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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station Goes Digital It’s been nearly four years since we reviewed the Hakko FX-888 soldering station (December 2009) and in that time it has earned an excellent reputation at every level from advanced hobbyist through technician and service and onto production lines. Now Hakko, through their Australian agents HK Wentworth, have released a digital version, the FX-888D. Along with a heater output boost of 30% and better thermal recovery, the new model features a 3-digit LED display to accurately show soldering temperature. Instead of a dial to set temperature, it is now set by pushbuttons. Settings can be password-protected to avoid any “oopses” if someone changes a sensitive setup. The small footprint of the FX888 (100 x 120mm) has been retained – in fact, the station appears to use a very similar case to the older model. And similarly, the FX-888D comes with a separate iron holder with cleaning sponge and wire. The iron itself is very light – at 44g it’s one of the lightest around. This augurs well for repetitive assembly line work. 16 different tips suit virtually all applications. The separate tip/heater design also means easier (and cheaper) replacements when the time comes. This iron also supports the N2 system which uses nitrogen gas to prevent oxidation and preheating, minimising bridging, soldering defects and component damage. For more information on the Hakko FX-888D soldering station, visit Hakko’s website: www.hakko.com/english/ products/hakko_ Contact: fx888d.html Recommended HK Wentworth Australasia retail is around 3/98 Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale NSW 2100 Tel: (02) 9938 1566 Fax: (02) 9938 1467 $229.00 Website: www.hkwentworth.com.au Tektronix new PA4000 Power Analyser The new Tektronix PA 4 0 0 0 Power Analyser delivers consistently accurate measurements, even with challenging power waveforms. While most power analysers rely on zero-crossing point to detect and track fundamental frequency, the PA4000 Power Analyser uses a unique method to lock onto signals, no matter how complex. Add in wide current and voltage input ranges, built-in test modes and standard PC interfaces, and you have a power analyser that is as versatile as is accurate. It is modular and scalable from one to four input modules to match your application and has a high measurement accuracy of 0.04% (basic voltage & current accuracy). There are dual internal current shunts for each module maximize accuracy for high and low current measurements and proprietary frequency detection al- Contact: gorithms to ensure Tekmark Australia Pty Ltd rock-solid frequen- Level 3, 18 Orion Rd, Lane Cove, NSW 2066 cy tracking even on Tel: (02) 9911 3888 Fax: (02) 9418 8485 Website: www.tekmark.net.au noisy waveforms. 86  Silicon Chip LabJack DIGIT-TL Have an urge to measure the temperature in your refrigerator, attic, or car? The LabJack Digit-TL might be just what you need. It’s a battery-powered temperature logger which can store up to 260,000 readings and has a battery life of three years. It will record data in a wide variety of applications and download over USB (to .csv) using free Otero software for Windows. The Digit-TL uses a Texas Instruments TMP112 to record temperature. The 12-bit readings are buffered on the chip and recorded to flash at every log event. Unlike many battery powered loggers in its class, the Digit-TL user does not require a special base to download stored data. The circuit board is protected by a thin film of conformal coating which makes the Digit-TL resistant to moisture, static discharges, and fingerprint oils. The Digit-TL comes with an IP68 rated enclosure. Note that light readings will be stifled if the Digit-TL is inside of the enclosure. LabJack are working to provide a clear plastic enclosure but in the meantime it is advised to use a clear plastic baggy if light readings are Contact: important. The price of the Ocean Controls Labjack Digit-TL is PO Box 2191, Seaford BC, Vic, 3198 $56.00 (+GST) direct Tel: (03) 9782 5882 Fax: (03) 9782 5517 from Ocean Controls. Website: www.oceancontrols.com.au siliconchip.com.au LTE TV interference filter from Jaycar When we told Jaycar Electronics about the Digital TV feature in this issue (see page 76) and the ramifications for existing TV antennas, they were quick to point out that they already stocked a filter designed