Silicon ChipMarket Centre - January 1995 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Loud car stereos are a menace
  4. Feature: The Latest Trends In Car Sound by Julian Edgar
  5. Project: Build A Sun Tracker For Solar Panels by Nenad Stojadinovic
  6. Project: Simple Battery Saver For Torches by Marque Crozman
  7. Project: Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Decoder; Pt.2 by John Clarke
  8. Serviceman's Log: Symptoms don't seem to help any more by The TV Serviceman
  9. Feature: Volkswagen's Golf Ecomatic by Julian Edgar
  10. Project: A Dual Channel UHF Remote Control by Bernie Gilchrist
  11. Feature: Computer Bits by Darren Yates
  12. Project: Build A Stereo Microphone Preamplifier by Darren Yates
  13. Review: Bookshelf by Silicon Chip
  14. Feature: Remote Control by Bob Young
  15. Vintage Radio: Basic tools & test equipment by John Hill
  16. Feature: Amateur Radio by Garry Cratt, VK2YBX
  17. Order Form
  18. Product Showcase
  19. Book Store
  20. Back Issues
  21. Market Centre
  22. Advertising Index
  23. Outer Back Cover

This is only a preview of the January 1995 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 30 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 Latest Trends In Car Sound (January 1995)
  • The Latest Trends In Car Sound; Pt.2 (February 1995)
  • The Latest Trends In Car Sound; Pt.3 (March 1995)
Items relevant to "Build A Sun Tracker For Solar Panels":
  • Solar Tracker PCB pattern (PDF download) [13101951] (Free)
Items relevant to "Simple Battery Saver For Torches":
  • Simple Battery Saver PCB pattern (PDF download) [11101951] (Free)
Items relevant to "Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Decoder; Pt.2":
  • Dolby Pro Logic Decoder PCB pattern (PDF download) [02311941] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Decoder; Pt.1 (December 1994)
  • Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Decoder; Pt.2 (January 1995)
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 "Build A Stereo Microphone Preamplifier":
  • Stereo Microphone Preamplifier PCB pattern (PDF download) [01111941] (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 "Amateur Radio":
  • 950MHz Wideband Preamplifier PCB Pattern (PDF download) [06101951] (Free)
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)
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES FOR SALE Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $10.00 for up to 12 words plus 50 cents for each additional word. Display ads (casual rate): $25 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, fill out the form & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. DON’S SHORT FORM KITS: PIC­ 16C54-58/71/84 Universal PCB $23; Basic Stamps $65; Serial Driven 18 I/O $70; Parallel Driven 64 I/O $38; Relay8 PCB $10-$20; Z80 Dev. $38-$52; 8K-4Mb Print Buff. $38-$52. Promo Disk for all projects $2. Don McKenzie, 29 Ellesmere Crescent, Tullamarine 3043. Phone (03) 338 6286. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ TINY VIDEO CAMERAS $20 off! This month from $179. Previous buyers get DOUBLE $40 off. MATCHBOX SIZE PCB MODULES from 32 x 32 x 23mm with lens. 16 types. Optional lenses, C lens mounts, cases & technical manuals. ALLTHINGS. Ph/Fax (09) 349 9413 TENDER ESTATE, military radios, military pamphlets, transceivers, linears, PSUs, genemotors, general catalogue 85c stamp. Hadgraft, 17 Paxton St, Holland Park Qld 4121. AH (07) 397 3751. VALVES: all types for radio, audio and industrial use. For sale and wanted to buy. SSAE for list. Electronic Valve and Tube Company, PO Box 381, Chad­ stone, Vic 3181. Fax (03) 571 1160. Ph (018) 557 380. INFRARED AUDIO CONTROL KIT based on the Intelligent Infrared Receiver kit (ref. Silicon Chip, March Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my RCS RADIO PTY LTD Card No. ✂ ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________ Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip 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 ELECTROSTATIC LOUDSPEAKERS • • 3-Panel Full Range Design. Available in kit form or fully assembled. • Locally designed & manufactured. For information brochure, Phone (09) 397 6212 Fax (09) 496 