Silicon ChipMarket Centre - June 1998 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Saving greenhouse gases
  4. Feature: Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.2 by Bob Dyball
  5. Feature: Vantis Synario Starter Software by Rick Walters
  6. Project: Universal High-Energy Ignition System by John Clarke
  7. Serviceman's Log: Variety: the spice of life? by The TV Serviceman
  8. Order Form
  9. Book Store
  10. Feature: Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 by Julian Edgar
  11. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  12. Feature: Computer Bits by Jason Cole
  13. Project: The Roadies' Friend Cable Tester by Paul Hoad
  14. Vintage Radio: Look Ma, no tuning gang! by John Hill
  15. Project: Universal Stepper Motor Controller by Rick Walters
  16. Project: Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.5 by Barry Grieger
  17. Subscriptions
  18. Back Issues
  19. Market Centre
  20. Advertising Index
  21. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 1998 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 32 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.

Articles in this series:
  • Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.1 (May 1998)
  • Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.2 (June 1998)
  • Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.3 (July 1998)
  • Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.4 (August 1998)
  • Troubleshooting Your PC; Pt.5 (September 1998)
Items relevant to "Universal High-Energy Ignition System":
  • Universal High-Energy Ignition System PCB pattern (PDF download) [05305981] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Universal High-Energy Ignition System (June 1998)
  • Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars (June 1999)
  • Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars; Pt.2 (July 1999)
Articles in this series:
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (May 1998)
  • Radio Control (June 1998)
  • Radio Control (July 1998)
  • Radio-controlled gliders; pt.3 (August 1998)
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 "Universal Stepper Motor Controller":
  • Universal Stepper Motor Controller PCB pattern (PDF download) [10106981] (Free)
  • Universal Stepper Motor Controller panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.5":
  • Model Railway Receiver/Decoder Module PCB patterns (PDF download) [09105981/2] (Free)
  • Model Railway Command Control PCB patterns (PDF download) [09102981/09103981] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Computer Bits (December 1989)
  • Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.1 (January 1998)
  • Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.2 (February 1998)
  • Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.3 (March 1998)
  • Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.4 (May 1998)
  • Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.5 (June 1998)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $145.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES 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 centi­ metre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. 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 Clas­ sifieds, 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 and 68HC12 now combined at the new low price of $75. Debug monitors: $75 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simula­ tor (fast, now incl. 80C320): $75. Try the C-FLEA Virtual Machine for small CPUs, build a “C-Stamp”. Demo desk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles the 89Cx051, the 89C5x and 89Sxx series, and the new AVRs in both DIP and PLCC44. Also does most 8-pin EEPROMs. Includes socket for serial ISP cable. $189, $35 tax, $10 p&p. 20-pin SOIC adaptor only $70. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150 or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC February 1998. Test all sorts of equipment without the cost of extra telephone lines. Melbourne 9806 0110. AWA C1070 Modulated Oscillator (1936) $75. (02) 9603 8763 Camp­ belltown. ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS: No matter what problem what industry we will find you a solution that meets your needs. Specialising in schematic & PCB design, custom Windows based software, embed­ ded control, Windows/PC based test equipment, turnkey solutions. Fast turn around with competitive rates. DAM­ UE PTY LTD, 46 Whitby Road, Kings Langley NSW 2147. Phone (02) 9624 2802. Fax (02) 9624 2651 or E-mail alovell<at>ibm.net OSCILLOSCOPE HP 54501A with probes & trolly 100MHz digital $2200 ono Tek 7904 with plug ins 500MHz main frame $1200 ono Ph 08 9291 7646 Fax 08 9291 4070. SIMPLE PIC84 PROGRAMMER: var ious models available. Also PIC-driven moving message and digital displays. EST (02) 9789 3616. www.nettrade.com.au/sesame/ LOGIC ANALYSER: As new Philips PM3585/61 Dual Analyser, 200MHz timing and 50MHz state acquisition, 2K sample memory, 190mm x 130mm display, 64 signal inputs, remotely controllable. Also included: manuals, pod cables, system software, H8/330 disassem­bler with adapter pod, H8/500 adapter pod. Contact Smart Silicon Systems (02) 9901 3598. 4 DIGIT RED LED DISPLAYS: common cathode 0.24 inch. Data sheets availa­ ble. $3.00 each or $2.80 per 100. Phone Col (02) 9608 3313. R.T.N. Parallax AUS/NZ distributor. Special on till July 98, a complete StampBus motherboard which holds the Basic Stamp1 chip­set a serial LCD driver module and a 2*8 LCD module. Ideal ex­pandable starter kit for $110.00 includes tax. and postage to any location in AUS/NZ. Programming software and examples supplied also. Now also carry the FerretTronics range of R/C servo KITS-R-US PO Box 314 Blackwood S.A. Ph/fax 08 8270 3175 FMTX2A Universal Stereo Coder $49 FMTX2B 30mW Xtal Locked 100MHz Transmitter $49 FMTX1 1-3 Watt Free Running Transmitter $49 FMX1 200mW Full Broadcast Transmitter, built & tested $499 FM220 10-18 Watt FM BGY133 Philips Linear $499 FM1525 25 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $499 FM2100 110 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $699 FM3000 300 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $1499 Philips 828E/A VHF Receiver Boards (6 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF Receiver Boards (2 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF transmitter boards 1 watt (2 metres) $19 Philips 323 UHF transmitter boards 500mW (70cm) $19 AEM 35 Watt Little Brick Audio Power Amp $15 Digi-125 200W RMS Audio Power Amp $39 CA Clipper Compiler, new in box $49 6dBd Gain Colinear FM Band Antenna $999 Roll Smart-1 FM Station Audio Processor $999 Free catalog on disk of discounted surplus components Same day shipping, credit cards OK, circuits supplied. Need prototype PC boards? We have the solutions – we print electronics! Four-day turnaround, less if urgent; Artwork from your own positive or file; Through hole plating; Prompt postal service; 29 years technical experience; Inexpensive; Superb quality. Printed Electronics, 12A Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 VIDEO CAMERAS & ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT - OUR PRICES ARE DOWN AGAIN! Ask for latest Illus­ trated Catalogue/Price List. Following now available from.. 380 x 0.2 PCB Module $69. SONY Chipset 400 x 0.05 lux PCB $89. 