Build Your Own Vintage Radio Broadcaster
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit allows streaming audio to vintage AM radio receivers. Based on a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller module, the AM Transmitter can transmit on 32 frequencies in the AM band, from 500 kHz up to 1.6 MHz in 32 steps of approx. 35 kHz.
The frequency is selected with a potentiometer and shown on a 0.96" OLED display. A pushbutton allows toggles the transmitting mode between On and Off. The range of the transmitter depends on the antenna. The onboard antenna provides a range of a few centimeters, requiring the AM Transmitter to be placed close to or inside the radio. An external loop antenna (not included) can be connected to increase the range.
The Elektor AM Transmitter Kit comes as a kit of parts that you must solder to the board yourself.
Features
The board is compatible with a Hammond 1593N enclosure (not included).A 5 VDC power supply with micro-USB connector (e.g., an old phone charger) is needed to power the kit (not included). Current consumption is 100 mA.
The Arduino software (requiring Earle Philhower’s RP2040 Boards Package) for the Elektor AM Transmitter Kit plus more information is available at the Elektor Labs page of this project.
Component List
Resistors
R1, R4 = 100 Ω
R2, R3, R8 = 10 kΩ
R5, R6, R9, R10, R11 = 1 kΩ
R7 = optional (not included)
P1 = potentiometer 100 kΩ, linear
Capacitors
C1 = 22 µF 16V
C2, C4 = 10 nF
C3 = 150 pF
Miscellaneous
K1 = 4×1 pin socket
K2, K3 = 3.5 mm socket
Raspberry Pi Pico
pushbutton, angle mount
0.96" monochrome I²C OLED display
PCB 150292-1
Over 40 Fully Tested ESP32 Projects Using Arduino IDE and the LVGL Graphics Library
This bundle includes the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display (CYD) – a compact development board combining a standard ESP32 microcontroller with a 320x240 pixel TFT color display. The board also features multiple connectors for GPIO, serial communication (TX/RX), power, and ground. The built-in display is a major advantage, allowing users to create complex, graphics-based projects without the need for external LCDs or displays.
The accompanying book introduces the CYD board's hardware and on-board connectors in detail. It provides a range of beginner to intermediate-level projects developed using the popular Arduino IDE 2.0. Both basic graphics functions and the powerful LVGL graphics library are covered, with practical projects illustrating each approach.
All included projects have been fully tested and are ready to use. The book provides block diagrams, circuit schematics, complete code listings, and step-by-step explanations. With the LVGL library, readers can create modern, full-color graphical interfaces using widgets such as buttons, labels, sliders, calendars, keyboards, charts, tables, menus, animations, and more.
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board
This development board (also known as "Cheap Yellow Display") is powered by the ESP-WROOM-32, a dual-core MCU with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities. It operates at a main frequency of up to 240 MHz, with 520 KB SRAM, 448 KBROM, and a 4 MB Flash memory. The board features a 2.8-inch display with a resolution of 240x320 and resistive touch.
Furthermore, the board includes a backlight control circuit, touch control circuit, speaker drive circuit, photosensitive circuit, and RGB-LED control circuit. It also provides a TF card slot, serial interface, DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor interface, and additional IO ports.
The module supports development in Arduino IDE, ESP-IDE, MicroPython, and Mixly.
Applications
Image transmission for Smart Home device
Wireless monitoring
Smart agriculture
QR wireless recognition
Wireless positioning system signal
And other IoT applications
Specifications
Microcontroller
ESP-WROOM-32 (Dual-core MCU with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
Frequency
Up to 240 MHz (computing power is up to 600 DMIPS)
SRAM
520 KB
ROM
448 KB
Flash
4 MB
Operating voltage
5 V
Power consumption
approx. 115 mA
Display
2.8-inch color TFT screen (240 x 320)
Touch
Resistive Touch
Driver chip
ILI9341
Dimensions
50 x 86 mm
Weight
50 g
Downloads
GitHub
This bundle contains:
The ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Book (normal price: €35)
ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display Board (normal price: €25)
1x ESP32 Dev Board with 2.8" Display and acrylic Shell
1x Touch pen
1x Connector cable
1x USB cable
Projects Using Arduino IDE and the LVGL Graphics Library
The ESP32 is probably one of the most popular microcontrollers used by many people, including students, hobbyists, and professional engineers. Its low cost, coupled with rich features makes it a popular device to use in many projects. Recently, a board called the ESP32 Cheap Yellow Display (CYD for short) is available from its manufacturers. The board includes a standard ESP32 microcontroller together with a 320x240 pixel TFT display. Additionally, the board provides several connectors for interfaces such as GPIO, serial port (TX/RX), power and Ground. The inclusion of a TFT display is a real advantage as it enables users to design complex graphics-based projects without resorting to an external LCD or graphics displays.
The book describes the basic hardware of the ESP32 CYD board and provides details of its on-board connectors. Many basic, simple, and intermediate-level projects are given in the book based on the ESP32 CYD, using the highly popular Arduino IDE 2.0 integrated development environment. The use of both the basic graphics functions and the use of the popular LVGL graphics library are discussed in the book and projects are given that use both types of approaches.
