Silicon ChipMarket Centre - March 1996 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Selling Telstra is the wrong move
  4. Feature: Traction Control: The Latest In Car Technology by Julian Edgar
  5. Feature: Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.1 by Bryan Maher
  6. Project: Programmable Electronic Ignition System For Cars by Anthony Nixon
  7. Project: A Zener Diode Tester For Your DMM by John Clarke
  8. Project: Automatic Level Control For PA Systems by John Clarke
  9. Serviceman's Log: Sound reasons for confusion by The TV Serviceman
  10. Feature: Remote Control by Bob Young
  11. Project: A 20ms Delay For Surround Sound Decoders by John Clarke
  12. Order Form
  13. Back Issues
  14. Feature: Computer Bits by Geoff Cohen
  15. Product Showcase
  16. Project: Build A Simple Battery Tester For Around $5 by John Clarke
  17. Vintage Radio: A console with a difference by John Hill
  18. Book Store
  19. Market Centre
  20. Advertising Index
  21. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the March 1996 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 28 of the 96 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments.

For full access, purchase the issue for $10.00 or subscribe for access to the latest issues.

Articles in this series:
  • Traction Control: The Latest In Car Technology (March 1996)
  • Traction Control: The Latest In Car Technology (March 1996)
  • Traction Control In Motor Racing; Pt.2 (April 1996)
  • Traction Control In Motor Racing; Pt.2 (April 1996)
Articles in this series:
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.1 (March 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.1 (March 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.2 (April 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.2 (April 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.3 (May 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.3 (May 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.4 (August 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.4 (August 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.5 (September 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.5 (September 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.6 (February 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.6 (February 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.7 (March 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.7 (March 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.8 (April 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.8 (April 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.9 (May 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.9 (May 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.10 (June 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.10 (June 1997)
Items relevant to "Programmable Electronic Ignition System For Cars":
  • Programmable Electronic Ignition System PCB pattern (PDF download) [05103961] (Free)
Items relevant to "Automatic Level Control For PA Systems":
  • Automatic Level Control PCB pattern (PDF download) [01303961] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Remote Control (June 1995)
  • Remote Control (June 1995)
  • Remote Control (March 1996)
  • Remote Control (March 1996)
  • Radio Control (April 1996)
  • Radio Control (April 1996)
  • Radio Control (May 1996)
  • Radio Control (May 1996)
  • Radio Control (June 1996)
  • Radio Control (June 1996)
  • Radio Control (July 1996)
  • Radio Control (July 1996)
  • Radio Control (August 1996)
  • Radio Control (August 1996)
  • Radio Control (October 1996)
  • Radio Control (October 1996)
Items relevant to "A 20ms Delay For Surround Sound Decoders":
  • 20ms Delay PCB pattern (PDF download) [01401961] (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)
