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.
Ready to explore the world around you? By attaching the Sense HAT to your Raspberry Pi, you can quickly and easily develop a variety of creative applications, useful experiments, and exciting games.
The Sense HAT contains several helpful environmental sensors: temperature, humidity, pressure, accelerometer, magnetometer, and gyroscope. Additionally, an 8x8 LED matrix is provided with RGB LEDs, which can be used to display multi-color scrolling or fixed information, such as the sensor data. Use the small onboard joystick for games or applications that require user input. In Innovate with Sense HAT for Raspberry Pi, Dr. Dogan Ibrahim explains how to use the Sense HAT in Raspberry Pi Zero W-based projects. Using simple terms, he details how to incorporate the Sense HAT board in interesting visual and sensor-based projects. You can complete all the projects with other Raspberry Pi models without any modifications.
Exploring with Sense HAT for Raspberry Pi includes projects featuring external hardware components in addition to the Sense HAT board. You will learn to connect the Sense HAT board to the Raspberry Pi using jumper wires so that some of the GPIO ports are free to be interfaced to external components, such as to buzzers, relays, LEDs, LCDs, motors, and other sensors.
The book includes full program listings and detailed project descriptions. Complete circuit diagrams of the projects using external components are given where necessary. All the projects were developed using the latest version of the Python 3 programming language. You can easily download projects from the book’s web page. Let’s start exploring with Sense HAT.
The SparkFun RP2350 Pro Micro provides a powerful development platform, built around the RP2350 microcontroller. This board uses the updated Pro Micro form factor. It includes a USB-C connector, Qwiic connector, WS2812B addressable RGB LED, Boot and Reset buttons, resettable PTC fuse, and PTH and castellated solder pads.
The RP2350 is a unique dual-core microcontroller with two ARM Cortex-M33 processors and two Hazard3 RISC-V processors, all running at up to 150 MHz! Now, this doesn't mean the RP2350 is a quad-core microcontroller. Instead, users can select which two processors to run on boot instead. You can run two processors of the same type or one of each. The RP2350 also features 520 kB SRAM in ten banks, a host of peripherals including two UARTs, two SPI and two I²C controllers, and a USB 1.1 controller for host and device support.
The Pro Micro also includes two expanded memory options: 16 MB of external Flash and 8 MB PSRAM connected to the RP2350's QSPI controller. The RP2350 Pro Micro works with C/C++ using the Pico SDK, MicroPython, and Arduino development environments.
Features
RP2350 Microcontroller
8 MB PSRAM
16 MB Flash
Supply Voltage
USB: 5 V
RAW: 5.3 V (max.)
Pro Micro Pinout
2x UART
1x SPI
10x GPIO (4 used for UART1 and UART0)
4x Analog
USB-C Connector
USB 1.1 Host/Device Support
Qwiic Connector
Buttons
Reset
Boot
LEDs
WS2812 Addressable RGB LED
Red Power LED
Dimensions: 33 x 17.8 mm
Downloads
Schematic
Eagle Files
Board Dimensions
Hookup Guide
RP2350 MicroPython Firmware (Beta 04)
SparkFun Pico SDK Library
Arduino Pico Arduino Core
Datasheet (RP2350)
Datasheet (APS6404L PSRAM)
RP2350 Product Brief
Raspberry Pi RP2350 Microcontroller Documentation
Qwiic Info Page
GitHub Repository
Love the Cytron Maker Pi Pico (SKU 19706) but can't fit it into your project? Now there is the Cytron Maker Pi Pico Mini W. Powered by the awesome Raspberry Pi Pico W, it also inherited most of the useful features from its bigger sibling such as GPIO status LEDs, WS2812B Neopixel RGB LED, passive piezo buzzer, and not forget the user button and reset button. Features Powered by Raspberry Pi Pico W Single-cell LiPo connector with overcharge / over-discharge protection circuit, rechargeable via USB. 6x Status indicator LEDs for GPIOs 1x Passive piezo buzzer (Able to play musical tone or melody) 1x Reset button 1x User programmable button 1x RGB LEDs (WS2812B Neopixel) 3x Maker Ports, compatible with Qwiic, STEMMA QT, and Grove (via conversion cable) Support Arduino IDE, CircuitPython and MicroPython Dimension: 23.12 x 53.85 mm Included 1x Maker Pi Pico Mini W (pre-soldered Raspberry Pi Pico W with preloaded CircuitPython) 3x Grove to JST-SH (Qwiic / STEMMA QT) Cable Downloads Maker Pi Pico Mini Datasheet Maker Pi Pico Mini Schematic Maker Pi Pico Mini Pinout Diagram Official Raspberry Pi Pico Page Getting started with Raspberry Pi Pico CircuitPython for Raspberry Pi Pico Raspberry Pi Pico Datasheet RP2040 Datasheet Raspberry Pi Pico Python SDK Raspberry Pi Pico C/C++ SDK
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
The Challenger RP2040 SD/RTC is an Arduino/CircuitPython compatible Adafruit Feather format microcontroller board based on the Raspberry Pi Pico chip. The board is equipped with an microSD card reader and a Real Time Clock making it super useful for data logging applications.
