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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Tektronix digital scope has LCD screen In a move that will galvanise the opposition, Tektronix has released two new digital oscilloscopes which are priced at about half the cost of comparable scopes. Both are very light and compact and use an LCD screen. If you have recently purchased a medium priced digital scope, the chances are that you will initially be annoyed when you see the prices for these new Tektronix models. Called the TDS 200 series, the new line-up is the 100MHz TDS 220 and the 60MHz TDS 210. Both have a maximum sampling rate of one gigasamples per second (1GS/s), two input channels, wide range dual timebase and host of other features previously only seen on scopes costing more than five thousand dollars. Apart from the low price and wide bandwidth, the overwhelm­ ing feature of these new scopes is that they really don’t look or drive like digital scopes at all; they have an “analog” feel about them. The controls are laid out in a similar way to those on an analog scope and the screen display does not indicate the sampling rate in use, in contrast to the display on most digital scopes. 90  Silicon Chip The biggest giveaway that the TDS 200 series are, in fact, digital scopes, is the high contrast backlit liquid crystal display instead of the usual CRT. It measures 115 x 86mm, about the same as for a conventional analog scope. The fact that no CRT is used means that Tektronix have been able to house the new scopes in a very shallow case. At first sight, the frontal dimen­sions are about normal but the depth is minimal. Overall dimen­sions are 305mm wide, 151mm high and only 110mm deep. Weight is a mere 2.9kg. Unlike a typical analog scope though, the TDS 200 series have Auto Setup – just press the button and the scope sets the vertical gain, timebase, triggering and coupling conditions to give a stable display on the screen. As well, they have automatic measurements for period, frequency, RMS, mean and peak-to-peak waveform values. Waveforms can be stored as well and also down-loaded to a printer or computer via the optional Centronics parallel port or the combined GPIB/ RS232 and parallel port interfaces. And while most digital scopes have multi-layer menus to help you use all their features, they are not a big help if you don’t have English as your first language. As well as English, the TDS 200 series has on-screen menus in German, Spanish, French, Chinese (simpli­fied and traditional), Japanese, Korean and Portuguese. Available from 1st September, the TDS 210 60MHz model is priced at $1395 plus sales tax while the TDS 220 100MHz scope is $1995 plus sales tax. We plan to review the TDS 220 in the coming months. For further information, contact Tektronix Australia Pty Ltd, 80 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 888 7066. Release 7.0 of OrCAD Capture for Windows OrCAD has introduced Release 7.0 of OrCAD Capture for Wind­ows. This third major release of Capture, which runs under Wind­ows 3.x, Windows 95 and Windows NT, includes new functions and enhanced performance. OrCAD Capture takes full advantage of all versions of the 32-bit Windows operating system and a Visual Basic for applica­ tions (VBA)-compatible macro language is included. Using the macro language, users can customise Capture’s schematic editor and reduce multi-step tasks to a single command. Capture now supports DXF output, including export of files to AutoCAD and compatible programs. Wiring processes are streamlined with the new “smart drag”, “sketcha-wire” and manual junctioning features. “Smart drag” stretches the wires orthogonally when wires, components or blocks of components are moved, eliminating manual wire editing. With “sketch-a-wire” the user moves the Kenwood AC-3 Surround Sound Receiver AUDIO MODULES broadcast quality Kenwood Electronics Australia Pty Ltd has announced their Dolby AC-3 surround sound receiver, the model KR-V990D. Dolby AC-3 refers to the compression technology that is used in Dolby SR-D and Dolby surround digital films. AC-3 delivers six separate channels: left, centre and right front channels, left and right surround channels and the subwoof­ er channel. In addition to offering AC-3, the KR-V990D features