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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Pro Soldering Setup from Altronics Whether your interest is at advanced   hobbyist level or perhaps more in the manufacturing/assembly area, two new products from Altronics Distributors are worth a second look. Together they could form a very professional soldering set-up. First is the Micron Soldering Station (Cat T2438), offering electronic temperature control to ±2°C over a 200° – 500°C range, with digital temperature display. The station features a long-life Japanese ceramic heater element and new tip/heater design and the iron itself has an iron-clad long-life tip. Zero-voltage switching is used. This not only minimises RFI but also helps prevent voltage spikes at the iron tip which may damage sensitive devices. Incorporated into the station is a sponge tray and a soldering iron holder. With fast heat-up and recovery time the soldering station is highly suitable for repetitive assembly work as well as most other electronics construction and service tasks. Recommended retail price is $239. Replacement tips in 0.8mm micro chisel, 1.6mm mini chisel and 3.2mm standard chisel are available at $12.95 each. The second product is a fume extractor (Cat T-1290). For some time concerns have been raised about the dangers of long-term exposure to fumes given off by soldering processes – not just the fumes released by the flux but also the melting of the solder itself (which of course has a high lead content). This simple mains-operated device Ultrasonic Parking Sensor Elsewhere in this issue there is an Ultrasonic Parking Radar to build. But if you don’t have the time, the inclination or the energy to do-it-yourself, Jaycar Electronics might just have the answer – a built-up version. It works in exactly the same way as the do-it-yourself version except this one also has a coloured LED scale to show you the distance before crunch time. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver are mounted in the one block which makes mounting a lot easier, even if distance is sacrificed. Mounting and operating instructions are included. The Jaycar Ultrasonic Parking Radar (Cat LR8860) is priced at $89.95 and is available from all Jaycar Electronics stores and authorised resellers. consists of a hood containing an open-mesh foam filter (similar to those used in fish tanks) through which air is drawn by a fan. The idea is that the fumes of soldering will be sucked in, trapping the larger particles in the filter but in any case directing the fumes away from the user. Recommended retail price is $139.95 Both products are available from Altronics Distributors retail and mail order centre in Perth (freecall 1800 999 007), via their website (www.altronics. com.au) or from Altronics resellers throughout Australia. Keeping in touch – the CB way Gone are the dull black or silver hand-held CB radios! This new Kenwood UBZ-LF48 UHF CB from Dick Smith Electronics doesn’t need a licence to use and is ideal for short-range communications, whether it is for pleasure or business. With just 300mW output it’s not going to set any distance records but that’s not the idea. The small handheld is intended for applications where the person you want to talk to is out of shouting range – say up to a couple of kilometres or so. It operates on three “AA” batteries, giving up to 40 hours use. An auto power-off function will help conserve the batteries when not in use. It also has a keylock, a swivel antenna and belt hook – and an inbuilt voice scrambler if you want to maintain privacy. You can use any of the 40 UHF CB channels, selectable via up/down push buttons, while using it is as simple as pressing the “talk” button to talk. Priced at $199 (Cat D-1744), the Kenwood transceiver is available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, DSE PowerHouse stores, authorised resellers, via mail order or the website, www.dse.com.au And by the way, you can get it in black if you really want to! FEBRUARY 2000  71 Fluke’s new ScopeMeter 190 hand-held ’scopes The new 190 Series of handheld oscilloscopes from Fluke is designed to meet the needs of service professionals and electronic engineers involved in systems integration, installation and second-line services. The top model in the range offers up to 200MHz bandwidth and 2.5 GS/s real-time sampling using separate digitisers on both isolated inputs. In addition the 190 Series has a memory of 27,500 points per input for long, high-resolution recording. This continuous roll mode stores signals for up to 30 hours while still capturing past intermittents