Silicon ChipProduct Showcase - May 2014 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Planning for future disposal of your assets
  4. Feature: Android Apps For Tech-Savvy Users by Stan Swan
  5. Project: RGB LED Strip Controller/Driver by Nicholas Vinen
  6. Project: The Micromite: An Easily Programmed Microcontroller, Pt.1 by Geoff Graham
  7. Product Showcase
  8. Project: 40V Switchmode/Linear Bench Power Supply, Pt.2 by Nicholas Vinen
  9. Project: Deluxe 230VAC Fan Speed Controller by John Clarke
  10. Salvage It: What can you do with a dead UPS... or two? by Bruce Pierson
  11. Review: Tektronix MDO3054 Mixed-Domain Oscilloscope by Nicholas Vinen
  12. Vintage Radio: The AWA B30: a transistor radio just like grandma's by John Carr
  13. Subscriptions
  14. Order Form
  15. Market Centre
  16. Advertising Index
  17. Notes & Errata
  18. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the May 2014 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 27 of the 104 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 "RGB LED Strip Controller/Driver":
  • RGB LED Strip Driver PCB [16105141] (AUD $10.00)
  • ATmega48-20AU programmed for the RGB LED Strip Driver/Controller [1610514B.HEX] (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • SMD parts for the RGB LED Strip Driver (Component, AUD $20.00)
  • Firmware (C and HEX) files for the RGB LED Strip Driver [1610514B.HEX] (Software, Free)
  • RGB LED Strip Driver PCB pattern (PDF download) [16105141] (Free)
Items relevant to "The Micromite: An Easily Programmed Microcontroller, Pt.1":
  • PIC32MX170F256B-50I/SP programmed for the Micromite Mk2 plus capacitor (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • PIC32MX170F256D-50I/PT programmed for the Micromite Mk2 (44-pin) (Programmed Microcontroller, AUD $15.00)
  • CP2102-based USB/TTL serial converter with 5-pin header and 30cm jumper cable (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • Firmware (HEX) file and user manual for the Micromite (Software, Free)
  • Firmware (HEX) file and user manual for the 44-pin Micromite (Software, Free)
  • 44-pin Micromite PCB pattern (PDF download) [24108141] (Free)
  • 44-pin Micromite PCB [24108141] (AUD $5.00)
Articles in this series:
  • The Micromite: An Easily Programmed Microcontroller, Pt.1 (May 2014)
  • The Micromite: An Easily Programmed Microcontroller, Pt.2 (June 2014)
  • Micromite, Pt.3: Build An ASCII Video Display Terminal (July 2014)
  • The 44-pin Micromite Module (August 2014)
Items relevant to "40V Switchmode/Linear Bench Power Supply, Pt.2":
  • 40V/5A Hybrid Switchmode/Linear Bench Supply PCB [18104141] (AUD $20.00)
  • SMD parts for the 40V/5A Hybrid Switchmode/Linear Bench Supply (Component, AUD $50.00)
  • 40V/5A Hybrid Switchmode/Linear Bench Supply PCB pattern (PDF download) [18104141] (Free)
  • 40V/5A Hybrid Switchmode/Linear Bench Supply panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • 40V Switchmode Bench Power Supply, Pt.1 (April 2014)
  • 40V Switchmode/Linear Bench Power Supply, Pt.2 (May 2014)
  • 40V Switchmode/Linear Bench Power Supply, Pt.3 (June 2014)
Items relevant to "Deluxe 230VAC Fan Speed Controller":
  • Deluxe 230VAC Fan Speed Controller PCB [10104141] (AUD $10.00)
  • AOT10N60 High-voltage Mosfet for the 230VAC Fan Speed Controllers (Component, AUD $5.00)
  • Deluxe 230VAC Fan Speed Controller PCB pattern (PDF download) [10104141] (Free)
  • Deluxe 230VAC Fan Speed Controller panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.

