Posted March 12, 2011 by Chris

Using an Atmel ATmega, this project is able to regulate how much power an AC device (Lamp/Fan) receives from the wall. The project write-up is extremely detailed with all schematics and software freely available to look at and for download.

Posted March 11, 2011 by Chris

Today’s project write-up introduces you to the rotary encoder. This is a very simple type of encoder that counts rotational movement and gives signal feedback so that you can track the rotational movement. The project uses a PIC and an LED driver to demonstrate how well the sensor works with the PIC.

Posted March 10, 2011 by Chris

This PyroElectro tutorial shows you have to step beyond making simple 1 layer PCBs and how to make your own 2 layer PCBs at home, completely DIY. The example design is a simple LED flashing circuit, but it requires 2 layers. Take a look and see how it’s made.

Posted March 9, 2011 by Chris

This project builds a pretty decent volt/ampmeter using an ATmega8 microcontroller. He designs his own PC board for the project and explains out all of the details in the project write-up. Hardware schematics and lots of pictures guide you through building this project.

Posted March 8, 2011 by Chris

If you’re an AVR fan, here’s a great tutorial on getting external interrupts working. It explains everything from the schematic hardware level through the software level of interrupt addresses. Using interrupts is a necessity for embedded systems, so better to learn about them now, rather then later.

Posted March 7, 2011 by Chris

Another great arduino project builds an electric Ethch a Sketch. The mechanics are drop dead simple along with the electronics so this is a great project for anyone just starting with the arduino. The project write-up has all the details you’d need to build your own, schematics and software included.

Posted March 6, 2011 by Chris

This project goes through the few fundamentals necessary for making a robotic car. There’s nothing fancy here, just the basics of H-brigdes, keypad circuits and stepper/dc motor control. Take a look if you’re just beginning with any of those topics, you’ll learn something.

Posted March 5, 2011 by Chris

With proper electronic control, stable magnetic levitation of objects is actually quite possible. This project does just that too. Using only a handful of electric parts and an electromagnetic, levitation goes from black magic to reality.

Posted March 4, 2011 by Chris

If motor and motion control is what you do, then you’ll want to take a look at this write-up. It goes through how to implement PID control using a PIC which is a much more robust method of controlling motors where error and stability issues seem to virtually disappear from servo systems.

Posted March 3, 2011 by Chris

Today’s PyroElectro Project takes you through the process of building an FM bug inside of a small mint box! It only takes 17 electrical parts to build the bug, but you also need a lot of patience and perseverance. If you want to get started in wireless electronics, don’t miss this project!