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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Sadelta TC402D field strength meter Strictly speaking this is not a field strength meter since it does not measure field strength as such. What it does do is measure RF signals fed to its front panel BNC socket. It measures the signals in terms of microvolts or millivolts or dBµV. If it was used with an adjustable calibrated dipole, it could then be used to measure field strength which would be calculated in term of millivolts or microvolts per metre. Having made that qualification, we can state that its main application will be with TV antenna installers who want to measure the signal they are receiving from their standard test antenna or from an already installed antenna. Some installers make do with a portable TV set but having an instrument such as the Sadelta TC402D makes the whole job much more professional – you can measure the signal precisely, allow for cable and splitter losses and then select the correct masthead or distribution amplifier, if needed. The Sadelta TC402D is a nicely presented instrument in a plastic case measuring 222 x 92 x 235mm. It has a 4 digit liquid crystal display to show the measured frequency and an analog meter to display the signal strength. There are seven measurement ranges with full scale deflection ranging from 100µV to 100mV. In practice, signals can be measured down to 20µV. By use of the correction graphs (individually printed for each instrument), the signal measurement accuracy can be within ±2dB. In-car charger for nicad batteries Premier Batteries has announced the release of a new in-car charger for nickel cadmium batteries used in cellular phones and camcorders. The unit is designed to operate directly from the 12V lighter socket of your car or from an approved 240VAC plugpack adaptor. The “Master Charger” is available with interchangeable plug-in battery pockets. By simply switching the plug-in cups the unit will charge most batteries for Motorola, Kenwood, Icom, Standard and Shinwa cellular phones. Pockets are also available for professional video camera batteries such as 62  Silicon Chip NP1A/NP1B and NP22. Depending on the capacity, the charger charge any battery in 1/2 hour to 3 hours and then automatically switch to a trickle charge mode. For further information, contact Premier Batteries Pty Ltd, 9/15 Childs Road, Chipping Norton, NSW 2170. Phone (02) 755 1845. There are three overlapping frequency ranges: low VHF (41 to 170MHz), high VHF (140 to 460MHz) and UHF (430 to 864MHz). The unit is tuned by means of a tenturn pot and the frequency is displayed with an accuracy of ±0.1% ±1 digit. The unit also has an audio output via an internal loudspeaker so you can listen to the signal if needed. Power comes from eight alkaline or nicad batteries or via a 12V DC plugpack. The TC402D comes with an attractive padded Cordura carrying case which is appropriate to its intended applications. The TC402D is priced at $799 plus sales tax where applicable. For further information and price details, contact Peter C. Lacey Services Pty Ltd, 80 Dandenong Road, Frankston, Vic 3199. Phone (03) 783 2388. Panasonic launches first televideo set Panasonic has released its first Televideo, model TC-W21, which has a VHS video deck located above a 51cm television receiver. Features include audio/video in/ out terminals for hooking the TV set to other equipment, a sleep timer and on-screen indicators. For the VCR section, they include multiple search and playback functions. Subscribe now to the largest faults & remedies library in Australia ✱ ✱ 1994 manuals are now available. Our database is regularly updated with information supplied by technicians such as yourself. ✱ Exclusive backup service by qualified technicians. ✱ ✱ Over 10,000 faults and remedies on file with flow charts and diagrams. Covers Colour TVs and VCRs of all brands sold in Australia EFIL Phone or fax now for your FREE information package ELECTRONIC FAULT INFORMATION Reply Paid 4 P.O. Box 969 AIRLIE BEACH 4802 Ph 079 465690 Fax 079 467038 September 1993  63 Learning remote control from Philips does the lot No longer do you need to suffer the confusion of which remote control you should pick up to change the hifi volume or the TV channel. One “learning” remote control will do the lot! Philips have released a new multi-function “learning” remote control unit with operating functions for TV/Teletext, video, CD, tape deck, tuner/amplifier and auxiliary equipment. It also lets you transfer and store the transmission codes of any manufacturer’s remote controls into the unit. When operating the learning function, a three-colour LED indicator tells you what mode you are in, when codes have been transferred, and whether or not the codes have been stored. This LED display also warns you when the batteries need to be replaced. All memory data is retained for 30 minutes after the batteries are removed, giving plenty of time for batteries to be replaced. Priced at $269, the Philips Learning Remote (SBC 8503) comes with a fully illustrated manual. It is available from selected retailers throughout Australia. For further information, contact, phone Philips Accessories on (02) 742 8437. For easy operation, the video deck starts playing as soon as a tape is loaded