Dolby Pro-Logic, Dolby 3 stereo, and DSP Logic. The amplifier has 100W front left, centre and right channels, 70 watts for the two surround channels and a subwoofer output. In addition, there are line outputs for all six channels for connection to auxiliary equipment. Kenwood’s GUI (Graphical User Interface) allows on-screen indications that the user can select and activate via the remote control. The remote control unit lets the user move a tiny “hand” around the screen, in much the same way as the mouse does on a computer, enabling any function to be selected. The KR-V990D has a recommended retail price $2299, a 24-month warranty and is available at selected Kenwood dealers. In these days when all instruments seem to be digital, it is refreshing to come across one with an analog scale, as in the case of this new insulation tester made by Hung Chang, the model BassBox ® Design low frequency loudspeaker enclos­ures fast and accurately with BassBox® software. Uses both Thiele-Small and Electro-Mechanical parameters with equal ease. Includes X. Over 2.03 passive cross­over design program. mouse to instantly bring up a ghosted image of the wire. OrCAD Capture now includes schematic macros and primitives for devices from all the major silicon vendors including Actel, Altera, AMD (through MINC), Lattice and Xilinx. Designs can now be directly exported from Capture into Xilinx’s place-and-route tools without the use of an additional interface. The new Auto­block feature generates a hierarchical symbol from a schematic and “autoport” takes that hierarchical symbol and automatically generates the ports on the underlying sheet. For more information, call EDA Solutions, (02) 9413 4611, fax (02) 9413 4622 or email to richard<at>eda.com.au. Insulation tester has analog meter Manufactured in Australia Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 476-5854 Fx (02) 476-3231 $299.00 Plus $6.00 postage. Pay by cheque, Bankcard, Mastercard, Visacard. EARTHQUAKE AUDIO PH: (02) 9948 3771 FAX: (02) 9948 8040 PO BOX 226 BALGOWLAH NSW 2093 The HC-2500I measures insulation resistance up to 200 me­gohms and has an internal test voltage of 500V DC. As well, it will measure AC voltages up to 450V. It is powered by a single 1.5V AA cell. The HC-2500I is available from Altronics in Perth or their resellers at $95 (Cat Q-1240). HC-2500I. The analog meter is useful when a device breaks down intermittently, which would probably not be revealed on a tester with a digital readout. Computer power supplies For most computers, when the power supply fails it is more economical to replace than repair it but suppliers will only sell a power supply together September 1996  91 with the case; the original case must be junked as well as the supply. To remedy this, Computronics is now stocking a range of computer power supplies. These can replace a faulty unit or upgrade a lower powered unit. Currently stocked are 200W and 250W models in two case sizes, supplied with mounting screws and flying leads to allow quick reconnection. All models are UL-approved. For further information, contact Computronics International Pty Ltd, 31 Kensington Street, East Perth, WA 6004. Phone (09) 221 2121; fax (09) 325 6686. UHF wireless microphone system The Beyer U600 series wireless microphone system has fre­ quency synthesised operation with the capability for up to 64 channels within one TV channel and up to 15 channels simultane­ously. Since the transmitter has an ident code, called the Chan­nel Grip facility, the receiver is locked and excludes all other signals. The TS600 UHF beltpack trans- mitter can be switched through 16 frequencies and operates from 794822MHz and 854-862MHz. Oper­ating from a 9V battery, it is claimed to provide full transmis­sion power for up to 12 hours. A warning LED illuminates when one hour of battery life remains and the battery condition is trans­ mitted to the matching NE600 receiver. A comprehensive range of head and lavalier microphones can be connected, via a 4-pin Lemo plug. The TS600 measures 80 x 54 x 20mm and weighs 157 grams. The matching NE600 receiver is a dual diversity system. Its operating frequency can be selected from the front panel or via an ex­tern­al computer which can monitor t r a n s­m i t t e r and receiv­e r parameters as well as