PRODUCT SHOWCASE New low-cost Test & Tag Print Kit from Emona Typically test and tag systems with tag printing capability cost several thousand dollars. For the first time, the PAC3760 DL data logging appliance tester and tag printing kit offers a solution that is around only $2,000. The new PAC3760DL tester stores test results that download to any PC spreadsheet or database program. No special software is required to generate an electronic logbook to replace traditional handwritten logbooks. The PAC3760DL also connects to the battery-powered PAC-OPT printer to print test tags. The PAC-OPT’s unique Tiny Plessey dotLED for Wearable Electronics Plessey has launched its smallest packaged MaGIC™ LED (manufactured with GaN-on-Si I/C) aimed at the surging wearable electronics market. It’s said to be not much larger than the full stop at the end of this sentence. The PLW138003 is a 0.7lm white LED in a 1005 SMT package designed specifically for the demand for ever smaller LED components producing highly collimated light. Plessey’s dotLEDs weighing 0.2 milligrams with a height of 0.2mm are an industry-leading option for any wearable application with LED content. It has a 130° viewing angle from 5mA of drive current. The 1005-size of the PLW138003 (1.0mm x 0.5mm) is a standard electronic component size, handled by the common surface-mount assembly machines used in high volume consumer electronics. The Plessey dotLED is designed specifically for applications that demand low profile electronic components. A blue version, the PLB138003 is also available. Further additions to the dotLED family will be colour variants and a series in the larger 1608 Contact: footprint. Plessey Plessey Semiconductors will also providesa Tamerton Rd, Rodborough, Plymouth, Devon, UK range of blue LED Tel: (0011 44) 1752 693000 Website: www.plesseysemiconductors.com dies shortly. 40  Silicon Chip “Plug N Print” operation simply requires connection to the PAC3760 DL via serial cable. Conduct your test and press the print button to output your test tag. No time consuming set-up is required as the PAC-OPT prints a generic test tag. With the PAC3760 DL, users will never have to handwrite log books and test tags again, easily the most time consuming part of testing and tagging. The PAC3760 DL is based on the popular PAC3760 series of portable appliance testers used Australia-wide in testing and tagging for over 12 years. The DL’s data logging and tag printing version builds on the range’s long list of popular features. The PAC3760 DL conducts earth bond, insulation and polarity tests, as well as leakage current tests for Class I and Class II appliances and leads and carries out trip time tests of 10mA and 30mA portable and fixed RCDs with the inbuilt isolation transformer. When used in conjunction with the optional PAC-TPL 3-phase adaptor, the PAC3760 DL can also carry out 3-phase leakage testing of 10A, 16A, 20A and 32A 3-phase appliances. The PAC3760DL operates under mains or Contact: b a t t e r y p o w e r, Emona Instruments Pty Ltd providing users 78 Parramatta Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050. with maximum Tel: (02) 9519 3933 Fax: (02) 9550 1378 flexibility. Website: www.emona.com.au 10 x 5.5m hi-res LED Screen at The Star The largest in-house hi-res LED screen has been installed at The Sydney Star’s Event Centre. The modular screen, comprised of 220 panels of 5mm LEDs, can be up to 10m wide x 5.5m high. Its flexibilty offers events at the centre the highest quality digital offerings in virtually any format. The Star also acquired a Christie Digital Spyder M20X processor to service the screen and it is backed by (and seamlessly integrates with) the Event Centre’s four Christie 20K projectors. The full-size screen takes only an hour and a half to set up. The Star has also purchased multiple trusses, capable of holding the screen in a variety of formats out on Sky Terrace, adjoining the Event Centre. The screen was a Contact: feature of the ARIA The Star Event Centre and AACTA awards 80 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009 held in late 2013 and Tel: (02) 9777 9000 Fax: (02) 9482 1309 Website: www.star.com.au/star-event-centre early 2014. siliconchip.com.au First 40GHz Cable/Antenna Analyser Claimed to be the first handheld cable and antenna analyser with frequency coverage up to 40GHz, the Microwave Site Master S820E provides frequency coverage of 1MHz to 40GHz. Anritsu is developing Vector Network Analyser (VNA) measurements for the analyser. The optional software will enable field measurements