Silicon ChipMarket Centre - October 1995 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: Smoke detectors are not a health hazard
  4. Feature: Automotive Ignition Timing; Pt.2 by Julian Edgar
  5. Project: Build A Compact Geiger Counter by John Clarke
  6. Project: A 3-Way Bass Reflex Loudspeaker System by Leo Simpson
  7. Order Form
  8. Project: Railpower MkII: A Walk-Around Throttle For Model Railways; Pt.2 by Rick Walters
  9. Serviceman's Log: The view was fabulous, but... by The TV Serviceman
  10. Book Store
  11. Project: A Fast Charger For Nicad Batteries by John Clarke
  12. Feature: Computer Bits: Connecting To The Internet With WIndows 95 by Geoff Cohen
  13. Project: Digital Speedometer & Fuel Gauge For Cars; Pt.1 by Jeff Monegal
  14. Product Showcase
  15. Vintage Radio: Vibrators: a slice of history by John Hill
  16. Back Issues
  17. Market Centre
  18. Advertising Index
  19. Outer Back Cover

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

You can view 27 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:
  • Automotive Ignition Timing; Pt.1 (September 1995)
  • Automotive Ignition Timing; Pt.2 (October 1995)
Items relevant to "Build A Compact Geiger Counter":
  • Compact Geiger Counter PCB pattern (PDF download) [04310951] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Railpower MkII: A Walk-Around Throttle For Model Railways; Pt.1 (September 1995)
  • Railpower MkII: A Walk-Around Throttle For Model Railways; Pt.2 (October 1995)
  • IR Remote Control For The Railpower Mk.2 (January 1996)
Items relevant to "A Fast Charger For Nicad Batteries":
  • Fast Nicad Charger PCB pattern (PDF download) [14309951] (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)
Articles in this series:
  • Digital Speedometer & Fuel Gauge For Cars; Pt.1 (October 1995)
  • Digital Speedometer & Fuel Gauge For Cars, Pt.2 (November 1995)
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. INVERTERS 12V-230VAC 90% EFFICIENCY. Modified Sine Wave. Compact 55 x 160 x 98mm. Light 800gm. Standby 50mA/0.6W. 100 Watt Continuous $99. 200 Watt $149. A.S.S. (09) 349 9413, fax (09) 344 5905. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ INFRA-RED CORDLESS RECHARG­ EABLE STEREO HEADPHONES. 20Hz-20kHz. Lightweight. $69. A.S.S. (09) 349 9413, fax (09) 344 5905. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ TINY 2/3 MATCHBOX SIZE VIDEO CAMERA MODULES $169. RF MODULATOR $30. Patch these into your TV Antenna System Display and/or Record on all TVs & VCRs. VERY FLEXIBLE & PRACTICAL VIDEO SUR­VEILLANCE PACKAGE only $199. Camera 400+ TVL, 35 x 35 x 25mm incl Lens, Auto Iris, Infra-Red & Low Light Sensitive. IR LEDs 50mW pkt/30 $15 SEE IN TOTAL DARKNESS. A.S.S. (09) 349 9413, fax (09) 344 5905. D.I.Y. PACKAGED CCTV SYSTEMS. $699. 10" Monitor 4 Ch Switcher, Camera, 20M Cable & Stand PLUG-IN & GO! Features Two-Way Inter­com, Alarm I/Ps, VCR I/O, 400 TVL 0.2 Lux Low Light & IR Sensi­tive Camera. A.S.S. (09) 349 9413, fax (09) 344 5905. CLOSED CIRCUIT VIDEO EQUIPMENT. Mono & Colour Cameras incl. Lens from $249. 32 x 32 x 15mm 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 CONCEALED PINHOLE Modules from $239. 4 & 8 Ch Quad & Freeze Screen Splitters & Switchers from $239. Combination Modulator/Antenna Boosters to Display/Record Video on TV/VCR. Video Microscopes 10X to 1000X. Discounts 10% - 37.5%. A.S.S. (09) 349 9413, fax (09) 344 5905. PROMO DISK OF SHORT FORM KITS $2 coin. PIC16C5x/71/84 Uni-PCB $20, BasicMicro-1 PCB+Chipset $65, PIC84 Prog/Run PCB $20, PIC84 EEPROM CPU $15, COM1 driven 18 I/O $57, LPT1 driven 64 I/O $35, Z80Dev $35, Z80A+Xt1 $4, Z80B+Xt1 $6, LPT1 Cable $3, 20x2716 $10, PIC16Cxx Prod. Programmer $225. donmck<at>tbsa.com.au MicroZed has second source authorised BASIC STAMP alternative. Double and quad speed option available. EDUCATIONAL ELECTRONIC KITS: easy to build. Good quality. Up-to-date technology. Cheap. Guaranteed to work. Wide range selection. Send $2.00 in stamps for catalogue and price list. Or log onto our BBS FREE for full details of every kit. DIY ELECTRONICS, 22 McGregor Street, Numurkah, Vic 3636. Ph/Fax (058) 62 1915. Ph/BBS (24hr) (058) 62 3303. ADD AN IBM KEYBOARD DECODER (EA, Dec. 90) to your project. 