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Contents Vol.15, No.9; September 2002 www.siliconchip.com.au FEATURES 8 NASA’s Mission: To Catch a Comet No, it’s not the plot of a Speilberg epic. NASA plan to blast a holedeep inside a comet to learn more about them – by Sammy Isreb 14 Review: Pico ADC-212 Virtual Instrument PC-based virtual instruments are a genuine alternative to expensive benchtop models. Here’s one such instrument, the Pico ADC-212 – by Peter Smith 67 Review: Nordic One-chip UHF Data Transceivers Short-range wireless data communication has become a whole lot easier in recent times. These transceivers suit a wide variety of uses – by Jim Rowe PROJECTS TO BUILD Pico ADC-212 Virtual Instrument – Page 14. 28 12V Fluorescent Lamp Inverter Drive a standard 36/40W fluoro tube to full brightness from 12V DC. Ideal for camping, a trouble light or even emergency home lighting – by John Clarke 53 8-channel Infrared Remote Control It uses an infrared remote control unit and can switch eight circuits, all either momentary or latched – by Frank Crivelli & Ross Tester 58 50-Watt DC Electronic Load Easy-to-build circuit is ideal for testing DC power supplies, shunt regulators and constant current sources – by Peter Smith 12V Fluoro lamp inverter – Page 28. 73 Driving Light and Accessory Protector for Cars External devices on cars are an easy target for thieves. Or at least they were: this will help keep the crooks away from your car – by Rick Walters COMPUTERS 38 Spyware – an update Once Spyware gets in, you’re the spammer’s target. Here’s how we attempted to cure a very badly infected computer – by Ross Tester 84 Bluetooth: Getting Rid of Cables PCs and computer peripherals can be easily networked without running cables, with up to 100m range. – by Greg Swain SPECIAL COLUMNS 8-channel infrared remote control – Page 53. 21 Circuit Notebook Ultra-low drop linear voltage regulator – Simple logic probe – 12V car battery charger – Battery tester for deaf/blind persons – Awaken the deaf! 40 Serviceman’s Log Notebook computer screen prices will crack you up! – by the TV Serviceman 78 Vintage Radio The Barlow-Wadley XCR-30 Mk II HF receiver – by Rodney Champness DEPARTMENTS 2 4 70 87 Publisher’s Letter Mailbag Product Showcase Silicon Chip Weblink www.siliconchip.com.au 88 90 94 96 Ask Silicon Chip Notes & Errata Market Centre Advertising Index Driving light and accessory protector – Page 73. September 2002  1