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Readers who do not care to modify the power supply of an old PC into a suitable halogen power source (see our April 2006 issue), may find the present design a welcome alternative. The circuit does not need any changes to the power supply. It allows the halogen lamps to be initially powered from the 5V rail of the supply via RE2, so that they are preheated. Subsequently, they are powered from the 12-V rail via RE1, while at the same time the 5-V rail is disconnected.... [read more]

This is a 1-amp variable-voltage PSU. It adjusts from about 3v to 24v: and has the added feature that you can limit the maximum output current. This is invaluable when (for example) you power-up a project for the first time or soak-test a piece of equipment.... [read more]

This circuit could be used for replacing your manual volume control in a stereo amplifier. In this circuit, push-to-on switch SW1 controls the forward (volume increase) operation of both channels while a similar switch SW2 controls reverse (volume decrease) operation of both channels. A readily available IC from Dallas semiconductor, DS1669 is used here.... [read more]

The circuit is a microphone amplifier for use with low impedance (~200 ohm) microphones. It will work with stabilized voltages between 6-30VDC. If you don't build the impedance adapter part with T1, you get a micamp for higher impedance microphones. In this case, you should directly connect the signal to C7.... [read more]

This circuit will emit an intermittent beep (or will flash a LED) when the water contained into a recipient has reached the desired level. It should be mounted on top of the recipient (e.g. a plastic tank) by means of two crocodile clips, acting also as probes. If a deeper sensing level is needed, the clips can be extended by means of two pieces of stiff wire (see pictures).... [read more]

If you feel that somebody is tampering with your telephone line you might find this little circuit useful. It detects if there is another telephone connected to the line, if there is a short or an open line. Sound and a flashing light will tell you which is the current situation.... [read more]