Whatever the methods or even then financial means you have to make your circuits work, the power supply should rank high if not Number One in your considerations. The design block simply called “power supply” is hugely underrated both in electronics creation and repair. Yet, the “PSU” has enormous diversity and comes in wildly differing guises like AC/DC, generator, battery (rechargeable or not), PV panel, benchtop, linear or switch-mode, to mention but a few. The output ranges are also staggering like nano-amps to kiloamps and the same for voltages.This special covers the features and design aspects of power supplies.ContentsBasics Battery ManagementWhat to be aware of when using (Lithium) batteries. Fixed-Voltage Power Supply using Linear RegulatorsThe best result right after batteries. Light Energy HarvestingA small solar panel is used in an energy harvesting project to manage and charge four AAA cells. Mains Powered Adapter DesignBasic circuits and tips for transformers, rectification, filtering and stabilization. LM317 Soft StartThe high inrush current pulse should be avoided. Controllable RectifiersSome suggestions to keep the power loss in the linear regulator as low as possible. Components Worksheet: The LM117 / LM217 / LM317 Voltage Regulators SupercapsLow voltage but lots of current… or not? Reviews JOY-iT RD6006 Benchtop Power Supply Kit Siglent SDL1020X Programmable DC Electronic Load Projects Balcony Power PlantDIY solar balcony = speedy payback! DIY LiPo Supercharger KitFrom handcrafted to mass market Dual-Anode MOSFET ThyristorFaster and less wasteful than the old SCR Battery JuicerDo not throw away, squeeze! High-Voltage Power Supply with Curve TracerGenerate voltages up to 400 V and trace characteristics curves for valves and transistors High Voltage Supply for RIAAFor RIAA tube preamps and other applications. MicroSupplyA lab power supply for connected devices Phantom Power Supply using Switched CapacitorsVoltage tripler using three ICs The SMPS800RE Switch-Mode Supply for the Elektor Fortissimo-100Reliable, light and affordable Soft Start for PSUBe nice to your power supply – and its load UniLab 20-30 V, 3 A compact switch-mode lab power supply Tips Soft Start for Step-Down Switching Regulators Low Loss Current Limit Powerbank Surprise A Virtual Ground Battery Maintainer Battery Pack Discharger Connecting Voltage Regulators in Parallel

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Contents Projects PicoVoiceVoice alienation and sound effects with the Raspberry Pi Pico Navigation with Vibration Feedback POV Display Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) with the Raspberry Pi Pico Wi-Fi with the Raspberry Pi Pico 'Hello World' from the Raspberry Pi Pico and RP2040A look at the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s first microcontroller Simple On-Off Temperature Controller with Raspberry Pi HAT Multitasking with the Raspberry PiShowcase: a traffic lights controller The Raspberry Pi Ruler GadgetFun with a time-of-flight sensor Raspberry Pi Buffer Board (Mk. 1)Never blow up the I/O again FM radio with RDSA top HAT project for the Raspberry Pi LoRa with the Raspberry Pi PicoFun with MicroPython! Tutorials Qt for the Raspberry Pi Raspberry Pi Pico Programmingwith MicroPython and Thonny Raspberry Pi Full StackRPi and RF24 at the heart of a sensor network Raspberry Pi Bash Command Cheat Sheet Community Java on the Raspberry PiAn interview with Frank Delporte Reviews Introducing the New Raspberry Pi Pico W, H, and WH Secure Boot Solution for Raspberry PiRetrofit security at a reasonable price Review: SmartPi – Smart Meter Extension for Raspberry Pi Review: The Enviro+ Raspberry Pi HATMeasuring environmental data with Raspberry Pi and the HAT Enviro+ Review: Meet the Raspberry Pi 4All new but still good? Raspberry Pi Gets a Fast 3.5' Touch DisplayMore power at no extra charge Book Launch: Raspberry Pi for Radio Amateurs

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AI in Practice Dive into the fascinating world of robotics and automation! This Elektor Special shows you how to build your own robots with creativity, a little know-how, and affordable technology. From your first DIY project with Arduino or Raspberry Pi to intelligent systems with AI – this issue makes modern robotics understandable and accessible. Discover practical instructions, inspiring projects, and exciting insights into the maker scene. Learn how experimentation, community, and openness give rise to true innovation – and why robotics is so much more than just a technical hobby. Contents Imagination turns into reality Arduino-controlled Drawing Robot GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit for Arduino YDLIDAR X4Pro Lidar xHuskyLens AI Camera DOF Robot Arm with Raspberry Pi Pico Manufacturing Robots with Fischertechnik Pneumatic Industrial Robot Why Do We Keep Building Robot Dogs? Elektor Mini-Wheelie Robot Vehicles and Autonomous Driving

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AI in Practice Dive into the fascinating world of robotics and automation! This Elektor Special shows you how to build your own robots with creativity, a little know-how, and affordable technology. From your first DIY project with Arduino or Raspberry Pi to intelligent systems with AI – this issue makes modern robotics understandable and accessible. Discover practical instructions, inspiring projects, and exciting insights into the maker scene. Learn how experimentation, community, and openness give rise to true innovation – and why robotics is so much more than just a technical hobby. Contents Imagination turns into reality Arduino-controlled Drawing Robot GalaxyRVR Mars Rover Kit for Arduino YDLIDAR X4Pro Lidar xHuskyLens AI Camera DOF Robot Arm with Raspberry Pi Pico Manufacturing Robots with Fischertechnik Pneumatic Industrial Robot Why Do We Keep Building Robot Dogs? Elektor Mini-Wheelie Robot Vehicles and Autonomous Driving

