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Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus. Editor Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) PUBLISHER'S LETTER Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Robert Flynn Darren Yates Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Sales & Marketing Mgr. Angela Clarke, B.A.(Comm.) Phone (02) 979 5644 Mobile phone (018) 28 5532 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Jennifer Bonnitcha, B.A. Garry Cratt, VK2YBX Marque Crozman John Hill Jim Lawler, MTETIA Bryan Maher, M.E., B.Sc. Jim Yalden, VK2YGY Bob Young Photography Stuart Bryce Editorial Advisory Panel Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW Norman Marks Steve Payor, B.Sc., B.E . SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 003 205 490. All material copyright©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Magazine Printers Ply Ltd, Alexandria, NSW; Macquarie Print, Dubbo, NSW. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $42 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the subscription page in this issue. Liability: 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. Editorial & advertising offices: Unit 1a/77-79 Bassett Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 979 5644. Fax (02) 979 6503. ISSN 1030-2662 4 SILICON CHIP Music and computers - a new way to learn At some time in our lives, most of us have a yearning to make music. It is a wonderful way of self-expression that is quite different from most other pastimes. Sadly though, relatively few people have had the chance to learn music and of those who have, many have found the process of learning music too rigorous to suit their temperament and lifestyle. Up till now, most of these people would have resigned themselves to that fact and have settled for the enjoyment of listening to music - a pastime that is highly satisfying in itself. But now there is a new development in the music teaching scene and that is the Miracle keyboard reviewed in this issue. When you first see this instrument it looks little different from the many other relatively cheap keyboards on the market. The difference with this Miracle unit is that it links to your computer and comes with software discs that enable you to teach yourself to play. Some of you might be cynical about the concept but we think it has a number of advantages over conventional methods of teaching. First, the computer is infinitely patient and not in the least censorious if you are having difficulty with a particular lesson. So there is no need to feel embarrassed. Second, you can take a lesson at the keyboard at any time, something that is just not possible with a human teacher. Third, you don't have to pay the not inconsiderable charges of music teachers, a fact which can be taken into ,consideration if you decide to purchase the instrument. Naturally, the Miracle won't suit everyone but it is certainly an interesting teaching concept which could perhaps be taken further in the future. Might we see a guitar/computer learning system or one involving wind instruments? And might the concept be extended to other areas such as a computer fitness system? The computer could perhaps be connected to an exercise machine and might gradually bring you up to a good level of fitness in the privacy of your own home. Which ever way you look at it, the future is-indeed bright for computers and we are well on the way to the day when they will be a fixture in every home. And incidentally, if you haven't already realised it, computers are currently exceptionally good value so if you are thinking of buying, now is the time. As 1991 draws to a close, I and the staff of SILICON CHIP thank you for your continuing support and wish you a happy and safe Christmas. Leo Simpson