Silicon ChipMarket Centre - February 1999 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Sending mail by email
  4. Feature: Installing A Computer Network by Bob Dyball & Greg Swain
  5. Feature: Traction Control Systems by Julian Edgar
  6. Project: Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.1 by John Clarke
  7. Order Form
  8. Feature: Making Front Panels For Your Projects by Ross Tester
  9. Project: Command Control Decoder For Model Railways by Cam Fletcher
  10. Product Showcase
  11. Serviceman's Log: The set that languished and died by The TV Serviceman
  12. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  13. Book Store
  14. Project: Build A Digital Capacitance Meter by Rick Walters
  15. Project: A Remote Control Tester by Leo Simpson
  16. Back Issues
  17. Feature: Electric Lighting; Pt.11 by Julian Edgar
  18. Project: LEDS Have Fun by Leo Simpson
  19. Vintage Radio: The classic Atwater Kent Model 32 by Rodney Champness
  20. Notes & Errata: Turbo Timer
  21. Market Centre
  22. Advertising Index
  23. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the February 1999 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 34 of the 96 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 "Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.1":
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator PCB patterns (PDF download) [01402991/2] (Free)
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.1 (February 1999)
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.1 (February 1999)
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.2 (March 1999)
  • Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator; Pt.2 (March 1999)
Items relevant to "Command Control Decoder For Model Railways":
  • Model Railway Command Control Decoder PCB patterns (PDF download) [09101991/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (January 1999)
  • Radio Control (January 1999)
  • Radio Control (February 1999)
  • Radio Control (February 1999)
  • Model R/C helicopters; Pt.3 (March 1999)
  • Model R/C helicopters; Pt.3 (March 1999)
Items relevant to "Build A Digital Capacitance Meter":
  • Digital Capacitance Meter PCB patterns (PDF download) [04101991/2] (Free)
  • Digital Capacitance Meter panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)
Items relevant to "LEDS Have Fun":
  • LEDs Have Fun PCB pattern (PDF download) (Free)
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 for up to 12 words plus 50 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $25 per column centimetre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. To run your classified ad, print it clearly in the space below or on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the form & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503. ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip FOR SALE C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $145.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 now combined at the new low price of $75. Debug monitors: $75 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $75. Try the C-FLEA Virtual Machine for small CPUs, build a “C-Stamp”. Demo desk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles the 89Cx051, the 89C5x and 89Sxx series, and the new AVRs in both DIP and PLCC44. Also does most 8-pin EEPROMs. Includes socket for serial ISP cable. $199, $37 tax, $10 p&p. SOIC adaptors: 20-pin $90, 14-pin $85, 8-pin $80. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150 or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au SPEAKERWORKS: specialist in speaker repairs and parts. DIY refoam kits: 31/2", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11", 12" and 15" $39.95. Includes shims, dustcaps and adhesive. Largest inventory of cones, surrounds, gaskets, spiders, dustcaps, grilles, foam and cloth and 4,700 custom voice coils. Phone 02 9420 8121, Fax 9420 8131. WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed & direction, inside temperature, outside temperature & windchill. Records highs & lows with time and date as they occur. $420.00 complete plus sales tax if appli­cable. Optional rainfall and PC interface. Used by Government Departments, farmers, pilots, and weather enthusiasts. Other models with barometric pressure, humidity, dew point, solar radiation, UV, leaf wetness, etc., etc. Just phone, fax or write for our FREE catalogue and price list. Solar Flair/ Ecowatch ph: (03) 5968 4863 fax: (03) ***TOP QUALITY VIDEO CAMERAS*** UP TO 730 DAYS WARRANTY * Hi-Res SILICON CCD MODULES only $59 ** PREMIUM SONY H.A.D. CCD & CHIPSET 480 + Line x 0.05 Lux 32 x 32 MODULES from $91 ** CAMERAS: Mini 36 x 36 from $88! Dome from $91! COLOUR DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING CAMERAS & MODULES: 400 + Line from $180! DOME from $185! 480 + Line DOME with SONY CCD from $246! 