Silicon ChipProduct Showcase - May 2000 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Do-it-yourself amplifiers: a new approach / The Dolby Heaphone story
  4. Feature: What's Inside A Furby? by Julian Edgar
  5. Project: Building The Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2 by Leo Simpson
  6. Order Form
  7. Feature: Dolby Headphone: Five Channels Of Surround Sound by Leo Simpson
  8. Back Issues
  9. Product Showcase
  10. Project: Build A LED Dice by Doug Jackson
  11. Vintage Radio: Making the obsolete useful again by Rodney Champness
  12. Project: Low-Cost AT Keyboard Translator by Steve Carroll & Bob Nicol
  13. Project: 50A Motor Speed Controller For Models by Ross Tester & Branco Justic
  14. Book Store
  15. Market Centre
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the May 2000 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 32 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 "Building The Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2":
  • Ultra-LD 100W RMS Stereo Amplifier PCB patterns (PDF download) [01112011-5] (Free)
  • Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier PCB patterns (PDF download) [01105001-2] (Free)
  • Panel artwork for the Ultra-LD 100W RMS Stereo Amplifier (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.1 (March 2000)
  • Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.1 (March 2000)
  • Building The Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2 (May 2000)
  • Building The Ultra-LD 100W Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2 (May 2000)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.1 (November 2001)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.1 (November 2001)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2 (December 2001)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.2 (December 2001)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.3 (January 2002)
  • 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier; Pt.3 (January 2002)
  • Remote Volume Control For Stereo Amplifiers (June 2002)
  • Remote Volume Control For Stereo Amplifiers (June 2002)
  • Remote Volume Control For The Ultra-LD Amplifier (July 2002)
  • Remote Volume Control For The Ultra-LD Amplifier (July 2002)
Items relevant to "Build A LED Dice":
  • PIC16F84(A)-04/P programmed for the LED Dice [Dice.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F84 firmware and source code for the LED Dice [Dice.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • LED Dice PCB pattern (PDF download) [08105001] (Free)
  • LED Dice panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Low-Cost AT Keyboard Translator":
  • AT Keyboard Translator PCB pattern (PDF download) (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Exceptional new Agilent scopes from HP Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Hewlett-Packard, has introduced a series of five oscilloscopes which combines the channel count, memory depth, display definition and triggering that design engineers need to debug mixed analog and digital designs. Users can now easily see more signal detail when debugging and verifying mixed analog and digital designs. The Agilent 54600 series now offers multiple-channel configurations: 2- and 4-scope channels or the mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) with 2+16 channels (two analog channels plus 16 integrated digital channels); 2MB of MegaZoom deep memory that respond instantly to control inputs; a high‑definition display system and powerful triggering. These four attributes differentiate the Agilent 54600 series oscilloscopes from other 100MHz scopes and address the challenges of the digital designer. The 2+16 MSO models (60MHz 54621D and 100MHz 54622D) combine the detailed signal analysis of a ’scope with the multi‑channel timing measurements of a logic analyser. Users can view two analog and up to 16 digital signals simultaneously, to debug microcontroller problems that would stymie a conventional scope, such as triggering on a mix of digital bus states and analog signals. The 4‑channel, 100MHz scope (54624A) gives engineers the channel count and measurement power they need for designs that include heavy analog content. There are also budget 2-channel models (60MHz 54621A and 100MHz 54622A). All models have two megabytes of “MegaZoom” deep memory behind every channel which provide deep capture without the sluggish response and complex operation associated with some deep‑memory scopes. Because MegaZoom is not a special mode, it is always available to help find details buried in complex signals, to discover anomalies in the absence of good triggering events, and to correlate high‑speed digital control signals with slower analog signals. This, combined with the high‑ definition display system, provides unsurpassed horizontal screen resolution and the ability to map deep memory into 32 levels of gray scale at up to 25 million vectors per second. This combination enables users to view and understand complex signal details. It also greatly decreases the chance of missing a narrow, occasional transient, or overlooking a glitch or distorted edge that impacts circuit operation. Further information on these products may be found on the Web at www.agilent.com/find/MegaZoom For further information on pricing, availability and technical information, contact 1800 629 485 or email on info_tmo<at>agilent.com May 2000  53 Digital-ready TV signal analyser Matchmaster Communications has introduced the Italian-made RO.VE.R. TDA-4a, a lightweight, battery operated digital field strength meter for the TV