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When turning a computer on and off, various peripherals (such as printers, screen, scanner, etc.) often have to be turned on and off as well. By using the 5-V supply voltage from the USB interface on the PC, all these peripherals can easily be switched on and off at the same time as the PC. This principle can also be used with other appliances that have a USB interface (such as modern TVs and radios). This so-called ‘USB-standby-killer’ can be realized with just 5 components. The USB output voltage provides for the activation of the triac opto-driver (MOC3043) which has zero-crossing detection. This, in turn, drives the TRIAC, type BT126.... [read more]

This is a simplified version of the 4-Digit Keypad Controlled Switch. I have modified the design to reduce the complexity of the circuit - and the number of components required. As a result - the code is somewhat less secure. However, there should be lots of situations where it will still be adequate.... [read more]

This circuit was designed and manufactured the '80's. From then it works without problem. It does not present any particular constructional problem, beyond known: the attention in the provided force of power supply - choice suitable heatsink and good matching of drivers transistor.... [read more]

This novel circuit uses a flashing LED as the clock input for a 4017 decade counter. Typical flashing LEDs (eg, DSE cat Z-4044) flash at about 2Hz so the outputs Q0-Q9 will cycle through at that rate. For example, Q0 will turn on for half a second, then Q1, then Q2 etc up to Q8 then it will start at Q0 again. Up to nine outputs can be used. If you want fewer outputs, connect an earlier output to MR, pin 15. If MR is not used, connect it to 0V.... [read more]

48 V ‘phantom’ powering has become the standard for professional condenser microphones. The supply (or rather bias) voltage is applied over both wires of the balanced screened cable via two 6k8 resistors (see reference [1]) – the absolute value is not critical, since a variation of ±20% is permitted, but they must be matched to an accuracy of 0.4% or better [2]. Many microphones are fitted with an output transformer, and derive their power from a center-tap on the secondary.... [read more]

This circuit operates a LED in pulsing mode, i.e. the LED goes from off state, lights up gradually, then dims gradually, etc.... [read more]