Silicon ChipElectroneX - April 2022 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Writing clealy and concisely
  4. Feature: Geiger Counters and Radiation by Dr David Maddison
  5. Project: 500W Power Amplifier, Part 1 by John Clarke
  6. Subscriptions
  7. Feature: The History of Transistors, Pt2 by Ian Batty
  8. Project: Railway Semaphore Signal by Les Kerr
  9. Feature: ElectroneX by AEE
  10. Project: Update: SMD Test Tweezers by Tim Blythman
  11. Feature: New 8-bit PICs from Microchip by Tim Blythman
  12. Feature: Dick Smith Contest Results by Nicholas Vinen
  13. Serviceman's Log: Gaining a superpower, at least temporarily by Dave Thompson
  14. PartShop
  15. Project: Capacitor Discharge Welder, Pt2 by Phil Prosser
  16. Vintage Radio: Monopole D225 radio by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Notes & Errata: Dual Hybrid Power Supply, February 2022; Solid-State Tesla Coil, February 2022; Mysterious Mickey Oz, January 2022; Remote Control Range Extender, January 2022
  20. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the April 2022 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 47 of the 120 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 "500W Power Amplifier, Part 1":
  • 500W Amplifier Module PCB [01107021 RevD] (AUD $25.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the 500W Amplifier (Component, AUD $180.00-200.00)
  • Parts collection for the 500W Amplifier (Component, AUD $235.00-250.00)
  • 500W Amplifier Module PCB pattern (PDF download) [01107021] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector (February 2022)
  • Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector (February 2022)
  • Amplifier Clipping Indicator (March 2022)
  • Amplifier Clipping Indicator (March 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 1 (April 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 1 (April 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 2 (May 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 2 (May 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 3 (June 2022)
  • 500W Power Amplifier, Part 3 (June 2022)
Articles in this series:
  • The History of Transistors, part one (March 2022)
  • The History of Transistors, part one (March 2022)
  • The History of Transistors, Pt2 (April 2022)
  • The History of Transistors, Pt2 (April 2022)
  • The History of Transistors, Pt3 (May 2022)
  • The History of Transistors, Pt3 (May 2022)
Items relevant to "Railway Semaphore Signal":
  • Model Railway Semaphore Signal control PCB [09103221] (AUD $2.50)
  • Model Railway Semaphore Signal blade PCB [09103222] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the Model Railway Semaphore Signal [0910322A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware for the Model Railway Semaphore Signal [0910322A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Model Railway Semaphore Signal PCB patterns (PDF download) [09103221-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Update: SMD Test Tweezers":
  • SMD Test Tweezers PCB set [04106211+04106212] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F15214-I/SN programmed for the Improved SMD Test Tweezers [0410621B.HEX] (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 Improved SMD Test Tweezers [0410621B.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • SMD Test Tweezers PCB patterns (PDF download) [04106211/2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Capacitor Discharge Welder, Pt2":
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder Power Supply PCB [29103221] (AUD $5.00)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder Control PCB [29103222] (AUD $5.00)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder Energy Storage Module PCB [29103223] (AUD $3.50)
  • IRFB7434(G)PBF‎ N-channel high-current Mosfet (Source component, AUD $5.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts & PCB for the Capacitor Discharge Welder Power Supply (Component, AUD $25.00)
  • Validation spreadsheets and updated drilling diagram for the CD Spot Welder (Software, Free)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder PCB patterns (PDF download) [29103221-3] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder, part one (March 2022)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder, part one (March 2022)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder, Pt2 (April 2022)
  • Capacitor Discharge Welder, Pt2 (April 2022)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $11.50.

