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Last Updated 3rd July 2009
"Reviews" section,
and a PIC book review. See below!
SuperFind 2.0 (for Windows)
A super-fast file finder program, SuperFind is a very handy tool to find
any file or quantity of files on your PC instantly.
HexCon 1.0 (for Windows)
A programmers helper, HexCon is a small fast tool to convert between
Decimal-Hex-Binary. It can also display PC keyboard codes.
BTc PICsound
One-bit sound recording/playback on a PIC
One of my best works, this is PC software that displays a 8-bit mono sound
file (.WAV file) and ENCODES it into a 1-bit bitstream! The bitstream can
be played back very simply on any PIC or other micro with one digital
output pin and one resistor and capacitor (RC network). Now updated to v2.0
BTc Encoder will resample .WAV frequency and playback rates, also
has improved support for different .WAV formats.
A Binary Clock for Windows!
Here is a working binary clock that runs under Windows and uses my
Black-Standard
for easy-readable binary clocks. I have also provided
my source code for Borland C++ Builder in case you want to make your own
Windows binary clock.
WavMak Waveform Maker
This is software that reads numerical data from a text file
and creates a wave file of any specialised waveform shape.
Useful for audio testing.
BMP Hider
This is software that can "hide" any file within a standard Bitmap image.
The hidden file cannot be seen and can only be extracted with this program.
A Random Number Generator
This is Windows software to generate 1mbyte of pure random data and/or generate
a sequence of random numbers to your spec.
It generates random data using my algorithm seen here;
Black RNG Engine.
3rd July 2009.
Book review; 'PIC Microcontrollers' - Bert van Dam
I review the book 'PIC Microntrollers 50 Projects for Beginners and Experts'
by Bert van Dam.
The Micro Grid-Tie project
My design for absolute minimalist topology of a half-wave grid-tie inverter
to feed power from a small solar system back into the AC mains grid.
Page updated 09th June 2009.
Zero-error 1 second timer algorithm for PIC.
Based on Bresenham's algorithm, my implementation will generate a 1 second
(or other) timer period from ANY frequency crystal or ANY
frequency interrupt. An obvious use is to add a one-second clock pulse to
an existing design that has an "imperfect" crystal like 4MHz etc.
PIC source code supplied. Now updated to add lots of C code examples and
some advanced timing systems.
"The Black-Standard" for binary clocks.
This is my standard for easily viewable binary clocks. An adaptation of
pure binary display in hours/quarters/minutes in a form more easily
utilised as a practical clock display.
"The Black RNG Engine"
An algorithm I developed to generate pure entropic data (random numbers)
for use in encryption and probability (predictive) systems.
Updated 16th June 2009.
Kits to build Black Standard Binary Clocks!
Clocks no longer for sale, but I have provided free source code in PIC assembler
and (new for 16 June 2009) now in C source code too.
LiniStepper - stepper motor microstep driver board
Based on a microstep driver I created for my own use, this is now an
open-source project; circuit, PCB and full PIC software. A very high performance
stepper motor driver at a great price.
High efficiency 2-transistor SMPS Black regulator
A cheap simple circuit that can replace 3-pin voltage
regulators (like the 7805) and gives SMPS efficiency.
Can be used as a high-efficiency 12v to 5v converter or 24v to 12v converter.
09th June 2009.
Using a mini TrackBall as a controller!
I found a source of very cheap miniature trackballs, so I hacked the trackball
and used it to control X and Y values. First project is a TrackBall
controlled RGB LED, to control colour and brightness.
06th June 2009.
12 digit LED display using NO PARTS
Driving a 12-digit 7-segment LED "calculator" type display directly from one
PIC using NO resistors and NO other chips. I include PCB design suitable for
toner transfer and PIC source code for a clock, stopwatch, and a serial controlled
12-digit display.
My regulated psu "Gainclone" amp
I built a high performance "Gainclone" hifi amp with full regulated power
supply in a great rugged old 1980's power amp rack case.
The MIDI-Bash project
Some very simple, easy to build MIDI drum controllers using PIC micros.
Hit the pads and they send MIDI messages to any standard MIDI sound module
to make your own electronic drums etc.
Now with photos and full PIC source code!
The MIDI-Bloop project
Some more simple, easy to build MIDI "sound-source" devices using PIC micros.
When MIDI note commands are received, these PIC "synths" play
musical notes.
Partially finished.
Make a OCXO (xtal oven) for $1
Using just one transistor and a cheap NTC thermistor this little circuit
keeps a crystal at a regulated temperature so it can be used to drive a
high accuracy real-time clock.