Silicon ChipMarket Centre - April 1997 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Marketing hype doesn't sell anything
  4. Project: Build A TV Picture-In-Picture (PIP) Unit by John Clarke
  5. Feature: Computer Bits by Franc Zabkar
  6. Project: The Teeny Timer: A Low-Tech Timer With No ICs by Leo Simpson
  7. Project: A Digital Voltmeter For Your Car by John Clarke
  8. Review: Bookshelf by Silicon Chip
  9. Feature: Satellite Watch by Garry Cratt
  10. Project: Loudspeaker Protector For Stereo Amplifiers by Leo Simpson & Bob Flynn
  11. Project: Train Controller For Model Railway Layouts by Rick Walters
  12. Order Form
  13. Product Showcase
  14. Back Issues
  15. Feature: Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.8 by Bryan Maher
  16. Notes & Errata: Digi-Temp Digital Thermometer, January 1997; Smoke Alarm Panel, January 1997
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the April 1997 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 25 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 "Build A TV Picture-In-Picture (PIP) Unit":
  • TV Picture-In-Picture (PIP) Unit PCB pattern (PDF download) [02302971] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Computer Bits (July 1989)
  • Computer Bits (August 1989)
  • Computer Bits (September 1989)
  • Computer Bits (October 1989)
  • Computer Bits (November 1989)
  • Computer Bits (January 1990)
  • Computer Bits (April 1990)
  • Computer Bits (October 1990)
  • Computer Bits (November 1990)
  • Computer Bits (December 1990)
  • Computer Bits (January 1991)
  • Computer Bits (February 1991)
  • Computer Bits (March 1991)
  • Computer Bits (April 1991)
  • Computer Bits (May 1991)
  • Computer Bits (June 1991)
  • Computer Bits (July 1991)
  • Computer Bits (August 1991)
  • Computer Bits (September 1991)
  • Computer Bits (October 1991)
  • Computer Bits (November 1991)
  • Computer Bits (December 1991)
  • Computer Bits (January 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1992)
  • Computer Bits (March 1992)
  • Computer Bits (May 1992)
  • Computer Bits (June 1992)
  • Computer Bits (July 1992)
  • Computer Bits (September 1992)
  • Computer Bits (October 1992)
  • Computer Bits (November 1992)
  • Computer Bits (December 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1993)
  • Computer Bits (April 1993)
  • Computer Bits (May 1993)
  • Computer Bits (June 1993)
  • Computer Bits (October 1993)
  • Computer Bits (March 1994)
  • Computer Bits (May 1994)
  • Computer Bits (June 1994)
  • Computer Bits (July 1994)
  • Computer Bits (October 1994)
  • Computer Bits (November 1994)
  • Computer Bits (December 1994)
  • Computer Bits (January 1995)
  • Computer Bits (February 1995)
  • Computer Bits (March 1995)
  • Computer Bits (April 1995)
  • CMOS Memory Settings - What To Do When The Battery Goes Flat (May 1995)
  • Computer Bits (July 1995)
  • Computer Bits (September 1995)
  • Computer Bits: Connecting To The Internet With WIndows 95 (October 1995)
  • Computer Bits (December 1995)
  • Computer Bits (January 1996)
  • Computer Bits (February 1996)
  • Computer Bits (March 1996)
  • Computer Bits (May 1996)
  • Computer Bits (June 1996)
  • Computer Bits (July 1996)
  • Computer Bits (August 1996)
  • Computer Bits (January 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1997)
  • Windows 95: The Hardware That's Required (May 1997)
  • Turning Up Your Hard Disc Drive (June 1997)
  • Computer Bits (July 1997)
  • Computer Bits: The Ins & Outs Of Sound Cards (August 1997)
  • Computer Bits (September 1997)
  • Computer Bits (October 1997)
  • Computer Bits (November 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1998)
  • Computer Bits (June 1998)
  • Computer Bits (July 1998)
  • Computer Bits (November 1998)
  • Computer Bits (December 1998)
  • Control Your World Using Linux (July 2011)
Items relevant to "A Digital Voltmeter For Your Car":
  • Automotive Digital Voltmeter PCB patterns (PDF download) [04304971/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Satellite Watch (January 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (March 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (August 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (October 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1996)
