Silicon ChipPartShop - February 2021 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: New computer technology
  4. Feature: Radio Time Signals throughout the World by Dr David Maddison
  5. Feature: Follow-up: Quantum-dot Cellular Automata by Dr Sankit Ramkrishna Kassa
  6. Project: Battery Multi Logger by Tim Blythman
  7. Project: Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply by Tim Blythman
  8. Serviceman's Log: A feline-themed cautionary tale by Dave Thompson
  9. Project: Electronic Wind Chimes by John Clarke
  10. Feature: Making Android Apps with App Inventor by Roderick Wall
  11. Feature: Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench by Tim Blythman
  12. Feature: Upgrading your Computer to the latest CPU by Nicholas Vinen
  13. PartShop
  14. Feature: El Cheapo Modules: LCR-T4 Digital Multi-Tester by Jim Rowe
  15. Vintage Radio: Philips 1952 BX205 B-01 AM/SW battery valve radio by Charles Kosina
  16. Market Centre
  17. Notes & Errata: Busy Loo Indicator, January 2021; Mini Digital AC Panel Meters, January 2021; Radiating test antenna for AM Radios, Circuit Notebook, January 2021; Vintage Battery Radio Li-ion Power Supply, December 2020; Colour Maximite 2, July-August 2020
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 34 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 "Follow-up: Quantum-dot Cellular Automata":
  • QCA follow-up: Potential Energy Explanation (Software, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (August 2019)
  • Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (August 2019)
  • Follow-up: Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (February 2021)
  • Follow-up: Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (February 2021)
Items relevant to "Battery Multi Logger":
  • Battery Multi Logger PCB [11106201] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F1455-I/SL programmed for the Microbridge [2410417A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-I/SO programmed for the Battery Multi Logger [1110620A.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $20.00)
  • DS3231MZ real-time clock IC (SOIC-8) (Component, AUD $8.00)
  • DS3231 real-time clock IC (SOIC-16) (Component, AUD $7.50)
  • 2.8-inch TFT Touchscreen LCD module with SD card socket (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • SMD resistor - 15mΩ ±1% M6332/2512 3W (CRA2512-FZ-R015ELF or similar) (Source component, AUD $2.00)
  • Matte/Gloss Black UB3 Lid for 2.8-inch Micromite LCD BackPack (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Battery Multi Logger software [1110620A.hex] (Free)
  • Battery Multi Logger PCB pattern (PDF download) [11106201] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Battery Multi Logger (February 2021)
  • Battery Multi Logger (February 2021)
  • Battery Multi Logger - Part 2 (March 2021)
  • Battery Multi Logger - Part 2 (March 2021)
Items relevant to "Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply":
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply PCB [18106201] (AUD $5.00)
  • SMD resistor - 15mΩ ±1% M6332/2512 3W (CRA2512-FZ-R015ELF or similar) (Source component, AUD $2.00)
  • MCP4251-502E/P dual 5kΩ digital potentiometer (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply Software (Free)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply PCB pattern (PDF download) [18106201] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench (February 2021)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply (February 2021)
  • Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench (February 2021)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply (February 2021)
Items relevant to "Electronic Wind Chimes":
  • Electronic Wind Chimes PCB [23011201] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F1459-I/P programmed for the Electronic Wind Chimes [2301120A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Electronic Wind Chimes software [2301120A.hex] (Free)
  • Electronic Wind Chimes PCB pattern (PDF download) [23011201] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Electronic Wind Chimes (February 2021)
  • Electronic Wind Chimes (February 2021)
  • Electronic Wind Chimes - Part 2 (March 2021)
  • Electronic Wind Chimes - Part 2 (March 2021)
