Electronics Projects and Actives with Lots Of Links

Electronics Projects and Actives with

Lots Of Links

Consider contributing a link, mail it to struve13@verizon.net

Page last updated November 30 2007 or later

<Back to Westport High School Robotics and Electronics Club Home>

I think this is one of the better list of links on the web for its areas of interest which are:

introduction to electronics
fairly simple project using 555 timers LED's
op amps
IR remote control
PIC MicroControllers.

There are few if any projects that operate in RF or video frequencies, most involve voltages or currents that are safe. I have not generally linked to other lists of links. I have tried to always give enough information so you can get an idea of what the project involves without having to go to that page. I have also set up this page so that you can usefully search it, see below.

This one list of projects and links replaces many of my earlier project and link pages. There are however links elsewhere on the site. See the index page, particularly for basic electronics, safety and component information. Also some project write ups have their own links although I try to mostly reference the links on this page.

Some topics do not include links, these may come later.

Topics are classified according to the general idea, whether or not the link is a project, and the type of electronics involved:

Classification	Meaning
Info	Just information on some topic, stuff worth knowing
Tutorial	Information, but in the form of a tutorial.
Theory	Information, with an emphasis on theory.
Search	Suggestions for search terms that give lots of interesting topics
Project	If the topic is a project. Will have a link with details
ProjectIdea	An idea for a project with no link. These are ideas that Mr H. thinks are feasible for high school students with the equipment we have available. Would require additional research and work with Mr. H.
Project – Kit	If the topic is a project built from a kit
Project -- General	If the topic is a project, but just gives a general idea. These are not very specific and would either require you to do your own design, or find some more specific information.
Source	If tells you a source of kits, parts, or other stuff useful for electronics.
Robot	If topic is very specific to robots. Information on servo, motor control... are used for robots, but are not limited to them so are not classified as robot.
PIC	For the PIC Microchip Controller
PICIntro	Introductory material on the PIC Microcontroller

You can use these key words ( above ) in a search, for example search on Robot to find Robot topics, Search on PIC ( case sensitive ) to find PIC topics.

Topic	Topic/Link	Comment

Projects Info PIC Mail list and much other stuff	Welcome to the official PICList home page. http://piclist.com/techref/piclist/index.htm	This is the place to go for a PIC message board, also many articles. Do not post here until you know what you are doing, ask Mr. H.
Info PIC General Links	PIC hints and direction http://www.vermontficks.org/picbegin.htm	A link page that largely links tSmall DC Power Supplyo other link pages, may be useful.
Info PIC	Pick a Peck of PIC's Library http://www.tinaja.com/picup01.html	Interesting not always easy.
Project PIC Links to projects.	PICList Projects http://piclist.com/techref/piclist/projects.htm	Great list, start at the PICList for your projects after you look at the list here.
Project PIC	Electronic combination lock with PIC http://jap.hu/electronic/combination_lock.html	What it says.
Info PIC How to Start PICIntro	Beginners checklist for PIC Microcontrollers http://piclist.com/techref/piclist/begin.htm	Just what it says, do not start without reading this.
PIC Links	Spread Spectrum Scene PIC STUFF http://www.sss-mag.com/pic.html	Lots of links.
Projects PIC	Peter's electronic projects and links http://jap.hu/electronic/	Not all PIC but quite a few.
Search PIC	Search Google use: PIC micro controllers PIC microprocessor PIC microchip
Info PIC Projects PICIntro	What is a PICmicro? http://www.voti.nl/pic/index.html	This guy is very smart, a good site.
PIC WebRing	PicMicro Webring http://o.webring.com/hub?ring=picmicro	If you do not know what a WebRing perhaps you can figure it out from here.
Info 555 Timer	LM555 and LM556 Timer Circuits http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LM555.html	List of links, some hard, some not.
Info 555 Timer	The 555 Timer By Tim Surtell http://www.eleinmec.com/article.asp?1	A bit abstract, hard but good.
Tutorial 555 Timer	555 Timer Tutorial http://www.williamson-labs.com/480_555.htm	A good introduction. Animated 555 circuit to boot.
Info 555 Timer	555 timer IC http://www.doctronics.co.uk/555.htm	Find the basic astable circuit here.
Info 555 Timer	555 timer IC From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/555_timer_IC	Basic theory and description here.
Info 555 Timer	555 Timer Astable Operation http://555-timer.clarkson-uk.com/operation/astable.html	Find the basic astable circuit here. Also a calculator for the timing. Additional links to other 555 circuits.
Search 555 Timer	Google: 555 timer projects http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=555+timer+projects&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8	There are a ton here, some good some not, some hard some easy.
Info 555 Timer	The Duty Cycle of a Multivibrator http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objID=SSE8206	Guide to timing on the 555 chip.
Theory 555 Timer	The 555 Astable Multivibrator http://www.wisc-online.com/objects/index_tj.asp?objid=SSE8106	Basic description of the chip and its 555 circuit as a multivibrator.
Tutorial A ton of different topics	Electronic Tutorials http://www.hobbyprojects.com/tutorial.html	Some topics are easy some quite difficult, a good place to start, then skip it if too easy or too hard.
Tutorial, Info A ton of different topics	ELECTRONICS FOR BEGINNERS and INTERMEDIATE ELECTRONICS	The beginners topics are reasonably easy, each is very brief.

