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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Don’t just play games . . . FEEL them! Here’s a new product for computer games players that will just about knock you right out of your seat! It’s called the Aura Interactor Cushion and is claimed to give a real 3D sound experience. Instead of just listening to the speakers and watching the screen, you sit against this special cushion and actually feel the action. In fact, the Interactor Cushion is not just for personal computers. It’s also said to be ideal for adding “feeling” to home audio/home theatre equipment; even VCRs and portable CD players –everything from the spine-tingling excitement of an adventure movie to the energy of a symphony orchestra. “As if you were inside the game, movie or music itself”, they say. The Interactor package includes the cushion, an adjustable power amplifier capable of about 15 watts, a 240V power adaptor and all necessary connecting cables. It also comes with a detailed instruction manual along with a “quick start” card showing the connections for the 99% of people who don’t read manuals! The system is essentially a sub-woofer system which has transducers instead of speakers. These transducers couple the bass signal into the lower back, which is what you “feel”. There is a some audio output from the cushion but this is somewhat muffled, especially when used in a lounge chair. The existing system speakers or headphones would still be required, especially for “serious” listening. Fortunately, a 3.5mm “Y” adaptor is included in the package. The system is designed to operate from the “line out” sockets on most audio equipment or from the headphone socket on a portable stereo. It would appear that a fair amount of drive is needed as we found both the “volume” control on the portable stereo and the “power” control on the Interactor amplifier had to be at maximum to gain any useful action from the cushion. We didn’t have the opportunity to try the system with a line level signal. The Aura Interactor comes from Jaycar Electronics stores and is in fact part of a surplus stock purchase. For this reason the price is a very attractive $79.95 – according to Jaycar’s Managing Director, Gary Johnston, the normal retail price should be well over $200. Jaycar also sell some of the components for the system, including the power supply which could be very handy for hobbyists with a 23V, 1.25A AC centre-tapped output – almost perfect for making a ±12 volt DC supply. Enquiries to Jaycar Electronics stores or head office at 8-10 Leeds St, Rhodes NSW 2138. Tel (02) 9743 5222, Fax (02) 9743 2066. 22  Silicon Chip Robotics kits to build Looking for something different for a child this Christmas? How about a robot? Or, more specifically, a build-ityourself robot kit? Not only will they learn a lot about robots and robotics as they build the kit, they’ll also have a lot of fun with it when it’s finished. World of Robotics, of Belmont (Vic) has introduced a range of robotics kits suitable for all ages. While there are several beginner and intermediate kits (which are basically pre-assemblies), of most interest to SILICON CHIP readers would be the “advanced experience” kits which require the constructor to put the kit together from scratch – including soldering components onto PC boards. We had the opportunity to look at a couple of the advanced kits and were impressed by the quality of components and especially the presentation. Australia has seen a number of kit ranges introduced from overseas and, to be frank, they have not always passed muster. Our first reaction on looking at the instructions on these kits was that they reminded us of the presentation of the old “Heathkit” range. Those old enough to remember Heathkit would no doubt also remember that they set the standard by which all kits, past and present, are judged. It’s no faint praise then to put the Robotic kits in a similar class. It is perhaps not surprising to find that they, like Heathkit, come from USA. One kit we looked at closely, the WAO II, has a detailed, step-by-step instruction manual running to 64 pages. Illustrations are very well done – and there’s even a section on how to solder for beginners. What’s more, the book is full of testing tips plus troubleshooting sections for when something doesn’t work the way it is supposed to. A limited range of tools is required to put it together – cutters, pliers, soldering iron and a screwdriver or two will just about get you through the process. So what is the WAO II? It is a programmable, intelligent robot with a 4-bit microcomputer controlling its actions. Through 26 keys you can input the motion program and the WAOII will obey those instructions. It is battery operated, separate batteries being used to power the motors and computer. Communication with a personal computer is also possible through an optional interface card. Sure, as a robot it’s pretty basic. But then most robots are very basic devices, designed to perform a limited number of tasks with precision a n d r e p e a t a b i l i t y. The likelihood of the speaking, human-type robot of Hollywood movie fame is still quite a way off. But real robots such as the WAOII are here now and will be fascinating for any child with an enquiring mind (recommended age 12 and up, given the soldering and construction required). WAOII is priced at $155 (other kits available from $39.95), from World of Robotics, 110 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont, Vic 3216. Tel (03) 5241 9481; fax (03) 5241 9089 e-mail frances<at> mail.austasia.net First quad speed DVD-ROM drives Hitachi Australia has started shipping a DVD-ROM drive with four times normal speed operation. The GD-2500 drive has a transfer rate of 5.52MB/s and gives a storage capacity of 8.5GB (4.7GB per side), or seven times the capacity of current CD-ROMs. This is enough space to store a 135 minute MPEG-2 encoded film or video, with room to spare for multiple soundtracks and/ or subtitles. The drives are fully compatible with existing CD-ROM formats, including CD-R and CD-RW. DVD-R discs are also compatible. The drive, with an estimated price of $345 inc tax is already available in limited quantites through distributors and dealers. Enquiries to Hitachi Australia Ltd, 13-15 Lyonpark Rd, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Tel (02) 9888 4100, Fax (02) 9888 4188, website www.hitachi.com.au Outdoor telecommunications NiCad from SAFT A long life, durable Nickel-Cadmium battery intended for external telecommunications applications, has been released by SAFT Australia. The Ultima Plus has a pocket plate design and is claimed to have a 20-year lifespan. With a generous electrolyte reserve, thermal runaway is eliminated and the battery is expected to be maintenance-free at normal temperatures. Even when operated at 40oC, top-up will only be required after 10 years, according to SAFT Managing Director, Richard Jensen. Enquiries to SAFT Australia Pty Ltd, Unit 7, 20 Powers Rd, Seven Hills NSW. Ph (02) 9674 0700, Fax (02) 9629 9990. December 1998  23