Silicon ChipProduct Showcase - March 2019 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: We all deserve a right to repair
  4. Feature: Medical, Health and First Aid Smartphone Apps – Part 2 by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp, Pt.1 by John Clarke
  6. Product Showcase
  7. Project: Our new DAB+ Tuner with FM and AM – Part 3 by Duraid Madina & Tim Blythman
  8. Serviceman's Log: My father, the ultimate "serviceman" by Dave Thompson
  9. Project: Touch controlled all-diode checker and plotter by Tim Blythman
  10. Review: First Look at the Arduino MKR Vidor 4000 by Tim Blythman
  11. Project: Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer – Part 2 by John Clarke
  12. Feature: El Cheapo Modules 23: Galvanic Skin Response by Jim Rowe
  13. Vintage Radio: Astor HNQ Mickey 4.5 valve radio by Fred Lever
  14. PartShop
  15. Market Centre
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Notes & Errata: Tinnitus & Insomnia Killer, November 2018; Stationmaster, March 2017
  18. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 34 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.

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 "Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp, Pt.1":
  • Low-Noise Stereo Preamplifier PCB [01111119] (AUD $25.00)
  • Input Switching Module PCB for the Low Noise Preamplifier [01111112] (AUD $15.00)
  • Input Selection Pushbutton PCB for the Low Noise Preamplifier [01111113] (AUD $5.00)
  • Universal Voltage Regulator PCB [18103111] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the Low-Noise Stereo Preamp with Six Input Selector [0111111M.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the Low-Noise Stereo Preamp [0111111B.HEX] (previously 0111111A.HEX) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware and source code for the Low-Noise Stereo Preamplifier [0111111B.HEX] (previously 0111111A.HEX) (Software, Free)
  • Low-Noise Stereo Preamplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111119] (Free)
  • Low-Noise Stereo Preamplifier Input Switcher PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111112] (Free)
  • Low-Noise Stereo Preamplifier Input Selector Pushbutton PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111113] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp, Pt.1 (March 2019)
  • Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp, Pt.1 (March 2019)
  • Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp – Part 2 (April 2019)
  • Ultra low noise remote controlled stereo preamp – Part 2 (April 2019)
Items relevant to "Our new DAB+ Tuner with FM and AM – Part 3 ":
  • 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)
Items relevant to "Touch controlled all-diode checker and plotter":
  • Diode Curve Plotter PCB [04112181] (AUD $5.00)
  • 2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen LCD module with SD card socket (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • STFU13N65M2 650V logic-level Mosfet (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Matte Black UB3 Lid for the Multi Diode Curve Plotter (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Firmware (.ino sketches) for the Multi Diode Curve Plotter (Software, Free)
  • Multi Diode Curve Plotter PCB pattern (PDF download) [04112181] (Free)
  • Multi Diode Curve Plotter box cutting diagram (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Items relevant to "Versatile Trailing Edge Dimmer – Part 2 ":
  • 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 23: Galvanic Skin Response":
  • Sample code for El Cheapo Modules 23 - Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) (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)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE RayMing does much more than manufacture PCBs – they assemble them too! RayMing is a PCB Manufacturer with ten year’s exerience. In addition, RayMing can also provide one-stop PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly. Based in Shenzen, China, RayMing has two types of PCB assembly services: full and partial turn-key services. Full Turn-Key covers all aspects of PCB fabrication and assembly, from manufacture of PCBs, parts procurement, quality inspections through to final PCB assembly. In Partial Turn-Key, the customer is responsible for supplying the PCBs and a partial list of parts. RayMing will order the remaining parts and perform the assembly according to the customer’s requirements. They can also kit the parts. RayMing Technology uses a variety of testing methodologies to ensure the assembled boards are functional prior to shipping, with ISO 9001 Quality Certification. 4-digit displays have many uses 400GbE OSFP I/O connectors now at Mouser Manufactured by Akytec, the ITP11 4-digit, 7-segment LED display is designed to be connected to any pressure, temperature or other transmitter with a 4-20mA output. Measuring 24 x 48mm, it requires no auxiliary power, being supplied directly from the current loop. The measured values are scalable and there is also an optional square root function for flow applications. Unlike displays from other manufacturers that require a rectangular hole cut in the cabinet or enclosure to mount it, the ITP11’s compact, standardised design fits into a standard 22.5mm borehole for signal lamps. This provides quick and easy installation and many displays can be accommodated in a control cabinet door or on a panel. The display is available in red or green and it can be programmed to flash if the level reaches an alarm state. Other LED display models from Akytec feature voltage, RTD, thermocouple and Modbus inputs. Mouser Electronics, Inc., is now stocking OSFP input/output (I/O) connectors from TE Connectivity (TE). TE’s next-generation octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) connectors are designed for maximum thermal and electrical performance in data center applications. TE’s OSFP connectors deliver 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) speeds over eight electrical lanes to support equipment that operates at up to 56 gigabits per second (Gbps) PAM-4 and 28Gbps NRZ. The SMT connectors offer a 60-position interface with a tworow design on a proven 0.6mm contact pitch. Offering low PCB cost and noise, the SMT connectors are belly-to-belly capable with inground alignment. OSFP cage assemblies feature a flat rock PCB assembly and support 1×1 and 1×4 single-port and multi-port applications. Contact: Ocean Controls 44 Frankston Gardens Dve, Carrum Downs, 3201 Tel: (03) 9708 3290 Website: oceancontrols.com.au siliconchip.com.au Contact: Mouser Electronics Web: www.mouser.com/te-osfp-ioconnectors Australia’s electronics magazine The methods include: 1. Basic Quality Test – visual inspection. 2. X-ray Inspection – tests for BGAs, QFN and bare PCBs. 3. AOI Checks – tests for solder paste, 0201 components, missing components and polarity. 4. ICT (In-Circuit Test) / Functional test – according to the customer’s testing procedures. There’s much more information on RayMing’s website. Contact: RayMing Technology Robotics Indust. Park, Fuyong, Shenzen, China Tel: 0011 86 755 2734 8087 Web: www.raypcb.com Microchip’s development kit for Amazon AVS Voice control is increasingly becoming a preferred way for consumers to interact with electronics. Microchip Technology Inc., via its Microsemi Corporation subsidiary, has introduced AcuEdge ZLK38AVS Development Kit for Amazon Alexa Voice Service (AVS) to help designers build devices with one-mic handsfree and two (180° linear) or three-mic (180° linear or 360° triangular) far-field configurations qualified by Amazon. It includes the ZL38063 audio processor which connects directly to a Raspberry Pi 3B with plastics and mounting hardware to simulate a typical, recommended end-application mic-speaker arrangement. The field-programmable, field-upgradable solution features signal processing algorithms proven to improve both local trigger detection performance and cloud speech recognition accuracy. The multi-micro-phone configurations include Direction of Arrival (DOA) estimation to indicate where the primary voice sound SC source is located. Contact: Microchip Technology Inc Unit 32, 41 Rawson St Epping NSW 2121 Tel: (02) 9868 6733 Website: www.microchip.com March 2019  41