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Build your textbook weather station or conduct environmental research together with the whole world. With many practical projects for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, ESP32, and other development boards. Weather stations have enjoyed great popularity for decades. Every current and even every long discontinued electronics magazine has regularly featured articles on building your own weather station. Over the years, they have become increasingly sophisticated and can now be fully integrated into an automated home — although this often requires loyalty to an (expensive) brand manufacturer across all components. With your own weather and environmental data, you can keep up and measure things that no commercial station can. It’s also fun: expand your knowledge of electronics, current microcontroller development boards and programming languages in a fun and meaningful way. For less than 10 euros you can get started and record your first environmental data — with time and growing interest, you will continue to expand your system. In this Edition Which Microcontroller Fits My Project? The Right Development Environment Tracking Wind and Weather Weather Display with OpenWeatherMap and Vacuum Fluorescent Display Volatile Organic Compounds in the Air We Breathe Working with MQ Sensors: Measuring Carbon Monoxide — Odorless but Toxic CO2 Traffic Light with ThingSpeak IoT Connection An Automatic Plant Watering System Good Indoor Climate: Temperature and Humidity are Important criteria Classy Thermometer with Vintage Tube Technology Nostalgic Weather House for the Whole Family Measuring Air Pressure and Temperature Accurately Sunburn Warning Device DIY Sensor for Sunshine Duration Simple Smartphone Says: Fog or Clear View? Identifying Earthquakes Liquid Level Measurement for Vessels and Reservoirs Water pH Value Measurement Detecting Radioactive Radiation GPS: Sensor Location Service Across the Globe Saving and Timestamping Log Files on SD Cards LoRaWAN, The Things Network, and ThingSpeak Operating a LoRaWAN Gateway for TTN Defying "Wind and Weather" Mega Display with Weather Forecasz

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Build your textbook weather station or conduct environmental research together with the whole world. With many practical projects for Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU, ESP32, and other development boards. Weather stations have enjoyed great popularity for decades. Every current and even every long discontinued electronics magazine has regularly featured articles on building your own weather station. Over the years, they have become increasingly sophisticated and can now be fully integrated into an automated home — although this often requires loyalty to an (expensive) brand manufacturer across all components. With your own weather and environmental data, you can keep up and measure things that no commercial station can. It’s also fun: expand your knowledge of electronics, current microcontroller development boards and programming languages in a fun and meaningful way. For less than 10 euros you can get started and record your first environmental data — with time and growing interest, you will continue to expand your system. In this Edition Which Microcontroller Fits My Project? The Right Development Environment Tracking Wind and Weather Weather Display with OpenWeatherMap and Vacuum Fluorescent Display Volatile Organic Compounds in the Air We Breathe Working with MQ Sensors: Measuring Carbon Monoxide — Odorless but Toxic CO2 Traffic Light with ThingSpeak IoT Connection An Automatic Plant Watering System Good Indoor Climate: Temperature and Humidity are Important criteria Classy Thermometer with Vintage Tube Technology Nostalgic Weather House for the Whole Family Measuring Air Pressure and Temperature Accurately Sunburn Warning Device DIY Sensor for Sunshine Duration Simple Smartphone Says: Fog or Clear View? Identifying Earthquakes Liquid Level Measurement for Vessels and Reservoirs Water pH Value Measurement Detecting Radioactive Radiation GPS: Sensor Location Service Across the Globe Saving and Timestamping Log Files on SD Cards LoRaWAN, The Things Network, and ThingSpeak Operating a LoRaWAN Gateway for TTN Defying "Wind and Weather" Mega Display with Weather Forecasz

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As demand for solar panel installation has risen sharply, especially for installations larger than balcony power plants, the order books of solar companies are full. If you ask for a quote today, you may have to wait a while, if your request isn't simply postponed indefinitely. Another consequence of the solar boom is that some companies are charging very high prices for installations. Yet there is an obvious and radical solution to the problem of excessive prices: Do it yourself, as the English say. The price of materials is currently affordable, and it's the ideal time for those who do the work themselves. They couldn't save more. Add to this the satisfaction of doing something useful, both economically and ecologically, and the pleasure of building yourself. In this special issue, you'll find a wide selection of Elektor assemblies, from solar panel controllers to solar water heaters and solar panel orientation systems. The issue also contains practical information on solar panel installation and the technology behind them. Finally, there are a number of articles on the subject of balcony power plants, from how to install them to how to connect them to the Internet... Contents BASICS Dimensioning Photovoltaic Panel ArraysAn introduction to photovoltaic energy and the commonest techniques,followed by simplified calculation models and setup guidelines. Light Sensor TechnologyMeasuring daylight using LEDs. Solar Power Made SimpleSolar charging with and without a controller. Cable Cross-sections and Energy Losses in Solar SystemsKey considerations on the minimum values to respect for electricalcurrent in solar panel cabling. Solar ModulesEverything you always wanted to know about solar panels... Ideal Diode ControllerDiode Circuits with Low Power Dissipation. TIPS Tracking for Solar Modules zBot Solar/Battery Power Supply Solar Cell Array Charger with Regulator Solar Cell Voltage Regulator Solar-Powered Night Light Alternative Solar Battery Charger PROJECTS Energy LoggerMeasuring and Recording Power Consumption. Tiny Solar SupplySunlight In, 3.3 V Out. A Do-It-Yourself DTURead Data from Small Inverters by μC. Solar ChargerPortable energy for people on the move. Solar Thermal Energy RegulatorMaximum power point tracking explored. 2-amp Maximum Power Tracking ChargerSolar Power To The Max. Computer-driven HeliostatFollow the sun or the stars. Garden LightingUsing solar cells. Solar Panel Voltage Converter for IoT DevicesYes we CAN exploit indoor lighting. Travel ChargerFree power in the mountains. Solar Cell Battery Charger/MonitorWith protection against deep discharge. Solar-powered Battery ChargerPIC12C671 avoids overcharging and deep charging. Converters for Photovoltaic PanelsContributed by TME (Transfer MultisortElektronik). Solar Charging RegulatorFor panels up to 53 watts. Solar-Powered ChargerFor lead-acid batteries. CAN Bus + Arduino for Solar PV Cell MonitoringDetect and locate serviceable panels in large arrays. Balcony Power Plant 2.0The latest: solar panels, installation and inverters