and glitches as fast as 50 nsec. They will operate for four hours on a single battery and, without the need for forced draft cooling, it is possible to put the ’scope in a sealed, dust and drip proof case. The ScopeMeter 190 Series features automatic triggering which provides a stable and accurate display of virtually any signal, whatever the signal complexity or dynamics, without the need for setting up the instrument. The series also offers various manual triggering modes such as edge, pulse width, video (line count and field select), delay and external triggering. This gives the engineer the trigger power to capture virtually any signal. A replay button is also provided which provides access to the last 100 screens. These can be re-displayed one by one or played continuously as a “live” animation. With the advanced trigger capabilities, the same feature automatically captures up to 100 predefined intermittent glitches and signal anomalies. Other features include cursors, 24 automatic scope measurements, a real-time clock, real-time sampling per input, a zoom function for detailed signal analysis of single sample measurements and 2 x 100 waveform. 10-setup memories allow for easy storage, recall and analysis, making printing or documenting waveforms quick and easy. Included is a 5000 count true RMS multimeter and a “paperless” recording mode for graphing meter and automatic scope measurements, with the possibility to use cursors and store recordings for later analysis. For more information, contact Fluke Australia, 26/7 Anella Ave, Castle Hill, NSW 2154. Phone (02) 8850 3300, fax (02) 8859 3300 or www. fluke.com/scopemeter As well as full product specs, a virtual demonstration also is available on this web page. Sony launches new SACD format and equipment to suit According to Sony, their new Super Audio CD (SACD) will be the “next generation” audio carrier, differing from conventional compact discs by not only reproducing the music but also recreating every detail of the atmosphere, nuance and space surrounding the original music source. SACD, which was released in Australia just before Christmas, is initially targeted mainly at audiophiles who are seeking the highest level of sound quality. Sony Australia’s Managing Director, Haruyuki Machida, said that his company’s aim was to establish SACD as a format which offers a significantly enhanced listening experience compared to any current technology, compact disc included. “We could conceivably implement SACD playback capability into our entire line of CD players,” he said. Sony started work on the new 72  Silicon Chip technology back in 1991, resulting in the development of Direct Stream Digital (DSD) – the heart of the new SACD. Using a sampling rate of 2.8224MHz to directly record a 1-bit signal, Sony claims the reproduction is infinitesimally close to the original source material. The need for decimation filtering in both recording and playback is eliminated and with a theoretical frequency range of 100kHz and dynamic range of more than 120dB across the audible range, recordings in DSD can reproduce even the most minute high range musical elements. SACD also contains advanced anti-piracy and copying protection including both visible and invisible watermarking on the disc (SACD players will reject invalid discs) and, if required, content encryption. SACD will be available in several disc formats including a hybrid construction which will allow playback on standard CD players. Along with the discs, Sony has announced equipment designed to handle the full potential of SACD. Included in the range is the TA-E1 preamplifier, the TA-N1 power amplifier, the TA-FA777ES integrated stereo amplifier and a speaker system, the SS-M9ED. A new Super Tweeter System (SS-TW100ED) is also available which will extend the range of conventional speaker systems to 100kHz. Sony make no pretence that this equipment is intended for a very limited (up!)market: the preamp-lifier, power amplifier and speaker setup alone carries a retail price of around $55,000. If you only want the Super Tweeter System to add to your existing system, be prepared to pay about $2000. For more information, visit the Sony website, www.sony.com.au or call (02) 9878 9712. dScope III audio test & measurement The new Prism Sound dScope Series III offers high precision generation and measurement of analog and digital audio signals as well as digital audio carrier analysis, all in a compact and convenient package which operates with any IBM-compatible notebook or desktop PC. No special interfacing software is required. The software operates under Windows (95, 