24 Build a MIDI Lyre
When you think of MIDI controllers, you
probably think of a keyboard. However,
there are many reasons to have MIDI
controllers in other form factors, not the
least of which is fun! In this article, we will
make a MIDI lyre version.
■ By Jim Arlow
34 Build Your Own Funky
Steampunk Display
I use LCD displays in almost every project.
However, in this modern age of steampunk,
I stumbled on something much cooler. I
found these 1” high seven-segment
electromechanical displays (EMDs) that go
clickity, click. I embarked on an ambitious
project that featured five 1941 vintage
rotary phone step-by-step (SXS) switches. I
thought these EMDs would be the perfect
match to display the dialed digits. So, I
ordered a dozen and the rest is history.
■ By David Goodsell
42 Build a USB Cable
Continuity Test Jig
If you’re like me, you likely have a drawer
or shoebox stuffed with assorted USB
cables that are used to either charge or program a USB
device. The problem often is that some cables may only
be useful for charging, and which only have the +Vcc and
ground wires intact with one or both data wires either
broken or not connected in the first place. Here’s a simple
test jig to help you tell what’s what.
■ By Don Dorward VA3DDN
44 Does Inductor Winding Have
You Tied Up in Knots?
While resistors and capacitors
are easily procured and stocked,
most radio frequency circuits
require inductors in a wide range
of very specific values. In most
cases, you need to create these
yourself, by winding wire on
ferrite rods or toroids of specific
types and sizes. Is it possible to
substitute another ferrite piece at
hand and still get the right
inductance value? How can a
hobbyist measure inductance
without buying an expensive
instrument? This article describes
the principle behind inductance and presents some tricks
that I’ve used to make my own inductors.
■ By Dev Gualtieri
49 VINTAGE COMPUTING:
Amigo Color BASIC — The
Missing Manual
The original documentation for the Amigo
retro computer was intended to help
readers mentor youngsters on computer
programming fundamentals. It also
included an “overview of most Color BASIC
commands.” A couple of astute readers
working beyond introductory mentoring
have asked me about the full command
set. This article covers those “missing”
commands, plus a couple of tips and tricks
that Amigo owners may find helpful.
■ By Dane Weston
58 A Digital Analog –
Part 5
This final article in our series will examine
those circuits from the “555 Timer IC
Circuits” by Forrest Mims which were not
covered in any of the preceding four
articles. As in the other installments, some
will use the PIC replacement from the first
part, while others will develop specific
programs using a PIC to emulate a
particular implementation of a 555.
■ By Larry Cicchinelli
66 Get ASCII Data from PS- 2
Keyboards
You can buy inexpensive PS- 2 keyboards, but they don't
produce ASCII values many applications need. To further
complicate things, these keyboards have their own code-transmission protocol. I'll show you how to use a system-on-a-chip and a bit of software to convert PS- 2 key codes
to corresponding ASCII values.
■ By Jonathan A. Titus
72 Practical Ideas for Portable
Magnetic
Loop
Antennas
With the popularity of
magnetic loop
antennas growing
these days, I thought
I’d share how I
designed a
convenient setup for
myself.
■ By Jim Ford N6JF
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