Silicon ChipMarket Centre - January 1992 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Appliance safety is a concern
  4. Feature: The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.17 by Bryan Maher
  5. Project: Build A 4-Channel Guitar Mixer by Darren Yates
  6. Project: Automatic Controller For Car Headlights by Wally Hammer & Jeff Monegal
  7. Serviceman's Log: Same set, same symptoms, but... by The TV Serviceman
  8. Feature: Computer Bits by Jennifer Bonnitcha
  9. Feature: Experiments For Your Games Card by Darren Yates
  10. Project: Baby Room Monitor & FM Transmitter by John Clarke
  11. Vintage Radio: Restoring an AWA Radiolette receiver by John Hill
  12. Project: Adjustable 0-45V 8A Power Supply, Pt.1 by John Clarke
  13. Feature: Amateur Radio by Garry Cratt, VK2YBX
  14. Feature: Remote Control by Bob Young
  15. Order Form
  16. Feature: New Blood Steriliser Uses Microwaves by Leo Simpson
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the January 1992 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 43 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.

Articles in this series:
  • The Technology Letters, Pt.2 (January 1989)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy (July 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.2 (August 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.3 (September 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.4 (October 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.5 (November 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.6 (December 1990)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.7 (January 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.8 (February 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.9 (March 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.10 (May 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.11 (July 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.12 (August 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.13 (September 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.14 (October 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.15 (November 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.16 (December 1991)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.17 (January 1992)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.18 (March 1992)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.19 (August 1992)
  • The Story of Electrical Energy; Pt.20 (September 1992)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.21 (November 1992)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.22 (January 1993)
  • The Story of Electrical Energy (April 1993)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.24 (May 1993)
  • The Story Of Electrical Energy; Pt.24 (June 1993)
Items relevant to "Build A 4-Channel Guitar Mixer":
  • Silicon Chip article scan, January 1992 - Low-Noise 4-Channel Guitar Mixer (AUD $10.00)
Articles in this series:
  • Computer Bits (July 1989)
  • Computer Bits (August 1989)
  • Computer Bits (September 1989)
  • Computer Bits (October 1989)
  • Computer Bits (November 1989)
  • Computer Bits (January 1990)
  • Computer Bits (April 1990)
  • Computer Bits (October 1990)
  • Computer Bits (November 1990)
  • Computer Bits (December 1990)
  • Computer Bits (January 1991)
  • Computer Bits (February 1991)
  • Computer Bits (March 1991)
  • Computer Bits (April 1991)
  • Computer Bits (May 1991)
  • Computer Bits (June 1991)
  • Computer Bits (July 1991)
  • Computer Bits (August 1991)
  • Computer Bits (September 1991)
  • Computer Bits (October 1991)
  • Computer Bits (November 1991)
  • Computer Bits (December 1991)
  • Computer Bits (January 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1992)
  • Computer Bits (March 1992)
  • Computer Bits (May 1992)
  • Computer Bits (June 1992)
  • Computer Bits (July 1992)
  • Computer Bits (September 1992)
  • Computer Bits (October 1992)
  • Computer Bits (November 1992)
  • Computer Bits (December 1992)
  • Computer Bits (February 1993)
  • Computer Bits (April 1993)
  • Computer Bits (May 1993)
  • Computer Bits (June 1993)
  • Computer Bits (October 1993)
  • Computer Bits (March 1994)
  • Computer Bits (May 1994)
  • Computer Bits (June 1994)
  • Computer Bits (July 1994)
  • Computer Bits (October 1994)
  • Computer Bits (November 1994)
  • Computer Bits (December 1994)
  • Computer Bits (January 1995)
  • Computer Bits (February 1995)
  • Computer Bits (March 1995)
  • Computer Bits (April 1995)
  • CMOS Memory Settings - What To Do When The Battery Goes Flat (May 1995)
  • Computer Bits (July 1995)
  • Computer Bits (September 1995)
  • Computer Bits: Connecting To The Internet With WIndows 95 (October 1995)
  • Computer Bits (December 1995)
  • Computer Bits (January 1996)
  • Computer Bits (February 1996)
  • Computer Bits (March 1996)
  • Computer Bits (May 1996)
  • Computer Bits (June 1996)
  • Computer Bits (July 1996)
