Silicon ChipContents - April 2017 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Big Brother can control your aircon
  4. Feature: DRED: they can turn your aircon off! by Dr David Maddison
  5. Feature: El Cheapo Modules, Part 6: Direct Digital Synthesiser by Jim Rowe
  6. Subscriptions
  7. Project: New Spring Reverberation Unit by Nicholas Vinen
  8. Project: The eFuse: never replace another blown fuse by John Clarke
  9. Project: A Digital LCD Audio ’Scope for less than $40! by Jim Rowe
  10. Serviceman's Log: Stomping on the pedal killed it by Dave Thompson
  11. Project: Micromite BackPack Touchscreen DDS Signal Generator by Geoff Graham
  12. Review: Keysight DSOX1102G Digital Oscilloscope by Nicholas Vinen
  13. PartShop
  14. Vintage Radio: Sony’s TV8-301: the world’s first direct-view transistor TV set by Ian Batty
  15. Market Centre
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Notes & Errata: Squash and Ping-Pong / Pool Lap Counter / Stationmaster / Voltage/Current Reference with Touchscreen

This is only a preview of the April 2017 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 40 of the 96 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 "El Cheapo Modules, Part 6: Direct Digital Synthesiser":
  • AD9833 DDS module with programmable attenuator (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • AD9833 DDS module without attenuator (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • Software for El Cheapo Modules: AD9833 DDS (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 1 (October 2016)
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 1 (October 2016)
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 2 (December 2016)
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 2 (December 2016)
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 3 (January 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules From Asia - Part 3 (January 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules from Asia - Part 4 (February 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules from Asia - Part 4 (February 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 5: LCD module with I²C (March 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 5: LCD module with I²C (March 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 6: Direct Digital Synthesiser (April 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 6: Direct Digital Synthesiser (April 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 7: LED Matrix displays (June 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules, Part 7: LED Matrix displays (June 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Li-ion & LiPo Chargers (August 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Li-ion & LiPo Chargers (August 2017)
  • El Cheapo modules Part 9: AD9850 DDS module (September 2017)
  • El Cheapo modules Part 9: AD9850 DDS module (September 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules Part 10: GPS receivers (October 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules Part 10: GPS receivers (October 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules 11: Pressure/Temperature Sensors (December 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules 11: Pressure/Temperature Sensors (December 2017)
  • El Cheapo Modules 12: 2.4GHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 12: 2.4GHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 13: sensing motion and moisture (February 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 13: sensing motion and moisture (February 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 14: Logarithmic RF Detector (March 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 14: Logarithmic RF Detector (March 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 16: 35-4400MHz frequency generator (May 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 16: 35-4400MHz frequency generator (May 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 17: 4GHz digital attenuator (June 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 17: 4GHz digital attenuator (June 2018)
  • El Cheapo: 500MHz frequency counter and preamp (July 2018)
  • El Cheapo: 500MHz frequency counter and preamp (July 2018)
  • El Cheapo modules Part 19 – Arduino NFC Shield (September 2018)
  • El Cheapo modules Part 19 – Arduino NFC Shield (September 2018)
  • El cheapo modules, part 20: two tiny compass modules (November 2018)
  • El cheapo modules, part 20: two tiny compass modules (November 2018)
  • El cheapo modules, part 21: stamp-sized audio player (December 2018)
  • El cheapo modules, part 21: stamp-sized audio player (December 2018)