MicroSD Card
This board is equipped with a microSD card connector that will house standard microSD cards allowing your application to have many gigabytes of storage room for sensor data or what ever you want to place on it. Together with a fancy display you could also store cool images.
Real Time Clock (RTC)
MCP79410 is a highly integrated real time clock with nonvolatile memory and many other advanced features. These features include a battery switchover circuit for backup power, a timestamp to log power failures and digital trimming for accuracy. Using a low-cost 32.768 kHz crystal or other clock source, time is tracked in either a 12-hour or 24-hour format with an AM/PM indicator and timing to the second, minute, hour, day of the week, day, month and year. As an interrupt or wakeup signal, a multifunction open drain output can be programmed as an Alarm Out or as a Clock Out that supports 4 selectable frequencies.
Specifications
Microcontroller
RP2040 from Raspberry Pi (133 MHz dual-core Cortex-M0)
SPI
One SPI channel configured
I²C
One I²C channel configured
UART
One UART channel configured
Analog inputs
4 analog input channels
Flash memory
8 MB, 133 MHz
SRAM Memory
264 KB (divided into 6 banks)
USB 2.0 controller
Up to 12 MBit/s full speed (integrated USB 1.1 PHY)
JST Battery connector
2.0 mm pitch
On board LiPo charger
500 mA standard charge current
RTC
MCP79410 (uses I²C0 (Wire) for communication)
SD Card
One SPI channel used (uses SPI1 to connect to the SD socket)
Dimensions
51 x 23 x 3,2 mm
Weight
9 g
Downloads
Datasheet
RunCPM image including HW I/O port support
CPM File image for RunCPM
Getting started with RunCPM for the Challenger RP2040 SD/RTC board
CircuitPython download page
This 233-page e-book is packed with Arduino ideas, explanations, tips, diagrams, programs, PCB layouts, and more – enough to provide days of informative, inspiring, and stimulating reading pleasure!
The PDF document includes a table of contents with links to the individual projects, allowing you to easily navigate to the sections you’re most interested in. This way, you can quickly and effortlessly switch between projects and find exactly what you’re looking for.
Mastering the I²C Bus takes you on an exploratory journey of the I²C Bus and its applications. Besides the Bus protocol, plenty of attention is given to the practical applications and designing a stable system. The most common I²C compatible chip classes are covered in detail.
Two experimentation boards are available that allow for rapid prototype development. These boards are completed by a USB to I²C probe and a software framework to control I²C devices from your computer. All samples programs can be downloaded from the 'Attachments/Downloads' section on this page.
Projects built on Board 1:
USB to I²C Interface, PCA 9534 Protected Input, PCA 9534 Protected Output, PCA 9553 PWM LED Controller, 24xxx EEPROM Module, LM75 Temperature Sensor, PCA8563 Real-time Clock with Battery Backup, LCD and Keyboard Module, Bus Power Supply.
Projects built on Board 2:
Protected Input, Protected Output, LM75 Temperature Sensor, PCF8574 I/O Board, SAA1064 LED Display, PCA9544 Bus Expander, MCP40D17 Potentiometer, PCF8591 AD/DA, ADC121 A/D Converter, MCP4725 D/A Converter, 24xxx EEPROM Module.
