A motley collection of ideas
Homemade circuits, experiments, tinker-friendly electronic ideas, and and things related to amateur radio.
We found this instrument at a collectors’ fair with my partner. We simply couldn’t resist it, so we took it home for 12 euros. According to its technical logbook, it left the Gamma factory on August 13, 1983, and was last calibrated on July 25, 2000. After cleaning and restoring it, it became a very … Read more
Some time ago, if I remember correctly, I got this instrument for 1,000 forints, and more recently I parted with it due to lack of spac. The first impression, despite being a tube instrument, is that it is incredibly light. No doubt, it’s a rather large unit—and you could practically keep a guinea pig in … Read more
The oscilloscope type 1536 is used in servicing, by amateurs, and in education. Its small dimensions and low weight allow it to be carried in hand luggage. The cathode-ray tube has a useful screen area of 4.8 × 6 cm. The instrument has one vertical channel and a time-base generator. The separate X-input also makes … Read more
Hungary’s tallest tower since 1933 has been the Lakihegy transmitter tower. This iconic structure has become a symbol of Hungarian radio broadcasting over the past century. Located on the outskirts of Szigetszentmiklós, the octahedron-shaped tower, made up of eight triangles, reaches a maximum height of 307 meters — taller than the Eiffel Tower was. The … Read more
The history of wired telecommunications in Hungary spans more than 150 years, reflecting the evolution of global communication technology from the mid-19th century to the digital era. This chronology traces the key milestones from the first telegraph lines to the complete digitalization of Hungary’s wired network in 2005, highlighting technological, organizational, and regulatory changes that … Read more
Vintage radios are more than just functional electronics — they’re beautiful pieces of design history. From rich bakelite cabinets to finely woven speaker cloths, every detail was crafted to be both functional and elegant. But when it comes to restoration, some of the most iconic details can be the hardest to replace — especially the … Read more
The other day, I explained to my partner how a fluorescent starter works and what the ballast is for. I won’t go into it now—if you’re interested, look it up. I also explained why electronic ballasts are supposedly better than traditional ones. Well, I was wrong: they aren’t better. Every self-respecting electrician or hardware supplier … Read more
In Hungary, the use of radio frequencies is regulated by the National Media and Infocommunications Authority (NMHH). The NMHH has published the National Frequency Allocation Table and Frequency Use Regulations. Radio Frequency Bands Abbreviation Frequency Range Wavelength ELF 3 Hz – 30 Hz 100,000 km – 10,000 km SLF 30 Hz – 300 Hz 10,000 … Read more
A quartz crystal equipped with electrodes behaves electrically like a resonant circuit with a high quality factor (Q). With its help, oscillators of high frequency stability can be built. Quartz oscillators are now widely used as frequency or time standards in processors, microcontrollers, radios, and quartz watches. Oscillators An electronic oscillator is a circuit that … Read more
Manufacturers strongly advise against attempting to “recharge” disposable alkaline batteries. They claim the cells may leak corrosive electrolyte or the gas buildup during charging could cause explosions. Yet, these batteries can in fact be regenerated, which significantly reduces environmental impact and saves money. The regeneration of alkaline batteries is an old topic; even in the … Read more