600 + Line from $346! OUR CAMERAS & QUADS PRODUCE “NEAR SUPER-VHS” TO “BETTER THAN SUPER-VHS” QUALITY IMAGES. ACCESSORIES: 30 + Lenses 2.1 to 16mm. FILTERS: Polarising, Colour, Temp-Conv, Infra-Red Cut & Pass for Image Enhancement, Colour Correction, Focus, Glare & Exposure Control. 50 LED DIY Infra-Red Illuminators only $19! ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT: QUADS 4 pix 1 screen from $280. *** COLOUR QUAD Hi-Res 720 x 576 2-PAGE 8-Camera with Time/Date Generator from $749! ** PACKAGED SETS! QUAD + 4 CAMERAS + Power Supplies from $689 ** SWITCHER + FOUR CAMERAS + REG Power Supply from $508! MULTIPLEXERS FULL-SCREEN FULL-RESOLUTION VCR Recording/Playback from $826! SWITCHERS 4 & 8 Ch from $126! ALSO: Monitors, Outdoor Housings, Brackets, Dummy Cams, CCTV-TV/ VCR Interface Modules, Motorised Pan Units etc. CCTV Technical Reference Manual 400 + Pages $95 or FREE! DISCOUNTS: Based on ORDER VALUE, BUYING HISTORY, for CASH/ CHEQUE & NZ BUYERS! BEFORE you BUY Ask for our Illustrated Catalogue/Price List with Application Notes & Special New Enquiry Offer. Allthings Sales & Services (allthings.com.au) Ph 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS: Oscilloscopes: Tektronix 7603 with timing base 7B53A (100MHz time delay) and two 7A26 price $1020; Tektronix 7603 with timing base 7B80 (500MHz), 7A16 and 7A18N modules $1350; BWD 525 50MHz two CH. $370; HP1740A 100MHz time delay two CH. $750; Rohde & Schwarz signal generator SMS 0.1-520MHz $1250; RF Wattmeter model 6154 Bird Corp. USA $90; Fluke 891A DC Differential Voltmeter $230; Fluke 893A AC-DC Differential Voltmeter KITS-R-US PO Box 314 Blackwood S.A. Ph/fax 08 8270 3175 FMTX2A Universal Stereo Coder $49 FMTX2B 30mW Xtal Locked 100MHz Transmitter $49 FMTX1 1-3 Watt Free Running Transmitter $49 FMX1 200mW Full Broadcast Transmitter, built & tested $499 FM220 10-18 Watt FM BGY133 Philips Linear $499 FM1525 25 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $499 FM2100 110 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $699 FM3000 300 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $1499 Philips 828E/A VHF Receiver Boards (6 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF Receiver Boards (2 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF transmitter boards 1 watt (2 metres) $19 Philips 323 UHF transmitter boards 500mW (70cm) $19 AEM 35 Watt Little Brick Audio Power Amp $15 Digi-125 200W RMS Audio Power Amp $39 CA Clipper Compiler, new in box $49 6dBd Gain Colinear FM Band Antenna $999 Roll Smart-1 FM Station Audio Processor $999 Free catalog on disk of discounted surplus components Same day shipping, credit cards OK, circuits supplied. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 5968 5810, PO Box 18, Emerald, Vic., 3782. ACN 006 399 480. Need prototype PC boards? We have the solutions – we print electronics! Four-day turnaround, less if urgent; Artwork from your own positive or file; Through hole plating; Prompt postal service; 29 years technical experience; Inexpensive; Superb quality. Printed Electronics, 12A Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150. Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. Ph: (03) 98306288     Fax: (03) 98306481 Positions At Jaycar We are often looking for enthusiastic staff for positions in our retail stores and head office at Rhodes in Sydney. A genuine interest in electronics is a necessity. Phone 02 9743 5222 for current vacancies. SILICON CHIP $320; Digital Multimeter Fluke 8050A $280; Fluke 8022B $95; HP3465A $280; Sanwa CAM-270 Multimeter $95; Current Transformer CT-500 500A Testing & Certification Australia $90. Royel RE800-3 Soldering & Desoldering Station $450; Auto-Soldering Station SKY00MPO Apollo Seiko $700. Tel/ Fax: (03) 9309 3581 or 0412 340 692. CONTROL EQUIPMENT: PLC Control SIMATIC S5 SIEMENS Central Processing Unit 6ES5-103-8MA03 1 piece $500; EPROM 8K 6ES5-375-ILA15 1 piece $450; Digital Input Module 6ES5421-8MA12 8x24V DC 6 pieces $60 each; Digital Output Module 6ES4-4418MA11 8x24V DC/0.5A 11 pieces $60 each; Bus Module 6ES5 700-SMA11 10 pieces $50 each; Serial Interface Module 6ES5 521-8MA21 1 piece $350; Omron power supply 100-120/200240V input voltage model S82K 05024 24V 2.1A output $150; E3X Omron Photoelectric Switch 2 pieces $90 each; TL-X2B1-GE Omron Proximity Switch 2 pieces $30 each; E32-DC200 Omron Photoelectric Switch 2 pieces $30 each. Tel/Fax: (03) 9309 3581 or 0412 340 692. INTERNATIONAL SATELLITE TV RECEPTION in your home is now affordable. Send for your free info pack This advertisment is out of date and has been removed to prevent confusion. containing equipment catalog, satellite lists etc or call for appointment to view. We can display all satellites from 76.5F to 180F. AV-COMM P/L, 198 Condamine Street, Balgowlah NSW 2093. Tel: 02 9949 7417 or 9948 2667. Fax: 9949 7095; www.avcomm.com.au A NEW address for Acetronics http://www.acetronics.com.au On-line PCB quotes, free software, DIY PCB supplies plus many other items & services. 