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Coming up in Silicon Chip 5G Networks Dr David Maddison describes the benefits and challenges of this new fifthgeneration mobile communications technology. Based on how it’s being described, it’s as if 5G will be the best thing since sliced bread. But will it? Read our article and decide for yourself. High Power Ultrasonic Cleaner Advertising Index Altronics...............................75-82 Ampec Technologies................. 23 Dave Thompson...................... 111 Digi-Key Electronics.................... 3 Our new Ultrasonic Cleaner can deliver around 40W into a cleaning bath, ideal for cleaning larger parts in about four litres of water or solvent. It has an adjustable power level from 10-100%, a timer from 20 seconds to 90 minutes, over-current protection and runs from 12V, either from a battery or mains adaptor. OBD2 & Forscan – advanced automotive diagnostics Emona Instruments................. IBC Hare & Forbes....................... OBC Jaycar............................ IFC,53-60 You’ve probably seen the dirty cheap (in some cases, less than $10) Bluetooth car diagnostic dongles online. You may even have one or two. But dongles ain’t dongles; for just a bit more money, you can get one that can do more than just give you ‘trouble codes’. With the right (low-cost) gear, you can interrogate the dozens of electronic modules in modern vehicles and even reprogram them! Keith Rippon Kit Assembly...... 111 Satellite navigation – in space? And on the Moon? Microchip Technology.................. 5 Yes, it is possible (if tricky) to pick up navigation signals well above the orbits of the satellite constellations and even as far away as the Moon. NASA even has plans to launch navigation and communication satellites in orbit around the Moon too! Ocean Controls........................... 9 The History of Aussie GPOs Silicon Chip Binders............... 104 We use them every day but did you ever wonder where our power point design came from? Why is it different from the American, European and UK plugs? Why do some countries use similar sockets but in different orientations? This article describes all of that, as well as the history of Australian mains voltages and frequencies, why our sockets always have switches, and more besides. Note: these features are planned or are in preparation and should appear within the next few issues of Silicon Chip. The September 2020 issue is due on sale in newsagents by Thursday, August 27th. Expect postal delivery of subscription copies in Australia between August 25th and September 11th. LD Electronics......................... 111 LEDsales................................. 111 RayMing PCB & Assembly.......... 4 Silicon Chip Job....................... 37 Silicon Chip Shop.................... 87 The Loudspeaker Kit.com........... 7 Tronixlabs................................ 111 Vintage Radio Repairs............ 111 Wagner Electronics................... 50 Notes & Errata DIY Reflow Oven, April & May 2020: on page 32 of the April issue, in the parts list, the male/female chassis-mount IEC power connector is described as a 15A type, but a 10A type is needed. The catalog code given (Altronics P8330A) is correct, ie, it is the 10A type. Equipment Safety System team at www.eess.gov.au/about/contact-us/ Hazards of old mains wiring I am wondering if anyone has ever done a study of the decomposition of original latex coatings on ‘ancient’ wiring and the rotting of fabric bindings etc. (S. B., Bundamba, Qld) • See the Publisher’s Letter in the 112  Silicon Chip November 1995 issue (“Have you had your house wiring checked?”) and August 2008 (“Electrical wiring in older houses can be dangerous”). As Leo said in his 2008 column, “… if your home is 50 years old or more, the wiring is almost certain to be unsafe or in need of upgrading.” It’s amazing that fabric- and rubbercoated mains wires still are working, in some cases over 100 years after they were installed. But they’re bound to Australia’s electronics magazine fail sooner or later, and possibly start a fire, so even if there are no apparent problems, it’s still best to replace it all with modern vinyl-insulated mains wiring. Circuit breakers should be upgraded at the same time, to RCD versions. The new wiring and breakers should also allow you to upgrade each circuit to deliver more total current and power, reducing or eliminating nuisance tripping. SC siliconchip.com.au