Tutorial Ohms Law	OHM'S LAW http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/Sample_Projects/Ohms_Law/ohmslaw.html	The basic law for current flow ( through resistors ) Pretty straight forward shows you how to do the math. If you do not know ohms law it would be a good idea to learn it.
Tutorial Circuits	Circuit Analysis, Design & Theory http://www.mitedu.freeserve.co.uk/adt.htm	Some great ideas, may be on the hard side, in particular the math. Poke around a bit.
Tutorial Building techniques	Effects Building Techniques Version 1.2 http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/protostyles/proto_styles.htm	Interesting ways of building circuits. I have not tried many of these, but interesting. I recommend dead bug or perfboard if you have it.
Tutorial Building techniques Dead Bug	Dead Bug Prototyping for Effects http://www.geofex.com/Article_Folders/deadbug/deadbug.htm	More on the dead bug method. From the guitar effects folks.
Tutorials Projects Techniques	GEO Guitar Effects Oriented Web Page http://www.geofex.com/	How to make sound effects ( change the sound ) of electric guitars. Also lots of basic info. on techniques and circuits.
Tutorial Prototyping	1 Prototype Circuits http://www.doctronics.co.uk/prototyp.htm	Basics of a prototyping ( bread ) board.
Tutorial Prototyping	Breadboards for Beginners http://www.instructables.com/id/E4JEGTYF23XWM5Y/?ALLSTEPS	How a prototyping ( bread ) board works. Good.
Tutorial Introduction to Electronics	Design Electronics http://www.doctronics.co.uk/design.htm	Good basic level.
Tutorial Building a Robot	First Steps: Setting the Stage for Building a Robot http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/sep98/dougl.html	Good introduction to building a robot. Look at the rest of the site for lots of robot info. Not very hard. Does not use the PIC, so we would probably change the processor.
Tutorial Complete Electronics course	Welcome to All About Circuits! http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/	Big site, pick a few topics or less at a time. May be hard, but excellent.
Tutorial Links to many tutorials	ELECTRONICS TUTORIALS SITE http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/	All sorts of stuff at all levels of difficulty. Site is a bit confusing.
Tutorial Links to many tutorials	Primers - Exclusive to Jaycar Electronics http://www1.jaycar.com.au/primers.asp	(Primer n. any small book of basic instruction.) Here you will find extensive primers and valuable application notes on many subjects.
Info Oscilloscope How to use	The Oscilloscope https://www.cs.tcd.ie/courses/baict/bac/jf/labs/scope/oscilloscope.html	Basics of operation of this very important piece of test equipment. If you use or want to use the club's scope you should take a bit of time to learn how.
Info Oscilloscope How to use	USE OF THE OSCILLOSCOPE http://www.umd.umich.edu/casl/natsci/slc/slconline/OSCIL/index.htm	A mini course. I would rate it as fair.
Info - Simulation Oscilloscope Simulation	Oscilloscope Simulation http://www.virtual-oscilloscope.com/simulation.html#	May or may not be good, I have not tried it yet. Uses Shockwave, so if your web browser does not have it the demo does not work.
Info Oscilloscope How to use	Using An Oscilloscope http://www.facstaff.bucknell.edu/mastascu/eLabs/Scope/Scope1.html	A short little tutorial.
Info Oscilloscope How to use	4P : Using an oscilloscope	From dontronics a good source of info. This is one of my favorites.

Project Test Instruments	Amateur Radio Soundblaster Software Collection	Lots of software that will turn your computer into various instruments including an Oscilloscope. I have not tried these.

Project Test Instruments PC	Measurements using a PC	Software that will turn your computer into various instruments including an Oscilloscope. I have not tried these.


Project Oscilloscope for a PC	Winscope	Winscope is software that turns your PC into a Oscilloscope. I think I used this in the past and was ok. Before using talk to Mr H.

Project Oscilloscope for a PC	Soundcard Oscilloscope	Like Winscope, see above. Looks good but not tried.


Info Schematics	Schematic Symbols http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Prac/symbol.htm	These are the symbols we use to draw circuits. Some basic symbols, not much explanation.
Info Schematics	Reading Schematic diagrams http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/Prac/readdiag.htm	A brief guide.
Project – Kits Source	Electronic Kits & Modules	A ton, prices on at least some seem pretty good, might want to discuss with Mr H prior to sending any long green.
Project Robotics	HOW TO - Make a servo-based 4-legged walker	From Make Magazine, a great source.
Source Project – Kits Components and Tools	This is Alltronics	Look pretty good. I will look at more later.