8 left. PCB, Programmed 8749 & Disk $20. 15 Romloader 256K upgrade PCBs left. PCB, EPROM, 9346 EEPROM, 74HC­4053, Labels & Disk $25. P&P $5. Tantau Australia, PO Box 1232, Lane Cove 2066. AH (02) 878 4715. 68HC705 DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM: Editor, assembler, In Circuit Simula­tor and Programmer board. Oztechnics, PO Box 38, Illawong, NSW 2234. Phone (02) 541 0310. Fax (02) 541 0734. email:OZTEC<at>OZE­MAIL.COM.AU. YOUR UNUSUAL PARTS source: UCN5804B, DS1620, DS1202, DS­ 2401, DS1215, DS1232, UGN3503U, UDN2998W, UDN2993B, MAX038, MAX691, ISD2590, IR LEDs, PCB mounted switches, latest remote control decoder chip & more. With data sheets. DIY Electronics, tel/fax: (058) 62 1915. 486 DX4 100MHz AMD CPU on a VLB motherboard with 256 cache. $475 plus 5% S/H. Prices are in Canadian dol- MEMORY * DRIVES * MODEMS LASER PRINTER MEMORY HP 2MB UPGRADE $160 CO-PROCESSORS 80387SX/DX to 40MHz $90 SIMMS (Parity/No Parity) COMPAQ 4MB 30 PIN-70 $212 $212 8MB CONTURA $550 4MB 72 PIN-70 $221 $201 TOSHIBA 8MB 72 PIN-70 $477 $416 2100/50 8MB $568 16MB 72 PIN-70 $868 $750 DRIVES SEAGATE 32MB 72 PIN-70 $1713 $1500 545MB EIDE 14ms 3yr $269 EDO SIMMS 850MB EIDE 11ms 3yr $330 4MB (1Mbx32)-70ns $289 1052MB EIDE 12ms 3yr $372 8MB (2Mbx32)-70ns $577 2150MB SCSI 9ms 5yr $1270 MAC MODEMS (Includes Sales Tax) 8MB P’BOOK $450 14,400 BANKSIA 5yr W $283 VIDEO MEMORY 14,400 SPIRIT 2yr W $280 256KX16 70ns (SOJ) $38 28,800 BANKSIA V.FC $366 256KX16 70ns (ZIP) $58 28,800 SPIRIT V.34/V.FC $460 Authorised VIKING COMPONENTS agents. America’s fastest growing computer memory manufacturer. EX TAX PRICING AS AT SEPTEMBER ‘95 Sales Tax 22%, O/Night Delivery $8. Ring For Latest Prices. Credit Cards Welcome. We Also Buy And Trade-In Memory. SPECIAL! (Incl Tax) 1Mbx9 – 70ns Simm $65 1Mbx9 – 80ns Simm $58 PELHAM Ph: (02) 980 6988 Fax: (02) 980 6991 Suite 6, 2 Hillcrest Rd, Pennant Hills, 2120. Basic Stamp 1 & Now 2 HERE AT LAST: Stamp One’s BIG sibling. 16 I/O plus improved instruction set. MicroZed Computers PO Box 634 (296 Cook’s Rd), ARMIDALE 2350 V (067) 722 777 F (067) 728 987 Credit cards accepted. We have other PIC chips with interpreter ‘Counterfeit’ Dev. Kit 8 I/O (Scott Edwards’ low-cost Stamp compatible) FBASIC TICkit 21 I/O lars. Other items are available. Please write for details. Send Money Orders to Renato Zannese, 615 Roding Street, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3M 2A6. COMPLETE WORKSHOP PROGRAM: suit IBM compatible 386 or better computer. Handles: Stock Control, Customer Records, Debits, Credits, Faults, Manuals and Phone Directory. For demo disk, ring Jack Albers Electronics & Software Development on (045) 71 1640. SWAPMEET: Glenroy 22 Oct. Sites 25/26. Vintage, amateur compon­ents, valves. Catalogue SAE T. Mitchell, 68 Rowan Street, Bendigo 3550. MICROCRAFT PRESENTS: Dunfield (DDS) products are now available in (Versa Tech) Range of accessories stocked. Phone support for all products. Send 2 x 45c postage stamps for information. Australia. Micro C, the affordable “C” compiler for embedded applications. Versions for 8051/52, 8086, 8096, 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11 or 68HC16 $149.95 each + $3 p&h • Now on special is the SDK, a package of ALL the DDS “C” compilers for $410 + $6 p&h (save $139) • EMILY52 is a PC based 8051/52 high speed simulator $69.95 + $3 p&h •DDS demo disks $7 + $3 p&h • VHS VIDEO from the USA (PAL) “CNC X-Y-Z using car alter­nators” (uses alternators as cheap power stepper motors!) $49.95 + $6 p&h (includes 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) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card number; or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503. Please specify 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch disc. October 1995  95 Microprocessor For Digital Effects Unit Microprocessor For Stereo Preamplifier Advertising Index Now available: the 68HC705-C8P pre-programmed micro­pro­cessor IC for the Digital Effects Unit described in the Feb­ruary 1995 issue. Price: $45 + $6 p+p Payment by cheque, money order or credit card to: Silicon Chip Pub­lica­ tions, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9979 5644; Fax (02) 9979 6503. Available now: the 68HC705-C8P pre-programmed micro­pro­cessor for the Remote Controlled Stereo Preamplifier (Sept.