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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Marantz announce four new DVDs Three new high-performance DVD players have recently been released while a new entry-level model is due later this year. The Marantz Reference Series DV-18 is designed for the ultimate video and audio performance. It’s THX Ultra certified and features 10-bit/27MHz video D/A conversion, component video outputs and 96/24 audio capability. It is also equipped with Dolby Digital and DTS and has a full complement of viewing options and interactive capabilities offered by the DVD-Video format, including multiple camera angles and aspect ratios. Retail price is $2490. The $1790 DV7000 is similar but not part of the reference series, while the $1299 DV4000 is designed for spectacular home theatre video and surround sound audio quality. The entry-level DV3100 is expected to retail for around $1000. All Marantz DVD players also play back video CD and CD-R. D-BUS remote connection allows linkage to other Marantz components for inte- Oxley amateur radio field day The annual field “day” for the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club Inc will be held on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, 10 and 11 June, at the Sea Scout Hall, Buller St Port Macquarie. Always a much-anticipated event amongst amateur operators from the Oxley region (and much further afield), the field day will feature amateur-oriented events, displays and demonstrations - and you could win a year’s subscription to SILICON CHIP! Field day opening times are 1.30 on Saturday and 8.30 on Sunday. For more information, contact the secretary, Alan Nutt, on (02) 6582 3557 or email anut<at>oze-mail.com.au An interesting case (or two)… Looking for somewhere to put all those bits and pieces? We reckon these two new component storage boxes from Jaycar are a real bargain! Both are priced at just $9.95, made from plastic and for that you get either a large (370 x 280 x 65mm), single sided case with 24 compartments, a flip-top lid and handle; or a smaller (290 x 305 x 70mm) double-sided case with 32 compartments (22 one side, 10 the other), two flip-top lids and a carry handle. In both cases (no pun intended!), some of the internal dividers are removable to give you larger, fewer compartments. If that’s still not enough space, we believe a little surgery on the fixed dividers would have the sizes and shapes desired. The lids are nearly transparent so you can see what’s inside before opening up. Apart from components, the cases would be ideal for small-ish test instruments (or large if you remove some dividers). The larger box is cat. HB-6314 while the smaller is cat. HB6315. You can see these storage boxes at any Jaycar electronics store and many of their dealers. They can also be ordered from Jaycar mail order (02 9743 5222) or web site (www. jaycar.com.au).­ grated system operation while features such as parental control, slow motion, freeze frame, multi-speed forward and reverse scan, chapter and track search functions are all standard. Marantz audio equipment is available at better sound and video outlets. For more information or the dealer closest to you, contact Jamo Australia on 1800 24 24 26. Compact digital scale At just 130 x 80mm, the new digital Pocket Scales from Dick Smith Electronics are just that: able to fit in a (well, OK large) pocket. They can measure up to 100g with 1g resolution – and with simple and fast calibration, they’re sure to find many uses in the home, office, business and industry. They feature a large, easy-toread LCD screen and are very easy to use. A carry pouch and set of batteries are included. The Cat Y-5039 Compact Pocket Scales are priced at $199 and are available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, DSE PowerHouse stores, DSE Direct Link mail order (1300 366 644) or via the website at www.dse.com.au PLEASE NOTE Any prices mentioned in this issue are current for this issue only. The introduction of GST in Australia on July 1 will have an influence on many prices, particularly on items which are currently tax exempt. For prices after July 1, please contact the company concerned. JUNE 2000  33 “Y” Adaptors from Microgram Ever needed to run two monitors – or even two keyboards – from one PC? Perhaps you have a notebook and want to use and external keyboard and mouse but only have one PS-2 port? These, and other combinations of computer peripherals, are made simple with this range of “Y” adaptors. Each adaptor is supplied with instructions and all necessary leads, in some cases extra leads for alternative socket arrangements (eg, the dual keyboard adaptor has leads to suit both 5-pin and 6-pin sockets). There are five products in the range, with their names suggesting their application: “Y-mouse” dual PS/2 mouse adaptor (Cat 15090 <at> $119), “Y-mouse” PS/2 keyboard & mouse adaptor (Cat 15093 <at> $179), “Y-mouse” USB keyboard & mouse adaptor (Cat 15094 <at> $149), “Y-see 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 two” dual monitor adaptor (Cat 15092 <at> $229) and “Y-key-key” dual keyboard adaptor (Cat 15091 <at> 119). For more information contact Microgram Computers, Unit 1, 14 Bon Mace Close, Berkely Vale NSW 2261. Phone (02) 4389 8444, Fax (02) 4389 8388, email info<at>mgram.com.au, website www.mgram.com.au Grab a bargain at Rall Electronics Rall Electronics are currently holding a one-off sale of used electronic test instruments and production equipment. Items on offer include a 1GHz oscilloscope, a 100MHz digital oscilloscope, an optical power meter and a 20MHz oscilloscope for $295 (normally sells for $500+). Other gear available, all on a first-come, first-served basis, includes gauss meters, TOROIDAL TRANSFORMERS FOR SILICON CHIP AMPLIFIERS geiger counters, protocol analysers, RF power meters, multimeters, signal generators, insulation testers, modulation meters, frequency counters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and many more interesting instruments. Everything must be sold. For more details, visit the Rall Electronics’ website: www.rall.com.au, or call (02) 9489 2745. 