Silicon ChipMarket Centre - August 2017 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Australia’s energy outlook is dogged by political incompetence
  4. Feature: Radio Telescopes and Interferometry by Dr David Maddison
  5. Review: Rohde & Schwarz RTB2004 Mixed Signal Oscilloscope by Nicholas Vinen
  6. Project: An Arduino Data Logger with GPS by Nicholas Vinen
  7. Project: Mains Power Supply for Battery Valve Radio Sets by Ian Robertson
  8. Project: El Cheapo Modules: Li-ion & LiPo Chargers by Jim Rowe
  9. Serviceman's Log: Well-made 1980s amplifiers are worthwhile to repair by Dave Thompson
  10. Project: Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 2 by Nicholas Vinen
  11. PartShop
  12. Feature: LTspice Part 2: Simulating and Testing Circuits by Nicholas Vinen
  13. Project: Building and calibrating the RapidBrake by John Clarke
  14. Feature: Lithium-ion cells – What You Need to Know! by Jim Rowe
  15. Vintage Radio: STC’s 1946 model 512 5-valve radio by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  16. Market Centre
  17. Notes & Errata: Arduino-based Digital Inductance/Capacitance Meter
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover: Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

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

You can view 48 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 "An Arduino Data Logger with GPS":
  • Arduino Data Logger shield PCB with stackable headers [21107171] (AUD $5.00)
  • Arduino Data Logger shield PCB [21107171] (AUD $2.50)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • GY-68 Barometric Pressure/Altitude/Temperature I²C Sensor breakout board (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • Elecrow 1A/500mA Li-ion/LiPo charger board with USB power pass-through (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Elecrow 1A Li-ion/LiPo charger board with USB pass-through (Component, AUD $35.00)
  • DS3231-based Real Time Clock & Calendar module with mounting hardware (Component, AUD $6.00)
  • Firmware (Arduino sketch) file for the Arduino Data Logger (Software, Free)
  • Arduino Data Logger shield PCB pattern (PDF download) [21107171] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • An Arduino Data Logger with GPS (August 2017)
  • An Arduino Data Logger with GPS (August 2017)
  • Arduino Data Logger Part 2 (September 2017)
  • Arduino Data Logger Part 2 (September 2017)
Items relevant to "Mains Power Supply for Battery Valve Radio Sets":
  • Set of four PCBs for the Battery-operated Valve Radio Mains Power Supply [18108171-4] (AUD $25.00)
  • Battery-operated Valve Radio Mains Power Supply PCB patterns (PDF download) [18108171-4] (Free)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo Modules: Li-ion & LiPo Chargers":
  • Elecrow 1A/500mA Li-ion/LiPo charger board with USB power pass-through (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Elecrow 1A Li-ion/LiPo charger board with USB pass-through (Component, AUD $35.00)
  • TP4056 1A Li-ion/LiPo charger with mini USB socket (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • TP4056 1A Li-ion/LiPo charger with micro USB socket (Component, AUD $2.50)
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 "Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 2":
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse PCB [18106171] (AUD $12.50)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse [1810617A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • 2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen LCD module with SD card socket (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • IPP80P03P4L-07 high-current P-channel Mosfet (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • LT1490ACN8 dual "Over-the-Top" rail-to-rail op amp (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • IPP80N06S4L-07 high-current N-channel Mosfet (TO-220) (Component, AUD $2.00)
  • Matte Black UB1 Lid for the Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse (PCB, AUD $7.50)
  • Software for the Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse (Free)
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse PCB pattern (PDF download) [18106171] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 1 (July 2017)
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 1 (July 2017)
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 2 (August 2017)
  • Deluxe Touchscreen eFuse, Part 2 (August 2017)
  • Deluxe eFuse, Part 3: using it! (October 2017)
  • Deluxe eFuse, Part 3: using it! (October 2017)
Items relevant to "LTspice Part 2: Simulating and Testing Circuits":
