Silicon ChipPartShop - December 2012 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Smart power meters ain't smart
  4. Feature: RapMan: A 3D Printer That You Build From A Kit by Ross Tester and Jashank Jeremy
  5. Feature: Soldering: The Game is Changing
  6. Project: A 2.5GHz 12-digit Frequency Counter, Pt.1 by Jim Rowe
  7. Project: USB Power Monitor by Nicholas Vinen
  8. Project: High-Energy Ignition System For Cars, Pt.2 by John Clarke
  9. Project: High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.2 by John Clarke
  10. Project: Modifications For The Induction Motor Speed Controller by Leo Simpson
  11. Project: Hacking A Mini Wireless Web Server, Pt.2 by Andrew Snow and Nicholas Vinen
  12. Vintage Radio: The Philips Twins – the Australian model 138 & the Dutch BX221-U by Rodney Champness
  13. PartShop
  14. Order Form
  15. Book Store
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the December 2012 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 24 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.

Items relevant to "A 2.5GHz 12-digit Frequency Counter, Pt.1":
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter Main PCB [04111121] (AUD $20.00)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter Display PCB [04111122] (AUD $12.50)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter Add-on PCB [04106141a/b] (AUD $12.50)
  • PIC16F877A-I/P programmed for the 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter [0411112C.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $20.00)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter front panel [04111123] (PCB, AUD $25.00)
  • Firmware for the 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter project [0411112C.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter Main PCB pattern (PDF download) [04111121] (Free)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter Display PCB pattern (PDF download) [04111122] (Free)
  • Long Gating Time Add-on Module for the 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter PCB pattern (PDF download) [04106141a/b] (Free)
  • 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter front and rear panel artwork (PDF download) [04111123] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • A 2.5GHz 12-digit Frequency Counter, Pt.1 (December 2012)
  • A 2.5GHz 12-digit Frequency Counter, Pt.1 (December 2012)
  • A 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter, Pt.2 (January 2013)
  • A 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter, Pt.2 (January 2013)
  • L-o-o-o-n-g Gating Times For The 12-Digit Counter (July 2014)
  • L-o-o-o-n-g Gating Times For The 12-Digit Counter (July 2014)
Items relevant to "USB Power Monitor":
  • USB Power Monitor PCB [04109121] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC18F45K80-I/PT programmed for USB Power Monitor [0410912A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • USB Power Monitor Updated Firmware [0410912B.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • USB Power Monitor Firmware [0410912A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • USB Power Monitor PCB pattern (PDF download) [04109121] (Free)
Items relevant to "High-Energy Ignition System For Cars, Pt.2":
  • High Energy Electronic Ignition PCB [05110121] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F88-E/P programmed for the High Energy Electronic Ignition System / Jacob's Ladder [0511012A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • ISL9V5036P3-F085 360V, 46A IGBT for the High-Energy Electronic Ignition System (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • High Energy Electronic Ignition System Firmware (HEX/ASM - zipped) [0511012A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • High Energy Electronic Ignition PCB pattern (PDF download) [05110121] (Free)