240:2x57V/7A $134.50 All prices include WST. Freight extra. HARBUCH ELECTRONICS PTY LTD Ph 02 9476 5854 Fx 02 9476 3231 US Standards on CD Global Info Centre has released the American Society of Testing and Materials’ entire 75 volumes of standards, for the first time on CD-ROM. The 2000 edition of the Book of Standards contains new and significant revisions to existing standards along with specification documents, test methods, classifications etc. CD ROM provides a compact alternative to storing 75 volumes of text and, more importantly, provides easier access to the information. Contact IHS Australia Pty Ltd, Locked Bag 7, Eastwood NSW 2133. Freephone 1800 062 299, Freefax 1800 817 716, email gic<at>ihs.com.au Free “DriveWay” microcontroller development software from Motorola Developers using the 8-bit 68HC05 microcontroller family can now automatically build device drivers, boot and glue code that meet their precise specifications through an easy-to-use point and click Interface following the release of “DriveWay” software by Motorola and Aisys. The free DriveWay software, available for download from http:// mcu.motsps.com, enables the fast and easy integration of peripheral devices into designs and eliminates the need to learn the internals of each 68HC05 MCU derivative, resulting in faster development of higher quality applications. The key benefits of the Drive- Way software include an automatic assembly code generation for initialization code that automatically produces highly-tuned, fully-tested and documented code in minutes for each on-chip peripheral, while eliminating software, driver and initialisation software defects. Designers can now concentrate on generating their application code instead of the MCU configuration saving valuable development time. Another benefit is the point and click feature for setting up peripheral devices. In developing initialisation code and device driver interfaces, programming time can be reduced from weeks to minutes. DriveWay software is also de- signed to quickly confirm that an MCU can be configured for a specific application or suggest an appropriate one. It does this by selecting one 68HC05 from a group of 68HC05 MCU derivatives. In a matter of minutes, designers will be able to determine which 68HC05 provides the best solution. The first release of DriveWay software, available now, supports the most popular 68HC05 MCUs. Later this year, Motorola will be releasing DriveWay software for the 68HC08 and other MCU architectures. For further information or downloading visit the Motorola website nominated above. JUNE 2000  35 Aussie DesignMark award to Power Tower Elsafe Aust r a l i a ’s P o w e r Tower, a clever stowaway unit designed to provide worktop access to power and data, was awarded an Australian Design-Mark at the recent Australian Design Awards in Sydney. By pulling the grommet lid up on the unit, access can be gained to up to four GPOs or two GPOs and four data circuits. Multiple power and data cables are neatly hidden away. Products which receive this award are judged on their functionality and how it relates to ergonomics, aesthetics, creativity, originality, safety and environmental considerations. Manufacturing (construction and use of materials), price, packaging and marketability are also taken into account. Over two years in development, the Power Tower was also awarded “The Product Most Likely to be Commercially Successful” award at the commercial furniture industry’s bi-annual awards. For more information on the Power Tower, contact Elsafe Australia on (02) 9975 7422; fax (02) 9975 4733. New Shure UHF wireless microphone receiver With the planned withdrawal of most VHF radio microphone frequencies to make way for digital TV, a new high-performance Shure UHF wireless microphone receiver from Jands Electronics is timely. The UP4 Portable UHF Receiver offers over 100 easily-selectable frequencies in a sturdy package designed for on-road use. It comes in an extruded aluminium chassis with a mounting box of solid aluminium alloy which allows battery changes without removing the receiver. A single 9V battery gives up to 10 hours of continuous operation. The unit has microprocessor-controlled predtictive diversity which anticipates dropouts before they NI’s worldwide measurement conference Want to escape Australia preOlympics? National Instruments might have just the place for you: Austin, Texas, the venue of its worldwide conference on computer-based measurement and automation. “NIWeek 2000 – Get Connected” takes place from August 16 - 18 at the Austin Convention Centre. We’re not sure about the mathematics of three days making a week but NIWeek is designed for engineers and 36  Silicon Chip scientists involved with measurement and automation applications, systems integrators and developers, instrument manufacturers