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As demand for solar panel installation has risen sharply, especially for installations larger than balcony power plants, the order books of solar companies are full. If you ask for a quote today, you may have to wait a while, if your request isn't simply postponed indefinitely. Another consequence of the solar boom is that some companies are charging very high prices for installations. Yet there is an obvious and radical solution to the problem of excessive prices: Do it yourself, as the English say. The price of materials is currently affordable, and it's the ideal time for those who do the work themselves. They couldn't save more. Add to this the satisfaction of doing something useful, both economically and ecologically, and the pleasure of building yourself. In this special issue, you'll find a wide selection of Elektor assemblies, from solar panel controllers to solar water heaters and solar panel orientation systems. The issue also contains practical information on solar panel installation and the technology behind them. Finally, there are a number of articles on the subject of balcony power plants, from how to install them to how to connect them to the Internet... Contents BASICS Dimensioning Photovoltaic Panel ArraysAn introduction to photovoltaic energy and the commonest techniques,followed by simplified calculation models and setup guidelines. Light Sensor TechnologyMeasuring daylight using LEDs. Solar Power Made SimpleSolar charging with and without a controller. Cable Cross-sections and Energy Losses in Solar SystemsKey considerations on the minimum values to respect for electricalcurrent in solar panel cabling. Solar ModulesEverything you always wanted to know about solar panels... Ideal Diode ControllerDiode Circuits with Low Power Dissipation. TIPS Tracking for Solar Modules zBot Solar/Battery Power Supply Solar Cell Array Charger with Regulator Solar Cell Voltage Regulator Solar-Powered Night Light Alternative Solar Battery Charger PROJECTS Energy LoggerMeasuring and Recording Power Consumption. Tiny Solar SupplySunlight In, 3.3 V Out. A Do-It-Yourself DTURead Data from Small Inverters by μC. Solar ChargerPortable energy for people on the move. Solar Thermal Energy RegulatorMaximum power point tracking explored. 2-amp Maximum Power Tracking ChargerSolar Power To The Max. Computer-driven HeliostatFollow the sun or the stars. Garden LightingUsing solar cells. Solar Panel Voltage Converter for IoT DevicesYes we CAN exploit indoor lighting. Travel ChargerFree power in the mountains. Solar Cell Battery Charger/MonitorWith protection against deep discharge. Solar-powered Battery ChargerPIC12C671 avoids overcharging and deep charging. Converters for Photovoltaic PanelsContributed by TME (Transfer MultisortElektronik). Solar Charging RegulatorFor panels up to 53 watts. Solar-Powered ChargerFor lead-acid batteries. CAN Bus + Arduino for Solar PV Cell MonitoringDetect and locate serviceable panels in large arrays. Balcony Power Plant 2.0The latest: solar panels, installation and inverters

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Over 50 Circuits & Projects US-Style Siren Two Rotary Encoders on One Analog Input How to Build a Digital 220-V AC Dimmer with Arduino Current Source for LEDs Detect Four Switches with 1 Pin Tiny On/Off Switch with Battery Level Check DIY Hand Sanitizer Dispenser A Simple Electronic Organ Ultra-Simple Stereo Amplifier Sound Activated Switch for Amplifiers Balanced/Unbalanced Converter External Mains Filter Button-Free Door Control DI Box for a Smartphone Fun With Running Lights One-Button Thyristor Control Quasi-Analog Exposure Timer for the Dark Room Circuits Galore From the Hackster.io Community Analog Tanning Timer Yet Another Single-Wire LCD Interface Simple AVR ATtiny13-Based PWM Generator Second Life for Batteries Touch Switch for LED Lights Tester for LEDs and DIP Switches Go/No-Go IR Control Tester Power Semiconductor Tester SPI for WS2812(B) LEDs Measuring Power Inductors One Plug for Raspberry Pi and Audio DAC DIY Test Fixture for the LCR Meter Arduino Ammeter Two-Finger Organ Low Noise ADC Calibrator DC/DC Boost Converter Two Potentiometers on One Digital Input Acoustic Proximity Sensor Battery-Free Radiator Sensor A Circuit for Detecting Bugs and Wireless Cameras Car Interior Light Timer Candle Simulator Digital Kitchen Timer Milliohm Meter Hot Water Production Delay Timer Simple Charger for 2S 18650 Cells Tiny Frequency Reference Low-Power IR Switch Recycle Your Car’s Telephone Charger Microphone Pre-Amp for Arduino DIY EMI Filters Electronic Dice Without an MCU Finger Capacitor A Self-Charging LED Flasher Also in this edition KiCad 6 – Five Features to Consider Flashback – The Elektor SC/MP Computer Interview – Making Art with Electricity My First PCB – Going Head First Into KiCad Minimizing Hardware with Smart Software Infographics – Facts and Figures New Devices from Analog Flashback – The Elektor Metal Detector Hexadoku – The Original Elektorized Sudoku