All the projects given in the book have been tested and are working. The block diagram, circuit diagram, and the complete program listings and program descriptions of all the projects are given with explanations. Readers can use the LVGL graphics library to design highly popular eye-catching full-color graphics projects using widgets such as buttons, labels, calendars, keypads, keyboards, message boxes, spinboxes, sliders, charts, tables, menus, bars, switches, drop-down lists, animations, and many more widgets.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
OBD2 Sensor DashboardOld Dials Sparked a Quest for Real Data
OBD2: Add a Rev Counter and Gear Shift Indicator to Your CarRetro, but Super Useful
LiDAR and Vision Sensors for Robotics
Sensor+Test 2025 and PCIM 2025
Contact-Free E-Field Measurements (1)A Vibrating Membrane for Assessing DC Voltages or Static Electric Fields
Wireless Mailbox NotifierFrom Optical Sensors to Radar, Exploring a Few Options
Elektor Mini-WheelieA Self-Balancing Robot
Solar CellsPeculiar Parts, the Series
Getting Started With a Modern Radar SensorIs an Accurate Measurement on Your Radar?
From Life’s ExperiencePaper Factory
CybersecurityTough Times for Hackers
Siglent Presents Next-Gen Multi-Channel OscilloscopesHigh-Performance Solutions for Modern Power and Embedded Systems
Bluetooth 6.0 Brings Enhanced Distance-Ranging ApplicationsNew Version Offers Improved Device Positioning and Location Services
Exploring Wireless Communication with BeagleY-AI
Err-lectronicsCorrections, Updates, and Readers’ Letters
Starting Out in Electronics……Concludes the Topic on Opamps
A Powerful AI Code AssistantSpeed Up Your Development with Continue and Visual Studio Code
Solar Charge Controller with MPPT (2)The Circuit
Ultrasonic Obstacle DetectorA Simple Project to Help Those with Impaired Vision
2025: An AI OdysseyMid-Year Review
Raspberry Pi Standalone MIDI Synthesizer (3)Making It Smarter and Adding a User Interface
Meshtastic: A Demo ProjectAn Intelligent Mesh of LoRa Radios
Analog Audio Frequency GeneratorHigh-Quality Adjustable Frequency Sine Wave Generator
This collection features the best of Elektor Magazine's articles on embedded systems and artificial intelligence. From hands-on programming guides to innovative AI experiments, these pieces offer valuable insights and practical knowledge for engineers, developers, and enthusiasts exploring the evolving intersection of hardware design, software innovation, and intelligent technology.
Contents
Programming PICs from the Ground UpAssembler routine to output a sine wave
Object-Oriented ProgrammingA Short Primer Using C++
Programming an FPGA
Tracking Down Microcontroller Buffer Overflows with 0xDEADBEEF
Too Quick to Code and Too Slow to Test?
Understanding the Neurons in Neural NetworksEmbedded Neurons
MAUI Programming for PC, Tablet, and SmartphoneThe New Framework in Theory and Practice
USB Killer DetectorBetter Safe Than Sorry
Understanding the Neurons in Neural NetworksArtificial Neurons
A Bare-Metal Programming Guide
Part 1: For STM32 and Other Controllers
Part 2: Accurate Timing, the UART, and Debugging
Part 3: CMSIS Headers, Automatic Testing, and a Web Server
Introduction to TinyMLBig Is Not Always Better
Microprocessors for Embedded SystemsPeculiar Parts, the Series
FPGAs for BeginnersThe Path From MCU to FPGA Programming
AI in Electronics DevelopmentAn Update After Only One Year
AI in the Electronics LabGoogle Bard and Flux Copilot Put to the Test
ESP32 and ChatGPTOn the Way to a Self-Programming System…
Audio DSP FX Processor Board
Part 1: Features and Design
Part 2: Creating Applications
Rust + EmbeddedA Development Power Duo
A Smart Object CounterImage Recognition Made Easy with Edge Impulse
Universal Garden LoggerA Step Towards AI Gardening
A VHDL ClockMade with ChatGPT
TensorFlow Lite on Small MicrocontrollersA (Very) Beginner’s Point of View
Mosquito DetectionUsing Open Datasets and Arduino Nicla Vision
Artificial Intelligence Timeline
Intro to AI AlgorithmsPrompt: Which Algorithms Implement Each AI Tool?
Bringing AI to the Edgewith ESP32-P4
The Growing Role of Edge AIA Trend Shaping the Future
For Speed, Area, Power, and Reliability
This book teaches the fundamentals of FPGA operation, covering basic CMOS transistor theory to designing digital FPGA chips using LUTs, flip-flops, and embedded memories. Ideal for electrical engineers aiming to design large digital chips using FPGA technology.
Discover:
The inner workings of FPGA architecture and functionality.
Hardware Description Languages (HDL) like Verilog and VHDL.
The EDA tool flow for converting HDL source into a functional FPGA chip design.
Insider tips for reliable, low power, and high performance FPGA designs.
Example designs include:
Computer-to-FPGA UART serial communication.
An open-source Sump3 logic analyzer implementation.
