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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Program uses
flow charts
Fischertechnik has developed a new
machine control language using flow
charts to describe the sequence of logic
functions. The system has been used
by universities and companies for
the simulation and testing of control
systems and their related software.
The Fischertechnik software, called
LLWIN, runs under Windows 95 or 3.1
and provides a graphical depiction
of the flow chart, including decision
blocks for switch inputs, action blocks
to control each output and other
blocks to increment and test up to 99
variables.
Other features include a terminal
block to aid testing and debugging,
time delay block, one-shot block,
sub-program blocks and aids such as
automatic routing and the ability to
add com
ments and graphics to the
program page.
The Fischertechnik interface units
provide eight digital outputs, two
analog inputs and four bidirectional
motor outputs. The two analog inputs
may be used with potentiometers (for
posi
tion control), light dependent
resistors, thermistors or any resistive
device between zero and 5kΩ.
One interface unit (30566) plugs
into the parallel port (LPT1 or LPT2)
of any IBM PC-compatible computer.
The other ‘intelligent’ unit (30402)
connects to the serial port (COM1 or
COM2) and allows passive control
CPU voltage
checker
If you are in the business of
assembling or upgrading com
puters, you will have the need
to check the voltages on mother
boards before new microprocessors are installed. Doing this with
a multimeter is at best tedious
and at worst, almost impossible.
However, it needs to be done
otherwise a wrong jumper setting
could mean death to a CPU.
42 Silicon Chip
where the PC reads the inputs and
drives the outputs accordingly; or
active control, where the program
is downloaded to the interface and
then operates indepen
dently of the
PC, allowing the serial cable to be
disconnected.
Two versions of LLWIN are available. Version 2.04E controls only the
30566 interface and costs $99. Version
2.10E controls both interfaces and
costs $199. The 30566 parallel interface is priced at $144.80 while the
30402 interface is $351; these prices
do not include sales tax.
For further information on this
program, contact Procon Technology,
PO Box 655, Mount Waverley, Vic
3149. Phone (03) 9807 5660; fax (03)
9807 8220.
The solution is this CPU voltage
checker. You plug it into the CPU
socket and it displays the voltage
on the 7-segment LED readout. It
will check Socket 5 & 7 voltage
settings as well as MMX dual I/O
core voltages.
The CPU voltage checker is
priced at $99 including sales tax
and is available from Microgram
Computers, 1/14 Bon-Mace Close,
Berkeley Vale, NSW 2261. Phone
(02) 4389 8444 or fax (02) 4389
8388.
Charge alkaline & NiCd batteries with LazerCharge
broadcast quality
Designed and engineered in Australia by Digital Works Engineering,
the LazerCharge can recharge nicad
and alkaline batter
ies, including
AA, AAA, C, D and 9V types, as
used in toys, audio equipment,
cameras and other electronic
equipment.
It automatically detects the type
of battery to be charged and is
capable of charging different size
batteries. Charging time can be as
short as one hour but in some cases
fully charging a very low battery
could take up to six hours.
Once a battery is fully charged,
the unit automatically switches to
trickle mode. The unit employs an
AlkalineMax(TM) charge control-
ler and microprocessor.
Very reasonably priced at $69,
you can buy the LazerCharge direct
from Digital Works Engineering,
188 Victoria St, Footscray, Vic
3011. Phone (03) 9396 1079; fax
(03) 9396 1080.
Turn your hobby
into your career
Electronics Technology Certificate.
This course is aimed at electronics
enthusiasts who may not have formal
qualifications in electronics yet have
developed their skills via their hobby
and now wish to pursue a career in
The Open Training and Education
Network (OTEN) offers over 200
TAFE courses via mail, including the
ACN 073 916 686
embedded
computers designed for the real world
Put some intelligence in your next project!
MC112 - 68HC11 processor, 32k RAM,
32k EPROM, serial, parallel, timers, A/D
converters, BUFFALO software with
inbuilt assembler / disassembler and bootloader. $220
Postage and handling $10.
Available soon - ARM-based RISC, DSP and PIC systems
• RISC
• DSP
• Parallel
• Microcontrollers
• Ultra low power
• High Performance
• Data Acquisition
• Control Systems
• Neuro-fuzzy
• 8, 16, 32 and 64 bit
WE
HAVE
THE
SOLUTION
Embedded Pty Ltd
Level 5
371 Queen St
Brisbane
GPO Box 2603
Brisbane 4001
Phone:
Fax:
AUDIO MODULES
(07) 3236 5977
(07) 3221 0549
Manufactured in Australia
Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd
9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077
Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231
electronics or telecommunications.
Studying with OTEN enables
students to complete most of their
course at home or work, although
practical sessions are necessary for
some courses. Details are available at
time of enrolment.
The modules in the Electronics
Technology Certificate are recognised
by the National Metals and Engineer-
NORBITON SYSTEMS
NS_PC101 card for XT/AT/PCs
allows access to 48 I/O lines.
There are 5 groups (0 to 4)
available on a de-facto industrial
standard 50-way ribbon cable
used in STEbus and VMEbus
19" rack mount control systems.