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE KITS KITS KITS: Electronic kits for enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Top quality. Large range. Free catalog and price list available. Call Ozitronics, 24 Ballandry Crescent, Greensborough 3088. Tel/Fax: (03) 9434 3806 email: ozitronics<at>c031. aone.net.au START WITH A MICROZED KIT then when your "test the market", small run project hits the big league MicroZed can help you with alternative schemes and quantities ex stock at the right pricing. CHEAP MICROCONTROLLER SYSTEM: 8MHz 280. Program via printer port. No EPROM or EPROM programmer needed. 32K RAM battery backed. 128 digital I/O. 32 analog inputs. Can run stand alone. Professional software with pulldown menus, text editor, simulator, compiler, dumper, reader and extensive help. Min XT/AT & EGA/VGA. Price includes circuit and all software (components extra, cost approx $65). Send $49.95 to N. Moxham, 23 Arizona Tce, Glenalta SA 5052. SATELLITE DISHES: international reception of Intelsat, Panamsat, Gori­ zont,Rimsat. Warehouse Sale – 4.6m dish & pole $1499; LNB $50; Feed $75. All accessories available. Videosat, 2/28 Salisbury Rd, Hornsby. Phone (02) 482 3100 8.30-5.00 M-F. MEMORY * DRIVES * MODEMS SPECIAL! (Incl Tax) 1Mbx9 – 70ns Simm $60 1Mbx9 – 80ns Simm $45 SIMMS (Parity/No Parity) 4MB 30 PIN-70 $175 $179 4MB 72 PIN-70 $177 $145 8MB 72 PIN-70 $347 $288 16MB 72 PIN-70 $695 $572 32MB 72 PIN-70 $1389 $1210 EDO SIMMS 8MB (2Mbx32)-60ns $369 16MB (2Mbx32)-60ns $683 MAC 8MB P’BOOK $470 VIDEO MEMORY 256KX16 70ns (SOJ) $24 256KX16 70ns (ZIP) $58 LASER PRINTER MEMORY HP 2MB UPGRADE $156 CO-PROCESSORS 80387SX/DX to 40MHz $90 COMPAQ 8MB CONTURA AERO $445 TOSHIBA PORTEGE/SATELLITE 8MB / 16MB $554 / $1105 DRIVES SEAGATE 850MB EIDE 11ms 3yr $318 1080MB EIDE 10.5ms 3yr $360 1080MB SCSI 9ms 5yr $484 MODEMS (Includes Sales Tax) 14,400 BANKSIA 5yr W $283 14,400 SPIRIT 2yr W $203 28,800 BANKSIA V.FC $321 28,800 SPIRIT V.34/V.FC $410 Phone for other products not listed A REAL BARGAIN: Riston type copper clad laminate. Develop cold, no toxic fumes, easy to use. Excellent results. Single sided 610x304 $34; 305 x 304 $17.50; 152 x 305 $9.95; 152 x 152 $6.50. Double-sided also available. 2 litre developer mix, worth $2.50, free this month. Add sales tax if applicable. Delivery $6.00. Money back guarantee. Ph (02) 743 9235. Fax (02) 644 2862. DonTronics HAS MICROCHIP PIC GEAR: Programmers from $20 to $225, PICBASIC: 64 $50, 57 $40, 84 $40, EEPROM: 93LC56 $5, 24LC16B $8, 24LC65 $16, CPU: 84/04/P $12, 57/04/P $12, 64/04/P $17. Serial and parallel I/F kits and lots of other stuff. VISA-MC-BC. Ask for free Promo Disk. ftp://laby­r inth.net.au/home/donmck/ public-html/index.htm. 29 Ellesmere Crescent, Tulla­marine 3043. (03) 9338 6286. Fax (03) 9338 2935. MicroZed HAVE GOOD stock of 12-bit A/D serial I/O chips for Stamp applications. These have two inputs or single differential input configurable by software. C COMPILERS: Dunfield compilers are now even better value. Everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC16, 8051/2, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $140.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers for these CPUs + 68000/01/03/05 amd 6502: $140 for the set. Debug monitors: $70 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $400. 8051/52 or 80C320 simulator (fast): $70. Demo disk: FREE. PELHAM Suite 6, 2 Hillcrest Rd, Pennant Hills, 2120. Ph: (02) 9980 6988 Fax: (02) 9980 6991 MICROCRAFT PRESENTS: Dunfield (DDS) products are now available exstock at a new low price; please ask for our catalogue. Micro C, the affordable “C” compiler for embedded applications. Versions for 8051/52, 8086, 8096, 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11 or 68HC16 $139.95 each + $3 p&h • Now on special is the SDK, a package of ALL the DDS “C” compilers for $399 + $6 p&h • EMILY52 is a PC based 8051/52 high speed simulator $69.95 + $3 p&h • DDS demo disks $7 + $3 p&h • VHS VIDEO from the USA (PAL) “CNC X-Y-Z using RCS RADIO PTY LTD RCS Radio Pty Ltd is the only company that manufactures and sells every PC board and front panel published in SILICON CHIP, ETI and EA. RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491 Scott Edwards Electronics BASIC Stamp I and II NEW Micro 68HC11 F1 boards and now 80535 (up spec 8051) both boards with BASIC, FORTH, ASM, Small C 80535 board has 8052AH INTEL BASIC installed 24 I/O expansion board now in stock for both boards EX TAX PRICING AS AT JANUARY ‘96 Sales Tax 22%, O/Night Delivery $8. Ring For Latest Prices. Credit Cards Welcome. We Also Buy