98, 2000 or NT) and while the user interface is highly versatile, operation is delightfully simple. For more information, contact the distributors, Control Devices at Level 1, 150 William St, East Sydney NSW 2011; telephone (02) 9356 1943 or email controldevices<at>mira.net Test & measurement catalog Nutek Australia have available a free catalog containing a large range of Leader test and measurement equipment. Intended for all levels from the hobbyist through to the engineer, the catalog contains everything from multimeters and oscilloscopes through to waveform monitors and vectorscopes, wow and flutter meters and TV pattern generators. For your copy, contact Nutek Australia on (02) 9894 2377, fax (02) 9894 2386. Flexiglow Cable – it glows! A new range of electroluminescent cable called “Flexiglow” has been released by Dick Smith Electronics. The cable, originally developed for military use, has a chemical coating which glows when a current is applied. Unlike other cable lighting, illumination is constant throughout its length. Applications include advertising, signage and display work or even some pretty neat Christmas decorations (you’ve only got about 330 days to work on them!). The cable is only 3.2mm in diameter and can therefore be formed into any shape you wish – even around tight corners. Colours available are red, green, yellow and ultramarine blue. It is sold by the metre with a retail price of $19.25 per metre. To power the wire, a DC adaptor and inverter are required. There are two inverters available, one to suit 5 to 25 metre lengths (Cat. No. S 4596 <at>$79) and the other for 25 to 100 metre lengths (Cat. No. S4597 <at> $169.) An appropriate 12V DC adaptor is the Cat. No. M9670 <at> $33.50. You won’t find Flexiglow in your local DSE store because it is only available from the DSE “PowerHouse” stores at Moore Park, Bankstown and Penrith (NSW) and Carnegie and Nunawading (Vic) or from the Direct-Link mail order service (1300 366 644) or website, www.dse.com.au Central Coast Amateur Field Day Just a reminder – the Central Coast Field Day is on this month. It will be held at Wyong Racecourse (about 1 hour north of Sydney) on Sunday, February 27 from 8am. For futher information see last month's SILICON CHIP or contact the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club: PO Box 346, Woy Woy NSW 2256, phone (02) 4340 2500, email bobfitz<at>ozemail.com.au, website www.ccarg.org.au AUDIO MODULES broadcast quality Manufactured in Australia Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 New semis from REC Electronics REC Electronics, Australian and New Zealand distributors of Linear Technology semiconductors, have a number of new LT devices in their range. In brief, these include: LT1402, a 2.2Msps A-D converter which features a high-speed serial interface. 80MHz sample-and-hold bandwidth with 72dB SINAD and 89dB THD. 16-pin SSOP package (SO-8 footprint). LT1578, a 200kHz monolithic buck mode switching regulator offering a compact DC/DC convert solution for 5V to 3.3V or lower conversions (adjustable to 1.2V). Incorporates all oscillator, control and protection circuitry for a complete switching regulator. 8-pin SO package. LT1721, a 16-pin SSOP- or SO-packaged ultra-fast quad comparator with 4.5ns propagation delay and 2.7V – 6V operation. It draws only 4mA per comparator. LT1886, containing two high-gain bandwidth, high-speed op amps capable of providing a minimum of 8.6VP-P at 200mA on a ±6V or single 12V supply with extremely low total signal distortion. SO-8 package. LT1986, a micropower charge pump which provides the smallest power supply for dual-voltage SIM cards in GSM cellular phones. VOUT stays within the 3V SIM VCC specification even when the VIN is as low as 2.6V. 6-lead SOT-23 package. For more information, contact REC Electronics, Unit 1, 38 South St, Rydalmere NSW 2116. Phone (02) 9638 1888, fax (02) 9638 1798. FEBRUARY 2000  73 AMD x86 chip hits 800MHz . . . . . . while the K6-2/3DNow reaches 533MHz AMD has released the world’s fastest and most powerful x86 processor with its new Athlon CPU running at a rather brisk 800MHz! This translates to unequalled performance for high-end computer applications, particularly in video, graphics, CAD, audio and digital content creation. The 800MHz chip is based on AMD’s aluminium 0.18-micron manufacturing process. This shrinks the size of the die, enabling faster speeds and lower power consumption. The AMD Athlon chip is an x-86-compatible, seventh-generation design featuring a superpipelined, nine-issue superscalar microarchitecture optimised for high clock frequency. It includes 128KB