Silicon ChipMarket Centre - November 2003 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: The valve circuit we said we would never publish
  4. Feature: Electronic Noses Smell A Big Future by Peter Holtham
  5. Order Form
  6. Feature: Logging Your Every Driving Moment by Julian Edgar
  7. Project: A 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier by Jim Rowe
  8. Project: Our Best LED Torch EVER! by John Clarke
  9. Product Showcase
  10. Weblink
  11. Project: Smart Radio Modem For Microcontrollers by Nenad Stojadinovic
  12. Project: The PICAXE, Pt.8: The 18X Series by Stan Swan
  13. Project: A Programmable PIC-Powered Timer by Trent Jackson
  14. Feature: PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.2 by David L. Jones
  15. Vintage Radio: The 1953 4-Valve Precedent Mantel Receiver by Rodney Champness
  16. Notes & Errata
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Back Issues
  20. Book Store
  21. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 27 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 "A 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier":
  • 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier Main PCB [01111031] (AUD $7.50)
  • 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier Power Supply PCB [01111032] (AUD $10.00)
  • ETD29 transformer components (AUD $15.00)
  • 12AX7 Valve Preamplifier PCB patterns (PDF download) [01111031/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • A 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier (November 2003)
  • A 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier (November 2003)
  • Using The Valve Preamp In A Hifi System (February 2004)
  • Using The Valve Preamp In A Hifi System (February 2004)
Items relevant to "Our Best LED Torch EVER!":
  • 1W Star LED Torch PCB pattern (PDF download) [11211031] (Free)
Items relevant to "Smart Radio Modem For Microcontrollers":
  • Smart Radio Modem PCB patterns (PDF download) [06111031/2/3] (Free)
Items relevant to "The PICAXE, Pt.8: The 18X Series":
  • PICAXE-18A Temperature Logger source code (Software, 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)
Items relevant to "A Programmable PIC-Powered Timer":
  • PIC16F628A-I/P programmed for the "Master of Time" PIC-based Programmable Timer [MOT.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F628A firmware for the "Master of Time" Programmable Timer [MOT.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Programmable PIC-Powered Timer PCB pattern (PDF download) [04111031] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.1 (October 2003)
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.1 (October 2003)
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.2 (November 2003)
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.2 (November 2003)
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.3 (December 2003)
  • PC Board Design Tutorial, Pt.3 (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:__________________ www.siliconchip.com.au FOR SALE PICAXE LED LIGHTING KITS, Superflux RGB LEDs, RGB sequencing LEDs, LED glow sticks, low cost CR123A lithium batteries. Check out: www.alphalink.com.au/spod 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, 68HC­08, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16. $385.00 Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles 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 USB KITS: Stepper Motor Controller, USB PIO Intefface, 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 November 2003  99 New New New 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 Mark22-SM Slimline Mini FM R/C Receiver Cygnus Logic Systems  Industrial High Speed Automation  Electronic System Design  Custom Software Design  Consultancy  Troubleshooting  Project Management Tel: (02) 9904 3991 Fax: (02) 9904 3993 Mob: 0402 985 574 speakerbits.com.au cygnuslogic<at>iprimus.com.au JACKSON BROS JACKSON OF THE UK IS BACK Highest quality products made by UK Craftsmen • • • • • 6 Channels 10kHz frequency separation Size: 55 x 23 x 20mm Weight: 25gm Modular Construction Price: $A129.50 with crystal Electronics Variable and trimmer capacitors, reduction drives, dials, ceramic stand-offs Full range now available off the shelf in Australia CATALOGUES AND PRICE LISTS NOW AVAILABLE CHARLES I COOKSON PTY LTD GPO BOX 812, ADELAIDE, SA 5001 Tel: (08) 8235 0744 Fax: (08) 8356 3652 FreeFax: 1800 673355 (Within Australia) Email: jackson<at>homeplanet.com.au ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED SOLE AGENTS FOR AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND PO Box 580, Riverwood, NSW 2210. Ph/Fax (02) 9533 3517 email: youngbob<at>silvertone.com.au Website: www.silvertone.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 ST, AUBURN 2144 9649 5077 www.carbatec.com.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: 1300 132 251; Fax: (03) 9561 5529 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. TAIG MACHINERY Micro Mini Lathes and Mills From $489.00 59 Gilmore Crescent Garran ACT 2605 (02) 6281 5660 0412269707 trollers. Low cost, high performance. Programming software and SCADA software free. Heaps of features. Full details and credit card ordering available at www.oceancontrols.