Silicon ChipWhere does innovation come from? - February 2017 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Where does innovation come from?
  4. Feature: Autonomous Flying Cars: your next mode of transport? by Ross Tester
  5. Feature: Getting Started with the Micromite by Geoff Graham
  6. PartShop
  7. Project: GPS-synchronised Analog Clock Driver by John Clarke
  8. Project: Ultra-low-voltage Versatile LED Flasher by Nicholas Vinen
  9. Subscriptions
  10. Project: El Cheapo Modules from Asia - Part 4 by Jim Rowe
  11. Serviceman's Log: Snoring through the night by Dave Thompson
  12. Project: High Power DC Motor Speed Control – Part 2 by Design by John Clarke
  13. Project: New SC200 Audio Amplifier – Part 2 by Nicholas Vinen
  14. Feature: First look: Aussie-made battery soldering iron by Ross Tester
  15. Vintage Radio: Hotpoint Model P64MEX 4-valve by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  16. Feature: First look: Icom’s VE-PG3 Radio over IP Gateway by Ross Tester
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: High Power DC Motor Speed Control, Jan-Feb 2017
  20. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 44 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.

Articles in this series:
  • Getting Started with the Micromite (February 2017)
  • Getting Started with the Micromite (February 2017)
  • Getting Started with the Micromite, Part Two (March 2017)
  • Getting Started with the Micromite, Part Two (March 2017)
  • Micromite Tutorial, Part 3: strings and arrays (May 2017)
  • Micromite Tutorial, Part 3: strings and arrays (May 2017)
  • Getting Started with the Micromite, Part 4 (June 2017)
  • Getting Started with the Micromite, Part 4 (June 2017)
Items relevant to "GPS-synchronised Analog Clock Driver":
  • GPS-synchronised Analog Clock Driver PCB [04202171] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16LF88-I/P programmed for the GPS-Synchronised Analog Clock for movements with stepping hands [04120217A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16LF88-I/P programmed for the GPS-Synchronised Analog Clock for movements with sweep hands [04130217A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • CP2102-based USB/TTL serial converter with microUSB socket and 6-pin right-angle header (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • CP2102-based USB/TTL serial converter with microUSB socket and 6-pin right-angle header (clone version) (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • Firmware (C and HEX) files for the GPS-synchronised Analog Clock [04120217A.HEX/04130217A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • GPS-synchronised Analog Clock Driver PCB pattern (PDF download) [04202171] (Free)
Items relevant to "Ultra-low-voltage Versatile LED Flasher":
  • Ultra-low-voltage Versatile LED Flasher PCB [16110161] (AUD $2.50)
  • Ultra Low Voltage Bright LED flasher kit (Component, AUD $17.50)
  • Ultra-low-voltage Versatile LED Flasher PCB pattern (PDF download) [16110161] (Free)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo Modules from Asia - Part 4":
  • DHT22/AM2302 Compatible Temperature and Humidity sensor module (Component, AUD $9.00)
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 "High Power DC Motor Speed Control – Part 2":
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control main PCB [11112161] (AUD $10.00)
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control Mosfet PCB [11112162] (AUD $12.50)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the High Power DC Motor Speed Controller [1111216A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the High Power DC Motor Speed Controller (Component, AUD $50.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the High Power DC Motor Speed Control [1111216A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control PCB patterns (PDF download) [11112161/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control (January 2017)
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control (January 2017)
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control – Part 2 (February 2017)
  • High Power DC Motor Speed Control – Part 2 (February 2017)
Items relevant to "New SC200 Audio Amplifier – Part 2":
  • Ultra-LD Mk3/Mk4 Amplifier Power Supply PCB [01109111] (AUD $15.00)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier PCB [01108161] (AUD $10.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the SC200 Audio Amplifier Module (Component, AUD $50.00)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01108161] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier (January 2017)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier (January 2017)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier – Part 2 (February 2017)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier – Part 2 (February 2017)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier - Part 3 (March 2017)
  • New SC200 Audio Amplifier - Part 3 (March 2017)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Ross Tester Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc Bao Smith, B.Sc Photography Ross Tester Reader Services Ann Morris Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst David Maddison B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Kevin Poulter Dave Thompson SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 003 205 490. ABN 49 003 205 490. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Offset Alpine, Lidcombe, NSW. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $105.00 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see our website or the subscriptions page in this issue. Editorial office: Unit 1, 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9939 3295. E-mail: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au ISSN 1030-2662 Recommended & maximum price only. 2  Silicon Chip Publisher’s Letter Where does innovation come from? This question comes about because of a story written by Dave Thompson in this month’s Serviceman’s Log. Normally his stories are a quirky mixture of electronic detective work combined with tragic-comedy as he copes with the vicissitudes of working in a quake-affected environment. He usually manages to sort out faults, source the wanted components for repairs and still manages to maintain a good humour in spite of everything. Having visited New Zealand over the Christmas period I have to record my admiration of that country’s achievement in managing quite good economic performance over the years since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch in 2011. This comes from a country which is not generously endowed with natural resources and whose population has had to cope with lots of earthquakes in the aftermath of the 2011 event. The contrast of New Zealand’s economic record with Australia’s is even more stark when you consider our enormous natural resources and our vast export incomes. But Dave Thompson’s Serviceman story this month was somewhat out of the ordinary. Instead of being about an electronic repair it is about his search for a solution to snoring. This problem probably affects the majority of the population as they age. It certainly affects the sleep patterns of the snorer and their unfortunate partner and it ultimately can lead to early death if nothing is done about it. Around the world huge amounts of money are spent on sleep research and it must be said that the various treatments are not simple, inexpensive or even particularly effective. So in the face of that enormous research effort, what chance would Dave Thompson have of coming up with any solution at all? The result may surprise you because it certainly surprised me. And millions of dollars were not spent! Dave just applied some kiwi ingenuity. As detailed in Dave Thompson’s story on page 58 of this issue, his solution is a simple VOX circuit which detects the incidence of snoring and then vibrates the snorer’s pillow to stop him – face it, it’s usually a male. I won’t give you the full details – read the story for yourself. In fact, readers can do their own experimenting with the idea using a standard SILICON CHIP VOX circuit and PCB. What gets me about this story is that Dave came to his solution in a relatively straightforward way. He wondered whether a VOX circuit might work, tried it out, did a few mods, lashed up a working prototype and there you are. Incredible. And maybe it may not prove to be the most effective solution but it sure is worth more development. So congratulations, Dave. Now I’m not saying that Dave is a genius (well, maybe he is!) but how is it that he came up with a simple solution using such a direct approach? What are all these other researchers doing? Or have such approaches been used in the past and found wanting? That seems unlikely. More to the point, given that we have huge resources these days in the form of almost magical electronic components, enormous databases of info on every subject available at any time from computers and smartphones, where are all the younger people with their supposedly more agile brains which are open to all sorts of new ideas? What are they doing? By comparison, Dave is an “old dude”. I haven’t heard of too many breakthrough ideas from all the smart young folk (apart from millions of useless smartphone apps). Or don’t they know enough about science in order to have useful ideas? Leo Simpson siliconchip.com.au