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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Program uses flow charts Fischertechnik has developed a new machine control language using flow charts to describe the sequence of logic functions. The system has been used by universities and companies for the simulation and testing of control systems and their related software. The Fischertechnik software, called LLWIN, runs under Wind­ows 95 or 3.1 and provides a graphical depiction of the flow chart, including decision blocks for switch inputs, action blocks to control each output and other blocks to increment and test up to 99 variables. Other features include a terminal block to aid testing and debugging, time delay block, one-shot block, sub-program blocks and aids such as automatic routing and the ability to add com­ ments and graphics to the program page. The Fischertechnik interface units provide eight digital outputs, two analog inputs and four bidirectional motor outputs. The two analog inputs may be used with potentiometers (for posi­ tion control), light dependent resistors, thermistors or any resistive device between zero and 5kΩ. One interface unit (30566) plugs into the parallel port (LPT1 or LPT2) of any IBM PC-compatible computer. The other ‘intelligent’ unit (30402) connects to the serial port (COM1 or COM2) and allows passive control CPU voltage checker If you are in the business of assembling or upgrading com­ puters, you will have the need to check the voltages on mother­ boards before new microprocessors are installed. Doing this with a multi­meter is at best tedious and at worst, almost impossible. However, it needs to be done otherwise a wrong jumper setting could mean death to a CPU. 42  Silicon Chip where the PC reads the inputs and drives the outputs accordingly; or active control, where the program is downloaded to the interface and then operates indepen­ dently of the PC, allowing the serial cable to be disconnected. Two versions of LLWIN are available. Version 2.04E controls only the 30566 interface and costs $99. Version 2.10E controls both interfaces and costs $199. The 30566 parallel interface is priced at $144.80 while the 30402 interface is $351; these prices do not include sales tax. For further information on this program, contact Procon Technology, PO Box 655, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149. Phone (03) 9807 5660; fax (03) 9807 8220. The solution is this CPU voltage checker. You plug it into the CPU socket and it displays the voltage on the 7-segment LED readout. It will check Socket 5 & 7 voltage settings as well as MMX dual I/O core voltages. The CPU voltage checker is priced at $99 including sales tax and is available from Microgram Computers, 1/14 Bon-Mace Close, Berkeley Vale, NSW 2261. Phone (02) 4389 8444 or fax (02) 4389 8388. Charge alkaline & NiCd batteries with Lazer­Charge broadcast quality Designed and engineered in Australia by Digital Works Engi­neering, the LazerCharge can recharge nicad and alkaline batter­ ies, including AA, AAA, C, D and 9V types, as used in toys, audio equipment, cameras and other electronic equipment. It automatically detects the type of battery to be charged and is capable of charging different size batteries. Charging time can be as short as one hour but in some cases fully charging a very low battery could take up to six hours. Once a battery is fully charged, the unit automatically switches to trickle mode. The unit employs an AlkalineMax(TM) charge control- ler and microprocessor. Very reasonably priced at $69, you can buy the LazerCharge direct from Digital Works Engineering, 188 Victoria St, Footscray, Vic 3011. Phone (03) 9396 1079; fax (03) 9396 1080. Turn your hobby into your career Electronics Technology Certificate. This course is aimed at electronics enthusiasts who may not have formal qualifications in electronics yet have devel­oped their skills via their hobby and now wish to pursue a career in The Open Training and Education Network (OTEN) offers over 200 TAFE courses via mail, including the ACN 073 916 686 embedded computers designed for the real world Put some intelligence in your next project! MC112 - 68HC11 processor, 32k RAM, 32k EPROM, serial, parallel, timers, A/D converters, BUFFALO software with inbuilt assembler / disassembler and bootloader. $220 Postage and handling $10. Available soon - ARM-based RISC, DSP and PIC systems • RISC • DSP • Parallel • Microcontrollers • Ultra low power • High Performance • Data Acquisition • Control Systems • Neuro-fuzzy • 8, 16, 32 and 64 bit WE HAVE THE SOLUTION Embedded Pty Ltd Level 5 371 Queen St Brisbane GPO Box 2603 Brisbane 4001 Phone: Fax: AUDIO MODULES (07) 3236 5977 (07) 3221 0549 Manufactured in Australia Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 electronics or telecommunications. Studying with OTEN enables students to complete most of their course at home or work, although practical sessions are necessary for some courses. Details are available at time of enrolment. The modules in the Electronics Technology Certificate are recognised by