The book "Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W" describes the Node-RED programming environment in great detail with exciting applications on 527 pages. Only at Elektor, the book gets solid hardware support in the form of the popular SunFounder Kepler Kit with over 450 components including a Raspberry Pico W board. With this bundle, most of the experiments and programming exercises contained in the book can be carried out successfully.
This bundle contains:
Book: Node-Red and the Raspberry Pi Pico W (normal price: €50)
SunFounder Kepler Kit voor Raspberry Pi Pico W (normal price: €70)
Book: Node-RED and Raspberry Pi Pico W
From basics to flows for sensors, automation, motors, MQTT, and cloud services
This book is a learning guide and a reference. Use it to learn Node-RED, Raspberry Pi Pico W, and MicroPython, and add these state-of-the-art tools to your technology toolkit. It will introduce you to virtual machines, Docker, and MySQL in support of IoT projects based on Node-RED and the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
This book combines several elements into a platform that powers the development of modern Internet of Things applications. These elements are a flow-based server, a WiFi-enabled microcontroller, a high-level programming language, and a deployment technology. Combining these elements gives you the tools you need to create automation systems at any scale. From home automation to industrial automation, this book will help you get started.
Node-RED is an open-source flow-based development tool that makes it easy to wire together devices, APIs, and online services. Drag and drop nodes to create a flowchart that turns on your lights at sunset or sends you an email when a sensor detects movement. Raspberry Pi Pico W is a version of the Raspberry Pi Pico with added 802.11n Wi-Fi capability. It is an ideal device for physical computing tasks and an excellent match to the Node-RED.
Quick book facts
Project-based learning approach.
Assumes no prior knowledge of flow-based programming tools.
Learn to use essential infrastructure tools in your projects, such as virtual machines, Docker, MySQL and useful web APIs such as Google Sheets and OpenWeatherMap.
Dozens of mini-projects supported by photographs, wiring schematics, and source code. Get these from the book GitHub repository.
Step-by-step instructions on everything.
All experiments are based on the Raspberry Pi Pico W. A Wi-Fi network is required for all projects.
Downloads
GitHub
SunFounder Kepler Kit voor Raspberry Pi Pico W
Your gateway to IoT and microcontroller programming
With 450+ components and 117 online projects, this comprehensive kit ignites your creativity. The tutorials by Paul McWhorter make learning enjoyable for beginners and advanced users. This kit supports MicroPython, C/C++, and Piper Make, offering diverse programming options.
Explore sensors, actuators, LEDs, and LCDs for endless project possibilities. From home automation to robotics, this kit empowers your tech journey.
Features
IoT Starter Kit for Beginners: This kit offers a rich IoT learning experience for beginners. With 450+ components, 117 projects, and expert-led video lessons, this kit makes learning microcontroller programming and IoT engaging and accessible.
Expert-Guided Video Lessons: The kit includes 27 video tutorials by the renowned educator, Paul McWhorter. His engaging style simplifies complex concepts, ensuring an effective learning experience in microcontroller programming.
Wide Range of Hardware: The kit includes a diverse array of components like sensors, actuators, LEDs, LCDs, and more, enabling you to experiment and create a variety of projects with the Raspberry Pi Pico W.
Supports Multiple Languages: The kit offers versatility with support for three programming languages - MicroPython, C/C++, and Piper Make, providing a diverse programming learning experience.
Dedicated Support: Benefit from our ongoing assistance, including a community forum and timely technical help for a seamless learning experience.
