Silicon ChipPartShop - June 2013 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Lithium batteries set to take over
  4. Feature: Get a LiFe with LiFePO4 Cells by Stan Swan
  5. Feature: High-Resolution Monitor Shoot-Out by Leo Simpson & Nicholas Vinen
  6. Project: LF-HF Up-Converter For VHF/UHF Digital TV Dongles by Jim Rowe
  7. Subscriptions
  8. Feature: Digital TV: Where To From Here? by Alan Hughes
  9. Feature: Wireless Microphones & Digital TV by Ross Tester
  10. Review: GW-Instek GDS-2104A 100MHz 4-Channel Digital Scope by Leo Simpson
  11. Project: A Versatile 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver by John Clarke
  12. Project: Infrared-to-433MHz UHF Transceiver by John Clarke
  13. Project: A "Lump-In-The-Coax" Mini Audio Mixer by Nicholas Vinen & Ross Tester
  14. Vintage Radio: Raytheon’s T-2500 7-transistor radio by Ian Batty
  15. Product Showcase
  16. PartShop
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 2013 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 38 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 "LF-HF Up-Converter For VHF/UHF Digital TV Dongles":
  • LF-HF Up-Converter PCB [07106131] (AUD $10.00)
  • Omron G5V-1 or Hongfa HFD23/005 SPDT signal relay (Component, AUD $2.00)
  • SMD parts for the LF-HF Up-converter (Component, AUD $22.50)
  • LF-HF Up-Converter PCB pattern (PDF download) [07106131] (Free)
  • LF-HF Up-Converter panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "A Versatile 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver":
  • Revised 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver PCB [15106133] (AUD $12.50)
  • 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver PCB [15106131] (AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the revised 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver [1510613B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC16F88-I/P programmed for the 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver [1510613A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Revised Versatile 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver [1510613B.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Versatile 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver [1510613A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver revised PCB pattern (PDF download) [15106133] (Free)
  • 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver PCB pattern (PDF download) [15106131] (Free)
  • 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Infrared-to-433MHz UHF Transceiver":
  • IR to 433MHz UHF Transceiver PCB [15106132] (AUD $7.50)
  • Infrared to 433MHz Transceiver PCB pattern (PDF download) [15106132] (Free)
  • Infrared to 433MHz Transceiver panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "A "Lump-In-The-Coax" Mini Audio Mixer":
  • "Lump In Coax" Portable Mixer PCB [01106131] (AUD $15.00)
  • SMD parts for the "Lump in Coax" mini mixer (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • "Lump In Coax" Portable Mixer PCB pattern (PDF download) [01106131] (Free)
  • "Lump In Coax" Portable Mixer panel artwork and drilling template (PDF download) (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

