Nuts and Volts - December 2016

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.

Nuts & Volts (ISSN 1528-9885/CDN Pub Agree #40702530) is published monthly for $26.95 per year by T & L Publications, Inc., 430 Princeland Court, Corona, CA 92879. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT CORONA, CA AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. POS TMAS TER: Send address changes to Nuts & Volts, P. O. Box 15277, North Hollywood, CA 91615 or Station A, P. O. Box 54, Windsor ON N9A 6J5; cpcreturns@nutsvolts.com.