  • Satellite Watch (February 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (May 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (December 1997)
  • Satellite Watch (April 1998)
  • Satellite Watch (January 1999)
  • Satellite Watch (June 1999)
Items relevant to "Loudspeaker Protector For Stereo Amplifiers":
  • Loudspeaker Protector PCB pattern (PDF download) [01104971] (Free)
Items relevant to "Train Controller For Model Railway Layouts":
  • Train Controller PCB pattern (PDF download) [09104971] (Free)
  • Train Controller panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.1 (March 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.2 (April 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.3 (May 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.4 (August 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.5 (September 1996)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.6 (February 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.7 (March 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.8 (April 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.9 (May 1997)
  • Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes; Pt.10 (June 1997)

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MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES To run your classified ad, print it clearly on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the form below & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my  Bankcard    Visa Card    Master Card Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip C COMPILERS: Ever ything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $140.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers for these CPUs + 6800/01/03/05 and 6502: $140.00 for the set. Debug monitors: $70 for 6 CPUs. All compilers inc ‘HC12, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 or 80C320 Simulator (fast): $70. Disassemblers for 12 CPUs only $75. Try the new C-FLEA Virtual Machine for small CPUs, build a “C-Stamp”. Demo disk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. GRAN­ TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph/Fax (02) 9631 1236 or Internet: http://www.mpx. com.au/~lgrant. WEATHER FAX DECODERS: for HF, VHF/UHF use with JVFAX, MAXISAT and SATFAX. Details D. G. Hopkins, 4 Handsworth Street, CAPALABA 4147. (07) 3390 3328. MICROCRAFT PRESENTS: Dunfield (DDS) products are now available ex-stock at a new low price; please ask for our catalogue. Micro C, the affordable “C” compiler for embedded applications. Versions for 8051/52, 8086, 8096, 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11 or 68HC16 $139.95 each + $3 p&h • Now on special is the SDK, a package of ALL the DDS “C” compilers for $399 + $6 p&h • EMILY52 is a PC based 8051/52 high speed simulator $69.95 + $3 p&h • DDS demo disks $7 + $3 p&h • VHS VIDEO from the USA (PAL) “CNC X-Y-Z using car alter­n ators” (uses car alternators as cheap power stepper motors!) $49.95 + $6 p&h (includes diagrams) • Device programming EPROMs/PALs etc from $1.50 • Fixed price electronic design and PCB layout • Credit cards accepted • All goods sent certified mail • Call Bob for more de­tails. MICRO­ CRAFT, PO Box 514, Concord NSW 2137. Phone (02) 9744 5440 or fax (02) 9744 9280. ✂ Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 for up to 12 words plus 50 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $25 per column centimetre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. RAIN BRAIN AND DIGI-TEMP KITS: 8-station controller and 8-chan­ n el, RS232 digital thermometer uses the incredible DS1820 sensor. Call Mantis Micro Products, 38 Garnet St, Niddrie, 3042. P/F/A (03) 9337 1917. http://www.home.aone.net.au/mantismp SIMPLE PIC84 PROGRAMMER: LED model 6 lights $65, LCD 16x2 char. $75, P+H $3. Also low-cost design, prototyping and microcontroller programming service. Eastern Electronics (02) 9789-3616, Fax (02) 9718-4762. MicroZed Computers PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (067) 722777 – may time out to Mobile 014 036775 Fax (067) 728987    (Credit Cards