  • El Cheapo Modules 22: Stepper Motor Drivers (February 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules 22: Stepper Motor Drivers (February 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules 23: Galvanic Skin Response (March 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules 23: Galvanic Skin Response (March 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Class D amplifier modules (May 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Class D amplifier modules (May 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Long Range (LoRa) Transceivers (June 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Long Range (LoRa) Transceivers (June 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: AD584 Precision Voltage References (July 2019)
  • El Cheapo Modules: AD584 Precision Voltage References (July 2019)
  • Three I-O Expanders to give you more control! (November 2019)
  • Three I-O Expanders to give you more control! (November 2019)
  • El Cheapo modules: “Intelligent” 8x8 RGB LED Matrix (January 2020)
  • El Cheapo modules: “Intelligent” 8x8 RGB LED Matrix (January 2020)
  • El Cheapo modules: 8-channel USB Logic Analyser (February 2020)
  • El Cheapo modules: 8-channel USB Logic Analyser (February 2020)
  • New w-i-d-e-b-a-n-d RTL-SDR modules (May 2020)
  • New w-i-d-e-b-a-n-d RTL-SDR modules (May 2020)
  • New w-i-d-e-b-a-n-d RTL-SDR modules, Part 2 (June 2020)
  • New w-i-d-e-b-a-n-d RTL-SDR modules, Part 2 (June 2020)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Mini Digital Volt/Amp Panel Meters (December 2020)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Mini Digital Volt/Amp Panel Meters (December 2020)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Mini Digital AC Panel Meters (January 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: Mini Digital AC Panel Meters (January 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: LCR-T4 Digital Multi-Tester (February 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: LCR-T4 Digital Multi-Tester (February 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: USB-PD chargers (July 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: USB-PD chargers (July 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: USB-PD Triggers (August 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: USB-PD Triggers (August 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 3.8GHz Digital Attenuator (October 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 3.8GHz Digital Attenuator (October 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 6GHz Digital Attenuator (November 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 6GHz Digital Attenuator (November 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 35MHz-4.4GHz Signal Generator (December 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: 35MHz-4.4GHz Signal Generator (December 2021)
  • El Cheapo Modules: LTDZ Spectrum Analyser (January 2022)
  • El Cheapo Modules: LTDZ Spectrum Analyser (January 2022)
  • Low-noise HF-UHF Amplifiers (February 2022)
  • Low-noise HF-UHF Amplifiers (February 2022)
  • A Gesture Recognition Module (March 2022)
  • A Gesture Recognition Module (March 2022)
  • Air Quality Sensors (May 2022)
  • Air Quality Sensors (May 2022)
  • MOS Air Quality Sensors (June 2022)
  • MOS Air Quality Sensors (June 2022)
  • PAS CO2 Air Quality Sensor (July 2022)
  • PAS CO2 Air Quality Sensor (July 2022)
  • Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors (November 2022)
  • Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors (November 2022)
  • Heart Rate Sensor Module (February 2023)
  • Heart Rate Sensor Module (February 2023)
  • UVM-30A UV Light Sensor (May 2023)
  • UVM-30A UV Light Sensor (May 2023)
  • VL6180X Rangefinding Module (July 2023)
  • VL6180X Rangefinding Module (July 2023)
  • pH Meter Module (September 2023)
  • pH Meter Module (September 2023)
  • 1.3in Monochrome OLED Display (October 2023)
  • 1.3in Monochrome OLED Display (October 2023)
  • 16-bit precision 4-input ADC (November 2023)
  • 16-bit precision 4-input ADC (November 2023)
  • 1-24V USB Power Supply (October 2024)
  • 1-24V USB Power Supply (October 2024)
  • 14-segment, 4-digit LED Display Modules (November 2024)
  • 0.91-inch OLED Screen (November 2024)
  • 0.91-inch OLED Screen (November 2024)
  • 14-segment, 4-digit LED Display Modules (November 2024)
  • The Quason VL6180X laser rangefinder module (January 2025)
  • TCS230 Colour Sensor (January 2025)
  • The Quason VL6180X laser rangefinder module (January 2025)
  • TCS230 Colour Sensor (January 2025)
  • Using Electronic Modules: 1-24V Adjustable USB Power Supply (February 2025)