of on-chip level (L1) cache and a programmable, high-performance backside L2 cache interface. Computer manufacturers using, or planning to use, the new chip include industry leaders Compaq and IBM. They’ll be paying $US849 for each chip in 1000-unit quantities (about $AU1300). POSTSCRIPT: 1GHz reached! AMD and Compaq demonstrated a 1GHz Athlon at the Winter CES. Air block alarm system from DSE Hioki’s new non“No-shield” variablecontact thermometers speed drive filter Where most security systems use either motion detectors or physical switches to detect intrusion, a new alarm system from Dick Smith Electronics uses the change in pressure when a door or window is opened to trigger the alarm. The fully portable and self-contained Air Block Alarm System is therefore suitable for use in any type of property from homes and offices to cars, boats and caravans. Along with its 110dB alarm siren, the system also has a pleasant chime “alarm” for applications such as shop or office “door minders”. Sensitivity is adjustable to protect any area from two square metres up to five hundred square metres. It is powered by six “AA” batteries and is controlled by one key. The Air Block Alarm is priced at $199 and is available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, Dick Smith PowerHouse stores or via the Direct Link mail order service (freecall 1300 366 644). For more information or to order on-line, visit www.dse.com.au Hioki have released three non-contact thermometers with applications in the food, scientific and hazardous goods industries. Because they measure temperature by reading the radiant flux emanating from the object to be measured, no contact with the object or surface is required. This results in zero contamination of the object or exposure to the user. Each measures from –50°C to +500°C with a resolution of 0.1°C. A 95% temperature change can be read in 1.6 seconds. An optional computer interface is available which allows data logging and massaging. The three models released are: Hioki 3443 – 24mm diameter measuring field at a distance of 1m. Has on-board memory for 130 temperature readings. Hioki 3444 – same field and distance but with real-time output is suitable for continuous monitoring. Hioki 3445 – also with real-time output but is intended for spot measuring with a 2.5mm field at 70mm. For more information contact Nilsen Technologies, 150 Oxford St, Colling-wood, Vic 3066. Freecall 1800 623 350, freefax 1800 067 263. 74  Silicon Chip At the same time as the very fast AMD Athlon release, AMD announced its popular Intel-alternative, the K6-2 with 3DNow technology, has reached an impressive 533MHz. The 9.3-million transistor K6-2 is manufactured on AMD’s 0.25-micron, five-layer metal process technology. The K6-2 chip is intended for machines for the small business and consumer markets which are significantly more price-sensitive than those for top-end applications. It is packaged in a Super7-platform compatible, 321-pin ceramic pin grid array. This also adds to its appeal for socket-7 motherboard manufacturers. The K6-2 sells for $US167 ($AU265) in 1000-off quantities. The Schaffner FN 5100 series of filters for variable speed drives eliminates the need for expensive shielded cables. This makes them ideal for retro-fitting in existing drive installations or in new installations requiring long cable runs. They represent an economical solution to the need for EMC-compliant installations. The filters not only minimise the emission of RF interference but also help protect the motor by limiting sharp voltage slews (dV/dT). The FN5100 is available for line voltages to 480V AC and in current ratings from 6A to 63A. For more information about Shaffner filters contact their distributors, Westek Industrial Products Pty Ltd, Unit 2, 6-10 Maria St, Laverton Nth, Vic 3026. Phone (03) 9369 8802, fax (03) 9369 8006 or email info<at> westek. com.au The company’s website is at www. SC westek.com.au CTRONICSHOWCASELECT 3990 FULL RANGE $ ELECTROSTATIC Now you can afford the legendary clarity, transparency, depth and precision of an electrostatic speaker. The new Vass ELS-5 is a full range electrostatic speaker, able to faithfully reproduce frequencies from 40Hz-20kHz. • 5 Year Warranty • Wide range of custom finishes. • Individually hand built & tested. 