OK) http://www.microzed.com.au/~microzed SEND A BLANK MESSAGE to help<at> dontronics.com for details on how to join our SiClub and List Server Support group. We have a free Basic Interpreter for the PIC16C84. Largest range of PIC related products South of the Equator. SATELLITE DISHES: international reception of Intelsat, Panamsat, Gori­ zont,Rimsat. Warehouse Sale – 4.6m dish & pole $1499; LNB $50; Feed $75. All accessories available. Videosat, 2/28 Salisbury Rd, Hornsby. Phone (02) 9482 3100 8.30-5.00 M-F. WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! VIDEO CAMERA MODULES Beware of higher or lower prices for a similar camera! BUY A BETTER CAMERA AT A SIMILAR PRICE! With a CHOICE OF . . . . . 380, 460 & 600 TVL resolution.0.05 lux low light & IR sensitive. TEENY WEENY 28mm x 28mm PCBs. ELEVEN board lenses. FOUR pinhole lenses. IR cut/pass & polarising filters. 800+ nm 52 mW/Sr IR LEDs. Ancillary equipment. BEFORE & AFTER-SALES SERVICE, HELP & ADVICE! Before you buy! Ask for our detailed, illustrated price list with application notes. Also available CCTV technical, design & reference manu- With third party supporting products, all in stock Easy to learn, easy to use sophisticated CPU based controllers Credit cards OK   Send two 45c stamps for info MEMORY * MEMORY * MEMORY SPECIAL! (Ex Tax) 4Mbx9 – (3 Chip) 60ns $47 CAR/RALLY COMPUTER KIT: including fuel sensor & speed sensor. 68HC05 & HC11 DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS: Oztechnics, PO Box 38, Illawong NSW 2234. Phone (02) 9541 0310. Fax (02) 9541 0734. http://www.oz­technics.com.au/ HOMEMADE GENERATORS: how to instructions. Eight pages free text and colour photos on the Internet at: http://www.onekw.co.nz/onekw BASIC STAMPS & PIC Tools 651 Forest Rd, Bexley 2207 makes all the project PCBs published in SILICON CHIP and other Australian magazines Tel +61 2 9587 3491 Fax 9587 5385 E-mail rcsradio<at>cia.com.au als & inter-active CD ROM. Allthings Sales & Services 09 349 9413; fax 09 344 5905. JAPANESE QUALITY & TECHNOLOGY at very competitive importer-di- SIMMS (Parity/No Parity) 4Mb 30 PIN-70 $47 $41 4Mb 72 PIN-70 $51 $23 8Mb 72 PIN-70 $96 $59 16Mb 72 PIN-70 $162 $132 32Mb 72 PIN-70 $306 $264 EDO SIMMS (60ns) 4Mb/8Mb $35/63 16Mb/32Mb $132/262 64Mb/128Mb $1080/2112 LASER PRINTER MEMORY 4Mb HP 4&5 $37 8Mb HP 4 & 5 $111 All other models available $Call LIFETIME WARRANTY!! COMPAQ 8Mb ARMADA 1100 $96 All other models available $Call TOSHIBA 8Mb Portege/ Sat EDO $118 16Mb Portege/ Sat EDO $192 16Mb Tecra 500/610 Sat $237 All other models available $Call IBM 16Mb T.Pad 755, 360 EDO $240 All other models available $Call DIMMS 4Mb - SO - 72 PIN $36 8Mb - SO - 72 PIN $72 16Mb - SO - 72 PIN $126 8Mb/16Mb - 168 PIN $60/123 32Mb/64Mb - 168 PIN $267/514 SYNCHRONOUS (SDRAM) 168 PIN - 16Mb $150 168 PIN - 32Mb $322 168 PIN - 64Mb $696 Ex Tax Pricing – Delivery $8. Pricing as at 04/03/97. Phone for latest. Sales Tax 22%. Credit Cards Welcome. We Also Buy And Trade-In Memory. PELHAM PTY LTD Suite 6, 2 Hillcrest Rd, Ph: (02) 9980 6988 Pennant Hills, 2120. Fax: (02) 9980 6991 Email: pelham1<at>ozemail.com.au rect prices. Automatic IRIS, manual IRIS & varifocal CS LENSES. Manual iris from $49. Auto iris from $93. Varifocal from $75. Allthings Sales & Services 09 349 9413; fax 09 344 5905. SILICON CHIP FLOPPY INDEX WITH FILE VIEWER Now available: the complete index to all SILICON CHIP articles since the first issue in November 1987. The Floppy Index comes with a handy file viewer that lets you look at the index line by line or page by page for quick browsing, or you can use the search function. All commands are listed on the screen, so you’ll always know what to do next. Notes & Errata also now available: this file lets you quickly check out the Notes & Errata (if any) for all articles published in SILICON CHIP. Not an index but a complete copy of all Notes & Errata text (diagrams not included). The file viewer is included in the price, so that you can quickly locate the item of interest. The Floppy Index and Notes & Errata files are supplied in ASCII format on a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy disc to suit PC-compatible computers. Note: the File Viewer requires MSDOS 3.3 or above. Price $7.00 each + $3 p&p. Send your order to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy 2097; or phone (02) 979 5644 & quote your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. Please specify 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch disc. April 1997  95 460 & 600 TVL HI RESOLUTION 0.05 lux VIDEO CAMERA MODULES IR & low light sensitive from $96. 