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The Elektor Super Servo Tester can control servos and measure servo signals. It can test up to four servo channels at the same time. The Super Servo Tester comes as a kit. All the parts required to assemble the Super Servo Tester are included in the kit. Assembling the kit requires basic soldering skills. The microcontroller is already programmed. The Super Servo Tester features two operating modes: Control/Manual and Measure/Inputs. In Control/Manual mode the Super Servo Tester generates control signals on its outputs for up to four servos or for the flight controller or ESC. The signals are controlled by the four potentiometers. In Measure/Inputs the Super Servo Tester measures the servo signals connected to its inputs. These signals may come from for instance an ESC, a flight controller, or the receiver or another device. The signals are also routed to the outputs to control the servos or the flight controller or ESC. The results are shown on the display. Specifications Operating modes Control/Manual & Measure/Inputs Channels 3 Servo signal inputs 4 Servo signal outputs 4 Alarm Buzzer & LED Display 0.96' OLED (128 x 32 pixels) Input voltage on K5 7-12 VDC Input voltage on K1 5-7.5 VDC Input current 30 mA (9 VDC on K5, nothing connected to K1 and K2) Dimensions 113 x 66 x 25 mm Weight 60 g Included Resistors (0.25 W) R1, R3 1 kΩ, 5% R2, R4, R5, R6, R7, R9, R10 10 kΩ, 5% R8 22 Ω, 5% P1, P2, P3, P4 10 kΩ, lin/B, vertical potentiometer Capacitors C1 100 µF 16 V C2 10 µF 25 V C3, C4, C7 100 nF C5, C6 22 pF Semiconductors D1 1N5817 D2 LM385Z-2.5 D3 BZX79-C5V1 IC1 7805 IC2 ATmega328P-PU, programmed LED1 LED, 3 mm, red T1 2N7000 Miscellaneous BUZ1 Piezo buzzer with oscillator K1, K2 2-row, 12-way pinheader, 90° K5 Barrel jack K4 1-row, 4-way pin socket K3 2-row, 6-way boxed pinheader S1 Slide switch DPDT S2 Slide switch SPDT X1 Crystal, 16 MHz 28-way DIP socket for IC2 Elektor PCB OLED display, 0.96', 128 x 32 pixels, 4-pin I²C interface Links Elektor Magazine Elektor Labs

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The Elektor Zener Diode Tester is essentially a constant-current source that can be switched in steps from 1 to 50 mA. It can be used to test Z-diodes up to a maximum of 54 V. Thanks to a 60-V step-up converter, the device can be powered by the usual 5 to 12 V. The principle of this tester is straightforward. A Z-diode or other DUT (device under test, such as an LED) is biased by an adjustable current source. The voltage across the DUT can be measured with a multimeter. The voltage of most (small) Z-diodes is specified at a current of 5 mA. Depending on the application, the voltage at other currents can also be of interest. That is why six current settings are available: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mA. LEDs are often specified at a current of 20 mA. What can be tested is: Whether a Z-diode is defective (short circuit or high impedance). Whether a Z-diode exhibits the correct Z-voltage. How a Z-voltage changes with different currents. What exact voltage is present at an integrated voltage reference. Whether LEDs in a series chain differ in brightness (hence the 20 mA current). What the current gain is for different base currents in (power) transistors. The kit contains all parts listed in the bill of materials including PCB and enclosure. Specifications Supply voltage 5…12 V/2 A (USB-C) Supply current (Itest = 50 mA) 1.1 A @ 5 V / 412 mA @ 12 V Selectable currents 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 mA Max. test voltage >54 V @ Itest ≥1 mA Max. output voltage 60 V @ Itest = 0 mA Voltage limit at 5 V 4.5 V @ Itest = 1 mA / 5.18 V @ Itest = 50 mA Enclosure dimensions 110 x 82 x 44 mm PCB size 105.4 x 67.3 mm Connections 4 mm banana sockets for multimeter 2 mm banana sockets for test clips USB-C socket for power supply Included Resistors R1 = 3.3 kΩ, 600 mW, 1% R2 = 0.15 Ω, 1 W, 5%, LS 12.7 mm, ø 3.5 mm R3, R8 = 180 Ω, 600 mW, 1% R4, R6, R16 = 1 kΩ, 600 mW, 1% R5, R19 = 47 kΩ, 600 mW, 1% R7 = 3.9 kΩ, 1 W, 5%, LS 12.7 mm, ø 3.5 mm R9, R10, R12 = 10 kΩ, 600 mW, 1% R11, R13 = 100 Ω, 600 mW 1% R14 = 249 Ω, 600 mW, 1% R15 = 499 Ω, 600 mW, 1% R17 = 2.49 kΩ, 250 mW, 1% R18 = 4.99 kΩ, 250 mW, 1% Capacitors C1 = 470 uF / 35 V, 20%, Ir = 1.86 A, ø 12.5 mm, LS 5 mm, ESR = 0.038 Ω (Panasonic EEUTP1V471) C2 = 1 uF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm C3 = 2.2 nF / 50 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm C4, C7 = 100 nF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm C5 = 100 uF / 100 V, 20%, ø 14 mm max., LS 5 mm C6 = 1 nF / 100 V, 10%, X7R, LS 5 mm Inductor L1 = 100 uH, Irms = 2.4 A, Isat = 3.5 A, 0.09 Ω, radial, pitch 2.5/5/10 mm, ø 14 mm max. (Kemet SBC8-101-242) Semiconductors D1 = MUR120G, DO-41 D2, D4 = STPS3150RL, DO-201AD D3 = Z-diode, 18 V, 1.3 W (BZX85C18) D5 = Z-diode, 5.1 V, 0.5 W (1N5231B) LED1 = LED in pushbutton S1 LED2 = LED, green, 3 mm IC1 = MC34063, DIP-8 IC2 = LM4040BIZ-5.0/NOPB, TO-92 (TO-226AA-3) IC3 = TL051CP, DIP-8 T1 = BC327.25, TO-92 T2 = STP40NF10L, TO-220 T3 = IRF9510PBF, TO-220 T4 = 2N7000, TO-92 Others K1, K2, S1, S3 = 2-way screw terminal block, LS 3.5 mm, max. 1.5 mm² connected to K1 = USB-C socket, 30 V/3 A, chassis mounted, wired, 9 x 16 mm connected to K2 = Banana Connector, 2 mm, Socket, 60 VDC, Panel Mount, red (Multicomp 24.102.1) connected to K2 = Banana Connector, 2 mm, Socket, 60 VDC, Panel Mount, black (Multicomp 24.102.2) Test clip, red, 30 VAC/60 VDC (Hirschmann 931467101) Test clip, black, 30 VAC/60 VDC (Hirschmann 931467100) S1 = Pushbutton, panel mount, SPST-NO, 30 DC/100 mA, with red LED S2 = Rotary Switch, 6 position, 2 pole, 30°, 250 V/150 mA S3 = Toggle switch, panel mount, SPDT, solder lugs, 28 VDC T2, T3 = Heat sink, 15°C/W, FK 214 SA-CB Enclosure Hammond 1591XXSSBK, ABS, 110 x 82 x 44 mm Knob for S2, round shaft 6 mm, ø 21 mm, with indicator line (Multicomp CP-LB21-6-6D) 4 x Self-tapping screw #4-1/4", carbon steel, pan head Banana plug, red, 2 mm, 60 VDC (Multicomp 25.205.1) Banana plug, black, 2 mm, 60 VDC (Multicomp 25.205.2) Banana socket, black 4 mm, panel mount Banana socket, red 4 mm, panel mount for LED1, LED2 = Pin header, 1 x 2, vertical, pitch 2.54 mm for LED1, LED2 = Pin socket, 1 x 2, vertical, pitch 2.54 mm for T2, T3 = M3 screw, 10 mm, steel, pan head 2 x M3 washer, plain, steel 4 x M3 nut for IC1, IC3 = DIP-8 socket Wire, black, 0.25 mm² (24 AWG), stranded 14 x 0.15 mm, 1 m Wire, red, 0.25 mm² (24 AWG), stranded 14 x 0.15 mm, 1 m PCB 250772-1 v1.1 Links Elektor Labs

