DSP
by Jeremy Clark
The inspiration for this idea came from my students. Teaching DSP is difficult because you must slog through a fair amount of math before getting useful results. I noticed that, during my lecture on Z transforms, most students had donned their Walkmans/MP3 players. Their eyes were rolling. I needed drastic measures to turn this around. So, why not use the students’ love of music as a tool for teaching DSP? (Yes, I loved the movie The School of Rock.) Page 0

AN ANALOG SINE WAVE SIGNAL GENERATOR

by Paul Florian
A sine wave signal generator can be used to measure the frequency response of filters and amplifiers. Simply connect the signal generator to the input of the circuit under test and adjust the output of the generator to an appropriate amplitude. Next, measure the output voltage of the circuit at various frequencies with an oscilloscope. A frequency response graph can then be plotted with this data. Page 0

THE ENIGMA MACHINE - PART 1

by Gerard Fonte
This is one of those things that seems just a little interesting at the start, but, as you look closer, it gets stranger and stranger. It’s a simple, plain, plastic box. It has a knob, LED, and power connector. When you turn it on, it doesn’t seem to do anything at all. It just sits there. However, put an empty soda can on the machine and lightly rub it with a dry finger. The can vibrates. Yet, this does not happen with a stationary finger or a damp finger. Page 0

In The Trenches
by Gerard Fonte
IN THE TRENCHES
This month, we'll apply basic probabilities. We'll start by looking at some fundamental concepts and the mechanics of probabilities. Page 0

Near Space
by L. Paul Verhage
NEAR SPACE
There are several data loggers that are capable of fitting inside a lunch bag. By carrying one of these on the mission, you can collect additional science and engineering data. Since the data loggers collect data at a fixed rate (you program this rate into the data logger), you can relate the recorded data to the altitude of the near spacecraft. Page 0

Personal Robotics
by L. Paul Verhage
PERSONAL ROBOTICS
Often, we need our robot to make or break a circuit. This lets our robot operate a sensor, emit a warning tone, or even fire photon torpedoes. While we humans are really great at pushing buttons, robots have a problem because they tend to lack fingers and opposable thumbs. So just how do robots turn on and off circuits? Page 0

Stamp Applications
by Jon Williams
STAMP APPLICATIONS
Like most men, I’m not real big on the idea of shopping. I know what I want. I want what I want. I know where to go get it — and that’s precisely what I do: I go get it. Of course, for every rule there is an exception and, for my shopping rule, there are two: book stores and Tanner Electronics in Dallas, TX. I love going to Tanner — even when I don’t need anything specific... Page 0