Silicon ChipProduct Showcase - January 2020 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: You need blackout and disaster plans
  4. Feature: What to do before the lights go out . . . by Nicholas Vinen
  5. Project: A low-voltage valve audio preamp by John Clarke
  6. Feature: Migrating from iPhone to Android without tears! by Dr David Maddison
  7. Project: Tunable HF Preamp for Software Defined Radio (SDR) by Charles Kosina
  8. Project: Add DCC to your model train layout with Arduino! by Tim Blythman
  9. Product Showcase
  10. Serviceman's Log: When things go wrong - really wrong by Dave Thompson
  11. Project: Easy-to-build Bookshelf Speaker System by Phil Prosser
  12. Feature: El Cheapo modules: “Intelligent” 8x8 RGB LED Matrix by Jim Rowe
  13. PartShop
  14. Project: Low cost, high precision thermometer calibrator by Allan Linton-Smith
  15. Vintage Radio: Panasonic “Radarmatic” R-1000 by Ian Batty
  16. Subscriptions
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Discrete pump timer, Circuit Notebook, November 2019; 45V 8A Linear Bench Supply, October-December 2019; LoRa Chat Terminal, Circuit Notebook, August 2019
  20. Outer Back Cover: Rohde & Schwarz: options sale extended

This is only a preview of the January 2020 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 41 of the 112 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.

Items relevant to "A low-voltage valve audio preamp":
  • Nutube Stereo Valve Preamplifier PCB [01112191] (AUD $10.00)
  • Nutube Stereo Valve Preamplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01112191] (Free)
  • Nutube Stereo Valve Preamplifier panel artwork and drilling templates (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Tunable HF Preamp for Software Defined Radio (SDR)":
  • Tunable HF Preamplifier PCB [06110191] (AUD $2.50)
  • Tunable HF Preamplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [06110191] (Free)
Items relevant to "Add DCC to your model train layout with Arduino!":
  • DCC Power Shield PCB [09207181] (AUD $5.00)
  • DCC Decoder Programmer PCB [09107181] (AUD $5.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the DCC Power Shield (Component, AUD $35.00)
  • Software for the Arduno DCC Controller (Free)
  • DCC Power Shield PCB pattern (PDF download) [09207181] (Free)
  • DCC Decoder Programmer PCB pattern (PDF download) [09107181] (Free)
Items relevant to "Easy-to-build Bookshelf Speaker System":
  • Bookshelf Speaker Passive Crossover PCB [01101201] (AUD $10.00)
  • Bookshelf Speaker Subwoofer Active Crossover PCB [01101202] (AUD $7.50)
  • Bookshelf Speaker Passive and Active Crossover PCB patterns (PDF download) [01101201-2] (Free)
  • Bookshelf Speaker System timber and metal cutting diagrams (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Easy-to-build Bookshelf Speaker System (January 2020)
  • Easy-to-build Bookshelf Speaker System (January 2020)
  • Building the new “bookshelf” stereo speakers, Pt 2 (February 2020)
  • Building the new “bookshelf” stereo speakers, Pt 2 (February 2020)
  • Building Subwoofers for our new “Bookshelf” Speakers (March 2020)
  • Building Subwoofers for our new “Bookshelf” Speakers (March 2020)
  • Stewart of Reading (October 2023)
  • Stewart of Reading (October 2023)
  • Stewart of Reading (November 2023)
  • Stewart of Reading (November 2023)
  • ETI BUNDLE (December 2023)
  • ETI BUNDLE (December 2023)
  • Active Subwoofer For Hi-Fi at Home (January 2024)
  • Active Subwoofer For Hi-Fi at Home (January 2024)
  • Active Subwoofer For Hi-Fi at Home (February 2024)
  • Active Subwoofer For Hi-Fi at Home (February 2024)
Items relevant to "El Cheapo modules: “Intelligent” 8x8 RGB LED Matrix":
  • WS2812 8x8 RGB LED matrix (Component, AUD $12.50)
