MAKE presents: The Integrated Circuit

A brief introduction to the technology that makes it possible for today's electronics to do so much with very little space - the IC (aka microchip)

 

MAKE presents: The Inductor

The deceptively simple wire coil that proves incredibly useful in the world of electronics - the inductor's ability to store energy in an electromagnetic field is the key to making transformers, electromagnets, and many more components. It truly is an awesome device!

 

MAKE presents: The Diode

It's the simplest semiconductor device made. It ushered in the age of radio, the electronic valve that rectifies and regulates - the diode!

 

MAKE presents: The Transistor

They electronically switch and amplify signals by harnessing the unique abilities of semiconductor materials. Their invention has transformed the world of electronics and accelerated our entry into the digital age. Behold - the Transistor!

Brought to you by makezine.com
Audio and video by Collin Cunningham

 

MAKE Presents: The Capacitor

Simple yet effective, they come in a dizzying array of forms and materials. Vital to so many circuits for storage, timing, and filtration – the mighty capacitor!

 In this installment of the MAKE presents series Collin Cunningham explains how to build a leyden jar, how the capacitor was invented, and how to use one to light an LED.

 

ReMakingHistory: Magdeburg Hemisphere

MAKE magazine Contributing Editor William Gurstelle recreates the vacuum forming experiment performed by Otto von Guericke in the 17th Century. You can do it, too.

 

Weekend Projects - Bottle Radio

Crystal radio technology has been around for many years. This "bottle radio" take on a crystal radio requires no power source, operates on the power from radio waves, and receives signal from a long wire antenna. As radio stations slowly move away from the AM band, the "window of opportunity" to experience this remarkable technology is dwindling. The "crystal" in question is contained inside a germanium diode, and is used to rectify the radio signal so that our ears can hear it.

 

Circuit Skills: Fiber Optics

Not all electronic signals are communicated via electricity. By transmitting information in the form of light, we can avoid many limitations inherent to traditional wiring. And on top of all that - fiber optics are just straight-up cool!

Collin's Lab: Homebrew Piezo

Piezoelectric materials are about as close to magic as you can get. They turn physical pressure into electricity and can even turn electricity into physical pressure - an amazing sort of bidirectional converter for mechanical and electrical energies. Perhaps even more amazing is the fact that you can easily 'grow' your own piezoelectric crystals overnight using just a couple of common ingredients.

The Oscilloscope (MAKE magazine)

Oscilloscopes are surprisingly easy to use once you've located a few basic controls. They can provide newcomers with a whole new way to view the world of electronics & electricty.

Using a multimeter

With Collin Cunningham (MAKE Magazine).