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Contents Vol.32, No.11 November 2019 SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Features & Reviews 14 A look at SatNav systems: how do they work? You’ve come to rely on that GPS screen in or on your dashboard. But it’s just one Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in use today. Some can even work with each other to give you incredibly reliable accuracy – by Dr David Maddison 38 Three I-O Expanders to give you more control! If you don’t have enough microcontroller pins to do what you want to do, there can be a better way than changing to a larger micro: use an expander module. Here we present three different approaches to the problem – by Tim Blythman 96 We review: Altronics’ battery-powered soldering iron Portable soldering irons have traditionally run on gas – but this is not always safe. Here we look at a new Lithium-ion-powered model from Altronics. Our verdict? You’ll have to read the review to find out! – by Nicholas Vinen Satellite Navigation Systems – of which GPS is just one – simply work! But it’s not all that simple, as Dr David Maddison’s feature will tell you. In fact, it’s rather complicated! – Page 14 Constructional Projects 26 The Super-9: a stereo FM Radio Receiver to build Our AM Radio has proved really popular. “But what about FM?” you asked! OK, for the FM listeners out there, here’s a matching FM Radio. It’s quite easy to build, looks great and even offers stereo output (into headphones) – by John Clarke 46 Low-cost Christmas project: twinkle, twinkle little star Tree! It’s tiny (just 50mm high) and has 12 tiny SMD LEDs which merrily blink away! You choose the LED colours (single or multi) and you can even change the blinking pattern program if you wish. Build just one . . . or build a Christmas forest! – by Tim Blythman 68 High performance linear power supply – part two We introduced our outstanding 45V 8A linear supply last month and explained the how, when, where and why. Now we move on to the really exciting part: putting it together – by Tim Blythman 90 Digital Panel Meter/USB Display suits a range of projects We designed this to suit our new high-spec power supply but then realised just how useful it would be for other projects where a digital readout was required. It’s easy to build, easy to adapt and it’s low cost – by Tim Blythman You asked for it – so here it is! Our new Super-9 FM receiver is the perfect companion to our AM receiver. It’s all based on one large PCB – Page 26 Just in time for the festive season! Build one as a decoration . . . or build many as a real feature – Page 46       LOW-COST KITS ARE     AVAILABLE FROM THE SILICON CHIP ONLINE SHOP – See p51 Your Favourite Columns 61 Serviceman’s Log The alarming false alarm system – by Dave Thompson 85 Circuit Notebook (1) (2) (3) (4) If you need a high performance linear Bench Supply, this one can deliver up to 45V at a whopping 8A! – Page 68 Simple digital sinewave generator Shunt regulator for wind turbines Digital soldering iron stepping timer “The farmer’s friend” – discrete pump timer 98 Vintage Radio 1930s “Vogue” radio “restomod” (new electronics for old) – by Fred Lever Everything Else 4 6 95 106 Editorial Viewpoint Mailbag – Your Feedback SILICON CHIP ONLINE SHOP Ask SILICON CHIP 109 111   112 112 SILICON CHIP PCBs Market Centre Advertising Index Notes and Errata This Digital Panel Meter was made to suit our new 45V/8A Power Supply. But it could be used with a range of projects – Page 90 www.facebook.com/siliconchipmagazine