Silicon ChipMarket Centre - April 1993 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Forecasting electronic developments in cars
  4. Feature: The Story of Electrical Energy by Bryan Maher
  5. Project: A Solar-Powered Electric Fence by Branco Justic
  6. Feature: Silicon Chip 5th Birthday Sweepstakes
  7. Project: Build An Audio Power Meter by Darren Yates
  8. Back Issues
  9. Serviceman's Log: The path of TV service never did run smooth by The TV Serviceman
  10. Project: Three-Function Home Weather Station by John Clarke
  11. Feature: Remote Control by Bob Young
  12. Project: 12VDC To 70VDC Step-Up Voltage Converter by Darren Yates
  13. Order Form
  14. Feature: Computer Bits by Joe Elkhorne
  15. Product Showcase
  16. Project: A Digital Clock With Battery Back-Up by Darren Yates
  17. Vintage Radio: Restoring an old radio chassis by John Hill
  18. Market Centre
  19. Advertising Index
  20. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the April 1993 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 48 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 An Audio Power Meter":
  • Silicon Chip article scan, April 1993 - Audio Power Meter (AUD $10.00)
  • Audio Power Meter PCB pattern (PDF download) [01105931] (Free)
Items relevant to "Three-Function Home Weather Station":
  • 3-Function Home Weather Station PCB patterns (PDF download) [04201931/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Remote Control (October 1989)
  • Remote Control (November 1989)
  • Remote Control (December 1989)
  • Remote Control (January 1990)
  • Remote Control (February 1990)
  • Remote Control (March 1990)
  • Remote Control (April 1990)
  • Remote Control (May 1990)
  • Remote Control (June 1990)
  • Remote Control (August 1990)
  • Remote Control (September 1990)
  • Remote Control (October 1990)
  • Remote Control (November 1990)
  • Remote Control (December 1990)
  • Remote Control (April 1991)
  • Remote Control (July 1991)
  • Remote Control (August 1991)
  • Remote Control (October 1991)
  • Remote Control (April 1992)
  • Remote Control (April 1993)
  • Remote Control (November 1993)
  • Remote Control (December 1993)
  • Remote Control (January 1994)
  • Remote Control (June 1994)
  • Remote Control (January 1995)
  • Remote Control (April 1995)
  • Remote Control (May 1995)
  • Remote Control (July 1995)
  • Remote Control (November 1995)
  • Remote Control (December 1995)
Items relevant to "12VDC To 70VDC Step-Up Voltage Converter":
  • 12V DC to 70V DC Step-Up Converter PCB pattern (PDF download) [11102931] (Free)
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 "A Digital Clock With Battery Back-Up":
  • Digital Clock with Battery Backup PCB patterns (PDF download) [04101931-3] (Free)
_______T CENrRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. ANTIQUE 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. r-------------------------, CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 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 in the space 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. Open Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 12.30-Spm. 109 Cann St, Bass Hill, NSW 2197. Phone (02) 645 3173 BH or (02) 726 1613AH. FOR SALE WEATHER FAX programs for IBM XT/ ATs *** "RADFAX2" $35 is a high resolution, shortwave fax, Morse & RTTY receiving program. Suitable for CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules cards (state which). Needs SSB HF radio & Radfax decoder. *** "SATFAX" $45 is a NOAA, Meteor & GMS weather satellite picture receiving program. Needs EGA or VGA plus "WEATHER FAX" PC card. *** "MAXISAT" $75 is similar to SATFAX but needs 2Mb expanded memory (EMS 3.6 or 4.0) and 1024 x 768 SVGA card. All programs are on 5.25-inch or 3.5-inch disks (state which) & include documentation. Add $3 postage. Only from M. Delahunty, 42 Villiers St, New Farm, Old 4005. Phone (07) 358 2785. THE HOMEBUILT DYNAMO: (plans) brush less, 1000 watt at 740 revs. $ABS postpaid airmail from Al Forbes, PO Box 3919 - SC, Auckland, New Zealand. Phone Auckland (09) 818 8967 anytime. TVRO NEC. C-BAND: Intelsat satellite receiver, commercial unit, rack mounted. $300.00 ono. Phone Rod (08) 387 0372. SPRINKLER CONTROLLER KITS: Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $_ _ _ _ or please debit my D Bankcard D Visa Card D Master Card Card No. Signature_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Card expiry date_ _~/_ __ Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street _ __ _ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Suburb/town _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Postcode_ _ _ _ __ x I I I I I I I I I I L-------------------------J 94 SILICON CHIP standard and enhanced versions have new PCB layout with optional program A/program B operation . Very reliable and versatile designs control eight stations and have 32 programmable start and run times. Can be used to control just about anything (refer SILICON CHIP, July 92). All settings stored in EEPROM . Kits come complete with LCD and case. Standard version: $135. Enhanced version uses 60708U3 and has built in calendar, allowing day of fortnight watering (ie, SA, SU, MO, etc}, externally triggerable cycles and rain switch capability: $175. Requires 24V AC to run. Relays extra at $3.75 each (requires 9 SURPLUS COMPONENT SALE . $TOCIH)TYS LIMITED, NO BACK ORDERS RESISTORS MOST VALUES AVAIL. 1I4W MIFILM $3/100 113W CARBON $21100 1/2W CARBON $41100 1WCARBON $51100 2WCARBON $81100 • SW WIREWOUND $0.30 10WRESISTORS $0.60 100uF 10VTANT $1.50 . C&K 120fSW $0.50 SW DIL SW $2.00 CD22100 IC $2.50 $0.80 78L12, 79L 12 $0.50 $3.00 8259 $4.00 A25 THERMISTOR $3.00 $8.00 MCT275 OPTO $1.20 $8,00 M0C3020 OPTO $2.00 $8.00 MOCS050 OPTO $1.50 $8.00 74C161 . $2.00 EL32 $8.00 74HC74 $0. 70 ONE ONLY TBL12/30 TRANSMIT TUBE $2500.00 . PHONE OR MAIL ORDERS. CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED FOR ORDERS $20&:0VER, DISCOUNTS FO.RQUANflTY ORDERS . . 2N3055 . TIP30C TIP122 2N7000 2SC2240 . VN88 ·· 3N170 2N5954 2N3440 7906C LM3900 •···· 27C41 68681 747CJ 8251 '' VALVES .. , 3A4 417A 5651 5R4GY .. ;$1.20 $0.50 $1.20 $1.50 $0.60 $2.00 $1.50 $1.50 $1.20 · $0.50 $0.50 .$1.00 $7.00 · SECONTRONICS .·. PO BOX 2215, BROOKSIDE, OLD 4053, PHONE (07) 3551314 143 GRAYS RO, ENOGGERA, OLD 4051, FAX (07) 8551014 SHOP OPEN SATUROAY9AM•4PMAH(07)8551880 for full kit). JOCKEY PCB UPGRADE KIT: upgrade your present version (PCB SPV3 or SPV4) to the features of the enhanced version. $49. SIMPLE 68705P3/U3 PROGRAMMER PCB: needs a programmed EPROM or use it with a ROM emulator: $27. All prices include p&p. Kits and further info available from Graham Blowes, 38 Garnet St, Niddrie, 3042. Phone (03) 337 1917 (a/h); (03) 575 3349 (b/h); fax (03) 575 3369. KIT REPAIRS & CONSTRUCTION service. Fixed price servicing for all kits. No job too small. Ph (02) 649 2134 after 5pm . VINTAGE RADIO PARTS: numerous new and used valves, knobs and sundry parts. For price list, send one 45c stamp to: Airwave Radio Restoration, PO Box 333, North Hobart, Tas. 7000. A 4Mb SIMM can now be used in my Printer Buffer kit and my PC printer port driven 280 Micro Development board has a Basic Interpreter. Short form kit prices include postage. Buffer $52, 280 Dev. $76; or send $4 for my 3.5-inch promo disk to: Don McKenzie, 29 Ellesmere Crescent, Tullamarine 3034. Phone (03) 338 6286. EPROM EMULATOR: emulates 276427512, downloads 1OK bytes per second, connects to PC parallel port. Assembled & tested $160. Includes shipping. Money order only. Please ask our free catalog. Adaptive Technology, Shop 72, 1/F, Richland Garden, TMTL 333, I MEMORY & DRIVES ICL 286 Board PRICES AT MARCH 10TH, 1993 All in one board with two serial, prinler, IBM keyboard, high density floppy & IDE mono video interface. Up to 4Mb