Silicon ChipMarket Centre - November 1998 SILICON CHIP
  1. Outer Front Cover
  2. Contents
  3. Publisher's Letter: It is time to start employing more people
  4. Feature: Beyond The Basic Network by Bob Dyball
  5. Book Store
  6. Project: The Christmas Star by Les Grant
  7. Project: Turbo Timer For Your Car by John Clarke
  8. Serviceman's Log: Big tellys, PCs & car computers by The TV Serviceman
  9. Project: Build Your Own Poker Machine by Andersson Nguyen
  10. Order Form
  11. Feature: Satellite Watch by Garry Cratt
  12. Project: An FM Transmitter For Musicians by Branco Justic
  13. Feature: Radio Control by Bob Young
  14. Project: Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter; Pt.2 by John Clarke
  15. Vintage Radio: Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.1 by Rodney Champness
  16. Feature: Computer Bits by Greg Swain
  17. Feature: Electric Lighting; Pt.9 by Julian Edgar
  18. Market Centre

This is only a preview of the November 1998 issue of Silicon Chip.

You can view 28 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.

Items relevant to "The Christmas Star":
  • Christmas Star PCB pattern (PDF download) [08211981] (Free)
Items relevant to "Turbo Timer For Your Car":
  • Turbo Timer PCB pattern (PDF download) [05411981] (Free)
  • Turbo Timer panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Items relevant to "Build Your Own Poker Machine":
  • Poker Machine PCB patterns (PDF download) [08112981/2] (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine (November 1998)
  • Build Your Own Poker Machine; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Book Review (April 2003)
Articles in this series:
  • Radio Control (October 1998)
  • Radio Control (November 1998)
  • Radio Control (December 1998)
Items relevant to "Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter; Pt.2":
  • Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter PCB patterns (PDF download) [01510981/2] (Free)
  • Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter panel artwork (PDF download) (Free)
Articles in this series:
  • Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter; Pt.1 (October 1998)
  • Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter; Pt.2 (November 1998)
Articles in this series:
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.1 (November 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception; Pt.2 (December 1998)
  • Improving AM broadcast reception, Pt.3 (January 1999)
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:
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.1 (November 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.2 (December 1997)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.3 (January 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.4 (February 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.5 (March 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6 (April 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.7 (June 1998)
  • Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.8 (July 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.9 (November 1998)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.10 (January 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.11 (February 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.12 (March 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.13 (April 1999)
  • Electric Lighting, Pt.14 (August 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.15 (November 1999)
  • Electric Lighting; Pt.16 (December 1999)

Purchase a printed copy of this issue for $10.00.
MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip. FOR SALE SPEAKERWORKS: specialist in speaker repairs and par ts. DIY refoam kits: 3 1/2 ", 4", 5", 6", 7", 8", 9", 10", 11", 12" and 15" $39.95. Includes shims, dustcaps and adhesive. Largest inventory of cones, surrounds, gaskets, spiders, dustcaps, grilles, foam and cloth and 4,700 custom voice coils. Phone 02 9420 8121, Fax 9420 8131. ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING SERVICES: digital & analog, embedded & Windows/PC based designs, complete solutions or design advice/assistance. Phone 03 9807 9886. Email caddy<at>netspace.net.au PCBS MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics (02) 9554 9760 sesame<at>internetezy.com.au http:// members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR, SC February 1998. Test all sorts of equipment without the cost of extra telephone lines. Melbourne 9806 0110. WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed & direction, inside temperature, outside temperature & windchill. Records highs & lows with time and date as they occur. $399.00 complete plus sales tax if appli­cable. Optional rainfall and PC interface. Used by Government Departments, farmers, pilots, and weather enthusiasts. Other models with barometric pressure, humidity, dew point, solar radiation, UV, leaf wetness, etc., etc. Just phone, fax or write for our FREE catalogue and price list. Solar Flair/Ecowatch ph: (03) 5968 4863 fax: (03) 5968 5810, PO Box 18, Emerald, Vic., 3782. LASER SHOW SYSTEMS: complete blue Argon laser with pre-programmed patterns enclosed in metal road case $1500. Phone Ian (02) 9452 4302. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES 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 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) 9979 6503. Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­__________ or please debit my ❏ Bankcard   ❏ Visa Card   ❏ Master Card Card No. Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­__________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Name ______________________________________________________ Street ______________________________________________________ Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________ 94  Silicon Chip VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS & EQUIPMENT. SPECIALS: CAR ALARM - REMOTE CONTROL - LOCK CONTROL - IMMOBILISER only $99! 380 + Line x 0.2 Lux SILICON MODULE only $59! DOME HOUSINGS only $5! 50 LED DIY Infra-red Illuminators only $19! MODULES: AWFUL-CMOS $49! PREMIUM 400 + Line x 0.05 Lux SONY H.A.D. CCD & CHIPSET from $91. CAMERAS: Mini 36 x 36 from $88. Dome from $91. DIGITAL COLOUR CAMERAS & MODULES: 400 + Line from $180! DOME from $185! 600 + Line from $346! ACCESSORIES: 30 + Lenses, Infra-red Illuminator Kits, IR LEDs, Polarising, Colour, Infra-red, Temperature Conver­sion, Cut & Pass Filters for Image Enhancement, Exposure, Colour Correction, Focus & Glare Control. ANCILLARY EQUIPMENT: Quads 4 pix 1 screen from $280. SWITCHERS 4 & 8 Ch from $126. MULTIPLEX­E RS FULL-SCREEN FULL-RESOLUTION VCR Recording/ Playback from $826. ALSO: Monitors, Outdoor Housings, Brackets, Dummy Cams, CCTV-TV/VCR I/F Modules, Motorised Pan Units etc. CCTV-TV/ VCR Modula­tor/Mixer/Amplifier Modules from $14. PACKAGED SETS! QUAD + 4 CAMERAS + Power Supplies from $689. 400 + Page CCTV Technical Reference Manual $95 or FREE! 2 Year WARRANTY available for most items! DISCOUNTS: based on ORDER VALUE, BUYING HISTORY, for CASH/CHEQUE & NEW ZEALAND BUYERS! BEFORE you BUY Ask for our Illustrated Catalogue/Price List with Application Notes. Allth­ings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. AMATEUR, CB RADIO & other Consumer Electronics Trading Centre can be found at www.mackay.net.au/~ajl 1A LASER DIODE Driver, 3W head laser power monitor, IR laser diode with housing, greatly reduced price, e-mail lmatthee<at>perthpcug.org.au for details and pictures. RAIN BRAIN AND DIGI-TEMP KITS. Also 60 channel Moni-temp with alarms and PC Data logging. Mantis Micro Products, 38 Garnet Street, Niddrie, 3042. (03) 9331 4786. Fax (03) 9331 4782 http://www.home.aone.net.au/mantismp SATELLITE RECEIVERS * LATHES. 500 Ch STEREO ANALOG 64 BIRD POSI­TIONER! 