  • High-Energy Electronic Ignition System front panel label artwork (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • High-Energy Ignition System for Cars, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • High-Energy Ignition System for Cars, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • High-Energy Ignition System For Cars, Pt.2 (December 2012)
  • High-Energy Ignition System For Cars, Pt.2 (December 2012)
Items relevant to "High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.2":
  • CLASSiC-D PCB [01108121] (AUD $20.00)
  • CLASSiC-D Speaker Protector PCB [01108122] (AUD $5.00)
  • CLASSiC-D PCB pattern (PDF download) [01108121] (Free)
  • CLASSiC-D Speaker Protector PCB pattern (PDF download) [01108122] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • CLASSIC-D Speaker Protector (November 2012)
  • High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • CLASSIC-D Speaker Protector (November 2012)
  • CLASSIC-D Amplifier Power Supply (December 2012)
  • High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.2 (December 2012)
  • CLASSIC-D Amplifier Power Supply (December 2012)
  • High-Power Class-D Audio Amplifier, Pt.2 (December 2012)
Items relevant to "Modifications For The Induction Motor Speed Controller":
  • 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller PCB [10105122] (AUD $35.00)
  • dsPIC33FJ64MC802-E/SP programmed for the 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller [1010512B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $25.00)
  • SL32 10015 NTC thermistor (Component, AUD $7.00)
  • Firmware for 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller [1010512B.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • 1.5kW Induction Motor Speed Controller panel artwork and heatsink drilling template (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Hacking A Mini Wireless Web Server, Pt.2":
  • Scripts for the Mini Wireless Webserver (WR703N) (Software, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Hacking A Mini Wireless Webserver, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • Hacking A Mini Wireless Webserver, Pt.1 (November 2012)
  • Hacking A Mini Wireless Web Server, Pt.2 (December 2012)
  • Hacking A Mini Wireless Web Server, Pt.2 (December 2012)
SILICON CHIP PARTSHOP Looking for a specialised component to build that latest and greatest SILICON CHIP project? Maybe it’s the PCB you’re after. Or a pre-programmed micro. Or some other hard-to-get “bit”. The chances are they are available direct from the SILICON CHIP PARTSHOP. As a service to readers, SILICON CHIP has established the PARTSHOP. No, we’re not going into opposition with your normal suppliers – this is a direct response to requests from readers who have found difficulty in obtaining specialised parts such as PCBs & micros. • • • • • PCBs are normally IN STOCK and ready for despatch when that month’s magazine goes on sale (you don’t have to wait for them to be made!). Even if stock runs out (eg, for high demand), in most cases there will be no longer than a two-week wait. One low p&p charge: $10 per order, regardless of how many boards or micros you order! (Australia only; overseas clients – email us for a postage quote). Our PCBs are beautifully made, very high quality fibreglass boards with pre-tinned tracks, silk screen overlays and where applicable, solder masks. Best of all, those boards with fancy cut-outs or edges are already cut out to the SILICON CHIP specifications – no messy blade work required! PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO SUIT PROJECT: PUBLISHED: PCB CODE:    Price: AM RADIO TRANSMITTER JAN 1993 06112921 $25.00 CHAMP: SINGLE CHIP AUDIO AMPLIFIER FEB 1994 01102941 PRECHAMP: 2-TRANSISTOR PREAMPLIER JUL 1994 HEAT CONTROLLER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO SUIT PROJECT: PUBLISHED: PCB CODE: Price: ULTRA-LD MK3 200W AMP MODULE JULY 2011 01107111 $25.00 $5.00 PORTABLE LIGHTNING DETECTOR JULY 2011 04107111 $25.00 01107941 $5.00 RUDDER INDICATOR FOR POWER BOATS (4 PCBs) JULY 2011 