Silicon ChipMarket Centre - August 2003 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Should we be part of Star Wars II?
  4. Order Form
  5. Feature: OLED Displays: Better Than Plasma Or LCD by Peter Smith
  6. Feature: Home Automation: It's Here by Ross Tester
  7. Project: PC Infrared Remote Receiver by Peter Smith
  8. Project: Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.1 by John Clarke
  9. Project: Home-Brew Weatherproof 2.4GHz WiFi Antennas by Rob Clarke
  10. Project: Fitting A Wireless Microphone To The PortaPAL by Ross Tester
  11. Project: Jazzy Heart Electronic Jewellery by Thomas Scarborough
  12. Product Showcase
  13. Project: The PICAXE, Pt.7: Get That Clever Code Purring by Stan Swan
  14. Weblink
  15. Project: A Digital Timer For Less Than $20 by Ross Tester & Jess Benning
  16. Vintage Radio: The HMV 42-71 migrant special by Rodney Champness
  17. Notes & Errata
  18. Book Store
  19. Back Issues
  20. Market Centre
  21. Advertising Index
  22. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the August 2003 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 31 of the 104 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 "PC Infrared Remote Receiver":
  • AT90S2313 firmware for the PC Infrared Remote Receiver (Software, Free)
  • PC Infrared Remote Control Receiver PCB pattern (PDF download) [07108031] (Free)
  • Panel artwork for the PC Infrared Remote Receiver (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.1":
  • PIC16F84A-20(I)/P programmed for the Digital Instrument Display for Cars [INSTRUM.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F84 firmware for the Digital Instrument Display for Cars [INSTRUM.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Digital Instrument Display for Cars PCB patterns (PDF download) [05108031/2] (Free)
  • Panel artwork for the Digital Instrument Display for Cars (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.1 (August 2003)
  • Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.1 (August 2003)
  • Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.2 (September 2003)
  • Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.2 (September 2003)
Items relevant to "Home-Brew Weatherproof 2.4GHz WiFi Antennas":
  • 2.4GHz Biquad WiFi Antenna PCB pattern (PDF download) [06108031] (Free)
Items relevant to "Fitting A Wireless Microphone To The PortaPAL":
  • PortaPAL PCB patterns (PDF download) (01103031-4) (Free)
  • Panel artwork for the PortaPAL (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • The PortaPAL Public Address System (February 2003)
  • The PortaPAL Public Address System (February 2003)
  • 12V SLA Battery Float Charger (March 2003)
  • The PortaPAL Public Address System; Pt.2 (March 2003)
  • The PortaPAL Public Address System; Pt.2 (March 2003)
  • 12V SLA Battery Float Charger (March 2003)
  • Fitting A Wireless Microphone To The PortaPAL (August 2003)
  • Fitting A Wireless Microphone To The PortaPAL (August 2003)
Items relevant to "Jazzy Heart Electronic Jewellery":
  • Jazzy Heart PCB pattern (PDF download) [08108031] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • PICAXE: The New Millennium 555? (February 2003)
  • PICAXE: The New Millennium 555? (February 2003)
  • The PICAXE: Pt.2: A Shop Door Minder (March 2003)
  • The PICAXE: Pt.2: A Shop Door Minder (March 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.3: Heartbeat Simulator (April 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.3: Heartbeat Simulator (April 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.4: Motor Controller (May 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.4: Motor Controller (May 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.5: A Chookhouse Door Controller (June 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.5: A Chookhouse Door Controller (June 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.6: Data Communications (July 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.6: Data Communications (July 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.7: Get That Clever Code Purring (August 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.7: Get That Clever Code Purring (August 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.8: A Datalogger & Sending It To Sleep (September 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.8: A Datalogger & Sending It To Sleep (September 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.8: The 18X Series (November 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.8: The 18X Series (November 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.9: Keyboards 101 (December 2003)
