Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

Contents Vol.29, No.4; April 2016 SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Features 18 Gravitational Waves: Einstein Was Right . . . Again Scientists have now finally proven the last, elusive bit of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, by observing gravitational waves arriving at the Earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant past. But what are gravitational waves and why are they relevant? – by Ross Tester 60 Review: Keysight U1282A & U1242C Multimeters The new U1282A true RMS DMM from Keysight features IP67 dust/water ingress protection, 3-metre drop resistance, a 60,000-count display and a basic DC voltage accuracy of 0.025%. The U1242C is a lower-cost option with similar features, including IP67 protection – by Nicholas Vinen Touch-Screen Boat Computer With GPS – Page 22. 80 Digital TV & MPEG-4: The Current State Of Play The recent decision by the Nine Network to simulcast in MPEG-4 has caused problems for many TV viewers. That’s because TV sets were not required to be MPEG-4 compatible. So what’s next? – by Alan Hughes Pro jects To Build 22 Touch-Screen Boat Computer With GPS Would you like an accurate digital speedometer for your boat? This low-cost unit is just the shot. It can also display a raft of other information, including heading, location and the relative bearing to a point of interest, which can be anything from the harbour entrance to a great fishing spot – by Geoff Graham 34 Microwave Leakage Detector Your microwave oven might still look good but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. It could be leaking lots of microwave energy, potentially putting you at risk of being zapped. Now you can easily test it with our tiny Microwave Leakage Tester. As a bonus, it will also test WiFi access point activity – by Nicholas Vinen Microwave Oven Leakage Detector – Page 34. 40 Fridge/Freezer Alarm Who left that <at>#$% door open again? Well, we’ve all done it; opened the fridge/ freezer door and then not closed it properly. This simple device will save your food and stop you wasting expensive electricity – by John Clarke 62 Arduino Multifunction 24-Bit Measuring Shield This low-cost PC-linked instrument provides four accurate DC voltage measurement ranges plus an audio frequency level and power meter and an optional RF level and power meter which can operate to 500MHz – by Jim Rowe Fridge/Freezer Alarm – Page 40. Special Columns 54 Serviceman’s Log Odyssey Stratos amplifier voltage conversion – by Nicholas Vinen 72 Circuit Notebook (1) Mobile Phone Ring Extender With Pager; (2) USB Power Injector; (3) Third Hand For Soldering Tiny Surface Mount Devices; (4) 4-Digit Code Lock Uses Atmel Micro 86 Vintage Radio The Westinghouse H-618 6-transistor radio – by Ian Batty Departments 4 Publisher’s Letter   6 Mailbag siliconchip.com.au 53 Product Showcase 85 SC Online Shop 91 95 96 96 Ask Silicon Chip Market Centre Advertising Index Notes & Errata Arduino Multifunction 24-Bit Measuring Shield – Page 62. April 2016  1