  • Using Electronic Modules: 1-24V Adjustable USB Power Supply (February 2025)
Items relevant to "New Spring Reverberation Unit":
  • New Spring Reverberation Unit PCB [01104171] (AUD $12.50)
  • New Spring Reverberation Unit PCB pattern (PDF download) [01104171] (Free)
Items relevant to "The eFuse: never replace another blown fuse":
  • Electronic Fuse PCB [04102171] (AUD $7.50)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Electronic Fuse (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Electronic Fuse PCB pattern (PDF download) [04102171] (Free)
  • Electronic Fuse panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Micromite BackPack Touchscreen DDS Signal Generator":
  • Micromite LCD BackPack PCB [2.8-inch version) [07102122] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Micromite-based DDS Signal Generator [SigGeneratorFull.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • MCP1700 3.3V LDO (TO-92) (Component, AUD $2.00)
  • AD9833 DDS module with programmable attenuator (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • CP2102-based USB/TTL serial converter with 5-pin header and 30cm jumper cable (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • Matte/Gloss Black UB3 Lid for 2.8-inch Micromite LCD BackPack (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Clear UB3 Lid for 2.8-inch Micromite LCD BackPack (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Gloss Black UB3 Lid for 2.8-inch Micromite LCD BackPack (PCB, AUD $4.00)
  • Software for the Micromite-based Touchscreen DDS Signal Generator [SigGeneratorFull.HEX] (Free)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack PCB patterns (PDF download) [07102121/2] (Free)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack/Ultrasonic sensor lid cutting diagrams (download) (Panel Artwork, Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

Contents Vol.30, No.4; April 2017 SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Features 14 DRED: they can turn your aircon off! It sounds like a misprint! DRED is a “feature” built into all new air conditioners and if enabled, will allow supply authorities to remotely turn your air conditioner down by 25%, 50% or even to fan-only mode – by Dr David Maddison 18 El Cheapo Modules, Part 6: Direct Digital Synthesiser This tiny DDS function generator module can produce accurate sine, square or triangle waveforms from 0.1Hz to 12.5MHz. It uses the Analog Devices AD9833 DDS chip and a 25MHz crystal oscillator and costs next to nothing – by Jim Rowe DRED allows supply authorities to control your air conditioner – without your knowledge – Page 14 79 Review: Keysight DSOX1102G Digital Oscilloscope There are a lot of compact, low-cost scopes on the market. Some undercut the Keysight on price but we doubt if any of them could compete with the sheer performance of the MegaZoom IV chipset – by Nicholas Vinen Many musicians prefer the sound of a spring reverberation unit over modern digital types – Page 26 Projects To Build 26 New Spring Reverberation Unit Can a reverb unit make a mediocre guitarist sound like a star? Maybe not, but this spring reverb unit will really lift your sound – by Nicholas Vinen 38 The eFuse: never replace another blown fuse When you’ve replaced a fuse for the nth time, you’ll wonder why you didn’t build the eFuse! Press a button and it resets – by John Clarke 53 A Digital LCD Audio ’Scope for less than $40! This build-it-yourself Chinese scope kit gives a good bang for your buck. Great for audio troubleshooting and general electronics work – by Jim Rowe Sick of replacing fuses? Just push the button on our new eFuse and it resets     itself – Page 38 68 Micromite BackPack Touchscreen DDS Signal Generator Combines a low-cost DDS module with a Micromite BackPack to produce a highly useful sine, square and triangle waveform generator with a touchscreen LCD. It’s ideal for audio and RF applications, including service work – by Geoff Graham Special Columns 58 Serviceman’s Log Stomping on the effects pedal killed it! – by Dave Thompson 76 Circuit Notebook (1) Two modifications for the Battery LifeSaver (2) Measuring weight using an Arduino (3) Simple bird scarer stops tree damage Yes! You can build a fully functioning audio LCD ’scope for under $40.00! – Page 53 84 Vintage Television Sony’s TV8-301: the world’s first direct-view transistor TV set – by Ian Batty Departments 2 Publisher’s Letter   90 4 Mailbag  95 25 SILICON CHIP Subscriptions   96 siliconchip.com.au 82 SILICON CHIP Online Shop   96 Ask Silicon Chip    Market Centre Advertising Index Notes and Errata Add a Micromite BackPack to a cheap DDS module and you have a multi-waveform function generator with LCD – Page 68 April 2017  1 www.facebook.com/siliconchipmagazine