Source Project – Kits Robotics Components	Welcome to -- Reynolds Electronics --	Again looks pretty good.

Source Project - Kits Components	Create intelligent robots that see, hear, speak, feel and move.	And again looks pretty good.


Source Project - Kit Robotics	ROBOT KITS	Subsection of a more general link in this list.

Project Robotics PIC	Stepbots http://www.voti.nl/stepbots/index.html	A stepbot is a three wheeled robot using stepper motors. This looks very good, think I will try it. You could too especially as I can help you out with the motors. Will bring in for show and tell as I work on it.
Theory Transistor Circuits	Transistor Circuits http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/trancirc.htm	Good introduction to transistor circuits.


ProjectIdea 555 timer circuit.	Build a simple 555 timer circuit. I have a special write up on this here. Also links to the web: see links page 555 Timer. Also see how to use a proto board. And see pictures of components.	Easy We will do as a meeting topic in groups of 2, for all who are interested. Mr H will supply the necessary parts.
Source Salvage old Electronics Cheap source of parts.	Safety issues: stay away from TV's and Microwave ovens. Nothing should have been plugged in for at least a day. Computers have few useful parts except in the disk drives. Printers and VCR's often have a lot of useful parts.	Easy to do poorly, experience makes you better, but if you break something so what? Prerequisites: Some sense of the dangers, safety precaution. Talk to Mr. Hensel first.
ProjectIdea Build Signal Generator	Signal Generators are a crucial testing instrument for finding faults with circuits or testing components and/or measuring there values.	Can do simply or more in more complicated ways. Gets harder above 100 kHz Can make on a perf board or build in a box with a printed circuit. Prerequisites: For perf board need basic theory of voltage, current, resistance, and capacitance, plus knowledge of some integrated circuit.
ProjectIdea Build a POV (Persistence of Vision ) Display	These are circuits, usually with a row of LED's that when waved in the air or spun create an image in the air. Some are hand held, some are mounted on motors and spun, some fit on bike wheels. Use Google on < POV project>. I should add some links here....	Can be a kit or completely from scratch, kits are easy, from scratch varies from moderate to difficult.
Theory Power Supply	THE POWER SUPPLY http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/ThePowerSupply/Page79PowerSupplyP1.html	Descriiption of various power supplies, many easy enough to build.
Info Learn the basic circuit components	Battery ( or voltage source ) Voltage Current Resistance Capacitance LED	Pretty easy but pretty much need to start here. Mr. H will supply you with some links, just ask. Need access to components, Mr H has most. Many of the items in this list give specifics on these topics.
Theory Learn about voltage regulators	Control voltage. Very useful in power supplies.	Very easy to moderate. Prerequisites: Understanding of the basic components. Other of the items in this list give specifics on voltage regulator.
Theory Learn about Transistors	Much of modern electronics uses these as basic building blocks. You can now buy circuits that contain tens to millions of transistors already connected in circuits. Only occasionally will we use transistor in ones and twos, so-called discrete transistors.	Surprisingly difficult, but basics are fairy easy. Prerequisites: Understanding of the basic components. Other of the items in this list give specifics on transistors.
Theory Learn about Op Amps	Very useful device with large amount of flexibility. A large number of the projects I do use them.	Moderately difficult, but very powerful. Prerequisites: Understanding of the basic components.
ProjectIdea Make a signal amplifier	Take small signals and make them larger, biological signals, small signals from microphones etc.	Moderately easy. Prerequisites: Understanding of the basic components. Understand about op amps.
ProjectIdea Make an electronic thermometer	Can sense temperature in remote places, or at higher or lower temperatures than you might otherwise be able to measure.	Moderately easy. Prerequisites: Understanding of the basic components. Understand about op amps. Learn about temperature sensors.
ProjectIdea Make a weather station	Sense the variables electrically, read the instruments remotely.	Moderately difficult. Prerequisites:
ProjectIdea Make an audio amplifier	Like to connect to a speaker for a radio, siren.	Moderately difficult to difficult.
ProjectIdea Make a servo motor controller	A servo controller powers a motor in such a way that it can be positioned closely, and perhaps track to other factor/events. You could make a giant meter. Servo motors are often behind the operation of elevators. Robots often use servo motors for searing, grabbing, aiming.	Moderately difficult to difficult unless you use a kit.
ProjectIdea Make a battery charger	Many different kinds, simple ones are done as add ons to power supplies. Useful for recharging your robots.	Moderately difficult.
ProjectIdea Make a power supply from scratch	Make a power supply starting from the transformer, rectifier, smoothing and regulating circuits. Power supplies are sometimes built into other projects to power them.	Moderate to quite difficult. The high voltage section of this project is a possible safety issue.
Project Small DC Power Supply	Small DC Power Supply http://www.instructables.com/id/Small-DC-Power-Supply/?ALLSTEPS	Make a power supply on a breadboards. This is the standard sort of power supply that we will often make.
Project USB Charger	Portable USB Charger (Version 2.0) http://www.instructables.com/id/Portable-USB-Charger-Version-2.0/?ALLSTEPS	Like the “Small DC Power Supply” but power from a 9 volt battery and a connector for USB. Could power this from any low voltage DC supply ( V > 7 v ).
Project Small Power Supply	Small-scale benchtop power supply http://www.instructables.com/id/Small-scale-benchtop-power-supply/?ALLSTEPS	Some good ideas here, I like the use of breadboard for connections.
Project Small Power Supply	5V breadboard mini PSU http://www.instructables.com/id/5V-breadboard-mini-PSU/?ALLSTEPS	Yet another style of small power supply.


