Silicon ChipMarket Centre - October 2021 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: The chip shortage is now a component shortage
  4. Feature: Detecting Gravitational Waves by Dr David Maddddison
  5. Product Showcase
  6. Project: Tele-com – an intercom using analog phones by Greig Sheridan & Ross Herbert
  7. Project: Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 1 by Phil Prosser
  8. Feature: El Cheapo Modules: 3.8GHz Digital Attenuator by Jim Rowe
  9. Project: SMD Test Tweezers by Tim Blythman
  10. Review: PicoScope 6426E USB Oscilloscope by Tim Blythman
  11. Project: Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 2 by Nicholas Vinen & Tim Blythman
  12. Review: Solder Master ESM-50WL Cordless Iron by Tim Blythman
  13. Serviceman's Log: Life on the 'bleeding edge' by Dave Thompson
  14. Feature: UT-P 2016 MEMS Woofer by Allan Linton-Smith
  15. Vintage Radio: Reinartz 4-valve reaction radio by Fred Lever
  16. PartShop
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Tapped Horn Subwoofer, September 2021; Touchscreen Digital Preamplifier, September 2021; Battery Manager, August 2021; Bush VTR103 AM/FM radio, August 2021; Silicon Labs FM/AM/SW Digital Radio, July 2021; 7-Band Stereo Equaliser, April 2020; CLASSiC DAC, February-May 2013
  20. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 47 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 "Tele-com – an intercom using analog phones":
  • The Tele-com Intercom PCB (aka OzPLAR) [12110211] (AUD $30.00)
  • The Tele-com Intercom PCB pattern (PDF download) [12110211] (Free)
  • Tele-com front & rear panel 3D printing files (Panel Artwork, Free)
Items relevant to "Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 1":
  • Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover PCB [01109211] (AUD $15.00)
  • Two- or Three-Way Active Crossover PCB patterns (PDF download) [01109211] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 1 (October 2021)
  • Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 1 (October 2021)
  • Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 2 (November 2021)
  • Two- or Three-Way Stereo Active Crossover – Part 2 (November 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)
Items relevant to "SMD Test Tweezers":
  • SMD Test Tweezers PCB set [04106211+04106212] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC12F1572-I/SN [0410621A.HEX] or PIC12LF1572-I/SN [0410621C.HEX] programmed for the SMD Test Tweezers (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • 64x32 white OLED screen (0.49-inch, 1.25cm diagonal) (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Improved SMD Test Tweezers kit (Component, AUD $35.00)
  • Firmware for the SMD Test Tweezers [0410621A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • SMD Test Tweezers PCB patterns (PDF download) [04106211/2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 2":
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp PCB [01103191] (AUD $12.50)
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp ribbon cable/IR adaptor PCB [01103192] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Touchscreen Digital Preamp, 2.8in screen version [0110319A.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Touchscreen Digital Preamp, 3.5in screen version [0110319B.hex] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V3 complete kit (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V2 complete kit (Component, AUD $70.00)
  • Micromite LCD BackPack V1 complete kit (Component, AUD $65.00)
  • Firmware for the Touchscreen Digital Preamp (Software, Free)
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp PCB patterns (PDF download) [01103191/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 1 (September 2021)
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 1 (September 2021)
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 2 (October 2021)
  • Touchscreen Digital Preamp with Tone Control – Part 2 (October 2021)
Articles in this series:
  • A high-performance MEMS tweeter that’s just 6.7 x 4.7mm! (May 2020)
  • A high-performance MEMS tweeter that’s just 6.7 x 4.7mm! (May 2020)
  • UT-P 2016 MEMS Woofer (October 2021)
  • UT-P 2016 MEMS Woofer (October 2021)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Advertise your product or services here in Silicon Chip FOR SALE FOR SALE KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR LEDsales 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 LEDs and accessories for the DIY enthusiast PMD WAY offers (almost) everything for the electronics enthusiast – with full warranty, technical support and free delivery worldwide. Visit pmdway.com to get started. LEDs, BRAND NAME AND GENERIC LEDs. Heatsinks, LED drivers, power supplies, LED ribbon, kits, components, hardware – www.ledsales.com.au Lazer Security For Quality That Counts... QUALITY LED PRODUCTS + MORE Massive parts clearance sale, limited stock. Go to lazer.com.au ASSORTED BOOKS FOR $5 EACH Electronics and other related subjects – condition varies. Some books may have already been sold. Bulk discount available. 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 TRONIXLABS PTY LTD would like to thank all of our customers for their support and feedback. For any enquiries or customer technical support, please email support<at>tronixlabs.com PCB PRODUCTION 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 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 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, address & 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 October 2021  111