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PRODUCT SHOWCASE 7500A Universal Clamp When Tech Rentals say they have a high current universal clamp meter available, they mean high current: this Technic P75.3C clamp meter measures up to 7500A, AC or DC. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a voltmeter, chart recorder or oscilloscope, having no readout device of its own but giving a DC voltage output in proportion to the measured current. Output “full scale” is 1.5V for a 7500A current. Using a Hall-effect sensor, the clamp covers a range of DC to 1000Hz and can clamp a cable up to 83mm in diameter, and busbars of 122 x 54mm or 100 x 64mm. For more information, contact Tech Rentals, 12 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood, Vic 3134. Phone 1800 632 652; fax (03) 9879 4310 Speakerphone + Caller ID from DSE A new phone from Dick Smith Electronics features both hands-free (speakerphone) operation and an inbuilt caller ID display. The LCD screen displays the caller's number and, if that number is programmed into memory, the name of the caller. Up to 13 numbers can be stored (including 3 one-touch redial) and the phone remembers the previous 99 calls for later review, if required. The DSE Speakerphone with Caller ID (model F 4518) also has mute, redial, recall, flash and pause buttons plus adjustable ringer tone and volume. With a recommended retail price of $98 it is available from Dick Smith Electronics Stores, resellers and the Direct Link mail order service. Two very different power supplies The programmable Californian Instruments 2001RP precision AC power supply can provide up to 2000VA at frequencies from 16Hz to 5000Hz. A Windows graphical interface permits control of the supply from a PC. Intended for such tasks as development and ATE, it can provide high peak currents and power factors of 0.0 to 1.0 without derating. An optional power meter module provides measurements including RMS current, voltage, true power, crest factor and peak current, thus allowing the 2001RP to be used as a “single box” power test system. An optional IEEE488 or RS232 interface is also available. For more information, contact Westek Industrial Products, Unit 2, 6-10 Maria St, Laverton Nth, Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802; fax (03) 9369 8006; email westek<at>projectx. com.au By contrast, this is a more “traditional” supply from Nilsen Technologies. The Thurlby-Thandar EX725M multi-mode power supply has two independent, fully isolated adjustable outputs of 0 - 75V DC at 2A each, or can operate in a single mode delivering an output of 150V DC <at> 2A, or 75V DC <at> 4A. It is provided with special safety binding posts which can accept spade terminals, 4mm plugs or bare-end wires without exposing any metal parts. For more information, contact Nilsen Technologies, 150 Oxford Street, Collingwood, Vic 34066. Phone 1800 623 350; fax 1800 067 263. JULY 1999  53 PCB Mounting Toroidal Transformers Learning Remote Mounting any transformer on a PC board can be difficult if they are not intended for the task but toroidal transformers are often more difficult. That’s why these new series of 10VA and 30VA toroidals from Altronics are likely to be welcomed by manufacturers and enthusiasts alike. The transformers are “potted” before being encased in a finned plastic case. A thermal fuse is also fitted. All connections are via the PC board mounting pins which are close to the four corners of the case, with provision also made for a centre self-tapping bolt for extra stability or security. The smaller 10VA model, cat no M4506, measures 53mm square x 28mm high. The larger 30VA model measures Snap-in IEC mains filter with the works! for up to 10 devices 63mm square x 33mm high. Both have two 120V primaries, obviously to be connected in series for 240V AC. There are four transformers in each range. Each has two identical secondaries which can be series or parallel connected. The 10VA model has 6+6V <at> 0.83A, 9+9V <at> 0.5A, 12+12V <at> 0.4A and 15+15V <at> 0.3A. The 30VA model has 6+6V <at> 2.5A, 9+9V <at> 1.6A, 12+12V <at> 1.2A and 15+15V <at> 1.0A. For more information, contact Altronic Distributors in Perth (08 9328 2199), Altronics resellers around Australia or refer to page 63 of the 1999/2000 Altronics Catalog. This 10-in-1 learning remote control can control up to 10 devices, with 47 storage keys for each device. It features multi-codes, multi-languages, label editing, programmable macros, a liquid crystal display with back-lighting, date/time alarm function and more. The macro feature allows the user to transmit up to 20 codes at once, with just 2 buttons. It suits most brands of equipment controlled by infrared remotes such