  • Computer Bits (August 1996)
  • Computer Bits (January 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1997)
  • Windows 95: The Hardware That's Required (May 1997)
  • Turning Up Your Hard Disc Drive (June 1997)
  • Computer Bits (July 1997)
  • Computer Bits: The Ins & Outs Of Sound Cards (August 1997)
  • Computer Bits (September 1997)
  • Computer Bits (October 1997)
  • Computer Bits (November 1997)
  • Computer Bits (April 1998)
  • Computer Bits (June 1998)
  • Computer Bits (July 1998)
  • Computer Bits (November 1998)
  • Computer Bits (December 1998)
  • Control Your World Using Linux (July 2011)
Items relevant to "Experiments For Your Games Card":
  • Games Card Breakout PCB [07103941] (PCB Pattern, Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Experiments For Your Games Card (January 1992)
  • Computer Bits (November 1993)
  • Computer Bits (January 1994)
  • Computer Bits (February 1994)
  • Computer Bits (April 1994)
Articles in this series:
  • Adjustable 0-45V 8A Power Supply, Pt.1 (January 1992)
  • Adjustable 0-45V 8A Power Supply, Pt.2 (February 1992)
Articles in this series:
  • Amateur Radio (November 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1987)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1988)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1989)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1990)
  • The "Tube" vs. The Microchip (August 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1990)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (April 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1991)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (November 1992)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (July 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (August 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (October 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1993)
  • Amateur Radio (February 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (March 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (May 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (June 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (September 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (December 1994)
  • Amateur Radio (January 1995)
  • CB Radio Can Now Transmit Data (March 2001)
  • What's On Offer In "Walkie Talkies" (March 2001)
  • Stressless Wireless (October 2004)
  • “Degen” Synthesised HF Communications Receiver (January 2007)
  • WiNRADiO: Marrying A Radio Receiver To A PC (January 2007)
  • PICAXE-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver (October 2008)
  • Half-Duplex With HopeRF’s HM-TR UHF Transceivers (April 2009)
  • Dorji 433MHz Wireless Data Modules (January 2012)
Articles in this series:
  • Remote Control (December 1991)
  • Remote Control (January 1992)
  • Designing A Speed Controller For Electric Models (February 1992)
  • Remote Control (March 1992)
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. r-------------------------, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $7 .00 for up to 15 words plus 40 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $20 per column centimetre (Max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale. To run your classified ad, print it clearly on the lines below or on a separate sheet of paper & send it with your cheque or credit card details to : Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. I I I I I I ANTIQU E RADIO ANTIQUE RADIO restorations. Your one-stop radio repair shop. Specialising in restoring vintage radios including chassis rewiring , re-condensing , quality new parts, valves, valve sockets, speakers, power & audio transformers. Secondhand radio dials & parts for most brands & models. About 400 radios in stock for sale, restoration & parts. Every restored wireless is covered by a 2year warranty on parts & labour. We restore damaged woodwork & cabinets & French polish (approx. 40 coats) . Vintage car radios available for sale or restoration. Repairs done on tape decks & amplifiers. Open Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12.30-5pm. 109 Cann St, Bass Hill, NSW 2197. Phone (02) 645 3173 BH or (02} 726 1613 AH. FOR SALE Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $_ _ __ O Bankcard 0 Visa Card 0 Master Card ~ - II_ __II·I or please debit my XI I I Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Card expiry date_ _~ /_ __ I I Name _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I I Street _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I I Suburb/town _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Postcode_ _ _ _ __ L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ JI Card No. 94 SILICON CHIP WEATHER FAX programs for IBM XT/ ATs *** "RADFAX2" $35 is a high resolution , shortwave weather fax, Morse & RTTY receiving program. Needs CGA, SSB HF radio & Radfax decoder. Also "RF2HERC", "RF2EGA" & "RF2VGA", same as RADFAX2 but suitable for Hercules, EGA & VGA cards respectively. $35. *** "SATFAX" $45 is a NOAA, Meteor & GMS weather satellite picture receiving program. Uses EGA & VGA modes, needs EGA or VGA colour monitor & card, plus "WEATHER FAX" PC card. $45. ••• All programs are on 5.25inch or 3.5-inch discs (state which) & include documentation. Add $3 postage. Only from M. Delahunty, 42 Villiers St, New Farm, 4004 Old. Phone (07) 358 2785. COMP.ONENTS SPECIALS available until end April 1992. MC14433 digital panel meter chip $15.00 (new stock). MC45512 memory telephone dialler chip $10.00. 