ProjectIdea Make a power supply from salvage	Wall warts and old computers are good sources of almost finished power supply's, most of the work is the case and connection.	Can be very easy depending on how elaborate you want to make them.
Search Get ideas from the Internet	In Google try “electronic projects”, or search on some of the suggestions above.	Varies from easy to very, very difficult.
Project Build a Van de Graff Generator	Van de Graff Electrostatic Generator Page http://www.amasci.com/emotor/vdg.html	Very high voltage, but safe, Need access to tools, Mr H probably has most at his place.
ProjectIdea Do something with solid state lasers	Search with google	Use only low power visible lasers with care. Can be Dangerous. Read up on laser safety.
ProjectIdea Make a multimeter out of your computer.	By using your computer you get a display for free. Like other computer projects it is best if you build an interface that will protect the PC if it is connected to a voltage that might otherwise damage it.	Moderate
ProjectIdea Make an oscilloscope out of your computer.	Make an oscilloscope out of your computer. Much of this is done with programs that are available on the web.	Can be very simple just download a program and plug into your computer. Or build a “front end” to protect your computer and extend the range. Have Mr H advise you on the possible dangers to your computer.
ProjectIdea Build a kit	There are tons of kits out there I should add some links here.	Easy to moderately difficult. Prerequisites: Soldering is almost always required.
ProjectIdea Make a bike speedometer	Bike Speedometer, how fast is your bike going?	One member is already interested see my separate write up: C:\Russ\PER\06\RClub\Bike Speedometer.html
ProjectIdea Make a Capacitance Meter	Easiest way is to make a capacitance to voltage converter and then measure the voltage with a multimeter. There are other ways including using a PIC. Ask Mr H.	Other item(s) in this list have some specific plans.
ProjectIdea Robot	Build a BEAM robot.	The term BEAM is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics and Mechanics. BEAM robotics was invented (and is patented) by Dr Mark W. Tilden whilst he was a student at University in Canada. These are very simple and a good place to start with robots.
Project - Kits Beam Robots	TotalRobots Robotics, Control & Electronics Technology http://www.totalrobots.com/beam.htm	Not a place I have tried but looks interesting.
Project - Kits Beam Robots	Hobby Engineering BEAM Robotics Section http://www.hobbyengineering.com/SectionRS.html	Start at about 15 bucks, most under 50. Not a place I have tried but looks interesting.
Info – Links	Solarobotics http://www.solarbotics.net/	Lots and lots of information here.
Info Bean Robotics	BEAM robotics From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BEAM_robotics	Usual Wikipedia type info.
Project BEAM Robotics	BEAM Robots http://www.smfr.org/robots/	A hobbyist site, shows off some robots. Includes a solarroller.
Projects Info Tons of it	Make magazine http://www.makezine.com/	This is a great magazine, look for it soon in the library. Some of site requires a subscription.
Projects Info Tons of it	Instructables step-by-step collaboration http://www.instructables.com/	Closely related to make magazine. Great site.
Project Very Simple Circuit	A Simple Circuit Game http://www.instructables.com/id/EWSD2ZKSZDEPZY2U70/	As some of the comments note this circuit should have a resistor in it. Use one, about 1K ohms should be good.
Project	UTP Cable Tester http://www.sbprojects.com/projects/utptester/utptester.htm	This is the cable used for computers, you may call it CAT5. You can buy these testers commercially, but this saves a lot of money.
Project	Building the Simple Bat Detector http://pw1.netcom.com/~t-rex/StepByStep.html	This lets you actually listen to bats. Not very difficult. Mr H thinks he will add this to his to do list.
Project PC Power Supply	Computer Power Supply Page http://www.epanorama.net/links/psu_computer.html	Not quite a project, but almost and with lots of links.
Project PC Power Supply	The club write up for our power supply built from an old computer. ClubPSP.html	And will link you back here.
Project PC Power Supply	Desktop Power Supply from a PC http://web2.murraystate.edu/andy.batts/ps/POWERSUPPLY.HTM	Nice project, but he opened the case, you should not. Put the parts on the outside.
Project PC Power Supply	Power Projects from your PC http://www.instructables.com/id/E2F4IRC4IDETVPJ9YA/?ALLSTEPS	From instructables, cool.
Project PC Power Supply	ATX -> Lab Bench Power Supply Conversion http://www.instructables.com/id/E6D9DB9RPPEP286BR9/?ALLSTEPS	From instructables, cool 2. Again you should not open the case.
Project PC Power Supply	Small-scale benchtop power supply http://www.instructables.com/id/ECGXVJTUNYEWIFOG1F/?ALLSTEPS )	Nice: uses a 12v brick and three terminal adjustable regulators. Positive voltages only. Great idea on power connections.
Project PC Power Supply	How to Convert a Computer ATX Power Supply to a Lab Power Supply http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-a-Computer-ATX-Power-Supply-to-a-Lab-Power-Supply	From instructables, cool 3. Again you should not open the case.