ElectroneX 2022 Rosehill Gardens, Sydney – 5-6 April E lectronex charges back to life on 5-6 April at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney. The Electronics Design and Assembly Expo and Conference will feature over 90 companies and exhibitors. Electronex is a must-visit event for designers, engineers, managers, and other decision-makers involved in designing or manufacturing products with electronics. It will include a wide range of electronic components, surface mount and inspection equipment, test and measurement products and related products and services, including contract manufacturing. Many companies will launch and demonstrate new products and technology at the event. A series of free seminars with overviews of some of the latest technology and insights into future developments will also be held on the show floor; sessions and times are available on the show website. Visitors can register for free at www.electronex.com.au and your badge will be emailed. The hours are 10am – 6pm on Tuesday 5 April, and 9am – 4pm on Wednesday 6 April. Free parking is available off James Ruse Drive. SMCBA Conference The Surface Mount & Circuit Board Association (SMCBA) is conducting Australia’s only conference dedicated to electronics design and manufacture concurrently with the expo (see the full program or book for sessions at www.smcba. asn.au). Topics include: “Designing the Signal Return Path” half-day workshop (Susy Webb, senior PCB designer at Design Science PCB) PCB signal routing is critical, but the return portion is often the last thing considered or even forgotten. This presentation on the importance of that return path will include the physics, where the energy flows, interference caused when it is not controlled and the planes and stackup needed. “HDI Routing Solutions” half-day workshop (Susy Webb) With tighter pitches and higher pin counts, maximum board routing on as few layers as possible is essential. HDI can help achieve this. The topic includes possible stackup siliconchip.com.au types, ways to get signals and power between layers and patterns/grids like via in pad, offset or swing vias to maximise fanout and routing opportunities. Routing return, power distribution and layer paired routing are considered. “Low Temperature Soldering – A new challenge in electronics assembly” (Keith Sweatman, Senior Technical Advisor at Nihon Superior Ltd, Japan) There are benefits to lead-free solder alloys that can be used at process temperatures even lower than for tin-lead solder. But there are also complications and challenges. This presentation will review the emerging low-­temperature soldering technology. “Printed Circuit Board Inspection & Field Failures – Causes and Cures” (Bob Willis) Covering test methods and tricks of the trade to understand how PCBs and PCB assemblies can fail and how to eliminate many of the common causes. “Supply Chain Challenges and Strategies” (Matt Wild, General Manager at Future Electronics Australia & New Zealand) A discussion about the latest supply trends and cost changes, focusing on practices to mitigate the impact and what is being done to ensure future supply. For further information, contact: Electronex – Noel Gray Australasian Exhibitions and Events Pty Ltd Phone: 0407 943 817 www.electronex.com.au ngray<at>auexhibitions.com.au SMCBA Conference – Anthony Tremellen Surface Mount & Circuit Board Association Phone: 0450 395 454 www.smcba.asn.au anthony<at>smcba.asn.au Australia's electronics magazine April 2022  65 ElectroneX Exhibitors Stand B20 ADM Instrument Engineering is a family run business established in 1986. They are Australia’s largest stockist of MEAN WELL power supplies, Eurotherm process control and data management solutions, industrial transducers and sensors, encoders, and test & measurement instrumentation, including EMF radiation meters and monitoring equipment. Alfatron Pty Ltd Stand B7 is Australia’s only truly sovereign full-turnkey electronics contract manufacturer. They offer fast turnaround prototyping, full production run printed circuit board fabrication, assembly, testing and final product assembly. They are DISP accredited, ISO 9001 and IPC 610 Class 3 certified. ElectroneX Exhibitor List Stand A2 Altronic Distributors have expanded their Powerhouse range of deep-cycle leadacid AGM batteries designed for use in buggies, wheelchairs, forklifts and remote power applications. The new range is available in sizes from 26Ah up to 110Ah capacity and is available locally through Altronics distribution centres around Australia. They have also added to their battery range with a new lithium-­ iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) range designed to provide significant benefits over the traditional lead-acid battery. LiFePO4 batteries are half the weight of lead-acid batteries, have a low self-discharge