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Contents Vol.36, No.04 April 2023 16 Underground Communications Like underwater communication (covered last month), communicating underground such as in mines or tunnels can be quite tricky. There are various techniques like using repeaters, mesh networks or groundpenetrating low-frequency radios. This article covers all that and more. By Dr David Maddison Technology feature 54 T48 Universal Programmer The T48 programmer by XGecu is the latest revision to the popular TL866II line (often called the ‘MiniPro’). XGecu sent us one to review and we wound up pleasantly surprised, although there are some newer chips it cannot (yet) program. By Tim Blythman Programmer review 80 Using TestController TestController is a free software program that can be used to automate much of the logging and analysis required when operating multiple test instruments. Data can be received via serial, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi, LXI and GPIB connections, making it versatile. By Richard Palmer Software guide 26 500W Class-D Mono Amplifier This 500W Class-D single-channel (monoblock) amplifier is for those who want serious power on a budget. Construction is made simple by utilising two pre-built modules and not much else. By Phil Prosser Amplifier project 40 Wideband Fuel Mixture Display, Pt1 Measure your engine’s full range of air/fuel ratios in real-time to make sure it’s running optimally. The Fuel Mixture Display is capable of conveniently showing the value on a computer, smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. By John Clarke Automotive project 60 Automated Test Bench Our veritable ‘Swiss Army Knife’ Test Bench can provide test voltages, test signals, vary a resistance, switch a component in or out of circuit and even measure some voltages. You can then run all these tasks using automation software such as TestController. By Richard Palmer Test & measurement project 72 Silicon Chirp – the pet cricket This pet cricket will keep you company, only needing to be occasionally ‘fed’. It sounds just like the real thing, and can be set to only make a sound in the dark, using just a single lithium coin cell. It’s even able to mimic other animals like a frog or bird! By John Clarke Toy project Page 26 5 0 0 WATT class - d amplifier WIDEBAND Fuel Mixture Display Page 40 Silicon Chirp the pet cricket Page 72 2 Editorial Viewpoint 5 Mailbag 53 Subscriptions 84 Serviceman’s Log 92 Product Showcase 94 Vintage Radio Browning-Drake 6A by Dennis Jackson 100 Circuit Notebook 104 Online Shop 106 Ask Silicon Chip 111 Market Centre 112 Advertising Index 112 Notes & Errata 1. Lithium battery & case for Arduino Uno 2. Three-phase sinewave generator 3. LC resonance bands graph for Q Meter 4. Cell under-voltage protection circuit 5. ESP32-based millisecond clock