Included
Raspberry Pi Pico W
Breadboard
Jumper Wires
Resistor
Transistor
Capacitor
Diode
Li-po Charger Module
74HC595
TA6586 – Motor Driver Chip
LED
RGB LED
LED Bar Graph
7-segment Display
4-Digit 7-Segment Display
LED Dot Matrix
I²C LCD1602
WS2812 RGB 8 LEDs Strip
Buzzer
DC Motor
Servo
DC Water Pump
Relay
Button
Micro Switch
Slide Switch
Potentiometer
Infrared Receiver
Joystick Module
4x4 Keypad
MPR121 Module
MFRC522 Module
Photoresistor
Thermistor
Tilt Switch
Reed Switch
PIR Motion Sensor Module
Water Level Sensor Module
Ultrasonic Module
DHT11 Humiture Sensor
MPU6050 Module
Documentation
Online Tutorial
Comprehensive Book-Hardware Bundle for the RP2040 Microcontroller with over 80 Projects
Unlock the potential of modern controller technology with the Raspberry Pi Pico in this bundle. Perfect for both beginners and experienced users, the easy-to-follow guide takes you from the basics of electronics to the complexities of digital signal processing. With the Raspberry Pi Pico, the dedicated hardware kit and MicroPython programming, you will learn the key principles of circuit design, data collection, and processing.
Get hands-on with over 80 projects like a stopwatch with an OLED display, a laser distance meter, and a servo-controlled fan. These projects are designed to help you apply what you've learned in real-world scenarios. The book also covers advanced topics like wireless RFID technology, object detection, and sensor integration for robotics.
Whether you're looking to build your skills in electronics or dive deeper into embedded systems, this bundle is the perfect resource to help you explore the full potential of the Raspberry Pi Pico.
Contents of the Bundle
1x Project Book (273 pages)
1x Raspberry Pi Pico WH
1x Raspberry Pi Pico H
1x Smart Car Kit
Electronic Parts
2x Solderless breadboard (400 holes)
1x Solderless breadboard (170 holes)
5x Colorful 5 mm LEDs (green, red, blue, yellow and white)
1x Laser transmitter
1x Passive buzzer
1x Micro USB cable (30 cm)
1x 65 Jumper wires
1x 20 cm male to female Dupont wire
1x Clear case
1x Magnet (diameter: 8 mm, thickness: 5 mm)
1x Rotary potentiometer
10x 2 KΩ resistors
2x M2.5x30 mm copper pillars
10x Phillips pan head screws
10x M2.5 nickel hex nuts
1x 2-inch dual-purpose screwdriver
Modules
1x RGB module
1x 9G servo
1x Dual-axis XY joystick module
1x RC522 RFID module
1x 4 Bits digital LED display module
1x Traffic light display module
1x Rotary Encoder module
1x 1602 LCD Display module (Blue)
1x Photoresistor module
1x DC motor with male Dupont wire
1x Fan blade
1x Raindrops module
1x OLED module
1x Membrane switch keyboard
1x Mini magnetic spring module
1x Infrared remote control
1x Infrared receiver module
1x DC stepper motor driver board
1x Button
Sensors
1x Vibration sensor
1x Soil moisture sensor
1x Sound sensor
1x Mini PIR motion sensor
1x Temperature & Humidity sensor
1x Flame sensor
2x Crash sensor
2x Tracking sensor
1x Ultrasonic sensor
Learn how to use the ESP32 Microcontroller and MicroPython programming in your future projects!
The project book, written by well-known Elektor author Dogan Ibrahim, holds many software- and hardware-based projects especially developed for the MakePython ESP32 Development Kit. The kit comes with several LEDs, sensors, and actuators. The kit will help you acquire the basic knowledge to create IoT projects.
The book’s fully evaluated projects feature all the supplied components. Each project includes a block diagram, a circuit diagram, a full program listing, and a complete program description.