And Trade-In Memory. All prices +$5 p&p. GRANTRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph/Fax (02) 631 1236 or Internet: lgrant<at>mpx.com.au Versa Tech TICkit – a 21 I/O PIC based controller Accessories for Stamp and second source for Stamp 1 Recently developed accessories now available MicroZed Computers To order or enquire: PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350. (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (067) 722 777  Fax (067) 728 987 Mobile (014) 036 775 Credit Cards OK Get your project on the way in hours, not months. Send two 45c stamps for information package March 1996  95 Advertising Index CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 for up to 12 words plus 50 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $25 per column centimetre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. To run your classified ad, print it clearly in the space below or on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the form & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. Altronics ....................................IFC Av-Comm.....................................59 Car Projects Book....................OBC Defence Force Recruiting............31 Dick Smith Electronics........... 18-21 Electronic Valve & Tube Co..........89 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Harbuch Electronics....................81 Instant PCBs................................95 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Jaycar .........................................53 Kits-R-US.....................................83 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Macservice............................ 10-11 MicroZed Computers...................95 Oatley Electronics.................. 78-79 Pelham........................................95 Railway Projects Book...............IBC _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ RCS Radio ..................................95 Rod Irving Electronics .......... 67-71 Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 72-73 ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Silicon Chip Bookshop.................91 Card No. ✂ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my Silicon Chip Software..................39 _________________________________ PC Boards Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: Name ______________________________________________________ • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491. Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ car alter­nators” (uses car alternators as cheap power stepper motors!) $49.95 + $6 p&h (includes diagrams) • Device programming EPROMs/PALs etc from $1.50 • Fixed price electronic design and PCB layout • Credit cards accepted • All goods sent certified mail • Call Bob for more de­tails. MICROCRAFT, PO Box 514, Concord NSW 2137. Phone (02) 744 5440 or fax (02) 744 9280. EDUCATIONAL ELECTRONIC KITS: Easy to build. Guaranteed to work. Good quality. Latest technology. Cheap. Good selection. LESSON PLANS FOR TEACH­ERS. Send $2 stamp for catalogue and price list. Log onto our bulletin board for full details. DIY Elect­ron­ics, 22 96  Silicon Chip McGregor St, Numurkah 3636. Ph/Fax (058) 62 1915. E-Mail: laurie.c<at>cnl.com .au BBS (058) 62 3303 COMPLETE WORKSHOP PROGRAM: suit IBM compatible 386 or better computer. Handles: Stock Control, Sales, Service Records, Debits, Credits, Faults, Service Manuals and Phone Directory. Full price $399.00. For demo disk, phone or fax your details to (045) 71 1640. Jack Albers Electronics & Software Development. NEW SPRINKLER CONTROLLER KITS: RAIN BRAIN version uses ‘C8 and switch mode supply. Features galore!! Contact Mantis Micro Pro­ducts, • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730. 38 Garnet St, Niddrie 3042. Phone/fax (03) 337 1917. 68HC705 DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM: Oztechnics, PO Box 38, Illawong, NSW 2234. Phone (02) 541 0310, fax (02) 541 0734. Email: info<at>oztechnics.­com.au WWW: http://www.hutch.com.­au./~ozt­ ech/index.htm. SERVICE & REPAIRS PATRA ELECTRONICS: assembly and repairs of all kits. Repairs of electronic equipment. Call Peter on (02) 718 1202 or 015 215957.