200 Ch DIGITAL DVB MPEG-2! Specials-be-Quick! Analog w/64 Bird Memory, Az/El Power supply & Outputs, 128 Step Polariser Cont, 2 LNB Inputs, 12V 14/18V & 22kHz Switching, everything in one unit $399! DIGITAL with Automatic Viterbi Selection, 12V, 14/18V, 22kHz & DigiSeq LNBF-Control & RF LoopThru, Scart/RCA S-VHS Outputs, On-Screen Dish Positioning Menu & Signal Strength Meter $499! METAL TURNING LATHES Compact yet Fully Featured, Forward/Reverse Power Feed, Cross & Compound Tool Holder, TEN Pitch 0.04 to 2mm Thread Cutting Gear Set, 400W Variable 460-2500 RPM Motor, 180mm Swing, 250mm BC, Completely Self-Contained - 32kg use it on a Bench - store it in a Cupboard. $1199! Allthings Sales & Services 08 9349 9413 Fax 08 9344 5905. HOMEBUILT DYNAMO, engineering dreams into reality. “An absolutely marvellous book for the true ex­ perimentalist!” Elektor Electronics. (www.onekw.co.nz) C COMPILERS: everything you need to develop C and ASM software for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086 or 8096: $145.00 each. Macro Cross Assemblers and Disassemblers for above CPUs + 6800/01/03/05, 6502 and 68HC12 now combined at the new low price of $75. Debug monitors: $75 for 6 CPUs. All compilers, XASMs and monitors: $480. 8051/52 Simulator (fast, now incl. 80C320): $75. Try the C-FLEA Virtual Machine for small CPUs, build a “C-Stamp”. Demo desk: FREE. All prices + $5 p&p. Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles the 89Cx051, the 89C5x and 89Sxx series, and the new AVRs in both DIP and PLCC44. Also does most 8-pin Positions At Jaycar 651 Forest Rd, Bexley 2207 makes all the project PCBs published in SILICON CHIP and other Australian magazines Tel +61 2 9587 3491 Fax 9587 5385 http://www.cia.com.au/rcsradio/ We are often looking for enthusiastic staff for positions in our retail stores and head office at Rhodes in Sydney. A genuine interest in electronics is a necessity. Phone 02 9743 5222 for current vacancies. KITS-R-US Need prototype PC boards? PO Box 314 Blackwood S.A. Ph/fax 08 8270 3175 FMTX2A Universal Stereo Coder $49 FMTX2B 30mW Xtal Locked 100MHz Transmitter $49 FMTX1 1-3 Watt Free Running Transmitter $49 FMX1 200mW Full Broadcast Transmitter, built & tested $499 FM220 10-18 Watt FM BGY133 Philips Linear $499 FM1525 25 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $499 FM2100 110 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $699 FM3000 300 Watt Discrete Linear FM Band $1499 Philips 828E/A VHF Receiver Boards (6 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF Receiver Boards (2 metres) $9 AWA 721 VHF transmitter boards 1 watt (2 metres) $19 Philips 323 UHF transmitter boards 500mW (70cm) $19 AEM 35 Watt Little Brick Audio Power Amp $15 Digi-125 200W RMS Audio Power Amp $39 CA Clipper Compiler, new in box $49 6dBd Gain Colinear FM Band Antenna $999 Roll Smart-1 FM Station Audio Processor $999 Free catalog on disk of discounted surplus components Same day shipping, credit cards OK, circuits supplied. SPECIAL STEAM BOAT KITS $14 PIC84/12 PROGRAMMERS: Many models available. Also other PIC-driven devices. EST (02) 9789 3616 or www. internetezy.com/au/~sesame We have the solutions – we print electronics! Four-day turnaround, less if urgent; Artwork from your own positive or file; Through hole plating; Prompt postal service; 29 years technical experience; Inexpensive; Superb quality. Printed Electronics, 12A Aristoc Rd, Glen Waverley, Vic 3150. Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561 Call Mike Lynch and check us out! We are the best for low cost, small runs. EEPROMs. Includes socket for serial ISP cable. $199, $37 tax, $10 p&p. SOIC adaptors: 20-pin $90, 14-pin $85, 8-pin $80. Credit cards accepted. GRAN­ TRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275, Wentworthville 2145. Ph (02) 9896 7150 or Internet: http://www.grantronics.com.au RTN Australia Parallax distributor: Basic Stamps, SXKey develop­ ment tools and SX chips. Wireless RF modules, serial LCD modules, Basic Stamp Bug, etc, etc. FerretTronics >R/C servo control chips. NEW: HandyScope 2 from Europe, 2 channel/12 bit portable measur­ i ng instrument, it’s a voltmeter, digital storage CRO, transient recorder and spectrum analyser. All in a very small box powered off a parallel port. DOS and Windows software provided. Ph/ Fax (03) 9338-3306. email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet LOGIC ANALYSER 100Ms/s 32-Channel Kit $1275. Stand alone, not a plug in PC Card. Requires a VGA or EGA monitor - user supplied. Edge and Level Triggering. Multiple Triggering Modes such as, Trigger on pulse width too long or too short, Clock Stop, User Defined Storing, 2 Level Sequencer. Request brochure from: Peter Baxter, Tantau Australia, PO Box 1232, Lane Cove 1595, Sydney. Ph: 02 9878 4715 Fax: 02 9888 7679 Email: peter.baxter<at>tantau.com.au. All manuals on the website: www.tantau.com.au. Revised, no prototype area, “8051 Proto-Board” EA Feb 93. $30. A NEW address for Acetronics http://www.acetronics.com.au On-line PCB quotes, free software, DIY PCB supplies plus many other items & services. 