as TV sets, CD and DVD players, video cassette recorders, amplifiers and so on. It has a recommended retail price of $129.95 (Cat AR-1708) For more information, contact any Jaycar Electronics store or their head office on (02) 9743 5222; fax(02) 97432066. (www.jaycar.com.au) New gas soldering irons from Altronics Westek Industrial Products have released this Schaffner “snap into place” IEC mains input connector which also incorporates a filter, mains switch, fuse holders and voltage selector. The FN300 is IEC 950 compliant and snaps into an appropriate mounting hole without screws or nuts. Two sets of metal fingers provide excellent contact with panels and the filter earth terminals, ensuring good high frequency performance. The unit has a double-pole mains switch, 115/230V selector and filters which operate over the mains frequency range of 50-400Hz. For more information, contact Westek Industrial Products, Unit 2, 6-10 Maria St, Laverton Nth, Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802, fax (03) 9369 8006, email westek<at>projectx.com.au 54  Silicon Chip Whether you’re looking for a small soldering iron for delicate jobs or a larger model with plenty of heat, Altronics Distributors say they have you covered with these two gas-powered models from Iroda. Both models use liquid butane as used in many cigarette lighters. The Solderpro 50 is a 50W model with a tip temperature of between 210°C and 400°C, depending on setting. At mid-setting it gives around 30 minutes of soldering capacity with a full tank. With cap, the iron measures 153mm long and weighs 60g. The cap also contains a lighter. The recommended retail price of this iron (cat no. T2595) is $29.95. The larger Solderpro 100 is a 120W model with a tip temperature up to 500°C. With a larger 20ml tank, it can give around 120 minutes at mid setting. This model is significantly larger at 233mm (including cap) and weighs 142g. It also includes an auto-igniter: when the iron is turned on, a piezo igniter lights the gas. This iron sells for $69.00 (Cat no. T2598) Neither iron is supplied with butane: this is available from Altronics or from many tobacco shops, hardware stores and some supermarkets. Both irons are supplied with a standard soldering tip; a range of spare tips, including an air blower and blow torch, is available for the 120W model. For more information, contact Altronic Distributors in Perth (08 9328 2199), Altronics resellers around Australia or refer to page 98 of the 1999/2000 Altronics Catalog. 486 motherboards with CPU – less than $20! Oatley Electronics has available a brand new PC motherboard, complete with 486/40 processor, for the princely sum of $18.00 (plus p&p). The motherboard is a “baby AT” size, measuring just 180 x 220mm but has standard mounting hole positions and standard locations for expansion slots and keyboard connector, so it should fit a standard PC case. The board is supplied with a “UMC” brand 40MHz 486SX chip but with a bus speed of 25, 33 or 40MHz, will also handle AMD, Cyrix and Intel chips up to DX4/75 and DX-4/100 in the standard socket 5 configuration. An unusual feature is the inclusion of both 30 and 72pin SIM sockets, giving a maximum RAM of 32MB. The motherboard can also support cache memory from 32K to 512K. There are five 16-bit and one 8-bit expansion sockets and Award ROM Bios is supplied. The question must be asked, of course, “why on earth would anyone these days want or need a 486 motherboard?” At $18 and brand new, these Y2K compliant mother-boards would make an excellent upgrade path for an old PC – a 386, 286 or perhaps even an old 8086 machine. They could also be used in a variety of control applications or, with the addition of a power supply, RAM, I/O cards and a monitor, as a “test bed” for hardware or software which you don’t want to risk running on your main PC. For more information, contact Oatley Electronics on (02) 9584 3563, email oatley<at>world.net or via their website, www.oatleyelectronics.com.au FULL RANGE ELECTROSTATIC $2990! INTRODUCTORY PRICE N ow you can afford the legendary clarity,    transparency, depth, dimension and precision that only an electrostatic speaker can deliver. The new Vass ELS-5 is a full range electrostatic speaker that consists of dual electrostatic panels with separate bass and treble sections to cover the entire frequency range between 40Hz and 20kHz.  