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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Tektronix recalls LCD scopes Tektronix has announced that it is voluntarily recalling its TDS210 and TDS220 oscilloscopes after determining that certain incorrect uses of the product could cause the ground connection to fail. Although Tektronix has received reports of situations in which the ground lead on the oscilloscope has opened when the products were incorrectly used, the company is not aware of any injuries to users. However, a failure of the ground connection does have the potential of exposing the user to the risk of serious personal injury or death. If a user incorrectly connects a probe ground lead to a voltage source or incorrectly touches the ground ring near the probe tip to a voltage source, a circuit board track in the oscilloscope’s electrical ground path may open. Once this occurs, the product may appear to function normally; however, the unit is no longer properly grounded. Subsequent use of the product could then result in a serious electrical shock to the user. Tektronix is conducting the voluntary recall to prevent this possibility of injury to its customers and is part of the company’s overall commitment to providing reliable, safe and high-quality products. This recall applies to approximately 60,000 TDS210 and TDS220 units, as follows: TDS210 - serial numbers below            BO49400 or CO10880 TDS220 - serial numbers below       BO41060 or CO11175 Customers should stop using the recalled oscilloscopes immediately and contact Tektronix to receive instructions on how to return the product for modification. Customers should not assume the product is properly grounded even if it appears to be functioning properly. Customers can receive instructions for returning the product by contacting Tektronix Australia at 1800 023 342 ext. 193, or by visiting the com-pany’s web site at www.tek.com/ measurement. NiCd & NiMH fast charger uses microcontrollers This super fast charger employs a microcontroller and uses the patented Reflex charging method. This avoids the well-known memory effect in NiCd cells and completely does away with the need to discharge a battery before re-charging. Charging times are very short and can be as little 3 minutes, ranging up to one hour, depending on the depth of discharge and the cell capacity, which can range from 110mAh to 7Ah. The charger also handles the new “fast-charge” NiCd batteries, ranging from 1.4A.h to 10.9A.h, including the new 2000 SCR. Minimum time for fast charge batteries is 3 minutes, maximum only 15 minutes, depending on the depth of discharge. Batteries can be left indefinitely on the charger without any detrimental effect whatsoever. There is no time limit. The patented Reflex charging method involves a high positive current charge pulse once every second, followed by a high current short duration discharge pulse. The discharge pulse removes gas bubbles which accumulate on the cell plates during fast charging. This not only increases the available plate surface, but it also keeps the cell impedance low and reduces operating temperature. This allows higher charge currents and therefore faster charging times. The Smart Fastcharger can be used in the workshop or out in the field, powered either from an optional power supply or from 12v or 24V car batteries, depending on your needs. For complete, technical detail, supplied free. contact Smart Fastcharg- ers, 2567 Wilmot Road, Devonport, Tas 7310. Phone (03) 6492 1368; fax (03) 6492 1329. Laser power meter for CD players Leader Instruments have released the handheld LE 8010 Laser Power Meter for measuring optical power output from a laser diode. Since the meter is calibrated at a wavelength of 780nm, this instrument is suitable for CD player and Mini Disc recorder maintenance applications. It features a wide measuring range of up to 10mW. For further information, contact Stantron Australia Pty Ltd, PO Box 4760 North Rocks, NSW 2151. Phone (02) 9894 2377; fax (02) 9894 2386. SEPTEMBER 1998  53 IQFive battery charger analyser Premier Batteries has released the IQFive battery charger analyser. This is an enhanced version of the IQ Plus Six Station unit adding an RS232PC interface. The interface permits users to print out test results of each station for easy reference and improved monitoring of battery performance. The IQFive also offers the ability to conduct long term cycle tests for life testing or forming of new batteries. A range of additions have been added to enhance the performance, reliability and ease of use of the unit. A 6-module unit is currently available and a 3-module unit will be released in early 1999. For further information, contact Premier Batteries Pty Ltd, 9/15 Childs Road, Chipping Norton, NSW 2170. Phone (02) 9755 1845; fax (02) 9755 1354. Variable motor speed control ICs Two ICs from GEC Plessey Semiconductors (GPS) have been released for variable speed motor control applications in white goods such as washing machines, fan drives in air-conditioning systems, water pumps and general purpose industrial inverters. The SA828 3-phase PWM generator IC is designed for use in high efficiency AC induction motor drive systems. Switching carrier frequencies up to 24kHz allow ultrasonic operation of inverter power switches. The power waveform is stored in an onchip ROM. Two standard waveform options are available: sine plus third harmonic (a popular