SILICON CHIP .com.au/shop ONLINESHOP Looking for a specialised component to build that latest and greatest SILICON CHIP project? Maybe it’s the PCB you’re after. Or a pre-programmed micro. Or some other hard-to-get “bit”. The chances are they are available direct from the SILICON CHIP ONLINESHOP. As a service to readers, SILICON CHIP has established the ONLINESHOP. No, we’re not going into opposition with your normal suppliers – this is a direct response to requests from readers who have found difficulty in obtaining specialised parts such as PCBs & micros. • PCBs are normally IN STOCK and ready for despatch when that month’s magazine goes on sale (you don’t have to wait for them to be made!). • Even if stock runs out (eg, for high demand), in most cases there will be no longer than a two-week wait. • One low p&p charge: $10 per order, regardless of how many boards or micros you order! (Australia only; overseas clients – email us for a postage quote). • Our PCBs are beautifully made, very high quality fibreglass boards with pre-tinned tracks, silk screen overlays and where applicable, solder masks. • Best of all, those boards with fancy cut-outs or edges are already cut out to the SILICON CHIP specifications – no messy blade work required! HERE’S HOW TO ORDER: 4 Via the INTERNET (24 hours, 7 days) Log on to our secure website: siliconchip.com.au, click on “SHOP” and follow the links 4 Via EMAIL (24 hours, 7 days) email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au – clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via FAX (24 hours, 7 days) (02) 9939 2648 (INT: 612 9939 2648). Clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via MAIL (24 hours, 7 days) PO Box 139, Collaroy NSW 2097. Clearly tell us what you want and include your contact and credit card details 4 Via PHONE (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) Call (02) 9939 3295 (INT 612 9939 3295) – have your order details, including contact and credit card, ready! YES! You can also order or renew your SILICON CHIP subscription via any of these methods as well! PRE-PROGRAMMED MICROS Price for any of these micros is just $15.00 each + $10 p&p per order# As a service to readers, SILICON CHIP ONLINESHOP stocks microcontrollers and microprocessors used in new projects (from 2012 on) and some selected older projects – pre-programmed and ready to fly! Some micros from copyrighted and/or contributed projects may not be available. PIC12F675 UHF Remote Switch (Jan09), Ultrasonic Cleaner (Aug10), PIC18F14K50 USB MIDIMate (Oct11) PIC12F675-I/PT PIC16F1507-I/P PIC16F88-E/P PIC16F88-I/P PIC16LF88-I/P PIC16LF88-I/SO PIC16F877A-I/P PIC18F2550-I/SP PIC18F45K80 PIC18F4550-I/P Ultrasonic Anti-fouling (Sep10), Cricket/Frog (Jun12) Do Not Disturb (May10) Wideband Oxygen Sensor (Jun-Jul12) Hi Energy Ignition (Nov/Dec12) Projector Speed (Apr11), Vox (Jun11), Ultrasonic Water Tank Level (Sep11), Quizzical (Oct11) Ultra LD Preamp (Nov11) 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver (Jun13) Garbage Reminder (Jan13) LED Ladybird (Apr13) 6-Digit GPS Clock (May-Jun09), Lab Digital Pot (Jul10) Semtest (Feb-May12) Batt Capacity Meter (Jun09), Intelligent Fan Controller (Jul10) USB Power Monitor (Dec12) GPS Car Computer (Jan10), GPS Boat Computer (Oct10) PIC18F27J53-I/SP USB Data Logger (Dec10-Feb11) PIC18LF14K22 Digital Spirit Level (Aug11), G-Force Meter (Nov11) PIC18F1320-I/SO Intelligent Dimmer (Apr09) PIC32MX795F512H-80I/PT Maximite (Mar11), miniMaximite (Nov11), Colour Maximite (Sept/Oct12) dsPIC33FJ128GP802-I/SP Digital Audio Signal Generator (Mar-May10), Digital Lighting Controller (Oct-Dec10), SportSync (May11), Digital Audio Delay (Dec11) Level (Sep11) Quizzical (Oct11), Ultra-LD Preamp (Nov11), LED Musicolor (Nov12) dsPIC33FJ128GP306-I/PT CLASSiC DAC (Feb-May 13) ATTiny861 VVA Thermometer/Thermostat (Mar10), Rudder Position Indicator (Jul11) ATTiny2313 Remote-Controlled Timer (Aug10) ATMega48 Stereo DAC (Sep-Nov09) # P&P prices are within Australia. O’seas? Please email for a quote When ordering, be sure to nominate BOTH the micro required and