when not in use, a longer run time and a non-toxic chemistry that doesn’t use environmentally damaging rare earth metals. Their expanded Raspberry Pi range includes the new Raspberry Pi 400 all-in-one computer and the Pico microcontroller board, plus a suite of accessories. The new Raspberry Pi 400 is not only a complete personal computer with a keyboard in a single case; it can also be used for open source development and STEM coding. B20 B7 A2 C20 A2 A7 D25 B8 B26 A20 C11 B20 A2 A2 A19 A2 D31 D6 66 ADM Instrument Engineering Alfatron Altronic Distributors Ampec Technologies Amphenol* AppVision Australia Bosch Electronics Chemtools CNS Precision Assembly congatec Australia Control Devices Australia Curiosity Technology* Deutsch* Dinkle Dyne Industries Electro Harmonix* element14 Elexon Electronics Silicon Chip D21 B1 C32 B20 B21 B20 B16 C32 B16 B12 A12 C31 D35 D2 D24 D1 D10 C24 AppVision Australia Pty Ltd is offering the ADLINK MCM216/218 Ethernet DAQs, based Stand A7 on ARM Cortex-A9 processors with built-in 16- or 8-channel, 16-bit voltage or current input. They can function as a standalone edge device without a host PC supporting edge computing. They include a built-in web console and RESTful API for periodic machine condition polling. They can also supply the Ceyear 4024L handheld spectrum analyser, the first 9kHz~67GHz handheld analyser in the industry. It is a high-performance device with many functions and easy operation. Features include excellent displayed average noise level, low phase noise and a high sweep speed. Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions Stand D25 is a leading provider of testing solutions for Australian manufacturers. They draw on the experience, knowledge and resources of talent across the globe for manufacturing solutions in Australia. This means that their customers receive innovative manufacturing and logistics solutions while delivering world-class results. They provide: • bespoke integrated testing solutions • portable testing systems • product test systems • robot-based automation • vision & sensing systems • AGV/AMR solutions • communication interfaces • data analysis • data acquisition congatec Australia are offering the conga-HPC/ cTLU COM-HPC Client Size A module, as well as the congaTC570 COM Express Compact Stand A20 with new scalable 11th-gen Intel Core processors for extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C. Then there’s the conga-TCV2, a brand-new Express Compact Computer-­on-Module based on AMD Ryzen Embedded V2000 processors. The module sets a new performance per watt benchmark with double the performance compared to the AMD Ryzen Embedded V1000, finding its sweetest spot in 15W TDP designs. Embedded Logic Solutions Emona Instruments ETS-Lindgren* ESI Technology Ltd* Europlacer Eurotherm* ExtraEye FAI* Faraday FS Bondtech* Fuseco GLW* Glyn High-Tech Distribution GPC Electronics Harbuch Electronics Hawker Richardson Helios Power Solutions Henchman Electronics Hetech Australia's electronics magazine D16 A1 C5 A1 B21 B21 A30 A9 A27 A12 A12 B16 C26 D28 D21 C29 D26 B20 HW Technologies Innovative Mechatronics Group Industry Update Injectronics Interflux* JBC* Juki* Keysight Technologies Kobot Systems Kolb Cleaning Technology* Komax Kabatec* Kulicke & Soffa* Leach (SZ) Co Ltd Lintek LPKF Laser & Electronics* Marque Magnetics Ltd Mastercut Technologies MEAN WELL* siliconchip.com.au Control Devices Australia will be showcasing FND-­series rocker switches which are Stand C11 designed for easy forward and reverse control with an excellent tactile feel. This rocker switch is extremely well-sealed, making it suitable for demanding environments, especially on an all-in-one joystick control. Backlighting is available in five colours. The new RT handle for XD series joysticks is designed for the APEM XD series joystick and for vehicle applications requiring right-hand operation. The RT handle features both front and rear-facing configuration plates that allow the user to easily reach all forward-facing functions with just their thumb. This ergonomic control grip offers a wide selection of pushbuttons and hall-effect thumbwheel combinations to be incorporated into the one handle. The handle provides up to four axes of proportional control and 10 momentary switching functions, with IP67 above panel sealing. They are ideal for off-highway vehicles and industrial machinery. The new APEM WP series pushbutton with new high-performance momentary switch is for interfaces that must be easily identifiable. The pushbutton increases the visibility of your critical functions with its extra-large activation surface. It comes with a large-format personalised laser marking and an anodised 25mm diameter bearing area which can be tinted in blue, black, green or red. The WP series is IP67 and IP69K rated, suitable for harsh applications