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Quite unintentionally a one-page story on an old Heathkit tube tester in the December 2004 edition of Elektor magazine spawned dozens of ‘Retronics’ tales appearing with a monthly cadence, and attracting a steady flow of reader feedback and contributions to the series. Since launching his Retronics columns, Elektor Editor Jan Buiting has never been short of copy to print, or vintage equipment to marvel at. This book is a compilation of about 80 Retronics installments published between 2004 and 2012. The stories cover vintage test equipment, prehistoric computers, long forgotten components, and Elektor blockbuster projects, all aiming to make engineers smile, sit up, object, drool, or experience a whiff of nostalgia. To reflect that our memories are constantly playing tricks on us, and honoring that “one man’s rubbish is another man’s gem”, the tales in the book purposely have no chronological order, and no bias in favor of transistor or tube, microprocessor or discrete part, audio or RF, DIY or professional, dry or narrative style. Although vastly diff erent in subject matter, all tales in the book are told with personal gusto because Retronics is about sentiment in electronics engineering, construction and repair, be it to reminisce about a 1960s Tektronix scope with a cleaning lady as a feature, or a 1928 PanSanitor box for dubious medical use. Owners of this book are advised to not exceed one Retronics tale per working day, preferably consumed in the evening hours under lamp light, in a comfortable chair, with a piece of vintage electronic equipment close and powered up.

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From Simple Ciphers to Secure Systems Understanding how to apply cryptography on modern microcontrollers is essential for building secure, reliable, and trustworthy systems. This book explains cryptography in the context of embedded hardware, from classical ciphers that illustrate core principles to modern techniques such as AES for practical high-security applications. By combining mathematical theory with real-world microcontroller implementations, readers learn not only how cryptography works, but also how to implement it effectively on systems with limited processing power and memory. The book is intended for students starting out in cryptography, hobbyists securing personal projects, and engineers looking for a structured guide to embedded security. The book covers these key topics in applied cryptography: Classical ciphers on Arduino Uno and Raspberry Pi Pico, with full programs: Spartan Scytale, Hebrew Atbash, Caesar, ROT13, Alberti Disk, Vigenère, Affine, Polybius, Playfair, Beaufort, Ottoman Codebook, and One-Time Pad. Hacking classical ciphers using microcontrollers, with examples. Pseudo-random (PRNG) and true random number generation (TRNG) on microcontrollers. Symmetric-key cryptography with full programs: DES and AES-128/256. Memory and speed constraints of cryptography on microcontrollers. Asymmetric cryptography: public/private keys, digital signatures, key distribution and derivation (KDF), RSA, and SHA-256 implementations. A complete secure communication program using RSA and AES-256. A glossary of commonly used cryptography terms.

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Programming with GNU Radio HackRF is an open-source hardware platform developed by Great Scott Gadgets and serves as a versatile front end for software-defined radio (SDR). With HackRF One and its successor, HackRF Pro, users can develop their own SDR applications, build powerful receivers and transmitters, and tackle demanding RF measurement tasks. This book provides a practical introduction to the world of SDR. Step by step, the author shows how powerful SDR projects can be implemented with HackRF – from the fundamentals of RF technology to advanced applications using GNU Radio. In addition to working with SDR Sharp (SDR#), RadioConda, and GNU Radio, the book also covers the fundamentals of modern digital signal processing. Numerous experiments and easy-to-follow practical examples guide readers through topics such as AM, FM, and SSB reception, digital filters, shortwave radio, amateur radio, signal generators, and custom RF projects up to 6 GHz. Whether you are a maker, radio amateur, electronics enthusiast, or SDR beginner, this book provides solid knowledge, practical applications, and the motivation to creatively explore the possibilities of modern SDR technology.

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The intention of this book is to offer the reader understandings, ideas and solutions from the perspective of a workbench technician and electronics hobbyist. It is a descriptive text with many tables of useful data, servicing tips and supplementary notes of not so common knowledge. Today there is a re-emerging, nostalgic interest in vinyl records and associated music entertainment gear. With this interest, there is a paralleled market for the repair of this gear. This ‘hands-on’ servicing guide opens with fundamental considerations of the work space of repair and servicing. This includes a comprehensive discussion of essential test equipment and tools. Two chapters are devoted to obtaining servicing information about repair and obtaining spare parts. A key chapter is on general diagnosis and testing and includes the discussion of resistance, capacitance and inductance. These electrical properties are regularly in the mind of the repairer, so understanding of them is a key objective of this book. The next chapter is about time saving repair techniques and ensuring quality repair. The remaining chapters discuss entertainment equipment itself. Each of the chapters begins with an orderly discussion of the theory of operation and common and not so common problems specific to the equipment. All chapters conclude with a summary.

