Silicon ChipEditorial Viewpoint: A rapid shift to electric vehicles could be disastrous - September 2017 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Editorial Viewpoint: A rapid shift to electric vehicles could be disastrous
  4. Feature: Commemorating Cassini's demise and... by Ross Tester
  5. Feature: Commemorating Sputnik’s birth by Ross Tester
  6. Project: Fully adjustable, 3-way active loudspeaker crossover Pt.1 by John Clarke
  7. Feature: This month: Melbourne’s turn for Electronex Expo
  8. Feature: The unclear future of radio broadcasting in Australia by Alan Hughes
  9. Feature: Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM): what’s it all about? by Jim Rowe
  10. Project: Dead simple radio IF alignment with DDS by Nicholas Vinen
  11. Serviceman's Log: When a GPS loses its way by Dave Thompson
  12. Feature: LTspice Tutorial Part 3: Modelling an NTC Thermistor by Nicholas Vinen
  13. Project: Arduino Data Logger Part 2 by Nicholas Vinen
  14. Project: Arduino “ThingSpeak.com” ESP8266 data logger by Bera Somnath
  15. Feature: El Cheapo modules Part 9: AD9850 DDS module by Jim Rowe
  16. Vintage Radio: The 3-transistor Philips MT4 Swingalong by Ian Batty
  17. PartShop
  18. Product Showcase
  19. Market Centre
  20. Advertising Index
  21. Notes & Errata: Arduino Stereo Audio Playback and Recording Sheld / 12V DC Cyclic Pump Timer / New Marine Ultrasonic Anti-fouling Unit / Induction Motor Speed Controller / Building the RapidBrake

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

You can view 59 of the 112 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 "Fully adjustable, 3-way active loudspeaker crossover Pt.1":
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover PCB [01108171 RevD] (AUD $12.50)
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover prototype PCB [01108171 RevC] (AUD $5.00)
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover PCB [01108171 RevE] (AUD $20.00)
  • Set of four 8-gang potentiometers with knobs for the 2/3-Way Active Crossover (Component, AUD $55.00)
  • SMD parts for the 3-way Adjustable Active Stereo Crossover (Component, AUD $30.00)
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover simulation file (Software, Free)
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover PCB pattern (PDF download) [01108171] (Free)
  • 3-Way Adjustable Stereo Active Crossover front & rear panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Fully adjustable, 3-way active loudspeaker crossover Pt.1 (September 2017)
  • Fully adjustable, 3-way active loudspeaker crossover Pt.1 (September 2017)
  • 3-way Active Crossover for speakers, Part 2 (October 2017)
  • 3-way Active Crossover for speakers, Part 2 (October 2017)
Items relevant to "Dead simple radio IF alignment with DDS":
  • Micromite LCD BackPack PCB [2.8-inch version) [07102122] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Micromite-based radio IF alignment with DDS [DDSIFAlign.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)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V2 complete kit (Component, AUD $70.00)
  • 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)
  • Firmware (HEX) file and BASIC source code for the Micromite-based Radio IF Alignment [DDSIFAlign.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack PCB patterns (PDF download) [07102121/2] (Free)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack/Ultrasonic sensor lid cutting diagrams (download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Items relevant to "LTspice Tutorial Part 3: Modelling an NTC Thermistor":
  • Software for the LTspice Tutorial, Part 3 (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 "Arduino Data Logger Part 2":
  • 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)
  • Blue 3mm LED with diffused lens (Component, AUD $0.20)
  • 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 "Arduino “ThingSpeak.com” ESP8266 data logger":
  • DHT22/AM2302 Compatible Temperature and Humidity sensor module (Component, AUD $9.00)
  • Firmware (Arduino sketch) and libraries for the Arduino ThingSpeak.com Data Logger (Software, Free)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo modules Part 9: AD9850 DDS module":
  • Software for El Cheapo Modules: AD9850 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)

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 Dave Thompson David Maddison B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Ian Batty Cartoonist Brendan Akhurst 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. 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 (up ramp), 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 Printing and Distribution: Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2148. ISSN 1030-2662 Recommended & maximum price only. 2  Silicon Chip Editorial Viewpoint A rapid shift to electric vehicles could be disastrous Norway and the Netherlands have announced that they plan to ban the sale of vehicles powered by Internal Combustion Engines by 2025, Germany by 2030 and the UK by 2040. China is forcing automobile manufacturers to sell a percentage of vehicles as electric only and India is talking about banning the operation of petrol and diesel vehicles altogether in the future. Leaving aside the question for now of whether it’s feasible to manufacture the batteries required for all these vehicles in the time frames given, there are still two significant hurdles which are likely to frustrate these plans. Firstly, electricity generation and distribution would likely need to increase by up to and 40% (depending on what assumptions you make) and most sources of renewable energy would not be suitable without backup, due primarily to mismatches between availability and demand. Natural gas is currently in short supply in Australia, nuclear fission is unpopular and coal is actively being discouraged. That doesn’t leave us a lot of options for providing the extra energy needed to run a large fleet of electric vehicles. But there’s potentially a more serious issue. Have any of the people behind these plans stopped to consider what would happen in the event of a natural disaster or a major disruption to the electricity grid? We all know from recent experiences that neither of these scenarios is unlikely. These days, blackouts of relatively short durations (ie, up to a few hours) are frustrating but life can generally go on until the power comes back on. That may not be so if transportation becomes utterly dependent on the electric grid. Worse, imagine what would happen if the power goes out for a week or more, due to a flood, cyclone, earthquake, major bushfire or similar event. At the time of the disaster, some vehicles will have a fully charged battery that may be good for several hundred kilometres of travel. Some will have a smaller battery or be partially charged while others will be close to depleted. How will people flee from the affected areas? How will food and medicine be delivered? How will debris be cleared and people rescued? Even if emergency vehicles were still liquid fuelled, they would have to bring their own re-fills. Many are now saying that ICE-powered vehicles are obsolete but they do have some distinct advantages. Even if you don’t keep your tank full, chances are you could drive a significant distance now if you absolutely had to. If you rely on an electric car, you’d better make sure to keep it charged in case you need it. We tend to take for granted the huge, distributed network of petrol stations that we have. This network stores a lot of energy, is widely distributed and always available. There are challenges pumping fuel in a blackout but it can be done, while electric charging stations are utterly useless when the grid is down. And petrol stations can be also replenished during a blackout, as long as road access is still available. We haven’t even mentioned (and don’t really want to think about) the potential effects of a coordinated terrorist attack on power supply infrastructure in a city with electricity-dependent transportation. Plug-in hybrids are a much better compromise than pure electric vehicles, with the possibility of dramatically reducing fuel consumption without being totally dependent on a functioning grid. They also make good financial sense. But banning petrol-powered vehicles would eliminate this option. Perhaps electric charging stations should have backup generators. Sure, they would not be able to charge many vehicles at a time but at least transportation would not grind to a complete halt if the grid goes down for some time. We wonder whether the central planners who are trying to ban ICE vehicles have thought of and solved all these problems, or if they’re just taking a “damn the torpedoes” attitude for which many innocent people may suffer when the inevitable “unexpected” disaster occurs. Nicholas Vinen siliconchip.com.au