02 9743 9235. TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC February 1998. Test equipment without the cost of telephone lines. $190. MAGNETIC CARD READER, SC January 1996. Holds up to 8 cards. Use as a door lock. $65. Melbourne 9806 0110. February 1999  95 Market Centre – continued PICTUTOR: Programmer board + 32 tutorials for PIC84. Other models available. E.S.T. (02) 9789 3616. Fax (02) 9718 4762. PCBS MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics (02) 9554 9760 sesame<at>internetezy.com.au; http:// members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec 1A LASER DIODE DRIVER, 3W head laser power monitor, IR laser diode with housing, greatly reduced price, e-mail lmatthee<at>perthpcug.org.au for details and pictures. HOMEBUILT DYNAMO, engineering dreams into reality. “An absolutely marvellous book for the true ex­ perimentalist!” Elektor Electronics. (www.onekw.co.nz) SOLAR PANELS: buy by mail and save! 75 watt from $590.00, unbreakable s/ steel 64 watt $555.00. Largest manufactured: 120 watt $995.00, flexible 32 watt $475.00. Limited stock 22 watt $195.00. All other sizes available, top brands, lowest prices. INVERTERS: budget inverters from $110.00 (12V 140W). High quality pure sine wave inverters from $390.00. Call with your requirements. WIND GENERATORS: wide variety available, call with requirements. TASMAN ENERGY Free call 1800 226626 RTN Australia Parallax distributor: Basic Stamps, SXKey develop­ ment tools and SX chips. Wireless RF modules, serial LCD modules, Basic Stamp Bug, etc, etc. FerretTronics >R/C servo control chips. NEW: Handy­ Scope 2 from Europe, 2-channel/12-bit portable measur­ing instrument, it’s a voltmeter, digital storage CRO, transient recorder and spectrum analyser. All in a very small box powered off a parallel port. DOS and Windows software provided. Ph/Fax (03) 9338 3306. email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet RAIN BRAIN AND DIGI-TEMP KITS: 8 station sprinkler controllers, 60 channel temp monitor uses DS1820s over 500 metres. Has PC Data logging. Mantis Micro Products, http://www.home.aone.net.au/mantismp WE PAY UP TO $60 for contributions to Circuit Notebook. Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, 2097 ANY KITS assembled/calibrated: professional, speedy service. Phone Nev­ille Walker (07) 3857 2752. Bainbridge Technologies..............86 Dick Smith Electronics........... 14-17 Harbuch Electronics....................53 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar ................................... 45-52 Kalex............................................31 Kits-R-Us.....................................95 Microgram Computers...................3 Printed Electronics.......................95 Procon Technology......................95 Quest Electronics........................31 ANNOUNCEMENTS Scan Audio..................................83 DON’T MISS AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST AND BEST EXHIBITION and sale of new and used radio and communication equipment at the Central Coast Field Day, Sunday 28th Feb, Wyong Race Course, just 1 hour north from Sydney. Starts 8.30 a.m. Special Field Day bargains from traders and tons of disposals gear in the flea market. Exhibits by clubs and groups with interests ranging from vintage radio, packet radio, scanning, amateur TV and satellite comms. www.ccarc.org.au; Ph (02) 4340 2500. Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 78-79 We are losing our heritage of starry night skies. Poor, inefficient outdoor lighting is causing glare and “light pollution”. This wastes energy and increases greenhouse gas emissions. You can help by joining SYDNEY OUTDOOR LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY (SOLIS). SOLIS aims to educate and inform about quality outdoor lighting and its benefits. We also lobby councils, government and other bodies to promote good lighting practice. SOLIS meetings are held third Monday night of each month at Sydney Observatory. Individual membership is $20 pa. Donations are also welcome. Cheques payable to “SOLIS c/- NSAS”, PO Box 214, West Ryde 2114. 96  Silicon Chip Altronics.....................................IFC KIT ASSEMBLY HELP SAVE THE NIGHT SKY! Email: tpeters<at>pip.elm.mq.edu.au Advertising Index Silicon Chip Bookshop.................65 Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........33 Silicon Chip Binders/Wallcht....OBC Solis.............................................96 Speakerworks..............................95 Truscott’s Electronic World...........83 Zoom EFI Special......................IBC _____________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 9587 3491. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730.