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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus. Editor Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Robert Flynn Darren Yates, B.Sc. Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Sharon Macdonald Advertising Enquiries Leo Simpson Phone (02) 979 5644 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Garry Cratt, VK2YBX Marque Crozman, VK2ZLZ John Hill Jim Lawler, MTETIA Bryan Maher, M.E., B.Sc. Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW Jim Yalden, VK2YGY Bob Young Photography Stuart Bryce SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 003 205 490. All material copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Macquarie Print, Dubbo, NSW. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $49 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the subscription page in this issue. Editorial & advertising offices: Unit 34, 1-3 Jubilee Avenue, Warrie­ wood, NSW 2102. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 979 5644. Fax (02) 979 6503. PUBLISHER'S LETTER Trivialising science & technology will not help to promote it These days, the products of science and technology surround us and we enjoy the benefits to the full. Paradoxically though, science and technology appear to be becoming less popular in schools and universities. Students appear to be taking the softer options of humanities-based courses rather than the more rigorous courses required for science and engineering. This is a serious problem and one which is occurring in most western economies. The lack of interest in science and technology can be attributed to a number of factors. For a start, there is a disenchantment with science and technology since it is now recognised that it does not have the cures and solutions for all the world’s problems. Second, with the loss of much tradi­tional manufacturing to the oriental and developing countries, it is perceived that there are less job opportunities for engineers and technicians. That second point is arguable but it is a per­ception nonetheless. While this problem is serious, it does not have an easy solution. Certainly, it will not be helped by the efforts of some organisations to popularise science and technology. I am thinking particularly of museums and the makers of science programs for television. When you visit museums these days, the emphasis seems to be on “hands-on” or interactive displays. Hence, museums have a tendency to become vast video games parlours where all sorts of science is supposed to be illustrated but not much is learnt. Now I agree that museums with working exhibits are more interesting than those where all displays are static but this all out effort to make everything interactive is counterproductive. But if museums are on the wrong tack, some science program makers are completely off course as they have a strong tendency to trivialise their material. Prime examples of this are “Beyond 2000”, which has degenerated into little more than a showcase of fairly boring products from overseas, and the current ABC program “Hot Chips”. I suppose the name says it all – it is the “fast food” approach to science and technology. The ABC program “Quan­ tum” is far better and its presenter Karina Kelly at least gives the impression that she is interested and committed to the fea­tured topics. Let’s face it, there is no easy way to promote science and technology. The sooner museums and other would-be promoters realise that, the better. Most people are interested and eager to take advantage of the latest developments in science and technology. It is sad to see that interest dissipated by halfbaked efforts to capitalise upon it. Leo Simpson ISSN 1030-2662 WARNING! SILICON CHIP magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of SILICON CHIP magazine. Devices or circuits described in SILICON CHIP may be covered by patents. SILICON CHIP disclaims any liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. SILICON CHIP also disclaims any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws. Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Trade Practices Act 1974 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable. 2  Silicon Chip