4001, 4011, 4071, 4081 $0.40 ea for 10 up. 4013, 4017, 4024, 4040 $0.80 ea in lots of 10 up. 7805, 7808, 78L05, 78L08 $0.40 ea. 1N914 $0.05 ea, 1N4004 $0.07 ea. 2114 static RAM chips $1 .50 ea, data available. P&P on components $4.00 up to order value of $200.00. Ring for postage rates on higher order values. CTOAN Electronics, PO Box 33, Condell Park, NSW 2200. Phone (02) 708 3763. r Prices at December 1, 1991 SIMM 1MBx9 1MBx 8 IBM COMPATIBLE computer kits & accessories. Button spike protector $37.00. 6-socket power boards with surge/spike protection $49.00. Pack/ post $3.00. Send for a free price list. M.T.S. Electronics, PO Box 1013 Taree, NSW 2430. Phone (065) 53 1296. DIGITAL SPEEDO kit $50.00. Digital tacho with 10RPM resolution $49.00. Memory telephone dialler with single button dialling $30.00. 40kHz crystals $12.00. Hall effec;t sensors $4.00. Certified P&P $5.00. CTOAN Electronics, PO Box 33, Condell Park, NSW 2200. Phone (02) 708 3763. GARAGE DOOR REMOTE control kit: see SILICON CHIP March/April 1991. For orders received before the end of January 1992, we are offering one complete receiver kit and one ready made transmitter for the special price of $94. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, NSW 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. GREEN LASER TUBES: we have a limited supply of 1.5mW laser tubes with a green output beam. These appear as bright as 5mW red lasers because of the relative response of the human eye. Priced at about 1/3 their real value at only $399. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, NSW 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. VISIBLE LASER DIODE BARGAIN: we supply a used & tested 3mW visible red laser diode with its own high-quality collimator assembly, a simple constant current source circuit & components to suit. Only $94. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. CHEAPEST LASER EVER? We have a good supply of some new & near new laser heads with minor beam geometry problems. They produce outputs from 1-2mW. We can provide our 12V laser supply & one of these tubes for only $89. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. UNIVERSAL TEMPERATURE control: as per SILICON CHIP June 1989. We provide the complete kit including hard- "'I MEMORY EXPANSION 4MB x9 256 X 9 (For SIP 100ns 80ns 100ns 80ns 80ns 80ns add $1) DRAM-DIP 1MBx 1 80ns 256 X 4 100ns 80ns 41256 120ns 100ns 80ns 55.00 57.00 48.00 53.00 225.00 16.00 6.40 6.30 6.50 1.80 2.00 2.20 PELHAM \.. COPROCESSORS 80387-DX 25 80387-SX 16 8028710MHz 80287 To 20 173.00 142.00 95.00 156.00 FLOPPY DRIVES 3.5 Panasonic 1.44 3.5 Teac 1.44 5.25 Panasonic 1.2 80.00 86.00 92.00 EXPANSION CARDS LS 866N 32Mb OK 240.00 AST RAM plus 8Mb 350.00 BOCA AT plus 8Mb 250.00 SPECIALS Sun SLC Sharp 6220 Sharp 8081 PS/2(ALL) PS/2(ALL) Mac FX/NIX Laser Printers 4Mb 1Mb 1Mb 2Mb 4Mb 4Mb 2Mb 250.00 160.00 100.00 150.00 295.00 230.00 206.00 SOCKETS Simm Sockets 30 x 1 Vert Simm Sockets 30 x 2 Ang Simm Sockets 30 x 2 Vert 1.70 3.50 3.20 Sales Tax 20%. Overnight Delivery . Credit Cards Welcome 1st Floor, 100 Yarrara Road, Pennant Hills, NSW 2120. Tel (02) 980 6988 DIGI-CART DSP BOARD For 16-bit IBM compatibles. Broadcast quality 44.1 kHz/16-bit stereo audio with audio recorder software. $1599 + tax Custom software service for applications available. PC Computers (08) 332 6513 36 Regent St, Kensington SA. ware but no case. Clearance at $20. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley, 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. FOR SALE: OVER 250 brand new television valves. Reasonable offers accepted. Sell complete or lots. E, Cunningham, 310 Brazil St, Broken Hill 2880. Phone A.H. (080) 87 6460. UNUSUAL BOOKS. Fireworks, locksmithing, radar invisibility, surveillance, unusual chemistry and more. Send SASE for catalog to: Vector Press, Dept. S, PO Box 434, Brighton, 5048 SA. SOLAR PANELS, wind generators, batteries, inverters, etc. Our 50-page Fax (02) 980 6991 ~ FIX-A-KIT KIT REPAIR & CONSTRUCTION 3 MONTHS WARRANTY ON REPAIRS 12 MONTHS WARRANTY ON CONSTRUCTION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE HVCAL ELECTRONICS Design, Manufacture & Repair of Electronic Equipment (02) 633 5477 TRANSFORMER REWINDS ALL TYPES OF TRANSFORMER REWINDS TRANSFORMER REWINDS Reply Paid No.2, PO Box 438, Singleton, NSW 2330. Ph: (065) 761291. Fax: (065) 761003. Solar Engineering catalog is the definitive statement on equipment and price! Send $15 to Solar Technology, PO Box 1129, Esperance 6450. Phone (090) 71 3719. 