  • The PICAXE, Pt.9: Keyboards 101 (December 2003)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $20.00 (incl. GST) for up to 20 words plus 66 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $33.00 (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. Alternatively, fax the details to (02) 9979 6503 or send an email to silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au 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______________ Phone:_____________ Fax:_____________ Email:___________________ 102  Silicon Chip FOR SALE CDs FOR COMPUTER SOFTWARE. Write or phone for our FREE catalogue and price list. Raj c/o PO Box 1772, Kathmandu, Nepal. Phone +9771242817. WIDE RANGE OF RADIO AND TV VALVES, new in cartons from $10.00. K. McCormack, PO Box 158, Crookwell 2583. Phone/fax 02 4832 1996. BRAND NEW GRAPHIC LCD DISPLAYS 128 x 64. Small quantities available. Data Sheets available. $65.00 each + GST + Freight. Tel (08) 8263 6382. Fax (08) 8263 0776. Email: liftcells<at>chariot.net.au AUDIO DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS; SEMI’S, Low Beta droop Toshiba 2SA1302, 2SC3281; ALL 2N’s, all MPS’s inc 8055,8955; MJE’s & MJ’s from ‘ON’ for Motorola, VERY fast TO-126 Drivers available to ±85V rail. MOSFETS from SEMELAB and I.R.F., JFETS from N.S.C. & Burr&Brown(now under T.I.);TRANSFORMERS for Valve and Solid State from Australia & Canada; 10VA to > can’t lift it! TUBES, all types available. GUITAR & AMP parts and Speakers. All AUDIO components inc H.V. poly’s and very large Electro’s. Phone calls between 7pm and 9pm Australian E.S.T. OK. Email: lede<at>bigpond.net.au Ph: (08) 8927 0238 Fax: (08) 8927 7557 or write to LEDE ELECTRONICS, PO BOX 40313, CASUARINA, NT 0811, AUSTRALIA. S-Video . . . Video . . . Audio . . . VGA distribution amps, splitters, standards converters, tbc’s, switchers, cables, etc, & price list: www.questronix.com.au Unusual LEDs and lights: Picaxe08 RGB animation kits, Superflux RGB LEDs, RGB animating LEDs, Pink and UV LEDs, Krill Lightsticks, LED light­ sticks, plus a steadily expanding range of other interesting products. Check out www.alphalink.com.au/~spod www.siliconchip.com.au Silicon Chip Binders New New New Mark22-SM Slimline Mini FM R/C Receiver REAL VALUE AT $12.95 PLUS P & P  Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering  SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Price: $A12.95 plus $A5.50 p&p each (Australia only; not available elsewhere). Buy five and get them postage free. 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. speakerbits.com.au • • • • • 6 Channels 10kHz frequency separation Size: 55 x 23 x 20mm Weight: 25gm Modular Construction Electronics PO Box 580, Riverwood, NSW 2210. Ph/Fax (02) 9533 3517 email: youngbob<at>silvertone.com.au Website: www.silvertone.com.au Full range now available off the shelf in Australia Variable and trimmer capacitors, reduction drives, dials, ceramic stand-offs CATALOGUES AND PRICE LISTS NOW AVAILABLE UNIVERSAL DEVICE PROGRAMMER: Low cost, high performance, 48-pin, works in DOS or Windows incl. NT/2000. $1364. Universal EPROM programmer $467.50. Also adaptors, (E)EPROM, PIC, 8051 programmers, EPROM simulator and eraser. Dunfield 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: $198 each. Demo disk available. ImageCraft C Compilers: 32-bit Windows IDE and compiler. For AVR, 68HC­ 08, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16. $385.00 Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Hanwww.siliconchip.com.au 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. Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. Highest quality products made by UK Craftsmen ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED SOLE AGENTS FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND Need prototype PC boards? We have the solutions – we print electronics! Phone: (03) 9545 3722; JACKSON OF THE UK IS BACK Tel: (08) 8235 0744 Fax: (08) 8356 3652 FreeFax: 1800 673355 (Within Australia) Email: jackson<at>homeplanet.com.au Catalog 17078. Industrial Motherboard. 533MHz Front Side Bus, plus on-board Watch Dog Timer and Ethernet. This is a “well sorted” quality industrial board. For more detail: phone Microgram Computers (02) 4389 8444 or www.mgram.com.au Price: $A129.50 with crystal JACKSON BROS CHARLES I COOKSON PTY LTD GPO BOX 812, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 Foam surrounds,voice coils,cones and more Original parts for Dynaudio,Tannoy and others Expert speaker repairs – 20 years experience Australian agents for products Trade welcome – email for your user ID Phone (03) 9682 2487 & MADE TO ORDER PCBs For more details: www.acetronics.com.au Phone (02) 9600 6832 email: acetronics<at>acetronics.com.au dles the 89Cx051, 89C5x, 89Sxx in both DIP and PLCC44 and some AVR’s, most 8-pin EEPROMS. Includes socket for serial ISP cable. $220, $11 p&p. SOIC adaptors: 20 pin $132.00, 14 pin $126.50, 8 pin $121.00. Full details on web site. Credit cards accepted. GRANTRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. (02) 9896 7150 or http://www.grantronics.com.au WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed & direction, inside temperature, outside temperature & windchill. Records highs & lows with time and date as they occur. 