A fully functional graphics controller.
What you need:
Digilent BASYS3 or similar FPGA eval board with an AMD/Xilinx FPGA.
Vivado EDA tool suite (available for download from AMD website free of charge).
Project source files available from author’s GitHub site.
Learn KiCad with Peter Dalmaris
The Academy Pro Box "Design PCBs like a Pro" offers a complete, structured training programme in PCB design, combining online learning with practical application. Based on Peter Dalmaris’ KiCad course, the 15-week programme integrates video lessons, printed materials (2 books), and hands-on projects to ensure participants not only understand the theory but also develop the skills to apply it in practice.
Unlike standard courses, the Academy Pro Box provides a guided learning path with weekly milestones and physical components to design, test, and produce working PCBs. This approach supports a deeper learning experience and better knowledge retention.
The box is ideal for engineers, students, and professionals who want to develop practical PCB design expertise using open-source tools. With the added option to have their final project manufactured, participants complete the programme with real results – ready for use, testing, or further development.
Learn by doing
Build skills. Design real boards. Generate Gerbers. Place your first order. This isn’t just a course – it’s a complete project journey from idea to product.
You’ll walk away with:
Working knowledge of KiCad’s tools
Confidence designing your own PCBs
A fully manufacturable circuit board – made by you
What's inside the Box (Course)?
Both volumes of "KiCad Like a Pro" (valued at €105)
Vol 1: Fundamentals and Projects
Vol 2: Advanced Projects and Recipes
Coupon code to join the bestselling KiCad 9 online course by Peter Dalmaris on Udemy, featuring 20+ hours of video training. You'll complete three full design projects:
Breadboard Power Supply
Tiny Solar Power Supply
Datalogger with EEPROM and Clock
Voucher from Eurocircuits for the production of PCBs (worth €85 excl. VAT)
Learning Material (of this Box/Course)
15-Week Learning Program
▶ Click here to open
Week 1: Setup, Fundamentals, and First Steps in PCB Design
Week 2: Starting Your First PCB Project – Schematic Capture
Week 3: PCB Layout – From Netlist to Board Design
Week 4: Design Principles, Libraries, and Workflow
Week 5: Your First Real-World PCB Project
Week 6: Custom Libraries – Symbols, Footprints, and Workflow
Week 7: Advanced Tools – Net Classes, Rules, Zones, Routing
Week 8: Manufacturing Files, BOMs, and PCB Ordering
Week 9: Advanced Finishing Techniques – Graphics, Refinement, and Production Quality
Week 10: Tiny Solar Power Supply – From Schematic to Layout
Week 11: Tiny Solar Power Supply – PCB Layout and Production Prep
Week 12: ESP32 Clone Project – Schematic Design and Layout Prep
Week 13: ESP32 Clone – PCB Layout and Manufacturing Prep
Week 14: Final Improvements and Advanced Features
Week 15: Productivity Tools, Simulation, and Automation
KiCad Course with 18 Lessons on Udemy (by Peter Dalmaris)
▶ Click here to open
Introduction
Getting started with PCB design
Getting started with KiCad
Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad (Schematic Design)
Project: A hands-on tour of KiCad (Layout)
Design principles and PCB terms
Design workflow and considerations
Fundamental KiCad how-to: Symbols and Eeschema
Fundamental KiCad how-to: Footprints and Pcbnew
Project: Design a simple breadboard power supply PCB
Project: Tiny Solar Power Supply
Project: MCU datalogger with build-in 512K EEPROM and clock
Recipes
KiCad 9 new features and improvements
Legacy (from previous versions of KiCad)
KiCad 7 update (Legacy)
(Legacy) Gettings started with KiCad
Bonus lecture
About the Author
Dr. Peter Dalmaris, PhD is an educator, an electrical engineer and Maker. Creator of online video courses on DIY electronics and author of several technical books. As a Chief Tech Explorer since 2013 at Tech Explorations, the company he founded in Sydney, Australia, Peter's mission is to explore technology and help educate the world.
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.
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
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.
From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass
"The story of electricity, told one connection at a time."Why does rubbing amber attract dust? How did we go from that curious effect to a world where screens respond to a single touch? And how did we get from mysterious sparks to tiny chips packed with billions of transistors?
For centuries, electricity puzzled and fascinated those who encountered its curious effects—long before it even had a name. From the earliest observations of static charge to the complex electronics that shape our lives today, this book traces the gradual, and often surprising, story of how humanity came to understand and harness this powerful force.
This book offers an engaging and accessible account of the people, ideas, and inventions that transformed electricity from a scientific curiosity into the foundation of our digital age. Along the way, you’ll meet a host of inquisitive minds—some famous, others less so—whose persistence and creativity helped unravel the mysteries of the natural world and gave rise to the technologies we now take for granted.
Covering everything from Leyden jars and batteries to transistors, microcontrollers and the internet, this book presents a clear and enjoyable overview of electronics and its relatively short, yet rich, history.
Whether you have a technical background or simply a curiosity about how things work, From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass offers a thoughtful look at how far we’ve come—and a gentle nudge to wonder what might come next.