2.8Mb BACKPACK external disk drive for PC/XT/AT/PS1/PS2/etc. No internal connection. Runs off compatible printer port. Printer still supported. Simple in- WANTED: YOUR CIRCUIT & DESIGN IDEAS Do you have a good circuit idea languishing in the ol' brain cells? If so, why not sketch it out, write a brief description & send it into us? Provided your idea is workable & original, we'll publish it in Circuit Notebook & you'll make some money. You'll also help save us from the dreadful "circuit burnout" syndrome which afflicts anyone who has to generate too many circuit ideas in too short a time. We'll pay up to $60 for a really good circuit (not too big please). So transfer your circuit to paper & send it to Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. JANUARY 1992 95 r-------------------------, SILICON CHIP BINDERS Protect your valuable issues with a special binder from SILICON CHIP. Our binders feature heavy board covers, are made from a distinctive two-tone green vinyl, and have the SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on the spine and front cover. They hold up to 14 issues and will look great on your bookshelf. Price: $A 11.95 + $A3 p&p or buy a subscription and get a discount on the first binder (see the subscription order form in this issue).To order, simply fill in & mail this coupon or phone or fax your order to Silicon Chip Publications. x Yes! Please send me _ _ _ SILICON CHIP binder(s) at $A 11.95 plus $A3 p&p each (NZ $A6 p&p) . I I I I I I I I I I Card No. D Visa Card Altronics ... .... .. ... ... ... ........ .... . 24-27 Antique Radio Restorations ... ... 94 Av-Comm ..... .... ..... .. .. ... ............. 39 Bose Australia ...... .................. OBC Coursemaster Autopilots ... .... .... 77 David Reid Electronics ...... .. 2,3,67 Harbuch Electronics .................. 89 Harvey Norman Discounts ....... IFC Hycal Instruments .. .. ... ...... ........ 95 Jaycar Electronics .. .. ... ...... .. . 45-52 Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $_ _ _ _ or please debit my 0 Bankcard Advertising Index J.V. Tuners ...... ...... ... ...... ........ ... 37 D Master Card Nav. Management Systems .... .. 77 Oatley Electronics ... .. ....... .. .. 41,95 ~ __,__,I I'----''--'------'--'I l'--'------'__,__,I ~I~__, Obiat ....... ..... .......................... ..... 7 Pat ex Systems ........ ..... ... .......... 86 Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Card expiry date_ _ _/_ __ Name - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- -- - - Street _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ PC Computers ........... ....... ..... ... 95 PC Marketplace .. ... ... ...... .... .... .. 73 Pelham .. ... .. ... ... .... ...... .... ... ........ 95 Preston Electronics .. ....... ... ....... 37 Protel Technology .. .. .. ....... ... ..... 33 Suburb/town _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Postcode_ _ _ _ __ RCS Radio ............. ... ....... .. .... ... 23 Resurrection Radio ................... 61 SILICON CHIP PUBLICATIONS PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097, Australia. Phone (02) 979 5644 Rod Irving Electronics .... .. .. .. 14, 15 Fax: (02) 979 6503. 62,63,90,91 L-------------------------~ stallation. Suit laptops or any PC upgrade. 3.5-inch 2.8Mb drive accepts 1.4Mb and 720Kb disks. $599. 5.25inch 1 .2Mb drive accepts 360Kb disks. $499 . Prices include tax, postage and insurance. Don McKenzie, 29 Ellesmere Crescent, Tullamarine 3043. PC TALKING VOLTMETER software. For project published in SILICON CHIP, Oct/Nov 1991. Plugs into the printer port of any IBM PC/XT/AT/386 or compatible. Displays voltages up to ±128V on screen, takes voltage samples over time, 8-bit accuracy to within 1%, combines with the PCVOICE RECORDER to give a talking voltmeter. Available on 5¼inch 360Kb disc plus documentation and instructions for $35 plus $3pp. Also available PCVOICE RECORDER software - turn your computer into an audio recorder $25 + $3pp (VGA/EGA/CGA/ MONO) . MS-DOS required. Send your cheque or money order to Darren Yates, PO Box 134, French 's Forest, NSW 2086. 96 SILICON CHIP Silicon Chip Binders ...... ........ .... 96 Stewart Electronics ... ... ...... ... .... 96 Forty pages of dreams! z ID I: St Lucia ..... ..... .......... ... ... ... ........ 83 Subscriptions ...... ....... .. .... ......... 81 Transformer Rewinds .. .............. 95 Yokogawa ................ ... ...... .. .. ...... 5 Zcomp ..... .. ... ..... ....... .... ..... .. .... IBC PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • Electronic Toy Services, 2/111 Glynville Drive, Hackham West, SA 5163. Phone (08) 382 8919. • Jemal Products, 5 Forge St, Welshpool, WA 6106. Phone (09) 350 5555. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone 88 5730. • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491.