Silicon ChipMarket Centre - March 1993 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Computer monitor reliability leaves a lot to be desired
  4. Feature: Sanyo's Big Screen Video Projector by Leo Simpson
  5. Project: Build A Solar Charger For 12V Batteries by Branco Justic
  6. Project: An Alarm-Triggered Security Camera by Tony Nixon
  7. Serviceman's Log: The search for the missing link by The TV Serviceman
  8. Project: Low-Cost Audio Mixer For Camcorders by Darren Yates
  9. Project: Test Yourself On The Reaction Trainer by John Clarke
  10. Product Showcase
  11. Project: A 24-Hour Sidereal Clock For Astronomers by Bob Flynn
  12. Feature: Amateur Radio by Garry Cratt, VK2YBX
  13. Vintage Radio: Paper capacitors cause lots of trouble by John Hill
  14. Back Issues
  15. Order Form
  16. Market Centre
  17. Advertising Index
  18. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the March 1993 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 44 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 "Low-Cost Audio Mixer For Camcorders":
  • Low-Cost Audio Mixer for Camcorders PCB pattern (PDF download) [01112921] (Free)
Items relevant to "Test Yourself On The Reaction Trainer":
  • Reaction Trainer PCB pattern (PDF download) [08312921] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Amateur Radio (November 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1990)
  • The "Tube" vs. The Microchip (August 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1995)
  • CB Radio Can Now Transmit Data (March 2001)
  • What's On Offer In "Walkie Talkies" (March 2001)
  • Stressless Wireless (October 2004)
  • “Degen” Synthesised HF Communications Receiver (January 2007)
  • WiNRADiO: Marrying A Radio Receiver To A PC (January 2007)
  • PICAXE-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver (October 2008)
  • Half-Duplex With HopeRF’s HM-TR UHF Transceivers (April 2009)
  • Dorji 433MHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2012)
. . . . . T CENIRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. ANTIQUE RADIO ANTIQUE RADIO restorations. Your one-stop radio repair shop. Specialising in restoring vintage radios, including chassis rewiring, re-condensing, quality new parts, valves, valve sockets, speakers, power & audio transformers. Secondhand radio dials & parts for most brands & models. About 400 radios in stock for sale, restoration & parts. Every restored wireless is covered by a 2year warranty on parts & labour. We restore damaged woodwork & cabinets & French polish (approx. 40 coats). Vintage car radios available for sale or restoration. Repairs done on tape decks. r-------------------------, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 for up to 15 words plus 40 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $20 per column centimetre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. To run your classified ad, print it clearly in the space below or on a separate sheet of paper & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. Open Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12.30-5pm. 109 Cann St, Bass Hill, NSW 2197. Phone (02) 645 3173 BH or (02) 726 1613AH. FOR SALE WEATHER FAX programs for IBM X,T/ ATs *** "RADFAX2" $35 is a high resolution, shortwave fax, Morse & RTTY receiving program. Suitable for CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules cards (state which). Needs SSS HF radio & Radfax decoder. *** "SATFAX" $45 is a NOAA, Meteor & GMS weather satellite picture receiving program. Needs EGA or VGA plus "WEATHER FAX" PC card. *** "MAXISAT" $75 is similar to SATFAX but needs 2Mb expanded memory (EMS 3.6 or 4.0) and 1024 x 768 SVGA card. All programs are on 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch disks (state which) & include documentation. Add $3 postage . Only from M. Delahunty, 42 Villiers St, New Farm, Old 4005. Phone (07) 358 2785. AN INTERFACE to control the outside world from a PC parallel port. 32 bits in, 32 bits out. Units can be cascaded. Short form kit includes software examples. $35 or send $2 for my 3.5-inch promo disk. Don McKenzie, 29 Ellesmere Crescent, Tullamarine 3043. Phone (03) 338 6286. Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $_ _ __ O Bankcard L 94 O Visa Card O Master Card or please debit my x I Card No. I I Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ ___ Card expiry date_ _~ /_ __ I I Name _ _ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ I I Street _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ I I Suburb/town _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ Postcode_ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ JI SILICON CHIP 40 MOTOROLA VOLTAIC PANELS: 6.5V 15W 60cm sq. System 26V 25A (650W). 200UB frame mount with sliding protective cover. Array complete $4250.00 ono. Further info PO Box 501, Mudgee2850. Phone(063)726118. UNUSUAL BOOKS: electronic devices, fireworks, locksmithing, radar invisibility, surveillance, self-protection, unusual chemistry and more. For a complete catalog send 95c in stamps to: Vector Press, Dept S, PO Box 434, Brighton SA 5048. VINTAGE RADIO PARTS and valves: we stock many new receiving and transmitting valve types, spare parts, complete radios and sundry items. Send 45c stamp for price list to Airwave Ra- SURPLUS COMPONENT SALE STOCK QTYS LIMITED, NO BACK ORDERS 2N3055 $1.20 RESISTORS TIP30C $0.50 MOST VALUES AVAIL. TIP122 $1.20 1/4WM/FILM $3/100 2N7000 $1.50 1/3W CARBON · $2/100 2SC2240 $0.60 1/2W CARBON $41100 VN88 $2.00 1W CARBON $51100 3N170 $1.50 2WCARBON $81100 2N5954 $1.50 5W WIREWOUND $0.30 2N3440 $1.20 1OW RESISTORS $0.60 7906C $0.50 100uF10VTANT $1.50 LM3900 $0.50 C&K 1201 SW $0.50 27C41 $1.00 8W DIL SW $2.00 68681 $7.00 CD22100 IC $2.50 747CJ $0.80 78l12, 79L12 $0.50 8251 $3.00 8259 $4.00 VALVES A25 THERMISTOR $3.00 3A4 $8.00 MCT275 OPTO $1.20 417A $8.00 MOC3020 OPTO $2.00 5651 $8.00 MOC8050 OPTO $1.50 5R4GY $8.00 74C161 $2.00 EL32 $8.00 74HC74 $0.70 ONE ONLY TBL 12/30 TRANSMIT TUBE $2500.00 PHONE OR MAIL ORDERS, CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FOR ORDERS $20 & OVER, DISCOUNTS FOR QUANTITY ORDERS SECONTRONICS PO BOX 2215, BROOKSIDE, OLD 4053, PHONE (07) 3551314 143 GRAYS RD, ENOGGERA, OLD 4051, FAX (07) 8551014 SHOP OPEN SATURDAY 9AM · 4PM AH (07) 8551880 dio Restoration, PO Box 333, North Hobart, Tas 7000. WE HAVE THE following items for sale, following completion of various contracts. HP 141 T spectrum analyser systems with various plug-ins, R1200 service monitors, AWA noise and distortion meters, signal generators, Tektronix 7000 series oscilloscopes, other items too numerous to mention. Call, write or fax Av-Comm Pty Ltd, PO Box 225, Balgowlah 2093 . Phone (02) 949 7417 or 948 2667. Fax (02) 949 7095. SPRINKLER CONTROLLER KITS: standard and enhanced versions have new PCB layout with optional program A/program B operation. Very reliable and versatile designs control eight stations and have 32 programmable start and run times. Can be used to control just about anything (refer SILICON CHIP, July 92). All settings stored in EEPROM. Kits come complete with LCD and case. Standard version: $135 . Enhanced version uses 60708U3 and has built in calendar, allowing day Qf fortnight watering (ie, SA. SU, MO, etc), externally triggerable cycles and rain switch capability: $175. Requires 24V AC to run. Relays extra at $3.75 each (requires 9 for full kit) . JOCKEY PCB UPGRADE KIT: upgrade your present version (PCB SPV3 or SPV4) to the features of the enhanced version. $49. SIMPLE 68705P3/U3 PROGRAMMER PCB: needs a programmed EPROM or use it with a ROM emulator: $27. All prices include p&p. Kits and further info available from Graham Blowes, 38 Garnet I MEMORY & DRIVES ICL 286 Board PRICES AT JAN. 18TH, 1993 All in one board with two serial, printer, IBM keyboard, high den· sity floppy & IDE mono video interface. Up to 4Mb RAM, 80286-16cpu, MS-DOS compatible, 130 page manual, small size 170mm x 255mm. Laptop power supply 240V 5Vf 3A 