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PRODUCT SHOWCASE New range of Wavetek “Meterman” test instruments A new range of high quality digital test instruments has been introduced by Fluke Australia. Under the “Wavetek Meterman” brand, the range of more than 60 meters ensures that the right test tool is available for the job. Included are models from digital multimeters to basic and speciality testers for lighting, electrical and electronics testing, clamp-on ammeters, component testers and speciality test tools. The Meterman range features large displays, extra fusing, safety test leads, “Digiglo” backlighting, live voltage safety testers, wrong input warning beepers and a complete line of accessories. The HD series of DMMs are described as “oops-proof” and have superior fusing, drop-proof plastic cases and are specially sealed to be waterproof and dustproof. The XT series, designed for most typical DMM applications, have features such as data hold, max hold and auto-off which are preferred by technicians in equipment repair. There is also a basic range of multitesters and speciality digital multimeters including pocket size and even a tiny pen-style meter for checking lighting, electrical and electronics functions. The clamp-on ammeters and DMMs are non-invasive (ie, no connection to the circuit is required) and include meters up to 1000A. There is also a low-cost C/R meter, a handheld LCR meter, logic probes and even a 3MHz function/sweep generator. One test tool we thought was really neat was a patented wire brush which is designed to find shorts – you simply wipe the brush across, say, a PC board and it beeps if it finds a short. There’s also a range of add-ons and accessories to suit the range including soft and hard-shell carrying cases, replacement and deluxe test lead kits, current transformers and transducers, temperature probes (for those meters which have temperature functions), rubber holsters and replacement fuses. Pictured is the Wavetek Meterman 85XT, a quality “true RMS” DMM which measures AC/DC to 20A, voltage to 1000V DC and 750V AC, resistance, continuity and also frequency to 200kHz and duty cycle. We featured this particular meter because one of these is being given away every month to the best contribution to SILICON CHIP’s “Circuit Notebook” columns. The Meterman 85XT is valued at around $380 so is a very worthwhile prize to win – and a very worthwhile addition to any technician’s or hobbyist’s test equipment armoury. Further details can be found in the “Circuit Notebook” pages. Contact: Fluke Australia Unit 26, 7 Anella Ave Castle Hill NSW 2154 Phone: (02) 8850 3333 Fax (02) 8850 3300 Website: www.metermantesttools.com FREE SPEAKER PROJECT Authorised Distributors in Australia & New Zealand DOWNLOADS visit www.mass.com.au PLUS all the data, info and price lists you need on world-famous VIFA and ScanSpeak drivers: Build-your-own or buy ready-made speakers. sales<at>mass.com.au Ph: (08) 9434 4030 Fax: (08) 9434 9423 June 2001  89 Digital TV gear deal from Microgram Here’s a great way to get into Digital TV and save money at the same time. Microgram Computers have a special offer this month on a Thomson Digital TV set-top box ) and a 2.4GHz audio/ video transmitter/receiver. With this combination you can watch Digital TV on one TV and also send it to virtually any other TV in your home. The Thomson set-top box was reviewed in SILICON CHIP April 2001. The two products normally sell for more than $1000 but for this month only, Microgram has them for just $929.00. Contact: Microgram Computers Phone: (02) 4389 8444 Fax (02) 4389 8388 Website: www.mgram.com.au AUDIO MODULES broadcast quality Oatley’s multi-function clever battery charger Oatley Electronics have come up with another bargain buy: a microprocessor-controlled charger/discharger which was originally designed for mobile phone batteries (and can obviously handle them!) but will also handle most types of Nicad and NiMH batteries of 4.8, 6 and 7.2V, probably much better than the charger supplied with your phone. You’ll need to make up an adaptor to handle your specific battery. And Oatley claim that by changing just one resistor the unit can also charge higher voltage batteries. It comes complete with a plugpack supply worth around $30 retail – yet Manufactured in Australia Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 the price for the whole thing (charger, plugpack and instructions) is only $30. Stock is available (until sold out) on a first come, first served basis. Contact: Oatley Electronics Phone: (02) 9584 3563 Fax (02) 9584 3561 Website: www.oatleyelectronics.com.au Pro-quality kits from DSE Dick Smith Electronics have submitted two newly-released kits for recent SILICON CHIP projects – and we’re impressed. The kits are for the LP Doctor and the PIC Programmer and TestBed, both of which appeared in the January 2001 issue. The LP Doctor, in particular, looks so professional you might find it hard to convince friends that you built it! Both kits feature solder-masked PC boards and come with all components and, most importantly, full instructions. These kits should now be available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, DSE PowerHouse stores and through DSE phone (1300 366 644) and online (www.dse.com.au) ordering. 90  Silicon Chip ONICSHOWCASELECTRON Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. VGS2 Graphics Splitter NEW! HC-5 hi-res Vid eo Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier For broadcast, audiovisual and film industries. Wide bandwidth, high output and unconditional stability with hum-cancelling circuitry, front-panel video gain and cable eq adjustments. 240V AC, 120V AC or 24V DC High resolution 1in/2out VGA splitter. Comes with 1.5m HQ cable and 12V supply. Custom-length HQ VGA cables also available. Check our NEW website for latest prices and MONTHLY SPECIALS www.questronix.com.au Email: questav<at>questronix.com.au Video Processors, Colour Correctors, Stabilisers, TBC’s, Converters, etc. QUESTRONIX All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS 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°. FROM Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) AV-COMM P/L, 24/9 Powells Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Tel: 02 9939 4377 or 9939 4378. Fax: 9939 4376; www.avcomm.com.au Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 0409 036 775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au Most Credit Cards OK T2 Electrical Tester Safety Recall from Fluke Australia Fluke Australia Pty Ltd has discovered a potential product malfunction which may effect the safety of T2 Electrical Testers and are taking voluntary action to recall this product. This potential malfunction applies to all T2 units with serial numbers greater than 7351XXXX. These units were shipped from Fluke beginning in June of 1999. The T2 has the potential to “lock up” in certain circumstances while checking voltages over 400V or in applications where high levels of static electricity or transients are present. When the tester “locks up” it stops working for approximately 8 minutes, after which the tester resets itself. The user may believe there is no voltage present when in fact there is. This could place the user in a potentially hazardous situation. Owners of T2 Electrical testers with serial numbers greater than 7351XXXX should send their units back to have the modifications completed. Send units to; Fluke Australia Service, Unit 26 / 7 Anella Avenue Castle Hill, NSW 2154 or back to their place of purchase. Please include all return delivery addresses. For further information please contact Fluke Australia Pty Ltd, Telephone : (02) 8850 3333 Facsimile : (02) 8850 3300. June 2001  91