Silicon ChipVisual BASIC 3.0 - The New Standard? - June 1994 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Most security lighting is a waste of electricity
  4. Feature: News: Nissan's Future Electric Vehicle by Julian Edgar
  5. Feature: Electronic Engine Management; Pt.9 by Julian Edgar
  6. Feature: Moving Map Display For Helicopters by Silicon Chip
  7. Project: 200W/350W Mosfet Amplifier Module by Anthony Holton
  8. Project: A Coolant Level Alarm For Your Car by John Clarke & Leo Simpson
  9. Project: An 80-Metre AM/CW Transmitter For Amateurs by Darren Yates
  10. Project: The Stoney Broke Loudspeaker System by Leo Simpson
  11. Serviceman's Log: Around the world for sixpence by The TV Serviceman
  12. Order Form
  13. Project: Convert Your Phono Inputs To Line Inputs by Leo Simpson
  14. Project: A PC-Based Nicad Battery Monitor by Darren Yates
  15. Feature: Computer Bits by Darren Yates
  16. Review: Visual BASIC 3.0 - The New Standard? by Darren Yates
  17. Feature: Remote Control by Bob Young
  18. Vintage Radio: Timber cabinets, antique dealers & vintage radio prices by John Hill
  19. Feature: Amateur Radio by Garry Cratt, VK2YBX
  20. Back Issues
  21. Product Showcase
  22. Notes & Errata: Remote Control Extender for VCRs, April 1994; Induction Balance Metal Locator, May 1994; Champ Audio Amplifier, February 1994
  23. Market Centre
  24. Advertising Index
  25. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 1994 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 35 of the 96 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments.

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Articles in this series:
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.1 (October 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.1 (October 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.2 (November 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.2 (November 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.3 (December 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.3 (December 1993)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.4 (January 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.4 (January 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.5 (February 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.5 (February 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.6 (March 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.6 (March 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.7 (April 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.7 (April 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.8 (May 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.8 (May 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.9 (June 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.9 (June 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.10 (July 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.10 (July 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.11 (August 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.11 (August 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.12 (September 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.12 (September 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.13 (October 1994)
  • Electronic Engine Management; Pt.13 (October 1994)
Items relevant to "A Coolant Level Alarm For Your Car":
  • Car Coolant Level Alarm PCB pattern (PDF download) [05305941] (Free)
Items relevant to "An 80-Metre AM/CW Transmitter For Amateurs":
  • 80m AM/CW Amateur Transmitter PCB pattern (PDF download) [06106941] (Free)
Items relevant to "Convert Your Phono Inputs To Line Inputs":
  • Inverse RIAA Filter PCB pattern (PDF download) [01105941] (Free)
Items relevant to "A PC-Based Nicad Battery Monitor":
  • DOS software for the PC-Based Nicad Battery Monitor (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Computer Bits (July 1989)
  • Computer Bits (July 1989)
  • Computer Bits (August 1989)
  • Computer Bits (August 1989)
  • Computer Bits (September 1989)
  • Computer Bits (September 1989)
  • Computer Bits (October 1989)
  • Computer Bits (October 1989)
  • Computer Bits (November 1989)
  • Computer Bits (November 1989)
  • Computer Bits (January 1990)
  • Computer Bits (January 1990)
  • Computer Bits (April 1990)
  • Computer Bits (April 1990)
  • Computer Bits (October 1990)
  • Computer Bits (October 1990)
  • Computer Bits (November 1990)
  • Computer Bits (November 1990)
  • Computer Bits (December 1990)
  • Computer Bits (December 1990)
  • Computer Bits (January 1991)
  • Computer Bits (January 1991)
  • Computer Bits (February 1991)
  • Computer Bits (February 1991)
  • Computer Bits (March 1991)
  • Computer Bits (March 1991)
  • Computer Bits (April 1991)
  • Computer Bits (April 1991)
  • Computer Bits (May 1991)
  • Computer Bits (May 1991)
  • Computer Bits (June 1991)
  • Computer Bits (June 1991)
  • Computer Bits (July 1991)
  • Computer Bits (July 1991)
  • Computer Bits (August 1991)
  • Computer Bits (August 1991)
  • Computer Bits (September 1991)
  • Computer Bits (September 1991)
  • Computer Bits (October 1991)
  • Computer Bits (October 1991)
  • Computer Bits (November 1991)
  • Computer Bits (November 1991)
  • Computer Bits (December 1991)
  • Computer Bits (December 1991)
