Silicon ChipMarket Centre - December 1998 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Making do with old computers
  4. Review: Harman Kardon Signature Series by Leo Simpson
  5. Review: The Olympus ES10 Transparency Scanner by Ross Tester
  6. Product Showcase
  7. Project: Engine Immobiliser Mk.2 by John Clarke
  8. Project: Thermocouple Adaptor For DMMs by Rick Walters
  9. Back Issues
  10. Project: A Regulated 12V DC Plugpack by Ross Tester
  11. Order Form
  12. Project: Build Your Own Poker Machine; Pt.2 by Andersson Nguyen
  13. Vintage Radio: Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.2 by Rodney Champness
  14. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  15. Book Store
  16. Project: Making Use Of An Old PC Power Supply by Leo Simpson
  17. Feature: GM's Advanced Technology Vehicles by Julian Edgar
  18. Feature: Computer Bits by Greg Swain
  19. Feature: Index to Volume 11
  20. Market Centre

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

You can view 37 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.

Items relevant to "Engine Immobiliser Mk.2":
  • Engine Immobiliser Mk2 PCB pattern (PDF download) [05412981] (Free)
Items relevant to "Thermocouple Adaptor For DMMs":
  • Thermocouple Adaptor for DMMs PCB pattern (PDF download) [04112981] (Free)
  • Thermocouple Adaptor for DMMs panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "A Regulated 12V DC Plugpack":
  • Regulated 12V DC Plugpack panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Build Your Own Poker Machine; Pt.2":
  • Poker Machine PCB patterns (PDF download) [08112981/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine (November 1998)
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine (November 1998)
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Book Review (April 2003)
  • Book Review (April 2003)
Articles in this series:
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.1 (November 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.1 (November 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception, Pt.3 (January 1999)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception, Pt.3 (January 1999)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (October 1998)
  • Radio Control (October 1998)
  • Radio Control (November 1998)
  • Radio Control (November 1998)
  • Radio Control (December 1998)
  • Radio Control (December 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)