and recording is a one-button operation on the remote control. World 7 system compatibility means it can record and play tapes in PAL and NTSC formats. Recommended retail price is $2,599. For further information,contact Panasonic Australia (02) 986 7400. TTL level programmable square wave generators, at low cost. Both models come with one or two synthesisers per card, with each channel being independent of the other, and crystal controlled for excellent stability. An optional external reference input is also available, with reference source then being jumper selectable between external or on board frequency source. Software supplied with the cards provides either command line or popup menu selection of output frequency. Driver software is also supplied, with source code, for writing custom programs and an example program is included. The FSC-30 has a range of 0.024Hz to 30MHz while the FSC-50 has a range of 2.98Hz to 50MHz, with resolution for both being 27,000 steps per decade. The cards have three switchable addresses, for multiple card use, and are connected via 50W coax with BNC connectors. For further information, contact Boston Technology Pty Ltd, PO Box 1750, North Sydney, NSW 2060. Phone (02) 955 4765. New Akai TV sets from Akai Low cost frequency synthesizer Capable of ultra-wide frequency synthesis, the FSC-30 and 50 are half length cards for any PC-XT/AT/386 and provide one or to two independent VIDEO & TV SERVICE PERSONNEL TV & VIDEO FAULT LIBRARIES AVAILABLE AS PRINTED MANUALS $90 EACH + $10 DELIVERY BOTH MANUALS VIDEO & TV $155 + $15 DELIVERY OR AS A PROGRAM FOR IBM COMPATIBLES $155 + $10 DELIVERY FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS FAX / PHONE (07) 378 1064 PO BOX 137 KENMORE 4069 64  Silicon Chip Akai have released two UHF/VHF, remote control, FST, (flat Screen Tube) colour TV sets with on screen display, sleep timer and A/V and RF input facilities. The CTK-2166 51cm set has a mono tuner 40 programme memory and twin dynamic speakers. The larger 59cm set, model CTK2576, is a high resolution set with stereo tuner, Teletext and A/V, SCART, RF and S video inputs. Front panel A/V inputs for easy VCR and camcorder connection are additional features. Priced at $699 (CTK-2166) and $1499 (CTK-2576) both models are covered by a twelve month parts and labour warranty and are available at selected retailers. For further information, contact Akai on (02) 763 6300 TDK mini disc released TDK has released their new recordable Mini Disc to the Australian market. The MD-XG Mini Disc is available in both 60 and 74 minute playing times. TDK's MD-XG 2.5-inch Mini Disc is fully compatible with the MD format and is recordable and erasable. The magneto-optical disc offers similar performance to CD including playback time, frequency response, and dynamic range. Over 10 years of research has gone into the development of the new MDXG Mini Disc. It employs a specially developed magnetic layer of Terbium Ferric Cobalt (TbFeCo) alloy that has been formed into a six layer structure using a proprietary sputtering technique. (Note: Terbium is a rare earth element). Prices for the MD-XG60 and MDXG74 are $19.95 and $23.95 respectively. TDK's new Mini Discs will be available at selected dealers only. For further information, contact TDK (Australia) Pty Ltd on (02) 437 5100. Micron Sure Shot desoldering tool One of the most frustrating tasks in electronics can be the removal and replacement of ICs, transistors and other component from PC boards. There is only one way to do it. You must heat up the solder joints for each lead of the component, suck off the excess solder and then remove the component. All this must be done quickly and without applying too much heat otherwise the component may be damaged (which should be avoided if it is merely suspected of being faulty) or the tracks of the PC board can be damaged. Till now, most people would have done the job using a conventional soldering iron plus a solder sucker or solder wick. Either way, the process is risky and you may need two or more ties at each solder joint to clear it. There has to be a better way. Sure there are vacuum powered desoldering machines with special heating bits but these are very expensive units which could not be justified by service technicans and enthusiasts. This is where the Micron Sure Shot desoldering machine enters the picture. It is, as its name suggests, a self contained desoldering tool with a temperature controlled bit. You place the tool on the soldered joint just long enough to melt it and then press the trigger button while still holding the heated bit on the joint. The solder instantly is sucked off by the machine and then you can move on to the next joint. Using a self contained machine like this is a dream compared to juggling a soldering iron and a solder sucker, probably while attempting to hold the PC board too. When you press the trigger button it activates a solenoid plunger which applies instant vacuum to the solder joint. The tool is well balanced and pleasant to hold and its name describes it well, "Sure Shot" – not hit and miss. The Sure Shot comes with full instructions, a spare bit, filters and a neat plastic carrying case. It sells for $349 and is available from Altronics, 174 Roe Street, Perth WA 6000 or any Altronics reseller. September 1993  65