including outdoor and military. The series meets the waterproof and reliability needs within the market. Also available is the WPG series security cover for specific metal security guard requirements to prevent unwanted activation, especially in outdoor applications. Three switch guard types and eight colours are available. element14 is now selling the Raspberry Pi-designed RP2040 chip. Stand D31 The Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller offers high performance for integer workloads, a large on-chip memory, and a wide range of I/O options, making it a flexible solution for a wide range of microcontroller applications. Professional design engineers who are already comfortable C8 A2 B20 B6 C2 B16 C27 B21 A2 D30 A17 B16 A2 A6 A2 A21 A2 D31 Microchip Technology Micron* Midori* Nano Di (APAC) NPA Pty Ltd ONBoard Solutions On-Track Technology Oritech Oupiin* Permark Industries Phoenix Contact Pillarhouse Soldering* Powertran* Precision Electronic Technologies Pros kit* QualiEco Circuits Radytronic* Raspberry Pi* siliconchip.com.au A8 B32 D24 A1 A2 D29 A16 A28 A2 A11 D32 D18 B16 C16 C32 A12 B29 A2 working with Raspberry Pi will easily adopt the Raspberry Pi Pico and appreciate its ease of use and affordability. element14 are also now a distributor of Jabil Cutting Tools, including the long-lasting high precision DK20004JS End Mill for mold steel. It is ideal for finishing and fine machining Mold Steel HRC 50±2 material used in industrial manufacturing operations. The cutter has a flute diameter 2mm +0,-0.01mm with a radius tolerance of ±0.01mm, a shank diameter of 4mm and a length of 45mm. The DK01001ZO CBN ball endmill is another solution for high quality surface machining and high precision for mold steel HRC 50-68. The tool has a flute diameter of 1mm with a tolerance of +0,0.01mm and a radius of 0.5mm ±0.003mm. Its shank diameter is 4mm and length is 50mm. Elexon Electronics specialises in designing, developing, and manufacturing electronics for niche markets. Elexon’s talented engineers and designers are always empowered to think Stand D6 outside the box. They like to solve problems in original and inventive ways, and pride themselves on developing products that exceed customers’ expectations. Their competencies include: • PCB and product assembly • Intelligent Factory 4.0 SMD assembly line including jet solder paste printing, two intelligent pick & place MY300 machines, vacuum vapour phase reflow and automated material handling • final unit assembly and testing • X-ray inspection • fast turnaround prototyping • mobile digital signage systems Embedded Logic Solutions will be demonstrating the Neoden K1830 pick & place machine. It has been refined from the Neoden7 design for Stand D21 maximum efficiency, ease of use, and increased compatibility. It boasts a placement speed of up to 16,000 components per hour (CPH), made achievable using an eight-nozzle gantry head. The Neoden K1830 transports PCBs in a self-adjusting automatic rail system (standard) and can hold up to sixty-six 8mm pneumatic or electric tape feeders (Yamaha). Redback Test Services Reid Print Technologies Re-Surface Technologies Rigol Technologies* Ritec* RMS Components Rohde & Schwarz (Australia) Rolec OKW - ANZ Salecom* SC Manufacturing Solutions Semikron Silicon Chip SJ Innotech* Skyzer Solar - EMC* Suba Engineering Successful Endeavours Sunon* Australia's electronics magazine A29 Surface Mount & Circuit Board Assoc. A12 Tagarno* B35 Tarapath C34 TecHome* C31 Telit Wireless Solutions* B20 Thermo Fisher* B20 UniMeasure* D8 Unitronics B30 UV Pacific D17 VGL - Allied Connectors A15 Vicom Australia B24 Wago A5 Whats New in Electronics C12 Wurth Electronics D24 Yamaha* May be subject to change * Co-Exhibitor Company/Brand Represented by Exhibitor April 2022  67 Usually, machines of this production calibre face component size restrictions; not the Neoden K1830. It can handle 0201, 0402, LED, BGA, 0.4mm pitch QFP, SMT connectors with compatibility for cut tape, loose, tube, or tray feeders. The Neoden K1830 is the ideal machine for low-volume assembly due to its feature set and economical price. Stand B1 Emona Instruments will launch the new Rigol D S 7 0 0 0 0 s e r i e s h i g h -­ performance DSOs at Electronex 2022. The DS70000 StationMax Series is available in 3GHz or 5GHz bandwidths and combines the new UltraVision III oscilloscope technology and UltraReal spectrum analysis technology into Rigol’s most powerful test and measurement instrument. The UltraVision III platform combines updated oscilloscope and spectrum analysis technology with its custom front-end Phoenix ASIC chipset. The StationMax provides four channels, 20GSa/sec (10GSa/sec on all channels), 1 million waveforms/sec capture rate, 2Gpts maximum storage depth and high-resolution measurements up to 16 bits. The DS70000 interface is designed