Items relevant to "Making Android Apps with App Inventor":
  • TDR Android app (made using App Inventor) (Software, Free)
Items relevant to "Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench":
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply PCB [18106201] (AUD $5.00)
Articles in this series:
  • Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench (February 2021)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply (February 2021)
  • Making a Compact Virtual Electronics Workbench (February 2021)
  • Arduino-based Adjustable Power Supply (February 2021)
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)

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SILICON CHIP .com.au/shop ONLINESHOP PCBs, CASE PIECES AND PANELS H-FIELD TRANSANALYSER ROADIES’ TEST GENERATOR SMD VERSION ↳ THROUGH-HOLE VERSION COLOUR MAXIMITE 2 PCB (BLUE) ↳ FRONT & REAR PANELS (BLACK) OL’ TIMER II PCB (RED, BLUE OR BLACK) ↳ ACRYLIC CASE PIECES / SPACER (BLACK) IR REMOTE CONTROL ASSISTANT PCB (JAYCAR) ↳ ALTRONICS VERSION USB SUPERCODEC SWITCHMODE 78XX REPLACEMENT WIDEBAND DIGITAL RF POWER METER ULTRASONIC CLEANER MAIN PCB ↳ FRONT PANEL NIGHT KEEPER LIGHTHOUSE SHIRT POCKET AUDIO OSCILLATOR ↳ 8-PIN ATtiny PROGRAMMING ADAPTOR D1 MINI LCD WIFI BACKPACK MAY20 JUN20 JUN20 JUL20 JUL20 JUL20 JUL20 JUL20 JUL20 AUG20 AUG20 AUG20 SEP20 SEP20 SEP20 SEP20 SEP20 OCT20 06102201 01005201 01005202 07107201 SC5500 19104201 SC5448 15005201 15005202 01106201 18105201 04106201 04105201 04105202 08110201 01110201 01110202 24106121 Subscribers get a 10% discount on all orders for parts $10.00 $2.50 $5.00 $10.00 $10.00 $5.00 $7.50 $5.00 $5.00 $12.50 $2.50 $5.00 $7.50 $5.00 $5.00 $2.50 $1.50 $5.00 FLEXIBLE DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER SLAVE ↳ FRONT PANEL (BLACK) LED XMAS ORNAMENTS 30 LED STACKABLE STAR ↳ RGB VERSION (BLACK) SUPERCODEC BALANCED ATTENUATOR DIGITAL LIGHTING MICROMITE MASTER ↳ CP2102 ADAPTOR BATTERY VINTAGE RADIO POWER SUPPLY DUAL BATTERY LIFESAVER DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER LED SLAVE AM/FM/SW RADIO MINIHEART HEARTBEAT SIMULATOR I’M BUSY GO AWAY (DOOR WARNING) OCT20 OCT20 NOV20 NOV20 NOV20 NOV20 NOV20 NOV20 DEC20 DEC20 DEC20 JAN21 JAN21 JAN21 16110202 16110203 SEE P31 16109201 16109202 01106202 16110201 16110204 11111201 11111202 16110205 CSE200902A 01109201 16112201 $20.00 $20.00 $3.00ea $12.50 $12.50 $7.50 $5.00 $2.50 $7.50 $2.50 $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 $2.50 BATTERY MULTI LOGGER ELECTRONIC WIND CHIMES ARDUINO 0-14V POWER SUPPLY SHIELD FEB21 FEB21 FEB21 11106201 23011201 18106201 $5.00 $10.00 $5.00 NEW PCBs PRE-PROGRAMMED MICROS As a service to readers, Silicon Chip Online Shop stocks microcontrollers and microprocessors used in new projects (from 2012 on) and some selected older projects – pre-programmed and ready to fly! Some micros from copyrighted and/or contributed projects may not be available. $10 MICROS ATmega328P-PU ATmega328P-AUR ATtiny85V-10PU PIC10F202-E/OT PIC12F1572-I/SN PIC12F617-I/P PIC12F675-I/SN PIC16F1455-I/P PIC16F1455-I/SL PIC16F1459-I/P PIC16F1705-I/P PIC16F88-I/P $15 MICROS RF Signal Generator (Jun19) RGB Stackable LED Christmas Star (Nov20) Shirt Pocket Audio Oscillator (Sep20) Ultrabrite LED Driver (with free TC6502P095VCT IC, Sep19) LED Christmas Ornaments (Nov20; specify variant) Door Alarm (Aug18), Steam Whistle (Sept18), White Noise (Sept18) Trailing Edge Dimmer (Feb19), Steering Wheel to IR Adaptor (Jun19) Car Radio Dimmer Adaptor (Aug19), MiniHeart (Jan21) Tiny LED Xmas Tree (Nov19) Digital Interface Module (Nov18), GPS Finesaver (Jun19) Digital Lighting Controller LED Slave (Dec20) Ol’ Timer II (Jul20), Battery Multi Logger (Feb21) 5-Way LCD Panel Meter (Nov19), IR Remote Control Assistant (Jul20) Ultrasonic Cleaner (Sep20), Electronic Wind Chime (Feb21) Flexible Digital Lighting Controller Slave (Oct20) UHF Repeater (May19), Six Input Audio Selector (Sept19) Universal Battery Charge Controller (Dec19) PIC16F1459-I/SO Four-Channel DC Fan & Pump Controller (Dec18) PIC32MM0256GPM028-I/SS Super Digital Sound Effects (Aug18) PIC32MX170F256D-501P/T 44-pin Micromite Mk2 (Aug14), 4DoF Simulation Seat (Sept19) PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP Micromite LCD BackPack V1-V3 (Feb16 / May17 / Aug19) GPS-Synched