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ARM Cortex-M Embedded Design from 0 to 1 Hobbyists can mash together amazing functional systems using platforms like Arduino or Raspberry Pi, but it is imperative that engineers and product designers understand the foundational knowledge of embedded design. There are very few resources available that describe the thinking, strategies, and processes to take an idea through hardware design and low-level driver development, and successfully build a complete embedded system. Many engineers end up learning the hard way, or never really learn at all. ARM processors are essentially ubiquitous in embedded systems. Design engineers building novel devices must understand the fundamentals of these systems and be able to break down large, complicated ideas into manageable pieces. Successful product development means traversing a huge amount of documentation to understand how to accomplish what you need, then put everything together to create a robust system that will reliably operate and be maintainable for years to come. This book is a case study in embedded design including discussion of the hardware, processor initialization, low‑level driver development, and application interface design for a product. Though we describe this through a specific application of a Cortex-M3 development board, our mission is to help the reader build foundational skills critical to being an excellent product developer. The completed development board is available to maximize the impact of this book, and the working platform that you create can then be used as a base for further development and learning. The Embedded in Embedded program is about teaching fundamental skill sets to help engineers build a solid foundation of knowledge that can be applied in any design environment. With nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, the author communicates the critical skill development that is demanded by companies and essential to successful design. This book is as much about building a great design process, critical thinking, and even social considerations important to developers as it is about technical hardware and firmware design. Downloads EiE Software Archive (200 MB) IAR ARM 8.10.1 (Recommended IDE version to use) (1.2 GB) IAR ARM 7.20.1 (Optional IDE version to use) (600 MB)

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History and Future in the Internet of Things This book thoroughly reviews the history of the development of embedded Operating Systems, covers the technical characteristics, historic facts, as well as background business stories of mainstream embedded Operating Systems, and analyzes the technical evolution, market development, and new opportunities of embedded Operating Systems in the age of the Internet of Things. From the perspective of time, the book examines the evolution of critical technical aspects, including real-time and Power Management of embedded Operating Systems and Linux, Internet of Things security, communication, and cloud computing. The book looks into applications of embedded Operating Systems with important markets of mobile phones, communication equipment, automobile, and wearable devices, and also discusses business model and the issue of intellectual property of embedded Operating Systems. In addition, the book walks through the status quo, technical features, product evaluation and background of the Internet of Things Operating Systems in the second half of the book.

