Silicon ChipMaking kits is not easy! - December 2021 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Making kits is not easy!
  4. Feature: Big Brother is Tracking You! – Part 2 by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: Hummingbird Audio Amplifier by Phil Prosser
  6. Feature: SMD Soldering – tips and tricks by Tim Blythman
  7. Project: SMD Trainer Board by Tim Blythman
  8. Feature: El Cheapo Modules: 35MHz-4.4GHz Signal Generator by Jim Rowe
  9. Review: Raspberry Pi Pico by Tim Blythman
  10. Project: Digital Lighting Controller Translator by Tim Blythman
  11. Serviceman's Log: A mixed bag of odds, sods, ends and bobs by Dave Thompson
  12. Product Showcase
  13. Project: USB Cable Tester – Part 2 by Tim Blythman
  14. Vintage Radio: Restoring a Sony 5-303E Micro-TV by Dr Hugo Holden
  15. Subscriptions
  16. PartShop
  17. Ask Silicon Chip
  18. Market Centre
  19. Advertising Index
  20. Notes & Errata: Tele-com Intercom, October 2021; Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi, May & June 2021
  21. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the December 2021 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 40 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.

Articles in this series:
  • Big Brother is Tracking You! – Part 1 (November 2021)
  • Big Brother is Tracking You! – Part 1 (November 2021)
  • Big Brother is Tracking You! – Part 2 (December 2021)
  • Big Brother is Tracking You! – Part 2 (December 2021)
Items relevant to "Hummingbird Audio Amplifier":
  • 4-way Loudspeaker Protector PCB [01101222] (AUD $5.00)
  • The Hummingbird Audio Amplifier PCB [01111211] (AUD $5.00)
  • 6-way Loudspeaker Protector PCB [01101221] (AUD $7.50)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Hummingbird Amplifier (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • Multi-Channel Speaker Protector PCB patterns (PDF download) [01101221-2] (Free)
  • The Hummingbird Audio Amplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111211] (Free)
Items relevant to "SMD Trainer Board":
  • SMD Trainer PCB [29106211] (AUD $5.00)
  • Kit for the SMD trainer (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • SMD Trainer PCB pattern (PDF download) [29106211] (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)
Items relevant to "Digital Lighting Controller Translator":
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller main PCB [16110202] (AUD $20.00)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller Micromite Master PCB [16110201] (AUD $5.00)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller CP2102 Adaptor PCB [16110204] (AUD $2.50)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller LED slave PCB [16110205] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F1705-I/P programmed for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller [1611020A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller Micromite master [1611020B.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F1455-I/P programmed for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller WS2812 Slave [16110205.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Si8751AB 2.5kV isolated Mosfet driver with integral power supply (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V3 complete kit (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller (Component, AUD $100.00)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller front panel PCB [16110203] (AUD $20.00)
  • Firmware and software for the Fiexible Digital Lighting Controller (Free)
  • Firmware and PC software for the Digital Lighting Controller [1611010A.HEX] (Free)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller mains slave PCB patterns (PDF download) [16110202-3] (Free)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller Master PCB patterns (PDF download) [16110201, 16110204] (Free)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller LED slave PCB pattern (PDF download) [16110205] (Free)
  • Drilling and cutting diagrams for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller Micromite master (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
  • Cutting diagram for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller mains slave rear panel (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
  • Cutting diagrams and front panel artwork for the Flexible Digital Lighting Controller LED slave (PDF download) (Free)
  • Digital Lighting Controller Translator PCB [16110206] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F1705-I/P programmed for the Digital Lighting Controller Translator [1611020F.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware for the Digital Lighting Controller Translator [1611020F.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Digital Lighting Controller Translator PCB pattern (PDF download) [16110206] (Free)
  • Drilling/cutting diagrams and lid panel artwork for the Digital Lighting Controller Translator (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 1 (October 2020)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 1 (October 2020)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 2 (November 2020)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 2 (November 2020)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 3 (December 2020)
  • Flexible Digital Lighting Controller, part 3 (December 2020)
  • Digital Lighting Controller Translator (December 2021)
  • Digital Lighting Controller Translator (December 2021)
Items relevant to "USB Cable Tester – Part 2":
  • USB Cable Tester main PCB [04108211] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F18877-I/P programmed for the USB Cable Tester [0410821C.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Relay - 1A DPDT 5V DC coil (EA2-5NU) (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • IPP80P03P4L-07 high-current P-channel Mosfet (Component, AUD $2.50)
  • Short form kit for the USB Cable Tester (Component, AUD $110.00)
  • USB Cable Tester front panel PCB [04108212] (AUD $5.00)
  • Laser-cut acrylic bezel for USB Cable Tester (PCB, AUD $2.50)
  • Firmware and bezel laser cutting files for the USB Cable Tester [0410821A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • USB Cable Tester PCB patterns (PDF download) [04108211/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • USB Cable Tester – Part 1 (November 2021)
  • USB Cable Tester – Part 1 (November 2021)
  • USB Cable Tester – Part 2 (December 2021)
  • USB Cable Tester – Part 2 (December 2021)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $11.50.

