Silicon ChipPartShop - 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.

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. • • • • These boards are normally IN STOCK and ready for despatch (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 you order! (Australia only; overseas clients – email us for a postage quote). New project boards will normally be available within days of the magazine on-sale date: no waiting! • 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! PROJECT PUBLISHED CODE Price* PROJECT PUBLISHED AM RADIO TRANSMITTER CHAMP: SINGLE CHIP AUDIO AMPLIFIER JAN 1993 06112921 $25.00 SIMPLE CHEAP 433MHZ LOCATOR FEB 2011 06102111 $5.00 FEB 1994 01102941 $5.00 THE MAXIMITE MAR 2011 06103111 $25.00 PRECHAMP: 2-TRANSISTOR PREAMPLIER JUL 1994 01107941 $5.00 UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR MAR 2011 18103111 $15.00 HEAT CONTROLLER JULY 1998 10307981 $25.00 12V 20-120W SOLAR PANEL SIMULATOR MAR 2011 04103111 $25.00 MINIMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER APR 2001 06104011 $25.00 MICROPHONE NECK LOOP COUPLER MAR 2011 01209101 $25.00 MICROMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER DEC 2002 06112021 $10.00 PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONE AMP APRIL 2011 01104111 $25.00 SMART SLAVE FLASH TRIGGER JUL 2003 13107031 $10.00 CHEAP 100V SPEAKER/LINE CHECKER APRIL 2011 04104111 $25.00 12AX7 VALVE AUDIO PREAMPLIFIER NOV 2003 01111031 $25.00 PROJECTOR SPEED CONTROLLER APRIL 2011 13104111 $10.00 POOR MAN’S METAL LOCATOR MAY 2004 04105041 $10.00 SPORTSYNC AUDIO DELAY MAY 2011 01105111 $30.00 BALANCED MICROPHONE PREAMP AUG 2004 01108041 $25.00 100W DC-DC CONVERTER MAY 2011 11105111 $25.00 LITTLE JIM AM TRANSMITTER JAN 2006 06101062 $25.00 PHONE LINE POLARITY CHECKER MAY 2011 12105111 $10.00 POCKET TENS UNIT JAN 2006 11101061 $25.00 20A 12/24V DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER MK2 JUNE 2011 11106111 $25.00 STUDIO SERIES RC MODULE APRIL 2006 01104061 $25.00 USB STEREO RECORD/PLAYBACK JUNE 2011 07106111 $25.00 ULTRASONIC EAVESDROPPER AUG 2006 01208061 $25.00 VERSATIMER/SWITCH JUNE 2011 19106111 $25.00 RIAA PREAMPLIFIER AUG 2006 01108061 $25.00 USB BREAKOUT BOX JUNE 2011 04106111 $10.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (A) (IMPROVED) MAR 2007 04103073 $55.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 200W AMP MODULE JULY 2011 01107111 $25.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE DISPLAY (B) MAR 2007 04103072 $30.00 PORTABLE LIGHTNING DETECTOR JULY 2011 04107111 $25.00 KNOCK DETECTOR JUNE 2007 05106071 $25.00 RUDDER INDICATOR FOR POWER BOATS (4 PCBs) JULY 2011 20107111-4 $80 per set SPEAKER PROTECTION AND MUTING MODULE JULY 2007 01207071 $25.00 VOX JULY 2011 01207111 $25.00 CDI MODULE SMALL PETROL MOTORS MAY 2008 05105081 $15.00 ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE AUG 2011 01108111 $25.00 LED/LAMP FLASHER SEP 2008 11009081 $10.00 DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL/INCLINOMETER AUG 2011 04108111 $15.00 12V SPEED CONTROLLER/DIMMER (Use Hot Wire Cutter PCB from Dec2010 18112101) $25.00 ULTRASONIC WATER TANK METER SEP 2011 04109111 $25.00 CAR SCROLLING DISPLAY DEC 2008 05101092 $25.00 ULTRA-LD MK2 AMPLIFIER UPGRADE SEP 2011 01209111 $5.00 USB-SENSING MAINS POWER SWITCH JAN 2009 10101091 $45.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 AMPLIFIER POWER SUPPLY SEP 2011 01109111 $25.00 DIGITAL AUDIO MILLIVOLTMETER MAR 2009 04103091 $35.00 HIFI STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER SEP 2011 01309111 $45.00 INTELLIGENT REMOTE-CONTROLLED DIMMER APR 2009 10104091 $10.