12V/3A $89 $299 lnfrared sets, 1 each IR LED, diode & IDC header $1 Ampro little PC Audio IC hybrids STK043-25 or STK058-40W $9.95 SIMM 1Mb x 9, 1Mbx3 4Mb x 9 4Mb x 8 70ns 70ns 70ns sons $54 $52 $205 $182 DRAM DIP 1 x 1Mb 256 X 4 41256 1Mb x 4 70ns 70ns sons Zor D $5.80 $6.00 $2 $24 DRIVES SEAG 42Mb SEAG 89Mb SEAG 107Mb SEAG 130Mb SEAG 245Mb 28ms 14ms 15ms 16ms 12ms $255 $350 $385 $415 $635 IBM PS.2 50/55/70 70135 90/95 2Mb 4Mb 4Mb $130 $220 $220 TOSHIBA T3200SX T44/6400 T5200 4Mb 4Mb 2Mb $240 $_240 $150 MAC 2MbSI & LC 4Mb P'Book $108 $270 CO-PROCESSORS 387SX 20I25 IIT $13015 387DX All Inlet $140 EPROMS 27C 4Mb15 $16 Sales tax 20%. Overnight delivery. Credit cards welcome. All in one NEC V40 CPU board, MS-DOS compatible, high density floppy. SCSI hard disk, 2 senal, printer, solid stale hard disk, IBM keyboard intertace, (4W), CMOS single +5V rail, up to 768Kb RAM, 384Kb ROM, 145mm x 250mm , 98-page manual. $299 Ring for Latest Prices 1st Floor, 100 Yarrara Rd, PO Box 382, Pennant HIiis, 2120. Tel:(02)9806988 Fax: (02) 9B0 6991 A lK .11...LY.l p► DTH' nL TRANSFORMER REWINDS Fujitsu 40Mb hard disks $269 Microbyte-PC230 v30 CPU board, 1Mb RAM installed, 2 serial, printer, 720Kb floppy, SCS1 hard disk, EGA video, IBM kb intertace, made in Australia, surplus $185 ea 720Kb Floppy Drives $55 TRANSFORMER REWINDS 1.44Mb Floppy Drives $89 St, Niddrie, 3042. Phone (03) 337 1917 (a/h); (03) 575 3349 (b/h); fax (03) 575 3369. THE HOMEBUILT DYNAMO: (plans) brushless, 1000 watt at 740 revs. $A85 postpaid airmail from Al Forbes, PO Box 3919 - SC, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone Auckland (09) 818 8967 anytime. KIT REPAIRS· & Construction Service. Fixed price servicing for all kits . No job too small. Ph (02) 649 2134 after 5pm. MUSIC ON HOLD KIT: SC Sept.1990. This unit is simply connected across the existing telephone line. Press the "Hold" button and your caller will have music on hold, press the release button to restore the conversation. Captures the line when activated and an inbuilt INTELSTAT - International S9tellite (Television) Receiving System (movies, sport, news). Commercial 4.8-metre solid dish plus system electronics package. Can see operating. $3995 .00 ono. Phone Rod (08) 387 0372. We buy surplus computer & electronic products, bankrupt stock and components. p C Computers " ' Taped components by the metre app 200pcs, tants, caps, zeners, diodes, resistors $5.95/metre 600-600 ohm audio output transformers PCB mount 18Hz38kHz. $9.95 Kits Max 110 kit for PCs, 7 relays, ADC, DAC, stepper driver, TTL inputs, with sof~vare $169 PC 110 card with 8255 chip 24 110 lines programmable as inputs or outputs $69 ALL TYPES OF TRANSFORMER REWINDS Reply Paid No.2, PO Box 438, Singleton, NSW 2330. Ph: (065) 76 1291. Fax: (D65) 76 1 DD3. Bargains 1.5 watt AM broadcast transmitter XTAL locked $49 2.5 watt FM broadcast transmitter 88-108MHz. $49 Digi-125 audio power amp (over 19,000 sold since 1987) 50 watV8 $14 125 watV4 $19 New 200 watV2 version $29 lnfrared relay kit $9 Remote control tester $4 36 Regent s1, Kensington, SA. Phone (08) 332 6513. FIX-A-KIT KIT REPAIR & CONSTRUCTION 3 MONTHS WARRANTY ON REPAIRS 12 MONTHS WARRANTY ON CONSTRUCTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HVCAL ELECTRONICS Design. Manufacture & Repair of Electronic Equipment (02) 633 5477 pulser and a flashing LED remind you that the hold function is activated. Will even release the line after a few minutes in case you forget that you left somebody on hold. Just add an inexpensive radio for a complete system. The radio is switched by this unit to 1 conserve its batteries. On special at $30. For the complete kit without the case, 12V DC plugpack: $12.00. Cat No GK116. * 16 CHANNEL UHF REMOTE CONTROL: see EA Nov 88-Jan 89. One transmitter kit, one receiver kit, & one 4-channel relay driver kit, priced to clear at a total price of $90 . Ref XXFEB9401 . * 1-inch CRO TUBE: new 1-inch CRO tube, plus a connecting diagram, plus a simple experimental circuit. Very limited quantities: $30. Ref MARCH 1993 95 LOCAL TRADES & SERVICES JV Tuners - Repairs * Tuner repairs for TVs & VCRs * • • • • Shorted Turns Tester High Voltage Probe Degaussing Wand Remote Control Tester Altronics ............................... . 54-56 Transformer Re.winds For all types of transformer rewinds. (02) 7741154 Fax (02) 7741154 (065) 761291 Fax (065) 761003 Ian J Truscott's Electronic World EEM Electronics Antique Radio Restorations .... ... 94 A-One Electronics ....... ........ . 12-15 Autotron Australia ..... .. ... .. .. ....... . 46 Av-Comm ............................ ....... 67 David Reid Electronics ........ ...... 19 Mail or credit card facilities Printed circuit board assemhl)·, switch mode power supplies repaired. Design work from start to finish. Ring anytimc 9am-9pm Mon-Sun. (03) 7233344 Fax (03) 4192808 (03) 4011393 For service & repair work Advertising Index Dick Smith Electronics .. ........ 68-71 EEM Electronics ... ..... ..... ..... ... ... 96 Electronic World .. ....... .... ...... 53,96 Harbuch Electronics .... ....... ....... 73 Hycal Instruments .... .. ................ 96 Jaycar .. ... ............. ...... .... .... ... 48-49 Silicon Chip T.A. Mowles To advertise your products or services, please call Sharon on Printed circuit boards for· the hobbyist. For service & enquiries contact: (02)9795644(018)285532 (08) 3265590 JV Tuners .. ..... .. .. ........... ... ......... 96 Oatley Electronics .... .... ..... 3,39,96 PC Computers ... ..... .... ....... .. ...... 96 Pelham ............................... ... .... 95 Peter C. Lacey Services ............ 42 Philips Test & Measurement .... IFC XXFEB9402. * FIBRE OPTIC CABLE: high quality fibre optic cable, single fibre <at> $2/metre or 10 metres for $15, dual fibre <at> $4/metre or 10 metres for $30. Ref XXFEB9403. * SWITCHED MODE POWER SUPPLIES: compact enclosed ex-Telecom supplies. Dimensions: 300 x 90 x 180mm. Unregu lated input: 30-50V, regulated input of 12V<at> 6A or 5V <at> 40A; two different units. Limited stocks <at> $28 ea. P&P $7 (Heavy!). Specify type when ordering. Ref XXFEB9404. * SOLAR LIGHTING BARGAIN: (EA Nov. 92). This kit has three separate sections that are contained on one PCB but can be separated: (1) a crystal locked ultrasonic movement detector, (2) a fluorescent tube inverter (4-20W) with logic circuitry, (3) a solar battery charging regulator & an incandescent lamp switcher-pulser, which employs a Mosfet switch . As a package special , we are offering the complete kit for the three sections plus six 6V/1 W solar panels for a total cost of only $99! Ref XXJAN93104. * SWITCHES: high quality miniature enclosed, Italian (FEME) 1, 2, 3 & 5pole, 12-position switches: $2.80 ea or 10 for $20. Ref XXJAN93105 . Major 96 SILICON CHIP cards accepted with phone & fax orders. Total cost of certified p&p: Australia'$5, NZ (airmail) $10. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. Fax (02) 570 7910. WANTED SCULPTOR NEEDS AMATEUR electronics buff, digitally competent, to help with projects Adelaide area. No remuneration . 2B Trennery St, West Richmond. RCS Radio ... ..... ..... ..... .... ... ...... . 96 Resurrection Radio .............. ..... . 87 Rod Irving Electronics ..... ... .. 26-31 Sanyo Australia ... ... ..... .......... OBC Silicon Chip Binders .................. 79 Silicon Chip Back Issues ...... 88-89 T. A. Mowles ..... ... ..... .... ..... ........ 96 Tektronix .. ....... ............ ............. IBC Transformer Rewinds ... ...... ..... 104 RC§ RADIO PTY ILTD ~i~1,~ 0°i6if\!...ol Ill :;=J I RCS Radio Pty Ltd is the only company that manufactures and sells every PC board and front panel published in SILICON CHIP, ETI and EA. RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491 PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • Jemal Products, 5 Forge St, Welshpool, WA 6106. Phone (09) 350 5555. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730. • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491.