Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus. Editor Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.) Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Robert Flynn Reader Services Ann Jenkinson Advertising Enquiries Leo Simpson Phone (02) 979 5644 Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Garry Cratt, VK2YBX Marque Crozman, VK2ZLZ John Hill Jim Lawler, MTETIA Bryan Maher, M.E., B.Sc. Philip Watson, MIREE, VK2ZPW Jim Yalden, VK2YGY Bob Young Photography Stuart Bryce SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 003 205 490. All material copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Macquarie Print, Dubbo, NSW. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $49 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the subscription page in this issue. Editorial & advertising offices: Unit 34, 1-3 Jubilee Avenue, Warrie­ wood, NSW 2102. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 979 5644. Fax (02) 979 6503. PUBLISHER’S LETTER A few milestones & a nasty discovery This month there are a number of topics I want to comment on and the first of these concerns our Dolby® Pro Logic Surround Sound decoder article which starts on page 18 of this issue. This project has been a long time coming for us but is one that we are very pleased to present. As far as we know it is the first time that an electronics magazine has presented a Dolby Laboratories approved and licensed decoder design. Yes, it’s a world first and we are very proud of it. The second project article of note is Bob Young’s remote control receiver series which starts on page 84. Again, this is a milestone and is the first time for almost 30 years that such a series has been presented in an Australian electronics magazine. And although this point has not been highlighted in the article, it is only the second which makes extensive use of surface mount components. The first was Bob Young’s speed control which was presented in a series beginning in November 1992. Now if you shudder at the thought of working with surface mount components, you are not alone. I have been concerned for some time about the ever-reducing size of componentry and it was the subject of the Publisher’s Letter in last month’s issue. So surface mount components are another inevitable step in the process. But apart from my suggestion last month that a good pair of close-up specs is now very worthwhile for many people engaged in electronics, it is about time we faced up to surface mount anyway. In the remote control receiver case, there are very good reasons to use SMDs – short lead lengths, ability to withstand high vibration and G-forces and so on. And if you follow the procedure which Bob Young will be presenting in a future issue, it is possible to work with SMDs without any special equipment. It’s time to get with it, so we’re giving you adequate warning. Finally, I must comment on the use of bogus RAM SIMMs with parity generator chips. The story about these bogus SIMMs is presented on page 10. Apparently they are becoming very widespread and could conceivably cause users a lot of trouble in the future. Now as far as I am concerned, and I am sure most readers will agree, if ever there was an outrageous rip-off, this is it. What can you do about it? Not much, if you’ve already been caught. But at least new computer buyers will know to ask about RAM SIMMs with genuine parity. But it’s a pretty crook situation, isn’t it? Leo Simpson ISSN 1030-2662 WARNING! SILICON CHIP magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of SILICON CHIP magazine. Devices or circuits described in SILICON CHIP may be covered by patents. SILICON CHIP disclaims any liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. SILICON CHIP also disclaims any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws. Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Trade Practices Act 1974 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable. 2  Silicon Chip