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Over 45 Builds for the Legendary 555 Chip (and the 556, 558) The 555 timer IC, originally introduced by the Signetics Corporation around 1971, is sure to rank high among the most popular analog integrated circuits ever produced. Originally called the IC Time Machine, this chip has been used in many timer-related projects by countless people over decades. This book is all about designing projects based on the 555 timer IC. Over 45 fully tested and documented projects are presented. All projects have been fully tested by the author by constructing them individually on a breadboard. You are not expected to have any programming experiences for constructing or using the projects given in the book. However, it’s definitely useful to have some knowledge of basic electronics and the use of a breadboard for constructing and testing electronic circuits. Some of the projects in the book are: Alternately Flashing Two LEDs Changing LED Flashing Rate Touch Sensor On/Off Switch Switch On/Off Delay Light-Dependent Sound Dark/Light Switch Tone Burst Generator Long Duration Timer Chasing LEDs LED Roulette Game Traffic Lights Continuity Tester Electronic Lock Switch Contact Debouncing Toy Electronic Organ Multiple Sensor Alarm System Metronome Voltage Multipliers Electronic Dice 7-Segment Display Counter Motor Control 7-Segment Display Dice Electronic Siren Various Other Projects The projects given in the book can be modified or expanded by you for your very own applications. Electronic engineering students, people engaged in designing small electronic circuits, and electronic hobbyists should find the projects in the book instructive, fun, interesting, and useful.

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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.

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Analogue Electronics and Microcontrollers Projects Hobbyist electronics can be a fun way to learn new skills that can be helpful to your career. Those who understand the basics of electronics can design their own circuits and projects. However, before you run, you need to learn to walk. It all starts with analogue electronics. You should be familiar with the simple components and circuits and understand their basic behaviors and the issues you may encounter. The best way to do this is through real experiments. Theory alone is not enough. This book offers a large number of practical entry-level circuits, with which everyone can gain the basic experience. Through the widespread introduction of microcontrollers, a new chapter in electronics has begun. Microcontrollers are now performing more and more tasks that were originally solved using discrete components and conventional ICs. Starting out has become easier and easier thanks to platforms including Bascom, Arduino, micro:bit. The book introduces numerous manageable microcontroller applications. It?s now a case of less soldering and more programming.

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Practical Guide to Modular RF Design Build Your Own Software-Defined Radio combines RF circuitry with hardware programming and PC-based signal processing. The e-book presents a modular approach to building a complete SDR system using RF Bricks – from the mechanical framework and RF modules to measurement tools, PC software, and FPGA implementations. Practical explanations guide readers through real signal paths, construction steps, and measurement routines, linking hardware and software into a flexible SDR platform. Key topics include: Mechanical setup: RF Brick template, chassis, and 19-inch module carrier Bridges: USB isolator, I²C level shifter, I²C power switch, and practical examples Signal-chain design with RF Bricks: antennas, band filters, NanoVNA work, preamplifiers, PLLs, demodulators, direct-conversion chains, multiband options, and narrowband bricks RF measurement Bricks: single- and dual-tone sources, NPR methods, noise generators, notch filters, broadband amplifiers, and impedance bridges Useful accessories: ATU-100 tuner, X-Phase QRM eliminator, and firmware notes PC host software: SoapyAudio adjustments, GQRX, SDR++, and added functionality GnuRadio elements: control blocks, SSB demodulation, GUI components, messaging, and filter handling FPGA-based SDR: VHDL, toolchains, ADC/DAC blocks, oversampling, and a complete SSB/CW signal chain With its modular structure and detailed working examples, this e-book offers a practical path to building and extending modern SDR systems. Downloads Software

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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.

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LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT & LTE-M Compared The Internet of Things depends on a critical question. How do you connect devices that must operate for years on tiny batteries, often miles from the nearest power outlet? This Elektor Technical Brief provides a practical guide to the technologies that have become the backbone of long-range, low-power IoT connectivity. Compiled by the Elektor Content Team, this concise technical brief examines the real engineering tradeoffs behind today’s leading Low-Power Wide-Area Network (LPWAN) technologies: LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, and LTE-M. By referencing a wide range of Elektor articles and other online content, this document explains why link budget, noise, bandwidth, and power consumption ultimately determine system performance. From there, it explores the architectures, strengths, limitations, and deployment realities of each major LPWAN technology, helping you understand not just how they work, but when and why to use them. Whether you’re designing smart meters, industrial sensors, agricultural monitoring systems, asset trackers, or connected infrastructure, this guide provides the insights needed to make informed connectivity decisions. Along the way, you’ll discover: Why LPWAN technologies emerged and where they fit in the IoT landscape The RF fundamentals that drive range, reliability, and battery life Details about LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, and LTE-M Practical comparisons of power, coverage, latency, cost, and deployment models Guidance for selecting the right LPWAN technology for your application Emerging trends shaping the future of long-range IoT connectivity Clear, accessible, and grounded in real engineering practice, this Technical Brief helps you move beyond specifications and marketing claims to understand what matters most. If you’re building connected products that need to survive in the field — not just in the lab — this is the LPWAN guide you’ll want at your side. Elektor helped launch the first wave of electronics makers in 1961. Since then, our global community has grown by hundreds of thousands of active members (comprising professional engineers, makers, and students) and more than 500 contributing experts. Every day, we inspire members to design and earn money with electronics.

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