Project	LED VU meter that dances to computer music http://www.instructables.com/id/E0K3YAYGI1EP4HD4U4/	Not too hard, but sort of cool result. I know where to get the parts, pretty inexpensive.

Project	Furby Hijack http://www.instructables.com/id/EDZ6HPOMV5ET9K6IL7/?ALLSTEPS	Hack into an old Furby. It will never be the same.

ProjectIdea Crystal Radio	Build a crystal radio. These are radios that are entirely powered by the radio waves they receive. They are called crystal radios because they usually have a small chunk of crystal as a diode to detect the radio waves. There are many options as to what to use for a crystal, these range from a real crystal ( which you can make yourself ), an old razor blade, or a ready may diode.	Use Google to find more.
Project	Build an antique style crystal radio http://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-antique-style-crystal-radio/?ALLSTEPS	Nice looking project, parts are not too hard to find.
Project	How to: Make a simple Crystal Radio http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to%3a-Make-a-simple-Crystal-Radio/?ALLSTEPS	Very simple. Mostly wire.
Project	Electromechanical Transducer Out of a Polystyrene Conical Section! http://www.instructables.com/id/Electromechanical-Transducer-Out-of-a-Polystyrene-/?ALLSTEPS	Make a loudspeaker from scratch. Simple project.
Project	Weird Sound Generator or WSG http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth/YOUR_FIRST_SYNTH/YOUR_FIRST_SYNTH.html	There seem to be a bunch of people out there making these things. I do not have the parts, but they look fairly easy to come by. There are also other ways to do this using op amps.
Project Links	Spark, Bang, Buzz and Other Good Stuff. http://home.earthlink.net/~lenyr/	A site with a lot of off beat projects. I will probably individually list some of them. This guy makes a lot of components from scratch that we would ordinarily buy.
Project	Fantastic Electronic Space Sounds from Steel Wire. http://home.earthlink.net/~lenyr/wiremus.htm	Sort of a giant steel guitar. Simple. You need a audio amp., could be from a tape machine, computer....
Project	Peculiar Sounds from Aluminum. http://home.earthlink.net/~lenyr/alsounds.htm	Similar to “Fantastic Electronic Space Sounds from Steel Wire.” but with a different source for the sound. Consider doing both!
Project	Magnet Motor – Kicker. http://home.earthlink.net/~lenyr/magkick.htm	A one transistor pendulum motor. Place this device under a pendulum and it will go forever ( while the battery lasts )