  • Software for the LTspice Tutorial, Part 2 (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • LTspice – simulating and circuit testing, Part 1 (June 2017)
  • LTspice – simulating and circuit testing, Part 1 (June 2017)
  • LTspice Part 2: Simulating and Testing Circuits (August 2017)
  • LTspice Part 2: Simulating and Testing Circuits (August 2017)
  • LTspice Tutorial Part 3: Modelling an NTC Thermistor (September 2017)
  • LTspice Tutorial Part 3: Modelling an NTC Thermistor (September 2017)
  • LTspice Simulation: Analysing/Optimising Audio Circuits (May 2018)
  • LTspice Simulation: Analysing/Optimising Audio Circuits (May 2018)
Items relevant to "Building and calibrating the RapidBrake":
  • RapidBrake PCB [05105171] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for RapidBrake [0510517A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Rapidbrake alignment jig pieces (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for RapidBrake [0510517A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • RapidBrake PCB pattern (PDF download) [05105171] (Free)
  • RapidBrake lid panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • RapidBrake - giving the guy behind extra stopping time (July 2017)
  • RapidBrake - giving the guy behind extra stopping time (July 2017)
  • Building and calibrating the RapidBrake (August 2017)
  • Building and calibrating the RapidBrake (August 2017)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in SILICON CHIP KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR KEITH RIPPON KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: * Australia & New Zealand; * Small production runs. Phone Keith 0409 662 794. keith.rippon<at>gmail.com VINTAGE RADIO REPAIRS: electrical mechanical fitter with 36 years ex­ p erience and extensive knowledge of valve and transistor radios. Professional and reliable repairs. All workmanship guaranteed. $10 inspection fee plus charges for parts and labour as required. Labour fees $35 p/h. Pensioner discounts available on application. Contact Alan on 0425 122 415 or email bigal radioshack<at>gmail.com DAVE THOMPSON (the Serviceman from SILICON CHIP) is available to help you with kit assembly, project troubleshooting, general electronics and custom design work. No job too small. Based in Christchurch, NZ but service available Australia/NZ wide. Email dave<at> davethompson.co.nz FOR SALE PCB MANUFACTURE: single to multi­ layer. Bare board tested. One-offs to any quantity. 48 hour service. Artwork design. Excellent prices. Check out our specials: www.ldelectronics.com.au LEDs, BRAND NAME and generic LEDs. Heatsinks, fans, LED drivers, power supplies, LED ribbon, kits, components, hardware, EL wire. www.ledsales.com.au tronixlabs.com.au – Australia’s best value for hobbyist and enthusiast electronics from adafruit, DFRobot, Freetronics, Raspberry Pi, Genuino and more, with same-day shipping. PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Any format, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics Phone 0434 781 191. sesame<at>sesame.com.au www.sesame.com.au Where do you get those HARD-TO-GET PARTS? Where possible, the SILICON CHIP On-Line Shop stocks hard-to-get project parts, along with PCBs, programmed micros, panels and all the other bits and pieces to enable you to complete your SILICON CHIP project. SILICON CHIP On-Line SHOP www.siliconchip.com.au/shop WANTED WANTED: EARLY HIFIs, AMPLIFIERS, Speakers, Turntables, Valves, Books, Quad, Leak, Pye, Lowther, Ortofon, SME, Western Electric, Altec, Marantz, McIntosh, Tannoy, Goodmans, Wharfe­ dale, radio and wireless. Collector/ Hobbyist will pay cash. (07) 5471 1062. johnmurt<at>highprofile.com.au WANTED SOFTWARE, Microbyte 2650 Assembler, Basic and DOS System Disks or tape. For sale S100 DOS boards. Ron Koenig 0409396592 or email koenigre<at>gmail.com KEEP YOUR COPIES OF SILICON CHIP AS GOOD AS THE DAY THEY WERE BORN! ONLY 95 $ 1P6LUS p&p A superb-looking SILICON CHIP binder will keep your magazines in pristine condition. * Holds up to 14 issues * Heavy duty vinyl * Easy wire inserts ORDER NOW AT www.siliconchip.com.au/shop ADVERTISING IN MARKET CENTRE Classified Ad Rates: $32.00 for up to 20 words (punctuation not charged) plus 95 cents for each additional word. Display ads in Market Centre (minimum 2cm deep, maximum 10cm deep): $82.50 per column centimetre per insertion. All prices include GST. Closing date: 5 weeks prior to month of sale. To book, email the text to silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au and include your name, address & credit card details, or phone Glyn (02) 9939 3295 or 0431 792 293. siliconchip.com.au August 2017  103