the National Metals and Engineer- NORBITON SYSTEMS NS_PC101 card for XT/AT/PCs allows access to 48 I/O lines. There are 5 groups (0 to 4) available on a de-facto industrial standard 50-way ribbon cable used in STEbus and VMEbus 19" rack mount control systems. The board uses 2 x 8255 ICs. Multiple boards can be used if more I/O lines are required. NS_LED PCB gives visual access to five groups (0 to 4) of the NS_PC1OX. There is a total of 40 status LEDs. The board offers a 25-way “D” type female socket. The lines are driven by 74244 ICs & configured as a parallel printer port. This socket gives access to printer port kits, eg, stepper motors, LCDs, direct digital synthesis. NS_16_8 PCB is a system conditioning card with 16 optically isolated inputs set up for either 12V or 24V operation. The board provides 8 single pole, double throw relays with 10 Amp contact rating. KITS & CARDS NS_DC_DC is a step down converter with an input range 11 to 35V DC and an output of 5 volts DC at 5 Amps, with an output ripple of approx 150mV. There is an IN/OUT 50-way connector isolating the 5V and 12V+ & 12V- rails of the PC power supply. This segregates PC’s power when working on prototypes. NSDC_DC1 module used with NS_DC_DC & NSDC_DC4 converters is a 5V to 12V(+/-) step- up converter. The board utilises 743 switch mode IC with 2 x 12V regulators, with output ripple of approx 200mV. NS_UTIL1 prototyping board has 1580 bread board holes access to any 3 groups (0 to 4) on the 50-way cable pinout. Power is available from the 50-way cable format 5 volts at 2 Amps & 12V+ 12V- at 1 Amp. There is provision for array resistors with either a ground or positive common connection. For brochure write to: Reply Paid 68, NORBITON SYSTEMS, PO Box 687, Rockingham WA 6968 Email: norbiton<at>bigpond.com May 1998  43 Piezoelectric tweeters For sheer efficiency, piezoelectric tweeters are unsur­passed and they are made in a range of models to suit a variety of applications, mainly for PA and music sound reinforcement. This LeSon range from Altronic Distributors has four models which range in efficiency from 95dB to 106dB at 1 metre for a 2V input and a maximum equivalent program input ranging from 150W to 1kW equivalent to 8Ω). The four models in the range are the C-6175, a 230 x 125mm horn tweeter selling at $39.00, the C-6180 160 x 116mm phase aligned cluster tweeter selling at $89.00, the C-6205 63mm auto­motive dome tweeter selling at $19.95 and the C-6215 74mm dome tweeter selling at $29.95. All are well finished and can be connected via a 4.7µF 63VW capacitor to serve as the crossover network. For further information, contact Altronics at 174 Roe St, Perth, WA 6000. Phone (08) 9328 2199; fax (08) 9328 4459. ing Training Advisory Board and the National Electrical and Electronics Industry Com­mittee. For further details, contact Flynn Henry, Senior Head Teacher, Electrical Engineering, OTEN Industry section. Phone (02) 9715 8467; fax (02) 9715 8492 AC clampmeter for DMMs Jaycar Electronics has released an AC clampmeter adaptor that plugs into a DMM to allow AC measurement up to 300 amps. The adaptor produces 1mV per every 0.1A measured, allowing a maximum of 200A on a typical 2V DMM range. DMMs with a 3V range or there­ abouts can take advantage of the adaptor’s full measuring capacity of 300A. The adaptor features a moulded hand guard for increased safety, a 3-metre extended curly cord and shroud­ ed 4mm banana plugs. The adaptor’s housing is a durable ABS 44  Silicon Chip C6215 C6175 C6180 C6205 plastic, with the meter’s overall weight coming in at just 220grams. The QM-1565 adaptor is available through all Jaycar stores for $39.95. Contact Jaycar’s head office on (02) 9743 5222 for a Jaycar store or dealer closest to you. Dual axis accelerometer The new ADXL202 from Analog Devices Inc is a low power (250µA Fluke 80 Series III multimeters First introduced in 1988, the Fluke 80 series multi­meters have recently been upgraded and are now able to withstand voltage surges to 8kV and are independently tested to meet IEC Category III 1kV safety standards. The 80 Series III multimeters also incorporate LED back­lighting for the LCD which has larger digits and improved viewing angle. Another improvement is a back access door which enables the user to change batteries without break- per axis) two axis accelerometer with a digital output which can be fed to a number of low cost microcontrollers. No D/A converter is required. The outputs are duty cycle modulated (DCM) signals with the ratio of pulse width to period proportional to the acceleration in each of the two sensitive axes. For further information, contact Analog Devices, PO Box 2098 Rosebud Plaza, Vic 3940. Phone (03) 5986 7755; SC fax (03) 5986 4688. ing the calibration seal. Models 87 and 87/E have a 4 1/2-digit display mode. Fluke 80 Series III multi­ meters come with a lifetime war­ ranty and are now available from Philips Test & Measurement dis­tributors. For further information, contact Philips Test & Meas­ urement, 34 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9888 8 222; fax (02) 9888 0440.