and members of the NI Alliance Program. Eighty measurement and automation vendors will also show their wares in a major exhibition. If you’re interested, contact National Instruments for a copy of their INWeek 2000 CD which explains all. Call (03) 9879 5166, fax (03) 9879 6277, email genevieve.hitchens<at>ni.com Thin PC boards Cordless phone headset A lightweight headset, specifically intended for 900MHz and 2.4GHz “long range” cordless phones, is available from Dick Smith Electronics stores. With an adjustable ear-piece and boom microphone, the headphone plugs straight into many brands of cordless phones including many Uniden, Panasonic, Telstra and DSE models with a “stereo” 2.5mm socket. It automatically creates a “hands free” cordless phone for added flexibility in this latest generation of cordless phones which are superior in most respects to the lower frequency, and therefore shorter range, cordless phones which have been available for some years. Being digital transmissions, eavesdropping via a scanner is said to be impossible. While not suggested in the material occur and also has tone key circuitry to block other RF signals and noise squelch to prevent noise bursts. It is compatible with Shure’s UC and U series of UHF transmitters which include body-pack, lavalier and handheld mic options. And while on the subject of Jands Electronics, the company has recently acquired the agency for Stanton Magnetics, a US manufacturer of premium DJ products. They are a market leader in cartidges and stylii but also offer turntables, mixing consoles, headphones and CD players. For more information contact Jands Electronics on (02) 9582 0909; fax (02) 9582 0999. supplied by DSE, we imagine that a headset of this type might have many applications apart from cordless phones - radio communications (including amateur radio) being one such possibility. However, you’re on your own with these uses! Priced at $28.50, the Cat F-7032 Cordless Phone Headset is available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, DSE PowerHouse stores, DSE Direct Link mail order (1300 366 644) or via the website at www.dse.com.au Computronics Corporation have available a range of PC board material presensitised with positive photo-resist which is ideal for in-house prototypes. Of particular note are their thin blanks, down to just 0.6mm thick. In the range is single and double-sided fibreglass blanks with 1oz copper, from 0.6mm to 1.6mm substrates, with each 150 x 300mm sheet separately packed with an additional light-tight cover over the surface. There is also an ultra-thin 0.4mm substrate doublesided fibreglass board, a 1.6mm, 2oz copper fibreglass board and a 1.6mm, 1oz phenolic single-sided board. For more information contact Computronics Corporation, Locked Bag 20, Bentley Business Centre, WA 6983. Phone (08) 9470 1177, Fax (08) 9470 2844, website www.computronics. com.au/tools LECTRONICSHOWCASELEC  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 ROCOM ELECTRONICS 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 Email: sales<at>rocom.com.au NEW! HC-5 hi-res Vi deo Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio str Di ibution Amplifier Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. SALE  SURPLUS TEST EQUIPMENT HANDBOOKS & SERVICE MANUALS STORE ADDRESS: 56 RENVER ROAD, CLAYTON VIC. 3168 POSTAL ADDRESS: BAG 620 CLAYTON SOUTH, VIC. 3169 PH (03) 9543 7877 FAX (03) 9543 4871   ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS  SURPLUS For broadcast, audiovisual and film industries. Wide bandwidth, high output and unconditional stability with hum-cancelling circuitry, front-panel video gain and cable eq adjustments. 240V AC, 120V AC or 24V DC Frequency Counters,CRO’s, PSU’s, Generators, DVM’s, etc, by HP, Tektronix, Fluke and others. Details at: www.rall.com.au email: rall<at>tpg.com.au RALL ELECTRONICS  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 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 All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only Do you want YOUR product or service showcased to Australasia's most important electronics marketplace? CALL ME: RICK WINKLER on (02) 9979 5644 and let me explain how cost effective the SILICON CHIP ELECTRONICS SHOWCASE can be for YOU! MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS FROM Scott Edwards Electronics microEngineering Labs & others Easy to learn, easy to use, sophisticated CPU based controllers & peripherals. PO Box 634, ARMIDALE 2350 (296 Cook’s Rd) Ph (02) 6772 2777 – may time out to Mobile 0409 036 775 Fax (02) 6772 8987 http://www.microzed.com.au Most Credit Cards OK New semis from Linear Technology REC Electronics (02 9638 1888; www.rec.com.au) have added a number of new Linear Technology semiconductors, to their range: • LTC1606 – 16-bit 250ks/s analog-digital converter which converts ±10V signals from a single 5V rail • LTC1757 – said to be the smallest, most accurate RF power amplifier controller for single and dual-band GSM/PCS cellular phones • LTC2424/2428 – 4 and 8 channel 20-bit A-D converters with single-cycle settling. • LTC1668 – 50Ms/s 16-bit DAC with 87dB spurious free dynamic range and ±1.5LSB DNL. • LTC1662 – dual 10-bit rail-to-rail voltage output DAC with only 1.5uA supply current • LTC1771 – high efficiency stepdown DC/DC controller with 10uA quiescent current and 90% efficiency 1mA to 1A+. • LTC 1706-81/82 – 5-bit voltage programmer ICs to digitally set the output SC voltage of DC/DC converters. JUNE 2000  37