Measuring SWR at VHF/UHF frequency was never fun. Most radio amateurs just assume that their 50 ohms cable is matching a beam or GP. Analog SWR Meters are widely spread on the market, although, not very economical. LCD meters are a bit expensive, crossing the $100 limit.
So the purpose of this project is to encourage radio amateurs to build their own High Quality LCD SWR Meter at a low price, instead of buying expensive ready made units.
This project demonstrates the use of 16×1 line LCD module to interface with Nitron 16-pin MCU, 68HC908QY4. The MCU uses internal oscillator, internal reset, so we need only to supply the +VDD and VSS. The sensor inputs are PTA2 for reed switch contact and PTA0 for 0/+5V analog input. You can use +9V battery or 1.5Vx3 AA battery to power the circuit.
68HC908QY4 Distance Meter: [Link]
This is one of the most accurate and simplest LC inductance / capacitance Meters that one can find, yet one that you can easily build yourself. This LC Meter allows to measure incredibly small inductances starting from 10nH to 1000nH, 1uH to 1000uH, 1mH to 100mH and capacitance from 0.1pF up to 900nF. LC Meter’s circuit uses an auto ranging system so that way you do not need to spend time selecting ranges manually. Another neat function is the “Zero Out” switch that will reset the initial inductance / capacitance, making sure that the final readings of the LC Meter are as accurate as possible.
LC Meter based on PIC16F84A: [Link]
The purpose of this project is to build a device that measures acceleration/tilt on one axis (backward/fordward) capable of fitting onto the dashboard or hanging onto the window of a standard car. The device will have 3 7-Segment LED Displays to show the instantaneous acceleration measurement to 2 decimal accuracy.
DIY G-Force Meter: [Link]
Keith’s presents us a project easy to build and sometimes useful around the house. I had my moments when I wished I had a battery meter. If you had the same.. maybe now its time to build your own battery meter.
The main piece of the meter is the “meter board” which you can buy from an electronics store.. or you can recover it from an old multimeter. I recommend you use a new one. You will avoid trouble. If you decide to build it go to Keith’s electronics blog for details on construction.