Frequency Reference (Nov18), Air Quality Monitor (Feb20) RCL Box (Jun20), Digital Lighting Controller Micromite Master (Nov20) PIC32MX170F256B-I/SO Battery Multi Logger (Feb21) PIC32MX270F256B-50I/SP ASCII Video Terminal (Jul14), USB M&K Adaptor (Feb19) $20 MICROS PIC32MX470F512H-I/PT Stereo Echo/Reverb (Feb 14), Digital Effects Unit (Oct14) PIC32MX470F512H-120/PT Micromite Explore 64 (Aug 16), Micromite Plus (Nov16) PIC32MX470F512L-120/PT Micromite Explore 100 (Sept16) $30 MICROS PIC32MX695F512L-80I/PF PIC32MZ2048EFH064-I/PT Colour MaxiMite (Sept12) DSP Crossover/Equaliser (May19), Low-Distortion DDS (Feb20) DIY Reflow Oven Controller (Apr20) KITS & SPECIALISED COMPONENTS MINIHEART HEARTBEAT SIMULATOR (CAT SC5732) (JAN 21) AM/FM/SW RADIO (JAN 21) LED CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS (CAT SC5579) (NOV 20) RGB STACKABLE LED CHRISTMAS STAR (CAT SC5525) (NOV 20) D1 MINI LCD WIFI BACKPACK KIT (OCT 20) SHIRT POCKET AUDIO OSCILLATOR (SEP 20) COLOUR MAXIMITE 2 in stock now (JUL 20) All SMD parts, including IC2 – does not include PCB - PCB-mount right-angle SMA socket (SC4918) - Pulse-type rotary encoder with integral pushbutton (SC5601) - 16x2 LCD module (does not use I2C module) (SC4198) Complete kit including micro but no coin cell (specify PCB shape & colour) Complete kit including PCB, micro, diffused RGB LEDs and other parts Complete kit including 3.5-inch touchscreen, PCB and ESP8266-based module Kit: including 3D-printed case, and everything else except the battery and wiring - 64x32 pixel white OLED (0.49-inch/12.5mm diagonal) - Pulse-type rotary encoder with integral pushbutton Short form kit: includes everything except the case, CPU module, power supply, optional parts and cables (Cat SC5478) Short Form kit (with CPU module): includes the programmed Waveshare CPU modue and everything included in the short form kit above (Cat SC5508) $5.00 $2.50 $3.00 $7.50 $14.00 $38.50 $70.00 $40.00 $10.00 $3.00 $80.00 $140.00 MICROMITE LCD BACKPACK V3 KIT (CAT SC5082) (AUG 19) Includes PCB, programmed micros, 3.5in touchscreen LCD, UB3 lid, mounting hardware, Mosfets for PWM backlight control and all other mandatory on-board parts $75.00 Separate/Optional Components: - 3.5-inch TFT LCD touchscreen (Cat SC5062) $30.00 - DHT22 temp/humidity sensor (Cat SC4150) $7.50 - BMP180 (Cat SC4343) OR BMP280 (Cat SC4595) temp/pressure sensor $5.00 - BME280 temperature/pressure/humidity sensor (Cat SC4608) $10.00 - DS3231 real-time clock SOIC-16 IC (Cat SC5103) $3.00 - 23LC1024 1MB RAM (SOIC-8) (Cat SC5104) $5.00 - AT25SF041 512KB flash (SOIC-8) (Cat SC5105) $1.50 - 10µF 16V X7R through-hole capacitor (Cat SC5106) $2.00 VARIOUS MODULES & PARTS - 15mW 3W SMD resistor (Battery Multi Logger / Arduino Power Supply, Feb21) - DS3231 or DS3231M real-time clock SMD IC (Battery Multi Logger, Feb21) - MCP4251-502E/P (Arduino Power Supply, Feb21) - Pair of CSD18534 (Electronic Wind Chimes, Feb21) - IPP80P03P4L04 (Dual Battery Lifesaver / Vintage Radio Supply, Dec20) - 16x2 I2C LCD (Digital RF Power Meter, Aug20) - WS2812 8x8 RGB LED matrix module (Ol’ Timer II, Jul20) - MAX038 function generator IC (H-Field Transanalyser, May20) - MC1496P double-balanced mixer (H-Field Transanalyser, May20) - AD8495 thermocouple interface (DIY Reflow Oven Controller, Apr20) - Si8751AB 2.5kV isolated Mosfet driver IC (Charge Controller, Dec19) - I/O expander modules (Nov19): PCA9685 – $6.00 ¦ PCF8574 – $3.00 ¦ MCP23017 – $3.00 $2.50 $3.00 $3.00 $6.00 $5.00 $7.50 $15.00 $25.00 $2.50 $10.00 $5.00 $10 flat rate for postage within Australia. Overseas? Place an order via our website for a quote. All items subect to availability. Prices valid for month of magazine issue only. All prices in Australian dollars and included GST where applicable. To Place Your Order: INTERNET (24/7) siliconchip.com.au/Shop PAYPAL (24/7) eMAIL (24/7) Use your PayPal account silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Australia’s electronics magazine silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au MAIL (24/7) PHONE – (9-5:00, Mon-Fri) Your order to PO Box 139 Collaroy NSW 2097 Call (02) 9939 3295 with with order & credit card details You can also order and pay by cheque/money order (Orders by mail only). Make cheques payable to Silicon Chip Publications. 02/21