Diaphragm mass equivalent to    a sheet of air 3mm thick  5 year warranty  Wide selection of finishes   available  Each speaker individually hand    built and tested  Four other models priced from    $6,990 to $25,000 Also available, the Vass SW-P pyramidal subwoofer designed to complement electrostatic speakers in high ceiling rooms, RRP $1,500 TOROIDAL POWER TRANSFORMERS We exclusively use and recommend ME amplifiers. Please contact us for a demonstration of this brilliant combination • • UNIT 1, 42-44 GARDEN BVDE, DINGLEY, VICTORIA 3172 Manufactured in Australia Comprehensive data available HARBUCH ELECTRONICS PTY LTD 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 ELECTRONICS PH (03) 9558 0970 Fax (03) 9558 0082 email: vass<at>hotkey.net.au JULY 1999  55 ECTRONICSHOWCASELEC MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS FROM Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 0409 036 775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au 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 NEW FROM QUESTRONIX DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier VGS2 Graphics Splitter Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. VGS2 Graphics Splitter High resolution 1in/2out VGA splitter. Comes with 1.5m HQ cable and 12V supply. Custom-length HQ VGA cables also available. Check our NEW website for latest prices and MONTHLY SPECIALS www.questronix.com.au Email - questav<at>questronix.com.au Video Processors, Colour Correctors, Stabilisers, TBC's, Converters, etc. QUESTRONIX All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only Do you want YOUR product or service showcased to Australasia's most important electronics marketplace? 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. SWITCHMODE POWER SUPPLIES 25W500W Extensive Range EMC Technologies' internationally recognised Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facilities are fully accredited for emissions, immunity and safety standards. EMC Technologies Melbourne: (03) 9335 3333 Sydney: (02) 9899 4599 CALL ME: RICK WINKLER on (02) 9979 5644 and let me explain how cost effective the SILICON CHIP ELECTRONICS SHOWCASE can be for YOU! 6 Sarich Court, Technology Park, Bentley WA 6102 Ph: 08 9470 1177 Fax 08 9470 2844 web: www.computronics.com Silicon Chip Binders 129 5 REAL VALUE AT $  Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering PLUS P &P  Each binder holds up to 14 issues  SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover 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. Price: $A12.95 plus $A5 p&p each (Australia only; not available elsewhere). Buy five and get them postage free. 56  Silicon Chip 56  Silicon Chip CTRONICSHOWCASELECTR BUSINESS FOR SALE: SPEAKER SALE For the very first time we are having a sale of selected loudspeaker drivers from the prestige MOREL line. On sale are two drivers: MW 265 222mm Shielded Woofer, Fs 30Hz ,Vas 88.6L Qts 0.44 Power 150W Hexatech voice coil Normally $190 DMS 30S • • • • • • • • NOW $130 27mm Shielded Dome Tweeter, 94mm dia. Fs 650Hz Power 200W Hexatech voice coil Double chambered Sens 90dB Normally $129 • Escape to the sun in beautiful Coffs Harbour! Stable electronic retail business Easily run by husband and wife team. Agent for GSM carrier Access to large electronics suppliers (niche market). Very strong customer base inc Government depts and schools etc. Five year rental option on current highway premises. Full figures available. Current owners (12 years) are moving to a new business. Price only $55,000 + SAV. Enquiries: Hunter & Associates (02) 6651 6818 NOW $75 All other MOREL products available – many ex-stock We are sole Australian Distributors for: • CLIO Electro-Acoustic Measurements • SOFIA Vacuum Tube Curve Tracer • JASPER Power Router Circle Jigs Australian Audio Consultants PO Box 11, Stockport SA 5410 Phone / Fax 08-85-282-201 E-mail aac<at>rbe.net.au IN YOUR NEXT ISSUE OF Items planned for the August issue*, due on sale at your newsagents July 28. Subscribers receive their copies a little earlier. POWERED COOLER Take one commercial cooler, add this Peltier-effect device and you have a cooler that really keeps the cans cold! Operates from your car's cigarette lighter. LIGHTS ON FOR SAFETY Clever circuit runs your car's headlights at about 80% brightness during the day so you can be seen – but full brilliance at night. * These features currently in production but are subject to alteration PLUS: • COMPUTER MONITOR MONITOR – Check out any EGA/VGA monitor • X-Y Table – Controlling the stepper motors • Plus a special feature on HOME THEATRE – all you need to know And all the popular features: • Serviceman's Log • Circuit Notebook • Radio Control • Product Showcase • Vintage Radio • Ask SILICON CHIP SUBSCRIBE TO SILICON CHIP AND $AVE! As a subscriber, you will not only receive your copy earlier – you will actually save money! Check it out: 12 issues from the news-stand = $71.40; 1 year subscription: $59 AND we pay the postage! See the handy order form on page 67 of this issue. JULY 1999  57 JUNE 1999  57