Silicon ChipMarket Centre - April 1998 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Auckland's blackout is a timely lesson
  4. Review: Philips DVD840 Digital Video Disc Player by Leo Simpson
  5. Feature: Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 by Julian Edgar
  6. Review: VET Anti-Virus Software by Ross Tester
  7. Back Issues
  8. Feature: Satellite Watch by Garry Cratt
  9. Serviceman's Log: Lightning can cause strange faults by The TV Serviceman
  10. Project: An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.1 by Rick Walters
  11. Order Form
  12. Feature: Computer Bits by Jason Cole
  13. Book Store
  14. Project: 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.1 by John Clarke
  15. Project: PC-Controlled 0-30kHz Sinewave Generator by Mark Roberts
  16. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  17. Feature: A Chook Raffle Program For Your PC by Rick Walters
  18. Vintage Radio: A farewell, an introduction & a Little General by Rodney Champness
  19. Project: Build A Laser Light Show by Branco Justic
  20. Subscriptions
  21. Notes & Errata: NiCad zapper Apr 1994; 5-digit tachometer Oct 1997
  22. Market Centre
  23. Advertising Index
  24. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the April 1998 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 32 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:
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)
Articles in this series:
  • Satellite Watch (January 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (January 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (March 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (March 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (August 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (August 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (October 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (October 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (May 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (May 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1998)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1998)
  • Satellite Watch (January 1999)
  • Satellite Watch (January 1999)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1999)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1999)
Items relevant to "An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.1":
  • Automatic Garage Door Controller PCB patterns (PDF download) [05104981-2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.1 (April 1998)
  • An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.1 (April 1998)
  • An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.2 (May 1998)
  • An Automatic Garage Door Opener; Pt.2 (May 1998)
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)
Items relevant to "40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.1":
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply PCB pattern (PDF download) [04304981] (Free)
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.1 (April 1998)
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.1 (April 1998)
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.2 (May 1998)
  • 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply; Pt.2 (May 1998)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (January 1998)
  • Radio Control (January 1998)
  • Radio Control (February 1998)
  • Radio Control (February 1998)
  • Radio Control (March 1998)
  • Radio Control (March 1998)
  • Radio Control (April 1998)
  • Radio Control (April 1998)
Items relevant to "A Chook Raffle Program For Your PC":
  • BASIC source code and DOS software for the Chook Raffle Program (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE 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 on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the form below & 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) 9979 6503. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Card No. ✂ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $145.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 now combined at the new low price of $75. Debug monitors: $75 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $75. Try the C-FLEA Virtual Machine for small CPUs, build a “C-Stamp”. Demo desk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles the 89Cx051, the 89C5x and 89Sxx series, and the new AVRs in both DIP and PLCC44. Also does most 8-pin EEPROMs. Includes socket for serial ISP cable. $189, $35 tax, $10 p&p. 20-pin SOIC adaptor only $70. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­ TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150 or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au HOMEMADE GENERATORS: how to instructions. Eight pages free text and colour photos on the Internet at: http://www.onekw.co.nz/ SIMPLE PIC84 PROGRAMMER: various models available. Also PIC-driven moving message and digit displays. EST Electronics (02) 9789 3616, Fax (02) 9718 4762, or www.nettrade.com.au/sesame/ A HOT SPOT FOR CHEAP PCB SUPPLIES, raw stock, drills etc plus quality manufactured boards is located at http://www.accsoft.com.au/~acetronics or phone 02 9743 9235. PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics Ph/fax (02) 9554 9760. sesame<at>nettrade.com.au http://nettrade.com.au/sesame/ !VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS & ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT! PCB Modules $79! SONY 0.05 lux $99! MINI CAMERAS $99 (see p72 SC Dec). DOME $99 (see p41 EA Jan). COLOUR MODULES $269! (see p49 EA Dec) 450 LINE $399! 