installation and service industries. With a frequency range of 47MHz to 870MHz, the instrument covers both VHF and UHF TV as well as FM radio channels used in Australia. It can carry out the following measurements: video carrier level, digital package average power, audio carrier level, FM radio carrier level, audio/video carrier delta plus analog and digital TV carrier to noise ratios. All measurements are shown on a multi-mode LCD panel which gives a variety of readings. A switchable FM or AM universal audio demodulator is also tunable from 44MHz to 870MHz. Received au- Safer fume extractors dio can be heard through an inbuilt speaker. An inbuilt rechargeable NiCd battery pack gives up to 12 hours portable use. A 240V mains adaptor and 12V DC car cigarette lighter adapter are also included. These will power the unit as well as charge the battery. The meter is fitted with a male “F” style 75Ω RF input connector with male to female and F to IEC adaptors supplied. The instrument is housed in a heavy duty plastic carry case which also has provision for storing the test leads and power supply. For the TV antenna installer, the CATV cabler and related areas, a device such as this would save an enormous amount of time and trouble. Being able to read signal strengths directly over all the required channels would make antenna aiming a breeze and also the detection of faults much more simple. With a trade price of $1300, the RO.VE.R. TDA-4a is available through sole agent in Australia, Matchmaster Communications, 48-50 Belmore Rd, Punchbowl NSW 2196. Phone (02) 9153 6666, Fax (02) 9153 9099 . The Alsident System ESD 50 and ESD 100 series of fume exhaust arms from Pyrotek are the first to gain certification for use in electrostatic discharge sensitive and explosion sensitive applications. This certification is also good news for computer and other electronics manufacturers whose reject rates are lessened by any measure that lowers the risk of electrostatic discharge through sensitive components. It is equally important for laboratories or chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries facing the need to exhaust powders, combustible gases or dust/air mixtures or fumes which pose possible explosion hazards. Extracting solder fumes is another example. The systems can be mounted on a wall, worktable or ceiling and the three joints enable the operator to effortlessly position the mount anywhere within its 1350mm reach. Adhesive resins do not threaten the conductivity of the system. The entire pipe system displays a resistance of substantially less than 1MΩ. The ESD 50 extracts at 85 cubic metres per hour while the ESD 100 exhausts at 400 cubic metres per hour. Over 100 variations in seven models of fume extractors are available with details in a free 18-page booklet, available on request to Pyrotek, 147 Magowar Road, Girraween NSW 2145. Phone (02) 9361 1333. Telephone Technical Services imports new US range of phone test equipment One of the side-benefits to the deregulation of the Australian telephone industry is increased access to installation, service and maintenance work for approved personnel. However, the availability of suitable equipment has been something of a problem. A Brisbane company, Telephone Technical Services, recognised the need for a range of high quality telephone and line test equipment and so has recently started importing the US-made “Test-Um Inc” range. Of particular interest are the phone test sets (called “butt phones”) which offer a broad range of testing facilities. There 54  Silicon Chip are two in the range, the “Lil’ Buttie” LB100 and the “Lil’ Buttie Pro” LB200. The big difference between the two is an LCD panel on the Pro model which reveals even more information about the line under test – even caller ID information. Other equipment includes tone generators and tracers, tell-all testers for both phone and data lines and similar devices. For more information contact Telephone Technical Services on (07) 3286 6388, Fax (07) 3286 6399, or via their website at www. ttservices.com.au Security video recorder with time-lapse With the proliferation of miniature video cameras (see below), many organisations have linked video recordings into their security systems. Usually a standard VCR is pressed into service but these have several shortcomings in this application. Jaycar Electronics have addressed this problem with the release of a video recorder specifically designed for the purpose. Its major advantage is a variety of recording modes including the ability to store 24 hours of video and audio on a single E-180 (three hour) VHS tape. Recording times can be programmed for certain periods on a daily or weekly time frame, they can be continuous or they can be time-lapse. They can also be triggered by devices normally used to trigger an alarm (eg, PIRs, light beams, door switches, etc) or by the alarm unit itself. When an alarm event is triggered, the recorder will sound a buzzer and record for a predetermined period. Alarm event information is also recorded and up to eight events can be displayed, by date and time, on an external monitor. At the end of the tape the recorder can be set to rewind and re-record the same tape or it can eject the tape and wait for a new tape to be inserted. A further possibility is the use of additional recorders in series where at tape end the first signals the second to start recording and so on. Various playback modes are available including standard, slow, fieldby-field, reverse direction and slow reverse direction. Rear panel connectors are provided for video, audio, alarm in (trigger), alarm reset, alarm out, one shot trigger, trigger out, tape end, series in and series out. The recorder operates on 240V AC With a recommended retail price of $995.00, the QV-3050 Time-Lapse VCR is available from Jaycar Electronics stores throughout Australia or via the Jaycar Mail Order service (Phone 02 9745 3222) or their website: www. jaycar.com.au Mini video cameras to suit Two miniature video cameras, one colour and one monochrome (b&w), which would mate perfectly with the above Time-lapse VCR are also available through Jaycar Stores. Both are pinhole models, meaning a hole only a couple of millimetres in diameter is needed to view through. Camera size is just 36mm square x 30mm including lens. Both feature audio and video outputs, the audio via an RCA connector and video via a BNC connector. Power (12V DC <at> 120mA b&w, 130mA colour) is via a standard 2.1mm DC jack. Video output is 1V pk-pk <at> 75Ω and the B&W model operates down to 0.1 Lux (that equates to a scene lit by dim moonlight!). These cameras also respond well to infrared (invisible) light. The colour camera requires 2 Lux. A tiny swivel mounting bracket is also supplied which would enable the camera to be permanently mounted and aimed. The B&W model has a 1/3-inch Sony CCD image sensor giving 400 line resolution while the colour camera features a 1/4-inch CCD sensor and 330 line resolution. The monochrome camera (QC3476) has a recommended retail price of $149.00 and the colour version (QC3486) sells for $229.00. For more information see page 127 of the new Jaycar catalog, visit any Jaycar Electronics store or visit the website, www. jaycar.com.au TOROIDAL TRANSFORMERS FOR SILICON CHIP AMPLIFIERS 13W CLASS A AMPLIFIER 80VA for single channel monoblock 240:2x21V/1.9A 160VA for amplifier as published 240:2x21V/3.8A 160VA low flux design + flux band 240:2x21V/3.8A 160VA low flux design + flux band 240:2x42Vct/1.9A ULTRA LOW THD 100W AMPLIFIER 160VA for single channel monoblock 240:2x35V/2.25A + 2x50V/0.1A 300VA for dual channel amplifier 240:2x35V/4.5A + 2x50V/0.1A $35.45 $42.50 $65.90 $74.40 $50.70 $60.45 500W MONO AMPLIFIER, as published 800VA 240:2x57V/7A $134.50 All prices include WST. Freight extra HARBUCH ELECTRONICS PTY LTD Ph 02 9476 5854 Fx 02 9476 3231 DSE digital pH meter Dick Smith Electronics has released a high quality Digital Water pH Meter that is compact enough to fit into a pocket and gives a direct reading of pH on its liquid crystal display. The lightweight Digital Water pH Meter can be used in many different areas such as swimming pools, spas, aquariums, aquaculture, hydroponics, photographic processes, cooling towers, water and wastewater treatment, generators, car washes and many more applications. Accuracy is maintained by a pH7 buffer solution although for industrial or laboratory use, known buffers are recommended. The pH Meter comes complete with a protective carry case and batteries and has a retail price of $96.00. It is available from Dick Smith Electronics stores Australia wide or via mail order, or through the Dick Smith Electronics website www.dse.com.au May 2000  55 TRONICSHOWCASELECTRO SURPLUS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS at CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP PRICES! ICs, LCD Displays,Transistors, Diodes, Leds, Books, Connectors, Switches, Transformers, Fans, Relays, Speakers,Terminals, Resistors, Buzzers, Leads, Knobs, Batteries, Computer Accs. etc. FOR A FREE MONTHLY MAILER PLEASE CONTACT ROCOM ELECTRONICS STORE ADDRESS: 56 RENVER ROAD, CLAYTON VIC. 3168 POSTAL ADDRESS: BAG 620 CLAYTON SOUTH, VIC. 3169 PH (03) 9543 7877 FAX (03) 9543 4871 Email: sales<at>rocom.com.au NEW! HC-5 hi-res Vi deo Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio str Di ibution Amplifier Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. For broadcast, audiovisual and film industries. Wide bandwidth, high output and unconditional stability with hum-cancelling circuitry, front-panel video gain and cable eq adjustments. 240V AC, 120V AC or 24V DC VGS2 Graphics Splitter High resolution 1in/2out VGA splitter. Comes with 1.5m HQ cable and 12V supply. Custom-length HQ VGA cables also available. Check our NEW website for latest prices and MONTHLY SPECIALS www.questronix.com.au Email: questav<at>questronix.com.au Video Processors, Colour Correctors, Stabilisers, TBC’s, Converters, etc. All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only QUESTRONIX MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS FROM EMC Technologies' internationally recognised Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facilities are fully accredited for emissions, immunity and safety standards. EMC Technologies Melbourne: (03) 9335 3333 Sydney: (02) 9899 4599 3990 FULL RANGE $ ELECTROSTATIC Now you can afford the legendary clarity, transparency, depth and precision of an electrostatic speaker. The new Vass ELS-5 is a full range electrostatic speaker, able to faithfully reproduce frequencies from 40Hz-20kHz. • 5 Year Warranty • Wide range of custom finishes. • Individually hand built & tested. Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 0409 036 775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au Most Credit Cards OK Do you want YOUR product or service showcased to Australasia's most important electronics marketplace? CALL ME: RICK WINKLER on (02) 9979 5644 and let me explain how cost effective the 1/42-44 Garden Bvde, Dingley 3172 Pyramid subwoofer Ph 03 9558 0970 Fax 03 9558 0082 separately available email: vass<at>hotkey.net.au May 2000  85 SILICON CHIP ELECTRONICS SHOWCASE can be for YOU!