The board uses 2 x 8255 ICs.
Multiple boards can be used if
more I/O lines are required.
NS_LED PCB gives visual
access to five groups (0 to 4) of
the NS_PC1OX. There is a total
of 40 status LEDs. The board
offers a 25-way “D” type female
socket. The lines are driven by
74244 ICs & configured as a
parallel printer port. This socket
gives access to printer port kits,
eg, stepper motors, LCDs, direct
digital synthesis.
NS_16_8 PCB is a system conditioning card with 16 optically
isolated inputs set up for either
12V or 24V operation. The board
provides 8 single pole, double
throw relays with 10 Amp contact rating.
KITS & CARDS
NS_DC_DC is a step down
converter with an input range
11 to 35V DC and an output of
5 volts DC at 5 Amps, with an
output ripple of approx 150mV.
There is an IN/OUT 50-way
connector isolating the 5V and
12V+ & 12V- rails of the PC
power supply. This segregates
PC’s power when working on
prototypes.
NSDC_DC1 module used with
NS_DC_DC & NSDC_DC4
converters is a 5V to 12V(+/-)
step- up converter. The board
utilises 743 switch mode IC with
2 x 12V regulators, with output
ripple of approx 200mV.
NS_UTIL1 prototyping board
has 1580 bread board holes access to any 3 groups (0 to 4) on
the 50-way cable pinout. Power
is available from the 50-way
cable format 5 volts at 2 Amps
& 12V+ 12V- at 1 Amp. There
is provision for array resistors
with either a ground or positive
common connection.
For brochure write to: Reply Paid 68, NORBITON SYSTEMS, PO Box 687, Rockingham WA 6968
Email: norbiton<at>bigpond.com
May 1998 43
Piezoelectric
tweeters
For sheer efficiency, piezoelectric tweeters
are unsurpassed and they are made in a range
of models to suit a variety of applications,
mainly for PA and music sound reinforcement.
This LeSon range from Altronic Distributors has four models which range in efficiency
from 95dB to 106dB at 1 metre for a 2V input
and a maximum equivalent program input
ranging from 150W to 1kW equivalent to 8Ω).
The four models in the range are the
C-6175, a 230 x 125mm horn tweeter selling
at $39.00, the C-6180 160 x 116mm phase
aligned cluster tweeter selling at $89.00,
the C-6205 63mm automotive dome tweeter
selling at $19.95 and the C-6215 74mm dome
tweeter selling at $29.95.
All are well finished and can be connected
via a 4.7µF 63VW capacitor to serve as the
crossover network.
For further information, contact Altronics
at 174 Roe St, Perth, WA 6000. Phone (08)
9328 2199; fax (08) 9328 4459.
ing Training Advisory Board and the
National Electrical and Electronics
Industry Committee.
For further details, contact Flynn
Henry, Senior Head Teacher, Electrical
Engineering, OTEN Industry section.
Phone (02) 9715 8467; fax (02) 9715
8492
AC clampmeter
for DMMs
Jaycar Electronics
has released an AC
clampmeter adaptor that plugs
into a DMM to
allow AC measurement up to 300 amps.
The adaptor produces
1mV per every 0.1A
measured, allowing
a maximum of 200A
on a typical 2V DMM
range.
DMMs with a 3V range or there
abouts can take advantage of the adaptor’s full measuring capacity of 300A.
The adaptor features a moulded
hand guard for increased safety, a
3-metre extended curly cord and
shroud
ed 4mm banana plugs. The
adaptor’s housing is a durable ABS
44 Silicon Chip
C6215
C6175
C6180
C6205
plastic, with the meter’s overall weight
coming in at just 220grams.
The QM-1565 adaptor is available
through all Jaycar stores for $39.95.
Contact Jaycar’s head office on (02)
9743 5222 for a Jaycar store or dealer
closest to you.
Dual axis
accelerometer
The new ADXL202 from Analog
Devices Inc is a low power (250µA
Fluke 80 Series III
multimeters
First introduced in 1988, the
Fluke 80 series multimeters have
recently been upgraded and are
now able to withstand voltage surges to 8kV and are independently
tested to meet IEC Category III 1kV
safety standards.
The 80 Series III multimeters
also incorporate LED backlighting
for the LCD which has larger digits and improved viewing angle.
Another improvement is a back
access door which enables the user
to change batteries without break-
per axis) two axis accelerometer with
a digital output which can be fed to a
number of low cost microcontrollers.
No D/A converter is required.
The outputs are duty cycle modulated (DCM) signals with the ratio of
pulse width to period proportional
to the acceleration in each of the two
sensitive axes.
For further information, contact
Analog Devices, PO Box 2098 Rosebud
Plaza, Vic 3940. Phone (03) 5986 7755;
SC
fax (03) 5986 4688.
ing the calibration seal.
Models 87 and
87/E have a
4 1/2-digit display mode.
Fluke 80 Series III multi
meters come
with a lifetime
war
ranty and are now available
from Philips Test & Measurement
distributors. For further information, contact Philips Test & Meas
urement, 34 Waterloo Road, North
Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9888
8 222; fax (02) 9888 0440.
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