battery life. For further information, contact Amber Technology, Unit B, 5 Skyline Place, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086. Phone (02) 9975 1211; fax (02) 9975 1368. KITS-R-US PO Box 314 Blackwood SA 5051 Ph 018 806794 TRANSMITTER KITS •• FMTX1 $49: a simple to build 2.5 watt free running CD level input, FM band runs from 12-24VDC. FMTX2B $49: the best transmitter on the market, FM-Band XTAL locked on 100MHz. CD level input 3 stage design, very stable up to 30mW RF output. •• FMTX2A $49: a universal digital stereo encoder for use on either of our transmitters. XTAL locked. FMTX5 $99: both FMTX2A & FMTX2B on one PCB. •connector FMTX10 $599: a complete FMTX5 built and tested, enclosed in a quality case with plugpack, DIN input for audio and a 1/2mtr internal antenna, also available in 1U rack mount with balanced cannon input sockets, dual VU meter and BNC RF $1299. Ideal for cable FM or broadcast transmission over distances of up to 300 mtrs, i.e. drive-in theatres, sports arenas, football grounds up to 50mW RF out. FMTX10B $2599: same as rack mount version but also includes dual SCA coder with 67 & 92kHz subcarriers. • AUDIO •soldDIGI-125 Audio Power Amp: this has been the most popular kit of all time with some 24,000 PCBs being since 1987. Easy to build, small in size, high power, clever design, uses KISS principle. Manufacturing rights available with full technical support and PCB CAD artwork available to companies for a small royalty. 200 Watt Kit $29, PCB only $4.95. AEM 35 Watt Single Chip Audio Power Amp $19.95: this is an ideal amp for the beginner to construct; uses an LM1875 chip and a few parts on a 1 inch square PCB. Low Distortion Balanced Line Audio Oscillator Kit $69: designed to pump out line up tone around studio complexes at 400Hz or any other audio frequency you wish to us. Maximum output +21dBm. MONO Audio DA Amp Kit, 15 splits: $69. Universal BALUN Balanced Line Converter Kit $69: converts what you have to what you want, unbalanced to balanced or vice versa. Adjustable gain. Stereo. • • •• COMPUTERS •to Max I/O Card for PCs Kit $169: originally published in Silicon Chip, this is a real low cost way to interface the outside world from your PC, 7 relays, 8 TTL inputs, ADC & DAC, stepper motor drive/open collector 1 amp outputs. Sample software in basic supplied on disk. •onlyIBM3 chips PC 8255 24 Line I/O Card Kit $69, PCB $39: described in ETI, this board is easy to construct with and a double sided plated through hole PCB. Any of the 24 lines can be used as an input or output. Good value. •• Professional 19" Rack Mount PC Case: $999. All-In-One 486SLC-33 CPU Board $799: includes dual serial, games, printer floppy & IDE hard disk drive interface, up to 4Mb RAM 1/2 size card. •PC104 PC104 486SLC CPU Board with 2Mb RAM included: 2 serial, printer, floppy & IDE hard disk $999; VGA card $399. KIT WARRANTY – CHECK THIS OUT!!! If your kit does not work, provided good workmanship has been applied in assembly and all original parts have been correctly assembled, we will repair your kit FREE if returned within 14 days of purchase. Your only cost is postage both ways. Now, that’s a WARRANTY! KITS-R-US sell the entire range of designs by Graham Dicker. The designer has not extended his agreement with the previous distributor, PC Computers, in Adelaide. All products can be purchased with Visa/Bankcard by phone and shipped overnight via Australia EXPRESS POST for $6.80 per order. You can speak to the designer Mon-Fri direct from 6-7pm or place orders 24 hours a day on: PH 018 80 6794; FAX 08 270 3175. 92  Silicon Chip Flexible ferrite film Siemens Ltd has released a flexible film which is a com­posite of plastic and ferrite. Called FPC (flexible polymer composite), the new material could be used to produce cores that would be impractical with conventional ferrite powders. Alterna­tively, the ferrite film could be used for shielding applications to reduce EMC effects in equipment. As well, FPC could be used for flexible coils, flat coils or coil-onchip devices. FPC can be punched and can be made up as a self-adhesive film. The standard film is 80mm wide, 0.2mm thick and is supplied by the metre. For further information, contact Advanced Information Pro­ducts, Siemens Ltd. Phone (03) 9420 7716; fax (03) 9420 7275.