02 9743 9235. KIT ASSEMBLY ANY KITS assembled/calibrated: professional, speedy service. Phone Nev­ille Walker (07) 3857 2752. KITS ASSEMBLED: Cheap & reliable service. Phone Erik (03) 5442 2163. WANTED TECHNICS TWEETER EAS-6PH13S; Tuner for Palsonic VCR-500D; Sharp IC X0077GE. Phone (02) 4954 6636. November 1998  95 14 Model Railway Projects Shop soiled but HA LF PRICE! Our stocks of this book are now limited. All we have left are newsagents’ returns which means that they may be slightly shop soiled or have minor cover blemishes. Otherwise, they're undamaged and in good condition. SPECIAL CLEARANCE PRICE: $3.95 + $3 P&P (Aust. & NZ) This book will not be reprinted Yes! Please send me _____ copies of 14 Model Railway Projects at the special price of $A3.95 + $A3 p&p (p&p outside Aust. & NZ $A6). Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $­A__________ or please debit my Advertising Index Altronics................................. 60-62 Aust. Audio Consultants...............91 Dick Smith Electronics..................... ................................ IFC,OBC,14-17 Harbuch Electronics....................92 Instant PCBs................................95 Jaycar .............................. 45-52,95 Kits-R-Us.....................................95 Microgram Computers...................3 Norbiton Systems........................22 Oatley Electronics........................35 Printed Electronics.......................95 Procon Technology......................95 Quest Electronics........................57 RCS Radio...................................95 Resurrection Radio......................80  Bankcard     Visa Card    MasterCard Card No. Rocom Electronics.......................23 Scan Audio..................................21 Signature­­­­­­­­­­­­___________________________  Card expiry date______/______ Silicon Chip Bookshop.................13 Name Silicon Chip Subscriptions...........44 ______________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT Street ______________________________________________________ Silicon Chip Binders/Wallchart....43 Suburb/town_________________________________ Postcode_________ Smart Fastchargers.....................57 Send your order to: SILICON CHIP, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097; or fax your order to (02) 9979 6503; or ring (02) 9979 5644 and quote your credit card number (Bankcard, Visa Card or MasterCard). Solar Flair/Ecowatch....................94 Solis.............................................96 Taig Machinery............................92 Truscott’s Electronic World...........21 HELP SAVE THE NIGHT SKY! We are losing our heritage of starry night skies. Poor, inefficient outdoor lighting is causing glare and “light pollution”. This wastes energy and increases greenhouse gas emissions. You can help by joining SYDNEY OUTDOOR LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY (SOLIS). SOLIS aims to educate and inform about quality outdoor lighting and its benefits. We also lobby councils, government and other bodies to promote good lighting practice. SOLIS meetings are held third Monday night of each month at Sydney Observatory. Individual membership is $20 pa. Donations are also welcome. Cheques payable to “SOLIS c/- NSAS”, PO Box 214, West Ryde 2114. Email: tpeters<at>pip.elm.mq.edu.au 96  Silicon Chip Zoom EFI Special......................IBC _____________________________ PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP projects are made by: •  RCS Radio Pty Ltd, 651 Forest Rd, Bexley, NSW 2207. Phone (02) 9587 3491. •  Marday Services, PO Box 19-189, Avondale, Auckland, NZ. Phone (09) 828 5730.