Understanding and Using Them Effectively
What happens in electronics is invisible to the naked eye. The instrument that allows to accurately visualize electrical signals, the one through which the effects of electronics become apparent to us, is the oscilloscope.
Alas, when one first ventures into electronics, it is often without an oscilloscope. And one is left fumbling, both physically and mentally. Observing an electrical signal on a screen for the first time is a revelation. Nobody wishes to forgo that marvel again. There is no turning back.
In electronics, if one wishes to progress with both enjoyment and understanding, an oscilloscope is essential. This marks the beginning of a period of questioning: how to choose one? And no sooner is that question answered than a whole string of others arises, which can be summed up in just one: how does one use the oscilloscope in such a way that what it displays truly reflects the reality of the signals?
Rémy Mallard is a passionate communicator with a gift for making complex technical subjects understandable and engaging. In this book, he provides clear answers to essential questions about using an oscilloscope and offers a wealth of guidance to help readers explore and understand the electrical signals behind electronic systems. With his accessible style and practical insights, this book is a valuable tool for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of electronics.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
PbMonitor v1.0A Battery-Monitoring System for UPS and Energy Storage Applications
Solar Charge Controller with MPPT (1)Basic Principles of a Solar Controller for Stand-Alone Systems
B-Field Integration Magnetometer With Home-Made Sensors
Precise or Accurate?Your Instruments Need to Be Both!
AD7124 A Precision ADC in PracticeFeatures for Sensor Signal Conditioning
PID Control ToolOptimize Your Parameters Easily
embedded world 2025
Starting Out in Electronics……Continues with Tone Control
Academy Pro BoxBook + Online Course + Hardware
Milliohmmeter AdapterUses the Precision of Your Multimeter
The Next Leap in SemiconductorsOnward Toward 1.4 nm
Through-Hole Technology ConnectorsThe Best of Two Worlds: THR
Frequency CounterPortable and Auto-Calibrating Via GPS
Analog MetersPeculiar Parts, the Series
Stand-Alone Crystal TesterHow Accurate Is Your Clock Source?
Low-Cost I²C TesterConnect I²C Devices Directly to Your PC
From Life’s ExperienceWho Doesn’t Honor the Small Things?
2025: An AI OdysseyThe Transformative Impact on Software Development
Err-lectronicsCorrections, Updates, and Readers’ Letters
Raspberry Pi Standalone MIDI Synthesizer (2)Enhancing Our Setup with Intelligence
Nortonized Wien Bridge OscillatorSmall Changes Yield Significant Improvements
Putting a $0.10 Controller to the TestThe CH32V003 RISC-V Microcontroller and MounRiver Studio in Practice
An FPGA-Based Audio Player with Equalizer (2)Adding Volume Control, Advanced Mixing, and a Web Interface
Resonances From Aether Days
A Pictorial and Technical Analysis from WWII to the Internet Age
From the birth of radio to the late 1980s, much of real life unfolded through shortwave communication. World War II demonstrated—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that effective communications equipment was a vital prerequisite for military success. In the postwar years, shortwave became the backbone on which many of the world's most critical services depended every day.
All the radio equipment—through whose cathodes, grids, plates, and transistors so much of human history has flowed—is an exceptional subject of study and enjoyment for those of us who are passionate about vintage electronics. In this book, which begins in the aftermath of World War II, you’ll find a rich collection of information: descriptions, tips, technical notes, photos, and schematics that will be valuable for anyone interested in restoring—or simply learning about—these extraordinary witnesses to one of the most remarkable eras in technological history.
My hope is that these pages will help preserve this vast treasure of knowledge, innovation, and history—a heritage that far transcends the purely technical.
From Theory to Practical Applications in Wireless Energy Transfer and Harvesting
Wireless power transmission has gained significant global interest, particularly with the rise of electric vehicles and the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s a technology that allows the transfer of electricity without physical connections, offering solutions for everything from powering small devices over short distances to long-range energy transmission for more complex systems.
Wireless Power Design provides a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, helping you explore the potential of wireless energy transfer and harvesting technologies. The book presents a series of hands-on projects that cover various aspects of wireless power systems, each accompanied by detailed explanations and parameter listings.
The following five projects guide you through key areas of wireless power:
Project 1: Wireless Powering of Advanced IoT Devices
Project 2: Wireless Powered Devices on the Frontline – The Future and Challenges
Project 3: Wireless Powering of Devices Using Inductive Technology
Project 4: Wireless Power Transmission for IoT Devices
Project 5: Charging Robot Crawler Inside the Pipeline
These projects explore different aspects of wireless power, from inductive charging to wireless energy transmission, offering practical solutions for real-world applications. The book includes projects that use simulation tools like CST Microwave Studio and Keysight ADS for design and analysis, with a focus on practical design considerations and real-world implementation techniques.
Over 180 Projects with Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, and ESP32
This bundle contains the Universal Maker Sensor Kit, which consists of many sensors, actuators, displays, and motors. It’s perfect for environmental monitoring, smart home projects, robotics, and game controllers.