1/42-44 Garden Bvde, Dingley 3172 Pyramid subwoofer Ph 03 9558 0970 Fax 03 9558 0082 separately available email: vass<at>hotkey.net.au MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS UNIVERSAL WIRELESS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM FROM Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. Linx RF modules from Clarke & Severn Electronics offer a simple, efficient and cost-effective method of making a product wireless. Want to know more? Contact PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) CLARKE & SEVERN ELECTRONICS Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 0409 036 775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 PO Box 1, Hornsby NSW 1630 Ph (02) 9482 1944 Fx 9482 1309 http://www.microzed.com.au email: sales<at>clarke.com.au www.clarke.com.au Most Credit Cards OK Attention speaker builders and professionals World famous loudspeaker drivers make a return to the Australian Market. Call for information, data sheets, kit plans and free advice. Trade and OEM Enquiries welcome. Stock available mid December. Quantity discounts apply.             Model RRP Peerless 811827 dome tweeter, wide angle $69 Peerless 811978 dome tweeter, shielded $89 Peerless 810665 dome tweeter, rectangular $99 Peerless 850122 woofer 6.5” CSX hi-end $135 Peerless 831709 woofer 8” thick PP cone $125 Peerless 831727 subwoofer, 10” thick PP cone $165 Peerless 850146 subwoofer, 10” CSX hi-end $189 Introductory special $59 $74 $85 $105 $95 $135 $160 ALSO STOCKING THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF REPLACEMENT SPEAKER FOAM SURROUNDS and parts including factory surrounds for Dynaudio, Tannoy, JBL, Scan-Speak, Cerwin-Vega and others. PHONE: (03) 9646 5115 FAX: (03) 9646 1574 POST: P.O Box 63 Port Melbourne VIC 3207 EMAIL: ortofon<at>labyrinth.net.au SWITCHMODE POWER SUPPLIES Extensive Range 25W500W SURPLUS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS at CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP PRICES! ICs, LCD Displays,Transistors, Diodes, Leds, Books, Connectors, Switches, Transformers, Fans, Relays, Speakers,Terminals, Resistors, Buzzers, Leads, Knobs, Batteries, Computer Accs. etc. FOR A FREE MONTHLY MAILER PLEASE CONTACT 6 Sarich Court, Technology Park, Bentley WA 6102 80  S ilicon Chip Ph: 08 9470 1177 Fax 08 9470 2844 web: www.computronics.com ROCOM ELECTRONICS STORE ADDRESS: 56 RENVER ROAD, CLAYTON VIC. 3168 POSTAL ADDRESS: BAG 620 CLAYTON SOUTH, VIC. 3169 PH (03) 9543 7877 FAX (03) 9543 4871 Email: sales<at>rocom.com.au TRONICSHOWCASELECTRO • • • • • • • R.T.N Basic Stamps, SX chips and tools. OZ-made boards and development tools Best pricing on temp, a/d, rtc kits New Xilinx PLCC44 development system New OZ made serial LCD module 2*16 Stepper and R/C servo motor chips New super catalog on CD Rom with 40 meg of Stamp related data. Now available via SAE and our cost $4.50, or free with orders over $125 Phone/Fax 03-9338-3306 http://people.enternet.com.au/~nollet Email: nollet<at>mail.enternet.com.au NEW FROM QUESTRONIX DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier EMC Technologies' internationally recognised Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facilities are fully accredited for emissions, immunity and safety standards. EMC Technologies Melbourne: (03) 9335 3333 Sydney: (02) 9899 4599 VGS2 Graphics Splitter Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. VGS2 Graphics Splitter High resolution 1in/2out VGA splitter. Comes with 1.5m HQ cable and 12V supply. Custom-length HQ VGA cables also available. Check our NEW website for latest prices and MONTHLY SPECIALS www.questronix.com.au Email - questav<at>questronix.com.au Video Processors, Colour Correctors, Stabilisers, TBC's, Converters, etc. QUESTRONIX All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only In your next issue of * March 2000 issue due on sale at your newsagent February 23 –or a few days earlier if you are a subscriber! Low Distortion 100W Amplifier Module You asked for it: here it is. A new, improved version of our incredibly popular “plastic power” module (April 1996). It has even lower distortion than the original! Glowplug Driver for Model Aircraft Into model aircraft? Aren’t glowplugs a pain in the *#*<at>^? Not any more with this nifty little kit. Use an ordinary 12V battery to heat the glowplugs without any danger of burnout. * These are just some of the items planned for the March 2000 issue but are subject to change. SUBSCRIBE TO AND $AVE $$$! Did you know that as a SILICON CHIP subscriber, you not only get your magazine days earlier AND cheaper, you qualify for a 10% discount on all SILICON CHIPmerchandise?* That's right! That's why so many SILICON CHIP readers are also SILICON CHIP subscribers. There's a handy order form on page 70 – or you can ring SILICON CHIP and become a subscriber by phone (02 9979 5644; 9-5, Mon-Fri). * Subscriptions, internet services not included FEBRUARY 2000  81