SILICON SILIC 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. Nicolas Hannekum – Dip.Elec.Tech. Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Allan Linton-Smith Dave Thompson David Maddison – B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Dr Hugo Holden – B.H.B, MB.ChB., FRANZCO Ian Batty Phil Prosser – B.Sc., B.E.(Elec.) 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 (Australia only): 6 issues (6 months): $65 12 issues (1 year): $120 24 issues (2 years): $230 Online subscription (Worldwide) 6 issues (6 months): $50 12 issues (1 year): $95 For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Recommended & maximum price only. 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. Making kits is not easy! You might have noticed the announcement last month that we are selling an almost complete kit for the USB Cable Tester project. As we were building the prototypes we realised that, due to ongoing shortages, there was no guarantee that the parts would be available by the time the project was published. And what would be the point in publishing a project article if nobody could build the thing? Of course, there are other reasons to offer kits. We realise that it’s much easier for readers to build most of our designs if they can buy all the parts as a set, rather than running around gathering them from various sources. It can also be cheaper to buy a kit, mainly because you don’t have to pay delivery fees to multiple vendors. There are two primary reasons we haven’t done this in the past. One is that Jaycar and Altronics have tended to produce kits for our projects (and still do, thankfully; see below), and we didn’t want to ‘step on their toes’. Another is the perception that it would be a lot of work to produce kits, distracting us from working on the magazine. Our experience now shows us that concern was not misplaced. It might seem like a simple job to make a kit; just order some parts, throw them in a bag, and then send that to the customer, right? Well, it turns out it isn’t quite that easy. Problem number one is estimating the demand. It takes time to find all the vendors, order the parts, gather those orders, and then make the kits, so you need to do it well before the article is published. But how do you know how many parts to order before you’ve had a chance to gauge reader interest? Order too few sets, and you run the risk of delaying getting kits to customers (or, under the current circumstances, possibly not being able to supply them at all!). Ordering too many not only means a large cash outlay upfront, but it could even result in the whole exercise being a net loss, with a bunch of unsold kits sitting around taking up space. Once you’ve figured that out, it takes a surprising amount of time and labour to actually order the parts, track all the incoming shipments and then put it all together in preparation for making the kits. The kit-making then takes a deceptively large amount of time and effort. Some parts are not easily separated. Some need re-packing. Some need programming. Some need to be cut or broken apart into smaller sections. Often, they need to be separated into several bags or other containers to be later combined to make the final kits. Some parts need extra protection to survive delivery (anti-static bags, foam, tape, bubble wrap etc). You also need to be meticulous to ensure you don’t leave anything out of a kit and put in the correct number of each component. The time spent doing all these things adds up, and it ends up consuming way more hours than you might guess when making dozens or even hundreds of kits. I’m delighted that our SMD Test Tweezer and USB Cable Tester kits have been so popular (partly because it shows that people enjoyed the articles), but it will be a relief once we get all the kits to our customers! Altronics kit for projects in this magazine Printing and Distribution: Finally, I am pleased to announce that Altronics will be producing kits for three projects this month: the Hummingbird amplifier (starting on p18), SMD Trainer (p38) and Digital Lighting Controller Translator (p61). See the respective parts lists for the relevant code that you can search for on their website. 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 Cover background image source: www.freepik.com/free-vector/realistic-motion-neon-lights-background_15292690.htm ISSN 1030-2662 2 Editorial Viewpoint Silicon Chip by Nicholas Vinen Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au