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PRODUCT SHOWCASE
Altronics’ “Jenny Craiged” plugpacks
Once you have a plugpack in a double power point, it’s often difficult (and
sometimes impossible) to get anything
else into the other outlet – let alone a
second plugpack.
Altronics Distributors claim they
placed their new super-slim plugpacks
on a strict diet to overcome this problem – and the results are plain to see.
Two of the “PowerTran” 12V/
500mA DC plugpacks (model M
9272) can easily fit side-by-side in
a standard double outlet while the
larger 16V/1.5A AC plugpack (model
M 9332) still leaves enough space for
another 3-pin plug to be inserted into
the other socket.
The M 9272 plugpacks, by the way,
measure 43 x 86 x 60mm (w x h x d).
All are Energy Authority approved and
are designed for vertical mounting.
These sell for $14.95 (pre GST).
One point we did notice is that unlike most
plugpacks (which are
welded or glued), these
are held together with
tamper-proof screws.
Of course we couldn’t
resist the temptation
to undo a tamper-proof
screw so we opened one
up… revealing the 16V
AC model has plenty of space inside
for a rectifier/filter/regulator if you
so wished. This would also make
them extremely attractive to the OEM
market.
There are several models in the
range covering the vast majority of
applications – DC and AC models of
various output voltages and capacities,
a couple of switchable models and even
a regulated supply
or two.
For more information contact
Alt-ronics on 1800
999 007 (Perth (08)
9328 1599), or visit
their website www.
altronics.com.au
Toroidal transformers for recent
SILICON CHIP audio projects
Amongst their extensive range of
transformers, Harbuch Electronics
have available a number of toroidal
models specifically made to suit
recent SILICON CHIP audio projects.
Of particular interest is the transformer to suit the recent 100W per
channel stereo amplifier featured in
the March and May issues.
This transformer is rated at 300VA
and has two 35V<at>2.25A + two
50V<at>0.1A windings as specified in
the article and sells for $60.45.
Harbuch also have 80VA and
160VA models with two 21V<at>1.9A
(or 3.8A) to suit the ultra low distor74 Silicon Chip
tion class-A amplifier featured in the
July and August 1998 issues.
These transformers sell for $35.45
and $42.50 respectively or a 160VA
low flux model with flux band sells
for $65.90.
Finally, a whopping 800VA model with two 57 V<at> 7A windings to
suit the 500W mono amplifier (August-Oct ober 1997) sells for $134.50.
Harbuch Electronics may be contacted on (02) 9476 5854; fax (02)
9476 3231. All prices quoted above
are pre-GST so you will need to
contact Harbuch for latest GST-inclusive pricing.
Security screwdriver
set from Jaycar
More often than not these days,
manufacturers try to make life difficult when we want to remove screws.
They use a variety of tamper-proof
and tamper-resistant models to try to
keep the lid on – when we want it off.
In service work, making modifications or just because we want to see
what’s inside, there have been many
occasions in the past when we’ve been
stymied by security screws.
Not any more! That’s where this
screwdriver set from Jaycar comes
in incredibly handy. It contains bits
which will fit most of the commonly-used security screws found today.
There are Torx and tamper-proof
Torx, Tri-Wing, pin-drive, hex (allen),
security hex and pin drive, along with
half a dozen standard sockets from 4
to 8mm, a magnetic bit holder and a
screwdriver handle, all housed in a
plastic case with see-through lid so
you can instantly check to see if any
bits have gone west.
The case itself is only 120 x 50 x
90mm so it won’t take up a lot of room
in your tool box. But it could save your
bacon one day!
All of the bits and sockets can
also be used in power screwdrivers
or drills. It’s one very handy set (we
used it to remove the tamper-proof
screws in the plugpacks elsewhere
on these pages!)
