Chute Control Model Rocket - Circuit + Parts List + Notes __ Designed by Tony van Roon  VA3AVR

Circuit diagram for connecting the SRF08/10/235 sonar Modules to the BS2p Basic Stamp - The SRF08, SRF10 and SRF235 modules use the I2C bus for communication and have the same connector pin-out.  This example shows how to connect these modules to the BS2p.  The SDA  (data) and SCL  (clock) lines are connected to pins P8 and P9 on the BS2p.  These are the pins used by the BS2p for the I2CIN and I2COUT commands.  

Computer Controlled Model Train Set - I had two objectives in starting this mini project.  One was to help me get a better understanding of using a PC for control and automation.  The other was to make my younger brother’s train set a little less boring.  I never could __ Designed by Submitted Jane L, Northampton

Crashed Airplane Beacon - Locator for downed model airplanes   Circuit + Parts List + Notes __ Designed by Tony van Roon  VA3AVR

DC Motor Pulse Width Modulation Speed Control - This is a circuit for controlling the speed of small DC motors, it works nicely as a speed controller for an HO or N gauge model railroad.   __ Designed by G. Forrest Cook

Deluxe Charge Rate Limiter for Small Capacity NiCad Batteries - Here is a deluxe version of the simple charge rate limiter, using the same idea but with the ability to charge two packs simultaneously from a single wall charger.  For circuit description and parts list, see  __ Contact: IQ Technologies

Deriving power from Lego NXT Motor port A While reading datasheets of motor drivers chips inside NXT, I discovered something interesting: the Sanyo LB1930M that drives motor port A has a behavior different from LB1836M that is used for ports B and C.  Once the motor A is either running or in brake mode, one of the two motor driving lines is at battery voltage  (for ports B and C, both lines are at ground voltage while in brake mode) . __ Designed by Philippe "Philo"Hurbain

Direction Finder SystE - M - Similar to the system used in modern aviation where an antenna array modulates the phase of an incoming signal.  The commercial system is known as Commutated Aerial Direction Finding  (CADF) where a ring of 18 identical antennas are each switched on in sequence, just like winding a rotary switch round and round so that one antenna is always connected to the receiver.   __ Designed by Harry Lythall-SM0VPO

Discharger for Receiver Battery Packs - You may have read about cycling NiCad batteries.  If not, read a little here  (Red's R/C Battery Clinic) for an excellent overview.  Overcharging apparently leads to voltage depression, which can be corrected by one or two complete discharges  (to 1 to 1.1 volts per cell) .  On the other hand, over discharging the batteries to a low or zero voltage can damage them, and if the batteries have not been overcharged and have no voltage depression, cycling just uses up regular battery life.  I designed and use this discharger occasionally to remove voltage depression and insure battery capacity is still ok for those planes that have no low voltage alarm.   __ Designed by Rob Crockett 8/3/98

Distance Sensing-devices for wireless distance & position Determination - Since the early seventies we did build sonar devices to control our self made analog electronic music synthesizers.  In those years, simple to use transducers were not readily available on the electronic component market and so, we had to make our own, based on designs used for underwater hydrophones.   (Quarz crystals, inductive devices, self made condensor microphones etc...) .  Although the focus of our research later on became doppler based sonar and radar movement detection and gesture analysis __ Designed by Dr.Godfried-Willem Raes

D-I-Y remote control for a Model train layout. - All you need is a picaxe, some code and a pair of pre-built UHF modules  (plus a few minor parts.__ SiliconChip

Doppler radar based gesture measurement system capable of Delivering positional information - This technical note is a continuation of reports on many earlier designs for gesture sensing apparatus using both sonar and radar technologies.  References to earlier designs are given in the reference section below. __ Designed by Dr.Godfried-Willem Raes

Downed Model Locator - The circuit draws 1mA  (!) when idle and 4 mA when buzzing.  I've been using large peizo buzzers  (see part numbers below) because they are light and loud, and the 6 volt electromagnetic buzzer where weight is not so much of a concern.   __ Contact: IQ Technologies

Downed Model Locator II - Here is another device to help you locate your downed R/C sailplane in the bushes and weeds.  Similar to the other design, this circuit plugs into a spare servo socket on your receiver, and it is a pulse omission detector.  The alarm sounds when pulses originating from your transmitter are no longer being received--turn off your transmitter to turn on the  __ Contact: IQ Technologies

