Electronics: The Maplin Magazine (September 1985 - November 1985)

The Maplin Electronics Magazine for September to November 1985 is packed with practical projects, technical guides, and insightful articles for electronics enthusiasts. This issue contains innovative DIY projects like the conversion of an IBM Golfball Printer into a correspondence quality printer for home computers, and a floodlight controller for intruder detection systems. Additionally, readers can explore various smaller projects such as a transistor checker, a baby alarm/intercom amplifier, and a mains-powered data communications system. The magazine also provides educational content, including a guide on using multimeters, a historical account of electronics development, and fault-finding techniques for digital circuits.

1. Golfball Printer Part 1 - Page 2

   • Conversion of a surplus IBM golfball machine into a home computer printer.

2. Floodlight Controller - Page 14

   • Intruder-activated mains power switching for floodlamps and sirens.

3. Seven Super Circuits - Page 23

   • Transistor Checker, SW Aerial Amplifier, Telephone Indicator, Microphone Preamplifier, Speech Processor, Baby Alarm/Intercom Amplifier, and Audio Millivoltmeter.

4. Spectrum Parallel/Serial Interface - Page 37

   • An add-on for the Spectrum, providing 8-bit I/P and O/P parallel transfer with a UART programmable for 5 to 8-bit serial transfer.

5. Mains Tx/Rx Data Communications System - Page 44

   • A system using mains wiring to transmit and receive data.

6. 16-Channel Logic IC Tester - Page 54

   • Monitors all pin-outs of any DIL packaged logic IC with up to 16 pins, displaying logic states on an oscilloscope.

1. How to Use Multimeters - Page 10

   • A guide on effectively using and understanding multimeters.

2. Electronic Chronicles - Page 20

   • Historical account of electronics development, leading to modern microcomputer technology.

3. First Base Part 9 - Page 42

   • Principles of multiplexing, multiplexed memory devices, and microprocessor busses and control.

4. Project Fault Finding Part 4 - Page 50

   • Fault-finding techniques for digital circuits, including the use of logic probes and pulsers.

5. Make it with Maplin Part 3 - Page 58

   • A tour of the Maplin shops in Manchester and Southampton.

1. Catalogue Amendments - Page 63
2. Catalogue for 1986 - Page 64
3. Classified Advertisements - Page 64
4. New Books - Page 29
5. New Products - Page 62
6. Order Form - Page 35
7. Price Changes List - Page 31
8. Price List of Items Since Catalogue - Page 30
9. Subscriptions - Page 36
10. Top 20 Books - Page 19
11. Top 20 Kits - Page 49