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Contents Vol.22, No.3; March 2009 www.siliconchip.com.au SILICON CHIP Features 10 Reviving Old Laptops With Puppy Linux Laptop getting a bit long in the tooth? Does it struggle with Windows? Give it a new lease of life with Puppy Linux. This Puppy runs fast, even on old hardware – by Warrick Smith 16 Digital Radio Is Coming, Pt.2 The technology behind digital radio is impressive. Here’s a look at Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) which greatly reduces the RF bandwidth and transmission power necessary to broadcast a high-quality signal – by Alan Hughes 44 How Do You Safely Discharge High-Energy Capacitors? The Seaward SD300 is the world’s first instrument designed specifically to discharge high-voltage, high-energy capacitors Reviving Old Laptops With Puppy Linux – Page 10 Pro jects To Build 22 A GPS-Synchronised Clock Tired of resetting the time on your wall clock? This circuit converts a standard battery wall clock into a precision timekeeper that never needs to be corrected. It even automatically adjusts for daylight saving time – by Geoff Graham 30 New, Improved Theremin Mk.2 Our latest Theremin design now has voicing control and features a larger loudspeaker and increased power output – by John Clarke 58 Build A Digital Audio Millivoltmeter A GPS-Synchronised Clock – Page 22. Want to measure small signals at frequencies from 5Hz to above 100kHz? This versatile unit indicates audio levels in mV, dBv & dBm – by Jim Rowe 78 Microcontrollers Can Be A Snap Want to learn about PICAXE microcontrollers? Here’s a nifty approach that fits a PICAXE-08M into the gutted sound module from a colourful “Snap Connector” electronic kitset. There’s no soldering involved – by Stan Swan Special Columns 53 Serviceman’s Log Anyone got a good recipe for crow? – by the TV Serviceman 74 Circuit Notebook New, Improved Theremin Mk.2 – Page 30. (1) Modification To Yaesu FRG7 SW Receiver; (2) Solar-Powered Fountain Driver; (3) Simple Circuit Measures The Temperature Of Hot Water Systems; (4) Fast Clock Driver For Model Railway Layouts; (5) USB Polarity Tester For Circuit Prototypes 82 Vintage Radio The deadly and the difficult: when to say “no” – by Rodney Champness Departments   2   4 19 42 Publisher’s Letter Mailbag Order Form Product Showcase siliconchip.com.au 88 Ask Silicon Chip 91 Notes & Errata 94 Market Centre Build A Digital Audio Millivoltmeter – Page 58. March 2009  1