RAM, 80286-16cpu, MS-DOS compatible, 130 page manual, small size 170mm x 255mm. Laptop power supply 240V SV / 3A 12V/3A $89 $299 lnfrared sets, 1 each IR LED, diode & IDC header $1 Ampro little PC Audio IC hybrids STK043-25 or STK058-40W $9.95 SIMM 1Mbx9 70ns 4Mb (72-pin) 4Mbx9 70ns 4Mb x8 sons DRAM DIP 1 x 1Mb 256 X 4 41256 1Mbx4 $50 $220 $225 $195 70ns $6.00 70ns $6.25 sons $2.50 ZorD $24.00 DRIVES SEAG 42Mb SEAG 89Mb SEAG 107Mb SEAG 130Mb SEAG 245Mb 28ms 14ms 15ms 16ms 12ms $240 $325 $355 $390 $670 IBM PS.2 50/55170 70/35 90/95 2Mb 4Mb 4Mb $130 $220 $220 TOSHIBA T3200SX T44/6400 T5200 4Mb 4Mb 2Mb $270 $240 $150 MAC 2MbSI & LC 4Mb P'Book $108 $270 CO-PROCESSORS 387SX 20/25 IIT $130/5 387DX All Intel $140 EPROMS 27C4Mb15 $16 Sales tax 20%. Overnight delivery. Credit cards welcome. All in one NEC V40 CPU board, MS-DOS compatible, high density lloppy. SCSI hard disk, 2 serial, printer, solid state hard disk, IBM keyboard interlace, (4W), CMOS single +5V rail, up to 768Kb RAM, 384Kb ROM, 145mm x 250mm, 98-page manual. $299 Ring tor Latest Prices 1st Floor, 100 Yarrara Rd, PO Box!l82; Pennant HIiis, 21~, Tel: (02)9806988 DVTH' A 'Al Fax:{02)9806991 . J-1.lt'.l r.nL TRANSFORMER REWINDS Microbyte-PC230 v30 CPU board, 1Mb RAM inslalled, 2 serial, printer, 720Kb floppy, SCS1 hard disk, EGA video, IBM kb intertace, made in Australia, surplus $185 ea 720Kb Floppy Drives $55 TRANSFORMER REWINDS 1.44Mb Floppy Drives $89 ;!330. Ph: (065) 761291. Fax: (065) 761003. We buy surplus computer & electronic products, bankrupt stock and components. p C Computers ACTIVE DISTRIBUTORS REQ 'D AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND UCANDO VCR EDUCATIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY Unique copyrighted animated UCANDO videos for electronics & digital/computer training. USA sales US$6,000,000 year. Also sold in UK & Europe. PO Box 4603, Christchurch, New Zealand. Ph/Fax 3 379 5570. Taped components by the me· tre app 200pcs, tants, caps, zeners, diodes, resistors $5.95/metre 600-600 ohm audio output transformers PCB mount 18Hz38kHz. $9.95 Max 1/0 kil lor PCs, 7 relays, ADC, DAG, stepper driver, TTL inputs, with software $169 PC 1/0 card with 8255 chip 24 1/0 lines programmable as inpuls or outputs $69 ALL TYPES OF TRANSFORMER REWINDS Reply Paid No.2, PO Box 438, Singleton, NSW Bargains · · 1.5 watt AM broadcast transmitter XTAL locked $49 2.5 watt FM broadcast transmitter 88-108MHz. $49 Digi-125 audio power amp (over 19,000 sold since 1987) 50 walV8 $14 125 watV4 $19 New 200 watV2 version $29 lnfrared relay kit $9 Remote control tester $4 36 Regent St, Kensington , SA. Phone (08) 332 6513 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 Tuen Mun, N.T., Hong Kong. Fax: (852) 404 7952. PACKET MODEMS: fully built and tested $60 inc P+P. Baycom Graphic Packet Ect. Ph (02) 621 2213. Cheque or money order to J. Emery, 105 Abbott Rd, Seven Hills 2147. SPEED DEVIATION METER & Overspeed Monitor; EA Dec. 89. Set the reference speed with the potentiometer and you won't need to look at your speedo again. Monitors speed via a 7LED display, has a 3-step overspeed warning buzzer indicator, easy to install. Only three connections, an asset that adds fun to your driving and should reduce your contributions into the Public Revenue Fund. Available at a fraction of the cost of a minor speeding fine. Clearance at $20 for the PCB and components kit. IA PHOTOINTERRUPTER: an IR LED and an IR transistor in a slotted PCB mounting assembly. The discrete components are easy to separate as the assembly clips together. Great for IR experiments, $2 ea. or 10 for $15. 16-CHANNEL UHF REMOTE CONTROL: see EA Nov. 88-Jan. 89. One transmitter kit, one receiver kit and one 4-cnannel relay driver kit - priced to clear at $70. 