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The ESP8266 from Espressif is a Wi-Fi microchip with full TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capability. It has made waves in the maker community with its low price. But many developers were unhappy with ESP8266's high power consumption. The ESP32, equipped with a ULP (Ultra Low Power) coprocessor, offers a remedy for this. This e-book features a number of projects featuring ESP32 & ESP8266 as well as an interview with the CEO of Espressif Teo Swee Ann. Articles ESP32 for Use in Industry 4.0 Equipment Scrolling Message Display, 512 LEDs controlled over Wi-Fi via an ESP-12F The Connected Greenhouse IoT demonstration project using MQTT and Node-RED VFD-tube Clock with ESP32 with an accurate Internet-derived time ESP32 Low Power DCF77 Emulator with ESP8266 ESP8266 on the Elektor Android I/O Board The Reason Behind the Hugely Popular ESP8266? Wi-Fi Desktop Thermostat Timers for the Wi-Fi Desktop Thermostat PlatformIO, the Universal Programming Tool Weather Display, Visualize current weather data on an LC display GoNotify, a Flexible IoT Sensor Interface ESP32 for Power Users USB Programming Adaptor for ESP8266 Getting started with ESP32 and the Arduino IDE MicroPython, Python for small systems RGBDigit Clock WLAN for Microcontrollers Return of the Wi-Fi Controller Board Compact and Self-contained WLAN

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A Project-Based Introduction to Microcontrollers and Drone Control A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32 This book is intended for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to begin. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based resources but found them too broad or lacking in practical application, this guide offers a more focused alternative. With a small, affordable set of components – such as LEDs, sensors, an OLED screen and a motion sensor – you’ll build and work with the same hardware setup throughout the book. This allows you to focus on learning and experimenting without constant reconfiguration. Topics include: Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller Using the Arduino IDE to write and deploy code Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section includes hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce core concepts and encourage deeper exploration. By the end, you’ll be equipped not only to reproduce the book’s examples, but also to extend them toward your own ideas and applications. Whether your interest is in learning embedded programming, building interactive systems, or exploring educational drone control, this book provides a clear and practical path to getting started.

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A Project-Based Introduction to Microcontrollers and Drone Control A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32 This book is intended for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to begin. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based resources but found them too broad or lacking in practical application, this guide offers a more focused alternative. With a small, affordable set of components – such as LEDs, sensors, an OLED screen and a motion sensor – you’ll build and work with the same hardware setup throughout the book. This allows you to focus on learning and experimenting without constant reconfiguration. Topics include: Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller Using the Arduino IDE to write and deploy code Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section includes hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce core concepts and encourage deeper exploration. By the end, you’ll be equipped not only to reproduce the book’s examples, but also to extend them toward your own ideas and applications. Whether your interest is in learning embedded programming, building interactive systems, or exploring educational drone control, this book provides a clear and practical path to getting started.

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Complete ESP32 microcontroller learning course featuring a custom-designed MCU expansion board, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online guide – perfect for learning hardware, programming, and connectivity step by step. A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32 This course is designed for readers who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. If you’ve explored general-purpose electronics or Arduino-based materials but found them too broad or lacking in practical guidance, this course offers a more focused alternative. Using the "ESP32 by Example Kit" (EEK) – a compact and affordable set of components featuring LEDs, sensors, an OLED display, and a motion processor – you’ll work with a consistent hardware setup throughout the course. Once assembled, the EEK stays mostly unchanged, allowing you to concentrate on learning and experimentation without constant reconfiguration. Topics include: Understanding and programming the ESP32 microcontroller Writing and deploying code with the Arduino IDE Exploring cyber-physical systems, culminating in basic drone control No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini-projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the book’s examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications. Whether you're interested in embedded programming, interactive systems, or introductory drone control, this course provides a clear and practical path to getting started. What you'll learn? Embedded programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays Gesture-based interaction using the MPU6050 motion sensor Bluetooth gamepad integration and drone control simulation Wi-Fi and UDP networking, local web servers, and NTP MQTT communication with cloud platforms like AWS and Arduino IoT How to build and deploy full-featured IoT systems Perfect for Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material Developers moving beyond Raspberry Pi or Arduino basics Support when you need it Access to instructors via Elektor Academy Helpful community forums and essential documentation What's inside the Box (Course)? New 384-page book: "ESP32 by Example" (valued at €45) Elektor ESP32 by Example Kit (EEK): Microcontroller Extension Board with 6 LEDs and 6 Buttons installed + OLED Display, MPU6050 3-axis Accelerometer and Gyroscope Module (valued at €40) Adafruit HUZZAH32 – ESP32 Feather MCU Board (valued at €30) ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (valued at €25) DHT11 Humidity & Temperature Sensor Breadboard Jumper wires USB-C cable Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform Instructional videos Downloadable Arduino project files for every module Learning Material (of this Box/Course) ▶  Click here to open Module 1 – Getting Started with the ESP32 & EEK Module 2 – Digital Output – LEDs and GPIO Module 3 – Switches and Input Handling Module 4 – EEK and PWM Module 5 – OLED and Display Output Module 6 – Motion Sensing with the MPU6050 Module 7 – Capstone Project (EEK in Action) Module 8 – WiFi and Web Control with ESP32 Module 9 – Cloud Concepts using EEK Module 10 – Hands-on: Arduino IoT Cloud and EEK Module 11 – BlueTooth and EEK GamePad Integration Module 12 – Why Drones? Module 13 – Drone Simulator Concepts Module 14 – Simple Drone Flight Control Module 15 – Real-Time Drone Flight Control Module 16 – Drone Control Mini-Projects Module 17 – Middleware and Python Scripting Module 18 – Python Applications for Drone Control Module 19 – Capstone EEK Control Project and Presentation About the Author Dr. Jim Solderitsch is an educator, software architect, systems developer, and cybersecurity researcher with a focus on cyber-physical systems. He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in Computing Sciences at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. What is Elektor Academy Pro? Elektor Academy Pro delivers specialized learning solutions designed for professionals, engineering teams, and technical experts in the electronics and embedded systems industry. It enables individuals and organizations to expand their practical knowledge, enhance their skills, and stay ahead of the curve through high-quality resources and hands-on training tools. From real-world projects and expert-led courses to in-depth technical insights, Elektor empowers engineers to tackle today’s electronics and embedded systems challenges. Our educational offerings include Academy Books, Pro Boxes, Webinars, Conferences, and industry-focused B2B magazines – all created with professional development in mind. Whether you're an engineer, R&D specialist, or technical decision-maker, Elektor Academy Pro bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping you master emerging technologies and drive innovation within your organization.

