Silicon ChipPartShop - February 2022 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Be wary of devices that require apps to work
  4. Subscriptions
  5. Review: Radio Girl by Nicholas Vinen
  6. Feature: All About Batteries – Part 2 by Dr David Maddison
  7. Project: Dual Hybrid Power Supply – Pt1 by Phil Prosser
  8. Feature: Low-noise HF-UHF Amplifiers by Jim Rowe
  9. Project: Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector by John Clarke
  10. Product Showcase
  11. Project: Solid-State Tesla Coil by Flavio Spedalieri
  12. Review: TL866II Universal Programmer by Tim Blythman
  13. Project: Remote Gate Controller by Dr Hugo Holden
  14. Serviceman's Log: The accordion job by Dave Thompson
  15. Vintage Radio: Tasma 305 'rat radio' by Fred Lever
  16. PartShop
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 35 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:
  • All About Batteries - Part 1 (January 2022)
  • All About Batteries - Part 1 (January 2022)
  • All About Batteries – Part 2 (February 2022)
  • All About Batteries – Part 2 (February 2022)
  • All About Batteries, part three (March 2022)
  • All About Batteries, part three (March 2022)
Items relevant to "Dual Hybrid Power Supply – Pt1":
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply PCB set (AUD $25.00)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply regulator PCB [18107211] (AUD $7.50)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply front panel control PCB [18107212] (AUD $2.50)
  • DSP Crossover CPU PCB [01106193] (AUD $5.00)
  • DSP Crossover LCD Adaptor PCB [01106196] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC32MZ2048EFH064-250I/PT programmed for the Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply [0110619A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $30.00)
  • 128x64 Blue LCD screen with KS0108-compatible controller (Component, AUD $30.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply regulator board (Component, AUD $100.00)
  • Hard-to-get parts for the Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply CPU board (Component, AUD $60.00)
  • LCD panel bezel for the Dual Intelligent Hybrid Power Supply (PCB, AUD $5.00)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply firmware [0110619A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply PCB patterns [18107211/2] (Free)
  • DSP Active Crossover/DDS/Reflow Oven PCB patterns (PDF download) [01106191-6] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Dual Hybrid Power Supply – Pt1 (February 2022)
  • Dual Hybrid Power Supply – Pt1 (February 2022)
  • Dual Hybrid Power Supply, part two (March 2022)
  • Dual Hybrid Power Supply, part two (March 2022)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply, part one (June 2025)
  • Intelligent Dual Hybrid Power Supply, part one (June 2025)
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 "Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector":
  • 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)
  • Cooling Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector PCB [01102221] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC16F1459-I/P programmed for the Cooling Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector [0110222A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00-15.00)
  • 4-pin PWM fan header (Component, AUD $1.20)
  • Cooling Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector firmware [0110222A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Cooling Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111211] (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)
Items relevant to "Solid-State Tesla Coil":
  • Solid State Tesla Coil driver PCBs [26102221-2] (AUD $7.50)
  • Solid State Tesla Coil driver PCB patterns (PDF download) [26102221-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Remote Gate Controller":
  • Driveway Gate Controller PCB [11009121] (AUD $20.00)
  • Remote Gate Controller PCB pattern (PDF download) [11009121] (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $11.50.

ONLINESHOP SILICON CHIP .com.au/shop PCBs, CASE PIECES AND PANELS ARCADE MINI PONG Si473x FM/AM/SW DIGITAL RADIO 20A DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER MODEL RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSING COLOUR MAXIMITE 2 GEN2 (4 LAYERS) BATTERY MANAGER SWITCH MODULE ↳ I/O EXPANDER NANO TV PONG LINEAR MIDI KEYBOARD (8 KEYS) + 2 JOINERS ↳ JOINER ONLY (1pc) TOUCHSCREEN DIGITAL PREAMP ↳ RIBBON CABLE / IR ADAPTOR 2-/3-WAY ACTIVE CROSSOVER TELE-COM INTERCOM SMD TEST TWEEZERS (3 PCB SET) USB CABLE TESTER MAIN PCB ↳ FRONT PANEL (GREEN) MODEL RAILWAY CARRIAGE LIGHTS JUN21 JUL21 JUL21 JUL21 AUG21 AUG21 AUG21 AUG21 AUG21 AUG21 SEP21 SEP21 OCT21 OCT21 OCT21 NOV21 NOV21 NOV21 08105211 CSE210301C 11006211 09108211 07108211 11104211 11104212 08105212 23101213 23101214 01103191 01103192 01109211 12110121 04106211/2 04108211 04108212 09109211 Subscribers get a 10% discount on all orders for parts $35.00 $7.50 $7.50 $5.00 $15.00 $5.00 $2.50 $2.50 $5.00 $1.00 $12.50 $2.50 $15.00 $30.00 $10.00 $7.50 $5.00 $2.50 HUMMINGBIRD AMPLIFIER DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER TRANSLATOR SMD TRAINER 8-LED METRONOME 10-LED METRONOME REMOTE CONTROL RANGE EXTENDER UHF-TO-IR ↳ IR-TO-UHF 6-CHANNEL LOUDSPEAKER PROTECTOR ↳ 4-CHANNEL NEW PCBs FAN CONTROLLER & LOUDSPEAKER PROTECTOR SOLID STATE TESLA COIL (SET OF 2 PCBs) REMOTE GATE CONTROLLER DUAL HYBRID POWER SUPPLY SET (2 REGULATORS) ↳ REGULATOR ↳ FRONT PANEL ↳ CPU ↳ LCD ADAPTOR DEC21 DEC21 DEC21 JAN22 JAN22 JAN22 JAN22 JAN22 JAN22 01111211 16110206 29106211 23111211 23111212 15109211 15109212 01101221 01101222 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $5.00 $7.50 $2.50 $2.50 $7.50 $5.00 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 FEB22 01102221 26112211/2 11009121 SC6204 18107211 18107212 01106193 01106196 $5.00 $7.50 $20.00 $25.00 $7.50 $2.50 $5.00 $2.50 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 24LC32A-I/SN ATmega328P ATmega328P-AUR ATtiny85V-10PU ATtiny816 PIC10F202-E/OT PIC10LF322-I/OT PIC12F1572-I/SN PIC12F617-I/P PIC12F617-I/SN PIC12F675-I/P PIC16F1455-I/P PIC16F1455-I/SL PIC16F1459-I/P PIC16F1705-I/P PIC16F88-I/P $15 MICROS Digital FX Unit (Apr21) RF Signal Generator (Jun19), Si473x FM/AM/SW Digital Radio (Jul21) RGB Stackable LED Christmas Star (Nov20) Shirt Pocket Audio Oscillator (Sep20) ATtiny816 Development/Breakout Board (Jan19) Ultrabrite LED Driver (with free TC6502P095VCT IC, Sep19) Range Extender IR-to-UHF (Jan22) Nano TV Pong (Aug21), SMD Test Tweezers (Oct21) Range Extender UHF-to-IR (Jan22) Model Railway Carriage Lights (Nov21) Useless Box IC3 (Dec18) Digital Lighting Controller LED Slave (Dec20) Ol’ Timer II (Jul20), Battery Multi Logger (Feb21) Fan Controller & Loudspeaker Protector (Feb22) Digital Lighting Controller Translator (Dec21) Universal Battery Charge Controller (Dec19) ATSAML10E16A-AUT High-Current Battery Balancer (Mar21) PIC16F1459-I/SO Four-Channel DC Fan & Pump Controller (Dec18) PIC16F18877-I/P USB Cable Tester (Nov21) PIC32MM0256GPM028-I/SS Super Digital Sound Effects (Aug18) PIC32MX170F256D-501P/T 44-pin Micromite Mk2 (Aug14), 4DoF Simulation Seat (Sep19) PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP Micromite LCD BackPack V1-V3 (Feb16 / May17 / Aug19) Touchscreen Digital Preamp [2.8in/3.5in version] (Sep21) PIC32MX170F256B-I/SO Battery Multi Logger (Feb21), Battery Manager BackPack (Aug21) $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 (Sep16) $30 MICROS PIC32MX695F512L-80I/PF Colour MaxiMite (Sep12) PIC32MZ2048EFH064-I/PT DSP Crossover/Equaliser (May19), Low-Distortion DDS (Feb20) DIY Reflow Oven Controller (Apr20), Dual Hybrid Supply (Feb22) KITS & SPECIALISED COMPONENTS INTELLIGENT DUAL HYBRID POWER SUPPLY (FEB 22) Hard-to-get parts for the regulator module – all the ICs & regulators ◉ needed to build one module, plus the schottky diode, 10μH inductor, 4700μF 50V capacitors, 1W shunts and SMD capacitors – does not include PCB (Cat SC6096) $125.00 ◉ does not include the LM2575T as it comes with the CPU module parts Hard-to-get parts for the CPU module – most of the required parts, including programmed PIC32MZ, EEPROM, LM2575T, LM317 & LD1117V regulators etc. You just need the PCB, headers, a ferrite bead, trimpot and electrolytic capacitors (Cat SC6121) $60.00 VARIOUS MODULES & PARTS - 4-pin PWM fan header (Fan Controller, Feb22) - 64x32 pixel white 0.49in OLED (SMD Test Tweezers, Oct21) - pair of AD8403ARZ10 (Touchscreen Digital Preamp, Sep21) - Si4732 radio IC (Si473x FM/AM/SW Radio, Jul21) - EA2-5NU relay (PIC Programming Helper, Jun21) - VK2828U7G5LF GPS module (Advanced GPS Computer, Jun21) $1.00 $10.00 $35.00 $15.00 $3.00 $25.00 IR-TO-UHF MODULE FOR RANGE EXTENDER (CAT SC5993) (JAN 22) SMD TRAINER KIT (CAT SC5260) (DEC 21) PCB and all SMDs (including the programmed micro) for the IR-to-UHF module Complete kit includes the PCB and all on-board components, except for a TQFP-64 footprint device $25.00 $20.00 HUMMINGBIRD AMPLIFIER (CAT SC6021) (DEC 21) USB CABLE TESTER KIT (CAT SC5966) (NOV 21) MODEL RAILWAY CARRIAGE LIGHTS KIT (CAT SC6027) (NOV 21) SMD TEST TWEEZERS KIT (CAT SC5934) (OCT 21) NANO TV PONG SHORT FORM KIT (CAT SC5885) (AUG 21) MODEL RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSING (JUL 21) MINI ISOLATED SERIAL LINK COMPLETE KIT (CAT SC5750) (MAR 21) Hard-to-get parts includes: two 0.22W 5W resistors; plus one each of an MJE15034G, MJE15035G, KSC3503DS & 220pF 250V C0G ceramic capacitor Short form kit with everything except case and AA cells Includes PCB, IC1 (programmed), IC2, D1, L1, SMD capacitors and resistors. Does not include reed switch, magnet, LEDs or through-hole parts PCBs, micro, other onboard parts and heatshrink (no cell or brass tips) PCB and all onboard parts only (does not include controllers) - Pair of programmed PIC12F617-I/Ps - ISD1820P-based audio recording and playback module All parts required to build the project including the PCB $15.00 $110.00 $25.00 $35.00 $17.50 $15.00 $5.00 $10.00 $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. 02/22