Safety	Hazardous-voltage primer http://www.edn.com/article/CA6330100.html?industryid=2281&nid=2433&rid=1983933393	Excellent article
Source Robots Parts, Kits	Budget Robotics http://www.budgetrobotics.com/	Looks interesting.
Theory Meters	Chapter 8: DC METERING CIRCUITS http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_8/index.html	Good for your Power Supply.
Source Meter Component.	LM3914N - Bar-Graph Display Driver http://www.futurlec.com/cgi-bin/search/search.cgi	Get the data sheet for more information. Might be good for your Power Supply.
Project Meter	Low Power LED Battery Voltmeter for 12 and 24 Volt applications http://www.solorb.com/elect/solarcirc/vom/index.html	Uses the LM3914N. Might be good for your Power Supply.
Project Wind Speed	An Anemometer Circuit http://www3.telus.net/chemelec/Projects/Anemometer/Anemometer.htm	Measure wind speed. This has no moving parts, works by measuring cooling of a “hot” transistor. Fairly low parts count.
Project PIC Power Supply	Bench Power Supply http://members.cox.net/berniekm/Bench.html	Uses a PIC for control and to measure voltage and current. Not simple but nice.
Project PIC IR Remote	IR Remote Signal Analyzer http://www.users.bigpond.com/pbhandary/pic/iralyze/iralyze.html	Pretty big PIC project, but cool. Know what your IR remote is sending. IR receivers are a pretty common salvage component, ask me I have a bunch.
Project PIC IR Remote	IR Receiver for Sony Remotes http://www.users.bigpond.com/pbhandary/pic/IRSony.html	Simpler project than IR Remote Signal Analyzer which may be the better project
Project PIC Diode Tester	PIC diode tester http://electronics-lab.com/projects/mcu/012/index .html	Nice simple project. Good Starting project. Software is assembler.
Project PIC IR Tester	PIC IR Decoders http://www.sbprojects.com/projects/ircontrol/picir/picir.htm	Decodes IR transmissions, has its own 4 digit display. Software is assembler.
Project PIC IR	IR Proximity Detector Project http://www.dprg.org/projects/1998-08a/	This is an add on device for a robot to help it detect when it is near something else. Software is assembler.
Robotics Links	INDEX OF PROJECTS for Robots http://www.dprg.org/projects/index.html	Not entire robots but basic components for them. Some are PIC based.
Project PIC IR Robot Controller	An IR Encoder/Decoder pair made with PIC12C508's for each of them http://users.frii.com/dlc/robotics/projects/botproj.htm	For control of a robot. Software is assembler.
Tutorial PIC PICIntro	Your first PICMicro Project http://www.rentron.com/Myke3.htm http://www.rentron.com/Myke5.htm http://www.rentron.com/Myke6.htm	Introduction to PIC processors using assembler. Even if you are using another language this is a good introduction.
Kit PIC IR Controller	Fire-Stick http://www.rentron.com/Fire-Stick-II.htm	This is an under $20. kit for long range IR communications. Uses some special parts so kit is probably a good idea.
Project PIC IR Controller	How to build a Serial Voltmeter using the PIC16C71 http://www.rentron.com/serial.htm	Software in PIC basic, you could rewrite in a different language, or use a different chip. Voltmeter talks to a PC. They may have a kit, you probably do not need it.
Tutorial PIC PicIntro	The PIC Chip Uncovered http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/may97/picchip.html	Introduction to the PIC.
Project PIC Battery Charger	Universal Nicad/NiMH Battery Charger http://members.cox.net/berniekm/unichg.html	Nice little battery charger. Includes printed circuit design. Software is assembler.
Tutorial PIC PICIntro	Using the MicroChip PIC Microcontroller A technical overview designed for students http://robotag.carleton.ca/resources/technical/pic_introduction.shtml	Another simple introduction.
Tutorial PIC BoostC PICIntro	"pic Micro Programming In Boostc For Beginners" http://forum.sourceboost.com/index.php?showtopic=2399	Good beginner level, not quite as beginner level as my tutorial, use mine if this is too hard, use this if mine is too easy. Mine is listed next.
Tutorial PIC BoostC PICIntro	A really Basic Guide to the PIC Microprocessor and BoostC http://home.comcast.net/~russ_hensel/RClub/index.html	This is my attempt to do an even more basic tutorial for BoostC and the PIC.
Tutorial Project PIC PICIntro	WinPicProg PIC Tutorial http://www.winpicprog.co.uk/pic_tutorial.htm	Good introduction. Software is assembler. A series of simple projects. Good introduction to simple interface circuits. You might want to use a different programmer ( perhaps have me bring mine to school ).
Project PIC	Nix's PIC based sonar system http://fly.srk.fer.hr/~nix/Projects/Sonar/Sonar.html	This is a simple range detection system, perhaps for a robot. Directions are a bit brief.
Project PIC	A Surprisingly Accurate Digital LC Meter http://ironbark.bendigo.latrobe.edu.au/~rice/lc/	L is inductance ( what a coil of wire has. C is capaticance, what a capacitor has ). Very useful to identify unmarked parts.
Project PIC	Autorange Capacitance Meter http://www.geocities.com/dariuskrail20/PICCapMeter.html	Measure the value of a capacitance ( the stuff in a capacitor ). Autoranging means the device switches itself between low and high measurement ranges.