The “Royal Flush” set is just one
of the specialised bit sets stocked in
Jaycar stores. This one (Cat TD2037)
sells for $18.95 (inc GST) and is also
available by mail order or via Jaycar’s
website, www.jaycar.com.au
Questronix computer-to-video conversion and computer video switching units
Quest Electronics have many video
editing, titling, processing and conversion products but there is one that
will gladden the heart of anyone who
has ever had to make a presentation
using computer-based information. .
. only to find that they cannot display
such information on large screen or
projection TV systems.
While many of the high performance
(read high price!) video projectors will
accept graphics or images from a PC,
a significant proportion won’t. That’s
where the fully imported CORIOscan
Connect will help out.
Not only will it convert a PC or Mac
video output to a variety of TV-type
formats (composite video, S-Video
and RGB, switchable between NTSC
and PAL) it as flicker reduction for a
super-stable image on TV, has quick
adjustment for overscan and freeze,
allows 2x zooming and panning and
works up to a resolution of 1600 x 1200
(although 1024 x 768 is recommended). Automatic or manual control is
available.
A full-function remote control is
included which gives you control over
all of these functions and many more,
while a loop-back port is provided so
you can still use your computer’s VGA monitor.
No special driver software is required – you simply connect the system up,
select the required mode
and you’re ready to start
the display. The CORIOscan Connect is housed in
an attractive plastic case
measuring 100 x 200 x
30mm. The rear panel houses the power input socket (12V DC <at>
300mA; plugpack included), the PC
input socket, PC loop output socket
and the RGB, S-Video and Composite
Video output sockets.
And while on the subject of video
processing equipment Quest Electronics have also released a locally designed and manufactured Multimedia
Switcher which will not only switch
the video graphics (VGA/SVGA/XGA
etc) from three personal computers
to a single monitor or projector but
also their stereo audio outputs to a
single pair of speakers or stereo power
amplifier.
Housed in a one-unit 19-inch rack
mounting aluminium case, the unit is
designed to handle large presentations
Affordable digital camera
Last month we told you about the
$4600 Sony digital camcorder/still
camera.
If that one is a bit out of your price
range (it is out of ours!) then this little
digital camera from Dick Smith Electronics might be more to your liking!
At just $147 (pre GST
price) the
D-CAM digital camera has
256 x 256 pixel
resolution, 24bit true colour
image quality
and the ability to store up
to 15 pictures.
It weighs just
100g and comes
with Arcsoft Photostu-dio software,
compatible with Windows 95/98.
The camera is ideal for students
who want to include colour pics in
their school assignments or for anyone who wants to send images over
the Internet.
It is available from all Dick
Smith Electronics
stores (includi n g P o w e rHouse stores),
via DSE Direct Link mail
orders (1300
366 644) or
via the Dick
Smith webs i t e , w w w.
dse.com.au
or productions where the inputs can
come from a variety of sources. Four
push-button switches with indicator
LEDS on the front panel select either
standby or the computer source, or
a remote control can be used with a
D-socket on the rear panel provided
for the purpose. In the standby mode
the sync from input one is sent to the
output but the R,G and B signals are
blanked, resulting in a stable, black
screen. Audio is also disconnected in
standby mode.
Each computer input can be separately monitored at the same time as
the buffered main output carries the
selected input. This output can drive
long 75W cables without ringing or
smearing. The unit is mains powered
For more information on these, or
any of the large range of video processing products available through
Quest Electronics, contact them on
(02) 9477 3596; fax 02 9477 3681 or
visit their website at www.questronix.
com.au/~questav
TOROIDAL TRANSFORMERS
FOR SILICON CHIP AMPLIFIERS
15W CLASS A AMPLIFIER
80VA for single channel monoblock
240:2x21V/1.9A
160VA for amplifier as published
240:2x21V/3.8A
160VA low flux design + flux band
240:2x21V/3.8A
160VA low flux design + flux band
240:2x42Vct/1.9A
ULTRA LOW THD 100W AMPLIFIER
160VA for single channel monoblock
240:2x35V/2.25A + 2x50V/0.1A
300VA for dual channel amplifier
240:2x35V/4.5A + 2x50V/0.1A
$35.45
$42.50
$65.90
$74.40
$50.70
$60.45
500W MONO AMPLIFIER, as published
800VA
240:2x57V/7A
$134.50
All prices include WST. Freight extra.
