Silicon ChipMarket Centre - October 1999 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: DC power in the home; would it make sense?
  4. Feature: Sharing A Modem For Internet & Email Access by Greg Swain
  5. Project: Backup Battery For Cordless Phones by Leo Simpson
  6. Serviceman's Log: Did lightning strike at all? by The TV Serviceman
  7. Project: Build The Railpower; Pt.1 by John Clarke & Leo Simpson
  8. Feature: Introducing Home Theatre by Louis Challis
  9. Feature: Internet Access - Reduced Prices by SILICON CHIP
  10. Order Form
  11. Project: Semiconductor Curve Tracer by Charles Hansen & Rick Walters
  12. Project: Autonomouse The Robot; Pt.2 by John Clarke
  13. Product Showcase
  14. Vintage Radio: Jim Birtchnell and his radios by Rodney Champness
  15. Feature: The Ultimate Programmable Remote Control by Leo Simpson
  16. Project: An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.6 by Rick Walters
  17. Book Store
  18. Back Issues
  19. Notes & Errata
  20. Market Centre
  21. Advertising Index
  22. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the October 1999 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 "Backup Battery For Cordless Phones":
  • Cordless Phone Battery Backup PCB (PDF download) [12512991] (PCB Pattern, Free)
Items relevant to "Build The Railpower; Pt.1":
  • Railpower PCB pattern (PDF download) [09308991] (Free)
  • Railpower panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Build The Railpower; Pt.1 (October 1999)
  • Build The Railpower; Pt.1 (October 1999)
  • Railpower Model Train Controller; Pt.2 (November 1999)
  • Railpower Model Train Controller; Pt.2 (November 1999)
  • Railpower Model Train Controller; Pt.3 (December 1999)
  • Railpower Model Train Controller; Pt.3 (December 1999)
Items relevant to "Semiconductor Curve Tracer":
  • Semiconductor Curve Tracer PCB patterns (PDF download) [04110991/2] (Free)
  • Semiconductor Curve Tracer panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Autonomouse The Robot; Pt.2":
  • Autonomouse The Robot PCBs patterns (PDF download) [08409991-3] (PCB Pattern, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Autonomouse The Robot (September 1999)
  • Autonomouse The Robot (September 1999)
  • Autonomouse The Robot; Pt.2 (October 1999)
  • Autonomouse The Robot; Pt.2 (October 1999)
Items relevant to "An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.6":
  • DOS software and sample files for the XYZ Table with Stepper Motor Control (Free)
  • XYZ Table PCB patterns (PDF download) [07208991-2, 08409993] (Free)
  • XYZ Table panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.1 (May 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.1 (May 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.2 (June 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.2 (June 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.3 (July 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.3 (July 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.4 (August 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.4 (August 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.5 (September 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.5 (September 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.6 (October 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.6 (October 1999)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FRWEEBE YES! Place your classified advertisement in SILICON CHIP Market Centre and your advert will also appear FREE in the Classifieds-on-the-Web page of the SILICON CHIP website, www.siliconchip.com.au And if you include an email address or your website URL in you classified advert, the links will be LIVE in your classified-on-the-web! S! D E I F I S C LAS EXCLUSIVE TO SILICON CHIP! CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $11.00 (incl. GST) for up to 12 words plus 55 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $27.50 (incl. GST) 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) 9979 6503. Taxation Invoice ABN 49 003 205 490 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ 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 FOR SALE TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC Feb. 1998. Test equipment without the cost of telephone lines. $190. MAGNETIC CARD READER, SC Jan. 1996. Holds up to 8 cards. Use as a door lock. $65. Melbourne 9806 0110. ELECTRONIC/MECHANICAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: we offer a complete design service for electronic and mechanical devices. Most work is done in house and you deal directly with the designers. No job is too small and can be to prototype or “turn key” stage, in one offs or for future production. Simply send us an email at vladimir<at>u030.aone.net.au with your questions or requirements and we will get back to you. 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 appli­cable. 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. 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. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS for all magazine projects, then go to http:// www.cia.com.au/rcsradio RCS Radio – Bexley (+61 2) 9587 3491. STAMP 2: complete development system consisting of Basic Stamp 2, Stamp 2 carrier board, stamp jumper connectors, Basic Stamp 2 development kit (consisting of a comprehensive manual, development software and cables). Never been used. The lot for half retail price $160. Phone Spencer on (02) 4871 1953 or email brown_spencer_9<at>hotmail.com ELECTRONICS FOR BEGINNERS COURSES, including DC & AC Principles and Operational Amplifiers. Enquiries: 02 9130 7988. WORKBOOKS FOR SALE: “Electronics For Beginners”: Stage 1, DC Electrical Principles; Stage 2, AC Electrical Principles & Operational Amplifiers. Phone 02 9130 7988. Win $500USD cash dontronics.com PC-CONTROLS: Receiver 144148MHz (PLL), DS2401 ID-Reader, Temperature Recorder (DS1615), AF Generators, Temperature measurement, I/O cards, Data Logging, ActiveX. Ph/Fax (02) 9482 1565. http:// www.ar.com.au/~softmark 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. Satellite TV Reception International satellite TV reception in your home is now affordable. Send for your free info pack containing equipment catalog, satellite lists, etc or call for appointment to view. We can display all satellites from 76.5° to 180°. 