Silicon ChipFive-year update - September 2023 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Five-year update
  4. Feature: Electronex & AMW Report by Dr David Maddison & Tim Blythman
  5. Project: Salad Bowl Speakers by Phil Prosser
  6. Feature: pH Meter Module by Jim Rowe
  7. PartShop
  8. Feature: 100 Years of Broadcast Radio by Kevin Poulter
  9. Subscriptions
  10. Project: Coffee Grinder Timer by Flavio Spedalieri
  11. Project: PIC Programming Adaptor by Nicholas Vinen
  12. Serviceman's Log: The Dogs’ Collars by Dave Thompson
  13. Project: 30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 – Pt1 by John Clarke
  14. Project: Voltage Inverter / Doubler by John Clarke
  15. Vintage Radio: AWA 500M superhet by Ian Batty
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Notes & Errata: Reciprocal Frequency Counter, July 2023; Wideband Fuel Mixture Display, April-June 2023
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the September 2023 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 38 of the 104 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 "Salad Bowl Speakers":
  • Salad Bowl Speakers Crossover PCB [01109231] (AUD $10.00)
  • Salad Bowl Speakers crossover PCB pattern (PDF download) [01109231] (Free)
Items relevant to "pH Meter Module":
  • Sample software for the pH Meter module (Free)
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 "Coffee Grinder Timer":
  • Firmware for the Coffee Grinder Timer (Software, Free)
Items relevant to "PIC Programming Adaptor":
  • PIC Programming Adaptor PCB [24105231] (AUD $5.00)
  • PIC Programming Adaptor kit (Component, AUD $55.00)
  • Firmware for the Automatic mouse clicker (Software, Free)
  • PIC Programming Adaptor PCB pattern (PDF download) (24105231) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • PIC Programming Adaptor (September 2023)
  • PIC Programming Adaptor (September 2023)
  • TQFP Programming Adaptors (October 2023)
  • TQFP Programming Adaptors (October 2023)
Items relevant to "30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 – Pt1":
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply revised main PCB [04107223] (AUD $10.00)
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply front panel control PCB [04105222] (AUD $2.50)
  • INA282AIDR shunt monitor IC and 20mΩ 1W shunt resistor for 30V 2A Bench Supply (Component, AUD $10.00)
  • Mk2 30V 2A Bench Supply main PCB pattern (PDF download) [04107223] (Free)
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply front panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
  • Voltage Inverter/Doubler PCB [04107222] (AUD $2.50)
Articles in this series:
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 – Pt1 (September 2023)
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 – Pt1 (September 2023)
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 - Pt2 (October 2023)
  • 30V 2A Bench Supply, Mk2 - Pt2 (October 2023)
Items relevant to "Voltage Inverter / Doubler":
  • Voltage Inverter/Doubler PCB [04107222] (AUD $2.50)
  • Votlage Inverter/Doubler PCB pattern (PDF download) [04107222] (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $11.50.

SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke – B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe – B.A., B.Sc. Bao Smith – B.Sc. Tim Blythman – B.E., B.Sc. Advertising Enquiries (02) 9939 3295 adverts<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Allan Linton-Smith Dave Thompson David Maddison – B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Dr Hugo Holden – B.H.B, MB.ChB., FRANZCO Ian Batty – M.Ed. Phil Prosser – B.Sc., B.E.(Elec.) Cartoonist Louis Decrevel loueee.com Founding Editor (retired) Leo Simpson – B.Bus., FAICD Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Subscription rates (Australia only) 6 issues (6 months): $65 12 issues (1 year): $120 24 issues (2 years): $230 Online subscription (Worldwide) 6 issues (6 months): $50 12 issues (1 year): $95 24 issues (2 years): $185 For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Recommended & maximum price only. Editorial office: Unit 1 (up ramp), 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 194, Matraville, NSW 2036. Phone: (02) 9939 3295. ISSN: 1030-2662 Printing and Distribution: 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 2 Silicon Chip Editorial Viewpoint Five-year update It has been a little over five years since I took over as Publisher of Silicon Chip magazine from Leo Simpson in July 2018. What a tumultuous five years it has been! I don’t think I have to explain the impact that COVID-19 had on us. We were lucky; the magazine publication side of the business can be operated mostly off-site. For various reasons, I had already set up pretty much everything needed to do that by 2019. So we were able to cope pretty well, although there were still significant impacts on the business. Component shortages – now mostly (but not entirely) resolved – were certainly a challenge, as were paper shortages, the huge cost increases (some of which I wrote about last month) and more. Luckily we were able to see some of that coming and prepare, which allowed us to get through relatively unscathed. More importantly, I think, is how the magazine itself has fared over the last five years. At the outset, I wanted there to be continuity; a more-or-less seamless transition. I would say we achieved that. There have been a few minor changes to the format, but I hope Silicon Chip today is the same magazine that readers already liked. I have tried to keep a similar balance of feature articles, projects and columns, as I think it worked well. I am proud of many of the major articles we’ve published over the last five years. There are too many to list here, but some that stand out are: • Duraid Madina’s DAB+/FM/AM Radio (January-March 2019) • Ian Batty’s series on Videotape Recording (March-June 2021) and Transistors (March-May 2022) • Tim Blythman’s USB Cable Tester (November & December 2021) and Advanced Test Tweezers (February & March 2023) • Phil Prosser’s Hummingbird Amplifier (December 2021), Capacitor Discharge Welder (March & April 2022) and Active Speakers (November 2022 to February 2023) • Dr David Maddison’s series on IC Fabrication (June-August 2022), Display Technologies (September & October 2022) and Computer Memory (January & February 2023) • Geoff Graham’s VGA PicoMite (July 2022) and GPS Analog Clock Driver (September & November 2022) Inevitably, when younger people take over, there will be some changes. I won’t always make the same decisions that Leo did as I have different interests, grew up in a different time (with the rapid development of home computers) and so on. One of the biggest challenges I face is trying to keep everybody happy. For example, many people really like historical articles like the Vintage Radio column and others we publish, like the videotape series mentioned above. I also know that many younger people aren’t very interested in such things. So there has to be a balance of more futuristic articles along with the historical ones. Similarly, while so many project contributions these days are digital designs involving microcontrollers and similar, many people (me included) still like analog designs. Again, a balance is needed. For example, this month, we have two primarily digital designs, the Coffee Grinder Timer and PIC Programming Adaptor, some DIY loudspeakers and an updated Bench Supply design. Hopefully, everyone can find something they like with those articles. I find them all interesting; perhaps I am just easy to please! Feel free to write in with suggestions on how to make the magazine appeal to everyone. by Nicholas Vinen The cover price will be changing to $12.50 from the October 2023 issue and the price of subscriptions will be increasing on the 1st of November this year, see below: New Prices Print (AU) Combined (AU) Print (NZ) Combined (NZ) Online 6 months $70 $80 $82.50 $92.50 $52.50 12 months $127.50 $147.50 $150 $170 $100 24 months $240 $275 $285 $320 $190 Australia's electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au