Silicon ChipBook Store - March 2012 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Innovation is the key to success
  4. Feature: Vertical Farms: Factory Farming In The 21st Century by Leo SImpson
  5. Project: Interplanetary Voice For Alien Sound Effects by John Clarke
  6. Project: Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1 by Greg Swain
  7. PartShop
  8. Order Form
  9. Project: SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.2 by Jim Rowe
  10. Review: Audio Precision APx525 Audio Analyser by Allan Linton-Smith & Nicholas Vinen
  11. Subscriptions
  12. Project: 12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 by John Clarke
  13. Feature: Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger by Silicon Chip
  14. Vintage Radio: The Story Of Atwater Kent Radios From The 1920s by Kevin Poulter
  15. Book Store
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 30 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 "Interplanetary Voice For Alien Sound Effects":
  • Interplanetary Voice PCB [08102121] (AUD $10.00)
  • Interplanetary Voice PCB pattern (PDF download) [08102121] (Free)
  • Interplanetary Voice panel artwork and drilling template (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1":
  • Ultra-LD Mk3 200W Amplifier Module PCB [01107111] (AUD $15.00)
  • Input Switching Module PCB for the Low Noise Preamplifier [01111112] (AUD $15.00)
  • Input Selection Pushbutton PCB for the Low Noise Preamplifier [01111113] (AUD $5.00)
  • Ultra-LD Mk3/Mk4 Amplifier Power Supply PCB [01109111] (AUD $15.00)
  • Preamp & Remote Volume Control PCB for the Ultra-LD Mk3 [01111111] (AUD $30.00)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 Power Supply PCB pattern (PDF download) [01109111] (Free)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 Amplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01107111] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1 (March 2012)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1 (March 2012)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2 (April 2012)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2 (April 2012)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.3 (May 2012)
  • Ultra-LD Mk.3 135W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.3 (May 2012)
Items relevant to "SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.2":
  • SemTest Upper PCB [04103122] (AUD $20.00)
  • SemTest Lower PCB [04103121] (AUD $20.00)
  • High Voltage Crowbar PCB [04105121] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F877A-I/P programmed for the SemTest semiconductor test set [0410312B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $20.00)
  • SemTest front panel [04103123] (PCB, AUD $50.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the SemTest semiconductor test set [1410312B] (Software, Free)
  • High Voltage Crowbar PCB pattern (PDF download) [04105121] (Free)
  • SemTest Lower PCB pattern (PDF download) [04103121] (Free)
  • SemTest Upper PCB pattern (PDF download) [04103122] (Free)
  • SemTest front panel artwork and drilling template (PDF download) [04103123] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.1 (February 2012)
  • SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.1 (February 2012)
  • SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.2 (March 2012)
  • SemTest: A Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.2 (March 2012)
  • SemTest Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.3 (May 2012)
  • SemTest Discrete Semiconductor Test Set; Pt.3 (May 2012)
Items relevant to "12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1":
  • PIC16F88-E/P programmed for the MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 [1410211B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charge Controller [1410211A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the MPPT Solar Charger RevA [1410211B] (Software, Free)
  • 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charger Rev.A PCB pattern (PDF download) [14102112] (Free)
  • 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charger Rev.1 PCB [14102112] (AUD $20.00)
  • 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charge Controller PCB [14102111] (AUD $15.00)
Articles in this series:
  • Build A 12/24V 3-Stage Solar Charge Controller (February 2011)
  • Build A 12/24V 3-Stage Solar Charge Controller (February 2011)
  • Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger (March 2012)
  • 12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 (March 2012)
  • Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger (March 2012)
  • 12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 (March 2012)
Items relevant to "Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger":
  • PIC16F88-E/P programmed for the MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 [1410211B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charge Controller [1410211A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the MPPT Solar Charger RevA [1410211B] (Software, Free)
  • 12/24V 3-Stage MPPT Solar Charger Rev.A PCB pattern (PDF download) [14102112] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Build A 12/24V 3-Stage Solar Charge Controller (February 2011)
  • Build A 12/24V 3-Stage Solar Charge Controller (February 2011)
  • Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger (March 2012)
  • 12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 (March 2012)
  • Q & A On The MPPT Solar Charger (March 2012)
  • 12/24V MPPT Solar Charge Controller Rev.1 (March 2012)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

