Silicon ChipPartShop - September 2013 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Head-up displays are a boon
  4. Feature: Speedometer Head-Up Displays by Leo Simpson & Nicholas VInen
  5. Feature: Graphene: 300 Times Stronger Than Steel by Dr David Maddison
  6. Subscriptions
  7. Review: Bush TR82DAB DAB+/FM/AM/LW Radio by Leo Simpson
  8. Project: Speedo Corrector, Mk.3 by John Clarke
  9. Product Showcase
  10. Project: Collinear Antennas For Aircraft ADS-B Signals by Ross Tester
  11. Book Store
  12. Project: LifeSaver For Lithium & SLA Batteries by Nicholas Vinen
  13. Project: Simple 12V/24V Regulator For 70V Solar Panels by Branko Justic
  14. Review: Altium Designer 2013 PCB Layout Software by Nicholas Vinen
  15. Vintage Radio: Best Of British: the Bush TR82C Mk.2 transistor radio by Ian Batty
  16. PartShop
  17. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the September 2013 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 41 of the 104 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 "Speedo Corrector, Mk.3":
  • Speedo Corrector Mk3 PCB [05109131] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F88-E/P programmed for the Speedo Corrector Mk3 [0510913A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Speedo Corrector Mk3 [0510913A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Speedo Corrector Mk3 PCB pattern (PDF download) [05109131] (Free)
Items relevant to "LifeSaver For Lithium & SLA Batteries":
  • Battery LifeSaver PCB [11108131] (AUD $4.00)
  • Short form kit for the Battery Lifesaver (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • Battery LifeSaver PCB pattern (PDF download) [11108131] (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

SILICON CHIP .com.au/shop ONLINESHOP 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 ONLINESHOP. As a service to readers, SILICON CHIP has established the ONLINESHOP. 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! HERE’S HOW TO ORDER: 4 Via the INTERNET (24 hours, 7 days) Log on to our secure website: siliconchip.com.au, click on “SHOP” and follow the links 4 Via EMAIL (24 hours, 7 days) email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au – clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via FAX (24 hours, 7 days) (02) 9939 2648 (INT: 612 9939 2648). Clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via MAIL (24 hours, 7 days) PO Box 139, Collaroy NSW 2097. Clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via PHONE (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) Call (02) 9939 3295 (INT 612 9939 3295) – have your order details, including contact and credit card, ready! YES! You can also order or renew your SILICON CHIP subscription via any of these methods as well! PRE-PROGRAMMED MICROS Price for any of these micros is just $15.00 each + $10 p&p per order# As a service to readers, SILICON CHIP ONLINESHOP stocks microcontrollers and microprocessors used in new projects (from 2012 on) and some selected older projects – pre-programmed and ready to fly! Some micros from copyrighted and/or contributed projects may not be available. PIC12F675-I/P PIC16F1507-I/P PIC16F88-E/P PIC16F88-I/P PIC16LF88-I/P PIC16LF88-I/SO PIC16F877A-I/P PIC18F2550-I/SP PIC18F45K80 UHF Remote Switch (Jan09), Ultrasonic Cleaner (Aug10), Ultrasonic Anti-fouling (Sep10), Cricket/Frog (Jun12) Do Not Disturb (May13) IR-to-UHF Converter (Jul13), UHF-to-IR Converter (Jul13) PC Birdies *2 chips – $15 pair* (Aug13) Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Jun-Jul12) Hi Energy Ignition (Nov/Dec12), Speedo Corrector (Sept13) Projector Speed (Apr11), Vox (Jun11), Ultrasonic Water Tank Level (Sep11), Quizzical (Oct11) Ultra LD Preamp (Nov11) 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver (Jun13) Revised 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver (JuL13) Garbage Reminder (Jan13) LED Ladybird (Apr13) 6-Digit GPS Clock (May-Jun09), Lab Digital Pot (Jul10) Semtest (Feb-May12) Batt Capacity Meter (Jun09), Intelligent Fan Controller (Jul10) USB Power Monitor (Dec12) GPS Car Computer (Jan10), GPS Boat Computer (Oct10) USB MIDIMate (Oct11) USB Data Logger (Dec10-Feb11) Digital Spirit Level (Aug11), G-Force Meter (Nov11) Intelligent Dimmer (Apr09) Maximite (Mar11), miniMaximite (Nov11), Colour Maximite (Sept/Oct12) Digital Audio Signal Generator (Mar-May10), Digital Lighting Controller (Oct-Dec10), SportSync (May11), Digital Audio Delay (Dec11) Level (Sep11) Quizzical (Oct11), Ultra-LD Preamp (Nov11), LED Musicolor (Nov12) dsPIC33FJ64MC802-E/P Induction Motor Speed Controller (revised) (Aug13) dsPIC33FJ128GP306-I/PT CLASSiC DAC (Feb-May 13) ATTiny861 VVA Thermometer/Thermostat (Mar10), Rudder Position Indicator (Jul11) ATTiny2313 Remote-Controlled Timer (Aug10) ATMega48 Stereo DAC (Sep-Nov09) PIC18F4550-I/P PIC18F14K50 PIC18F27J53-I/SP PIC18LF14K22 PIC18F1320-I/SO PIC32MX795F512H-80I/PT dsPIC33FJ128GP802-I/SP # P&P prices are within Australia. O’seas? Please email for a quote When ordering, be sure to nominate BOTH the micro required AND the project for which it must be programmed. LOOKING FOR TECHNICAL BOOKS? YOU’LL FIND THE COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE IN THE SILICON CHIP ONLINE BOOKSTORE ON THE “BOOKS & DVDs” PAGES OF OUR WEBSITE SPECIALISED COMPONENTS, SHORT-FORM KITS, ETC RF Probe All SMD parts G-FORCE METER/ACCELEROMETER Short form kit (Aug13) $5.00 (Aug11/Nov11) $44.50 (contains PCB (04108111), programmed PIC micro, MMA8451Q accelerometer chip and 4 Mosfets) DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL Short form kit (Aug11/Nov11) $44.50 (contains PCB (04108111), programmed PIC micro, MMA8451Q accelerometer chip and 4 Mosfets) CLASSiC DAC Semi kit (Feb-May13) $45.00 Includes three hard-to-get SMD ICs: CS8416-CZZ, CS4398-CZZ and PLL1708DBQ plus an accurate 27MHz crystal and ten 3mm blue LEDs with diffused lenses “LUMP IN COAX” MINI MIXER SMD parts kit: (Jun13) $20.00 Includes: 2 x OPA4348AID, 1 x BQ2057CSN, 2 x DMP2215L, 1 x BAT54S, 1 x 0.22Ω shunt LF-HF UP-CONVERTER SMD parts kit: (Jun13) $15.00 Includes: FXO-HC536R-125 and SA602AD and all SMD passive components ISL9V5036P3 IGBT As used in high energy ignition and Jacob’s Ladder P&P – $10 Per order# (Nov/Dec12) (Feb13) ERA-2SM+ Wideband MMC and ADCH-80+ Wideband Choke as used in the 2.5GHz Frequency Counter (Dec12/Jan13) IPP230N06L3 N-Channel logic level Mosfets As used in a variety of SILICON CHIP Projects (Pack of 2) ZXCT1009 Current Shunt Monitor IC As used in DCC Reverse Loop Controller/Block Switch (Pack of 2) TENDA USB/SD AUDIO PLAYBACK MODULE (TD896 or 898) (Jan12) JST CONNECTOR LEAD 3-WAY (Jan12) JST CONNECTOR