Silicon ChipAre electronic medical records privacy concerns overblown? - November 2018 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Are electronic medical records privacy concerns overblown?
  4. Feature: Which tiny country is about to launch a lunar lander? by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... by Tim Blythman
  6. Project: USB digital and SPI interface board by Tim Blythman
  7. Feature: Australians develop a "supercomputer" by Geoff Graham
  8. Serviceman's Log: It's torture having a broken phone by Dave Thompson
  9. Project: Insomnia and Tinnitus killer by John Clarke
  10. Feature: El cheapo modules, part 20: two tiny compass modules by Jim Rowe
  11. Project: GPS-synched, lab-quality frequency reference (Part 2) by Tim Blythman and Nicholas Vinen
  12. Product Showcase
  13. Subscriptions
  14. Vintage Radio: The 1939 HMV 904 5-inch TV set and 3-band radio receiver by Dr Hugo Holden
  15. PartShop
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Notes & Errata: Super Digital Sound Effects Module, August-September 2018
  19. Outer Back Cover: Trio Test & Measurement - Siglent test equipment

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

You can view 41 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 "Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree...":
  • Software for Amazing Light Patterns for the LED Christmas Tree (Free)
  • Stackable LED Christmas Tree PCB [16107181] (AUD $5.00)
  • Kit for the Stackable LED Christmas Tree (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Kit for the Digital Interface Module (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • Arduino sketch (.ino) files and sample Python software for the LED Christmas Tree (Free)
  • LED Christmas Tree PCB pattern (PDF download) [16107181] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... (November 2018)
  • Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree... (November 2018)
  • Amazing light display from our LED Christmas tree... (December 2018)
  • Amazing light display from our LED Christmas tree... (December 2018)
Items relevant to "USB digital and SPI interface board":
  • USB Digital and SPI Interface PCB [16107182] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC16F1455-I/P programmed for the USB Digital and SPI Interface Module [1610718A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Kit for the Digital Interface Module (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (HEX and C) files for the USB Digital and SPI Interface Module (Software, Free)
  • USB Digital and SPI Interface PCB pattern (PDF download) [16107182] (Free)
Items relevant to "Insomnia and Tinnitus killer":
  • Tinnitus/Insomnia Killer PCB (Jaycar version) [01110181] (AUD $5.00)
  • Tinnitus/Insomnia Killer PCB (Altronics version) [01110182] (AUD $5.00)
  • Tinnitus/Insomnia Killer PCB (Jaycar version, manufacturing fault) [01110181] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC12F617-I/P programmed for the White Noise Generator [0910618A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Tinnitus/Insomnia Killer (Component, AUD $12.50)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the White Noise Source and Steam Train Whistle/Diesel Horn [0910618A/M.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Tinnitus/Insomnia Killer PCB patterns (PDF download) [01110181/2] (Free)
  • Tinnitus and Insomnia Killer panel label artwork and drilling templates (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Items relevant to "El cheapo modules, part 20: two tiny compass modules":
  • Sample BASIC source code for interfacing a Micromite with an eCompass module (Software, 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 "GPS-synched, lab-quality frequency reference (Part 2)":
  • GPS-synched Frequency Reference PCB [04107181] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the GPS-Synched Frequency Reference [0410718A.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V2 complete kit (Component, AUD $70.00)
  • SMD parts for the GPS-Synched Frequency Reference (Component, AUD $80.00)
  • Firmware (HEX) files and BASIC/C source code for the GPS-Synched Frequency Reference [0410718A.hex] (Software, Free)
  • GPS-Synched Frequency Reference PCB pattern (PDF download) [04107181] (Free)
  • GPS-synched Frequency Reference drilling and cutting diagrams (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • GPS-synched Frequency Reference Pt.1 (October 2018)
  • GPS-synched Frequency Reference Pt.1 (October 2018)
  • GPS-synched, lab-quality frequency reference (Part 2) (November 2018)
  • GPS-synched, lab-quality frequency reference (Part 2) (November 2018)

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SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Editor Emeritus Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc Bao Smith, B.Sc Tim Blythman, B.E., B.Sc Technical Contributor Duraid Madina, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD Art Director & Production Manager 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 M.Ed. Cartoonist Brendan Akhurst Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. 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, post paid, in Australia. For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au 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 ISSN 1030-2662 * Recommended & maximum price only. Editorial Viewpoint Are electronic medical records privacy concerns overblown? Around one million Australians have decided to opt out of the Australian Government “My Health Record” electronic medical records scheme. While I am glad that we have that option, I do not believe opting out is a wise decision. The potential benefits of having an electronic medical record far outweigh any privacy concerns, especially for older people or those with chronic conditions. If you have spent much time in a hospital, you will know that before treating you, they ask a series of questions about what medical conditions you have, whether you have any allergies, any recent medical treatments, what medications you are on and so on. For those with a long history (eg, if you have a serious condition), this can take some time. It’s pretty clear that our doctors, nurses and hospitals are overworked, as demonstrated by the long waiting times in emergency departments and the difficulty of booking an appointment with a GP. So it seems like a waste of time asking these questions again and again if they could just look up your medical record and have it all right in front of them. Electronic medical records would also reduce the potential for mistakes and improve the accuracy of diagnoses. When giving them an oral history, you may forget to tell them some things, misremember others and there may even be details that your doctor didn’t tell you previously which could be important. This is especially true if you are so ill that you cannot think or speak clearly or are unconscious. I would think that anyone who is seriously ill would want the doctors and nurses treating them to have full access to their medical history, for the best chance of a speedy recovery. So I believe it’s clear that a well-implemented electronic medical record scheme would have significant benefits both in improving the efficiency of our healthcare system as well as providing better outcomes for patients. As for the downsides, I can think of two. The first one is that more medical staff would have access to your records so that a “bad apple” working in the medical industry would have greater scope for mischief. Secondly, the electronic record storage system must be implemented in a very secure manner so that hackers cannot gain access to private data. Based on the many recent stories of data breaches, it is clear that providing this level of security is not easy. But I believe it is possible, and given the bad publicity that would surround such a data breach, I hope that our Government is taking all the necessary steps to keep these records secure. Ultimately, you have to consider the risks versus the rewards. Even if someone who should not have access to your medical records did gain access, how would that impact you? Are they really going to be able to blackmail or embarrass you over it? In most cases, I doubt it. However, if a doctor urgently needs your medical details and cannot get them, that could be a disaster. Admittedly, only a small percentage of people will end up in that position but I believe an even smaller percentage will face negative consequences from a data breach. So I suggest if you have opted out of this electronic medical records system (or are about to do so) that you should think carefully about whether that decision is or was really in your best interests. Printing and Distribution: Nicholas Vinen Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2148. 4 Silicon Chip Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au