Dual Alternating Flashing Light - This project is best for mounting on a layout to light a crossing or ring a bell.   __ Designed by ML Rollins

Dual Tandem Flashing Light-Powered by a 9 Volt Battery - This circuit is powered by a 9 volt battery, suitable for warning lights on a tall structure.     (Personally, I can't recommend you buy anything but the Rollins Railroad Designs kit; for $4.00 you can't go wrong.  The 555 IC is about $1.50 by itself at Radio Shack) .  If you choose to buy all the parts yourself, realize you need ONLY two LEDs, not two of each; you should be able to mix and match colors.   __ Designed by ML Rollins

Electric Powered Model Aircraft Pt.2 - Our first article in the February 2006 issue showed the potential of the electric Piper Cub model aircraft.  This month we continue our investigation by converting the Cub to a brushless motor to obtain a greatly improved result.__ SiliconChip

Electronic NiCad GLow Plug Driver - Basically, it's a constant voltage source.  It measures the voltage drop across the plug and adjusts its output to to keep that voltage constant  (regardless of the resistance of the plug or the length of the wires) .  Therefore, when the engine floods, more power is delivered to help burn off the flood.   __ Designed by Steve Sacco

Electronic Speed Controller for R/C Models - Here's how you can make an electronic speed controler  (ESC) for your remote control car, boat or even an airplane using an old servo and some MOSFETS

End of Train Flasher - Schematic + Info + pictures __ Designed by Lennie Zink

External power supply for Lego NXT - NXT is powered by 6 alkaline cells that drain rather fast for heavy duty robots.  Your pocket money may follow the same curve if you use your NXT for extended periods!  __ Designed by Philippe "Philo"Hurbain

Flashing Railroad Lights - This circuit flashes two red LEDs for a model railway crossing.  __ 555-Timer

Flashing Red LED Light-1970's Style Caboose Marker - A circuit that drives a red LED from a 1.5 volt battery and simulates an incandescent light.  Duty cycle can be changed by selecting resistor values __ Designed by Dick Cappels

Fly Used as Model for Battery-Free, Intelligent Hearing Aid - 4-Aug-14 -Design News:   Elizabeth Montalbano - A new low-power microphone device inspired by the hearing of a fly could pave the way for a new generation of intelligent and battery-free hearing aids that focus only on what a listener wants to hear.  Researchers out of the Cockerell School of Engineering at the University of Texas  (UT) Austin __ Gadget Freak

Flying Saucer - This unidentified flying object  (UFO) is nothing but an electronic toy depicting the fantacy.  It comprises three separate sections, viz, rim flasher, dome flasher and sound generator.  The rim flasher is a...__ Electronics Projects for You

Futuristic Twist on Model Trains - 24-May-11 -Design News:   For those who love model trains, here's a peek at the future - a solar-augmented monorail.  Joe Kopacz and his brother Justin created the monorail from scratch.  Joe, a mechanical engineer at Colorado State University, created the gadget for a school contest.  The monorail includes break regeneration __ Gadget Freak-Case #187

Getting the Most from Your Radio Control SystE - M - About a year after the maiden flight, I wanted to get into electrics, so I bought a Great Planes Spectra.  I figured I'd just buy another receiver and three servos.  WRONG! I found out that it would be cheaper to buy another transmitter, receiver, and three servos __ Designed by Stefan Vorketter

Glowplug Driver for Powered Models - Simple circuit lets you start model engines from a 12V car battery.__ SiliconChip

Glowplug Driver for Radio Control - An on/off switch is not required for the glowplug driver since it only draws current when a glowplug is attached.  As a matter of fact, the circuit is only powered  (via Q1) via a connected glowplug.  Just in case you were wondering how the positive  (+) side of the circuit is connected.  The starter motor runs directly from the flight box battery, via the jacks on the power-panel, and has it's own on/off switch.  Same scenario for the fuel pump, but includes a reverse switch to pump the fuel in or out the tank/cannister __ Designed by Tony van Roon  VA3AVR

Glowplug Panel - Combine it with the Glowplug Driver __ Designed by Tony van Roon  VA3AVR

GP2D12 distance sensor - Adding capacitors to a wind turbine alternator can improve the output power curve to better match the wind speed.  Read how Gordon has used capacitors to increase the power of a F&P and a axial flux wind turbine.   __ Designed by Philippe "Philo"Hurbain

Models:  #'s - B        C - G      H - L      M - Q      R - S      T - Z