Silicon ChipMarket Centre - March 1998 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Getting on top of the correspondence mountain
  4. Feature: Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 by Julian Edgar
  5. Feature: Labview Ver.5 Virtual Instrumntation Software by Silicon Chip
  6. Project: Sustain Unit For Electric Guitars by John Clarke
  7. Project: Nifty Inverter For Compact Fluorescent Lamps by Branco Justic
  8. Serviceman's Log: Those summertime lightning blues by The TV Serviceman
  9. Project: Build A 5-Element FM Antenna by Leo Simpson & Bob Flynn
  10. Subscriptions
  11. Review; Norbiton Systems PC Bus Digital I/O Kit by Rick Walters
  12. Project: Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger; Pt.2 by John Clarke
  13. Project: Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.3 by Barry Grieger
  14. Feature: Feedback On The 500W Power Amplifier by Leo Simpson & Bob Flynn
  15. Book Store
  16. Project: PC-Controlled Liquid Crystal Display Board by Rick Walters
  17. Product Showcase
  18. Vintage Radio: A fault with a difference by John Hill
  19. Back Issues
  20. Feature: Computer Bits by Jason Cole
  21. Feature: Auto Detect & Hard Disc Drive Parameters by Jason Cole
  22. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  23. Subscriptions
  24. Market Centre
  25. Advertising Index
  26. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 43 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:
  • 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)
Items relevant to "Sustain Unit For Electric Guitars":
  • Guitar Sustain Pedal PCB pattern (PDF download) [01302981] (Free)
Items relevant to "Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger; Pt.2":
  • Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger PCB patterns (PDF download) [14302981/2] (Free)
  • Multi-purpose Fast Battery Charger PCB pattern (PDF download) [14302981] (Free)
  • Multi-purpose Fast Battery Charger panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger; Pt.1 (February 1998)
  • Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger; Pt.2 (March 1998)
Items relevant to "Command Control For Model Railways; Pt.3":
  • 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)
Items relevant to "PC-Controlled Liquid Crystal Display Board":
  • BASIC source code for the PC-Controlled Liquid Crystal Display Board (Software, Free)
  • PC-Controlled Liquid Crystal Display Board PCB pattern (PDF download) [04104981] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Norton Utilities V2: hard disc maintenance for your PCs (January 1998)
  • Computer Bits (February 1998)
  • Computer Bits (March 1998)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (January 1998)
  • Radio Control (February 1998)
  • Radio Control (March 1998)
  • Radio Control (April 1998)
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE 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 centimetre (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 Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Card No. ✂ Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip C COMPILERS: everything 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 and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 now combined at the new low price of $75. Debug monitors: $70 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 or 80C320 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $70. Disassemblers for 12 CPUs only $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 HOMEMADE GENERATORS: how to instructions. Eight pages free text and colour photos on the Internet at: http://www.onekw.co.nz/ RTN Parallax Australia distributor. Parallax Basic Stamp modules BS1IC, BS2-IC and BS1 chipsets all ex stock. Carrier boards for the above also stocked. PicBus and StampBus modules also avail­able. Guaranteed best pricing and technical back up. Email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet Ph/fax (03) 9338 3306 SIMPLE PIC84 PROGRAMMER: various models available. Also PIC-driven moving message and digit displays. EST Electronics (02) 9789 3616, Fax (02) 9718 4762, or www.nettrade.com.au/sesame/ CAMERAS $99 TINY 36 x 36mm Robust Cast Aluminium Case (see p72 SC Dec). DOME $99. 32 x 32 PCB Modules $79! SONY CHIPSET 400 x 0.05 MODULES $99! COLOUR MODULES $239! 450 LINE COLOUR $369. Options/Accessories: 14 Lenses 2.1-12mm. Microfine Focus, Infra-Red Cut, Pass & Polarising Filters. 50 LED INFRA-RED or SUPER BRIGHT RED Lamp Kits $29! Our range includes 380-570 Line Resolu­ t ion, 0.2-0.05 lux Low Light & Infra-Red sensitive, 1/4" & 1/3" CCD Sensors from SONY, SHARP & SAMSUNG, 28 x 28 PCBs, Digital Signal Processing Colour & UP TO 24 MONTH WARRANTY!!! Before you buy ask for our ILLUSTRATED PRICE LIST with Ancillary Equipment & Application Notes. Allthings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. 