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. Eco Watch phone: (03) 9761 7040; fax: (03) 9761 7050; Unit 5, 17 Southfork Drive, Kilsyth, Vic. 3137. ABN 63 006 399 480. USB KITS: Stepper Motor Controller, DTMF Transceiver, Thermometer, DDS HF Generator, Compass, 4-Channel Voltmeter, I/O Relay Card. Also available: Digital Oscilloscope, Temperature Loggers, VHF Receivers and USB Active X (and USBDOS.exe file) to control our kits from your application. www.ar.com.au/~softmark PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Any format, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Elec­tronics (02) 9586 4771. sesame777<at>optusnet.com.au; http:// members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec RCS HAS MOVED to 41 Arlewis St, Chester Hill 2162 and is now open, with full production. Tel (02) 9738 0330; Fax 9738 0334. rcsradio<at>cia.com.au; www.cia.com.au/rcsradio August 2003  103 Do You Eat, Breathe and Sleep Technology? Advertising Index Management & Sales Positions Acetronics..................................103 We are a rapidly growing, Australian-owned international retailer with more than 30 stores in Australia and we have a growing expansion program to open many more, so we need dedicated individuals to join our team to help achieve our goals. If you are customer focused, have an eye for detail, empathy for the products we sell and have recently completed a TAFE of University degree in electronics, we want to meet you. Career opportunities with full training are available now if you have the drive and ambition to make your future with Jaycar. We offer a competitive salary, sales commission and many other benefits. To apply for these positions please send your C.V. indicating the role you are interested in to the address shown below. AEMS...........................................76 Retail Operations Manager Jaycar Electronics Pty. Ltd. P.O. Box 6424 Silverwater NSW 1811 Fax: (02) 9741-8530 Email: jobs<at>jaycar.com.au Building speaker boxes? Mounting electrical components onto solid timber? You may need the Carba–tecTOOLS FOR WOOD catalogue!! We have Australia’s largest range of woodworking handtools & machinery. Please contact us for your FREE 220 page colour catalogue or come in & see us at: 32 PERCY AUBURN 2144 9649 5077 www.carbatec.com.au Jaycar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes staff from within the organisation. 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°. 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 software free. Heaps of features. Full details and credit card ordering available at www.oceancontrols. com.au KITS KITS AND MORE KITS! Check ’em out at www.ozitronics.com KIT ASSEMBLY 104  Silicon Chip Av-Comm Pty Ltd.......................104 BitScope Designs.........................83 Carba-Tec Tools.........................104 Clarke & Severn...........................83 David Hall Electronics..................73 Dick Smith Electronics........... 18-21 Eco Watch..................................103 Elan Audio....................................89 Gadget Central...........................IFC Grantronics................................103 Harbuch Electronics.....................74 Instant PCBs..............................104 Jackson Bros.............................103 Hy-Q International........................83 Jaycar ....................... 49-56,83,104 JED Microprocessors................5,83 Kalex............................................93 Microgram Computers............3,103 MicroZed Computers...................81 BUY FROM HONKERS, PAY IN OZ. Get many common passives, ICs and LCDs direct from Hong Kong but pay in Oz. http://www.kitsrus.com/kits3.html Leader Modbus Data Acquisition Modules analog inputs, RTD, Thermocouple, analog outputs, digital Inputs and output modules Labjack USB Data Acquisition Module features 8 12bit analog inputs, 20 digital I/O, 2 analog outputs and high speed counter. Free software, Labview driver and ActiveX component. DAS005 Parallel Port Data Acquisition Module features 8 12bit Analog inputs, 4 Digital I/Ps & 4 Digital O/Ps. Free windows software and source code. Dual Relay Modules suitable for TTL and Open Collector Outputs Programmers for Atmel and PIC microcontrollers. Switch Mode and Linear Power Supplies and DC-DC convertors. FAB Programmable Logic Controllers. Low cost, high performance. Programming software and SCADA Altronics........................ loose insert NEVILLE WALKER KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: • Australia wide service • Small production runs • Specialist “one-off” applications Phone Neville Walker (07) 3857 2752 Email: flashdog<at>optusnet.com.au Silicon Chip Circuit Ideas Wanted Do you have a good circuit idea? If so, sketch it out, write a brief description of its operation & send it to us. Provided your idea is workable & original, we’ll publish it in Circuit Notebook & you’ll make some money. We pay up to $60 for a good circuit so send your idea to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Oatley Electronics........................33 Printed Electronics.................... 103 Quest Electronics....................67,94 RCS Radio............................83,103 RF Probes....................................93 Silicon Chip Back Issues.... 100-101 Silicon Chip Binders..............94,103 Silicon Chip Bookshop........... 98-99 SC Car Projects Book...........62,IBC Silicon Chip Subscriptions.............7 Silvertone Electronics................103 Soundlabs Group.........................83 Speakerbits................................103 Splat Controls..............................75 Telelink Communications....83,OBC _________________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: RCS Radio Pty Ltd. Phone (02) 9738 0330. Fax (02) 9738 0334. www.siliconchip.com.au