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. Pixel Programmable Controller with 4 analog inputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 relay outputs. Uses a Picaxe 28A. Programmed in basic. 100  Silicon Chip 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 Leader Modbus Data Acquisition Modules analog inputs, RTD, thermocouple, analog outputs, digital input and output modules Programmers for Atmel and PIC micro­ controllers. Switch Mode and Linear Power Supplies and DC-DC convertors. FAB Programmable Logic Con- BUY FROM HONG KONG, PAY IN OZ. Get many common passives, ICs and LCDs direct from Hong Kong but pay in Oz. http://www.kitsrus.com/index.html S-Video . . . Video . . . Audio . . . VGA distribution amps, splitters, standards converters, tbc’s, switchers, cables, etc, & price list: www.questronix.com.au TEST GEAR: Oscilloscope, freq. counter, variacs, avometers etc. All cheap. Phone or email for list and prices (03) 5264 1411 or adamson1951<at>bigpond.com 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 www.siliconchip.com.au Do You Eat, Breathe and Sleep Technology? Management & Sales Positions Advertising Index Acetronics..................................101 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. Altronics........................ loose insert Jaycar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes staff from within the organisation. Dick Smith Electronics........... 20-23 Retail Operations Manager Jaycar Electronics Pty. Ltd. P.O. Box 6424 Silverwater NSW 1811 Fax: (02) 9741-8524 Email: jobs<at>jaycar.com.au Av-Comm Pty Ltd.........................39 BitScope Designs.........................61 Carba-Tec Tools.........................100 Cygnus Logic Systems..............100 David Hall Electronics..................97 Eco Watch..................................100 Elan Audio......................................7 Evatco..........................................93 KITS KITS AND MORE KITS! Check ’em out at www.ozitronics.com PASCAL for AVR – powerful compiler/ IDE. Includes drivers for LCD, 12C, 7-seg LED, RS232, Stepper, LAN and more. AVR In-Circuit Programmers – serial and USB. SPI and JTAG modes. Support JTAG debug. CHIP PROGRAMMERS – EPROMS, micros, flash, etc. Xeltek universal programmers – ultra high speed, USB, PC and standalone modes – from $1230. Digital Graphics Pty Ltd (02) 9888 3105. www.digitalgraphics.com.au LEDs: High Power and Intensely Bright WANTED EARLY HIFI’S, AMPLIFIERS, Speakers, Turntables, Valves, Books, Quad, Leak, Pye, Lowther, Ortofon, SME, Western Electric, Altec, Marantz, McIn- Grantronics..................................99 • • • Instant PCBs..............................100 diameter Narrow beam angle gives 17Cd at 20mA, more at higher currents. Time to start on this year’s Xmas decorations! Ideal for moving message signs and traffic applications Only $36 (incl. GST) per bag of 100, supplied in original SHARP packaging, plus $9 post delivery. Datasheet on request to: fortytroutelectronics<at>optusnet.com.au or Forty Trout Electronics Pty Ltd 15 Rockliffe St, Eltham 3095 High volume enquiries welcome! Harbuch Electronics.....................59 Jackson Bros.............................100 Hy-Q International........................61 Jaycar ....................... 47-58,61,101 JED Microprocessors................5,61 Kalex............................................93 Microgram Computers...................3 MicroZed Computers...................77 Printed Electronics.................... 100 Quest Electronics..................61,100 RCS Radio.................................100 RF Probes....................................93 & MADE TO ORDER PCBs For more details: www.acetronics.com.au Phone (02) 9600 6832 email: acetronics<at>acetronics.com.au tosh, Goodmans, Wharfedale, Tannoy, radio and wireless. Collector/Hobbyist will pay cash. (02) 9440 1267. johnmurt<at>highprofile.com.au Silicon Chip Binders  Each binder holds up to 12 issues  SILICON CHIP logo printed on spine & cover Price: $A12.95 plus $A5.50 p&p each. Available in Australia only. 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. www.siliconchip.com.au Gadget Central...........................IFC Red and yellow colours available, in •leaded clear plastic cylinder format, 10mm KIT ASSEMBLY 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 Forty Trout Electronics...............101 Silicon Chip Back Issues.... 102-103 Silicon Chip Bookshop........104,IBC SC Car Projects Book..............OBC Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........13 Silvertone Electronics................100 Soundlabs Group.........................61 Speakerbits................................100 Switchmode Power Supplies........38 REAL VALUE AT Taig Machinery...........................100 PLUS P &P ____________________________ $12.95 Telelink Communications.............61 PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: RCS Radio Pty Ltd. Phone (02) 9738 0330. Fax (02) 9738 0334. November 2003  101