20107111-4 $80 per set JULY 1998 10307981 $10.00 VOX JULY 2011 01207111 $25.00 MINIMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER APR 2001 06104011 $25.00 ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE AUG 2011 01108111 $25.00 MICROMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER DEC 2002 06112021 $10.00 DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL/INCLINOMETER AUG 2011 04108111 $15.00 SMART SLAVE FLASH TRIGGER JUL 2003 13107031 $10.00 ULTRASONIC WATER TANK METER SEP 2011 04109111 $25.00 12AX7 VALVE AUDIO PREAMPLIFIER NOV 2003 01111031 $25.00 ULTRA-LD MK2 AMPLIFIER UPGRADE SEP 2011 01209111 $5.00 POOR MAN’S METAL LOCATOR MAY 2004 04105041 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 AMPLIFIER POWER SUPPLY SEP 2011 01109111 $25.00 BALANCED MICROPHONE PREAMP AUG 2004 01108041 $25.00 HIFI STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER SEP 2011 01309111 $30.00 LITTLE JIM AM TRANSMITTER JAN 2006 06101062 $25.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (IMPROVED) SEP 2011 04103073 $30.00 POCKET TENS UNIT JAN 2006 11101061 $25.00 DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER LED SLAVE OCT 2011 16110111 $30.00 STUDIO SERIES RC MODULE APRIL 2006 01104061 $25.00 USB MIDIMATE OCT 2011 23110111 $30.00 ULTRASONIC EAVESDROPPER AUG 2006 01208061 $25.00 QUIZZICAL QUIZ GAME OCT 2011 08110111 $30.00 RIAA PREAMPLIFIER AUG 2006 01108061 $25.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 PREAMP & REMOTE VOL CONTROL NOV 2011 01111111 $30.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (A) (IMPROVED) MAR 2007 04103073 $30.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 INPUT SWITCHING MODUL NOV 2011 01111112 $25.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE DISPLAY (B) MAR 2007 04103072 $20.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 SWITCH MODULE NOV 2011 01111113 $10.00 KNOCK DETECTOR JUNE 2007 05106071 $25.00 ZENER DIODE TESTER NOV 2011 04111111 $20.00 SPEAKER PROTECTION AND MUTING MODULE JULY 2007 01207071 $20.00 MINIMAXIMITE NOV 2011 07111111 $10.00 CDI MODULE SMALL PETROL MOTORS MAY 2008 05105081 $15.00 ADJUSTABLE REGULATED POWER SUPPLY DEC 2011 18112111 $5.00 LED/LAMP FLASHER SEP 2008 11009081 $10.00 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY DEC 2011 01212111 $30.00 12V SPEED CONTROLLER/DIMMER      (Use Hot Wire Cutter PCB from Dec 2010 [18112101]) DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY Front & Rear Panels DEC 2011 0121211P2/3 $20 per set CAR SCROLLING DISPLAY DEC 2008 05101092 $25.00 AM RADIO JAN 2012 06101121 $10.00 USB-SENSING MAINS POWER SWITCH JAN 2009 10101091 $45.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR JAN 2012 01201121 $30.00 MAR 2009 04103091 $35.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR FRONT & REAR PANELS JAN 2012 0120112P1/2 $20.00 INTELLIGENT REMOTE-CONTROLLED DIMMER APR 2009 10104091 $10.00 3-INPUT AUDIO SELECTOR (SET OF 2 BOARDS) JAN 2012 01101121/2 $30 per set INPUT ATTENUATOR FOR DIG. AUDIO M’VOLTMETER MAY 2009 04205091 $10.00 CRYSTAL DAC FEB 2012 01102121 $20.00 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK MAY 2009 04105091 $35.00 SWITCHING REGULATOR FEB 2012 18102121 $5.00 JUNE 2009 07106091 $25.00 SEMTEST LOWER BOARD MAR 2012 04103121 $40.00 UHF ROLLING CODE TX AUG 2009 15008091 $10.00 SEMTEST UPPER BOARD MAR 2012 04103122 $40.00 UHF ROLLING CODE RECEIVER AUG 2009 15008092 $45.00 SEMTEST FRONT PANEL MAR 2012 04103123 $75.00 SEPT 2009 04208091 $10.00 INTERPLANETARY VOICE MAR 2012 08102121 $10.00 STEREO DAC BALANCED OUTPUT BOARD JAN 2010 01101101 $25.