around a unique 15.6inch multi-touch tilting display. Powerful analysis capabilities include real-time spectrum analysis, multi-domain analysis, eye diagram and jitter analysis, high-speed bus compliance, and serial bus decoding. Complementing this instrument is a new family of high-speed precision probe solutions. Active differential probes are available in 3.5GHz and 7GHz models, delivering excellent measurements to the probe tip. They will also have Rigol DS8000-R Series 4-channel digital oscilloscopes. These compact 1U half-rack-width instruments are available in 350MHz/1GHz/2GHz versions with a maximum sampling rate of 10GSa/s. The DS8000-R series has been designed around Rigol’s proprietary Phoenix ASIC chip and UltraVision II technical platform. It integrates six independent instruments into one unit, including a digital oscilloscope, a spectrum analyser, a 25MHz arbitrary waveform generator, a digital voltmeter, a high-precision frequency counter and totaliser, and a serial protocol analyser. Stand B12 Fuseco imports and distributes specialist electrical products to the Australian & NZ markets. Their brands are carefully selected to ensure that they are well respected for quality, reliability and safety. Their product range includes: test equipment; programmable power supplies and loads; EMC chambers; LV and MV fuses; protection relays and CTs; RFI filters and more. Stand C31 GLYN High Tech is a specialty electronics distributor serving the Australia/NZ region. They partner with reputable brands to cover the main pillars of IoT: sensors, processing, power and wireless technologies. 10% OFF IN APRIL WITH CODE ACAPR10 SCAPR10 FREE SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE 68 Silicon Chip Australia's electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au Stand D35 GPC Electronics is a contract electronics manufacturer based in Sydney, with factories in Sydney (Penrith), Christchurch (New Zealand) and Shenzhen (China). GPC Electronics’ engineering team supports NPI, assembly, test, development, final product assembly and qualification. In a competitive market, customers expect a fast turnaround, high yields and attractive pricing. GPC Electronics provides scalable solutions for high-value niche products right through to those with stable high volumes. They partner with many top-level OEMs in industries that include communications, aerospace, defence, automotive, transport, industrial, agriculture and medical. Hawker Richardson will be showcasing the new Yamaha YRM20 Mounter at Electronex. The very latest in SMT innovation from Yamaha, it delivers world-class performance with a new platform. With rotary or conventional spindle heads and the ability to accommodate everything from 0201s and components up to 30mm height, the new YRM20 is the most flexible system on the market. Utilising a new multi-­purpose rotary (RM) head with 18 nozzles, the YRM20 can place Stand D24 components to a height of 12mm. This new mounter has an incredible speed of 115,000CPH (under optimal conditions). It also has an impressive mounting accuracy of ±25µm (Cpk ≥ 1.0), making it ideal for high accuracy and high-speed production. Hetech Pty Ltd has built elaborate and extensive jigs for clients in defence, mining and many more. Test jigs Stand C24 ensure that every build during production and manufacturing of your product is 100% working and operating as expected before delivery. These benefits are achieved by testing various aspects of the product, such as potential errors in the PCB, board components and software. Hetech can build any type of test jig to suit to suit your application, such as ‘bed-of-nails’ testing jigs, functional testing jigs and software/computer-operated jigs. Stand A9 Keysight Technologies will show off their new FieldFox high-performance handheld microwave analyser. It speeds up the installation of 5G, radar and satellite communication systems. The FieldFox, an integrated handheld analyser with a task-driven user interface, incorporates spectrum and signal analysis plus signal generation. It can accurately measure signal interference, antenna and cable performance, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure levels and path loss in communication systems. It ensures that 5G services in frequency range 2 (FR2) can reach their full potential. They have also launched a portfolio of Smart Bench Essentials (SBE) lab products that deliver the power of four instruments: a Experience the INTEK difference: A quality PCB Manufacturer! LINTEK is one of the most innovative PCB companies in the world. Using a patented, high vacuum deposition process, LINTEK can manufacture a large variety of printed circuit boards, ranging from 1.8-metre long antennas, to sub-miniature transmitters, using a variety of different substrates. And the best part of all? They’re right here