> I know that Joe (IVP) subscribes to it and he seems happy with=20
> it.  But it seems to be pretty expensive

Yes, I am happy with it, for several reasons -

When I first started electronics all that was available at the time
were the UK publications like Everyday Electronics, Practical
Electronics and Electronics Australia. A couple of others like
Wireless World, Practical Wireless and a few oddments from the
US really didn't interest me and/or used components I couldn't
easily get locally in NZ

EE, PE and EA had mostly simple projects that worked OK, but
the larger projects were so consistently full of errors and a slow
corrections process that I just had to stop trying them. Then Electronics
Today International came along and my confidence in publications
was restored. ETI has gone now but SC has maintained its high
standards

They have projects I'm interested in, and well designed. I've built
many whole projects or part thereof. Most issues have something
I'd consider building one day. Quite often I'll go back through my
pile for ideas and methods, so every issue pays for itself sooner or
later, and I pretty much disregard the cost. Having said that, as my
only monthly publication expenditure it's barely noticeable, and the
time I spend on construction is way more in terms of an hourly rate,
if you were to put a figure on it

They mostly use PICs, mostly, so I can edit s/w and program chips.
And they've got past F84s and 628s, covering the 12 to 32 series.
But not always when they don't have to. For example the recent
2.5GHz frequency meter has an F877 in it to manage the display
=20
All s/w and PCB patterns are available for free download. As I can
make my own PCBs, that's very convenient. Also I have a Jaycar
only a mile from home so specified parts aren't usually a concern.
My junkbox these days is just huge though (I'm an inveterate dumpster
diver and desolderer) and it's not often I need to buy the majority
of parts needed to make a project

I often correspond with the editor, Leo Simpson. A very personable
sort of chap who would be able to help you directly. I received a mail
from him a few days ago, so he is back at work after the Xmas break

leo@siliconchip.com.au

Joe
--=20
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