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER REV.A MAR 2012 14102112 $20.00 DIGITAL INSULATION METER JUN 2010 04106101 $25.00 SOFT START SUPPRESSOR APR 2012 10104121 $10.00 ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR REFORMER AUG 2010 04108101 $55.00 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX APR 2012 04105121 $20.00 ULTRASONIC ANTI-FOULING FOR BOATS SEP 2010 04109101 $25.00 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID APR 2012 04105122 $20.00 HEARING LOOP RECEIVER SEP 2010 01209101 $25.00 1.5kW INDUCTION MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER APR 2012 10105122 $35.00 S/PDIF/COAX TO TOSLINK CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210101 $10.00 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER MAIN PCB MAY 2012 21105121 $30.00 TOSLINK TO S/PDIF/COAX CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210102 $10.00 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER Front & Rear Panels MAY 2012 21105122/3 $20 per set DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER SLAVE UNIT OCT 2010 16110102 $45.00 MIX-IT! 4 CHANNEL MIXER JUNE 2012 01106121 $20.00 HEARING LOOP TESTER/LEVEL METER NOV 2010 01111101 $25.00 PIC/AVR PROGRAMMING ADAPTOR BOARD JUNE 2012 24105121 $30.00 UNIVERSAL USB DATA LOGGER DEC 2010 04112101 $25.00 CRAZY CRICKET/FREAKY FROG JUNE 2012 08109121 $10.00 HOT WIRE CUTTER CONTROLLER DEC 2010 18112101 $10.00 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX JULY 2012 04106121 $20.00 433MHZ SNIFFER JAN 2011 06101111 $10.00 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID JULY 2012 04106122 $20.00 CRANIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION JAN 2011 99101111 $30.00 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 JULY 2012 05106121 $20.00 HEARING LOOP SIGNAL CONDITIONER JAN 2011 01101111 $30.00 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 DISPLAY BOARD JULY 2012 05106122 $10.00 LED DAZZLER FEB 2011 16102111 $25.00 SOFT STARTER FOR POWER TOOLS JULY 2012 10107121 $10.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER FEB 2011 14102111 $15.00 DRIVEWAY SENTRY MK2 AUG 2012 03107121 $20.00 SIMPLE CHEAP 433MHZ LOCATOR FEB 2011 06102111 $5.00 MAINS TIMER AUG 2012 10108121 $10.00 THE MAXIMITE MAR 2011 06103111 $25.00 CURRENT ADAPTOR FOR SCOPES AND DMMS AUG 2012 04108121 $20.00 UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR MAR 2011 18103111 $15.00 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE SEPT 2012 24109121 $30.00 12V 20-120W SOLAR PANEL SIMULATOR MAR 2011 04103111 $25.00 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INT. FRONT PANEL SEPT 2012 24109122 $30.00 MICROPHONE NECK LOOP COUPLER MAR 2011 01209101 $25.00 BARKING DOG BLASTER SEPT 2012 25108121 $20.00 PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONE AMP APRIL 2011 01104111 $25.00 COLOUR MAXIMITE SEPT 2012 07109121 $20.00 CHEAP 100V SPEAKER/LINE CHECKER APRIL 2011 04104111 $10.00 SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR SEPT 2012 09109121 $10.00 PROJECTOR SPEED CONTROLLER APRIL 2011 13104111 $10.00 NICK-OFF PROXIMITY ALARM OCT 2012 03110121 $5.00 SPORTSYNC AUDIO DELAY MAY 2011 01105111 $30.00 DCC REVERSE LOOP CONTROLLER OCT 2012 09110121 $10.00 100W DC-DC CONVERTER MAY 2011 11105111 $25.00 LED MUSICOLOUR NOV 2012 16110121 $25.00 PHONE LINE POLARITY CHECKER MAY 2011 12105111 $10.00 LED MUSICOLOUR Front & Rear Panels NOV 2012 16110121 $20 per set 20A 12/24V DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER MK2 JUNE 2011 11106111 $25.00 CLASSIC-D CLASS D AMPLIFIER MODULE NOV 2012 01108121 $30.00 USB STEREO RECORD/PLAYBACK JUNE 2011 07106111 $25.00 CLASSIC-D 2 CHANNEL SPEAKER PROTECTOR NOV 2012 01108122 $10.00 VERSATIMER/SWITCH JUNE 2011 19106111 $25.00 HIGH ENERGY ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DEC 2012 05110121 $10.00 USB BREAKOUT BOX JUNE 2011 04106111 $10.00 USB POWER MONITOR DEC 2012 04109121 $10.00 DIGITAL AUDIO MILLIVOLTMETER 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK DRIVER 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK AUTODIM ADD-ON PCB prices shown in GREEN are new lower prices – our bulk buying savings are passed on to you! NOTE: These listings are for the PCB only – not a full kit. If you want a kit, contact the kit suppliers advertising in this issue.