Silicon ChipMarket Centre - November 2005 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Broadband over Power Lines will blot out many radio services
  4. Feature: Broadband Over Power Lines: A Flawed Technology by Ross Tester
  5. Feature: Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.1 by Julian Edgar
  6. Feature: Microbric: Robotics For Everyone! by Ross Tester
  7. Project: Studio Series Stereo Headphone Amplifier by Peter Smith
  8. Project: Build A MIDI Drum Kit by John Clarke
  9. Project: Serial I/O Controller & Analog Sampler by Trent Jackson
  10. Project: Delta XL02 Tower Loudspeaker System by Leo Simpson
  11. Feature: PICAXE In Schools; Pt.5 by Clive Seager
  12. Salvage It: Scrounging and (gulp) buying the bits by Julian Edgar
  13. Vintage Radio: Vintage radio clubs: 15 years old and still going strong by Rodney Champness
  14. Market Centre
  15. Advertising Index
  16. Book Store
  17. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the November 2005 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 44 of the 112 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.

Articles in this series:
  • Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.1 (November 2005)
  • Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.1 (November 2005)
  • Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.2 (December 2005)
  • Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.2 (December 2005)
Items relevant to "Studio Series Stereo Headphone Amplifier":
  • 4-Output Universal Regulator PCB [18105151] (AUD $5.00)
  • PCB pattern for the Studio Series Preamplifier power supply (PDF download) [01109052] (Free)
  • Studio Series Headphone Amplifier PCB [01111051] (AUD $10.00)
  • PCB pattern for the Studio Series Headphone Amplifier (PDF download) [01111051] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Studio Series Stereo Preamplifier (October 2005)
  • Studio Series Stereo Preamplifier (October 2005)
  • Studio Series Stereo Headphone Amplifier (November 2005)
  • Studio Series Stereo Headphone Amplifier (November 2005)
  • Studio Series Remote Control Module (April 2006)
  • Studio Series Remote Control Module (April 2006)
Items relevant to "Build A MIDI Drum Kit":
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the MIDI Drum Kit [drumkit16.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F88 firmware and source code for the MIDI Drum Kit [drumkit16.hex] (Software, Free)
  • PCB patterns for the MIDI Drum Kit (PDF download) [01211051/2/3] (Free)
  • MIDI Drum Kit front panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit (November 2005)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit (November 2005)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.2 (December 2005)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.2 (December 2005)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.3 (January 2006)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.3 (January 2006)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.4 (February 2006)
  • Build A MIDI Drum Kit; Pt.4 (February 2006)
Items relevant to "Serial I/O Controller & Analog Sampler":
  • PIC16F877A-I/P programmed for the Serial I/O Controller [IO.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $20.00)
  • PIC16F877A firmware (HEX), source code and PC software for the Serial I/O Controller (Free)
  • PCB pattern for the Serial I/O Controller (PDF download) [07111051] (Free)
Items relevant to "PICAXE In Schools; Pt.5":
  • PICAXE-08M BASIC source code for "PICAXE in Schools", part 5 (Software, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • What’s this? Free PC Boards for Schools? (May 2005)
  • What’s this? Free PC Boards for Schools? (May 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.2 (June 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.2 (June 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.3 (July 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.3 (July 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.4 (September 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools, Pt.4 (September 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools; Pt.5 (November 2005)