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, embedded control, Windows/PC based test equipment, turnkey solutions. Fast turn around with competitive rates. DAMUE PTY LTD, 46 Whitby Road, Kings Langley NSW 2147. Phone (02) 9624 2802. Fax (02) 9624 2651 or E-mail alovell<at>ibm.net THE ORIGINAL IS STILL THE BEST. Our CCTV - TV/VCR Video/Audio Inter­face Module combines 3 functions (Mod­ulator, Mixer & Antenna Booster) & features: a Phase Locked Loop for Stability/Accuracy, 48 Channels, Two-Stage Booster, Test Pattern, Proven Design & Reliability. Over 14 Years in Production. ONLY $20! All­things Sales & Services. Ph 08 9349 9413. PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics Ph/fax (02) 9554 9760. sesame<at>nettrade.com.au http://nettrade.com.au/sesame/ MicroZed has stocks of SX Key programming kit from Parallax. $320. See http://www.microzed.com.au/~microzed 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. MicroZed Computers BASIC STAMPS & PIC Tools SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 A HOT SPOT FOR CHEAP PCB SUPPLIES, raw stock, drills etc plus quality manufactured boards is located at http://www.accsoft.com.au/~acetronics or phone 02 9743 9235. Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. SX Key Ver 1.0 now in stock. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 014 036775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au/~microzed Most Credit Cards OK 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. Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. HARD TO GET MODULES & KITS. Laser diode module, 650nm, 15mW, 3V-5V, easy adjustable focus, brass case, 31mm long, 10mm diam. 25cm wires. $140. Same LD module but 5mW, $40. Kit 113 control 2 unipolar steppers to 3A from a PC. All contained in RS232 D-shell case. $27. Kit 109 control one unipolar stepper with 5804 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 – Circuit 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! IC. $27. P/P extra. All components, PCB & software supplied. Software may be d/l free from our web site at http://kitsrus.com Email: peter<at>kitsrus.com Fax: (852) 2725 0610 DIY Electronics. DONTRONICS can be found at: http://www.dontronics.com 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) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503. Please specify 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch disc. March 1998  95 14 Model Railway Projects Shop soiled but HALF PRICE! Embedded Pty Ltd.......................71 Harbuch Electronics....................73 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar .........................................33 SPECIAL CLEARANCE PRICE: $3.95 + $3 P&P (Aust. & NZ) Norbiton Systems........................71 Microgram Computers...................3 MicroZed Computers...................95 Oatley Electronics........................27 Premier Batteries.........................43 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 ❏ Bankcard   ❏  Visa Card   ❏ MasterCard Preston Electronics......................95 Printed Electronics.......................95 Quest Electronics........................75 Card No. Resurrection Radio......................75 Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Street Dick Smith Electronics..................... ................................ IFC,OBC,14-17 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 blemishes. Otherwise, they're undamaged and in good condition. This book will not be reprinted Name Advertising Index ______________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town_________________________________ Postcode_________ 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). Rola Australia..............................95 Scan Audio..................................31 Silicon Chip Bookshop.................65 Silicon Chip Binders/Wallcht........87 Silicon Chip Software..................13 Smart Fastchargers.....................31 Zoom EFI Special........................91 Silicon Chip Binders ★  Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering ★  Each binder holds up to 14 issues ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in goldcoloured lettering on spine & cover REAL VALUE AT $12.95 PLUS P &P Zoom Magazine.........................IBC _____________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: Price: $21.95 plus $5 p&p each (Aust. only) •  RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 9587 3491. 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. •  Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730. 96  Silicon Chip