Project PIC	Engineering Assistant Using PIC16F84A http://www.microchip.com/stellent/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=1824&appnote=en027166	Measure a whole lot of things, generate signals. Pretty complicated but very cool. You could do all or just some of this project. Download the pdf to find out more
Project PIC	The magic wand clock: a Persistence of Vision toy ! http://www.instructables.com/id/E50R4QXZAOEWP86MXK?ALLSTEPS	A neat POV toy.
Project PIC	Propeller Clock http://www.electronixandmore.com/project/propclock/index.html	A propeller clock is more or less a propeller with a row of LED on it. When it spins the led'd display a digital clock in the air. This is another application of a POV circuit.
Project PIC	Quozl's Temperature Sensor Project http://quozl.netrek.org/ts/	Uses a pic and one wire networking, a bit on the advanced side.
Tutorial PIC PICIntro	PIC Programming http://www.mhennessy.f9.co.uk/pic/index.htm	Nice intro. Code is based on assembler, not C, I would reprogram in C if you wanted to make code modifications, else just use it as it is.
Tutorial Op Amp	What is an op-amp? http://www.mhennessy2.f9.co.uk/articles/op-amps.htm	Op Amps are really useful “linear devices” this is a nice intro including a bunch of useful circuits.
Project High Voltage	How Van de Graff Generators Work http://www.howstuffworks.com/vdg.htm	Very high voltage, but very low current, so quite safe. Most of the construction is mechanical. The electricity ( charge ) is actually moved by a conveiger belt.
Tutorial Schematics	How To Draw Schematic Diagrams http://bach.ece.jhu.edu/~tim/programs/xcircuit/goodschem/goodschem.html	You cannot build a circuit without using a schematic. This is very useful.
Project PIC PICIntro	Intro to PIC Microcontrollers http://www.instructables.com/id/EVET56NFS0EP286TGM?ALLSTEPS	This version uses basic not C or assembler.
Tutorial Parts	Heatgun Desoldering http://www.instructables.com/id/EIT0GWNNN5EXCFHRB7?ALLSTEPS	Parts salvage – some for surface mount parts that I do not find useful. But not limited to surface mount parts.
Project LED	Power LED's - simplest light with constant-current circuit http://www.instructables.com/id/E0TL4RID3YEWIJMKVI?ALL STEPS	This is a good way of lighting high power LED's, not so good for the standard low power ones because it is too expensive for them.
Project LED	Innerspace Loupe http://www.instructables.com/id/EWLHEWDLOHEP286OLO?ALLSTEPS	Build a lighted magnifier to see really close up, and perhaps, personal. Makes it easy to read chip markings.
Tutorial Soldering	What not to do when soldering http://www.instructables.com/id/E5K1590IRJEWT1K6MY?ALLSTEPS	This is reverse learning, learn what to do by learning what not to do.
Project Basic	EE Tray http://www.instructables.com/id/E4DWFRKAZOEP287GXG?ALLSTEPS	This is a clever way of setting up prototyping ( bread ) boards and associated stuff. Easy to clean up and put away.
Tutorial LED	LEDs for beginners http://www.instructables.com/id/E9NFEFO2ZGEV2Z9QKZ?ALLSTEPS	Just what it says.
Project Amplifier	Stereo ( for an iPod... ) http://www.instructables.com/id/EYX98D7E8EEP285ZMK?ALLSTEPS	In this project you build an external, relatively high powered amplifier. Play your iPod louder.
Project LED IC's	LED VU meter that dances to computer music http://www.instructables.com/id/E0K3YAYGI1EP4HD4U4?ALLSTEPS	A VU meter measures Volume Units? how loud something is. Quick little project, uses a few special purpose parts, but they are not hard to find.
Tutorial Microcontroller PICIntro	How to choose a MicroController http://www.instructables.com/id/EKRQRQHQDIEWH1IMC9?ALLSTEPS	I recommend the PIC, but you can learn a bit about MicroController in general by reading this, and perhaps you will try another MicroController.
Project	$5 Disposable Audio Annoyance http://www.instructables.com/id/EJX3120X03EPLK07KW?ALLSTEPS	Try not to get in trouble.
Project LED	How to make a 9 volt led flashlight http://www.instructables.com/id/EY0RS4OIGPERIE2HQW?ALLSTEPS	Simple little project
Project Basic	Penny and Nickel Battery http://www.instructables.com/id/E5227V5K1QEZBF8OQH?ALLSTEPS	You can do even better if you find blanks of better metals
Tutorial	Draw Electronic Schematics with CadSoft EAGLE http://www.instructables.com/id/EXU9BO166NEQHO8XFU?ALLSTEPS	Use this to get really professional schematics. CadSoft EAGLE has a free, but still useful version. Google to find it
Project Laser	Laser Surveillance System for under $20 http://www.instructables.com/id/EF9RFCKV9JEPORT41Y/?ALLSTEPS	Listen through closed windows. As with some other project, stay out of trouble. Do not shine a laser at a person, ever.
Tutorial Soldering	How to solder http://www.instructables.com/id/E30LR180T4EWP872BS?ALLSTEPS	Good introductory guide.
Project Soldering	Salvaged Solder Helper http://www.instructables.com/id/EKAMT2J1T8EX503G0L/	This device holds small parts while you are soldering, useful like a third and fourth hand.
