Silicon ChipMarket Centre - August 2025 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Supplier price increases
  4. Feature: SpaceX, Part 2 by Dr David Maddison VK3DSM
  5. Feature: Amplifier Cooling, Part 1 by Julian Edgar
  6. Feature: Modules: Thin-Film Pressure Sensor by Tim Blythman
  7. Project: USB-C Power Monitor, Part 1 by Tim Blythman
  8. Project: RP2350B Development Board by Geoff Graham & Peter Mather
  9. Review: Rigol DHO924S Oscilloscope by Tim Blythman
  10. Project: Mic the Mouse by John Clarke
  11. Feature: The Boeing 737 MAX disaster by Brandon Speedie
  12. Subscriptions
  13. Project: Ducted Heat Transfer Controller Part 1 by Julian Edgar & John Clarke
  14. Serviceman's Log: Mirror, mirror on the door by Dave Thompson
  15. PartShop
  16. Vintage Radio: Silvertone Model 18 AM/FM radio by Associate Professor Graham Parslow
  17. PartShop
  18. Ask Silicon Chip
  19. Market Centre
  20. Advertising Index
  21. Notes & Errata: Vintage Radio: Emerson 888, May 2025
  22. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the August 2025 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 46 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.

Articles in this series:
  • SpaceX (July 2025)
  • SpaceX (July 2025)
  • SpaceX, Part 2 (August 2025)
  • SpaceX, Part 2 (August 2025)
Articles in this series:
  • Amplifier Cooling, Part 1 (August 2025)
  • Amplifier Cooling, Part 1 (August 2025)
Items relevant to "Modules: Thin-Film Pressure Sensor":
  • Sample software for the Thin-film Pressure Sensor (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)
  • 14-segment, 4-digit LED Display Modules (November 2024)
  • 0.91-inch OLED Screen (November 2024)
  • TCS230 Colour Sensor (January 2025)
  • The Quason VL6180X laser rangefinder module (January 2025)
  • TCS230 Colour Sensor (January 2025)
  • The Quason VL6180X laser rangefinder module (January 2025)
  • Using Electronic Modules: 1-24V Adjustable USB Power Supply (February 2025)
  • Using Electronic Modules: 1-24V Adjustable USB Power Supply (February 2025)
  • Low-cost electronic modules: 8×16 LED Matrix module (July 2025)
  • Low-cost electronic modules: 8×16 LED Matrix module (July 2025)
  • Modules: Thin-Film Pressure Sensor (August 2025)
  • Modules: Thin-Film Pressure Sensor (August 2025)
Items relevant to "USB-C Power Monitor, Part 1":
  • USB-C Power Monitor PCB set [04102251-3] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F18146-I/SO programmed for the USB-C Power Monitor [0410225A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • 0.91-inch white OLED with 4-pin I²C interface (Component, AUD $7.50)
  • USB-C Power Monitor short-form kit (Component, AUD $60.00)
  • Firmware for the USB-C Power Monitor [0410225A.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • USB-C Power Monitor PCB patterns [04102251-2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • USB-C Power Monitor, Part 1 (August 2025)
  • USB-C Power Monitor, Part 1 (August 2025)
Items relevant to "RP2350B Development Board":
  • ESP-PSRAM64 64Mb (8MB) PSRAM chip (SOIC-8) (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • APS6404L-3SQR-SN 8MiB PSRAM chip (SOIC-8) (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • Assembled RP2350B Development Board (Component, AUD $30.00)
  • PicoMite 2 firmware (Software, Free)
  • RP2350B Development Board PCB pattern (PDF download) (Free)
  • RP2350B Development Board PCB assembly files (PCB Pattern, Free)
  • 40-pin male snappable header (Component, AUD $1.00)
Items relevant to "Mic the Mouse":
  • Mic the Mouse PCB set [08105251-2] (AUD $7.50)
  • PIC16F15214-I/SN programmed for Mic the Mouse [1810525A.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Mic the Mouse complete kit (Component, AUD $37.50)
  • Mic the Mouse firmware (1810525A.HEX) (Software, Free)
  • Mic the Mouse PCB patterns (PDF download) [08105251-2] (Free)
Items relevant to "Ducted Heat Transfer Controller Part 1":
  • Duct Heat Transfer Controller main PCB [17101251] (AUD $10.00)
  • Duct Heat Transfer Controller sensor PCB [17101252] (AUD $2.50)
  • Duct Heat Transfer Controller switch panel PCB [17101253] (AUD $2.50)
  • PIC16F1459-I/P programmed for the Ducted Heat Transfer Controller (1710125A.HEX) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • Firmware (ASM and HEX) files for the Ducted Heat Transfer Controller (1710125A.HEX) (Software, Free)
  • Duct Heat Transfer Controller PCB patterns (PDF download) [17101251-3] (Free)
  • Duct Heat Transfer Controller panel artwork & cutting diagrams (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Ducted Heat Transfer Controller Part 1 (August 2025)
  • Ducted Heat Transfer Controller Part 1 (August 2025)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $13.00.

MARKET CENTRE Advertise your product or services here in Silicon Chip KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR FOR SALE DAVE THOMPSON (the Serviceman from Silicon Chip) is available to help you with kit assembly, project troubleshooting, general electronics and custom design work. No job too small. Based in Christchurch, New Zealand, but service available Australia/NZ wide. Email dave<at>davethompson.co.nz LEDsales KEITH RIPPON KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: * Australia & New Zealand; * Small production runs. Phone Keith: 0409 662 794 keith.rippon<at>gmail.com LEDS, BRAND NAME AND GENERIC LEDs, filament LEDs, LED drivers, heatsinks, power supplies, kits and modules, components, breadboards, hardware, magnets. Please visit www. ledsales.com.au PMD WAY offers (almost) everything for the electronics enthusiast – with full warranty, technical support and free delivery worldwide. Visit pmdway.com to get started. Lazer.Security PCB PRODUCTION PCB MANUFACTURE: single to multilayer. Bare board tested. One-offs to any quantity. 48 hour service. Artwork design. Excellent prices. Check out our specials: www.ldelectronics.com.au WE HAVE QUALITY LED’S on sale, Driver sub-assemblies, new kits and all sorts of electronic components, both through hole and SMD at very competitive prices. check out the latest deals at www.lazer.com.au Micromite Explore-40 October 2024 Complete Kit SC6991: $35 siliconchip.au/Article/16677 Includes the PCB and all onboard parts. Audio Breakout board and Pico BackPack are sold separately. FOR FREE: To give away, one decommissioned and partly disassembled YUKI KP-480 pick and place machine. Contact: Graham – 0458 071 074 Location: Hobart, Tasmania ADVERTISING IN MARKET CENTRE Classified Ad Rates: $32.00 for up to 20 words (punctuation not charged) plus $1.20 for each additional word. Display ads in Market Centre (minimum 2cm deep, maximum 10cm deep): $82.50 per column centimetre per insertion. All prices include GST. Closing date: 5 weeks prior to month of sale. To book, email the text to silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au and include your name, address & credit card details, or phone (02) 9939 3295. WARNING! Silicon Chip magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of Silicon Chip magazine. Devices or circuits described in Silicon Chip may be covered by patents. Silicon Chip disclaims any liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. Silicon Chip also disclaims any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws. Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Competition & Consumer Act 2010 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable. siliconchip.com.au Australia's electronics magazine August 2025  103