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Issue #210 January 2008
Twenty Years
by C. J. Abate
For 20 years, Circuit Cellar has been the embedded design community’s primary source for the presentation of ground-breaking projects, expert design and programming techniques, and information about the best products on the market for developing exciting new systems. To mark the occasion, we’re doing a few things that I think you will appreciate.
First, we’re presenting a new cover layout in an effort to deliver even more content-related info about each issue. What do you think?
Second, we’re featuring a 20th anniversary retrospective article by columnist Ed Nisley (p. 68). As you know, Ed has been writing for us since 1988, so he knows what it takes to develop interesting projects on a consistent basis.
Third, we’re reinstating the EQ section of the magazine. During the past year, many of you have expressed interest in seeing this section return to the magazine, so Dave Tweed presents a new set of problems for you to tackle (p. 13). Take some time to study the problems and work out the answers.
Finally, Steve Ciarcia continues describing his home photovoltaic (PV) system installation (p. 22). Steve started this magazine two decades ago, so it’s only fitting that we’re shining a light on his most recent project.
As usual, the rest of the magazine is packed with interesting feature articles and columns. They will certainly inspire you to hit the workbench.
On page 14, Brian Senese explains how he built a Linux-based system to store his favorite recipes. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can build a similar system to store other data and display it on an LCD when you need it.
You probably dream of making a killing by selling your designs to millions of consumers. But have you ever considered making money with your code? On page 30, Richard Hoptroff explains how it is done.
Need an oscillator calibrator? Michael Griebling has the project for you (p. 40). His well-designed system accurately measures low frequencies and displays measured oscillator errors.
How familiar are you with IR technology? As Ben Smith explains, we all use IR remote controls, but few of us really know how they work. In “Build a Learning Remote Control,” Ben explains how they function and describes a simple MAXQ2000-based design (p. 50).
One thing many of your projects have in common is their fragility. They may work well in the safe confines of your “circuit cellar,” but could they survive in a hostile environment? On page 60, Monte Dalrymple presents design techniques that you can use to strengthen your next design’s chances of survival should it end up in a hazardous environment.
Finally, please note that the submission deadline for the WIZnet iEthernet Design Contest 2007 is January 31. Be sure to label your entry materials with your assigned registration number and submit your entries by 1:00 P.M. EST. It’s a good idea to submit your entry a few business days prior to the deadline. E-mail your entries to contest@circuitcellar.com. Good luck!
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