Silicon ChipWill 5G mobile networks live up to the hype? - June 2019 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Will 5G mobile networks live up to the hype?
  4. Feature: From a knotted rope to side-scanning SONAR by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: An AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator by Andrew Woodfield, ZL2PD
  6. Feature: e-Paper displays: no paper involved! by Tim Blythman
  7. Project: Steering Wheel Audio Button to Infrared Adaptor by John Clarke
  8. Product Showcase
  9. Serviceman's Log: Fixing a “Cheap as” set of cans by Dave Thompson
  10. Project: Very accurate speedo, car clock & auto volume change by Tim Blythman
  11. Project: DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser, part two by Phil Prosser & Nicholas Vinen
  12. Feature: El Cheapo Modules: Long Range (LoRa) Transceivers by Jim Rowe
  13. Subscriptions
  14. Vintage Radio: AWA Radiola Model 137 by Rob Leplaw
  15. PartShop
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Notes & Errata: DSP Active Crossover/Parametric Equaliser, May 2019
  19. Outer Back Cover: Hare & Forbes

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

You can view 39 of the 112 pages in the full issue, including the advertisments.

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Items relevant to "An AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator":
  • AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator PCB [04106191] (AUD $15.00)
  • ATmega328P programmed with the firmware for the RF Signal Generator [0410619A.HEX] (V14) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Pulse-type rotary encoder with pushbutton and 18t spline shaft (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • Firmware for the RF Signal Generator [0410619A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator PCB pattern (PDF download) [05105191] (Free)
  • AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator panel artwork, cutting diagrams and STL files (downloads) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • An AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator (June 2019)
  • An AM/FM/CW Scanning HF/VHF RF Signal Generator (June 2019)
  • Building the RF Signal Generator (Part 2) (July 2019)
  • Building the RF Signal Generator (Part 2) (July 2019)
Items relevant to "e-Paper displays: no paper involved!":
  • Demonstration software for the e-Paper/e-Ink article (Free)
Items relevant to "Steering Wheel Audio Button to Infrared Adaptor":
  • Steering Wheel Controller to IR PCB [05105191] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC12F617-I/P programmed for the Steering Wheel Controller to IR project [1510519A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Steering Wheel Controller to IR adaptor [1510519A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Steering Wheel Controller to IR PCB pattern (PDF download) [05105191] (Free)
  • Steering Wheel Controller to IR lid panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Very accurate speedo, car clock & auto volume change":
  • GPS "Finesaver Plus" Speedo/Clock/Volume Control PCB [01104191] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F1455-I/P programmed for the GPS "Finesaver Plus" Speedo/Clock/Volume Control [0110419A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • 1.3-inch blue OLED with 4-pin I²C interface (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • 1.3-inch white OLED with 4-pin I²C interface (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • VK2828U7G5LF TTL GPS/GLONASS/GALILEO module with antenna and cable (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • MCP4251-502E/P dual 5kΩ digital potentiometer (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • Spare cable for VK2828U7G5LF GPS module (Component, AUD $1.00)
  • Laser-cut acrylic case pieces for the GPS "Finesaver Plus" Speedo/Clock/Volume Control (PCB, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware (C and HEX) files for the GPS "Finesaver Plus" Speedo/Clock/Volume Control [0110419A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • GPS "Finesaver Plus" Speedo/Clock/Volume Control PCB pattern (PDF download) [01104191] (Free)
Items relevant to "DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser, part two":
  • DSP Crossover CPU PCB [01106193] (AUD $5.00)
  • DSP Crossover LCD Adaptor PCB [01106196] (AUD $2.50)
  • DSP Crossover front panel control PCB [01106195] (AUD $5.00)
  • DSP Crossover DAC PCB [01106192] (AUD $7.50)
  • DSP Crossover power supply PCB [01106194] (AUD $7.50)
  • DSP Crossover ADC PCB [01106191] (AUD $7.50)
  • DSP Active Crossover complete PCB set (7 boards) [01106191-6] (AUD $40.00)
  • PIC32MZ2048EFH064-250I/PT programmed for the DSP Active Crossover/Equaliser (V8) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $30.00)
  • Pulse-type rotary encoder with pushbutton and 18t spline shaft (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • 128x64 Blue LCD screen with KS0108-compatible controller (Component, AUD $30.00)
  • Firmware and source code for the DSP Active Crossover/Equaliser project [0610619A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • DSP Active Crossover/DDS/Reflow Oven PCB patterns (PDF download) [01106191-6] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser (May 2019)
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser (May 2019)
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser, part two (June 2019)
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser, part two (June 2019)
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser (July 2019)
  • DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser (July 2019)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo Modules: Long Range (LoRa) Transceivers":
  • Sample code for El Cheapo Modules - 434MHz LoRa Transceivers (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)