in – no waiting, no translation issues, no freight delays . . . no worries! CALL INTEK NOW to discuss your special PCB requirements. There’s no obligation; no risk – and you could $ave a fortune! INTEK 20 Bayldon Rd, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 PTY LTD www.lintek.com.au Tel (02) 6299 1988 siliconchip.com.au Australia's electronics magazine April 2022  69 triple-output power supply, an arbitrary function generator, a digital multimeter and an oscilloscope, all through one combined graphical interface with integrated data management and analysis capabilities. Keysight’s SBE series is a combination of hardware and software that accelerates an educators’ teaching experience and students’ learning experience, as well as improves an electronic design and manufacturing engineers’ ability to analyse and troubleshoot products. For a limited time, receive a free Keysight U1733C handheld LCR meter with a qualifying purchase of a Keysight power supply. NPA Pty Ltd has been Australasia’s leading supplier of cable and wiring accessories, Nylon fasteners Stand C2 and electronic hardware for over 30 years. NPA has recently acquired the exclusive distributorship for Delaunay high-performance cable glands and accessories targeting the marine, mining, rail and defence industries. NPA will be exhibiting its wide range of products, including: cable glands and accessories, solar clips and accessories, liquid-tight flexible conduit, tubing and fittings, strain-relief bushings, venting solutions, heatshrink and sleeving products, and much more. ONBoard Solutions Stand B16 supplies automation equipment for manufacturing industries across Australia and New Zealand. Exclusive show special offer: purchase a Quick 861DW Hot Air Soldering Rework Station for $399, excluding GST. The regular price is $595 excluding GST. This multi-purpose unit has a brushless whirlpool motor plus wide-range, stepless adjustable airflow. It has a temperature range of 100-500°C and a maximum airflow of 120L/minute. Their Promosolv 70ES cleaning & flux removal solvent is a specialty solvent to clean the residues from solder pastes and solder fluxes. It is clear, colourless and only has a slight odour. It is designed to replace existing solvents to be used with ultrasonic cleaning. It has outstanding flux removal and drying characteristics when used in vapour phase with azeotropic mixtures. Humiseal UV20GEL high-performance staking & vibration protection UV gel is a fast-curing, non-sag thixotropic paste that cures to give a flexible urethane acrylate, bonding well to engineered plastics and metal-based substrates. In addition to the UV cure, this material has a secondary moisture cure mechanism to ensure cure in areas shadowed from UV light. Stand C27 On-track Technology Is a leading local (and flexible) contract manufacturer with a new manufacturing facility in the Sydney metropolitan area (Milperra). They have been helping many local businesses to re-establish manufacturing in Australia. They have experienced increasing demands for local manufacturing of electronic PCB assemblies. Businesses that previously manufactured their electronic assemblies offshore are now looking to 70 Silicon Chip bring their offshore electronics manufacturing back into Australia. They are currently providing clients with a reliable 2-3 week turnaround time on PCB assembly. Oritech Stand B21 has upgraded JBC CD compact soldering stations. The smaller and more intuitive Compact Stations (version F) improve on an already versatile station. They feature: • 3 to 7 keys which allow quick and easy configuration of the station • connectivity with JBC fume extractors via an RJ12 connector • a new cable collector, designed for a perfect adaptation to movement while soldering • a cartridge holder to store up to four cartridges The Omni 3 from Ash Vision is an advanced digital microscope system with the new AshCam+ 30x zoom lens camera. It has many new features for smart inspection and measurement. The Omni 3 offers superb image quality in full-HD video at 60fps. With AshTruColour, advanced camera settings, improved depth of focus and no video latency, it is three times faster than previous Ash systems. The FLIR ETS320 is a non-contact thermal measurement system that pairs a high-sensitivity infrared camera with an integrated stand, for hands-free measurement of printed circuit boards and other small electronics. This sensitive camera detects minute temperature shifts (<0.06°C) and quantifies heat generation up to 250°C. Reid Print Technologies Stand B32 is Australia’s most advanced printed electronic manufacturer. Recently, their manufacturing team has focused on the development and commercialisation of flexible printed circuits. Wearable technology is a printed circuitry that transforms any material into a smart fabric, enabling many performance