Silicon ChipStressless Wireless - October 2004 SILICON CHIP

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  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Australia's future energy options
  4. Feature: The Humble “Trannie” Turns 50 by Kevin Poulter
  5. Review: Stressless Wireless by Peter Smith
  6. Feature: Epson’s Latest Micro-Flying Robot by Silicon Chip
  7. Project: SMS Controller, Pt.1 by Peter Smith
  8. Project: RGB To Component Video Converter by Jim Rowe
  9. Feature: This new PICAXE-08M is a wee ripper! by Stan Swan
  10. Review: The Amateur Scientist 2.0 by Peter Smith
  11. Project: USB Power Injector by Jim Rowe
  12. Project: Remote Controller For Garage Doors & Gates by Oatley Electronics
  13. Vintage Radio: Those troublesome capacitors, Pt.1 by Rodney Champness
  14. Back Issues
  15. Book Store
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the October 2004 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 22 of the 104 pages in the full issue and the advertisments.

For full access, purchase the issue for $8.20 or subscribe for access to the latest issues.

Articles in this series:
  • Amateur Radio (January 1995)
  • CB Radio Can Now Transmit Data (March 2001)
  • What's On Offer In "Walkie Talkies" (March 2001)
  • Stressless Wireless (October 2004)
  • WiNRADiO: Marrying A Radio Receiver To A PC (January 2007)
  • “Degen” Synthesised HF Communications Receiver (January 2007)
  • PICAXE-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver (October 2008)
  • Half-Duplex With HopeRF’s HM-TR UHF Transceivers (April 2009)
  • Dorji 433MHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2012)
Items relevant to "SMS Controller, Pt.1":
  • ATmega8515 programmed for the SMS Controller (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • ATmega8515 firmware and source code for the SMS Controller (Software, Free)
  • SMS Controller PCB pattern (PDF download) [12110041] (AUD $3.00)
Articles in this series:
  • SMS Controller, Pt.1 (October 2004)
  • SMS Controller, Pt.2 (November 2004)
Items relevant to "RGB To Component Video Converter":
  • RGB to Component Video Converter PCB pattern (PDF download) [07209041] (AUD $3.00)
  • RGB to Component Video Converter front and rear panel artwork (PDF download) (AUD $3.00)
Items relevant to "USB Power Injector":
  • USB Power Injector PCB pattern (PDF download) [07110041] (AUD $3.00)
  • USB Power Injector panel artwork (PDF download) (AUD $3.00)
Articles in this series:
  • Those troublesome capacitors, Pt.1 (October 2004)
  • Those troublesome capacitors, Pt.2 (November 2004)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

Stress-less Wireless Add short-range wireless connectivity to your designs with these easy-to-use compact transceiver modules. Review: By PETER SMITH T HE ER400TRS IS an extremely compact intelligent radio transceiver that operates in the 434MHZ LIPD band. This UK designed and manufactured device integrates radio, microcontroller and power supply circuitry in a screened 9-pin single-inline module measuring just 37 x 14 x 4mm. All communications protocols are handled on-board, allowing OEMs to add wireless capabilities to their products without the need to understand radio technology. One obvious application for these new modules is in two-way data telemetry systems. They would also be suitable for applications where it is essential that a receiving node issues a “receipt” to confirm reception of transmitted data, such as in handheld terminals and electronic point-of-sale terminals. The ER400TRS transceiver is supplied ready-to-run from LPRS. Alternatively, designers can make use of a range of user-programmable functions to customise their radio links to their own specifications using simple software commands. In either case, the embedded Easy-Radio software ensures that the data stream from transmitter to receiver is efficiently packaged to maximise both the range and the data transfer rate of the radio link. The data rate defaults to the industry standard of 19.2kbps, but can be programmed to any rate between 4.8kbps and 38.4kbps. The units can be programmed for use in one ER400TRS Transceiver: Main Features • • • • • • • 10 programmable frequencies between 433-434MHz 10 programmable power output levels (10mW max.) Selectable data rate from 4.8kbps to 38.4kbps All options programmed via software commands Range in excess of 250m line-of-sight Low current consumption: receiver 17.0mA, transmitter 23mA Embedded software handles all data encoded & decoding and over-air transmission • RSSI output • 9-pin SIL package measuring 37.5 x 14 x 4mm 22  Silicon Chip The evaluation kit includes two of these modules, with in-built power supply, an RS232 serial interface and an antenna. siliconchip.com.au The ER400TRS radio transceiver operates in the 434MHZ LIPD band and is comes packaged in a screened 9-pin single-in-line module. of 10 channels within the 434MHz band so that systems can avoid specific congested or “dirty” frequencies. A crystal-controlled synthesiser is used to guarantee frequency accuracy. The transmitter power output is programmable in 1mW steps, up to a maximum of 10mW ERP. A standard 50Ω antenna, such as a whip, helical or PC-board loop can be used, with a line-of-sight range of 250m easily attainable. Connection between host equipment and transceiver is via a conventional serial interface. The interface includes two handshaking lines (“host ready” and “transceiver busy”) to control data flow. The module also features a received signal-strength indicator output, which can be put to good use when setting up fixed links or networks of devices. The modules are designed to run from a single 3.6V lithium cell but for added flexibility, can be used with any DC supply between 3.3V and 5.5V. Typical current drains for the transmit and receive functions are 23mA and 12.5mA, respectively. At idle, the transceiver draws a quiescent current of 2mA. Evaluation kit A complete evaluation kit is available for those wishing to determine the suitability of the Easy-Radio system for their applications. Each kit includes a pair of identical demonstration boards that can accommodate any of the Easy-Radio series of modules. The demo boards incorporate a power supply, RS232 serial interface and SMA connector for antenna hook-up. Basically, the kit is designed to allow two PCs to be connected together via a two-way radio link. Everything siliconchip.com.au Fig.1: block diagram of the ER400TRS module internals. A radio transceiver, microcontroller and power supply are all included in the small, single-in-line package. that’s required is provided with the kit, including PC software on CD, whip antennas, serial cables and 9V batteries. The software runs on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000 & XP and gives access to all of the user-programmable options within the modules. Serial data rate, power output, frequency and handshake control, as well as several special test modes can all be controlled. In addition, the software provides a simple serial terminal window that allows messages to be sent between modules. The ER400TRS is just one of a new family of Easy-Radio devices from Low Power Radio Solutions in the UK. More information can be obtained from the Australian agent’s website at www.lprs.com.au LPRS are represented in Australia by Telelink Communications – phone (07) 4934 0413; fax (07) 4934 0311; email: sales<at>telelink.com.au or sales<at>lprs. SC com.au Fig.2: the software runs on Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000 & XP and gives access to all of the user-programmable options within the modules. October 2004  23