Silicon ChipMarket Centre - February 2019 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Beware of dodgy and counterfeit electronics
  4. Feature: Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps - Part 1 by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer with Touch Plate & IR by John Clarke
  6. Review: Rigol’s MSO5354 Mixed Signal Oscilloscope by Tim Blythman
  7. Feature: El Cheapo Modules 22: Stepper Motor Drivers by Jim Rowe
  8. Project: Motion-sensing 12V Power Switch by Nicholas Vinen
  9. Product Showcase
  10. Serviceman's Log: (What) were the designers thinking? by Dave Thompson
  11. Project: USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface for Micros by Tim Blythman
  12. Project: Build-it-yourself DAB+/FM/AM radio by Duraid Madina & Nicholas Vinen
  13. Review: Philips “Brilliance” Ultrawide Monitor by Nicholas Vinen
  14. Vintage Radio: 1970s BWD 216 Hybrid Bench Supply by Ian Batty
  15. PartShop
  16. Subscriptions
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Isolated Serial Link, January 2019; 800W(+) UPS, May-July 2018; Full Wave, 230V Universal Motor Speed Controller, March 2018; BackPack Touchscreen DDS Signal Generator, April 2017; SC200 Audio Amplifier, January-March 2017; 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier, November 2003
  20. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the February 2019 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 47 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.

Articles in this series:
  • Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps - Part 1 (February 2019)
  • Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps - Part 1 (February 2019)
  • Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps – Part 2 (March 2019)
  • Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps – Part 2 (March 2019)
Items relevant to "Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer with Touch Plate & IR ":
  • Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer Main PCB [10111191] (AUD $10.00)
  • Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer Mounting PCB [10111192] (AUD $10.00)
  • Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer Extension PCB [10111193] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC12F617-I/P programmed for the Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer [1011119B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • Infrared receiver parts for the Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer (Component, AUD $12.50)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer [1011119A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer PCB patterns (PDF download) [10111191-3] (Free)
  • Warning label for the Touch and IR Remote Control Trailing Edge Dimmer (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer with Touch Plate & IR (February 2019)
  • Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer with Touch Plate & IR (February 2019)
  • Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer – Part 2 (March 2019)
  • Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer – Part 2 (March 2019)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo Modules 22: Stepper Motor Drivers":
  • Sample code for El Cheapo Modules 22 - Stepper Motor Drivers (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 "Motion-sensing 12V Power Switch":
  • Motion-Sensing 12V Power Switch SMD PCB [05102191] (AUD $2.50)
  • SW-18010P Vibration Sensor Switch (Component, AUD $1.00)
  • Short form kit for the Motion-Triggered 12V Switch (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Motion-Sensing 12V Power Switch SMD PCB pattern (PDF download) [05102191] (Free)
Items relevant to "USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface for Micros":
  • USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface PCB [24311181] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC32MX270F256B-50I/SP programmed for the USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface for Micros [2431118A/B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • MCP1700 3.3V LDO (TO-92) (Component, AUD $2.00)
  • Software for the USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface for Micros [2431118A.HEX] (Free)
  • USB Mouse and Keyboard Interface PCB pattern (PDF download) [24311181] (Free)
Items relevant to "Build-it-yourself DAB+/FM/AM radio":
  • DAB+/FM/AM Radio main PCB [06112181] (AUD $15.00)
  • Dual Horizontal PCB-mounting RCA sockets (white/red) [RCA-210] (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • PCB-mount right-angle SMA socket (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • 465mm extendable VHF whip antenna with SMA connector (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • 700mm extendable VHF whip antenna with SMA connector (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • PCB-mount right-angle PAL socket (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • Short Form Kit for the Micromite Plus Explore 100 (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • Case pieces for the DAB+/FM/AM Tuner (PCB, AUD $20.00)
  • Firmware (BAS and HEX) files for the DAB+/FM/AM Radio project (Software, Free)
  • DAB+/FM/AM Radio main PCB pattern (PDF download) [06112181 RevC] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • DAB+ Tuner with FM & AM and a touchscreen interface! (January 2019)
  • DAB+ Tuner with FM & AM and a touchscreen interface! (January 2019)
  • Build-it-yourself DAB+/FM/AM radio (February 2019)
  • Build-it-yourself DAB+/FM/AM radio (February 2019)
  • Our new DAB+ Tuner with FM and AM – Part 3 (March 2019)
  • Our new DAB+ Tuner with FM and AM – Part 3 (March 2019)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in SILICON CHIP FOR SALE KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR www.lowenergydevelopments.com. au – 3 year warranty on these high quality lithium LifePo4 12V 100Ah batteries, $675 for pick up! Don’t miss out! You have nothing to lose! Call (03) 9470 5851 to arrange freight KEITH RIPPON KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: * Australia & New Zealand; * Small production runs. Phone Keith: 0409 662 794 keith.rippon<at>gmail.com LEDs, BRAND NAME and generic LEDs. Heatsinks, fans, LED drivers, power supplies, LED ribbon, kits, components, hardware, EL wire. www.ledsales.com.au 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 tronixlabs.com.au – Australia’s best value for supported hobbyist electronics from Adafruit, SparkFun, Arduino, Freetronics, Raspberry Pi – along with kits, components and much more – with same-day shipping. PCB PRODUCTION 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 VINTAGE RADIO REPAIRS: electrical mechanical fitter with 36 years ex­ perience and extensive knowledge of valve and transistor radios. Professional and reliable repairs. All workmanship guaranteed. $17 inspection fee plus charges for parts and labour as required. Labour fees $38 p/h. Pensioner discounts available on application. Contact Alan, VK2FALW on 0425 122 415 or email bigalradioshack<at>gmail. com MISCELLANEOUS ASSORTED BOOKS FOR $5 EACH Selling assorted books on electronics and other related subjects like audio, video, programming etc. The books are relatively old in most cases and vary in condition. You'll need to come in person to see what books we have and what we're willing to sell: Silicon Chip 1/234 Harbord Road (up the ramp) Brookvale NSW 2100 (02) 9939 3295 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 ADVERTISING IN MARKET CENTRE Classified Ad Rates: $32.00 for up to 20 words (punctuation not charged) plus $1.20 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. WARNING! SILICON CHIP magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of SILICON CHIP magazine. Devices or circuits described in SILICON CHIP may be covered by patents. SILICON CHIP disclaims any liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. SILICON CHIP also disclaims any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws. Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable. siliconchip.com.au Australia’s electronics magazine February 2019  111