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 SPEAKERWORKS: specialist in speaker repairs and parts. DIY refoam kits: 3 1/2", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11", 12" and 15" $39.95. Includes shims, dustcaps and adhesive. Largest inventory of cones, surrounds, gaskets, spiders, dustcaps, grilles, foam and cloth and 4,700 custom voice coils. Phone 02 9420 8121, Fax 9420 8131. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC February 1998. Test equipment without the cost of telephone lines. $190. MAGNETIC CARD READER, SC January 1996. Holds up to 8 cards. Use as a door lock. $65. Melbourne 9806 0110. HOMEBUILT DYNAMO, engineering dreams into reality. “An absolutely marvellous book for the true ex­ perimentalist!” Elektor Electronics. (www.onekw.co.nz) 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. ____________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ____________ ____________ ___________ ___________ ___________ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip PICTUTOR: Programmer board + 32 tutorials for PIC84. Other models available. E.S.T. (02) 9789 3616. Fax (02) 9718 4762. RAIN BRAIN AND DIGI-TEMP KITS: 8 station sprinkler controllers, 60 channel temp monitor uses DS1820s over 500 metres. Has PC Data logging. Mantis Micro Products, http://www.home.aone.net.au/mantismp R E C H A R G A B L E BAT T E R I E S : NICAD, NIMH, individual cells, custom built packs. Mobile phone and video batteries, visit our web site: http://pbhsales.mtx.net Email: pbhsales<at>dove.net.au Telephone (08) 8541 2844; Fax (08) 8541 2833. 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. $199, $37 tax, $10 p&p. SOIC adaptors: 20-pin $90, 14-pin $85, 8-pin $80. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­T RONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150 or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au A NEW address for Acetronics http://www.acetronics.com.au On-line PCB quotes, free software, DIY PCB supplies plus many other items & services. 02 9743 9235. SOLAR PANELS: Buy by mail and save! 75 watt from $590.00, unbreakable s/steel 64 watt $555.00. Largest manufactured: 120 watt $995.00, flexible 32 watt $475.00. Limited stock 22 watt $195.00. All other sizes available, top brands, lowest prices. INVERTERS: budget inverters from $110.00 (12V 140W). High quality pure sine wave inverters from $390.00. Call with your requirements. TASMAN ENERGY Free call 1800 226626. ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SERVICES: digital & analog, embedded & Windows/PC based designs, complete solutions or design advice/ assistance. Phone 03 9807 9886. Email caddy<at>netspace.net.au 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. 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. 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. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 VIDEO SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT. SPECIALS: 380 x 0.2 SILICON CCD MODULES only $59! C O M P L E T E PAC K AG E D C C T V SETS see page 31 EA Feb 98 only $249! DOME HOUSINGS only $5! 50 LED DIY Infra-Red Illuminators only $19! MODULES: PREMIUM 400 + Line x 0.05 Lux SONY H.A.D. CCD & CHIPSET from $91. CAMERAS: mini 36 x 36 from $88. Dome from $91. DIGITAL COLOUR CAMERS & MODULES: 400 + Line from $180! DOME from $185! 600 + Line from $346! ACCESSORIES: 30 + Lenses, Infra-Red Illuminator Kits, IR LEDs, Polarising, Colour, Infra-Red, Temperature Conversion, Cut & Pass Filters for Image Enhancement, Exposure, Colour Correction, Focus & Glare Control. ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT: Quads 4 pix 1 screen from $280. SWITCHERS 4 & 8 Ch from $126. MULTIPLEXERS FULL-SCREEN FULL-RESOLUTION VCR Recording/Playback from $826. ALSO: Monitors, Outdoor Housings, Brackets, Dummy Cams, CCTV-TV/ VCR I/F Modules, Motorised Pan Units, etc. CCTV-TV/VCR Modulator/Mixer/Amplifier Modules from $14. PACKAGED SETS! QUAD + 4 CAMERAS + Power Supplies from $689. 400 + Page CCTV Technical Reference Manual $95 or FREE! 2 Year WARRANTY available for most items! DISCOUNTS: based on ORDER VALUE, BUYING HISTORY, for CASH/CHEQUE & NEW ZEALAND BUYERS! BEFORE you BUY Ask for our Illustrated Catalogue/Price List with Application Notes. Allthings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. AMATEUR, CB RADIO & other Consumer Electronics Trading Centre can be found at www.mackay.net.au/~ajl WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed & direction, inside temperature, outside temperature & windchill. Records highs & lows with time and date as they occur. $420.00 complete plus sales tax if appli­c able. Optional rainfall and PC interface. Used by Government Departments, farmers, pilots, and weather enthusiasts. Other models with barometric pressure, humidity, dew point, solar radiation, UV, leaf wetness, etc., etc. Just phone, fax or write for our FREE catalogue and price list. Solar Flair/Ecowatch ph: (03) 5968 4863 fax: (03) 5968 5810, PO Box 18, Emerald, Vic., 3782. ACN 006 399 480. RTN Australia Parallax distributor: Basic Stamps, SXKey develop­m ent tools and SX chips. Wireless RF modules, serial LCD modules, Basic Stamp Bug, etc, etc. FerretTronics >R/C servo control chips. NEW: HandyScope 2 from Europe, 2 channel/12 bit portable measur­ i ng instrument, it’s a voltmeter, digital storage CRO, transient recorder and spectrum analyser. All in a very small Positions At Jaycar We are often looking for enthusiastic staff for positions in our retail stores and head office at Rhodes in Sydney. A genuine interest in electronics is a necessity. Phone 02 9743 5222 for current vacancies. robot-Oz box powered off a parallel port. DOS and Windows software provided. Ph/ Fax (03) 9338-3306. email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet 1A LASER DIODE Driver, 3W head laser power monitor, IR laser diode with housing, greatly reduced price, e-mail lmatthee<at>perthpcug.org.au for details and pictures. PCBS MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics (02) 9554 9760 sesame<at>internetezy.com.au http:// members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec KIT ASSEMBLY ANY KITS assembled/calibrated: professional, speedy service. Phone Nev­ille Walker (07) 3857 2752. Circuit Ideas Wanted If you have a good circuit idea, sketch it out, write a brief description & send it to us for publication in Circuit Notebook. We pay up to $60 for a good circuit but don’t make it too big please. December 1998  95 14 Model Railway Projects Shop soiled but HA LF PRICE! Our stocks of this book are now limited. All we have left are newsagents’ returns which means that they may be slightly shop soiled or have minor cover blemishes. Otherwise, they're undamaged and in good condition. SPECIAL CLEARANCE PRICE: $3.95 + $3 P&P (Aust. & NZ) Advertising Index Altronics................................. 60-61 Bainbridge Technologies..............22 Dick Smith Electronics..................... ................................ IFC,OBC,10-13 Harbuch Electronics....................90 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar ....................... 45-52,95,IBC Kalex............................................72 Kits-R-Us.....................................95 Microgram Computers...................3 Printed Electronics.......................95 This book will not be reprinted Yes! Please send me _____ copies of 14 Model Railway Projects at the special price of $A3.95 + $A3 p&p (p&p outside Aust. & NZ $A6). Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­A__________ or please debit my  Bankcard     Visa Card    MasterCard Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________  Card expiry date______/______ ______________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT Street Quest Electronics........................72 Scan Audio....................................7 Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 38-39 Silicon Chip Bookshop.................73 Card No. Name Procon Technology......................95 ______________________________________________________ Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........53 Silicon Chip Binders/Wallchart....85 Solar Flair/Ecowatch....................95 Suburb/town_________________________________ Postcode_________ Solis.............................................96 Send your order to: SILICON CHIP, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097; or fax your order to (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 and quote your credit card number (Bankcard, Visa Card or MasterCard). Taig Machinery............................90 Truscott’s Electronic World.............7 Valve Electronics.........................67 World Of Robotics.......................15 HELP SAVE THE NIGHT SKY! We are losing our heritage of starry night skies. Poor, inefficient outdoor lighting is causing glare and “light pollution”. This wastes energy and increases greenhouse gas emissions. You can help by joining SYDNEY OUTDOOR LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY (SOLIS). SOLIS aims to educate and inform about quality outdoor lighting and its benefits. We also lobby councils, government and other bodies to promote good lighting practice. SOLIS meetings are held third Monday night of each month at Sydney Observatory. Individual membership is $20 pa. Donations are also welcome. Cheques payable to “SOLIS c/- NSAS”, PO Box 214, West Ryde 2114. Email: tpeters<at>pip.elm.mq.edu.au 96  Silicon Chip Zoom EFI Special........................79 _____________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: •  RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 9587 3491. •  Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730.