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This complete ESP32 microcontroller programming course features a textbook, a component kit, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online course with simulations. It is ideal for step-by-step learning of embedded systems programming with Arduino using a practical, hands-on approach. A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32 This course is designed for people who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. A kit of parts comprising LEDs and resistors, switches, sensors and actuators, displays, a breadboard and wires, and more is included. These are used in the course to illustrate example applications. No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications. What Will You Learn? Microcontroller programming with the ESP32 using the Arduino IDE Working with Digital I/O, read buttons and encoders, control LEDs and relays Read analog inputs, voltages, and analog sensors Generating analog output signals and PWM Use serial communication like UART, I²C and SPI to control displays and read digital sensors and SD cards Managing time Working with interrupts Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays Control actuators like relays and servo motors Who Is It For? Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material What's Inside the Box? Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform ESP32 microcontroller board + USB cable Book: Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Downloadable project files for every module Component Box: 2× LED, red, 5 mm LED, green, 5 mm 3× Resistor, 470 Ω, 0.25 W LDR Potentiometer, 10 kΩ, linear Pushbutton Rotary encoder module Relay module DHT22 Humidity & Temperature Sensor TM1637-compatible 4-digit 7-segment display MPU-6050 IMU with headers SSD1306-compatible I²C OLED display Micro SD card adapter with header Buzzer SG90 Micro Servo ILI9341-compatible SPI 240×320 TFT display 20× Jumper wires Breadboard All Programming Courses (and differences in content) Course Arduino Raspberry Pi Pico with Arduino C/C++ ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython ESP32 with MicroPython Online Course Access to Arduino Course Access to Pico with Arduino C/C++ Course Access to ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Course Access to Pico with MicroPython Course Access to ESP32 with MicroPython Course Board Uno R3 Raspberry Pi Pico ESP32 Raspberry Pi Pico ESP32 Book Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython Kit 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box

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This complete ESP32 microcontroller programming course features a textbook, a component kit, hands-on projects, and a comprehensive online course with simulations. It is ideal for step-by-step learning of embedded systems programming in MicroPython using a practical, hands-on approach. A Practical Introduction to Embedded Systems with the ESP32 This course is designed for people who are new to embedded systems and looking for a structured, example-driven way to get started. A kit of parts comprising LEDs and resistors, switches, sensors and actuators, displays, a breadboard and wires, and more is included. These are used in the course to illustrate example applications. No prior experience with Arduino or embedded development is required. Each section features hands-on examples and mini projects designed to reinforce key concepts and inspire deeper exploration. By the end of the course, you’ll be able not only to reproduce the examples but also to build on them with your own ideas and applications. What Will You Learn? Microcontroller programming in MicroPython with the ESP32 using the Thonny IDE Working with Digital I/O, read buttons and encoders, control LEDs and relays Read analog inputs, voltages, and analog sensors Generating analog output signals and PWM Use serial communication like UART, I²C and SPI to control displays and read digital sensors and SD cards Managing time Working with interrupts Real-time sensor input and control via buttons, LEDs, and displays Control actuators like relays and servo motors Who Is It For? Students and self-learners exploring embedded systems Makers and IoT enthusiasts looking to improve their hardware skills Educators and trainers seeking ready-to-teach material What's Inside the Box? Access to the full course on the Elektor Academy Pro Learning Platform ESP32 microcontroller board + USB cable Book: Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython Downloadable project files for every module Component Box: 2× LED, red, 5 mm LED, green, 5 mm 3× Resistor, 470 Ω, 0.25 W LDR Potentiometer, 10 kΩ, linear Pushbutton Rotary encoder module Relay module DHT22 Humidity & Temperature Sensor TM1637-compatible 4-digit 7-segment display MPU-6050 IMU with headers SSD1306-compatible I²C OLED display Micro SD card adapter with header Buzzer SG90 Micro Servo ILI9341-compatible SPI 240×320 TFT display 20× Jumper wires Breadboard All Programming Courses (and differences in content) Course Arduino Raspberry Pi Pico with Arduino C/C++ ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Raspberry Pi Pico with MicroPython ESP32 with MicroPython Online Course Access to Arduino Course Access to Pico with Arduino C/C++ Course Access to ESP32 with Arduino C/C++ Course Access to Pico with MicroPython Course Access to ESP32 with MicroPython Course Board Uno R3 Raspberry Pi Pico ESP32 Raspberry Pi Pico ESP32 Book Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in C/C++ Using Arduino Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython Programming Microcontrollers in MicroPython Kit 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box 40-piece Component Box

