Contents
Vol.32, No.5; May 2019
SILICON
CHIP
www.siliconchip.com.au
Features & Reviews
12 Avalon Airshow: from killer drones to spacecraft!
SILICON CHIP visited the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace & Defence
Exposition (also known as the Avalon Airshow), to take a look at the latest
aerospace technology. We came away very impressed! – by Dr David Maddison
38 El Cheapo Modules: Class D amplifier modules
Here are two bargain Class-D amplifier modules which tend to put the lie to that
old adage that you only get what you pay for! One of these sells for less than $10,
p&p included – but you get a 3 x 50W RMS powerhouse! – by Allan Linton-Smith
83 Review: Microchip’s new “SNAP” debugger/programmer
Somewhat less complex and much lower in cost than the PICkit 4, we believe that
the SNAP will become popular as an economical first programmer or even as a
second device you can carry with your laptop or notebook – by Tim Blythman
We made a flying visit (pardon the
pun!) to the Australian International
Airshow at Avalon, Victoria. Wow!
– Page 12
Audio
processing
has never
been this
good!
– Page 26
Constructional Projects
26 DSP Active Crossover and 8-channel Parametric Equaliser
Adjust and tailor any audio signal to the way YOU want it with this versatile project.
You can also use it to “Biamplify” a pair of speakers – and many other tasks.
Offers very low distortion and noise, too – by Phil Prosser and Nicholas Vinen
44 Solar-powered data repeater for 433MHz remotes
Sometimes your keyfob transmitter or other 433MHz remote control doesn’t have
the range you need, or it is affected by weather, etc. This solar-powered repeater
can give you up to double the range – and it’s all legal! – by John Clarke
68 Bridge adaptor gives four times your amplifier power!
When you want real power, build this simple project. It drives two amplifiers (or
even two channels of a stereo amp) out of phase to give up to 4x the original
power. Build it in a Jiffy box or into your existing amplifier – by Nicholas Vinen
86 Low-cost 3.5-inch LCDs for Arduino or Micromite
There’s a big difference between a 2.8-inch and a 3.5-inch display – you can get
so much more information on them. We’ve found some quite cheap 3.5 inchers
that you can use with your Arduino or Micromite project – by Tim Blythman
Your Favourite Columns
61 Serviceman’s Log
Samsunk – the dishwasher that wouldn’t! – by Dave Thompson
96 Circuit Notebook
(1) Battery-powered Steam Train Whistle
(2) Switching cooling fan based on power supply load
(3) ESP32 Internet Radio Receiver
100 Vintage Radio
Admiral 1956 5ACW Clock Radio – by Graham Parslow
Everything Else!
2 Editorial Viewpoint
4 Mailbag – Your Feedback
109 SILICON CHIP ONLINE SHOP
105 Product Showcase
106
111
112
112
Ask SILICON CHIP
Market Centre
Advertising Index
Notes and Errata
We simply
could not
believe the prices
of these Class-D
amplifier modules out of China!
So are they any good? Well, you be
the judge! – Page 38
If you want more
range from your
UHF remote, try
this solar-powered
data repeater for
size. Simple, cheap
. . . and legal!
– Page 44
This BTL Adaptor splits
your audio signal
and feeds half to
each amp,
giving up to 4x the
power output
– Page 68
Microchip’s “SNAP”
– it’s a snap to use
and makes a great
first programmer
or even one to
keep with your
notebook or laptop – Page 83
When a 2.4” or 2.8”
display just
isn’t good enough
. . . use a 3.5” instead
– Page 86
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