  • PICAXE In Schools; Pt.5 (November 2005)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE more items being added. New webshop now online! www.ledsales.com.au SUPERBRIGHT LEDS from just 15 cents each, including new wide angle range! 12 volt LED lightbars, great for solar/camping. Nixie tubes and nixie clock kits. Lots of other stuff, and always 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 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $22.00 (incl. GST) for up to 20 words plus 66 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $36.00 (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 o Bankcard   o Visa Card   o Master Card Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Name _____________________________________________________ Street _____________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ Phone:_____________ Fax:_____________ Email:__________________ siliconchip.com.au 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 catalog 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. 18 YEARS OF SILICON CHIP WITH BINDERS: First edition to end 2005. Enquiries to (07) 3201 4976. MORE CONTROL SOLUTIONS for you: Netiom Link – automatically transfer digital inputs and outputs between two cards over an Ethernet link. Labjack USB Data Acquisition Module features 8 12-bit analog inputs, 20 digital I/O, 2 analog outputs and high speed counter. Free software DaqFactory Express, Labview driver and ActiveX component. Signal Conditioners non isolated and isolated – convert thermocouples, RTDs to 4-20mA or 0-10V. Fully programmable. Pixel Programmable Controller with 4 analog inputs, 8 digital inputs and 8 relay outputs. Uses a Picaxe 28X. Programmed in BASIC. Temperature and humidity sensors N1500 universal process indicator. Budget-priced displays thermocouple, RTD, 4-20mA and 0-5V readings. Fully programmable. Box of Connectors – choose BNC, UHF, N Type or RS232 gender changers and converters together. Serial and Parallel port relay controller cards. Pump and Trip Alarm Controller card. Duty-Standby operation. MicroProgrammers for Atmel and PIC chips. 2, 4 & 8 Relay Cards suitable for TTL and Open Collector Outputs DC, Stepper and Servo Motor controller kits. Switch-Mode, Battery Chargers and DC-DC converters. Full details and credit card ordering available at www.oceancontrols.com.au Helping to put you in control. November 2005  109 New New New Mark22-SM Slimline Mini FM R/C Receiver Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Antennas Directionals Omnis We also stock: • • • • • Panel Antennas Ceiling Antennas Low-loss 50 Ω cable Connectors Pigtails Access Points Masts Amplifiers Power-over-Ethernet External Enclosures Everything you need for WiFi! 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 FREENET-ANTENNAS Web: www.freenet-antennas.com Email: sales<at>freenet-antennas.com Tel: (08) 9319 3275 (int +618 9319 3275) Fax: (08) 9319 1720 (int +618 9319 1720) Select your microcontroller kit and get started... Fax a copy of 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) 9647 7000 From $295* RCM3400 this ad and receive a 5% discount on your order! CLEVERSCOPE USB OSCILLOSCOPES 100MSa/s 10bits each channel 4M samples per input 100MHz bandwidth 8 digital inputs Sig-gen option Spectrum analyser Windows 98/Me/NT/2k/XP GRANTRONICS PTY LTD PO Box 275, Wentworthville. 2145. Ph: 02 9896 7150 www.grantronics.com.au • Prices exclude GST and delivery charges. Tel: + 61 2 9906 6988 Fax: + 61 2 9906 7145 www.dominion.net.au PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Any format, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics Phone (02) 9593 1025. sesame<at>sesame.com.au www.sesame.com.au USB KITS: GPIB Interface, Thermostat Tester, LCD Module Interface, Stepper Motor Controller, PIO Interface, DTMF Transceiver, Thermometer, DDS HF Generator, Compass, 4 Channel Voltmeter, I/O Relay Card, USB via LabVIEW. Also available: Digital Oscilloscope, Temperature Loggers, VHF Receivers and USB ActiveX (and USBDOS.exe file) to control our kits from your own application. www.ar.com. au/~softmark 110  Silicon Chip 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 Feature rich, compiler, editor & debugger with royalty free TCP/IP stack speakerbits.com.au ImageCraft C Compilers: 32-bit Windows IDE and compiler. For AVR, 68HC­08, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16. from $330.00 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 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°. 