Silicon ChipPartShop - May 2018 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Trusting our lives to computers / A different approach to project construction
  4. Feature: Drone Air Taxis – Autonomous, Pilotless and Soon! by Dr David Maddison
  5. Feature: Tiny capsule measures, radios your gut gas data by Ross Tester
  6. Project: 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) by Duraid Madina and Tim Blythman
  7. Project: Multi-use Frequency Switch by John Clarke
  8. PartShop
  9. Feature: LTspice Simulation: Analysing/Optimising Audio Circuits by Nicholas Vinen
  10. Project: USB Port Protector – just in case! by Nicholas Vinen
  11. Serviceman's Log: The Serviceman's Curse by Dave Thompson
  12. Project: 12V Battery Balancer by Nicholas Vinen
  13. Feature: El Cheapo Modules 16: 35-4400MHz frequency generator by Jim Rowe
  14. Product Showcase
  15. Vintage Radio: Zenith Royal 500 "Owl Eye" AM Radio by Dr Hugo Holden
  16. PartShop
  17. Subscriptions
  18. Market Centre
  19. Advertising Index
  20. Notes & Errata: Majestic Speakers / Battery-Pack Cell Balancer / WiFi Water Tank Level Meter / 6-Element VHF TV Yagi Antenna / AM Radio Transmitter / The Clayton’s “GPS” Time Signal Generator
  21. Outer Back Cover: Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse

This is only a preview of the May 2018 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 35 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 "800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)":
  • 800W+ Uninterruptible Power Supply control shield PCB [11106181] (AUD $5.00)
  • Arduino Sketches (.ino) and library for the 800W+ Uninterruptable Power Supply (Software, Free)
  • 800W+ Uninterruptible Power Supply control shield PCB pattern (PDF download) [11106181] (Free)
  • 800W+ Uninterruptible Power Supply front panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) (May 2018)
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) (May 2018)
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Part II (June 2018)
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Part II (June 2018)
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Part III (July 2018)
  • 800W (+) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Part III (July 2018)
Items relevant to "Multi-use Frequency Switch":
  • Deluxe Frequency Switch PCB [05104181] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the Deluxe Frequency Switch [0510418A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (HEX and ASM) files for the Deluxe Frequency Switch [0510418A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Deluxe Frequency Switch PCB pattern (PDF download) [05104181] (Free)
Items relevant to "LTspice Simulation: Analysing/Optimising Audio Circuits":
  • Software for the LTspice Tutorial, Part 4 (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 "USB Port Protector – just in case!":
  • USB Port Protector PCB [07105181] (AUD $2.50)
  • Complete kit for the USB Port Protector (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • USB Port Protector PCB pattern (PDF download) [07105181] (Free)
Items relevant to "12V Battery Balancer":
  • 2 x 12V Battery Balancer PCB [14106181] (AUD $2.50)
  • 12V Battery Balancer PCB pattern (PDF download) [14106181] (Free)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo Modules 16: 35-4400MHz frequency generator":
  • Software for El Cheapo Modules: ADF4351 (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.