LEAD 2-WAY (Jan12) RADIO & HOBBIES ON DVD-ROM (Needs PC to play!) n/a *ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES VALID FOR MONTH OF MAGAZINE ISSUE ONLY. ALL PRICES IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS AND INCLUDE GST WHERE APPLICABLE. $10.00 $15.00 $5.00 $5.00 $33.00 $4.50 $3.45 $62.00 09/13 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO SUIT PROJECT: PUBLISHED: 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. PCB CODE: Price: 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 $5.00 PRECHAMP: 2-TRANSISTOR PREAMPLIER JUL 1994 01107941 $5.00 HEAT CONTROLLER JULY 1998 10307981 $10.00 MINIMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER APR 2001 06104011 $25.00 MICROMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER DEC 2002 06112021 $10.00 SMART SLAVE FLASH TRIGGER JUL 2003 13107031 $10.00 12AX7 VALVE AUDIO PREAMPLIFIER NOV 2003 01111031 $25.00 POOR MAN’S METAL LOCATOR MAY 2004 04105041 $10.00 BALANCED MICROPHONE PREAMP AUG 2004 01108041 $25.00 LITTLE JIM AM TRANSMITTER JAN 2006 06101062 $25.00 POCKET TENS UNIT JAN 2006 11101061 $25.00 STUDIO SERIES RC MODULE APRIL 2006 01104061 $25.00 ULTRASONIC EAVESDROPPER AUG 2006 01208061 $25.00 RIAA PREAMPLIFIER AUG 2006 01108061 $25.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (A) (IMPROVED) MAR 2007 04103073 $30.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE DISPLAY (B) MAR 2007 04103072 $20.00 KNOCK DETECTOR JUNE 2007 05106071 $25.00 SPEAKER PROTECTION AND MUTING MODULE JULY 2007 01207071 $20.00 CDI MODULE SMALL PETROL MOTORS MAY 2008 05105081 $15.00 LED/LAMP FLASHER SEP 2008 11009081 $10.00 12V SPEED CONTROLLER/DIMMER (Use Hot Wire Cutter PCB from Dec 2010 [18112101]) USB-SENSING MAINS POWER SWITCH JAN 2009 10101091 $45.00 DIGITAL AUDIO MILLIVOLTMETER MAR 2009 04103091 $35.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 SWITCH MODULE NOV 2011 ZENER DIODE TESTER NOV 2011 MINIMAXIMITE NOV 2011 ADJUSTABLE REGULATED POWER SUPPLY DEC 2011 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY DEC 2011 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY Front & Rear Panels DEC 2011 AM RADIO JAN 2012 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR JAN 2012 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR FRONT & REAR PANELS JAN 2012 3-INPUT AUDIO SELECTOR (SET OF 2 BOARDS) JAN 2012 CRYSTAL DAC FEB 2012 SWITCHING REGULATOR FEB 2012 SEMTEST LOWER BOARD MAR 2012 SEMTEST UPPER BOARD MAR 2012 SEMTEST FRONT PANEL MAR 2012 INTERPLANETARY VOICE MAR 2012 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER REV.A MAR 2012 SOFT START SUPPRESSOR APR 2012 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX APR 2012 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID APR 2012 1.5kW INDUCTION MOTOR SPEED CONT. (New V2 PCB) APR (DEC) 2012 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER MAIN PCB MAY 2012 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER Front & Rear Panels MAY 2012 MIX-IT! 4 CHANNEL MIXER JUNE 2012 01111113 $10.00 04111111 $20.00 07111111 $10.00 18112111 $5.00 01212111 $30.00 0121211P2/3$20 per set 06101121 $10.00 01201121 $30.00 0120112P1/2 $20.00 01101121/2 $30 per set 01102121 $20.00 18102121 $5.00 04103121 $40.00 04103122 $40.00 04103123 $75.00 08102121 $10.00 14102112 $20.00 10104121 $10.00 04104121 $20.00 04104122 $20.00 10105122 $35.00 21105121 $30.00 21105122/3 $20 per set 01106121 $20.00 INTELLIGENT REMOTE-CONTROLLED DIMMER INPUT ATTENUATOR FOR DIG. AUDIO M’VOLTMETER 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK DRIVER UHF ROLLING CODE TX UHF ROLLING CODE RECEIVER 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK AUTODIM ADD-ON STEREO DAC BALANCED OUTPUT BOARD DIGITAL INSULATION METER ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR REFORMER ULTRASONIC ANTI-FOULING FOR BOATS HEARING LOOP RECEIVER S/PDIF/COAX TO TOSLINK CONVERTER TOSLINK TO S/PDIF/COAX CONVERTER DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER SLAVE UNIT HEARING LOOP TESTER/LEVEL METER UNIVERSAL USB DATA LOGGER HOT WIRE CUTTER CONTROLLER 433MHZ SNIFFER CRANIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION HEARING LOOP SIGNAL CONDITIONER LED DAZZLER 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER SIMPLE CHEAP 433MHZ LOCATOR THE MAXIMITE UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR 12V 20-120W SOLAR PANEL SIMULATOR MICROPHONE NECK LOOP COUPLER PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONE AMP CHEAP 100V SPEAKER/LINE CHECKER PROJECTOR SPEED CONTROLLER SPORTSYNC AUDIO DELAY 100W DC-DC CONVERTER PHONE LINE POLARITY CHECKER 20A 12/24V DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER MK2 USB STEREO RECORD/PLAYBACK VERSATIMER/SWITCH USB BREAKOUT BOX ULTRA-LD MK3 200W AMP MODULE PORTABLE LIGHTNING DETECTOR RUDDER INDICATOR FOR POWER BOATS (4 PCBs) VOX ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL/INCLINOMETER ULTRASONIC WATER TANK METER ULTRA-LD MK2 AMPLIFIER UPGRADE ULTRA-LD MK3 AMPLIFIER POWER SUPPLY HIFI STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (IMPROVED) DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER LED SLAVE USB MIDIMATE QUIZZICAL QUIZ GAME ULTRA-LD MK3 PREAMP & REMOTE VOL CONTROL ULTRA-LD MK3 INPUT SWITCHING MODULE PIC/AVR PROGRAMMING ADAPTOR BOARD JUNE 2012 CRAZY CRICKET/FREAKY FROG JUNE 2012 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX JULY 2012 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID JULY 2012 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 JULY 2012 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 DISPLAY BOARD JULY 2012 SOFT STARTER FOR POWER TOOLS JULY 2012 DRIVEWAY SENTRY MK2 AUG 2012 MAINS TIMER AUG 2012 CURRENT ADAPTOR FOR SCOPES AND DMMS AUG 2012 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE SEPT 2012 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INT. FRONT PANEL SEPT 2012 BARKING DOG BLASTER SEPT 2012 COLOUR MAXIMITE SEPT 2012 SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR SEPT 2012 NICK-OFF PROXIMITY ALARM OCT 2012 DCC REVERSE LOOP CONTROLLER OCT 2012 LED MUSICOLOUR NOV 2012 LED MUSICOLOUR Front & Rear Panels NOV 2012 CLASSIC-D CLASS D AMPLIFIER MODULE NOV 2012 CLASSIC-D 2 CHANNEL SPEAKER PROTECTOR NOV 2012 HIGH ENERGY ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DEC 2012 USB POWER MONITOR DEC 2012 1.5kW INDUCTION MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER (NEW V2 PCB)DEC 2012 THE CHAMPION PREAMP and 7W AUDIO AMP (one PCB) JAN 2013 GARBAGE/RECYCLING BIN REMINDER JAN 2013 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – MAIN BOARD JAN 2013 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – DISPLAY BOARD JAN 2013 