It’s Lab Talk time again! In this new episode, our editors and engineers present a rich lineup of practical, inventive and fun projects featured in the Elektor Circuit Special 2025. Discover the neat “neon lamp dice kit”, a playful application of a 1960s-style neon ring oscillator. No LEDs in here! The circuit uses real neon bulbs to generate random dice values. The team also discusses Elektor’s new book, From Rubbing Amber to Swiping Glass, a rich exploration of key themes in electronics history, from the very beginnings of electronics to the most modern techniques.

Senior Engineer Saad Imtiaz shares insights about a few interesting circuits and techniques, including a custom USB measurement adapter capable of inline current sensing and high-speed data line probing, to be used with an oscilloscope. Another highlight is the ESP32-S3 audio transceiver board, a versatile module with I²S audio interface, DAC, ADC, SD card and more, with an optional NRF24 radio for wireless audio streaming. This can be used as a base for a variety of DIY wireless audio systems.

Speaking of wireless audio, our Editor-in-chief Jens Nickel gives updates on the system he’s currently working on, including details about a WI-Fi-controlled motorized potentiometer for noise-free volume control in distributed speaker setups. Additional topics include custom battery backup systems, addressable RGB LEDs, AI, robotics, and more! Watch the full Lab Talk episode below:

Explore More Elektor Lab Talk Episodes and Electronics

Want to learn more about components, design tools, circuits, or electronics in general? Check out all the educational videos and tap into the knowledge of experts on our Elektor YouTube channel and our Elektor Industry YouTube channel. Subscribe to Elektor's weekly newsletter to receive a regular flow of expert tech knowledge and insights.

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