Silicon Chip July 2015

In this month’s Silicon Chip Magazine, build a useful Driveway Monitor for monitoring vehicles entering or leaving a driveway. This unit is based on the Honeywell Magneto-Resistive Sensor and will give an audible and visual indication on detection of a vehicle. The unit can also be used to turn on lights during the evening when a vehicle arrives. The unit has a range of 200m and will give an indication if the vehicle is entering or leaving the premises, the monitor can be powered by batteries or a solar panel. The receiver unit is mounted in a small compact case that be installed in the kitchen or living area of your premises.

Also this month, build a USB Charging Point for your car, truck or caravan. These small units can be easily mounted in the dash of your car and provide two USB points for charging phones, navigation equipment or dashboard cameras. Ideal for older cars, where a USB socket may not be available and also for mounting equipment where a USB connection requires a long cable. The unit connects to your car's battery and can supply up to 2.5A. Finally, this month an Intelligent Charger for NICAD and NiMH Batteries, this charger provides fully automatic charging of your battery cells, with a range of options including Soft Start, Fast Charge and Trickle Charge. The unit will also ensure the batteries are not overcharged and can be used with Cordless Power Tools, Model Cars, Electric Planes and Much More. All projects come complete with circuit diagram and electronic parts list.

In this month’s features, we visit the Queensland Boat Show and have a look at some of the latest equipment available, including new Radar Systems, Marine Entertainment Units and LED Lighting solutions for your Boat and the Marina. Also this month, a look behind the scenes at the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, what processor are used and how it all fits together. Finally, the second part of our series on The Bionic Eye, this month some of the headsets that are available and how to see with sound. Plus all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman’s Log and Vintage Radio are included, providing stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPJUL2015

Features

Electronics & The Queensland Boat Show
The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre
The Bionic Eye: Artificial Visions is Becoming a Reality, Part 2

Projects

Build a Driveway Monitor, Part 1
Installing USB Charging Points in Your Car
Intelligent Charger for Nicad & NiMH Batteries
Preview: Ultra-LD Mk4 200W RMS Power Amplifier

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