4007 S-Video . . . Video . . . Audio . . . VGA distribution amps, splitters, standards converters, tbc’s, switchers, cables, etc, & price list: www.questronix.com.au SPICE UP YOUR PARTS DRAWER! RF, Microwave and Audio parts by MiniCircuits, HP, Motorola, Vishay, Infineon and many more. Vintage & modern, rare Best high end DIY audio kits on the planet! www.aksaonline.com & unusual. http://rfplus.jonwright.org or ‘rfplus’ on Ebay. Limited quantities. Come take a look before they’re gone! RCS RADIO/DESIGN is at 41 Arlewis St, Chester Hill 2162, NSW Australia and has all the published PC boards from SC, EA, ETI, HE, AEM & others. Ph (02) 9738 0330. sales<at>rcsradio. com.au, www.rcsradio.com.au NOKIA LCD SCREENS: DIY replacement for all Nokia models with tools and instructions at www.idatic.com.au Ph 0407 902 600. WANTED WANTED: EARLY HIFIs, AMPLIFIERS, Speakers, Turntables, Valves, Books, Quad, Leak, Pye, Lowther, Ortofon, SME, Western Electric, Altec, Marantz, siliconchip.com.au Do You Eat, Breathe and Sleep TECHNOLOGY? Opportunities for full-time and part-time positions all over Australia & New Zealand Jaycar Electronics is a rapidly growing, Australian owned, international retailer with more than 39 stores in Australia and New Zealand. Our aggressive expansion programme has resulted in the need for dedicated individuals to join our team to assist us in achieving our goals. We pride ourselves on the technical knowledge of our staff. Do you think that the following statements describe you? Please put a tick in the boxes that do: Knowledge of electronics, particularly at component level. Assemble projects or kits yourself for car, computer, audio, etc. Have empathy with others who have the same interest as you. May have worked in some retail already (not obligatory). Have energy, enthusiasm and a personality that enjoys helping people. Appreciates an opportunity for future advancement. Have an eye for detail. Why not do something you love and get paid for it? Please write or email us with your details, along with your C.V. and any qualifications you may have. We pay a competitive salary, sales commissions and have great benefits like a liberal staff purchase policy. Send to: Retail Operations Manager - Jaycar Electronics Pty Ltd P.O. Box 6424 Silverwater NSW 1811 Email: jobs<at>jaycar.com.au Jaycar Electronics is an equal opportunity employer and actively promotes staff from within the organisation. Advertising Index 555 Electronics.............................67 Altronics........................ loose insert Aspen Amplifiers........................110 ATA...............................................97 Av-Comm...................................110 Delta Audio...................................35 Dick Smith Electronics........... 20-25 Dominion Electronics..........105,110 Eco Watch..................................110 Elexol...........................................67 • • •           TAIG MACHINERY Micro Mini Lathes and Mills From $489.00   Evatco........................................105 Farnell Electronics....................OBC FreeNet Antennas......................110 Furzy Electronics........................111 Grantronics.................................110 Harbuch Electronics.....................99 Instant PCBs..............................111   Jaycar ...............IFC, 49-64,101,111 JED Microprocessors..............5,101 Laceys TV..................................111  Microbric......................................17   Microgram Computers....................3 • • • • •     MicroZed Computers....................95 NewTek Instruments.......................7 Ocean Controls..........................109 Ozitronics.....................................97 Prime Electronics.........................69 Measure DTV S22 Quest Electronics................101,111 Radiometrix....................................6 RCS Radio.................................109 Stepper motors: 200 oz in $89.00, 330 oz in $110.00 Digital verniers: 150mm $55.00, 200mm $65.00 59 Gilmore Crescent (02) 6281 5660 Garran ACT 2605 0412269707 RF Modules................................101 FOXTEL APPROVED RF Probes....................................97 SC Perf Elect. For Cars................98 Silicon Chip Binders................87,89 McIntosh, Goodmans, Wharfedale, Tannoy, radio and wireless. Collector/ Hobbyist will pay cash. (02) 9440 1267. johnmurt<at>highprofile.com.au WANTED: ONE OR MORE light dependent resistors type RPY20. Advise price and availability to 08 8339 2330. FERGUSON OPM7A ULTRALINEAR VALVE PUSH-PULL AUDIO OUTPUT TRANSFORMER: one only required, must be in full working condition (no opens or shorts), will pay up to $100. Contact Rod on (0400) 945 152, 08301700 Eastern Summer Time, Mondays to Fridays. siliconchip.com.au Silicon Chip Bookshop........112,IBC Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........48 42 Brunel Rd Seaford VIC 3198 Tel (03) 9776 9222 Fax (03) 9776 9766 web:www.laceys.tv e-mail:info<at>laceys.tv branches: Sydney Ulverstone Woolgoolga Silvertone Electronics................110 Siomar Batteries..........................35 Speakerbits................................110 Taig Machinery...........................111 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 Telelink.......................................101 ____________________________ 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 2005  111