  • Computer Bits (January 1992)
  • Computer Bits (January 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1992)
  • Computer Bits (March 1992)
  • Computer Bits (March 1992)
  • Computer Bits (May 1992)
  • Computer Bits (May 1992)
  • Computer Bits (June 1992)
  • Computer Bits (June 1992)
  • Computer Bits (July 1992)
  • Computer Bits (July 1992)
  • Computer Bits (September 1992)
  • Computer Bits (September 1992)
  • Computer Bits (October 1992)
  • Computer Bits (October 1992)
  • Computer Bits (November 1992)
  • Computer Bits (November 1992)
  • Computer Bits (December 1992)
  • Computer Bits (December 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1993)
  • Computer Bits (February 1993)
  • Computer Bits (April 1993)
  • Computer Bits (April 1993)
  • Computer Bits (May 1993)
  • Computer Bits (May 1993)
  • Computer Bits (June 1993)
  • Computer Bits (June 1993)
  • Computer Bits (October 1993)
  • Computer Bits (October 1993)
  • Computer Bits (March 1994)
  • Computer Bits (March 1994)
  • Computer Bits (May 1994)
  • Computer Bits (May 1994)
  • Computer Bits (June 1994)
  • Computer Bits (June 1994)
  • Computer Bits (July 1994)
  • Computer Bits (July 1994)
  • Computer Bits (October 1994)
  • Computer Bits (October 1994)
  • Computer Bits (November 1994)
  • Computer Bits (November 1994)
  • Computer Bits (December 1994)
  • Computer Bits (December 1994)
  • Computer Bits (January 1995)
  • Computer Bits (January 1995)
  • Computer Bits (February 1995)
  • Computer Bits (February 1995)
  • Computer Bits (March 1995)
  • Computer Bits (March 1995)
  • Computer Bits (April 1995)
  • Computer Bits (April 1995)
  • CMOS Memory Settings - What To Do When The Battery Goes Flat (May 1995)
  • CMOS Memory Settings - What To Do When The Battery Goes Flat (May 1995)
  • Computer Bits (July 1995)
  • Computer Bits (July 1995)
  • Computer Bits (September 1995)
  • Computer Bits (September 1995)
  • Computer Bits: Connecting To The Internet With WIndows 95 (October 1995)
  • Computer Bits: Connecting To The Internet With WIndows 95 (October 1995)
  • Computer Bits (December 1995)
  • Computer Bits (December 1995)
  • Computer Bits (January 1996)
  • Computer Bits (January 1996)
  • Computer Bits (February 1996)
  • Computer Bits (February 1996)
  • Computer Bits (March 1996)
  • Computer Bits (March 1996)
  • Computer Bits (May 1996)
  • Computer Bits (May 1996)
  • Computer Bits (June 1996)
  • Computer Bits (June 1996)
  • Computer Bits (July 1996)
  • Computer Bits (July 1996)
  • Computer Bits (August 1996)
  • Computer Bits (August 1996)
  • Computer Bits (January 1997)
  • Computer Bits (January 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1997)
  • Windows 95: The Hardware That's Required (May 1997)
  • Windows 95: The Hardware That's Required (May 1997)
  • Turning Up Your Hard Disc Drive (June 1997)
  • Turning Up Your Hard Disc Drive (June 1997)
  • Computer Bits (July 1997)
  • Computer Bits (July 1997)
  • Computer Bits: The Ins & Outs Of Sound Cards (August 1997)
  • Computer Bits: The Ins & Outs Of Sound Cards (August 1997)
  • Computer Bits (September 1997)
  • Computer Bits (September 1997)
  • Computer Bits (October 1997)
  • Computer Bits (October 1997)
  • Computer Bits (November 1997)
  • Computer Bits (November 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1998)
  • Computer Bits (April 1998)
  • Computer Bits (June 1998)
  • Computer Bits (June 1998)
  • Computer Bits (July 1998)
  • Computer Bits (July 1998)
  • Computer Bits (November 1998)
  • Computer Bits (November 1998)
  • Computer Bits (December 1998)
  • Computer Bits (December 1998)
  • Control Your World Using Linux (July 2011)
  • Control Your World Using Linux (July 2011)
Articles in this series:
  • Remote Control (October 1989)
  • Remote Control (October 1989)
  • Remote Control (November 1989)
  • Remote Control (November 1989)
  • Remote Control (December 1989)
  • Remote Control (December 1989)
  • Remote Control (January 1990)
  • Remote Control (January 1990)
  • Remote Control (February 1990)
  • Remote Control (February 1990)
  • Remote Control (March 1990)
  • Remote Control (March 1990)
  • Remote Control (April 1990)
  • Remote Control (April 1990)
  • Remote Control (May 1990)
  • Remote Control (May 1990)
  • Remote Control (June 1990)
  • Remote Control (June 1990)
  • Remote Control (August 1990)
  • Remote Control (August 1990)
  • Remote Control (September 1990)
  • Remote Control (September 1990)
  • Remote Control (October 1990)
  • Remote Control (October 1990)
  • Remote Control (November 1990)
  • Remote Control (November 1990)
  • Remote Control (December 1990)
  • Remote Control (December 1990)
  • Remote Control (April 1991)
  • Remote Control (April 1991)
  • Remote Control (July 1991)
  • Remote Control (July 1991)
  • Remote Control (August 1991)
  • Remote Control (August 1991)
  • Remote Control (October 1991)
  • Remote Control (October 1991)
  • Remote Control (April 1992)
  • Remote Control (April 1992)
  • Remote Control (April 1993)
  • Remote Control (April 1993)
  • Remote Control (November 1993)
  • Remote Control (November 1993)
  • Remote Control (December 1993)
  • Remote Control (December 1993)
  • Remote Control (January 1994)
  • Remote Control (January 1994)
  • Remote Control (June 1994)