  • Sample code for El Cheapo Modules - Intelligent 8x8 RGB LED Matrix (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 20% Off WiFi Boards at Jaycar As part of their post-Christmas sale, Jaycar stores are offering a 20% saving on a range of their popular XC3802 WiFi Boards until 23 January. Included in the sale are: The ESP8266 WiFi Mini Mainboard <at> $19.95 (was $24.95) The ESP32 Mainboard with WiFi and Bluetooth <at> $31.95 (was $39.95) The Arduino-compatible UNO XC3800 Board with WiFi <at> $31.95 (was $39.95) and XC4411 The Arduino + WiFi Megaboard with ESP8266 chip <at> $47.95 (was $59.95). And if you’re into long range data XC4421 communications which doesn’t need a mobile phone network, they also have a big saving on the LoRa Wireless Communication shield Contact: for $49.95 (was $69.95). Jaycar Electronics (all stores) See the long distance (H/O) 320 Victoria Rd Rydalmere, NSW 2116 remote relay project at Tel: 1800 022 888 www.jaycar.com.au/ Web: www.jaycar.com.au lora-remote RayMing Technology: much more than a PCB maker! RayMing Technology is an Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider, specifically, offering PCB manufacturing and PCB assembly. EMS is a specialised form of Contract Manufacturing (CM). EMS companies allow equipment manufacturers to improve their efficiency, allowing them to focus more on Research and Development (R&D). RayMing Technology has more than 10 years of experience providing EMS services. EMS services are not only used to make consumer products, but also medical products, industrial products as well as products for defence, aerospace and telecommunications. Electronic manufac- Contact: turing is rapidly and RayMing Technology constantly evolving. You 12#, 2nd Fu’an Industrial City, Dayang Developneed a flexible partner ment Zone, Fuyong St, Bao’an, Shenzhen, China to keep pace with rapid Tel: (0011) [86] 0755 2734 8087 changes in technology. Web: www.raypcb.com Johanson Dielectrics Advanced Motor EMI Filters Strict electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and noisier electronic environments are threatening to increase the cost of filtering required for brushed DC motors. These filters must reject all forms of noise and also handle high DC currents, without being costly. Johanson Dielectrics advanced monolithic EMI filters meet these requirements. Traditional common-mode filtering approaches include lowpass filters comprised of capacitors and/or inductors that attenuate signals above the cutoff frequency. The traditional options are two-capacitor differential filters, three-capacitor filters (one X-cap and two Y-caps), feed-through filters, common-mode chokes, LC filters, or combinations of these. These days, the lower-cost options like two-capacitor or threecapacitor filters can no longer meet all EMC requirements. Other solutions like common-mode chokes offer good rejection over a wide frequency range, but are expensive when they must carry several amps. Monolithic EMI filters provide significantly more RFI suppression than a common-mode choke in a much smaller package, and they are not affected by the direct current requirement, because they connect between the lines and ground. These filters from Johanson Dielectrics combine two balanced shunt capacitors in a single package, with mutual inductance cancellation and a shielding effect. The key to their performance is the very low inductance and matched impedances. Monolithic EMI filters can be effective from 50kHz to 6GHz, filtering both common-mode and differential-mode noise. Sometimes EMI filters can interfere with PWM-based motor control, so the right filter must be chosen for the job. Johanson Dielectrics provides an on-line tool that simplifies filter choice. They are also working on integrated solutions Contact: that mount direct- Johanson Dielectrics ly on the housing, 4001 Calle Tecate, Camarillo, CA 93012, USA without the need Tel: (0011) [1] 805 389 1166 Web: www.johansondielectrics.com for a PCB. Unleash your creativity and simplify your development while saving money… The customisable Curiosity Nano Development Platform includes costeffective Curiosity Nano boards and the versatile Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards to provide you with an excellent starting point for creating innovative designs. Curiosity Nano boards feature a variety of PIC and siliconchip.com.au AVR MCUs, allowing you to easily evaluate different architectures for your design. They also offer full programming and debugging capabilities to support you throughout your development process. Each Curiosity Nano board is compatible with the Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards. This base Australia’s electronics magazine includes a socket that fits all Curiosity Nano boards plus three mikroBUS sockets that will enable you to effortlessly expand your design with sensors, connectivity modules and more. For more details visit the hotlink: Contact: Microchip (Aust/NZ) Tel: (02) 9868 6733 Website: http://siliconchip.com.au/link/aay5 January 2020  61