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (IMPROVED) SEP 2011 04103073 $55.00 INPUT ATTENUATOR FOR DIG. AUDIO M’VOLTMETER MAY 2009 04205091 $10.00 DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER LED SLAVE OCT 2011 16110111 $30.00 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK MAY 2009 04105091 $35.00 USB MIDIMATE OCT 2011 23110111 $30.00 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK DRIVER JUNE 2009 07106091 $25.00 QUIZZICAL QUIZ GAME OCT 2011 08110111 $30.00 UHF ROLLING CODE TX AUG 2009 15008091 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 PREAMP & REMOTE VOL CONTROL NOV 2011 01111111 $35.00 UHF ROLLING CODE RECEIVER AUG 2009 15008092 $45.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 INPUT SWITCHING MODUL NOV 2011 01111112 $25.00 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK AUTODIM ADD-ON SEPT 2009 04208091 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 SWITCH MODULE NOV 2011 01111113 $10.00 STEREO DAC BALANCED OUTPUT BOARD JAN 2010 01101101 $25.00 ZENER DIODE TESTER NOV 2011 04111111 $20.00 DIGITAL INSULATION METER JUN 2010 04106101 $25.00 MINIMAXIMITE NOV 2011 07111111 $10.00 ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR REFORMER AUG 2010 04108101 $55.00 ADJUSTABLE REGULATED POWER SUPPLY DEC 2011 18112111 $5.00 ULTRASONIC ANTI-FOULING FOR BOATS SEP 2010 04109101 $25.00 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY DEC 2011 01212111 $30.00 HEARING LOOP RECEIVER SEP 2010 01209101 $25.00 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY FRONT & REAR PANELS DEC 2011 0121211P2/3 $20 per set S/PDIF/COAX TO TOSLINK CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210101 $10.00 AM RADIO JAN 2012 06101121 $10.00 TOSLINK TO S/PDIF/COAX CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210102 $10.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR JAN 2012 01201121 $30.00 DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER SLAVE UNIT OCT 2010 16110102 $45.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR FRONT & REAR PANELS JAN 2012 0120112P1/2 $20.00 HEARING LOOP TESTER/LEVEL METER NOV 2010 01111101 $25.00 3-INPUT AUDIO SELECTOR (SET OF 2 BOARDS) JAN 2012 01101121/2 $30 per set UNIVERSAL USB DATA LOGGER DEC 2010 04112101 $25.00 CRYSTAL DAC FEB 2012 01102121 HOT WIRE CUTTER CONTROLLER DEC 2010 18112101 $25.00 SWITCHING REGULATOR FEB 2012 18102121 $5.00 433MHZ SNIFFER JAN 2011 06101111 $10.00 SEMTEST LOWER BOARD MAR 2012 04103121 $40.00 CRANIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION JAN 2011 99101111 $30.00 SEMTEST UPPER BOARD MAR 2012 04103122 $40.00 HEARING LOOP SIGNAL CONDITIONER JAN 2011 01101111 $30.00 SEMTEST FRONT PANEL MAR 2012 04103123 $75.00 LED DAZZLER FEB 2011 16102111 $25.00 INTERPLANETARY VOICE MAR 2012 08102121 $10.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER FEB 2011 14102111 $15.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER REV.A MAR 2012 14102112 $20.00 CODE Price* $20.00 OTHER ITEMS CURRENTLY IN THE SILICON CHIP PARTSHOP: TENDA USB/SD AUDIO PLAYBACK MODULE (TD898) JAN 2012 $33.00 TENDA USB/SD AUDIO PLAYBACK MODULE (TD896) JAN 2012 $33.00 G-FORCE METER/ACCELEROMETER SHORT FORM KIT AUG 2011/NOV 2011 $44.50 (contains PCB (04108111), programmed PIC micro, MMA8451Q accelerometer chip and 4 MOSFETS) 2-WAY JST CONNECTOR LEAD JAN 2012 $3.45 RADIO & HOBBIES ON DVD-ROM (Needs PC to play!) n/a $62.00 3-WAY JST CONNECTOR LEAD JAN 2012 $4.50 AMATEUR SCIENTIST VOL4 ON CD n/a $62.00 * ALL PRICES PLUS P&P – $10 PER ORDER WITHIN AUSTRALIA. (OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS PLEASE EMAIL US FOR A P&P QUOTE)