The new Elektor book describes the design of many projects using the kit together with the popular Raspberry Pi, Raspberry Pi Pico W, Arduino Uno, and the ESP32 family of development boards. You can choose any of these development boards for your projects and either use the provided programs as they are, or modify these programs to suit your applications.
This bundle contains:
Book: Universal Maker Sensor Kit (normal price: €45)
Universal Maker Sensor Kit (for Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, ESP32) (normal price: €70)
Raspberry Pi Pico 2 W (normal price: €8)
Book: Universal Maker Sensor Kit
Learn to use more than 35 Sensors and Actuators with C++, Python, and MicroPython
This book contains over 180 projects for all four major development boards (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pico W, and ESP32). Depending on the development board, projects are available in the C, Python, or MicroPython programming languages.
The project titles, brief descriptions, wiring diagrams, and full program listings together with their detailed descriptions are given in the guide.
Universal Maker Sensor Kit (for Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, ESP32)
Discover endless creativity with the Universal Maker Sensor Kit, designed for use with Raspberry Pi, Pico W, Arduino, and ESP32. This versatile kit offers compatibility across popular development platforms, including Arduino Uno R4 Minima/WiFi, Uno R3, Mega 2560, Raspberry Pi 5, 4, 3B+, 3B, Zero, Pico W, and ESP32.
Featuring over 35 sensors, actuators, and displays, it's perfect for projects ranging from environmental monitoring and smart home automation to robotics and interactive gaming. Step-by-step tutorials in C/C++, Python, and MicroPython guide beginners and experienced makers alike through 169 exciting projects.
Features
Wide Compatibility: Fully supports Arduino (Uno R3, Uno R4 Minima/WiFi, Mega 2560), Raspberry Pi (5, 4, 3B+, 3B, Zero, Pico W), and ESP32, enabling extensive flexibility across numerous development platforms. Includes instructions for building 169 projects.
Comprehensive Components: Features more than 35 sensors, actuators, and display modules suitable for diverse projects such as environmental monitoring, smart home automation, robotics, and interactive game controllers.
Detailed Tutorials: Provides clear, step-by-step tutorials covering Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Pico W, ESP32, and each included component. Tutorials are available in C/C++, Python, and MicroPython, catering effectively to both beginners and experienced makers.
Suitable for All Skill Levels: Offers structured projects designed to guide users seamlessly from beginner to advanced proficiency in electronics and programming, enhancing creativity and technical expertise.
Kit includes
Breadboard
Button Module
Capacitive Soil Moisture Module
Flame Sensor Module
Gas/Smoke Sensor Module (MQ2)
Gyroscope & Accelerometer Module (MPU6050)
Hall Sensor Module
Infrared Speed Sensor Module
IR Obstacle Avoidance Sensor Module
Joystick Module
PCF8591 ADC DAC Converter Module
Photoresistor Module
PIR Motion Module (HC-SR501)
Potentiometer Module
Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor Module (MAX30102)
Raindrop Detection Module
Real Time Clock Module (DS1302)
Rotary Encoder Module
Temperature Sensor Module (DS18B20)
Temperature and Humidity Sensor Module (DHT11)
Temperature, Humidity & Pressure Sensor (BMP280)
Time of Flight Micro-LIDAR Distance Sensor (VL53L0X)
Touch Sensor Module
Ultrasonic Sensor Module (HC-SR04)
Vibration Sensor Module (SW-420)
Water Level Sensor Module
I²C LCD 1602
OLED Display Module (SSD1306)
RGB LED Module
Traffic Light Module
5 V Relay Module
Centrifugal Pump
L9110 Motor Driver Module
Passive Buzzer Module
Servo Motor (SG90)
TT Motor
ESP8266 Module
JDY-31 Bluetooth Module
Power Supply Module
Documentation
Online Tutorial
The Unitree Go2 Controller is a dedicated remote control device designed for seamless and precise operation of the Unitree Go2 Quadruped Robot. This bimanual remote features built-in data transmission and Bluetooth modules, facilitating reliable wireless communication with the robot. It offers an ultra-long control distance of over 100 meters in open environments, ensuring flexibility in various operational scenarios.
Specifications
Charging Voltage
5 V
Charging Current
2 A
Frequency
2.4 GHz
Communication Modes
Data transmission module and Bluetooth
Battery Capacity
2500 mAh
Operating Time
approx. 4.5 hours
Control Distance
Over 100 meters in open environments
This bundle contains the popular Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico and the new Elektor Laser Head Upgrade, offering even more options for displaying the time. Not only can you "engrave" the current time in sand, you can now alternatively write it on a glow-in-the-dark foil or create green drawings.
Contents of the bundle
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi Pico (normal price: €50)
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock (normal price: €35)
Elektor Sand Clock for Raspberry Pi (Raspberry Pi-based Eye Catcher)
A standard sand clock just shows how time passes. In contrast, this Raspberry Pi Pico-controlled sand clock shows the exact time by "engraving" the four digits for hour and minute into the layer of sand. After an adjustable time the sand is flattened out by two vibration motors and everything begins all over again.
