Jameco's Newsletter: February 2013

My Story: Old Technology to the Rescue

Designer Phillip Kane got excited reading Jameco’s newsletter featuring a new IC that is pin-compatible with the 555 timer called the CSS555. Among the features that caught Phillip’s eye was a programmable six-decade counter using low timing component values. It was just the feature he needed for a project requiring a time delay of up to 8 hours. A great idea … but when it comes to electronics, execution is not always easy.

The chip came with a catch!

Product Update: Maxbotix Ultrasonic Rangefinders

Ultrasonic sensors use sonar to help detect both objects and people. It’s the same technology used to squeeze cars into tight parking spaces, perform an ultrasound in the physician’s office and detect objects under water. Because these sensors can play a big part in the functionality of your project, the most precise ultrasonic sensors are needed.

Jameco Puzzler:
Transparent Microphone
By: Forrest M. Mims III

Pop singer Twanger McTune wanted a novel method to increase her dwindling number of fans. While drinking a glass of soda between performances, an idea came to mind: what if she created a transparent plastic microphone with no internal wires or electronics that would faithfully reproduce her voice as she sang? If the sequined glove worked for Michael Jackson, maybe a transparent microphone would work for her. She called upon ace electronics consultant Buzz Masters to solve the technical details. 

How did Buzz Masters tackle this assignment?

Greg's Corner: A Lesson So Powerful It Can't Be Forgotten

The day you stop learning is the day you probably die. I learn all the time, but it’s the remembering part that I struggle with! I forgot most of what I learned as a teenager in the 70s, but I do remember an important set of lessons from snow skiing that applies to business every day.

How is skiing like running a business?

I talk to a lot of customers over the course of any week and I would love to say that I remember every single interaction, but I don’t. However, if you ask me about lessons I’ve learned from customers, it’s a pretty long list.

If you have a lesson you would like to share with me, please drop me a note. If you’ve written before be sure to tell me and I’ll do my best to pretend that I remember you!

Regards,

Greg Harris
Vice President, Marketing
Greg@Jameco.com

Club Jameco Project: Magic Morse Code Trainer Kit

Many say that the best way to learn a spoken language is to listen to a phrase, associate its meaning, and then pronounce the phrase. With the language of Morse code, it’s not that simple.  Club Jameco designer Ray Burnette created a kit to ease the Morse code learning curve through attention to accuracy and rhythm.

This kit makes learning Morse code easy... and fun!

Tech News Roundup: A Bug May Save Your Life
Plus Fireflies and Tin Whiskers

The unthinkable happens. You hear a deafening bang, the ground trembles, the walls collapse and you are trapped. You detect an unusual smell and try not to panic. There is nothing you could do except wait for help. Will anyone find you under all that rubble? The last savior you might expect scurries through a tiny crack. 

What could it possibly be? Stay up to speed on new electronics technologies.

Club Jameco Designer
Earns $700 for Electronics
Kit Design

At Club Jameco, customers use electronics design skills to create step-by-step projects that Jameco kits and sells. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the club received proposals for more than 700 electronic kits. The best selling kit – an ornamental LED cube – earned its designer over $700 in commissions during the fourth quarter. Club Jameco is pleased to honor Ari Dubinsky, a college student from California, as Top Designer.  Congratulations Ari!

New Catalog Now Available

By now you should have received Jameco's latest product catalog. If you haven’t, order yours today! Jameco’s latest catalog cover features a man-made mechanical forest designed to mimic the ecological function of real trees.

Jameco welcomes the contributions of its customers. Frankly, we think what you write is more interesting than anything we could write. Share your electronic component story, project, or challenge, and we'll share it with the world. Send your story to MyStory@Jameco.com.