-Oct. 1993). Price: $45 + $6 p+p Payment by cheque, money order or credit card to: Silicon Chip Pub­ lications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9979 5644; Fax (02) 9979 6503. Altronics ................................ 28-30 diagrams) • Device programming EPROMs/PALs etc from $1.50 (inc label). We use and recommend the HILO ALL-07 Universal Programmer • Fixed price PCB layout & photoplots. We use and recommend PROTEL For Windows EDA tools • Credit cards accepted • Call Bob for more de­tails. MICROCRAFT, PO Box 514, Concord, NSW 2137. Phone (02) 744 5440 or Fax (02) 744 9280. C COMPILERS: Dunfield compilers are now even better value. Everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $140.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers for these CPUs + 6800/01/03/05 and 6502: $140 for the set. Debug monitors: $70 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $400. 8051/52 or 80C320 simulator (fast): $70. Demo disk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. GRANTRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworth­ville 2145. Ph/Fax (02) 631 1236. PROGRAMMER/EDITOR SOFTWARE for new Lattice EEPROM 7ns Generic Digital Switch ICs. Just connect to PC parallel port! Use to reconfigure circuits without rewiring! Send SSAE, phone or Av-Comm.....................................79 Avico Electronics.........................85 Car Projects Book......................IFC Dick Smith Electronics........... 12-15 Emona.........................................83 Harbuch Electronics....................85 Instant PCBs................................96 IRT Electronics..............................9 Jaycar ................................... 45-52 poll fax. Advanced R & D Solutions, 12 Copeland Road, Lethbridge Park 2770. Ph/Fax (02) 628 1223. NEW SPRINKLER CONTROLLER KITS: RAIN BRAIN version uses ‘C8 and switch mode supply. Features galore!! Contact Mantis Micro Pro­ducts, 38 Garnet St, Niddrie 3042. Phone/fax (03) 337 1917. SATELLITE DISHES: international reception of Intelsat, Panamsat, Gorizont, Rimsat. Warehouse Sale – 4.6m Dish & Pole $1499; LNB $50; Feed $75. All accessories available. Videosat, 2/28 Salisbury Rd, Hornsby. Phone (02) 482 3100 8.30-5.00 M-F. WANTED SERVICE MANUAL or copy (including schematics) and probes for Gould/ Bidmatton K450 logic analyser. After 7:00pm (03) 872 3360. Kalex............................................43 Macservice...............................3,81 MicroZed Computers...................95 Oatley Electronics.................. 64-65 Pelham........................................95 Railway Projects Book.............OBC RCS Radio ..................................94 Rod Irving Electronics .......... 69-73 R.S.K. Electronics........................85 Scan Audio..................................84 Silicon Chip Back Issues....... 90-91 Silicon Chip Bookshop.................53 Silicon Chip Walchart................IBC Spectrum Management Agency....9 SILICON CHIP BINDERS These binders will protect your copies of SILICON CHIP. ★ Heavy board covers with 2-tone green vinyl covering ★ Each binder holds up to 14 issues ★ SILICON CHIP logo printed in gold-coloured lettering on spine & cover Price: $A14.95 each (incl. postage in Aust). NZ & PNG orders please add $A5 each for p&p. To order, just fill in & mail the order form in this issue to: Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy 2097; Or phone (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card details or fax (02) 9979 6503. 96  Silicon Chip Tortech.........................................43 _________________________________ 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.