At the heart of the sand clock are two servo motors driving a writing pen through a pantograph mechanism. A third servo motor lifts the pen up and down. The sand container is equipped with two vibration motors to flatten the sand. The electronic part of the sand clock consists of a Raspberry Pi Pico and an RTC/driver board with a real-time clock, plus driver circuits for the servo motors.
A detailed construction manual is available for downloading.
Features
Dimensions: 135 x 110 x 80 mm
Build time: approx. 1.5 to 2 hours
Included
3x Precut acrylic sheets with all mechanical parts
3x Mini servo motors
2x Vibration motors
1x Raspberry Pi Pico
1x RTC/driver board with assembled parts
Nuts, bolts, spacers, and wires for the assembly
Fine-grained white sand
Elektor Laser Head Upgrade for Sand Clock
The new Elektor Laser Head transforms the Sand Clock into a clock that writes the time on glow-in-the-dark film instead of sand. In addition to displaying the time, it can also be used to create ephemeral drawings. The 5 mW laser pointer, with a wavelength of 405 nm, produces bright green drawings on the glow-in-the-dark film. For best results, use the kit in a dimly lit room. Warning: Never look directly into the laser beam!
The kit includes all the necessary components, but soldering three wires is required.
Note: This kit is also compatible with the original Arduino-based Sand Clock from 2017. For more details, see Elektor Magazine 1-2/2017 and Elektor Magazine 1-2/2018.
2 Channels • 350 MHz • 1 GSa/s • 50,000 wfm/s • 7 inch Touchscreen
The FNIRSI DPOS350P is a sleek 4-in-1 powerhouse in tablet form! This compact and portable device packs serious functionality: it combines a 2-channel oscilloscope (350 MHz), a signal generator (50 MHz), a frequency response analyzer (50 MHz), and a spectrum analyzer (200 kHz–350 MHz) – all in one unit.
Whether you're in R&D, troubleshooting, or field testing, the DPOS350P delivers the tools you need to measure, generate, analyze, and visualize electronic signals with precision and clarity. Its responsive high-resolution touchscreen and intuitive controls make signal analysis fast, flexible and efficient.
Features
Powerful Multi-Function Integration
350 MHz 2-channel oscilloscope with 1 GSa/s real-time sampling
50 MHz signal generator with 14 standard + custom waveforms
Spectrum analyzer (200 kHz–350 MHz): Perfect for EMI, RF & HF testing
Frequency response analyzer (FRA) up to 50 MHz
High-Performance Waveform Capture
50,000 wfm/s refresh rate for real-time signal clarity
350 MHz bandwidth (single-channel mode)
Detects rare and low-probability anomalies
Crisp Display & Smooth Operation
7" IPS touchscreen (1024 x 600 resolution)
Switch between grayscale and color temperature display
Easy to operate in various test environments
Reliable, Protected & Fast-Charging
High-voltage protection up to 400 V
Fast charging with QC 18 W (full charge in 2 hours)
Built for stable long-term operation
Data Storage & Export
Save up to 500 waveform records + 90 screenshots
USB export for easy reporting and offline analysis
Specifications
General
Display
7 inch (IPS full viewing angle)
Resolution
1024 x 600 pixels
Interaction mode
Capacitive touch screen
Total power consumption
10 W
Power-on configuration
5 presets
Charging
QC 18 W, 12 V/1.5 A (USB-C)
Battery
3.7 V, 8000 mAh lithium battery
Battery life
approx. 3 hours in operation, 5 hours standby
Heat dissipation
Air cooling
Expansion interface
USB data port
Automatic shutdown
15~60 minutes / off
Firmware upgrade
Support .iso image upgrade
Languages
English / Portuguese / Russian / Chinese
Dimensions
190 x 128 x 37 mm
Oscilloscope
Analog channels
2
Analog bandwidth
350 MHz
Rise time
1ns
Real-time sampling rate
1 GSa/s
Memory depth
60 Kpts
Input impedance
1 MΩ / 14PF
Time base range
5ns ~ 50s
Roll time base
50ms ~ 50s
Vertical sensitivity
2 mV ~ 20 V (1X)
Vertical range
16 mV ~ 160 V (1X)
DC accuracy
±2%
Time accuracy
±0.01%
Input coupling
DC / AC
Probe attenuation
1X / 10X / 100X
Hardware bandwidth limit
150M / 20M
High resolution mode
8bit ~ 16bit
Parameter measurements
12 types
Cursor measurement
Time, period, frequency, level, voltage
Trigger detection
Digital trigger
Trigger channel
CH1 / CH2
Trigger mode
Auto / Single / Normal
Trigger edge
Rising edge / Falling edge
Trigger suppression
L1 ~ L3
Trigger level
Manual / automatic 10% ~ 90%