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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 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. Printing and Distribution: Derby Street, Silverwater, NSW 2148. 2 Silicon Chip Editorial Viewpoint Will 5G mobile networks live up to the hype? Lately, stories are popping up about how 5G wireless networks are coming soon and will have amazing performance. A few handsets with 5G support are now on sale, and a few 5G networks have been set up in dense urban areas. While it’s certainly impressive technology, providing very high data speeds, 5G networks probably won’t replace the 3G/4G mobile networks currently in place. Even if you have a 4G phone, you’re likely still relying heavily on the 3G network. Many mobile devices which are advertised as being 4G only actually use it for data and still use 3G for voice. Voice calls on the 4G network use what’s known as “Voice over LTE” or “VoLTE”. This isn’t supported by all handsets, including even fairly recent 4G-capable models. And even when they do support it, it is often not enabled by default. And for good reason! My father bought an expensive flagship Samsung phone about a year ago and had incessant problems with call dropouts and unavailability. Often you would dial his number, but his phone wouldn’t ring, even though he had good reception. He contacted his carrier on multiple occasions but they were unable to fix the problem. I eventually figured out how to solve this: disable 4G. If major networks and giant multinational manufacturers still can’t get 4G to work properly, it seems premature to be talking about rolling out 5G. I was pretty shocked when I read that the 3G network may be shut down soon; possibly in as little as 12 months! Given how few phones support VoLTE properly, that would be a disaster. And there are many devices out there which only support 3G, some of them relatively new (alarm diallers, GPS trackers etc) which will simply cease to work if the 3G network is no longer operating. Then there’s the problem of coverage, especially in a country as vast and sparsely populated as Australia. Our 3G operates at either 850MHz, 900MHz or 2.1GHz while 4G is from 700MHz to about 2.6GHz. Both technologies offer reasonable coverage with enough mobile towers. But 5G operates up to about 39GHz(!). Such high frequencies are not good at penetrating obstacles like trees, walls, roofs etc. So 5G networks will need a lot more ‘towers’ than 3G/4G networks. That is, if they are to provide the promised higher performance with coverage at least as good as 3G/4G. And there will also need to be a lot of indoor ‘towers’ in places like shopping malls to ensure reasonable coverage. That may be feasible in a densely packed, relatively flat city like Tokyo. But Australia is a different story altogether, and Sydney has some serious topological coverage challenges. Without a massive investment, indoor reception will be very spotty, and there will be plenty of ‘black spots’. You have to wonder what the payback will be for such a massive investment. 4G is already really fast, although I’ve noticed that the networks have become significantly more congested (and thus slower) in the last couple of years, as data caps have gone up and prices have come down. I don’t know how much of that is congestion in the airwaves and how much is due to other bottlenecks. Faster mobile data networks will do nothing to solve bottlenecks that occur elsewhere. So I think it’s vital that the 3G networks continue to operate until 4G and 5G are fully proven and widespread. And we should adopt a “wait and see” attitude to 5G. There’s no point rushing to switch over to it just because it’s a new technology. It needs to prove itself useful first. Nicholas Vinen Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au