means of increasing motor power output for a given line supply voltage to the inverter) or pure sinewave. Other waveforms can be provided to customer order. The SA828 operates as a stand-alone microprocessor peripheral, imposing just a small processing overhead on the microprocessor as it requires attention only if the frequency of am54  Silicon Chip plitude of the output waveform needs to be changed. Any of the popular 4 or 8-bit microprocessors and microcontrollers can be interfaced with the SA828. The SA838 is a single-phase variant and is available for applications such as uninterruptible power supplies or single-phase induction motor drives. SA828/838s are available in both plastic DIL and SOP packages, for the temperature range -40 degrees C to +85 degrees C. There is an evaluation board (PWMDEMO) to provide engineers with a quick low-cost method of assessing the SA828/838 ICs. It has everything needed to develop a low-cost controller for variable speed 3-phase induction motor drives and the other applications. PWDEMO can also be connected to a PC for programming via Windows. For further information, contact GEC Electronics Division, Unit 1, 38 South Street, Rydalmere NSW 2116, Phone (02) 9638 1888; fax (02) 9638 1798. EMC modular test system for conducted interference The new Schaffner model 2050 modular EMC immunity test system is suited for applications such as design and manufacture of industrial electronics, office automation, telephone and data communication equipment, medical appliances, as well as domestic appliances and components. The Schaffner model 2050 modular EMC immunity test system can be configured for conducted immunity testing on single and 3-phase power lines, data and telephone lines. Its capabilities cover immunity compliance testing to EN50082-1/2 (and related product standards), as well as IEC1000-4-x and ANSI-IEEE standards. Telco options available allow for testing to CCITT, FCC, ETSI and Bellcore specifications, with special modules available for component testing. The range of plug-in modules and extension units includes surge and burst pulse generators, simulation sources and a range of line couplers for power, data communication and telephone lines. Plug-ins and extensions are automatically recognised by the mainframe control unit and appropriate menu options provide integrated control of the entire test system from the 2050 panel or from an optional remote PC. For further information contact Westek Industrial Products Pty Ltd, Unit 2, 6-10 Maria Street, Laverton North, Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802; fax (03) 9369 8006. Keyboard and mouse adapter for Notebooks P I E n g i n e e r i n g ’s Keyboard and Mouse Adapter is an active device that allows the simultaneous use of both a full-size keyboard and normal mouse on a notebook computer. The adapter works with all notebooks that feature a PS/2 keyboard/mouse port. It requires no external power supply, drawing its power directly from the notebook port. Driver software is included for Windows 95 and Windows 98. No additional IRQ’s or Com ports are required. Recommended retail price is $129.00, including sales tax and it comes with a 12-month warranty. For further information, contact the Australian distributor, BJE Enterprises Pty Ltd, 124 Rowe Street, Eastwood, NSW 2122. Phone (02) 9858 5611; fax (02) 9858 5610. Floating voltage measurements with Fluke Scope Meter Phillips Test & Measurement and Fluke Corporation has introduced the new Fluke DP 120 Differential Voltage Probe for oscilloscopes. This allows users to safely make floating voltage measurements on electrical and industrial power systems. Each instrument channel used with a DP 120 probe can be connected to a different ground potential. When used with a battery-operated instrument like the ScopeMeter, for example, a single DP 120 provides a dual-channel measurement capability on systems with two different ground potentials. The DP 120 has a 20MHz bandwidth and selectable 20x or 200x attenuation. It is designed for use with the handheld, battery-powered Fluke 123 Industrial ScopeMeter test tool and ScopeMeter B series, as well as (bench type) Fluke oscilloscopes. Typical applications for the DP 120 include measurements on variable-speed motor controls, UPSs, process controllers and other systems with multiple ground levels. The DP 120 is designed and built to meet industrial safety standards. Double insulation and an insulated BNC connector allow use for measurements in 600V RMS IEC1010-1 CAT III and 1000V RMS CAT II overvoltage conditions. UL listing and CSA approval are pending. For more information on the DP 120 probe contact Philips Test & Measurement, 34 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9888 0416; fax (02) 9888 0440. Measuring adjustable speed drives Phillips Test & Measurement and Fluke Corporation have extensively updated the application note entitled, “Measurement of Adjustable Speed Drives with Fluke Meters.” Available free of charge, the new 28-page application note comes in response to the high demand from maintenance technicians who service adjustable speed drive (ASD) motors. ASDs control the speed and torque of a motor electronically. Industry experts estimate that within the next three to five years, adjustable speed drives will control 50 percent of motors. While these devices are making facilities and mechanical equipment more efficient than ever before, they are also