO is
one of the best units available
for computer interfacing and
data acquisition. It places dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 real time
processing and Xilinx FPGA
customizable I/O into the hands
of novices. Get an introduction
to MyRIO and deploy your first
LabVIEW virtual instrument as
we begin a five-part tutorial.
■ By David Ward
08 Q&A
Reader Questions Answered Here
Topics covered this month include VCO devices and a
design; padding 70 volt audio; and dealing with an ICOM
antenna tuner problem.
12 Open Communication
The Latest in Networking and
Wireless Technologies
Spectrum Shortage Threatens the Future of
Wireless
There is only so much spectrum to be had. Fortunately,
technology and regulation are stepping up to meet the
growing demand for space in the already crowded
airwaves.
16 Near Space
Approaching the Final Frontier
Cheap Multispectral Imaging for Amateur
Science
Satellites and airplanes are the primary platforms in use
today for imaging Earth’s surface. However, satellites are
very high above the ground and expensive, while
airplanes are unable to safely view the ground up close.
This means drones like quadcopters are the solution to
Earth imaging very close to the ground and BalloonSats
are the cheap alternative to satellite-based imaging.
48 Practical 3D Printing
Real World Uses for Electronics Experimenters
3D Printed On-Air Flashing Sign
Don’t you just hate it when you’re recording a video to
put up on You Tube and someone walks in on you in the
middle, causing you to have to start over? Well, then we
have the sign to give people for you!
52 The Design Cycle
Advanced Techniques for Design Engineers
Exploring the Nuances of Nordic
Semiconductor’s nRF52832’s Timer and GPIO
Peripherals
The Nordic Semiconductor nRF52832 is a Bluetooth radio
that just happens to be supported by an awesome ARM
CPU. In this installment, we’re going to concentrate on
exploring the nuances of the nRF52832’s Timer and GPIO
peripherals.
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38 NameThatPart!
Think you know your stuff? Try this final photo quiz of
2016 that will test your memory and your wits.
■ By David Goodsell
December 2016
06 DEVELOPING
PERSPECTIVES
Spy Gear
07 READER FEEDBACK
20 NEW PRODUCTS
21 SHOWCASE
58 CLASSIFIEDS
60 NV WEBSTORE
62 TECH FORUM
64 ELECTRO-NET
64 AD INDEX
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