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Learning PLCs on a Budget

Learning PLCs on a Budget

Typically, getting started with a PLC can be a costly endeavor, but this project will show how to get started with them on a small budget!


Projects Jan 18, 2016 by Alex Udanis
Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic Isolation: Purpose and Methodologies

Galvanic isolation is a way to isolate functional sections of electrical systems to prevent current flow. A brief explanation of differing methods to create galvanic isolation.


How to Select a Custom Magnet Sensor

How to Select a Custom Magnet Sensor

Learn how to correctly select the right sensors for your project with this handy guide.


Low-Cost Programmable Logic Controllers for the Frugal Engineer

Low-Cost Programmable Logic Controllers for the Frugal Engineer

Typical PLCs are very expensive, but never fear: cheaper versions exist!


News Dec 28, 2015 by Alex Udanis
Build an Object Detection DC Motor Controller

Build an Object Detection DC Motor Controller

In this continuing series of Building Raspberry Pi Controllers, you'll learn how to build a object detection control circuit for operating a small DC motor using a photocell.


Projects Dec 27, 2015 by Don Wilcher
Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Getting Started with the Bosch BMP180 Sensor

Learn one of the ways to get started with the BMP180 sensor and learn a simple way to improve the data.


Projects Dec 20, 2015 by Alex Udanis
Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python’s Scientific Toolbox to Find the Natural Response of Thermal Systems

Use Python's scientific toolbox to determine the natural response of a real thermal system and plot the results for visualization and further analysis.


Build a PICAXE ESP-01 Wi-Fi Communicator

Build a PICAXE ESP-01 Wi-Fi Communicator

A PCB for a Wi-Fi communicator using a PICAXE 08M2 and an ESP-01 module driven by interactive code makes a handy setup for data collection and IoT reporting.


Build Raspberry Pi Controllers: LED Flasher

Build Raspberry Pi Controllers: LED Flasher

In this project, you'll learn how to wire an LED and flash it using the Raspberry Pi. Also, to isolate the Raspberry Pi's + 3.3VDC compliant output pins from supply voltages greater than this power source, an opto-isolator will be introduced as well.


Projects Dec 11, 2015 by Don Wilcher
How to Build a Wall-Following Robot

How to Build a Wall-Following Robot

This is the final part in a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


Convert a Vintage Thermostat into a Modern Energy Saver

Convert a Vintage Thermostat into a Modern Energy Saver

Programmable thermostats can save a lot of energy and money. But you don't have to buy one- you can convert an old mechanical thermostat into a programmable thermostat using an Arduino and a servo.


How to Build a Robot - Avoiding Obstacles

How to Build a Robot - Avoiding Obstacles

Part five of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


Use an Arduino to Convert an Old Mechanical Thermostat into a Programmable Thermostat

Use an Arduino to Convert an Old Mechanical Thermostat into a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats can save a lot of energy and money. But you don't have to buy one. You can convert an old mechanical thermostat into a programmable thermostat using an Arduino and a servo.


Design Your Own Controller for a Solder Reflow Oven

Design Your Own Controller for a Solder Reflow Oven

In the last installment, we built the hardware to control an AC waveform with a TRIAC as the first step in a DIY solder reflow oven. This tutorial continues the project by showing you how to set up the low-level hardware to measure temperature, read the zero-cross detector, drive the TRIAC, and print to the serial terminal using a USART.


Projects Nov 17, 2015 by Patrick Lloyd
Connect a PICAXE to the Internet of Things

Connect a PICAXE to the Internet of Things

Connecting a PICAXE to the IoT through an ESP8266 module is easy once you know the process. Here are the details you need!


How to Build a Robot - Line Follower

How to Build a Robot - Line Follower

Part four of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


Control Your AC Mains with a Microcontroller

Control Your AC Mains with a Microcontroller

Learn how to put together your own toaster oven controller with a handful of inexpensive, through-hole parts. The emphasis is on safety, low price, and minimal modification of the toaster oven.


Projects Nov 09, 2015 by Patrick Lloyd
Data: The New Currency

Data: The New Currency

How big exactly is big data? It's the world's most precious commodity and, without it, the internet would be sent back to the 1990's.


News Nov 06, 2015 by Ujjwal Roy
How to Build a Robot - Testing Hardware

How to Build a Robot - Testing Hardware

Part three of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles!


How to Build a Robot - PCB Design

How to Build a Robot - PCB Design

Part two of a series of articles on building a robot that can follow lines or walls and avoid obstacles! This time we'll be covering PCB design.