WANT TO SAVE 10%? S C (PRINT EDITION) AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR REFERENCE $ave SUBSCRIBERS* CHIP BOOKSHOP 10% A 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL BOOK PURCHASES! SILICON ILICON HIP (*Does not apply to website orders) SELF ON AUDIO by Douglas Self 2nd Edition 2006 $69.00 PROGRAMMING and CUSTOMIZING THE PICAXE By David Lincoln (2nd Ed, 2011) $65.00 See Review A great aid when wrestling with applications for the PICAXE series of microcontrollers, at beginner, intermediate and advanced April 2011 levels. Every electronics class, school and library should have a copy, A collection of 35 classic magazine articles offering a dependable methodology for designing audio power amplifiers to improve performance at every point without significantly increasing cost. Includes compressors/limiters, hybrid bipolar/FET amps, electronic switching and more. 474 pages in paperback. along with anyone who works with PICAXEs. 300 pages in paperback SMALL SIGNAL AUDIO DESIGN By Douglas Self – First Edition 2010 $88.00 PIC IN PRACTICE The latest from the Guru of audio. Explains audio concepts in easy-to-understand language with plenty of examples and reasoning. Inspiration for audio designers, superb background for audio enthusiasts and especially where it comes to component peculiarities and limitations. Expensive? Yes. Value for money? YES! Highly recommended. 558 pages in paperback. by D W Smith. 2nd Edition - published 2006 $60.00 Based on popular short courses on the PIC, for professionals, students and teachers. Can be used at a variety of levels. An ideal introduction to the world of microcontrollers. 255 pages in paperback. AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER DESIGN HANDBOOK PIC MICROCONTROLLER – your personal introduc- by Douglas Self – 5th Edition 2009 $81.00 tory course By John Morton 3rd edition 2005. $60.00 "The Bible" on audio power amplifiers. Many revisions and updates to the previous edition and now has an extra three chapters covering Class XD, Power Amp Input Systems and Input Processing and Auxiliarly Subsystems. Not cheap and not a book for the beginner but if you want the best reference on Audio Power Amps, you want this one! 463 pages in paperback. A unique and practical guide to getting up and running with the PIC. It assumes no knowledge of microcontrollers – ideal introduction for students, teachers, technicians and electronics enthusiasts. Revised 3rd edition focuses entirely on re-programmable flash PICs such as 16F54, 16F84 12F508 and 12F675. 226 pages in paperback. PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SATELLITE TV OP AMPS FOR EVERYONE By Garry Cratt – Latest (7th) Edition 2008 $49.00 By Carter & Mancini – 3RD EDITION $100.00 Written in Australia, for Australian conditions by one of Australia's foremost satellite TV experts. If there is anything you wanted to know about setting up a satellite TV system, (including what you can't do!) it's sure to be covered in this 176-page paperback book. Substantially updates coverage for low-speed and high-speed applications, and provides step-by-step walk-throughs for design and selection of op amps. Huge 648 pages! PROGRAMMING 32-bit MICROCONTROLLERS IN C By Luci di Jasio (2008) $79.00 NEWNES GUIDE TO TV & VIDEO TECHNOLOGY By KF Ibrahim 4th Edition (Published 2007) $49.00 Subtitled Exploring the PIC32, a Microchip insider tells all on this powerful PIC! Focuses on examples and exercises that show how to solve common, real-world design problems quickly. Includes handy checklists. FREE CD-ROM includes source code in C, the Microchip C30 compiler, and MPLAB SIM. 400 pages paperback. It's back! Provides a full and comprehensive coverage of video and television technology including HDTV and DVD. Starts with fundamentals so is ideal for students but covers in-depth technologies such as Blu-ray, DLP, Digital TV, etc so is also perfect for engineers. 600+ pages in paperback. USING UBUNTU LINUX RF CIRCUIT DESIGN by J Rolfe & A Edney – published 2007 $27.00 by Chris Bowick, Second Edition, 2008. $63.00 Ubuntu Linux is a free and easy-to-use operating system, a viable alternative to Windows and Mac OS. Introduces Ubuntu, tells how to set it up, covers the various Open Office applications and gives troubleshooting hints and tips. Highly recommended. 222 pages in paperback DVD PLAYERS AND DRIVES by K.F. Ibrahim. Published 2003. $71.00 A guide to DVD technology and applications, with particular focus on design issues and pitfalls, maintenance and repair. Ideal for engineers, technicians, students of consumer electronics and sales and installation staff. 319 pages in paperback. The classic RF circuit design book. RF circuit design is now more important that ever in the wireless world. In most of the wireless devices that we use there is an RF component – this book tells how to design and integrate in a very practical fashion. 244 pages in paperback. PRACTICAL RF HANDBOOK See Review Feb 2004 by Ian Hickman. 4th edition 2006 $61.00 A guide to RF design for engineers, technicians, students and enthusiasts. Covers key topics in RF: analog design principles, transmission lines, couplers, transformers, amplifiers, oscillators, modulation, transmitters and receivers, propagation and antennas. 279 pages in paperback. ELECTRIC MOTORS AND DRIVES PRACTICAL VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES & POWER ELECTRONICS Se By Austin Hughes - Third edition 2006 $51.00 Intended for non-specialist users of electric motors and drives, filling the gap between academic texts and general "handbooks". Explores all of the widely-used modern types of motor and drive including conventional & brushless DC, induction motors, steppers, servos, synchronous and reluctance. 384 pages, soft cover. e Review Feb An essential reference for engineers and anyone who wishes 2003 to design or use variable speed drives for induction motors. by Malcolm Barnes. 1st Ed, Feb 2003. $73.00 286 pages in soft cover. BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE AC MACHINES by Carl Vogel. Published 2009. $40.00 By Jim Lowe Published 2006 $66.00 Applicable to Australian trades-level courses including NE10 AC Machines, NE12 Synchronous Machines and the AC part of NE30 Electric Motor Control and Protection. Covering polyphase induction motors, single-phase motors, synchronous machines and polyphase motor starting. 160 pages in paperback. Alternative fuel expert Carl Vogel gives you a hands-on guide with the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a two-wheeled electric vehicle – from a streamlined scooter to a full-sized motorcycle. 384 pages in soft cover. NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE PLUS P&P – AUSTRALIA ONLY: $10.00 per order; OR FAX (24/7) OR NZ – $12.00 PER BOOK; PAYPAL (24/7) REST OF WORLD $18.00 PER BOOK PHONE – (9-5, Mon-Fri) eMAIL (24/7) OR To Call (02) 9939 3295 with Your order and card details to Use your PayPal account silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Place 110  S ilicon C hip with order & credit card details (02) 9939 2648 with all details silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au with order & credit card details Your Or use the handy order form on P105 of this issue Order: 1-13 See Review March 2010 OR MAIL Your order to PO Box 139 siliconchip.com.au Collaroy NSW 2097 *ALL TITLES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES VALID FOR MONTH OF MAGAZINE ISSUE ONLY. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST