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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Neutrik A2 has digital audio measurement Amber Technology has announc­ ed a digital measurement option for the Neutrik AZ audio test and measurement system. The digital option is available with new in­struments or as a retrofit to all ex­isting AZ systems. When so fitted, an AZ instrument will automatic­ ally detect analog and digital sig­ nals, switching to the appropriate mode. Able to read and write AES/EBU and IEC958 (SPDIF) formats, it provides electrical analysis of the digital bit stream and displays all important status information like sample frequency, user bits, channel status and digital format. Features provided include audio level metering calibrated in dBF (dB full-scale); high performance D/A con­ version providing an analog signal to the analyser section for level, noise, distortion and phase measurements; monitoring of the converted signal on the internal loudspeaker and headphone output; selectable sampling rates; and user-definable status information for the digital generator. Neutrik has also announced enhanced specifications and increased processing speed for the AZ Audio Measurement System. These enhancements include generator and analyser section flatness of ±.05dB (20Hz to 40kHz) and residual THD + Noise <-90dB (0.003%); and an additional IMD signal with 1:1 level ratio for the generator section. In addition, the analyser now handles IMD signals with a 1:1 ratio. Also announced is a free software upgrade for all AZ instruments to V2.0 which includes a revised user's manual at no extra charge. V2.0 includes numerous system improvements. These improvements are as follows: frequency, amplitude, time and table sweeps; load imped­ ance measurement; new remote con­ trol commands for settled measure­ments; and a wide variety of printer drivers Fluke TV/video signal generators Fluke Corporation has announc­ ed the introduction of three new models in its PM 5410 TV signal generator line. The new units in­ corporate BTSC signals for testing MTS Stereo/SAP equipped TV/ video products. Other new features recently added to the line include test pat­ terns for 16 x 9 wide screen televi­sion, Y/C video outputs for S-VHS and Hi-8 recorders, VPS/ PDC for automated video recorder opera­tions and Teletext functions for information delivery systems in use worldwide. The new test functions provide main channel (L+ R), pilot, stereo (L-R) and SAP sound test signals in accordance with BTSC stand­ ards. Available in NTSC M, N and PAL modes, these signals are suit 88  Silicon Chip able for testing frequency response, alignment, total harmonic distor­ tion (THD), channel separation and SAP level adjustment, as well as other aspects of the TV set or video product's stereo/SAP decoder sec­ tion. Where appropriate, signals are compressed in accordance with the BTSC standard to match the condition actually existing in broadcast systems. For further information on the PM 5410 TV signal generator, con­tact Philips Scientific and Indus­ trial, 34 Waterloo Rd, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 888 8222. including HP-DeskJet and LaserJet printers. For futher information on the Neutrik A2 audio test and measurement system, contact Amber Technology, Unit B, 5 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086. Phone (02) 975 1211. Siren driver IC from Zetex Zetex has released a new siren driver IC, the ZSD100. A replacement for dual 555 and more elaborate circuits, the chip needs just two timing capacitors, a Darlington tran­ sistor, a piezo transducer and a coupling transformer in or­ der to produce an ear-piercing alarm. The ZSD100 is able to generate a frequency at up to 10kHz and a low frequency sweep signal at up to 10Hz. It also contains divide by two and output driver stages – all that is required for a low cost siren driver for burglar and automotive alarms. Available in 8-pin DIL or surface mount packaging, the ZSD100 will operate at sup­ ply voltages from 4-18V at a current of 10mA, dropping down to 1µA in sleep mode. Maximum power dissipation is 625mW and temperature range is -40 to +125 degrees Celsius. For further information, contact GEC Electronics Division, Unit 1/38 South Street, Rydalmere, NSW 2116. Phone (02) 638 1888. Mailbag – from page 3 to the surround channel is calcu­lated to suit the size of the auditorium. Most cinemas these days use a de­lay of between 60 and 80ms. The "big" sound of cinemas you refer to is more a result of big auditoriums and good subwoofers, not a result of the delayed surround channel. The digital sound systems now in use in many cinemas have no delay to the surround channel, yet we still hear that "big" sound. Dolby digital had absolutely nothing to do with the success of "Jurassic Park". This film was re­leased using the DTS (Digital Thea­tre Systems) format, not Dolby dig­ital. DTS uses a digital sound on a CD-ROM, locked to the film by a timecode track on the edge of the film. There have been many more releases in DTS than in SRD. DTS has been installed in many cin emas across Australia, both independents and the big chains, whereas Dolby digital has been in­stalled in only a handful of cin­emas. G. Warren, Wagga Wagga, NSW. You are right about Jurassic Park and its release in DTS although it was also recorded using Dolby and has now been released on video in Dolby form. February 1995  89 Tiny CCD video cameras Allthing3 Sales & Service has released a new expanded range of CCD video camera modules which includes a tiny "Matchbox" sized camera measuring just 32 x 32 x 23mm, including lens, and weighing only 20 grams. These modules require a 12V DC sup­ply and can be connected to any stand­ard video input on a TV, video moni­tor, VCR, etc. Features include auto-iris-exposure with 1/50 to 10 microsecond exposure, high resolution 320,000 pixel CCD, vertical reset capability for roll free images when switching between cameras, 8-14V DC supply range, 100mA consumption, better than 50dB signal-to-noise ratio, low light and infrared sensitivity, shock & vibration resistance and CCIR PAL 1V compos­ite 75W video output. Complete modules are available with wide angle lenses from 2.94.3mm with a diagonal coverage of 78-110°. Focus is adjustable from a few millimetres to infinity. Also avail­able are modules complete with infra­red light emitting diodes for illumination in total darkness. For servicing existing cameras, modules are avail­ able with standard C & CS lens mounts, to economically upgrade old cameras. Uses for these modules include concealed surveillance, front door monitoring, robotics, digitising, rear vision systems for trucks and buses, alarm systems, CCTV and video intercoms. They are priced from $199. For further information, contact Allthings Sales & Services, PO Box 25, Northlands, WA 6021. Phone (09) 349 9413 or fax (09) 349 9413. Microchine PC board excavation system Those involved in the repair of multilayer PC boards will be interested in this new miniature drilling and milling machine. Called the Pace Microchine, it is intended for the controlled· re­moval of board conformal coatings and copper tracks on outside and intermediate layers. The unit has a handpiece with quiet, low vibra­tion operation and smooth start to selected speeds between 2500 and 10,000rpm. Closed loop tacho­metric feedback maintains drilling and milling speeds under varying loads while torque limiting circuitry helps prevent overload damage. Dynamic braking stops the shaft immediately the finger switch is released. For safe multilayer repair, the convenient "probe brake" feature allows controlled machining to se­lected layer depths without damage. For further infor­ mation on the Pace Microchine, contact Solder Static Pty Ltd, Unit 14/262 Miller Rd, Villa­wood 2163. Phone (02) 725 6211. 90  Silicon Chip