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Recently, the development of a tiny chip called the ESP8266 has made it possible to interface any type of microcontroller to a Wi-Fi AP. The ESP8266 is a low-cost tiny Wi-Fi chip having fully built-in TCP/IP stack and a 32-bit microcontroller unit. This chip, produced by Shanghai based Chinese manufacturer Espressif System, is IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi compatible with on-chip program and data memory, and general purpose input-output ports. Several manufacturers have incorporated the ESP8266 chip in their hardware products (e.g. ESP-xx, NodeMCU etc) and offer these products as a means of connecting a microcontroller system such as the Android, PIC microcontroller or others to a Wi-Fi. The ESP8266 is a low-power chip and costs only a few Dollars. ESP8266 and MicroPython – Coding Cool Stuff is an introduction to the ESP8266 chip and describes the features of this chip and shows how various firmware and programming languages such as the MicroPython can be uploaded to the chip. The main aim of the book is to teach the readers how to use the MicroPython programming language on ESP8266 based hardware, especially on the NodeMCU. Several interesting and useful projects are given in the e-book (pdf) to show how to use the MicroPython in NodeMCU type ESP8266 hardware: Project “What shall I wear today?”: You will be developing a weather information system using a NodeMCU development board together with a Text-to-Speech processor module. Project “The Temperature and Humidity on the Cloud”: You will be developing a system that will get the ambient temperature and humidity using a sensor and then store this data on the cloud so that it can be accessed from anywhere. Project “Remote Web Based Control”: You will be developing a system that will remotely control two LEDs connected to a NodeMCU development board using an HTTP Web Server application.

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Practical Projects and Programs With Experimenting with Red Pitaya STEMlab Gen 2, Red Pitaya goes beyond a versatile board. It becomes a powerful laboratory instrument for precision measurement, analysis, and control. From the fundamentals of electronic project development, monitoring, control, and design to testing, this book walks you step-by-step through everything you need to know to harness the full potential of Red Pitaya hardware and software. The book presents real-time, FPGA-based projects that are developed on a PC using the Vivado environment, then transferred to the Red Pitaya for execution and testing. You will learn about enhanced performance, expanded I/O capabilities, improved FPGA features, and advanced connectivity options that open up new frontiers for precision measurement, monitoring, and control in your embedded applications. Inside the book you will discover: A deep dive into Red Pitaya architecture and hardware design Electronic experiments using Red Pitaya for measurement and monitoring Hands-on projects using the Python programming language Practical guidance for FPGA programming using Red Pitaya Red Pitaya FPGA projects using the Verilog HDL under Vivado IDE Practical design of electronic projects including measurement and testing Step-by-step examples that bridge theory and real-world implementation Whether you are designing your own electronic circuits, developing signal analysis tools, or creating real-time control or monitoring systems, this book provides you the knowledge and confidence you need to fully learn and customize the Red Pitaya platform.

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Practical Projects and Programs With Experimenting with Red Pitaya STEMlab Gen 2, Red Pitaya goes beyond a versatile board. It becomes a powerful laboratory instrument for precision measurement, analysis, and control. From the fundamentals of electronic project development, monitoring, control, and design to testing, this book walks you step-by-step through everything you need to know to harness the full potential of Red Pitaya hardware and software. The book presents real-time, FPGA-based projects that are developed on a PC using the Vivado environment, then transferred to the Red Pitaya for execution and testing. You will learn about enhanced performance, expanded I/O capabilities, improved FPGA features, and advanced connectivity options that open up new frontiers for precision measurement, monitoring, and control in your embedded applications. Inside the book you will discover: A deep dive into Red Pitaya architecture and hardware design Electronic experiments using Red Pitaya for measurement and monitoring Hands-on projects using the Python programming language Practical guidance for FPGA programming using Red Pitaya Red Pitaya FPGA projects using the Verilog HDL under Vivado IDE Practical design of electronic projects including measurement and testing Step-by-step examples that bridge theory and real-world implementation Whether you are designing your own electronic circuits, developing signal analysis tools, or creating real-time control or monitoring systems, this book provides you the knowledge and confidence you need to fully learn and customize the Red Pitaya platform.

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The field of digital electronics is central to modern technology. This e-book presents fundamental circuits using gates, flip-flops and counters from the CMOS 4000 Series. Each of the 50 experiments has a circuit diagram as well as a detailed illustration of the circuit’s construction on solderless breadboard. Learning these fundamentals is best done using practical experiments. Building these digital circuits will improve your knowledge and will be fun to boot. Many of the circuits presented here have practical real-life applications. With a good overview of the field, you’ll be well equipped to find simple and cost-effective solutions for any application. The e-book is targeted essentially at students, trainees and anyone with an interest in and requiring an introduction to digital control electronics. Moreover, the knowledge gleaned here is the foundation for further projects in the field of microcontrollers and programming.

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AVR Architecture and Programming An in-depth look at the 8-bit AVR architecture found in ATtiny and ATmega microcontrollers, mainly from a software and programming point of view. Explore the AVR architecture using C and assembly language in Microchip Studio (formerly Atmel Studio) with ATtiny microcontrollers. Learn the details of how AVR microcontrollers work internally, including the internal registers and memory map of ATtiny devices. Program ATtiny microcontrollers using an Atmel-ICE programmer/debugger, or use a cheap hobby programmer, or even an Arduino Uno as a programmer. Most code examples can be run using the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. Learn to write programs for ATtiny microcontrollers in assembly language. See how assembly language is converted to machine code instructions by the assembler program. Find out how programs written in the C programming language end up as assembly language and finally as machine code instructions. Use the Microchip Studio debugger in combination with a hardware USB programmer/debugger to test assembly and C language programs, or use the Microchip Studio AVR simulator. DIP packaged ATtiny microcontrollers are used in this volume for easy use on electronic breadboards, targeting mainly the ATtiny13(A) and ATtiny25/45/85. Learn about instruction timing and clocks in AVR microcontrollers using ATtiny devices. Be on your way to becoming an AVR expert with advanced debugging and programming skills.

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