the project for which it must be programmed. SPECIALISED COMPONENTS, SHORT-FORM KITS, ETC G-FORCE METER/ACCELEROMETER Short form kit (Aug11/Nov11) $44.50 (contains PCB (04108111), programmed PIC micro, MMA8451Q accelerometer chip and 4 Mosfets) DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL Short form kit (Aug11/Nov11) $44.50 (contains PCB (04108111), programmed PIC micro, MMA8451Q accelerometer chip and 4 Mosfets) CLASSiC DAC Semi kit (Feb-May13) $45.00 Includes three hard-to-get SMD ICs: CS8416-CZZ, CS4398-CZZ and PLL1708DBQ plus an accurate 27MHz crystal and ten 3mm blue LEDs with diffused lenses “LUMP IN COAX” MINI MIXER SMD parts kit: (Jun13) $20.00 Includes: 2 x OPA4348AID, 1 x BQ2057CSN, 2 x DMP2215L, 1 x BAT54S, 1 x 0.22Ω shunt LF-HF UP-CONVERTER SMD parts kit: (Jun13) $15.00 Includes: FXO-HC536R-125 and SA602AD and all SMD passive components ISL9V5036P3 IGBT (Nov/Dec12) $10.00 As used in high energy ignition and Jacob’s Ladder (Feb13) P&P – $10 Per order# ERA-2SM+ Wideband MMC and ADCH-80+ Wideband Choke as used in the 2.5GHz Frequency Counter (Dec12/Jan13) IPP230N06L3 N-Channel logic level Mosfets As used in a variety of SILICON CHIP Projects (Pack of 2) $15.00 $5.00 ZXCT1009 Current Shunt Monitor IC $5.00 As used in DCC Reverse Loop Controller/Block Switch (Pack of 2) TENDA USB/SD AUDIO PLAYBACK MODULE (TD896 or 898) (Jan12) $33.00 JST CONNECTOR LEAD 3-WAY (Jan12) $4.50 JST CONNECTOR LEAD 2-WAY (Jan12) $3.45 RADIO & HOBBIES ON DVD-ROM (Needs PC to play!) n/a $62.00 LOOKING FOR TECHNICAL BOOKS? YOU’LL FIND THE COMPLETE LISTING OF ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE IN THE SILICON CHIP ONLINE BOOKSTORE ON THE “BOOKS & DVDs” PAGES OF OUR WEBSITE *ALL ITEMS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES VALID FOR MONTH OF MAGAZINE ISSUE ONLY. ALL PRICES IN AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS AND INCLUDE GST WHERE APPLICABLE. 06/13 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO SUIT PROJECT: NOTE: These listings are for the PCB only – not a full kit. If you want a kit, contact the kit suppliers advertising in this issue. PUBLISHED: PCB CODE: Price: PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD TO SUIT PROJECT: PUBLISHED: PCB CODE: Price: JAN 1993 AM RADIO TRANSMITTER 06112921 $25.00 DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER LED SLAVE OCT 2011 16110111 $30.00 CHAMP: SINGLE CHIP AUDIO AMPLIFIER FEB 1994 01102941 $5.00 USB MIDIMATE OCT 2011 23110111 $30.00 PRECHAMP: 2-TRANSISTOR PREAMPLIER JUL 1994 01107941 $5.00 QUIZZICAL QUIZ GAME OCT 2011 08110111 $30.00 HEAT CONTROLLER JULY 1998 10307981 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 PREAMP & REMOTE VOL CONTROL NOV 2011 01111111 $30.00 MINIMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER APR 2001 06104011 $25.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 INPUT SWITCHING MODUL NOV 2011 01111112 $25.00 MICROMITTER FM STEREO TRANSMITTER DEC 2002 06112021 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 SWITCH MODULE NOV 2011 01111113 $10.00 SMART SLAVE FLASH TRIGGER JUL 2003 13107031 $10.00 ZENER DIODE TESTER NOV 2011 04111111 $20.00 12AX7 VALVE AUDIO PREAMPLIFIER NOV 2003 01111031 $25.00 MINIMAXIMITE NOV 2011 07111111 $10.00 POOR MAN’S METAL LOCATOR MAY 2004 04105041 $10.00 ADJUSTABLE REGULATED POWER SUPPLY DEC 2011 18112111 $5.00 BALANCED MICROPHONE PREAMP AUG 2004 01108041 $25.00 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY DEC 2011 01212111 $30.00 LITTLE JIM AM TRANSMITTER JAN 2006 06101062 $25.00 DIGITAL AUDIO DELAY Front & Rear Panels DEC 2011 0121211P2/3 $20 per set POCKET TENS UNIT JAN 2006 11101061 $25.00 AM RADIO JAN 2012 06101121 $10.00 APRIL 2006 01104061 $25.