Project	Small Strobe Light http://www.instructables.com/id/E7WR5C4IF0ETVPLH2B?ALLSTEPS	A strobe light is a light that flashes very briefly so that moving objects look like they are standing still.
Tutorial PIC	Understanding ICSP for PIC Microcontrollers http://www.instructables.com/id/E28ZH040N7ES175W6I?ALLSTEPS	ICSP is in circuit serial programming, it lets you program a chip without removing it from its final circuit, a real time saver.
Project LED	Circuits for using High Power LED's http://www.instructables.com/id/ERVLPDU5XVEWOF31U3?ALLSTEPS	Led's need a circuit to control the current, else they will not be a bright as they can be, or will “burn out”.
Project Basic LED	Continuity Tester http://www.instructables.com/id/EP8E262DF0EVYDUEJZ?ALLSTEPS	A simple but useful test instrument identifies paths of low resistance.
Project	SpokePOV: LED Bike Wheel Images http://www.instructables.com/id/EQ8CBZBN7DEP286MR8?ALLSTEPS	Display designs in your bicycle wheels. Especially cool at night.
Project	Electrolytic Rust Removal aka Magic http://www.instructables.com/id/E17UQMY28PEQ6T2A5Z?ALLSTEPS	Your need a fairly high current ( 5 amp? ) at 5 to 12 volts. The rust removal can be spectacular.
Project PIC	USB Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer (or, 'My first USB device') http://www.instructables.com/id/EV9KA88GBMEQZJJOR5?ALLSTEPS	A remote thermometer that talks to your PC.
Project IR Receiver	PC remote control http://www.instructables.com/id/E14V771LTBEVYDV957?ALLSTEPS	Simple project for remote control of your PC using a TV or other remote control.
Project IR Transmitter 555 Timer	TV Remote Jammer! http://www.instructables.com/id/TV-Remote-Jammer!/?ALLSTEPS	Stop any remote control from changing your setting on the TV! Simple 555 timer circuit. Wow!
Tutorial Printed Circuit Boards	Cadsoft EAGLE Schematic and PCB editor http://www.instructables.com/forum/E51V4YO21KEUOJJM79/	This is a summary topic that links to some of the other Eagle links here.
Tutorial Printed Circuit Boards	Turn your EAGLE schematic into a PCB http://www.instructables.com/id/EZ3WN1QUKYES9J5X48?ALLSTEPS	Printed circuit boards are a great way to wire up a project, especially if you are making several copies.
Project LED POV	Dance Messenger http://www.instructables.com/id/E6N46V6SY6EP286HT3?ALLSTEPS	A POV for your shoes, then you could dance in them, or just walk around the school
Project Magnetic Fields	Mano-Sniffer (Magnetic Sniffer Probe Whistler Thing Using A Hall Effect Sensor) http://www.instructables.com/id/EXPHY2GW12ERXTRZAS?ALLSTEPS	Probe around and locate magnetic fields.
Tutorial PIC PicIntro	PIC Tutorial Hardware http://winpicprog.co.uk/pic_tutorial_hardware.htm	Good tutorial on PIC Circuits.
Project	DIY Lead Acid Battery Charger http://www.instructables.com/id/E7TGRKC9BEEV2Z8QBL/?ALLSTEPS	Lead acid batteries are rechargeable batteries of the same type as in cars and trucks. They are heavy for the amount of energy, but can be very useful.
Project PIC	PIC development/testing board http://www.instructables.com/id/EIEQ1M3XDPEP2874OH/?ALLSTEPS	A step up from a protoboard?
Project	BIKE LIGHT 500 Lumen "Mt.Bike" for under 10 bucks http://www.instructables.com/id/E3BGQT6Y7PEP286N6P/?ALLSTEPS	Simple, but if you need a bike light could be useful.
Project	Homemade Easter Egg Anemometer http://www.otherpower.com/anemometer.html	Measure the wind speed, use parts from a broken disk drive. Fairly simple.
Info	Identifying Electronic Components http://www.uchobby.com/index.php/2007/07/15/identifying-electronic-components/	Just what it says, the basics.
Project PIC Clock	"Propeller Clock" Mechanically Scanned LED Clock http://www.bobblick.com/techref/projects/propclock/propclock.html	I think this is the original POV clock.
Project PIC	How to make high-tech LED decorations for the holidays http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/ledholiday	A bit geeky, but also cool. Make in time for the year end holidays.
Project PIC Clock	A PIC16F819 DYMOCLOCK http://www.micro-examples.com/public/microex-navig/doc/091-dymoclock	A clock that only uses LED's as output. No complicated 7 segment displays. This example will show you how to connect up to 30 LEDs to a PIC, using only six I/O pins.
Project PIC Clock	An Analog & Digital propeller clock i made! http://www.luberth.com/analog.htm	The propeller clock is a POV clock.
Project PIC Clock	Do it yourself fun electronics project http://www.metricmind.com/clock/clock.htm	A clever approach to a POV clock, solves the problem of getting power across a rotating shaft.
Project PIC Clock	PIC Spinning Clock and World Map Display http://homepage.ntlworld.com/nicholas.dawkins/index.htm	Interesting project. POV
Tutorial PIC	This site is for tutorials aimed at new microcontroller developers. http://tutor.al-williams.com/index.htm	Lots of tutorials, more than just basic. Some assembler, some C ( but not BoostC )
Tutorial PIC C	Program PIC micros with C http://wi.lli.am/archives/mirrored/Program%20PIC%20micros%20wirh%20C/www.workingtex.com/htpic/index.html	Looks good, but I need to do more review.
Tutorial PIC	PIC 16F84 http://www.geocities.com/nozomsite/pic1.htm	Introduction to this chip and PICs in general.