specifically for eliminating interference from the new LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 4G services. The Kingray LP-LTE25 filter is designed to insert into your TV antenna line, with “F” connectors on both input and output. It’s a passive device so no power is required. LTE rejection is claimed to be 25dB <at> 750MHz. If you have a high-band UHF TV antenna after the Digital Switchoff, it may well receive 4G signals which can then interfere with digital TV reception in the lower channels. The passband of this filter is from 5 to 694MHz. While it’s intended for inside or protected use, it can be installed inside a protective cover for external operation. Retail price is Contact: $24.95 (Cat No Jaycar Electronics (all stores) LT3061) and is PO Box 107, Rydalmere NSW 2116 available from all Order Tel: 1800 022 888 Fax: (02) 8832 3188 Jaycar stores, dealWebsite: www.jaycar.com.au ers or online. MXA072 Solid State Voice Recorder * Record up to 60sec. divided into in 1,2,4 or 8 tracks * In-built, single chip 500mW amplifier * In-built Microphone or Line Input * Supplied with a 50mm 0.25Watt Speaker. VERSATILE!! Use the MXA072 for model railway sounds, point-of-sale messages, guest greetings, burglar deterrent, telephone alarm systems and public area alarm systems Fully Assembled and Tested Yours Now!! at $42.70 inc. GST Plus $7.50 Pack & Post FK603 2W Stereo Amp - KIT Here is a compact, easy-to-build, economical stereo amplifier kit that would make a great schools project. Just add your own pair of speakers and build into an MP3 docking station, intercom, stereo repeater or practice guitar amplifier. Affordable!! at $10.14 inc. GST Plus $3.60 Pack & Post MXA026 Stop-Watch and Clock Times down to 1/100th of a second 56mm Bright Display Battery Backed-Up Time Fully Assembled and Tested Value!! $63.76 inc. GST Plus $7.50 Pack and Post Buy Now at www.kitstop.com.au P.O. Box 5422 Clayton Vic.3168 Tel:0432 502 755 SwannSmart Wi-Fi Network Camera with Secure Cloud Storage Radio, TV & Hobbies A new wireless network monitoring solution from Swann Communications allows users to see and record what’s happening on home or business security cameras via an existing wireless network with viewing on an iPhone, iPad or Android device – or indeed any 3G/4G device. Called the SwannSmart it streams live video and images directly to secure cloud storage, to stream encrypted live video without needing to be connected to a computer. Home and business owners can see and hear (via built-in microphone) what’s happening during the day or in low light with infrared night vision up to 3.7 metres. It can be mounted on any flat surface, upside down and on ceilings and walls. It is also ideal for remotely monitoring a baby and family, as well as older children and elderly relatives. Visual contact can also be maintained with pets to ensure that they have enough food, water and shelter. Contact: There’s a demo Swann Communications Pty Ltd video at http:// 13/331 Ingles St, Pt Melbourne, Vic 3207 youtu.be/WOvnc0_ Tel: (03) 9782 5882 Fax: (03) 9782 5517 SC Website: www.swann.com.au zvHo The complete archive on DVD: every article to enjoyonce again siliconchip.com.au April 1939-March 1965 ❑ Every issue individually archived by month and year ❑ Complete with index for each year – a must-have for anyone interested in electronics. This remarkable archival collection spans nearly three decades of Australia’s own Radio & Hobbies and Radio, TV & Hobbies magazines,from April 1939 right through to the final issue in March 1965. Every article is scanned into PDF format ready to read and reread at your leisure on your home computer (obviously, a computer with a DVD-ROM is required, along with Acrobat Reader 6 or later (Acrobat Reader is a free download from Adobe). For history buffs, it’s worth its weight in gold. For anyone with even the vaguest interest in Australia’s radio and television history (and much more) what could be better? For students, this archive gives an extraordinary ILICON HIP insight into the amazing breakthroughs in radio NB: requires a computer and electronics following the war years (and with DVD reader to view speaking of the war, R&H had some of the best – will not play on a propaganda you’re ever likely to see!) standard audio/Video This is one DVD which you must have in your DVD player. collection! ONLY $ 00 62 plus P&P Only available from S C ORDER ONLINE NOW AT WWW.SILICONCHIP.COM.AU June 2013  87