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. 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 FREE Heat Shrink Tubing with Camera orders this Month * VIDEO & STEREO 2.4 GHz Multi Channel TRANSMITTERS & Scanning RECEIVERS from $142 * PIR MOVEMENT DETECTOR inbuilt concealed PINHOLE Mono or DSP COLOUR Camera, Microphone & Timer/Controller for VCR - Lights - etc from $139 * BULLET CAMERAS 22 mm dia 480 Line 0.05 lux SONY CCD or DSP COLOUR from $132 * QUADS 4 Pix 1 screen from $256 HI-RES better than SUPER-VHS Quality * Modules 32 x 32 from $76 also with Tiny Hi-Sens On-Board MICROPHONE * COLOUR DSP 32 x 32 mm Pinhole Module with MICROPHONE from $155 * MINI 36 x 36 from $85 - SONY CCD $102 - COLOUR DSP $162 * DOME from $88 - SONY CCD $105 COLOUR DSP $164 * Video BALUNS from $11 * DIY PAKS: 4 Cameras, Switcher & Supply from $499 - with 14" Monitor from $601 with MUX for FULL SCREEN / RESOLUTION RECORDING from $1209 * 4 COLOUR CAMERAS, SWITCHER & POWER SUPPLY from $807 - with COLOUR QUAD 4 Pix 1 Screen from $1211 * With MUX $2033 * COLOUR QUADS from $512 * COLOUR DUPLEX MUX from $1329 * 14" MONITORS from $218 - with Inbuilt 4 Ch SWITCHER from $256 * SEE-in-the-DARK CAMERA & INFRARED ILLUMINATOR Kits from $19 * ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT * DISCOUNTS * BEFORE YOU BUY Ask about New Enquiry Offer & visit our Web Site at www.allthings.com.au Ph (08) 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905 AV-COMM P/L, 198 Condamine St, Balgowlah, NSW 2093. Tel: 02 9949 7417 or 9948 2667. Fax: 9949 7095; www.avcomm.com.au Silvertone’s RC Receiver Still the best little performer available! Ph: (03) 98306288     Fax: (03) 98306481 1/3 PRICE HEATSHRINK TUBING. CSA UL 125C 2 : 1 Shrink GP 600 Volt from 20 cents. www.allthings.com.au SATELLITE TV DIGITAL RX NTSC to PAL MPEG-2 FTA EPG Encryp­tion CAM from $399. www.allthings.com.au C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086, 8096 or AVR: $155.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 for $78. Debug monitors: $78 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $78. 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 Still only $129.50 AM or $149.50 FM. May be used with most ppm transmitters. This and many other radio control products available from: Silvertone Electronics, PO Box 580, Riverwood 2210. Phone/Fax (02) 9533 3517. www.silvertone.com.au 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. GRAN­TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150; Fax (02) 9631 1236; or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au October 1999  95 Silicon Chip Binders Keep your copies safe, secure and always available with SILICON CHIP binders: they’re cheap insurance! REAL VALUE AT $12.95 PLUS P &P   Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering Advertising Index Altronics................................. 34-36 Aust. Audio Consultants...............73 Av-Comm Pty Ltd.........................95 Clarke & Severne........................73 Coffs Harbour Electronics............73   Each binder holds up to 14 issues so that you can include catalogs Computronics Corporation..........73 Convoy International................OBC  SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Dick Smith Electronics........... 12-15 EMC Technologies.......................73 Harbuch Electronics....................71 Price: $12.95 plus $5 p&p each (available Aust. only) Instant PCBs................................95 Order by phoning (02) 9979 5644 & quoting your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503; or mail your order with cheque or credit card details to Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Janteknology Distribution..........IFC Jaycar .............................. 45-52,95 Kalex............................................69 Kits-R-Us.....................................95 SATELLITE TV on your PC * PCI Card * Digital MPEG Video & Audio * High Speed Internet down link * Record Full Motion Video off-Air * www.allthings.com.au SOLAR PANELS: 120 watt $995.00, 80 watt $650.00, 60 watt $510.00, 40 watt $395.00 (all with 25 year guarantee). UNBREAKABLE PANELS: 64 watt $550.00, 42 watt $420.00, 32 watt $340.00, 11 watt $190.00, 5 watt $120.00, 1.25 watt $80.00. WIND GENERATORS: 400 watt $950.00. INVERTERS: sinewave inverters, inverter/chargers, mod. Sinewave inverters, call with requirements. AUST­RALIA WIDE DELIVERY (Free on orders over $500.00). TASMAN ENERGY: (03) 6362 3050 Fax (03) 6362 3054. VIDEO STEREO TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS $149 Multi Channel up to 500 metres. www.allthings.com.au 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 MicroZed Computers...................73 Oatley Electronics........................19 Printed Electronics...................... 95 Procon Technology......................95 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 Questronix...................................73 BITZ 25W Transceivers Sat TV RXs VCRs ABS CROs Yagis Isolation TXs CCTV Equip Gas Detectors 16 mm Projectors Components www.allthings.com.au Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 88-89 KIT ASSEMBLY Solar Flair/Ecowatch....................94 ANY KITS assembled/repaired: professional, speedy service. Phone Nev­ille Walker (07) 3857 2752. 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 Microgram Computers..............3,73 RobotOz......................................73 R.T.N............................................73 SC Computer Omnibus...............11 Silicon Chip Bookshop........... 86-87 Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........53 Silvertone Electronics..................95 Telelink Communications.............73 Truscott’s Electronic World...........69 Zoom EFI Special......................IBC _____________________________ 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.