T&L Publications

http://www.warplink.com/user/kencan/lm386.htm <p>The 386 is a very good chip, I've used them several times.<p>The "Gain" control between pins 1 and 8 changes the gain from 20-1 to 200-1 by adding a capacitor, as shown in the link listed above.<p>Vout is the output.<p>Pin 2 is the invertin...

Many thanks for all the links and advice. I've found a programmer and software that should do for me, and am looking at all the tutorials you mentioned. Hopefully, assembly isn't too hard to pick up. (or should that be, "PIC up"?) <p>Again, many thanks.<p>Michael Fagan

Please note, I've built the circuit indicated by the post above. It does work, and fairly well.<p>You can use a "Walkman" type headset, instead of the crystal earphone indicated.<p>Otherwise, there are two types of bat detector. Frequency dividers, and heterodyne. Each has it's advantages ...

Okay, since coming here I've decided I want to try PIC programming.<p>Unfortunately, I'm on a very limited budget, so I need to find things that are free, or very cheap.<p>I've already found a source for the PIC's. I have a 16F84A, and some 16F628's and 12F675's on the way. (You can order free sampl...

Okay, should have checked first, but here it is.
http://www.vanguardelectronics.com/
Go to their "Search" section, and type in LM 3909.<p>Michael Fagan

There was a place, called Vanguard Electronics, that had LM3909's a while back.<p>Never bought any, cause I couldn't get a quote.<p>Have to search again.<p>Michael Fagan

Found a site that talks about using the Picaxe.<p>http://www.hippy.freeserve.co.uk/picaxe.htm<p>Seems there aren't many on the web.<p>Michael Fagan

Only question I have is about the power available on each pin. <p>I know a Basic Stamp can drive servos directly. Can the PicAxe do it too?<p>Michael Fagan

As near as I can tell, the only place that sells the PicAxe is in Britain. Shame, looks very interesting.<p>Well, maybe they'll find a US distributor. <p>Michael Fagan

Another suggestion for soldering practice - old radios and tape players from yard sales.<p>I can usually find such things for under $1 if they don't work. Frequently they are free.<p>Then, start trying to take the components off. Once you get the hang of that, and can do it without damaging the circ...

Let me see if I understand what you're trying to do.<p>You want the robot to check for an IR source. If it doesn't detect one, it's supposed to move forward, then stop. Then it's supposed to turn 90 degrees.<p>And what it's doing is check for the IR source, move forward, and stop? It doesn't turn?<p...