36 x 36 Mini Cam $85. DOME Ceiling $89. COLOUR DSP 32 X 32 PCB $182. COLOUR DSP 330 TVL PCB $212. COLOUR DSP 450 TVL PCB $326. DUMMY CEILING DOME Tiny 32 x 32 PCB modules could be fitted inside these $19. COL­ OUR DSP 380 TVL C/CS Mount Cam­ era with Audio $270. COLOUR DSP 450 TVL C/CS Mount with Audio $367. QUAD 4 pix - 1 Screen $254. QUAD/ Multiplexer Full Frame Full Resolution Recording $748. PACKAGED SETS! QUAD + FOUR CAMERAS + Power Supplies $645 just add cabling! CCTV - TV/VCR RF Module $14. Infra-Red 50 LED 52mm Round Illuminators $28. Wireless Video/Audio Transmit­ ter - Receiver Module/PCB pairs Last Chance! Sellout! These will never be available again $28. GREENCELL Battery Regenerator 4 x AA or AAA suit Alkaline, Heavy/Super Duty Zinc Chloride & Nicads with Mains Plug Pack $14. UPT TO 2 Year WARRAN­ TY on most items! DISCOUNTS are available based on ORDER VALUE, BUYING HISTORY and for CASH! Allthings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. TRUE RMS DMM Includes Capacitance Frequency Min/Max reading Bargraph Auto range PRESTON ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS Now at 172 HIGH STREET, PRESTON, VIC (Corner of Bell and High Streets) Phone: (03) 9484 0191 Specialising in a wide range of: TV Antennas – Resistors – Cables – Cir­ cuit Boards – Capacitors – Sprays – PCB Artwork – Instrument Cases – Relays – Kit Sets – Semiconductors (all types) – Trimpots – Photo Sensitive – Transformers – Switches – Alarm/Security Equipment – CB Radios & Accessories. We are approved resellers for Altronics, DSE and RPG Products! $98.00x ex ta Computronics Corporation Ltd 6 Sarich Way, Technology Park, Bentley, WA, 6102 Ph. 08 9470 1177 Fax 08 9470 2844 Specifications at www.computronics.com.au Silicon Chip Binders ★ Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering ★ Each binder holds up to 14 issues REAL VALUE AT $12.95 PLUS P &P ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in goldcoloured lettering on spine & cover Price: $12.95 plus $5 p&p each (Aust. only) Just fill in & mail the handy order form in this issue; or fax (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number. control chips. Email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet Ph/fax/ans (03) 9338 3306. HOMEBUILT DYNAMO, engineering dreams into reality. “An absolutely marvellous book for the true ex­ perimentalist!” Elektor Electronics. (www.onekw.co.nz) WANTED SERVICE INFORMATION: DOES ANYONE HAVE service information on a Nordmende colour 3675 TV chassis ICC4 that I can have a copy of? Reply to J. Dench, PO Box 40-317, Glenfield, Auckland 1310, New Zealand. Fax 09 4446542. June 1998  95 14 Model Railway Projects Shop soiled but HALF PRICE! Our stocks of this book are now limited. All we have left are newsagents’ returns which means that they may be slightly shop soiled or have minor cover blemish­ es. Otherwise, they're undamaged and in good condition. SPECIAL CLEARANCE PRICE: $3.95 + $3 P&P (Aust. & NZ) This book will not be reprinted Advertising Index Altronics................................. 34-36 Bainbridge Technologies..............91 BBS Electronics...........................15 Computronics..............................95 Dick Smith Electronics..................... ................................ IFC,OBC,10-11 Harbuch Electronics....................91 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar ................................... 45-52 Kalex............................................57 Microgram Computers...................3 Oatley Electronics........................67 Yes! Please send me _____ copies of 14 Model Railway Projects at the special price of $A3.95 + $A3 p&p (p&p outside Aust. & NZ $A6). Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­A__________ or please debit my Preston Electronics......................95 ❏ Procon Technology......................95 Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ MasterCard Printed Electronics.......................95 Card No. Quest Electronics........................70 Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Scan Audio..................................70 Name Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 88-89 ______________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT ______________________________________________________ Silicon Chip Bookshop.................37 Suburb/town_________________________________ Postcode_________ Silicon Chip Binders/Wallcht........93 Street Send your order to: SILICON CHIP, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097; or fax your order to (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 and quote your credit card number (Bankcard, Visa Card or MasterCard). Silicon Chip Software..................59 Silicon Chip Subscriptions..... 86-87 Truscott’s Electronic World...........57 Valve Electronics.........................91 Circuit Ideas Wanted Do you have a good circuit idea. If so, why not sketch it out, write a brief description of its operation & send it to us. Provided your idea is workable & original, we’ll publish it in Circuit Notebook & you’ll make some money. We pay up to $60 for a good circuit but don’t make it too big please. Send your idea to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Col­ laroy, 2097. 96  Silicon Chip Microprocessor For Digital Effects Unit This is the 68HC705-C8P pro­ gramm­ed 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 Pub­ lica­tions, PO Box 139 Collaroy 2097. Phone (02) 9979 5644; Fax (02) 9979 6503. Zoom EFI Special........................73 Zoom Magazine.........................IBC _____________________________ 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.