February 2004 Issue

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SPECIAL FEATURE
HOBBY ELECTRONICS IS DOWN -- NOT OUT
A few more thoughts on the subject from one of the pioneering teachers of our hobby.
by: Forrest M Mims III

PROJECTS
HARVESTING ELECTRICITY FROM THE ENVIRONMENT
Light a 100 watt bulb with the waves that surround you.
by: Dan Shanefield


A SIMPLE CAPACITANCE METER: USING THE ADuC812
Clever programming yields a useful bench tool.
by: Shlomo Engelberg Related Info



MAKING YOUR OWN CUSTOM MEMBRANE SWITCHES
A simple -- yet effective -- way to dress up your projects.
by: Gerard Fonte



THE AMAZING FRISBEE BLACK BOX or BASIC STAMP FRISBEE
Instrument your favorite sporting goods!
by: Ralph Lorenz Related Info

ARTICLES
HUMAN ERROR AND THE ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
Some thoughts about user--centered design.
by: R.B. Whittingham

WHAT IS VIRTUAL MEMORY
Learn about the secret way your operating system manages limited physical RAM.
by: Mark Balch

NEAR SPACE
Part 1 of 2: Start exploring the final frontier from your backyard.
by: L. Paul Verhage

BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR COOKBOOK
Part 8 of 8: The final installment, useful transistor circuits and gadgets are covered.
by: Ray Marston

COLUMNS
ELECTRONICS Q&A
Good--bye 12v, Hello 42v; Low--Battery Indicator; Iron Keeps its Cool; and Calibrate! Calibrate! Dance to the Music.



IN THE TRENCHES
For design engineers facing real world problems.
This month: being successful. Related Info

JUST FOR STARTERS
Choosing a 7400--series logic family.



OPEN COMMUNICATION
Ethernet -- Part 2: Wireless LANs.



PERSONAL ROBOTICS
Discover what an Isopod can do for you!




STAMP APPLICATIONS
Makin' it Motorized
Related Info



TECHKNOWLEDGEY 2004
New Cooling Technique for Electronic Devices, HP Continues to Gain Workstation Market Share, ...and more!