Included in the kit
1x MakePython ESP32 development board with color LCD
1x Ultrasonic ranging module
1x Temperature and humidity sensor
1x Buzzer module
1x DS18B20 module
1x Infrared module
1x Potentiometer
1x WS2812 module
1x Sound sensor
1x Vibration sensor
1x Photosensitive resistance module
1x Pulse sensor
1x Servo motor
1x USB cable
2x Button
2x Breadboard
45x Jumper wire
10x Resistor 330R
10x LED (Red)
10x LED (Green)
1x Project book (206 pages)
46 Projects in the Book
LED Projects
Blinking LED
Flashing SOS
Blinking LED – using a timer
Alternately flashing LEDs
Button control
Changing the LED flashing rate using pushbutton interrupts
Chasing-LEDs
Binary-counting LEDs
Christmas lights (random-flashing 8 LEDs)
Electronic dice
Lucky day of the week
Pulsewidth Modulation (PWM) Projects
Generate a 1000-Hz PWM waveform with 50% duty cycle
LED brightness control
Measuring the frequency and duty cycle of a PWM waveform
Melody maker
Simple electronic organ
Servo motor control
Servo motor DS18B20 thermometer
Analog To Digital Converter (ADC) Projects
Voltmeter
Plotting the analog input voltage
ESP32 internal temperature sensor
Ohmmeter
Photosensitive resistance module
Digital To Analog Converter (DAC) Projects
Generating fixed voltages
Generating a sawtooth-wave signal
Generating a triangular-wave signal
Arbitrary periodic waveform
Generating a sinewave signal
Generating accurate sinewave signal using timer interrupts
Using The OLED Display
Seconds counter
Event counter
DS18B20 OLED based digital thermometer
ON-OFF temperature controller
Measuring the temperature and humidity
Ultrasonic distance measurement
Height of a person (stadiometer)
Heart rate (pulse) measurement
Other Sensors Supplied with the Kit
Theft alarm
Sound-activated light
Infrared obstacle avoidance with buzzer
WS2812 RGB LED ring
Timestamping temperature and humidity readings
Network Programming
Wi-Fi scanner
Remote control from the Internet browser (using a smartphone or PC) – Web Server
Storing temperature and humidity data in the Cloud
Low-Power Operation
Using a timer to wake up the processor
The QA403 is QuantAsylum's fourth-generation audio analyzer. The QA403 extends the functionality of the QA402 with improved noise and distortion performance, in addition to a flatter response at band edges. The compact size of the QA403 means you can take it just about anywhere.
Features
24-bit ADC/DAC
Up to 192 kS/s
Fully isolated from PC
Differential Input/Output
USB powered
Built-in Attenuator
Fast Bootup and Driverless
The QA403 is a driverless USB device, meaning it’s ready as soon as you plug it in. The software is free and it is quick and easy to move the hardware from one machine to the next. So, if you need to head to the factory to troubleshoot a problem or take the QA403 home for a work-from-home day, you can do it without hassle.
No-Cal Design
The QA403 comes with a factory calibration in its flash memory, ensuring consistent unit-to-unit performance. On your manufacturing line you can install another QA403 and be confident what you read on one unit will be very similar to the next unit. It is not expected that re-calibration will be required at regular intervals.
Measurements
Making basic measurements is quick and easy. In a few clicks you will understand the frequency response, THD(+N), gain, SNR and more of your device-under test.
Dynamic Range
The QA403 offers 8 gain ranges on the input (0 to +42 dBV in 6 steps), and 4 gain ranges on the output (-12 to +18 dBV in 10 dB steps). This ensures consistent performance over very wide ranges of input and output levels. The maximum AC input to the QA403 is +32 dBV = 40 Vrms. The maximum DC is ±40 V, and the maximum ACPEAK + DC = ±56 V.
Easy Programmability
The QA403 supports a REST interface, making it easy to automate measurements in just about any language you might anticipate. From Python to C++ to Visual Basic—if you know how to load a web page in your favorite language, you can control the QA403 remotely. Measurements are fast and responsive, usually with dozens of commands being processed per second.
Isolated and USB Powered
The QA403 is isolated from the PC, meaning you are measuring your DUT and not chasing some phantom ground loop. The QA403 is USB powered, like nearly all our instruments. If you are setting up remotely, throw a powered hub in your bag and your entire test setup can be running with a minimum of cables.
Goodbye Soundcard, Hello QA403
Tired of trying to make a soundcard work? The calibration nightmare? The lack of gain stages? The limited drive? Are you tired of dealing with the fixed input ranges? The worry that you might destroy it with too much DC or AC? Tired of the ground loops? That’s why QuantAsylum built the QA403.
Specifications
Dimensions
177 x 44 x 97 mm (W x H x D)
Weight
435 g
Case Material
Powder-coating Aluminum (2 mm thick front panel, 1.6 mm thick top/bottom)
Downloads
Datasheet
Manual
GitHub