Silicon ChipMarket Centre - January 2021 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: More articles than space - a good problem to have!
  4. Feature: Automotive Electronics, Part 2 by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio by Charles Kosina
  6. Review: Altium 365 and Altium Designer 21 by Tim Blythman
  7. Project: MiniHeart: A Miniature Heartbeat Simulator by John Clarke
  8. Feature: How to use the MPLAB X Development Environment by Tim Blythman
  9. Serviceman's Log: One good turn deserves another by Dave Thompson
  10. Project: The Bass Block Subwoofer by Nicholas Dunand
  11. Project: Busy Loo Indicator by John Chappell
  12. Feature: AVR128DA48 and Curiosity Nano Evaluation Board by Tim Blythman
  13. Product Showcase
  14. Vintage Radio: 1963 Philips Musicmaker MM1 mantel radio by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  15. PartShop
  16. Feature: El Cheapo Modules: Mini Digital AC Panel Meters by Jim Rowe
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Balanced Input Attenuator for the USB SuperCodec, November-December 2020; Two LED Christmas Stars, November 2020; D1 Mini LCD BackPack, October 2020
  20. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 42 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:
  • Automotive Electronics, Part 1 (December 2020)
  • Automotive Electronics, Part 1 (December 2020)
  • Automotive Electronics, Part 2 (January 2021)
  • Automotive Electronics, Part 2 (January 2021)
Items relevant to "AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio":
  • AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio PCB [CSE200902A] (AUD $10.00)
  • Pulse-type rotary encoder with pushbutton and 18t spline shaft (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • PCB-mount right-angle SMA socket (Component, AUD $3.00)
  • 16x2 Alphanumeric serial (I²C) LCD module with blue backlight (Component, AUD $12.50)
  • Firmware for the AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio (Software, Free)
  • AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio PCB pattern (PDF download) [CSE200902A] (Free)
  • Cutting diagrams and front panel artwork for the AM/FM/SW Single-Chip Digital Radio (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "MiniHeart: A Miniature Heartbeat Simulator":
  • MiniHeart PCB [01109201] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC12F617-I/P programmed for the MiniHeart [0110920A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • MiniHeart SMD parts (Component, AUD $7.50)
  • Firmware for the MiniHeart [01109201A.hex] (Software, Free)
  • MiniHeart PCB pattern (PDF download) [01109201] (Free)
  • Cutting diagrams and front panel artwork for the MiniHeart (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "The Bass Block Subwoofer":
  • Cutting diagrams for the Bass Block (PDF download) (Panel Artwork, Free)
Items relevant to "Busy Loo Indicator":
  • Busy Loo Indicator PCB [16112201] (AUD $2.50)
  • Busy Loo Indicator PCB pattern (PDF download) [16112201] (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.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in SILICON CHIP PCB PRODUCTION KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR PCB MANUFACTURE: single to multi­ layer. Bare board tested. One-offs to any quantity. 48 hour service. Artwork design. Excellent prices. Check out our specials: www.ldelectronics.com.au VINTAGE RADIO REPAIRS: electrical mechanical fitter with 36 years ex­ perience and extensive knowledge of valve and transistor radios. Professional and reliable repairs. All workmanship guaranteed. $17 inspection fee plus charges for parts and labour as required. Labour fees $38 p/h. Pensioner discounts available on application. Contact Alan, VK2FALW on 0425 122 415 or email bigalradioshack<at>gmail. com FOR SALE GREAT VALUE PARTS and more are found in the Tronixlabs eBay store via tronixlabs.com.au – for enquiries or support please email support<at> tronixlabs.com LEDs, BRAND NAME and generic LEDs. Heatsinks, fans, LED drivers, power supplies, LED ribbon, kits, components, hardware, EL wire. www.ledsales.com.au ASSORTED BOOKS FOR $5 EACH Selling assorted books on electronics and other related subjects – condition varies. All books can be viewed at: siliconchip.com.au/link/aawx Email for a postage quote, quote photo numbers when referring to a book: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au DAVE THOMPSON (the Serviceman from S ILICON C HIP) is available to help you with kit assembly, project troubleshooting, general electronics and custom design work. No job too small. Based in Christchurch, NZ but service available Australia/NZ wide. Email dave<at>davethompson.co.nz KEITH RIPPON KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: * Australia & New Zealand; * Small production runs. Phone Keith: 0409 662 794 keith.rippon<at>gmail.com Every article in every issue of YOURS FOREVER IN N DIGITAL (PDF) FORMA MA A Can now be yours forever in digital (PDF) format - Storing 30+ years of SILICON CHIP magazines takes up a lot of space. Now save all that space and still have every issue available. Or maybe you simply want the convenience of searchable files plus index –-so you can find a feature or article you want without trawling through back issues! The digital edition PDFs are supplied on a quality metal 32 or 64GB USB flash drive, each five-year block (60 issues), covering: Nov 87 - Dec 94 Jan 00 - Dec 04 Jan 10 - Dec 14 Jan 95 - Dec 99 Jan 05 - Dec 09 Jan 15 - Dec 19 Each five-year block is priced at just $100, and yes, current subscribers receive the normal 10% discount. If you order the entire collection, the 6th block is FREE (ie, pay for five, the sixth is a bonus!). All PDFs are high resolution (some early editions excepted). Save the files to your PC hard disk, and the USB Flash Drive can be used over and over! For more information, or to place an order, visit www.siliconchip.com.au/ shop/digital_pdfs ADVERTISING IN MARKET CENTRE Classified Ad Rates: $32.00 for up to 20 words (punctuation not charged) plus $1.20 for each additional word. Display ads in Market Centre (minimum 2cm deep, maximum 10cm deep): $82.50 per column centimetre per insertion. All prices include GST. Closing date: 5 weeks prior to month of sale. To book, email the text to silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au and include your name, ad­ dress & credit card details, or phone Glyn (02) 9939 3295 or 0431 792 293. WARNING! SILICON CHIP magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of SILICON CHIP magazine. Devices or circuits described in SILICON CHIP may be covered by patents. SILICON CHIP disclaims any liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. SILICON CHIP also disclaims any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws. Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable. siliconchip.com.au Australia’s electronics magazine January 2021  111