Silicon ChipContents - November 2023 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Computer keyboards need an update / Australia Post wants to put prices up again!
  4. Feature: The History of Electronics, Pt2 by Dr David Maddison
  5. Product Showcase
  6. Project: Pico Audio Analyser by Tim Blythman
  7. Feature: 16-bit precision 4-input ADC by Jim Rowe
  8. Project: K-Type Thermostat by John Clarke
  9. Review: Microchip's new PICkit 5 by Tim Blythman
  10. Project: Modem/Router Watchdog by Nicholas Vinen
  11. Project: 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt2 by Allan Linton-Smith
  12. Serviceman's Log: Charge of the light yardwork by Dave Thompson
  13. PartShop
  14. Subscriptions
  15. Vintage Radio: Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 1 by Dr Hugo Holden
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Notes & Errata: Watering System Controller
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the November 2023 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.

Articles in this series:
  • The History of Electronics, Pt1 (October 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, Pt1 (October 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, Pt2 (November 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, Pt2 (November 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, Pt3 (December 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, Pt3 (December 2023)
  • The History of Electronics, part one (January 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part one (January 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part two (February 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part two (February 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part three (March 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part three (March 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part four (April 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part four (April 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part five (May 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part five (May 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part six (June 2025)
  • The History of Electronics, part six (June 2025)
Items relevant to "Pico Audio Analyser":
  • Pico (2) Audio Analyser PCB [04107231] (AUD $5.00)
  • 1.3-inch blue OLED with 4-pin I²C interface (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • 1.3-inch white OLED with 4-pin I²C interface (Component, AUD $15.00)
  • Short-form kit for the Pico 2 Audio Analyser (Component, AUD $50.00)
  • Pico Audio Analyser PCB pattern (PDF download) [04107231] (Free)
  • Pico Audio Analyser firmware (0410723A) (Software, Free)
  • Pico Audio Analyser box cutting details (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Pico Audio Analyser (November 2023)
  • Pico Audio Analyser (November 2023)
  • Pico 2 Audio Analyser (March 2025)
  • Pico 2 Audio Analyser (March 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 "K-Type Thermostat":
  • Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat main PCB [04108231] (AUD $7.50)
  • Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat front panel PCB [04108232] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC16F1459-I/P programmed for the Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat (0410823A.HEX) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • MCP1700 3.3V LDO (TO-92) (Component, AUD $2.00)
  • K-Type Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat short-form kit (Component, AUD $75.00)
  • K-Type Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat firmware (0410823A.HEX) (Software, Free)
  • K-Type Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat PCB pattern (PDF download) [04108231] (Free)
  • K-Type Thermostat panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Modem/Router Watchdog":
  • Modem Watchdog PCB [10111231] (AUD $2.50)
  • Modem/Router Watchdog kit (Component, AUD $35.00)
  • Modem/Router Watchdog Software (Free)
  • Modem Watchdog PCB pattern (PDF download) [10111231] (Free)
Items relevant to "1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt2":
  • 1kW+ Mono Class-D Amplifier cutting and drilling details (Panel Artwork, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt1 (October 2023)
  • 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt1 (October 2023)
  • 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt2 (November 2023)
  • 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt2 (November 2023)
Items relevant to "Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 1":
  • Sputnik design documents and Manipulator sound recording (Software, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 1 (November 2023)
  • Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 1 (November 2023)
  • Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 2 (December 2023)
  • Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 2 (December 2023)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $12.50.
Contents Vol.36, No.11 November 2023 18 The History of Electronics, Pt2 Page 18 We round-up significant inventors and their inventions dating from 1848 onwards. Compared to last month, you’ll find many of the inventions are more closely related to devices used today such as television & computers. By Dr David Maddison Electronic inventors & inventions 46 16-bit precision 4-input ADC The ADS1115 provides up to four 16-bit ADC channels (analog-to-digital conversion) to nearly any microcontroller. It has a built-in I2C interface, making it trivial to connect to an Arduino or similar. By Jim Rowe Using electronic modules 62 Microchip’s new PICkit 5 We tested out the new PICkit 5 programmer from Microchip, to see what new features it has. We also took the time to evaluate the latest version of the free MPLAB X IDE software. By Tim Blythman Microntroller tools review 98 Recreating Sputnik-1, Part 1 The History of Electronics Raspberry Pi Pico Audio Analyser Page 36 Recreating Sputnik-1 The Soviet-designed Sputnik-1 satellite, launched in 1957, carried two D-200 1W radio transmitters. Dr Holden decided to create an authentic replica of the D-200 transmitter. By Dr Hugo Holden Vintage Radio 36 Pico Audio Analyser Our compact Audio Analyser uses a Raspberry Pi Pico to generate and analyse audio signals. It has oscilloscope and spectrum modes and can perform harmonic analysis to check signal quality. By Tim Blythman Test & measurement project 50 K-Type Thermostat Our Thermocouple Thermostat doubles as a thermometer and easily measures temperature from -50°C to 1200°C! It has an onboard relay for thermostat control of heating or cooling applications. By John Clarke Temperature control project 68 Modem / Router Watchdog This simple Watchdog will automatically restart your modem or router if it stops working. It's a useful device that saves you the hassle of getting up and restarting the modem yourself. By Nicholas Vinen Networking project 74 1kW+ Class-D Amplifier, Pt2 Continuing from last month, we cover how to assemble and test your new and powerful Class-D monoblock amplifier. The assembly process is straightforward due to the Amplifier using pre-built modules. By Allan Linton-Smith Audio project Page 98 2 Editorial Viewpoint 5 Mailbag 35 Product Showcase 82 Serviceman’s Log 90 Online Shop 94 Circuit Notebook 97 Subscriptions 1. Minimal WiFi water tank level gauge 2. Demonstrating magnetic levitation 3. Discrete microamp LED flasher 108 Ask Silicon Chip 111 Market Centre 112 Advertising Index 112 Notes & Errata