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – FRONT PANEL JAN 2013 SEISMOGRAPH MK2 FEB 2013 MOBILE PHONE RING EXTENDER FEB 2013 GPS 1PPS TIMEBASE FEB 2013 LED TORCH DRIVER MAR 2013 CLASSiC DAC MAIN PCB APR 2013 CLASSiC DAC FRONT & REAR PANEL PCBs APR 2013 GPS USB TIMEBASE APR 2013 LED LADYBIRD APR 2013 CLASSiC-D 12V to ±35V DC/DC CONVERTER MAY 2013 DO NOT DISTURB MAY 2013 LF/HF UP-CONVERTER JUN 2013 10-CHANNEL REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER JUN 2013 IR-TO-455MHZ UHF TRANSCEIVER JUN 2013 “LUMP IN COAX” PORTABLE MIXER JUN 2013 L’IL PULSER MKII TRAIN CONTROLLER JULY 2013 L’IL PULSER MKII FRONT & REAR PANELS JULY 2013 REVISED 10 CHANNEL REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER JULY 2013 INFRARED TO UHF CONVERTER JULY 2013 UHF TO INFRARED CONVERTER JULY 2013 IPOD CHARGER AUG 2013 PC BIRDIES AUG 2013 RF DETECTOR PROBE FOR DMMs AUG 2013 BATTERY LIFESAVER SEPT 2013 SPEEDO CORRECTOR SEPT 2013 24105121 08109121 04106121 04106122 05106121 05106122 10107121 03107121 10108121 04108121 24109121 24109122 25108121 07109121 09109121 03110121 09110121 16110121 16110121 01108121 01108122 05110121 04109121 10105122 01109121/2 19111121 04111121 04111122 04111123 21102131 12110121 04103131 16102131 01102131 01102132/3 04104131 08103131 11104131 12104131 07106131 15106131 15106132 01106131 09107131 09107132/3 15106133 15107131 15107132 14108131 08104131 04107131 11108131 05109131 APR 2009 MAY 2009 MAY 2009 JUNE 2009 AUG 2009 AUG 2009 SEPT 2009 JAN 2010 JUN 2010 AUG 2010 SEP 2010 SEP 2010 OCT 2010 OCT 2010 OCT 2010 NOV 2010 DEC 2010 DEC 2010 JAN 2011 JAN 2011 JAN 2011 FEB 2011 FEB 2011 FEB 2011 MAR 2011 MAR 2011 MAR 2011 MAR 2011 APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 APRIL 2011 MAY 2011 MAY 2011 MAY 2011 JUNE 2011 JUNE 2011 JUNE 2011 JUNE 2011 JULY 2011 JULY 2011 JULY 2011 JULY 2011 AUG 2011 AUG 2011 SEP 2011 SEP 2011 SEP 2011 SEP 2011 SEP 2011 OCT 2011 OCT 2011 OCT 2011 NOV 2011 NOV 2011 10104091 04205091 04105091 07106091 15008091 15008092 04208091 01101101 04106101 04108101 04109101 01209101 01210101 01210102 16110102 01111101 04112101 18112101 06101111 99101111 01101111 16102111 14102111 06102111 06103111 18103111 04103111 01209101 01104111 04104111 13104111 01105111 11105111 12105111 11106111 07106111 19106111 04106111 01107111 04107111 20107111-4 01207111 01108111 04108111 04109111 01209111 01109111 01309111 04103073 16110111 23110111 08110111 01111111 01111112 $10.00 $10.00 $35.00 $25.00 $10.00 $45.00 $10.00 $25.00 $25.00 $55.00 $25.00 $25.00 $10.00 $10.00 $45.00 $25.00 $25.00 $10.00 $10.00 $30.00 $30.00 $25.00 $15.00 $5.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $10.00 $10.00 $30.00 $25.00 $10.00 $25.00 $25.00 $25.00 $10.00 $25.00 $25.00 $80 per set $25.00 $25.00 $15.00 $25.00 $5.00 $25.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $30.00 $25.00 $30.00 $10.00 $20.00 $20.00 $20.00 $10.00 $10.00 $20.00 $10.00 $20.00 $30.00 $30.00 $20.00 $20.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $25.00 $20 per set $30.00 $10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $35.00 $10.00 $10.00 $35.00 $15.00 $45.00 $20.00 $10.00 $10.00 $5.00 $40.00 $30.00 $15.00 $5.00 $15.00 $10.00 $10.00 $15.00 $7.50 $15.00 $15.00 $20.00/set $15.00 $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00 $10.00 $5.00 $10.00