Silicon ChipMarket Centre - June 1999 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Graphite bomb is too clever by half
  4. Feature: Hard Disk Upgrades Without Reinstalling Software by Greg Swain
  5. Feature: Your Valuable Magnetic Tapes Are Dying by Julian Edgar
  6. Project: An FM Radio Tuner Card For Your PC by Mark Roberts
  7. Serviceman's Log: It took longer but it cost less by The TV Serviceman
  8. Feature: Satellite Watch by Gary Cratt
  9. Order Form
  10. Project: An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.2 by Rick Walters & Ken Ferguson
  11. Product Showcase
  12. Project: Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars by Anthony Nixon
  13. Feature: What Is A Groundplane Antenna? by Phil Watson
  14. Back Issues
  15. Vintage Radio: Restoring an AWA B15 mantel radio by Rodney Champness
  16. Feature: HomeFree: Diamond's Wireless Network by Greg Swain
  17. Feature: SPECIAL OFFER: Low-Cost Internet Access by SILICON CHIP
  18. Project: Make Your Burglar Alarm System More Versatile by Max Maughan
  19. Feature: Getting Started With Linux; Pt.4 by Bob Dyball
  20. Notes & Errata: Digital Capacitance Meter / Command Control Encoder
  21. Market Centre
  22. Advertising Index
  23. Book Store
  24. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the June 1999 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 38 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 "An FM Radio Tuner Card For Your PC":
  • Windows software for the PC FM Tuner card (Free)
  • PC FM Radio Tuner Card PCB pattern (PDF download) [06106991] (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 "An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.2":
  • DOS software and sample files for the XYZ Table with Stepper Motor Control (Free)
  • XYZ Table PCB patterns (PDF download) [07208991-2, 08409993] (Free)
  • XYZ Table panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.1 (May 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.2 (June 1999)
  • An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.3 (July 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.4 (August 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.5 (September 1999)
  • An XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control; Pt.6 (October 1999)
Items relevant to "Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars":
  • PIC16F84(A)-04/P programmed for the Programmable Ignition Timing Module [IGN3Nb1.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $10.00)
  • PIC16F84 firmware and source code for the Programmable Ignition Timing Module [IGN3Nb1.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • Programmable Ignition Timing Module PCB pattern (PDF download) [05406991] (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:
  • Getting Started With Linux; Pt.1 (March 1999)
  • Getting Started With Linux; Pt.2 (April 1999)
  • Getting Started With Linux; Pt.3 (May 1999)
  • Getting Started With Linux; Pt.4 (June 1999)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FRWEEBE YES! Place your classified advertisement in SILICON CHIP Market Centre and your advert will also appear FREE in the Classifieds-on-the-Web page of the SILICON CHIP website, www.siliconchip.com.au And if you include an email address or your website URL in you classified advert, the links will be LIVE in your classified-on-the-web! S! D E I F I S C LAS EXCLUSIVE TO SILICON CHIP! CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $11.00 (incl. GST) for up to 12 words plus 55 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $27.50 (incl. GST) per column centimetre (max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. To run your classified ad, print it clearly in the space below or on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the form & 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. Taxation Invoice ABN 49 003 205 490 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ 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 FOR SALE C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086, 8096 or AVR: $155.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 for $78. Debug monitors: $78 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $78. 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. $199, $37 tax, $10 p&p. SOIC adaptors: 20-pin $90, 14-pin $85, 8-pin $80. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150; Fax (02) 9631 1236; or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed & direction, inside temperature, outside temperature & windchill. Records highs & lows with time and date as they occur. $420.00 complete plus sales tax if appli­ cable. Optional rainfall and PC interface. Used by Government Departments, farmers, pilots, and weather enthusiasts. Other models with barometric pressure, humidity, dew point, solar radiation, UV, leaf wetness, etc. Just phone, fax or write for our FREE catalogue and price list. Solar Flair/Ecowatch ph: (03) 5968 4863 fax: (03) 5968 5810, PO Box 18, Emerald, Vic., 3782. ACN 006 399 480. SPEAKERWORKS: specialist in speaker repairs and parts. DIY refoam kits: 31/2", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11", 12" and 15" $39.95. Includes shims, dustcaps and adhesive. Largest inventory of cones, surrounds, gaskets, spiders, dustcaps, grilles, foam and cloth and 4,700 custom voice coils. Phone 02 9420 8121, Fax 9420 8131. ! PRICES DOWN AGAIN ! PIR MOVEMENT DETECTOR with inbuilt concealed PINHOLE Mono or DSP COLOUR Camera, Microphone & Timer/Controller for VCR - Lights - Etc from $139 * BULLET Camera just 22 mm dia 480 Line 0.05 lux SONY CCD or DSP COLOUR from $132 * 32 x 32 PINHOLE PCB Modules inbuilt Microphone from $85 * COLOUR DSP 32 x 32 Pinhole Module with MICROPHONE from $155 * MINI 36 x 36 Cameras from $85 - SONY CCD $102 - COLOUR DSP $162 * DOME Cameras from $88 SONY CCD $105 - COLOUR DSP $164 * SINGLE-CABLE-SOLUTIONS 5 mm dia for Video, Audio & Power Supply from 40 c/m * BALUNS ! use Telephone or LAN cable for Video & Power Supply ONLY $15 ! DIY PAKS: FOUR Cameras, Switcher & Power Supply from $493 - with 14 Inch Monitor from $584 - with MULTIPLEXER for FULL-FRAME FULL-RESOLUTION RECORDING from $1173 * FOUR COLOUR CAMERAS, SWITCHER & POWER SUPPLY from $829 - with COLOUR QUAD 4 Pix 1 Screen from $1225 * With MULTIPLEXER $2056 * HIGH RESOLUTION QUADS 720 x 576 (Better than SUPER-VHS Quality) Time & Date from $284 * COLOUR QUADS from $503 * COLOUR DUPLEX MULTIPLEXERS from $1329 * 14 Inch MONITORS from $218 – with Inbuilt 4 Ch SWITCHER from $256 * SEE-in-theDARK with our Combination CAMERA INFRARED ILLUMINATOR Kit from $170 * PREMIUM High Resolution 600 + Line (Better than SUPER-VHS Quality) COLOUR CAMERAS from $455 * 50 LED DIY Infra Red Kits only $19 * ALSO: LENSES 35 Types, Outdoor Housings, Brackets, Dummy Cams, CCTV-TV/VCR Interface Modules, Motorised Pan Units, DIGITALLY SYNCRONISED Switchers for STABLE VCR RECORDING, 400 page CCTV BOOK $95 or FREE * DISCOUNTS: Based on ORDER VALUE, BUYING HISTORY, for CASH/CHEQUE & NZ BUYERS ! BEFORE YOU BUY Ask about our New Enquiry Offer & visit our Web Site <at> www.allthings.com.au Allthings Sales & Services. Ph 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. CAR AUDIO TECHNICIAN Eurovox Pty Ltd, located in Rowville, is the largest car audio distributor in Australia with full QS9000 worldwide automotive standard accreditation. An excellent career opportunity has become available for an experienced Bench Technician to join our Service Team. Previous experience servicing and repair­ing Car Audio equipment is essential. Tertiary qualifications are preferred. The successful applicant must be able to speak, read and write English, and confidently communicate on all levels. Excellent salary and conditions in a technically advanced office, with off street parking. Written applications only to: Mrs Lesley Schultz Manager, Human Resources PO Box 2440 Rowville, 3178 Facsimile 9764 4400 e-mail: lschultz<at>eurovox.com.au Eurovox Pty Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer Satellite TV Reception International satellite TV reception in your home is now affordable. Send for your free info pack containing equipment catalog, satellite lists, etc or call for appointment to view. We can display all satellites from 76.5° to 180°. AV-COMM P/L, 198 Condamine St, Balgowlah, NSW 2093. Tel: 02 9949 7417 or 9948 2667. Fax: 9949 7095; www.avcomm.com.au PC CONTROLS: AF Generators, I/O Cards, Temperature Measurement, Data Logging. Plus ActiveX. SOFTMARK, phone/fax 02 9482 1565 http://www. ar.com.au/~softmark 1A LASER DIODE DRIVER, 3W head laser power monitor, IR laser diode with Positions At Jaycar We are often looking for enthusiastic staff for positions in our retail stores and head office at Rhodes in Sydney. A genuine interest in electronics is a necessity. Phone 02 9743 5222 for current vacancies. 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. 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. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC February 1998. Test equipment without the cost of telephone lines. $190. MAGNETIC CARD READER, SC January 1996. Holds up to 8 cards. Use as a door lock. $65. Melbourne 9806 0110. Silvertone’s RC Receiver Still the best little performer available! Still only $129.50 AM or $149.50 FM. May be used with most ppm transmitters. This and many other radio control products available from: Silvertone Electronics, PO Box 580, Riverwood 2210. Phone/Fax (02) 9533 3517. www.silvertone.com.au housing, greatly reduced price, e-mail lmatthee<at>perthpcug.org.au for details and pictures. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS for all magazine projects, then goto http:// www.cia.com.au/rcsradio RCS Radio – Bexley (+61 2) 9587 3491. JUNE 1999  95 Silicon Chip Binders Keep your copies safe, secure and always available with SILICON CHIP binders: they’re cheap insurance!  Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering Advertising Index REAL VALUE AT Altronics................................. 34-36 PLUS P &P Coffs Harbour Electronics............73 $12.95 Av-Comm Pty Ltd.........................95 Computronics Corporation..........72  Each binder holds up to 14 issues so that you can include catalogs Dick Smith Electronics............. 8-11  SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Emona Instruments.....................72 Price: $12.95 plus $5 p&p each (available Aust. only) Harbuch Electronics....................55 EMC Technologies.......................72 Eurovox .......................................95 Instant PCBs................................95 Order by phoning (02) 9979 5644 & quoting your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503; or mail your order with cheque or credit card details to Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Jaycar .............................. 45-52,95 Kalex............................................69 Kits-R-Us.....................................95 SOLAR PANELS: buy by mail and save! 75 watt from $590.00, unbreakable s/ steel 64 watt $555.00. Largest manufactured: 120 watt $995.00, flexible 32 watt $475.00. All other sizes available, top brands, lowest prices. INVERTERS: budget inverters from $110.00 (12V 140W). High quality pure sine wave inverters from $390.00. Call with your requirements. WIND GENERATORS: wide variety available, call with requirements. TASMAN ENERGY Free call 1800 226626 Win $500USD cash dontronics.com RTN Australia Parallax distributor: Basic Stamps BS1, BS2, BS2-SX all ex stock. Chipsets also available for high volume applications. SX development tools and chips also available. New super BS1/2 development board Oz made Wanted We pay up to $60 for contributions to Circuit Notebook. Send your idea to Silicon Chip publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. 96  Silicon Chip now available. Custom I/O extender chips for the Basic Stamps. Serial Led driver kits, a/d kits, temperature kits, etc. FerretTronics servo and stepper motor chips. TiePie HandyScope HS2, Dos and Win software included. Ph/Fax (03) 9338 3306. Email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au Http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet Microgram Computers..............3,73 RAIN BRAIN AND DIGI-TEMP KITS: 8 station sprinkler controllers, 60 channel temp monitor uses DS1820s over 500 metres. Has PC Data logging. Mantis Micro Products, http://www.home.aone.net.au/mantismp Questronix...................................72 THE LOGIC ANALYSER KIT will stay at $750 ($800 - NZ). Ph 02 9878 4715. peter.baxter<at>tantau.com.au www.tantau.com.au MicroZed Computers...................72 Nucleus Computer Services........73 Oatley Electronics...................63,73 Premier Batteries.........................55 Printed Electronics................. 72,95 RobotOz......................................96 Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 70-71 Silicon Chip Binders/Wallcht....OBC Silicon Chip Bookshop..........17,IBC SC Model Railway Book..............32 Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........37 Silvertone Electronics..................95 A NEW address for Acetronics http://www.acetronics.com.au On-line PCB quotes, free software, DIY PCB supplies plus many other items & services. 02 9743 9235. Solar Flair/Ecowatch....................94 PCBS MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics (02) 9554 9760 sesame<at>internetezy.com.au; http:// members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec PC Boards KIT ASSEMBLY ANY KITS assembled/repaired: professional, speedy service. Phone Nev­ille Walker (07) 3857 2752. Truscott’s Electronic World...........69 Zoom EFI Special......................IFC _____________________________ 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.