SAD HAPPY To discover that the elusive bit that you want is stocked in the Silicon Chip ONLINE SHOP! There's a great range of semis, other active and passive components, BIG LEDs, PCBs, SMDs, cases, panels, programmed micros AND MUCH MORE that you may find hard to get elsewhere! Because you can't find that difficult-to-get special project part at your normal parts supplier. . . Or perhaps they've discontinued the kit you really want to build. . . If it's been published in a recent Silicon Chip project and your normal supplier doesn't stock it, chances are the SILICON CHIP ONLINE SHOP does! HERE ARE JUST SOME EXAMPLES (oodles more on our website!) WeMos R1 D2 WiFi Board A WeMos R1 D2 Arduino-compatible WiFi board which includes a connector for an external antenna. This is a clone board used in the WiFi Water Tank Level Meter (Feb 2018).................$15.00 Micromite LCD BackPack V2 complete kit Includes PCB (green), 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen, programmed micro, SMD Mosfets for PWM backlight control, lid and all other onboard parts (May 2017).............$70.00 5m Water Level Sensor (4-20mA) Pressure-based water level sensor with a 5-6m lead as used in the WiFi Water Tank Level Meter (Feb 2018)..........$95.00 Microbridge complete kit Includes PCB, programmed micro & IC socket, 3.3V LDO, all capacitors, USB socket, pin headers and 1kW resistor (May 2017)........................$20.00 ea Micromite Plus LCD BackPack kit Includes PCB, 2.8-inch TFT touchscreen, programmed micro, 20MHz crystal, laser-cut case lid and other onboard parts (Nov 2016) ………………… $70.00 ea Micromite Plus Explore 100 kit Includes PCB, programmed 100-pin SMD micro, and all other non-optional onboard parts except the LCD panel (Sept-Oct 2016) ……………… $69.90 ea Micromite Plus Explore 64 kit Includes PCB, programmed 64-pin SMD micro, crystal, connectors and all other onboard parts (Aug 2016) ………… $30.00 ea GPS MODULE Onboard antenna, 1pps output, operation to 10Hz, cable included VK2828U7G5LF GPS/ GLONASS …………………………$25.00 5V 0.8W 160mA Solar Panel Monocrystalline silicon, 99 x 69mm, ~6V open circuit, ~5V full load, two solder pads on the underside of the panel…$4.00 Logic-level Mosfets Pair of CSD18534KCS N-channel …… $5.00 Or complementary pair of N & P-channel Mosfets (as used in Burp Charger) … $7.50 IPP80P03P4L04 P-channel Mosfet SC200 Amplifier hard-to-get parts Includes all power transistors, diodes D2-4, 150pF 250V C0G capacitor, 4 x 0.1W and a 6.8W 3W SMD resistors (no PCB) (Jan 17).........................$35.00 2.4GHz WiFi Antennas Supplied with a matching chassis-mount SMA socket and attached U.FL/IPX connector cable. 2dBi omnidirectional (28mm)….$10.00 5dBi (175mm)………….….......$12.50 AD9833 DDS module A Direct Digital Synthesis module using the AD9833 IC and a 25MHz crystal oscillator. (April 2017) with programmable attenuator (green) ….… $25.00 without attenuator (blue) …………………... $15.00 Elecrow 1A/500mA Li-Ion/LiPo charger board with USB power-pass through Provides a regulated 5V output at 500mA from the cell, plus a 1A charger and automatic input-to-output passthrough. Supplied with three 2-wire JST 2.0 cables.…............. $15.00 ea Isolated High-Voltage Probe Pack of hard-to-get parts including HCNR201-050E linear optocoupler, op amps and HV capacitors & resistors (Jan 2015) ……………………… $35.00 SiDRADIO parts 125MHz crystal oscillator, mixer, dual gate Mosfet, 5V relay and more ……… $20.00 RF Coil Former pack (Oct 2013) …… $5.00 Currawong stereo valve amplifier Hard-to-get parts including 5 x 39µF 400V capacitors, HV transistors, regulator and blue LEDs (Nov 2014) ………… $50.00 A high-current P-channel Mosfet with low onresistance in a TO-220 package. Used in the Water Tank Level Meter (Feb 2018) and AM Radio Transmitter (Mar 2018).….....… $4.00 Ultra Low Voltage Bright LED Flasher kit Includes PCB, LDR, high-brightness blue LED, all SMD parts, an extra capacitor plus extra resistors to change flash frequency and duty cycle (Feb 2017) …….… $12.50 CP2102-based USB/TTL serial converter Includes a micro-USB socket and 6-pin right-angle header (top) …………. $5.00 Includes a USB Type-A socket and 5-pin header with a 5-way female Dupont cable (bottom) …………………. $5.00 MCP1700 3.3V Low-dropout Regulator 3.3V LDO regulator in a convenient TO-92 package, as used in many projects; up to 6V input and 250mA output ……………………………………… $1.50 DS3231-based RTCC module Real-time clock & calendar module w/ 4KB EEPROM, I2C interface & mounting hardware with LIR2032 cell ………...… $7.50 no cell ……………………….. $5.00 Don't forget: Silicon Chip Subscribers qualify for a 10% discount on all these items! YES! We also stock most Silicon Chip project PCBs from 2010 and even earlier! Log on now: www.siliconchip.com.au/shop 42 Silicon Chip Celebrating 30 Years siliconchip.com.au