1546 Or write to: E. R. AUDIO, 119 BROOKTON HWY, ROLEYSTONE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6111. N.S.W. Ph. (02) 804 6859 S.A. Ph. (08) 332 6513 TAS. Ph. (002) 31 2403 1994) to control volume, treble, bass, balance, inputs, and select between two inputs (CD, VCR, etc). Also available infrared transmitters, preprogrammed and learning models. For details call BENETRON P/L (02) 963 3868 or (018) 200 108. WEATHER FAX programs for IBM XT/ATs *** “RADFAX2” $35 is a high resolution, shortwave weather fax, Morse & Rtty receiving program. Suitable for CGA, EGA, VGA and Hercules cards. Needs SSB HF radio & Radfax decoder. *** “SATFAX” $45 is a YUGA ENTERPRISE BA, LA, LB, LC, UPA, UPB, UPC, TA, Buy TBA, TDA, TEA, & 2SA, 2SB, 2SC, Sell ese 2SJ, 2SK, SAA, Japan STA, STK, STR, ICs & tors HA, AC, KA, KIA, Transis IX, LM, MN, PA TEL: (65) 741 0300 FAX: (65) 749 1048 705 Sims Drive #03-09 Shun Li Industrial Complex Singapore 1438 MicroZed Computers PO Box 634 (296 Cook’s Rd), ARMIDALE 2350 V (067) 722 777 F (067) 728 987 Credit cards accepted. SIMM (all 70ns) Parity/No Parity 1Mb 30-pin $57/55 4Mb 30-pin $192/185 2Mb 72-pin $130 4Mb 72-pin $230/210 8Mb 72-pin $480/440 16Mb 72-pin $740/670 32Mb 72-pin $1520/1340 MAC 8Mb P’BOOK CO-PROCESSORS 387S/DX to 40 $405 $90 LASER PRINTER HP with 2Mb $200 COMPAQ CONTURA 8Mb $550 DRAM DIP 1Mb x 1 256 x 4 70ns 70ns $7.20 $7.20 IBM PS.2 THINKPAD L40/N33 90/95 8Mb 8Mb 4Mb $655 $513 $230 TOSHIBA 3100SX 44/6400 4Mb 4Mb $285 $265 SUN SPARC 10/20 16Mb SPARC 10/20 64Mb $965 $4080 DRIVES – SEAGATE 261Mb 16ms 3yr wty $230 545Mb 14ms 3yr wty $335 1052Mb 9ms 5yr wty $695 Sales tax 21%. Overnight delivery. Credit cards welcome. RING FOR LATEST PRICES 1st Floor, 100 Yarrara Rd, PO Box 382, Pennant Hills, 2120. Tel: (02) 980 6988 Fax: (02) 980 6991 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, Qld 4005. Phone (07) 358 2785. MicaSOFT Electronics and Computing tutor program, written in UK, ideal for TAFE, schools or individual use. Now Parallax “BASIC STAMP”: 8 I/O pins and proto­ typing area. Program it with a PC, 33 simple instructions. Development kit includes one “BASIC STAMP” ($270). Extra modules ($79.85). Chipset and Resonator to make your own $30.25. STAMP Stretch­ er 16 I/O 1 A/D $91.96. Serial input LCD display $102.85. Scarce com­ponents need­ed for Application notes now in stock. Small items XPress post $5, kit $8. Send four 45c stamps for details. Parallax Distributor and technical support in Australia. MEMORY & DRIVES PRICES AT DECEMBER, 1994 PELHAM available in Australia. Send 4 x 45c stamps for demo disk (tell us what size). MicroZed Computers, PO Box 634, Armidale 2350. U N U S UA L B O O K S : E l e c t r o n i c Devices, Fireworks, Locksmithing, Radar Invisibility, Surveillance, SelfProtection, Unusual Chem­ istry and more. For a complete catalog, send 95 cents in stamps to Vector Press, Dept S, PO Box 434, Brighton, SA 5048. BINARY CLOCK - OCTOBER 1993: complete documentation supplied, includes introduction to binary, how it SILICON CHIP FLOPPY INDEX WITH FILE VIEWER Now available: the complete index to all SILICON CHIP articles since the first issue in November 1987. The Floppy Index comes with a handy file viewer that lets you look at the index line by line or page by page for quick browsing, or you can use the search function. All commands are listed on the screen, so you’ll always know what to do next. Notes & Errata also now available: this file lets you quickly check out the Notes & Errata (if any) for all articles published in SILICON CHIP. Not an index but a complete copy of all Notes & Errata text (diagrams not included). The file viewer is included in the price, so that you can quickly locate the item of interest. The Floppy Index and Notes & Errata files are supplied in ASCII format on a 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch floppy disc to suit PC-compatible computers. Note: the File Viewer requires MSDOS 3.3 or above. Price $7.00 each + $3 p&p. Send your order to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy 2097; or phone (02) 979 5644 & quote your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 979 6503. Please specify 