09 349 9413. VIDEO CAMERAS C/CS from $87. MICRO C/CS MOUNT from $145. DOME CEILING from $131. A.S. & S. Fax 09 344 5905. COLOUR 420 TVL MODULES & C/ CS MOUNT CAMERAS auto shutter small light 12 VDC from $306. Ph 09 349 9413. DIY CCTV 5.5" plug-in sets complete with IR LED-Audio-Camera, 20M cable & plugpack from $269. 09 349 9413. VIDEO AUDIO TRANSMITTERS 7" wireless CCTV sets. TX/RX module pair only $80. 09 349 9413 fax 09 344 5905. !!!!!!! THE TINIEST !!!!!!! VIDEO CAMERA MODULE. PCB 28 x 28 mm, IR & low light sensitive, with 2.8, 3.7 or 5.5 mm pinhole lens. A.S. & S. 09 349 9413 fax 09 344 5905. DIY SECURITY ALARM SUPPLIES Professional grade equipment PIRs, autodialler alarm panels, CCTV, cable etc. Send for price list. All prices wholesale. AFFORDABLE ALARMS, 7 Firefly Crescent, Lawnton, Qld. 4501. DATAMAN EPROM PROGRAMMERS: Dataman S4 world’s leading handheld programmer/emulator, onscreen editor, over 1500 device types including EPROMS/EEPROM/ Microprocessor For Digital Effects Unit This is the 68HC705-C8P pro­gramm­ ed micro­pro­cessor IC for the Digital Effects Unit (see Feb­. 1995). Price: $45 + $6 p+p Payment by cheque, money order or credit card to: Silicon Chip Pub­lica­ tions. Phone (02) 9979 5644; Fax (02) 9979 6503. Av-Comm.......................................6 Dick Smith Electronics..... 8,9,34-37 Earthquake Audio........................83 Emona.........................................59 Freedman Electronics..................81 Flash up to 8Mbits. Dataman-48 up to 48pin DIL. DOS/Win software, free updates. Call or email for details. DIGITAL GRAPHICS P/L, PO Box 281, North Ryde, 2113. Phone (02) 9888 3105 dgriffo<at>ozemail.com.au http://www.ozemail.com.au/~dgriffo KIT OF THE MONTH – CAR ALARM features entry/exit time, ultraso­ nic, bonnet/boot, back up, low cost. CCD CAMERA low light/high resolution 32x32x27mm, $125. COMMERCIAL TV AUDIO/VIDEO transmit­ter to suit: $15 when purchased with camera. IR ILLUMINATOR also available. OATLEY ELECTRONICS Ph (02) 9584 3563 Fax (02) 9584 3561. Much more info on our WEB SITE: http://www.ozemail.com.au/~oatley VINTAGE TUBES AND CAPACITOR BANK: Electros for vintage radio work. New stock. Low prices. Thousands of parts. Call P.A. Savell on 03 5871 1921 or write to P.A. Savell, 25 Wirbill Street, Cobram, Victoria 3644. SILICON CHIP BINDERS These binders will protect your copies of SILICON CHIP. ★ Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering ★ Each binder holds up to 14 issues ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Price: $A14.95 each (incl. postage in Aust). NZ & PNG orders please add $A5 each for p&p. To order, just fill in & mail the order form in this issue to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy 2097; Or phone (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card details or fax (02) 9979 6503. 96  Silicon Chip Advertising Index Altronics................................. 72-74 Harbuch Electronics....................83 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar ............................IFC, 45-52 Kalex............................................79 Kits-R-US.....................................82 Macservice....................................3 MicroZed Computers...................95 Pelham.........................................95 RCS Radio...................................95 Rod Irving Electronics .......... 61-65 Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 84-85 Silicon Chip Bookshop...............IBC Silicon Chip Binders....................96 Silicon Chip Model Railway Projects Book..........................OBC Silicon Chip Software..................43 Tortech.........................................79 _____________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 9587 3491. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730.