Silicon ChipMarket Centre - September 2003 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Internet newsgroups can be a mixed blessing
  4. Weblink
  5. Feature: Robots Wars: The Tech Sport Of The New Millenium by Brett Paulin
  6. Project: Very Bright., Very Cheap Krypton Bike Light by Julian Edgar
  7. Project: Portable PIC Programmer by Peter Smith
  8. Project: Current Clamp Meter Adaptor For DMMs by John Clarke
  9. Project: The PICAXE, Pt.8: A Datalogger & Sending It To Sleep by Stan Swan
  10. Feature: New Technologies In Automotive Lighting by Julian Edgar
  11. Product Showcase
  12. Project: Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.2 by John Clarke
  13. Vintage Radio: Vibrators: the death knell of expensive dry batteries; Pt.1 by Rodney Champness
  14. Back Issues
  15. Notes & Errata
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Book Store
  19. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 24 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 "Portable PIC Programmer":
  • Portable PIC Programmer PCB pattern (PDF download) [07109031] (Free)
Items relevant to "Current Clamp Meter Adaptor For DMMs":
  • Current Clamp Meter Adaptor PCB pattern (PDF download) [04109031] (Free)
  • Panel artwork for the Current Clamp Meter Adaptor (PDF download) (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 "Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.2":
  • 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)
Articles in this series:
  • Vibrators: the death knell of expensive dry batteries; Pt.1 (September 2003)
  • Vibrators: the death knell of expensive dry batteries; Pt.1 (September 2003)
  • Vibrators, the death knell of expensive dry batteries; Pt.2 (October 2003)
  • Vibrators, the death knell of expensive dry batteries; Pt.2 (October 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 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 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: 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 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 Pixel Programmable Controller with 4 analog inputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 relay outputs. Uses a Picaxe 28A. Programmed in basic. Labjack USB Data Acquisition Module September 2003  93 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 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 speakerbits.com.au JACKSON BROS JACKSON OF THE UK IS BACK Highest quality products made by UK Craftsmen 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 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°. • • • • • 6 Channels 10kHz frequency separation Size: 55 x 23 x 20mm Weight: 25gm Modular Construction Price: $A129.50 with crystal Electronics 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 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: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 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 & MADE TO ORDER PCBs For more details: www.acetronics.com.au Phone (02) 9600 6832 email: acetronics<at>acetronics.com.au 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 Controllers. Low cost, high performance. 94  Silicon Chip Programming software and SCADA software free. Heaps of features. Full details and credit card ordering available at www.oceancontrols. com.au 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 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 BUY FROM HONKERS, PAY IN OZ. Get many common passives, ICs and LCDs direct from Hong Kong but pay in Oz. www.kitsrus.com/kits.html www.siliconchip.com.au Do You Eat, Breathe and Sleep Technology? Management & Sales Positions 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. Jaycar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes staff from within the organisation. Retail Operations Manager Jaycar Electronics Pty. Ltd. P.O. Box 6424 Silverwater NSW 1811 Fax: (02) 9741-8524 Email: jobs<at>jaycar.com.au Advertising Index Acetronics....................................94 Alternative Technology Assoc......39 Altronics................................. 72-74 Av-Comm Pty Ltd.........................94 BitScope Designs......................7,43 Carba-Tec Tools...........................94 Clarke & Severn.............................7 Cromwell’s....................................87 David Hall Electronics..................42 Dick Smith Electronics........... 22-25 Eco Watch....................................94 Classifieds: continued from p.94 KITS KITS AND MORE KITS! Check ’em out at www.ozitronics.com 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 WANTED NATIONAL TECHNICS R/P HEAD FOR RS276US. Phone Rick (07) 5455 6660. Email rw<at>silchip.com.au EARLY HIFI’S, AMPLIFIERS, Speakers, Turntables, Valves, Books, Quad, Elan Audio....................................77 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. Leak, Pye, Lowther, Ortofon, SME, Western Electric, Altec, Marantz, McIntosh, Goodmans, Wharfedale, Tannoy, radio and wireless. Collector/ Hobbyist will pay cash. (02) 9440 1267. johnmurt<at>highprofile.com.au Evatco..........................................87 Gadget Central...........................IFC Grantronics..................................93 Harbuch Electronics.....................75 Instant PCBs................................94 Jackson Bros...............................94 Hy-Q International..........................7 Jaycar ........................... 7,45-52,95 JED Microprocessors..................5,7 Kalex............................................81 Microgram Computers...................3 MicroZed Computers...................65 Printed Electronics...................... 94 Quest Electronics......................7,94 RCS Radio...................................93 RF Probes....................................81 Silicon Chip Back Issues........ 88-89 NOW AVAILABLE FROM SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Silicon Chip Bookshop..........96,IBC SC Car Projects Book..............OBC Silvertone Electronics..................94 Soundlabs Group...........................7 Speakerbits..................................94 Taig Machinery.............................94 Telelink Communications...............7 Project Reprints – Limited Back Issues –Limited One-Shots _________________________________ If you’re looking for a project from ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA, you’ll find it at SILICON CHIP! We can now offer reprints of all projects which have appeared in Electronics Australia, EAT, Electronics Today, ETI or Radio, TV & Hobbies. First search the EA website indexes for the project you want and then call, fax or email us with the details and your credit card details. Reprint cost is $8.80 per article (ie, 2-part projects cost $17.60). SILICON CHIP subscribers receive a 10% discount. We also have limited numbers of EA back issues and special publications. Call for details! PC Boards visit www.siliconchip.com.au or www.electronicsaustralia.com.au www.siliconchip.com.au Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: RCS Radio Pty Ltd. Phone (02) 9738 0330. Fax (02) 9738 0334. September 2003  95