  • Remote Control (June 1994)
  • Remote Control (January 1995)
  • Remote Control (January 1995)
  • Remote Control (April 1995)
  • Remote Control (April 1995)
  • Remote Control (May 1995)
  • Remote Control (May 1995)
  • Remote Control (July 1995)
  • Remote Control (July 1995)
  • Remote Control (November 1995)
  • Remote Control (November 1995)
  • Remote Control (December 1995)
  • Remote Control (December 1995)
Articles in this series:
  • Amateur Radio (November 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1990)
  • The "Tube" vs. The Microchip (August 1990)
  • The "Tube" vs. The Microchip (August 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1995)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1995)
  • CB Radio Can Now Transmit Data (March 2001)
  • CB Radio Can Now Transmit Data (March 2001)
  • What's On Offer In "Walkie Talkies" (March 2001)
  • What's On Offer In "Walkie Talkies" (March 2001)
  • Stressless Wireless (October 2004)
  • Stressless Wireless (October 2004)
  • WiNRADiO: Marrying A Radio Receiver To A PC (January 2007)
  • WiNRADiO: Marrying A Radio Receiver To A PC (January 2007)
  • “Degen” Synthesised HF Communications Receiver (January 2007)
  • “Degen” Synthesised HF Communications Receiver (January 2007)
  • PICAXE-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver (October 2008)
  • PICAXE-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver (October 2008)
  • Half-Duplex With HopeRF’s HM-TR UHF Transceivers (April 2009)
  • Half-Duplex With HopeRF’s HM-TR UHF Transceivers (April 2009)
  • Dorji 433MHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2012)
  • Dorji 433MHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2012)
Visual BASIC 3.0: the new standard? Visual BASIC has taken the world by storm & is fast becoming the programming standard for creating Microsoft Windows packages. We have taken a look at the latest version & can state that it really works well. By DARREN YATES Question: what computer language was introduced more than 20 years ago and has evolved to still be at the forefront now? Answer: BASIC. Just as the Spitfire of World War II saw many changes and variations throughout its life, the basic design could not be mistaken as it flew through the skies of Europe. In the same way, BASIC has seen many variations, additions and improvements over the years to the point where it is now seen as the easiest, most economical and one of the most powerful ways to program for Windows. While there are two versions of Visual BASIC currently available – one for DOS and one for Windows, it’s the one for Windows which really deserves the most attention. To run Visual BASIC for Windows version 3.0 requires at least Windows 3.0 but it runs optimally runs under Windows 3.1. Memory requirements are said to be at least 2Mb but it will run faster with 4Mb. You’ll also need a hard disc with about 12Mb of space, an EGA or better monitor, and a mouse. When you get hold of the package, the first thing you notice is its weight! This is not from piles of 3.5-inch floppies but mostly due to the two large manuals that come with it. These have just on 700 pages each, so you can expect to have done quite a lot of reading by the time you’re up and running the system properly. The programmer’s guide takes care of language concepts and using the development system while the language reference details each instruction and how it is used. The overwhelming thing you’ll find when flicking through the manuals for June 1994  69 the first time is the myriad of commands that look nothing like those of the old QuickBASIC. In fact, the big disap­pointment about Visual BASIC is that many of the old QuickBASIC instructions are not supported. The impression is that because you now have access to the Windows programming environment, you no longer need these “antiquated” instructions. Programming environment As with many programs these days, installation is basically a non-event. You load the Windows Program Manager, run the SETUP program on the first disc and it literally does the rest. All you need to do is fill out your registration card while you watch the graphics appear on the screen. The programming environment will probably throw most people at first glance because it looks nothing like what most program­mers would be used to. It’s fair to say that, by moving from DOS to Windows, the whole approach to programming has been changed. Back in the days of GWBASIC, just about every program was designed as a top-down program; ie, the program decided where the user would go and that usually meant starting at the top and working your way through to the bottom of the program where the END statement was found. Nowadays, programs are written using a method known as object-oriented programming where instead of the program deciding the user’s course, the user decides where the program goes next. Windows is the perfect example of this and when programming for Windows, you are really forced to follow the same format if you wish to take advantage of its graphical user interface (GUI). So instead of just writing code that goes from start to finish, you have to write code in sections or subroutines that take into account whatever the user may wish to do with your particular application. And because