Screenshot storage
90 pictures
Waveform storage
500 groups
Background grid
Display / hide
Waveform movement
Coarse adjustment / fine adjustment
Overvoltage protection
Withstand voltage 400 V
Waveform brightness
Adjustable
Simple FFT display
Yes
Digital fluorescence
Yes
Color temperature display
Yes
X-Y mode
Yes
ZOOM time base
Yes
One-key automatic adjustment
Yes
One-key return to zero
Yes
Data browser
Yes
Signal Generator
Waveform types
14 standard functions + captured waveform
Frequency
0~50 MHz (sine wave only, other waveforms up to 10M/5M/3M)
Amplitude
0~5 VPP
Offset
-2.5 V ~ +2.5V
Duty cycle
0.1~99.9%
Frequency resolution
1 Hz
Amplitude resolution
1 mV
Offset resolution
1 mV
Duty cycle resolution
0.1%
Customizable captured waveform
500 groups
Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA)
Excitation signal frequency
100 Hz ~ 50 MHz
Excitation signal amplitude
0~5 VPP
Excitation signal offset
-2.5V ~ +2.5V
Excitation frequency count
20~500
Cursor measurement
Frequency / gain / phase
Operating mode
Single / cyclic
System calibration
Yes
Spectrum Analyzer
Conversion method
FFT
FFT length
4K ~ 32K
Frequency range
200 KHz ~ 350 MHz
Level range
-60 dBmV ~ +260 dBmV
Cursor measurement
Frequency / amplitude
Marking parameter
Maximum energy harmonic
Waterfall chart
Yes
3D waterfall chart
Yes
Automatic adjustment
Yes
System calibration
Yes
Included
1x FNIRSI DPOS350P Oscilloscope (4-in-1)
2x 350 MHz Probes
1x QC 18 W Fast Charger (EU)
1x USB-C Cable
1x Alligator Clip
1x Storage Bag
1x Manual
Downloads
Manual
Firmware
The Raspberry Pi 45 W USB-C Power Supply is an ideal choice for powering USB-C-compatible Raspberry Pi products. It is particularly suitable for Raspberry Pi 5 users looking to operate high-power peripherals such as hard drives and SSDs.
Delivering up to 5.1 V/5 A, it supports USB PD (Power Delivery) negotiation, allowing the Raspberry Pi 5 to select the optimal power profile automatically. This capability enables the Raspberry Pi 5 to increase the USB current limit from the default 600 mA to 1.6 A, providing additional power for peripherals connected via its four USB-A ports.
Thanks to its comprehensive range of built-in power profiles, the Raspberry Pi 45 W USB-C Power Supply is also an excellent option for powering third-party PD-compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Available profiles include 9.0 V/5.0 A, 12.0 V/3.75 A, 15.0 V/3.0 A, and 20.0 V/2.25 A, all delivering a maximum of 45 W.
Specifications
Input
100-240 V AC
Output
5.1 V/5.0 A, 9.0 V/5.0 A, 12.0 V/3.75 A, 15.0 V/3.0 A, 20.0 V/2.25 A (Power Delivery)
Connector
USB-C
Cable
1.5 m, 17AWG (white)
Region
EU
Downloads
Datasheet
Fully updated for Raspberry Pi Pico W, this book gets you started with Raspberry Pi Pico – whether you’re using Raspberry Pi Pico for a home project, industrial automation, or learning (or teaching!) electronics and programming.
Microcontrollers, like the RP2040 chip at the heart of Raspberry Pi Pico, are computers stripped back to their bare essentials. You don’t use monitors or keyboards with them – instead, you program them over USB to take their input from (and send their output to) on-board input/output pins.
Using these programmable connections, you can light LEDs, make noises, send text to screens, and much more. In this book, you will learn how to use the beginner-friendly MicroPython language to write programs, and you’ll connect up hardware to make your Raspberry Pi Pico interact with the world around it. Using these skills, you can create your own electromechanical projects, whether for fun or to make your life easier.
Fully updated for Raspberry Pi Pico W and the latest version of MicroPython, this book shows you how to:
Get started with Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W
Work with various electronic components
Create your own programmable electronic contraptions
Turn Raspberry Pi Pico W into a network-connected node for the Internet of Things
Link your Pico W to your smartphone, tablet, or another Pico W with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
Whether you’re using Raspberry Pi Pico for a home project, industrial automation, or learning (or teaching!) electronics and programming, this book will show you how.
Elektor GREEN and GOLD members can download their digital edition here.
Not a member yet? Click here.