HARBUCH ELECTRONICS PTY LTD
Ph 02 9476 5854 Fx 02 9476 3231
JULY 2000 75
Hotter Hot Chips : new micro development board
Back in the February 2000 issue
we reviewed the “Hot Chip” starter
kit, an easy way to get into playing
with microcontrollers.
Now there’s a new Hot Chips
starter kit from the same people –
Investment Technologies Pty Ltd
– and they haven’t been sitting on
their hands for six months!
For a start, the new model (reproduced same-size below) is much
more “user friendly”. The original
(ABC Mini) was a tiny PC board
which basically had to be hardwired to a development board. The
ABC Maxi is much larger (120 x
72.5mm) with many new features.
There’s not only tons of room for
mounting components or “breadboarding” (a 20 x 12 matrix of plated-through holes at one end of the
board), there are several PC-mounting sockets for the 20mA (sinking)
I/O connections, (bi-directional
with internal pullup resistors),
a number of header pin sets for
programming, a socket to suit an
LCD display, a 3.5mm speaker
socket for sound output and
four output MOSFETs capable
of driving 8A loads each and 4
opto-isolated ouputs.
And that’s not all! Physically
the board is rather different,
not the least because the Atmel
AVT AT90S8535 chip is changed
from a 44-pin SMD device to a
40-pin PDIP package in a socket.
Clock speed is still 8MHz but
the new model is said to have
slightly faster capabilities than
the old. There is also extensive
software included although you
can use your own software if you
wish.
A serial (RS232) connector is
provided to allow interfacing to any
PC via a standard 9-way “straight
through” cable. RTS and CTS is
available. There is also a programming connector which connects
to the parallel port and on-board
RS485 circuit with 4-pin screw
terminal connection.
Also included is easily programmable software: a True Basic
Compiler, Assembler, Programming with on-screen results and
a communications package. The
software runs on Windows 3.11 to
Windows ’98. A DOS version compiler and assembler is also supplied
for diehard DOS fans.
This user friendly software inter-
“Real flat” monitor from Philips
The new Philips 109P 19-inch “real
flat” monitor is claimed to deliver a
more natural, comfortable view with
no distortion and drastically reduced
reflection.
The monitor incorporates Philips’
proprietary “Image Clear Enhancement” technology which is said to
have several technological innovations, including a flat aperture grille
tube and aspecial inner surface on
the tube, designed so that the screen
appears flat from a distance of 75100cm.
The tube also incorporates an ex76 Silicon Chip
tremely high contrast coating for
enhanced colours and whiter whites.
Maximum resolution of the screen is
1920 x 1440 with a flicker-free display of 1280 x 1024 at up to 103Hz.
The screen has an actual viewing
area of 18 inches diagonal. An Auto
Calibrate function is said to extend
the life of the monitor by up to 32%.
It is available through authorised
Philips resellers. For more information contact Philips Electronics, freecall 1800 658 086 or their
website at www.philips.com.au/
pcperipherals
faces with all of the required tools
on either this or the earlier board
to enable you to get going quickly.
Included in the software is a
Basic Compiler - Optimised for the
AVR Boards; Assembler - With C
like mathematics; Programming With on screen results and help; a
Comms Package; a full help system
with the option of modifying and
adding your own notes; a DOS Version Assembler and Basic Compiler
The Basic Compiler can also be
purchased separately or a trialware
version is downloadable from the
‘net.
Like the earlier version, the new
board is available from Dick Smith
Electronics stores throughout Australia, PowerHouse stores and mail
order service. Price is $293 inc GST
(Cat K-1432).
Yokogawa SignalExplorer: 500MHz, 1GS/sec
The new SignalExplorer DL7100
from Yokogawa is specifically designed for high-speed extraction
and screen display of desired information from large volumes of
captured data.