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR JAN 2012 01201121 $30.00 AUG 2006 01208061 $25.00 STEREO AUDIO COMPRESSOR FRONT & REAR PANELS JAN 2012 0120112P1/2 $20.00 STUDIO SERIES RC MODULE ULTRASONIC EAVESDROPPER RIAA PREAMPLIFIER AUG 2006 01108061 $25.00 3-INPUT AUDIO SELECTOR (SET OF 2 BOARDS) JAN 2012 01101121/2 $30 per set GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (A) (IMPROVED) MAR 2007 04103073 $30.00 CRYSTAL DAC FEB 2012 01102121 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE DISPLAY (B) MAR 2007 04103072 $20.00 SWITCHING REGULATOR FEB 2012 18102121 $5.00 KNOCK DETECTOR JUNE 2007 05106071 $25.00 SEMTEST LOWER BOARD MAR 2012 04103121 $40.00 SPEAKER PROTECTION AND MUTING MODULE JULY 2007 01207071 $20.00 SEMTEST UPPER BOARD MAR 2012 04103122 $40.00 CDI MODULE SMALL PETROL MOTORS MAY 2008 05105081 $15.00 SEMTEST FRONT PANEL MAR 2012 04103123 $75.00 LED/LAMP FLASHER SEP 2008 11009081 $10.00 INTERPLANETARY VOICE MAR 2012 08102121 $10.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER REV.A MAR 2012 14102112 $20.00 12V SPEED CONTROLLER/DIMMER (Use Hot Wire Cutter PCB from Dec 2010 [18112101]) $20.00 JAN 2009 10101091 $45.00 SOFT START SUPPRESSOR APR 2012 10104121 $10.00 DIGITAL AUDIO MILLIVOLTMETER MAR 2009 04103091 $35.00 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX APR 2012 04104121 $20.00 INTELLIGENT REMOTE-CONTROLLED DIMMER APR 2009 10104091 $10.00 RESISTANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID APR 2012 04104122 $20.00 INPUT ATTENUATOR FOR DIG. AUDIO M’VOLTMETER MAY 2009 04205091 $10.00 1.5kW INDUCTION MOTOR SPEED CONT. (New V2 PCB) APR (DEC) 2012 10105122 $35.00 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK MAY 2009 04105091 $35.00 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER MAIN PCB 21105121 $30.00 JUNE 2009 07106091 $25.00 HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMOMETER Front & Rear Panels MAY 2012 21105122/3 $20 per set UHF ROLLING CODE TX AUG 2009 15008091 $10.00 MIX-IT! 4 CHANNEL MIXER JUNE 2012 01106121 $20.00 UHF ROLLING CODE RECEIVER AUG 2009 15008092 $45.00 PIC/AVR PROGRAMMING ADAPTOR BOARD JUNE 2012 24105121 $30.00 SEPT 2009 04208091 $10.00 CRAZY CRICKET/FREAKY FROG JUNE 2012 08109121 $10.00 STEREO DAC BALANCED OUTPUT BOARD JAN 2010 01101101 $25.00 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX JULY 2012 04106121 $20.00 DIGITAL INSULATION METER JUN 2010 04106101 $25.00 CAPACITANCE DECADE BOX PANEL/LID JULY 2012 04106122 $20.00 ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITOR REFORMER AUG 2010 04108101 $55.00 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 JULY 2012 05106121 $20.00 ULTRASONIC ANTI-FOULING FOR BOATS SEP 2010 04109101 $25.00 WIDEBAND OXYGEN CONTROLLER MK2 DISPLAY BOARD JULY 2012 05106122 $10.00 HEARING LOOP RECEIVER SEP 2010 01209101 $25.00 SOFT STARTER FOR POWER TOOLS JULY 2012 10107121 $10.00 S/PDIF/COAX TO TOSLINK CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210101 $10.00 DRIVEWAY SENTRY MK2 AUG 2012 03107121 $20.00 TOSLINK TO S/PDIF/COAX CONVERTER OCT 2010 01210102 $10.00 MAINS TIMER AUG 2012 10108121 $10.00 DIGITAL LIGHTING CONTROLLER SLAVE UNIT OCT 2010 16110102 $45.00 CURRENT ADAPTOR FOR SCOPES AND DMMS AUG 2012 04108121 $20.00 HEARING LOOP TESTER/LEVEL METER NOV 2010 01111101 $25.00 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INTERFACE SEPT 2012 24109121 $30.00 UNIVERSAL USB DATA LOGGER DEC 2010 04112101 $25.00 USB VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT INT. FRONT PANEL SEPT 2012 24109122 $30.00 HOT WIRE CUTTER CONTROLLER DEC 2010 18112101 $10.00 BARKING DOG BLASTER