Silicon ChipNational Broadband Not-work? - June 2020 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: National Broadband Not-work?
  4. Feature: Open Source Ventilators by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Our new RCL Subsitution Box has touchscreen control by Tim Blythman
  6. Feature: Vintage Workbench by Alan Hampel
  7. Feature: New w-i-d-e-b-a-n-d RTL-SDR modules, Part 2 by Jim Rowe
  8. Project: Dead easy “Concreto” loudspeakers by Allan Linton-Smith
  9. Serviceman's Log: Treadmill trials over trails by Dave Thompson
  10. Project: Tough Roadies’ Test Oscillator by John Clarke
  11. Product Showcase
  12. Review: Keysight’s N9918B “FieldFox” 26.5GHz Analyser by Tim Blythman
  13. Project: H-Field AM Radio Receiver Transanalyser, Part 2 by Dr Hugo Holden
  14. Feature: Follow up: Arduino Day at Jaycar’s Maker Hub! by Tim Blythman
  15. Vintage Radio: Tecnico 1259A "The Pacemaker" by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  16. PartShop
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: DIY Oven Reflow Controller, April-May 2020; 7-Band Mono / Stereo Equaliser, April 2020; Tuneable HF Preamp, January 2020; Super-9 FM Radio, November-December 2019; DSP Active Crossover, May-July 2019; Arduino-based programmer for DCC Decoders, October 2018
  20. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 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 "Our new RCL Subsitution Box has touchscreen control":
  • Touchscreen RCL Box resistor PCB [04104201] (AUD $7.50)
  • Touchscreen RCL Box capacitor/inductor PCB [04104202] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Touchscreen RCL Box (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V3 complete kit (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • Firmware (HEX) files and BASIC source code for the Touchscreen RCL Box [RCLBox.hex] (Software, Free)
  • Touchscreen RCL Box PCB patterns (PDF download) [04104201-2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Our new RCL Subsitution Box has touchscreen control (June 2020)
  • Our new RCL Subsitution Box has touchscreen control (June 2020)
  • Digital/Touchscreen RCL Substitution Box, Part 2 (July 2020)
  • Digital/Touchscreen RCL Substitution Box, Part 2 (July 2020)
Items relevant to "Vintage Workbench":
  • Tektronix T-130 LC Meter Supplemental Materials (Software, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Vintage Workbench (June 2020)
  • Vintage Workbench (June 2020)
  • Vintage Workbench (July 2020)
  • Vintage Workbench (July 2020)
  • Vintage Workbench (August 2020)
  • Vintage Workbench (August 2020)
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)
Items relevant to "Tough Roadies’ Test Oscillator":
  • Roadies' Test Signal Generator PCB (SMD version) [01005201] (AUD $2.50)
  • Roadies' Test Generator PCB (through-hole version) [01005202] (AUD $5.00)
  • Roadies' Test Generator LTspice simulation file (Software, Free)
  • Roadies' Test Signal Generator PCB patterns (PDF download) [01005201-2] (Free)
  • Roadies' Test Signal Generator panel artwork, drilling and insulator templates (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "H-Field AM Radio Receiver Transanalyser, Part 2":
  • H-Field Transanalyser PCB [06102201] (AUD $10.00)
  • MAX038 function generator IC (DIP-20) (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • MC1496P double-balanced mixer IC (DIP-14) (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • H-Field Transanalyser PCB pattern (PDF download) [06102201] (Free)
  • H-Field Transanalyser front panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • H-Field Transanalyser for AM radio alignment & service (May 2020)
  • H-Field Transanalyser for AM radio alignment & service (May 2020)
  • H-Field AM Radio Receiver Transanalyser, Part 2 (June 2020)
  • H-Field AM Radio Receiver Transanalyser, Part 2 (June 2020)
Articles in this series:
  • We visit the new “maker hub” concept by Jaycar (August 2019)
  • We visit the new “maker hub” concept by Jaycar (August 2019)
  • Follow up: Arduino Day at Jaycar’s Maker Hub! (June 2020)
  • Follow up: Arduino Day at Jaycar’s Maker Hub! (June 2020)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc Bao Smith, B.Sc Tim Blythman, B.E., B.Sc Technical Contributor Duraid Madina, B.Sc, M.Sc, PhD Art Director & Production Manager Ross Tester Reader Services Ann Morris Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Dave Thompson David Maddison B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Ian Batty Cartoonist Brendan Akhurst Founding Editor (retired) Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Subscription rates (12 issues): $105.00 per year, post paid, in Australia. For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Editorial office: Unit 1 (up ramp), 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9939 3295. E-mail: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au ISSN 1030-2662 * Recommended & maximum price only. Printing and Distribution: Editorial Viewpoint National Broadband Not-work? Late last year, a person rang me at home to say that the NBN would be available in my area “soon” (I’d heard that one before…). Anyway, they said if I was happy to stay with my current internet provider, they’d send me the NBN equipment as soon as my house was connected. As promised, it arrived in early March. This was around the time that the government was advising us to work from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so I didn’t want to be without internet. They told me to disconnect all my ADSL equipment one evening and plug in the NBN gear, and I should be up and running the next day. I did what they asked, but the next morning, I had no internet. I rang their support line and the helpful staff member spent a while troubleshooting it with me before concluding there was something wrong with our connection. They would have to send a technician out. That would take about ten days. Ugh! So I had to work from home using a very slow and expensive 4G connection via my phone. When the NBN technician turned up, he seemed to know what he was doing and told me (I don’t remember his exact words): “the ports were mislabelled and so you were connected to the wrong port but I’ve fixed that.” It did not fill me with confidence that the NBN cable installers didn’t label the ports correctly. But at least he’d fixed that problem. However, I still had no connection. After more investigations, he came back in with a bit of a sheepish look and told me: “The fibre’s no good. I’m going to have to get someone to come back and fix it.” And the first available appointment was more than a week away. Ugh again! So, it appears that the people who ran the NBN optic fibre didn’t actually test it to see whether it worked before reporting that they’d done their job. That’s really unacceptable. Anyway, they did come back and fix it as promised. By then, I’d been without internet for around three weeks. But finally, the NBN was working! It worked for a whole eight days. Then suddenly it just dropped out. So I rang the support line again. They did a bit of checking and told me “the NBN system says that your connection has been cancelled.” Excuse me, what? Why? And by whom? “It doesn’t say why. We’ll have to reconnect you from scratch.” How long would this take? “A few days.” It took more than three weeks. The request had to go from my ISP to NBN Co and then onto the contractor, who rejected it because I “had no phone line”. It then had to go back to NBN Co and back to my ISP, who had to ask for my phone line to be reinstalled, then when that was fixed, they started the whole process again. Apparently, the contractor for my area is based in the Philippines so this was a slow process. Why is part of Australia’s National Broadband Network run out of the Philippines? That makes no sense to me. Finally, in early May, my NBN connection was working again. So for March and April, while I was quarantined at home most days, my NBN connection worked for a whole eight days. I never received any explanation as to why my phone line was cancelled (I certainly didn’t request it!). Will that happen again? Who knows? Apparently, there are no processes in place to stop accidental cancellation. What sort of crazy system is this that we’re being forced onto? I’ve had ADSL for nearly 20 years and never had any problems like this. It isn’t just me, either. Another SILICON CHIP staff member had the NBN crew run cable to most of the houses in his street, including both of his neighbours . . . but not his. He had to contact them and they eventually came back and hooked him up. You have to wonder who thought it was a good idea to give national responsibility for fixed line internet to such a disorganised group of people. Nicholas Vinen 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 2 Silicon Chip Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au