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch disc. January 1995  95 SECONTRONICS Advertising Index COMPONENTS, COMPUTERS, ELECTRON TUBES S/H TEST EQUIPMENT, COMPUT­ ER REPAIRS Altronics ..........................IFC,24-25 RECYCLED EPROMS: ALL ARE CLEANED, ERASED AND BLANK TESTED. Av-Comm.....................................85 2716 2732 2764 27128 27256 Avico Electronics.........................59 $1.50 ea or 10 for $12 $1.50 ea or 10 for $12 $2.00 ea or 10 for $16 $3.00 ea or 10 for $26 $3.50 ea or 10 for $32 David Reid Electronics ..............90 TRANSISTORS, ICs, DIODES 2N3440 $0.50 ea or 10 for $4 2N7000 $0.80 ea or 10 for $6 TIP122 $1.20 ea or 10 for $10 74HC04 $0.60 ea or 10 for $5 1N5060 diodes 100/$10 or 1000 for $70 7406 $0.25 ea or 25 for $5 LM380N $2.50 ea or 10 for $20 DAC O8EP $5.00 ea or 10 for $45 VALVES: 12AV7 $4 1B3GT $5 6J6WA $5 works, PLD source list­ings, conversion tables. Kit with PC board and all components $75 plus $5 p&p. Optional Z frame stand (includes spacers and chassis DC connector) $25 plus $5 p&p. Available from Prototype Electronics, 1/29 Stewart St, Parra­ matta, NSW 2124. Phone (02) 890 2960; Fax (02) 630 3148. Pay by cheque, money order, credit card. PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS for the hobbyist. For service & enquiries contact: T. A. Mowles (08) 326 5590. QQV07/50 $15 6SG7 $6 1S2 $3 6AS7 $8 3D21 6U8A 6080WA 6X5GT $6 $6 $9 $5 Phone, mail or fax your orders. Credit cards accepted for orders $20 & over. Mail orders to PO Box 2215, Brookside, Qld 4053. Or shop sales at 143 Grays Rd, Enoggera Qld. Hours: Thursday 4pm-9pm; Sat 9am-4pm. Phone (07) 353 4919, Fax (07) 855 1014. Microprocessor For Stereo Preamplifier Now back in stock: the 68HC705-C8P pre-programmed micro­pro­cessor for the Infrared Remote Controlled Stereo Preamplifier (Silicon Chip, Sept.-Oct. 1993). Also suits the Remote Volume Control (May & June, 1993). Price: $45 + $6 p+p Payment by cheque, money order or credit card to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9795644; Fax (02) 979 6503. 68705 DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM: In Circuit Simulator/Emulator and programmer board. Suppor ts all 68HC705 range including C4, C8, J2, K1, P9, C9, D9 & 68705P3, U3, R3 microcontrollers. For more information contact Oztechnics, PO Box 38, Illawong NSW 2234, Phone (02) 541 0310, Fax (02) 541 0734 Email oztec<at>ozemail. com.au. "garage sale". LASERVISION, Australia's largest laser system manufacturer is selling equipment to make way for new models. Please contact Stephanie for a list of items available. Ph (02) 651 1511. LASER TUBES, systems and parts DEAD OR ALIVE: LEAK TL 50/PLUS. Ph (02) 452 1724. Emona Instruments.....................89 E.R. Audio....................................95 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar ................................... 45-52 Kalex............................................93 MicroZed Computers...................95 Oatley Electronics.................. 60-61 Pelham........................................95 RCS Radio ..................................94 Rod Irving Electronics .......... 67-71 Secontronics................................96 Silicon Chip Binders....................96 Silicon Chip Bookshop.................23 Silicon Chip Projects Book......OBC Silicon Chip Wallchart................IBC Tortech.........................................77 WANTED WANTED: YOUR CIRCUIT & DESIGN IDEAS Do you have a good circuit idea. If so, why not sketch it out, write a brief description of its operation & send it to us. Provided your idea is workable & original, we’ll publish it in Circuit Notebook & you’ll make some money. We’ll pay up to $60 for a really good circuit but don’t make them too big please. Send your idea to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. 96  Silicon Chip Dick Smith Electronics........... 10-13 Yuga Enterprise...........................95 _________________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: • RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 587 3491. • Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730. • H. T. Electronics, 35 Valley View Crescent, Hackham West, SA 5163. Phone (08) 326 5590.