SEPT 2012 25108121 $20.00 433MHZ SNIFFER JAN 2011 06101111 $10.00 COLOUR MAXIMITE SEPT 2012 07109121 $20.00 CRANIAL ELECTRICAL STIMULATION JAN 2011 99101111 $30.00 SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR SEPT 2012 09109121 $10.00 HEARING LOOP SIGNAL CONDITIONER JAN 2011 01101111 $30.00 NICK-OFF PROXIMITY ALARM OCT 2012 03110121 $5.00 LED DAZZLER FEB 2011 16102111 $25.00 DCC REVERSE LOOP CONTROLLER OCT 2012 09110121 $10.00 12/24V 3-STAGE MPPT SOLAR CHARGER FEB 2011 14102111 $15.00 LED MUSICOLOUR NOV 2012 16110121 $25.00 SIMPLE CHEAP 433MHZ LOCATOR FEB 2011 06102111 $5.00 LED MUSICOLOUR Front & Rear Panels NOV 2012 16110121 $20 per set THE MAXIMITE MAR 2011 06103111 $25.00 CLASSIC-D CLASS D AMPLIFIER MODULE NOV 2012 01108121 $30.00 UNIVERSAL VOLTAGE REGULATOR MAR 2011 18103111 $15.00 CLASSIC-D 2 CHANNEL SPEAKER PROTECTOR NOV 2012 01108122 $10.00 12V 20-120W SOLAR PANEL SIMULATOR MAR 2011 04103111 $25.00 HIGH ENERGY ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM DEC 2012 05110121 MICROPHONE NECK LOOP COUPLER MAR 2011 01209101 $25.00 USB POWER MONITOR DEC 2012 04109121 $10.00 PORTABLE STEREO HEADPHONE AMP APRIL 2011 01104111 $25.00 1.5kW INDUCTION MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER (NEW V2 PCB) DEC 2012 10105122 CHEAP 100V SPEAKER/LINE CHECKER APRIL 2011 04104111 $10.00 THE CHAMPION PREAMP and 7W AUDIO AMP (one PCB) JAN 2013 01109121/2 $10.00 PROJECTOR SPEED CONTROLLER USB-SENSING MAINS POWER SWITCH 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK DRIVER 6-DIGIT GPS CLOCK AUTODIM ADD-ON MAY 2012 $10.00 $35.00 APRIL 2011 13104111 $10.00 GARBAGE/RECYCLING BIN REMINDER JAN 2013 19111121 $10.00 SPORTSYNC AUDIO DELAY MAY 2011 01105111 $30.00 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – MAIN BOARD JAN 2013 04111121 $35.00 100W DC-DC CONVERTER MAY 2011 11105111 $25.00 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – DISPLAY BOARD JAN 2013 04111122 $15.00 PHONE LINE POLARITY CHECKER MAY 2011 12105111 $10.00 2.5GHz DIGITAL FREQUENCY METER – FRONT PANEL JAN 2013 04111123 $45.00 20A 12/24V DC MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER MK2 JUNE 2011 11106111 $25.00 SEISMOGRAPH MK2 FEB 2013 21102131 $20.00 USB STEREO RECORD/PLAYBACK JUNE 2011 07106111 $25.00 MOBILE PHONE RING EXTENDER FEB 2013 12110121 $10.00 VERSATIMER/SWITCH JUNE 2011 19106111 $25.00 GPS 1PPS TIMEBASE FEB 2013 04103131 $10.00 USB BREAKOUT BOX JUNE 2011 04106111 $10.00 LED TORCH DRIVER MAR 2013 16102131 $5.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 200W AMP MODULE JULY 2011 01107111 $25.00 CLASSiC DAC MAIN PCB APR 2013 01102131 $40.00 PORTABLE LIGHTNING DETECTOR JULY 2011 04107111 $25.00 CLASSiC DAC FRONT & REAR PANEL PCBs APR 2013 01102132/3 $30.00 RUDDER INDICATOR FOR POWER BOATS (4 PCBs) JULY 2011 20107111-4 $80 per set GPS USB TIMEBASE APR 2013 04104131 VOX JULY 2011 01207111 $25.00 LED LADYBIRD APR 2013 08103131 $5.00 ELECTRONIC STETHOSCOPE AUG 2011 01108111 $25.00 CLASSiC-D 12V to ±35V DC/DC CONVERTER MAY 2013 11104131 $15.00 DIGITAL SPIRIT LEVEL/INCLINOMETER AUG 2011 04108111 $15.00 DO NOT DISTURB MAY 2013 12104131 $10.00 ULTRASONIC WATER TANK METER SEP 2011 04109111 $25.00 LF/HF UP-CONVERTER JUN 2013 07106131 $10.00 ULTRA-LD MK2 AMPLIFIER UPGRADE SEP 2011 01209111 $5.00 10-CHANNEL REMOTE CONTROL RECEIVER JUN 2013 15106131 $15.00 ULTRA-LD MK3 AMPLIFIER POWER SUPPLY SEP 2011 01109111 $25.00 IR-TO-455MHZ UHF TRANSCEIVER JUN 2013 15106132 $7.50 HIFI STEREO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER SEP 2011 01309111 $30.00 “LUMP IN COAX” PORTABLE MIXER JUN 2013 01106131 $15.00 GPS FREQUENCY REFERENCE (IMPROVED) SEP 2011 04103073 $30.00 $15.00