capabilities. FPC UHF & RFID antennas are manufactured on PET substrates. Features include low electrical resistance, excellent flexibility and easy application to any surface using 3M transfer adhesives. Reid Print Technologies VHF and UHF capabilities which currently range up to 4GHz. Applications include medical, defence, farming, industrial and automotive. A flexible positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater is a modern solution to many industry problems. Flexible heaters are fully customisable and made to order. PTC flexible heaters provide a great way to enhance new and innovative products with a range of temperature resistances, shapes, sizes, and configurations. They are suited to a range of industries and applications. Stand A11 SC Manufacturing Solutions Brings over 30 years of experience and can provide you with the right products and services to keep your production going. Specialising in new machinery, spare parts, service repairs and used equipment, we are sure to have what you need. Whether it is a part for a feeder, motor, servo drive, camera, laser or cards, we can source it all. Australia's electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au Stand B29 Successful Endeavours develops smart electronics products that are intended to be manufactured in Australia. These products perform advanced monitoring, communications or control functions or have unique features, size, power consumption, performance, battery life or cost effectiveness. Custom IoT devices and the supporting technical web services are a speciality. They are the current holders of the Environmental Solution Award for Australia and Manufacturer of the Year for their region of Melbourne. UV Pacific will have the ecoDUOMIX450, the latest development by ViscoTec of their “preeflow” range of adhesive dispensing tools. Using the well-­established positive displacement technology of the ecoPEN, theecoDUOMIX combines a two-­component dispensing head with dynamic mixing. The use of dynamic mixing overcomes problems associated with cases where the two materials have widely different viscosities. The range of applications include silicones, epoxies, polyurethanes and acrylates. Stand B30 Stand B24 WAGO Pty Ltd has a new Gelbox for splicing connectors for reliable moisture protection. It is ready for immediate use in a wide range of low- and extra-low voltage applications. The WAGO Gelbox is a compact box pre-filled with silicone-free gel. The Gelbox is available in six sizes and provides IPX8 levels of moisture protection for WAGO’s 221 Series COMPACT Splicing Connectors. The connectors are completely sealed against water and can be permanently immersed in water. WAGO Gelbox’s distinctive feature is that it protects the electrical installation exactly where it matters – at the connection points – without permanently encapsulating the junction boxes. Unlike silicone-­ based gel, the WAGO Gelbox’s silicone-free gel supports a virtually unlimited number of applications. The new 221 Series Inline Splicing Connector with lever for all conductor types from 0.2mm² to 4mm² combines all the trusted advantages of the 221 Series Splicing Connectors into a slim design. Offering unsurpassed simplicity, speed and reliability, the 221 Series provides universal conductor connections – with lever technology that eliminates tools – while offering a visibly secure conductor contact. The new MCS MAXI 16 family of connectors are the world’s first lever-actuated connectors for power electronics. They permit direct, in-hand wiring of conductors up to 25mm2 (4AWG). Two versions of the new pluggable connectors are available (wireto-wire and wire-to-board), and each version offers variants ranging from 2-6 poles. All models are designed for a nominal conductor size of 16mm2 with ratings up to 1000V and 75A (IEC). Stand C12 Würth Electronics Australia is a manufacturer of electronic and electromechanical components that spearheads pioneering electronic solutions. WürthElektronik eiSos is one of the largest European manufacturers of passive components and is active in 50 countries. They have production sites in Europe, Asia and North America that supply a growing number of customers worldwide. Their product range includes EMC components, inductors, transformers, RF components, varistors, capacitors, resistors, quartz crystals, oscillators, power modules, Wireless Power Transfer, LEDs, sensors, connectors, power supply elements, switches, pushbuttons, connection technology, fuse holders and solutions for wireless data transmission. SC www.okw.com.au VISIT US AT ELECTRONEX 2022 / STAND A28 TO EACH HIS OWN HOUSING ROLEC OKW Australia New Zealand Pty Ltd Unit 6/29 Coombes Drive, Penrith NSW 2750 Phone: +61 2 4722 3388 E-Mail: sales<at>rolec-okw.com.au siliconchip.com.au Australia's electronics magazine April 2022  71