such as full-reversing two-port S-parameters and time domain with gating. A vector voltmeter and A/B ratio will also be part of the software. Designed for measuring coaxial and waveguide systems, the analyser conducts key one-port measurements, such as return loss, VSWR, cable loss, DTF, phase, and Smith Chart. Users can also conduct two-port transmission measurements and two-port cable loss tests. The analyser has the company’s easyTest Tools that enables tests to be standardized for repeatable measurements, as well as Line Sweep Tools for simplified reporting. Dynamic range is 110dB up to 40GHz, which brings benchtop instrument performance into the field, says the company, to address today’s wireless networks. Frequency resolution is 1Hz and the frequency coverage provides high-resolution distance resolution, so the handheld analyser can conduct more accurate distanceto-fault (DTF) measurements. The processor allows the analyser to have a sweep speed of 650µs/data point, improving field productivity. RF immunity is +17dBm, claimed to exceed any other microwave handheld cable and an- Contact: tenna analyser.The Anritsu Pty Ltd analyser measures 21/270 Ferntree Gully Rd, Notting Hill, Vic 3168 273x199x91mm Tel: (03) 9558 8177 Fax: (03) 9558 8255 and weighs 3kg. Website: www.anritsu.com Australian company launches world’s most secure online storage solution A Brisbane company has launched a revolutionary online storage solution that is claimed to provide unmatched security for cloud-based computing. “Your Digital File” brings never-before-seen technology to offer the most secure online storage and document trading system. Your Digital File provides a revolutionary layer of protection called Cryptoloc. Everything clients save in Your Digital File is automatically scrambled, so the files can’t be opened and read without a password-protected digital private key that is generated and saved to the client’s computer when they sign up to Your Digital File. The private key unlocks and decrypts the scrambled files. Clients access their files from the device on which they joined Your Digital File. Contact: The service is also Your Digital File portable – clients GPO Box 187, Brisbane, Qld 4001 c a n d o w n l o a d Tel: 1300 791 915 their private key Website: www.yourdigitalfile.com onto a USB stick. siliconchip.com.au Ultra rugged outdoor Spectrum Analyser Aaronia’s new Spectran HF-XFR Pro is an ultra rugged, outdoor Spectrum Analyser, specifically designed for use in harsh conditions such as military, aerospace, mining, construction and research & development. It combines an impact resistant outdoor notebook (which can be used independently) with a high-end spectrum analyser in one compact device, which has been independently tested in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, IP65 and MIL-STD-461F. It has an Intel i7 processor with 8GB RAM, full HD extra large multi touch-screen – which is sunlight readable – integrated GPS, ultra-low noise level up to -170dBm(Hz) DANL and built-in 3G Antenna with SIM Card Reader (optional). Contact: It offers a wide Clarke & Severn Electronics measuring range, Unit 4, 8A Kookaburra Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077 up to 9.4GHz. Tel: (02) 9482 1944 Fax: (02) 9482 1309 Website: www.clarke.com.au Freetronics offering SILICON CHIP readers 20% Discount on EtherTen Arduninocompatible development boards with Ethernet Prototyping a new “Internet of Things” device is a piece of cake using the Freetronics EtherTen, which combines the functionality of the popular Arduino Uno with onboard Ethernet, a micro-SD card slot and Power-over-Ethernet support. The EtherTen works just like a regular Arduino, so you can program it using the free Arduino IDE on Windows, Mac, or Linux. Getting started is simple: open the IDE, select one of the example programs and you’re ready to go. Then add sensors, actuators and other devices to build an Internetconnected controller, datalogger, web server, Twitter client . . . whatever you want. The EtherTen is ideal for industrial and domestic automation projects because it supports multiple forms of Power-over-Ethernet. Power it via the LAN cable using low voltage DC, or you can add an 802.3af PoE module for full compatibility with commercial PoE switches and injectors. If you enter the discount code “SC14A” at the Freetronics website www. f r e e t r o n i c s . c o m / Contact: etherten, they’ll give Freetronics you a 20% discount PO Box 7067, Croydon South Vic 3136 Website: www.freetronics.com on the EtherTen! May 2014  41