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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Editor Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Robert Flynn Rick Walters Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Advertising Enquiries Leo Simpson Phone (02) 9979 5644 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Garry Cratt, VK2YBX Julian Edgar, Dip.T.(Sec.), B.Ed John Hill Mike Sheriff, B.Sc, VK2YFK Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW 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) 9979 5644. Fax (02) 9979 6503. PUBLISHER'S LETTER Welcome to the 100th issue of SILICON CHIP Can it really be? Yes, this issue is our 100th. SILICON CHIP started operations back in August 1987 and the November 1987 issue, Volume 1, Number 1, was launched in the preceding month, October. At the time, there were many people who thought we were extremely foolhardy in starting this magazine, given that there were already three Australian contenders well established and lots of imported electronics magazines as well. Indeed, we felt rather audacious ourselves. There were tough times in those first few years but I am glad to write that virtually all of the people who were involved in the production of that first issue are still associated with us today. And many of our readers who purchased our first issues are still buying it and looking forward to its arrival each month. To those people in particular, we extend our thanks because without a large and loyal readership no magazine can exist for long. Our thanks too, to our regular advertisers, whose loyalty also contributes to the content and viability of SILICON CHIP. I should also single out Gary Johnston of Jaycar Electronics for special thanks. Without his promise of advertising support and his encouragement in our tentative beginnings, SILICON CHIP would not have started. Today, the electronics magazine field has changed markedly from the position when we started. Now there are only two Austra­lian electronics magazines and many of the foreign magazines have dropped by the wayside as well or at least they are no longer available in newsagents. As we look forward to producing our 200th issue, we are sure that the electronics scene will continue to be as dynamic as it has been. Computers will continue to inexorably make their presence felt in every line of human endeavour and integrated circuits will continue to get smaller and yet more powerful. Most importantly, people who know and keep informed about electronics will continue to have an edge. They will always be more likely to be employed and they will enjoy rather than shun new technology. We feel that as technology and society grow ever more com­plex, those who have at least some understanding of electronics will always be better prepared to adapt and prosper. It is our continuing challenge to keep you, the readers, always informed about and entertained by electronics. Thanks for your continuing support. 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