It has 4 channels, a 500MHz
bandwidth and a large TFT colour
display and with its sampling rate
of 1GS/sec and up to 2M words (or
8M words) of memory a faster sampling rate and complete waveform
acquisition is assured.
The DL7100 also features a new
Data Stream Engine (DSE) IC, also
designed to handle large amounts of
data and provide fast screen update
rates. This new DSE, combined with
enhanced triggering functions and
an “all points display” technique
which plots all data points without compression, makes it easy to
capture abnormal signals such as
high-speed surges. The display is
updated 30 times per second even
when using 1M word of memory and
the all-points display.
The oscilloscope also has four
analog inputs plus an additional 16
logic inputs available as an option.
Its history memory function can save
up to 2000 previous acquisitions,
making it possible to store waveforms with events not even covered
by trigger settings.
An optional built-in printer records waveforms and other data
and the ’scope will also output
data to a colour printer or PC via
its comms port. Data viewing and
reporting is made simple with the
Yokogawa Waveform Viewer software supplied.
For more information contact
Yokogawa Australia Pty Ltd on
(02) 9805 0699; fax (02) 9888 1844
or email measurement<at>yokogawa.
com.au
New
Tacho
and
Voltmeter kits from DSE
According to Dick Smith Electronics, projects for cars are always
among the most popular in their
stores.
So when SILICON CHIP published a
digital voltmeter (February 2000) and
a digital tacho (April 2000) specifically for in-car use, they were delighted.
Recently they were telling us how
good their kits had turned out, promising to send over a couple of built-up
version for us to have a look at.
Now we know why they are so
happy with them. The kits are every
bit as good as the originals. No, that’s
wrong. They’re better! They look
very smart with their silk-screened
front panels – we’re just a bit jealous
that it’s not viable to silk-screen our
prototypes.
Inside, the kits are also very professionally prepared with screened and
masked PC boards. The instructions,
too, have been re-written with the
novice in mind.
OK, DSE Kit Department, we’re impressed! The kits are available at all
DSE stores,
Power-House
stores or via
mail order or
their website:
www.dse.
com.au
3Com’s AirConnect: 11Mbps wireless LAN
3Com has announced the availability of its new AirConnect wireless
LAN system, offering speeds of up to
11Mbps without a physical (ie, wired)
connection.
Wireless LANs have been around
for some time now. While significantly
more expensive than their cable-based
counterparts they offer some significant advantages. For example, in old
buildings cabling can prove difficult,
if not impossible. A wireless LAN
eliminates the need for cabling.
Large institutions which may be
spread over several buildings or
even several areas – universities and
colleges, schools, hospitals and the
like – can also benefit from a wireless
LAN system. And of course with more
and more people using notebook com-
puters instead of a fixed workstation,
being able to stay connected to the
LAN wherever they are situated makes
a lot of sense.
3Com’s AirConnect system is made
up of wireless access points, PC cards
and the software and firmware to
drive it. Access points are fixed to
a ceiling or wall and act as a bridge
between the wired network and up to
63 simultaneous wireless PC or laptop/
notebook users.
AirConnect also lets users switch
between the LAN, modem and wireless environments based on where
they are situated. Users can also
choose different network resources
such as printers, etc.
A number of features make AirConnect unique. Its Site Survey utility, for
example, enables IT professionals to
identify dead spots and address them
before installation. Its Dynamic Access Mobile Connection Manager is a
set of tools which simplifies wireless
connectivity to monitor strength, signal quality and data rate, while the
PowerBASE-T module powers the
access points via the installed Ethernet
cable, eliminating the need for power
supply wiring.
AirConnect has a starter pack which
includes an access point, three PC
cards and the management software for
around $2700. For more information,
contact any 3Com distributor or 3Com
Australia Pty Ltd, Level 13, 65 Berry
St North Sydney NSW 2060. Freecall
1800 644 606, or visit the website
www.3com.com
SC
JULY 2000 77
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