1-INCH CAO TUBE: new 1-inch CRO tube plus a connecting diagram plus a simple experimental circuit. Very limited quantities. Clearance at $20. Ref: XXFEB9402. FIBRE OPTIC CABLE: high quality fibre optic cable, single fibre at $2/metre or 10 metres for $15; dual fibre at $4/metre or APRIL 1993 95 LOCAL TRADES & SERVICES Advertising Index Active Media Images ........ ........... 5 T. A. Mowles Transformer Rewinds Printed circuit h11ards for the hobbyist. Fur senice & enquiries contact: For all tyj)es of transformer rewinds. Antique Radio Restorations ...... 94 (08) 3265590 (065) 761291 Fax (065) 761003 Av-Comm ................. ...... .. ......... 55 Altronics ............. ............... ... 60-62 A-One Electronics ......... .... 5, 12-13 David Reid Electronics ................ 3 Dick Smith Electronics ......... 26-29 Silicon Chip EEM Electronics Tu advertise )·our products or senices, please call Sharon on Printed circuit board assembly, switch mode power supplies repaired . Design work from start to finish. Ring anytime 9am-9pm ·Mon-Sun. Harbuch Electronics .................. 36 (02)9795644(018)285532 (03) 4011393 Jaycar ....................................... IBC EEM Electronics ........................ 96 Emona ...... ....................... ............ 5 Jaycar ................ ............... ... 45-52 JV Tuners .......... ... ,.................... 36 REGULATED DC POWER SUPPLIES SPECIAL SALE Oatley Electronics ........... 68,69,96 PRICE CAT No. 10201 10202 10203 10204 10205 10206 10207 10208 10209 Special MODEL QTY GPS-1830 GPR1810H GPS-3030 GPR-3060 GPR-6030 GPS-3030D GPS-6030D GPC-1850D GPC-3030D HST-0062 2-only 2-only 2-only 1-only 2-only 2-only 1-only 2-only 2-only 8-only RANGE 0-18V, 0-3A 0-18V, 0-10A 0-30V, 0-3A 0-30V, 0-6A 0-60V, 0-3A 0-30V,0-3A 0-60V, 0-3A 2 X 0-18V/5A, 1 X 5V/3A 2 x 0-30V/3A, 1 x 5V/3A Variable Transformer WAS NOW SAVE 340.10 793.57 342.53 586.68 638.64 483.70 774.68 897.38 891.83 210.00 280.00 685.00 270.00 460.00 515.00 375.00 620.00 710.00 710.00 84.00 60.10 108.57 72.53 126.68 123.64 108.70 154.68 189.38 181 .83 126.00 A-ONE ELECTRONICS PTY LTD (02) 267 4819 267 4820 Fax (02) 267 4821 PC Computers .. .. .............. ........ 95 Peter C. Lacey Services ..... .... .. 32 Philips Test & Measurement .... IFC RCS Radio ...... .. .. ............. ......... 96 Resurrection Radio ................... 91 Rod Irving Electronics .......... 74-79 Silicon Chip Back Issues ...... 30-31 Silicon Chip Binders ...... .. .. .. ...... 89 Silicon Chip Positions Vacant.. .. 65 T. A. Mowles ............................. . 96 10 metres for $30. Ref: XXFEB9403. SWITCHED MODE POWER SUPPLIES: compact enclosed ex-Telecom supplies. Dimensions 300 x 90 x 180mm. Unregulated input 30-50V, regulated output of 12V<at> 6A or 5V<at> 40A. Two different units. Limited stocks, clearance<at> $14 ea. P & P $7 {heavy!). Specify type when ordering. Ref: XXFEB9404. Oatley Electronics, PO Box 89, Oatley 2223. Phone (02) 579 4985. Fax (02) 570 7910. I BOUGHT TOO much at a components auction and I must sell off surplus as my mother wants her lounge room back! Please send SAE for Jumbo Price List of new electronics-shop component stock at under cost price; eg: BD139/40, 10 for $5.00; 1µF/35V tant, 10 for $3.00; 5mm clear/red LED, 1Ofor 96 SILI CON CHIP $1.00; 4011, 10 for $2.00; All 74/74LS, 10 for $3.00; 555, 10 for $3.50 etc. Genuine sale. G. Cattley, PO Box N421, Grosvenor Place, Sydney 2000. Technical Applications ............... 71 Tektronix ............ .. .... ... .... ........ OBC Transformer Rewinds .............. 104 RCS RADHO PTY LTD ~i~1,~ 16ire...o I Ill :::;=I ' [I O RCS Radio Pty Ltd is the only company that manufactures and sells every PC board and front panel published in SILICON CHIP, ETI and EA. RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491 PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • Jemal Products, 5 Forge St, Wel 9hpool, WA 6106. Phone (09) 350 5555. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730. • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491.