presenting new challenges for maintenance and troubleshooting. The pamphlet focuses on electrical measurements that can be used to diagnose bad components and other conditions that may lead to premature motor failure in adjustable speed drives. It covers the topics of safety, traditional and unique motor measurements, as well as how power quality problems affect ASD operation. The application note also addresses possible causes and solutions, in addition to how to make the measurements. For a free copy of the application note, “Measurement of Adjustable Speed Drives with Fluke Meters,” contact Phillips Test and Measurement, 34 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9888 0416; fax (02) 9888 0440. SMART® FASTCHARGERS One charger for all your Nicad & NiMH batteries As featured in ‘Silicon Chip’ Jan. ’96 Designed for maximum battery capacity and longest battery life Charge: Power tools  Torches  Radio equipment  Mobile phones  Video cameras  Radio controlled models  Field test instruments  Lap-top computers  Toys  Dust busters  Others  The REFLEX® charger is powered from a Power Supply (optional) or from 12 or 24V batteries. AVOIDS THE WELL KNOWN MEMORY EFFECT. SAVES MONEY and TIME. Restore Nicads with memory effect to remaining capacity and rejuvenate many 0V worn-out Nicads. CHARGES VERY FAST plus ELIMINATES THE NEED TO DISCHARGE: charge standard batteries in max. 1 hour and the ‘fastcharge’ batteries in max. 15 min. Partially emptied batteries are just topped up. Batteries always remain cool, increasing both the total battery life and the useful discharge time. DESIGNED AND MADE IN AUSTRALIA For a FREE detailed technical description please Ph: (03) 6492 1368 or Fax: (03) 6492 1329 2567 Wilmot Rd, Devonport, TAS 7310 SEPTEMBER 1998  55 Low-cost calibrators with measure & source functions TOROIDAL POWER Two new hand-held calibrators for use in the maintenance of industrial process instrumentation have been released by Yokogawa. Called the “Handy Cal”, both units feature simple operation with a basic accuracy of 0.05%, a large 5-digit liquid crystal display and auto power-off. With weight and size about the same as a digital multimeter, they operate from either AA batteries (50 hours life) or optional AC plug-pack adaptor. Both come with carrying cases and extra long leads. The CA11 is a voltage/current calibrator capable of sourcing and measuring up to 30V or 24mA DC. Output can be changed from 4 to 20mA in 4mA steps or 1 to 15V in 1V steps. Alternatively, output can be increased or decreased at a constant rate for either 16 or 32 seconds sweep time. It can also sink up to 24mA from an external supply, making loop checks simple. The CA12 is a temperature calibrator which can deliver signals equivalent to thermocouple types K, E, J, T, N and R as well as PT100 resistance thermometer sensors. When generating thermocouple signals, a sensor for reference junction compensation provides high accuracy. An optional external RJC sensor is also available. For further information contact Yokogawa Australia Pty Ltd, Centrecourt D1-D2, 25-27 Paul St, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone (02) 9805 0699; Fax (02) 9888 1844. 240V inverter with high start-up capacity While many inverters can deliver 150W, there are some which do not have enough power to drive electronic items which require a higher starting current. The Portawatz 150i from Bainbridge Technologies (Statpower) has a continuous rating of 150W but has a surge capacity of 400W and a peak power rating of 300W, making it suitable for use with many domestic products such as computers, TVs and stereos. The inverter meets the European CE Standard and also has Australian C(tick) approval. It weighs only 500 grams and measures 158 x 68 x 48mm. It plugs into a standard 12V cigarette lighter socket as found in cars, boats, buses, etc. The inverter is claimed to run 3 to 5 hours without draining the battery and automatically shuts down before the battery is discharged, leaving enough power to start the engine. For further information contact Bainbridge Technologies Pty Ltd, 77 Shore St Cleveland, Qld 4163. Phone (07) 3821 3333; Fax (07) 3821 1333 56  Silicon Chip TRANSFORMERS Manufactured in Australia Comprehensive data available Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 Oscilloscope adapter for fine pitch probing This new oscilloscope probing kit from Emulation Technology enables designers and technicians to perform fine-pitch probing from 0.8mm to 0.3mm on IC packages. Three separate probing kits are available, depending upon the lead pitch being probed. Each kit contains parts for use with two probes, including four MicroGrippers and two Dual-lead adapters. For further information, contact the Australian distributor, BJE Enterprises Pty Ltd, 124 Rowe St, Eastwood, NSW 2122. Phone (02) 9858 5611; fax (02) 9858 5610. 4½” METAL CUTTING LATHE (6" with riser blocks) Precision and ruggedness to suit industry, school or hobby use. Over 25,000 sold worldwide. Made in USA 2 year warranty buys a lathe with $429 drilling tailstock, pulleys and belt, 3 jaw chuck, Jacobs chuck etc. You supply the motor – an old appliance motor will do! Accessories available: Compound slide, 4 jaw chuck, faceplate, collets, milling attachment, and many more. Write or phone for photo brochure and price lists. TAIG MACHINERY 59 Gilmore Crescent. Garran. ACT. 2605. Ph: 015 26 9742 (Business); (02) 6281 5660 (AH); Fax: (02) 6285 2763