Electronics & Audio

I've gotten interested in amateur audio and electronics in general. Here, you may find information regarding projects I'm working on.

Projects

Gainclone power amplifier

I've built a “gainclone” power amplifier, based on the LM3886 Overture Audio Power Amplifier, using PCBs from chimamp.com. More details about this project are here.

Event Transmission Line Loudspeakers

The Event (see, e.g., here) is a transmission-line loudspeaker based on Scan-Speak drivers. I assembled a kit from Speakerland. More details and pictures are here.

Gilmore class A dynamic headphone amplifier

I've built an amplifier for headphones based on a design by Kevin Gilmore. More details about this project are here.

I've designed a Jung-Sulzer-Didden inspired super regulator to fit the Gilmore dynamic amplifier. First, I suggest you check out these pages, since they describe the regulator in great detail. Details about my version are here.

LIRC receivers

LIRC receivers are small gadgets that hook up to a PC's serial port. Together with some software, they decode infrared signals sent by remote controls. Thus, with such a receiver, you can control your computer with the remote of your radio. I built a batch for me and my friends. More details are here.

Bench power supply

I built a simple bench power supply with two independent outputs, adjustable between 20 and 2V (approximately). Internally, it has two identical circuits based on LM317 voltage regulators. I originally started this project because I wanted to get some experience in etching PCBs.

Optrex DMF50191N LCD display

These monochrome 640 by 200 pixel graphic displays were available at rock bottom prices a couple of years ago. Here is a description of how to make them work.

How to etch PCBs

When I first started experimenting with electronics, I feared that there would be a point when I would have to etch printed circuit boards (PCBs) at home. I didn't look forward to working with the chemicals, and I was worried that the photographic process involved would be difficult. In retrospect, etching PCBs is not that hard, but does require some effort and patience. Here are my experiences etching PCBs.