Windows is such a graphical interface, you have to program the windows or “forms” the user sees. However, this is actually quite easy thanks to the development environment. In fact, it’s very much like setting out a page in just about any desktop publishing system. To program in the forms, you simply click on icons in the tool box to 70  Silicon Chip This is an example layout of a form. It was created using the directory & disc tools available from Visual BASIC’s toolbox. These two tools allow you to display the directories of a given disc drive without the need to generate code. The program is activated by the two command buttons (Quit & OK). The Properties box (left) contains all the parameters of a given form, including size, colour, font & font size. The main Toolbox (above) contains all the common Windows functions; eg, dialog boxes, command buttons & scroll bars. This is the first screen of the SetupWizard installation utility. This utility generates the setup program for easy installation of your program into the Windows environment. drag down labels and command buttons, as well as pictures and icons. You have access to around 200 icons plus there are many hundreds more available on shareware which leads me to another point. Inside the package is a little catalog from BASICPro magazine which details many third-party add-on packages to add to your Visual BASIC, many of which are supported by software compa­nies here in Australia. This is a great idea because as good as Visual BASIC is, there is a definite lack in access support for the hardware ports; ie, no IN or OUT statements. However, there are a few third party companies that have packages to support these commands. Setup Wizard One of the features in version 3 which will attract a lot of interest is the new Setup Wizard utility. This program allows you to create the professional-looking setup programs for your finished product just like the one Windows uses. It automatically takes care of all the files you need and generates the master distribution discs. These can then be copied onto discs for users and they can then install the program using this setup utility. You have to provide the directory name that the program should be stored in but the user can change this when installation is taking place. There is no need for the end user to have to figure out how to install the program or where to put it. Language development If you can remember back to the days of the Commodore 64, many of which are still being used today, the BASIC language it used was quite primitive, providing only a few high-level func­ t ions. Quick BASIC improved things greatly by being able to in­clude subroutines, as well as having easy access to the BIOS and DOS routines. Now that Visual BASIC has arrived, it would seem that the complexity of the language has increased markedly and this can be either a bad or a good thing. Although there are an incredible number of instructions which allow you to do just about every­thing except brush your teeth, you have to have a memory capable of storing half a telephone book to get really on top of it. It’s not until you look at the manuals that you realise just how much is involved in writing programs for Windows and I think that was the main influence on making the development environment as functional and as powerful as possible. Flexibili­ty with this language is the key to it being able to produce just about any application you can think of. OLE capability One of the other new features which will make Visual BASIC 3 a success is its object-linking and embedding (OLE) control. This allows Visual BASIC to display and manipulate data from other Windows-based programs such as Microsoft Excel. This makes it easy to incorporate professional graphics into your programs without having to sit down and draw them line by line. The overwhelming impression is that this has been de­signed for business applications however it should be possible to incorporate circuit diagrams from say AutoCAD for Windows which will make it useful in the electronics field. All in all, Visual BASIC is a winner if you need to produce professional programs for Windows and take advantage of its position in the market place. Essentially, it bring Windows programming to a language that has long been considered as a hacker’s code. Obviously, Microsoft doesn’t agree. However, with Windows 4 due for release later this year, the word is out that the old DOS has only a few more years left in it. So in order to remain at the top of the programming heap, Visual BASIC and products like it will have to take over from the industry standard QuickBASIC 4.5 and the like. If this is the case, later versions of Visual BASIC must include easier access to hardware ports and provide more information on programming them. It still has a way to go to match QuickBASIC on that score! Visual BASIC 3.0 is available in two versions. The standard version costs $249 and contains everything you need to write the average program plus the SetupWizard utility. The Profes­ sional version retails for about $650 and contains some extra utilities, as well as information on all the routines available in the Window’s application programming interface (API). You can contact your nearest Microsoft dealer SC for more details. June 1994  71