The RISC-V Open-Source Processor Architecture16 Boards and MCUs You Should Know
An FPGA-Based Audio Player with Equalizer (1)Mixing Digital Audio with an Arduino MKR Vidor 4000
Laser Head for Pico-Based Sand ClockDrawing with Light
Enter the STM32 Edge AI Contest
A Multi-Sensor Environmental Monitoring System for PlantsWireless Measurement of Water Supply and Light Conditions
Maixduino AI-Powered Automatic DoormanFace Detection with a Camera
Embedded Electronics 2024AI Is Set to Redefine the Industry
Charge-Based In-Memory Compute at EnCharge AI
AI Inferencing at 10 Times Lower Power and 20 Fold Lower Cost
Click Board Helps Develop and Train ML Models for Vibration Analysis
The Elektor Mini-WheelieA Self-Balancing Robot Kit
MCU, I See YouMCUViewer Open-Source Multiplatform Debugging Tool
USB 2.0 IsolatorElectrically Isolated Connections for USB Devices
Intervention Before DamagePredictive Maintenance in Practice
SPoE – Electromagnetic CompatibilitySingle-Pair with Power-Over-Ethernet Through the Eyes of EMC
Color TV: A Wonder of Its TimeCreating a New World
ECG Graph MonitoringAn Implementation with Hexabitz Modules and an STM32CubeMonitor
The Battle for AI at the Edge
HaLow Hits Record 16-km Wi-Fi Distance at 900 MHz
First CHERI RISC-V Embedded Chip and Early Access Programme
Third-Generation Wildfire Detection Uses Satellite Links
From Life’s ExperienceChoice Overload
Starting Out in Electronics……Continues Filtering and Controls Tone
Quasi-Analog ClockworkA Remake of an Elektor Classic
A Modular Approach to Sensor TestingThe ESP32-S3-Based Sensor Evaluation Board
2025: An AI OdysseyThe Rise of Foundation Models and Their Role in Democratizing AI
Raspberry Pi Standalone MIDI Synthesizer (1)Preparing a Platform for Some Edge AI Experiments
Err-lectronicsCorrections, Updates, and Readers’ Letters
Universal AI RISC-V Processor Does It All — CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA
CEO Interview: Ventiva’s Thin and Cool Tech
Dual-Core Programming with a Raspberry Pi PicoVenture Into the World of Parallel Programming
The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter uses the precision of a multimeter to measure very low resistance values. It is an adapter that converts a resistance into a voltage that can be measured with a standard multimeter.
The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter can measure resistances below 1 mΩ using a 4-wire (Kelvin) method. It is useful for locating short circuits on printed circuit boards (PCB).
The adapter features three measurement ranges – 1 mΩ, 10 mΩ, and 100 mΩ – selectable via a slide switch. It also includes onboard calibration resistors. The Elektor Milliohmmeter Adapter is powered by three 1.5 V AA batteries (not included).
Specifications
Measurement ranges
1 mΩ, 10 mΩ, 100 mΩ, 0.1%
Power supply
3x 1.5 V AA batteries (not included)
Dimensions
103 x 66 x 18 mm (compatible with Hammond 1593N-type enclosure, not included)
Special feature
On-board calibration resistors
Downloads
Documentation
A Practical Guide to AI, Python, and Hardware Projects
Welcome to your BeagleY-AI journey! This compact, powerful, and affordable single-board computer is perfect for developers and hobbyists. With its dedicated 4 TOPS AI co-processor and a 1.4 GHz Quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, the BeagleY-AI is equipped to handle both AI applications and real-time I/O tasks. Powered by the Texas Instruments AM67A processor, it offers DSPs, a 3D graphics unit, and video accelerators.
Inside this handbook, you‘ll find over 50 hands-on projects that cover a wide range of topics—from basic circuits with LEDs and sensors to an AI-driven project. Each project is written in Python 3 and includes detailed explanations and full program listings to guide you. Whether you‘re a beginner or more advanced, you can follow these projects as they are or modify them to fit your own creative ideas.
Here’s a glimpse of some exciting projects included in this handbook:
Morse Code Exerciser with LED or BuzzerType a message and watch it come to life as an LED or buzzer translates your text into Morse code.
Ultrasonic Distance MeasurementUse an ultrasonic sensor to measure distances and display the result in real time.
Environmental Data Display & VisualizationCollect temperature, pressure, and humidity readings from the BME280 sensor, and display or plot them on a graphical interface.
SPI – Voltmeter with ADCLearn how to measure voltage using an external ADC and display the results on your BeagleY-AI.
GPS Coordinates DisplayTrack your location with a GPS module and view geographic coordinates on your screen.
BeagleY-AI and Raspberry Pi 4 CommunicationDiscover how to make your BeagleY-AI and Raspberry Pi communicate over a serial link and exchange data.
AI-Driven Object Detection with TensorFlow LiteSet up and run an object detection model using TensorFlow Lite on the BeagleY-AI platform, with complete hardware and software details provided.
Practical Applications and Project with Arduino, ESP32, and RP2040
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of control engineering with Arduino and ESP32! This book offers you a practical introduction to classic and modern control methods, including PID controllers, fuzzy logic, and sliding-mode controllers.
In the first part, you will learn the basics of the popular Arduino controllers, such as the Arduino Uno and the ESP32, as well as the integration of sensors for temperature and pH measurement (NTC, PT100, PT1000, and pH sensor).
You will learn how to use these sensors in various projects and how to visualize data on a Nextion TFT display. The course continues with an introduction to actuators such as MOSFET switches, H-bridges, and solid-state relays, which are used to control motors and actuators. You will learn to analyze and model controlled systems, including PT1 and PT2 control.
The book focuses on the implementation of fuzzy and PID controllers for controlling temperature and DC motors. Both the Arduino Uno and the ESP32 are used. The sliding-mode controller is also introduced.
In the second-to-last chapter, you will explore the basics of neural networks and learn how machine learning can be used on an Arduino. In the last chapter, there is a practical example of a fuzzy controller for feeding electricity into the household grid.
This book is the perfect choice for engineers, students, and electronics engineers who want to expand their projects with innovative control techniques.