50 LED IR Lamp Kits $29 (see p41 EA Feb)! QUAD SCREEN PROCESSORS 4 Pix 1 Screen only $339! Accessories: 21 Lenses 2.1 - 16mm, MicroFine Focus, Infra-Red Cut, Pass & Polarising Filters. We stock 380-570 Line Resolution, 0.05 lux Low Light & Infra-Red sensitive with 1/4" & 1/3" HIGH RESOLUTION SILICON (not low res CMOS) CCD Sensors from SONY, SHARP & SAMSUNG, 28 x 28 PCBs, Digital Signal Processing Colour. UP TO 24 MONTH WARRANTY! Before you buy ask for our ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE/PRICE LIST with Appli­cation Notes. Allthings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. HARD TO GET MODULES & KITS. Laser diode module, 650nm, 15mW, 3V-5V, easy adjustable focus, brass case, 31mm long, 10mm diam. 25cm wires. $140. Same LD module but 5mW, $40. Kit 113 control 2 unipolar steppers to 3A from a PC. All contained in RS232 D-shell case. $27. Kit 109 control one unipolar stepper with 5804 IC. $27. P/P extra. All components, PCB & software supplied. Software may be d/l free from our web site at http://kitsrus.com Email: peter<at>kitsrus.com Fax: (852) 2725 0610 DIY Electronics. VHF RADIO TELEPHONE fixed station unit. Vinteen Comms. July 1965. 80.82MHz. 4 VHF 80.48MHz Rye Overland radios. AWA 25m/5 car radiophone 80.48MHz. Ex Rescue Squad equipment. (H) 02 6959 4303 (W) 02 6951 1136. R.T.N. Parallax AUS/NZ distributor. Special on till July 98, a complete StampBus motherboard which holds KITS-R-US PO Box 314 Blackwood S.A. Ph/fax 08 8270 3175 FMTX2A Universal Stereo Coder $49 FMTX2B 30mW Xtal Locked 100MHz Transmitter $49 FMTX1 1-3 Watt Free Running Transmitter $49 FMX1 200mW Full Broadcast Transmitter, built & tested $499 FM220 10-18 Watt FM BGY133 Philips Linear $499 FM1525 25 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $499 FM2100 110 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $699 FM3000 300 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $1499 Philips 828E/A VHF Receiver Boards (6 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF Receiver Boards (2 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF transmitter boards 1 watt (2 metres) $19 Philips 323 UHF transmitter boards 500mW (70cm) $19 AEM 35 Watt Little Brick Audio Power Amp $15 Digi-125 200W RMS Audio Power Amp $39 CA Clipper Compiler, new in box $49 6dBd Gain Colinear FM Band Antenna $999 Roll Smart-1 FM Station Audio Processor $999 Free catalog on disk of discounted surplus components Same day shipping, credit cards OK, circuits supplied. MicroZed Computers BASIC STAMPS & PIC Tools Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. SX Key Ver 1.0 now in stock. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 YES!!! THE ORIGINAL IS STILL THE BEST our CCTV - TV/VCR Video/Audio Interface Modulator-Mixer-Antenna Booster Module has: a Crystal Controlled Phase Locked Loop for Stability & Accuracy, 48+ Channels, Two Stage Booster. Proven Design & Reliability “Over 14 Years in Production” ONLY! $20! Allthings Sales & Serv­ices. Ph 08 9349 9413. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 014 036775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au/~microzed Most Credit Cards OK Need prototype PC boards? We have the solutions – we print electronics! Four-day turnaround, less if urgent; Artwork from your own positive or file; Through hole plating; Prompt postal service; 29 years technical experience; Inexpensive; Superb quality. PRESTON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS Now at 172 HIGH STREET, PRESTON, VIC (Corner of Bell and High Streets) Phone: (03) 9484 0191 Specialising in a wide range of: TV Antennas – Resistors – Cables – Circuit Boards – Capacitors – Sprays – PCB Artwork – Instrument Cases – Relays – Kit Sets – Semiconductors (all types) – Trimpots – Photo Sensitive – Transformers – Switches – Alarm/Security Equipment – CB Radios & Accessories. We are approved resellers for Altronics, DSE and RPG Products! Printed Electronics, 12A Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150. Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. the Basic Stamp1 chip­set a serial LCD driver module and a 2*8 LCD module. Ideal ex­pandable starter kit for $110.00 includes tax. and postage to any location in AUS/NZ. Programming software and examples supplied also. Now also carry the FerretTronics range of R/C servo control chips. Email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet Ph/fax/ans (03) 9338 3306. CRO 40MHz bandwidth, 2 channel, dual time base, goodwill brand. Includes 2 x 1x/10x switchable probes. Excellent condition $600. Ph (03) 9354 1076. FOR SALE: LCD HANDHELD OSCILLOSCOPE with batteries and charger. Cost $449. Sell for $300 or offer. Phone (02) 6452 6396. DONTRONICS can be found at: http://www.dontronics.com WANTED MAY 1990 ISSUE of SILICON CHIP. Phone Colin 07 4776 5022. Silicon Chip Binders ★  Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering ★  Each binder holds up to 14 issues ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover REAL VALUE AT $12.95 PLUS P &P Price: $12.95 plus $5 p&p each (Aust. only) Just fill in & mail the handy order form in this issue; or fax (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number. April 1998  95