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Contents Vol.38, No.07 July 2025 14 SpaceX Page 33 SpaceX is the world leader for space launch services (crew transportation, satellite launches etc). They have been responsible for dramatically reducing the cost of access to space. Here is how they have done it. By Dr David Maddison, VK3DSM Aerospace technology 46 Precision Electronics, Part 9 We have now reached the final part of our series on precision electronic systems. We summarise the building blocks that we have already covered and provide an example of how to design a whole system. By Andrew Levido Electronic design 54 Salvaging Parts SmartProbe Precision Electronics Part 9 – Page 46 There’s a lot of useful parts and components that can be harvested from discarded consumer goods like washing machines, printers, photocopiers, drills etc. Here’s what you should look out for. By Julian Edgar Reusing & recycling Page 54 70 8×16 LED Matrix module These LED matrix panels are bright (with just 400mW power consumption), compact and relatively easy to drive. They use an AIP1640 driver IC which can be controlled via a protocol that is similar to I2C. By Tim Blythman Low-cost electronic modules 26 Solar Charging via USB Here’s how to charge and power all your devices from solar power, using a low-cost system. It’s easy to build, and can even be built as a portable system or wired up in your home. By Julian Edgar Simple electronic project 33 The SmartProbe This little device is ideal for taking voltage and continuity measurements. It measures up to ±50V and tests diodes/LEDs/forward voltages. It is powered by a single CR2032 cell. By Andrew Levido Test & measurement project 62 Hot Water System Solar Diverter Using this device can save you a lot of money! It lets you use excess solar power generation to power your electric water heater. The final part in this series covers the construction, setup & testing. Part 2 By Ray Berkelmans & John Clarke Solar energy project 74 SSB Shortwave Receiver, Part 2 Covering the entire shortwave band, this Receiver is digitally tuned and has a bunch of helpful features like squelch, LSB/USB support, good sensitivity and more. We cap things off by showing you how to build, test & align it. By Charles Kosina Radio receiver project SALVAGING PARTS 2 Editorial Viewpoint 5 Mailbag 53 Subscriptions 80 Circuit Notebook 82 Serviceman’s Log 88 Vintage Radio 97 Online Shop 100 Ask Silicon Chip 103 Market Centre 104 Advertising Index 104 Notes & Errata 1. GPS Speedometer 2. Logic level indicator Eddystone EC10 Mk2 by Ian Batty