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TRONICSHOWCASELECTRO 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 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 NEW FROM QUESTRONIX DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier 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 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. •  Wide range of custom finishes. •  Individually hand built & tested. DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier 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 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 All mail: PO Box 548, Wahroonga NSW 2076 Ph (02) 9477 3596 Fax (02) 9477 3681 Visitors by appointment only 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 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 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 Introductory special Peerless 811827 dome tweeter, wide angle $69 $59 Peerless 811978 dome tweeter, shielded $89 $74 Peerless 810665 dome tweeter, rectangular $99 $85 Peerless 850122 woofer 6.5” CSX hi-end $135 $105 Peerless 831709 woofer 8” thick PP cone $125 $95 Peerless 831727 subwoofer, 10” thick PP cone $165 $135 Peerless 850146 subwoofer, 10” CSX hi-end $189 $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 March 2000  77 PRODUCT SHOWCASE CD-R/CD-RW recorder has HDCD copy/playback Marantz has announced the introduction of its Reference Series DR-17 Compact Disc Recorder, a CD-R/ CD-RW deck incorporating HDCD recording and playback capability and double-speed disc finalisation. The Marantz DR-17 can record on both write-once CD-R discs and re-writable CD-RW discs, which can be erased and re-recorded upon. It offers complete flexibility in recording both digital and analog sources, including direct digital-to-digital recording capability from any digital source. Its built-in sampling rate converter automatically converts digital audio recorded at different sampling rates, such as a 48kHz data stream from a DAT recorder, to the 16-bit/44.1kHz CD standard when transferring data to disc. When dubbing CDs, the DR17, unlike other CD recording decks, automatically bypasses the sampling rate converter for the highest possible sound quality. The Marantz DR-17 is one of the first CD recorders to feature High Definition CD (HDCD) copy and playback capability. Unlike most home audio CD recorders that cannot properly record the HDCD encoding when copying an HDCD disc, the DR-17 perfectly transfers the HDCD informa- tion to the copied CD-R or CD-RW. It is playback-compatible with all HDCD-encoded discs, which offer greater resolution and a more natural musical presentation than standard CDs. There are optical and coaxial digital inputs for direct digital recording, as well as a set of analog inputs for recording sources such as cassette or LP. It also includes optical and coaxial digital outputs that allow it to be played through an outboard D/A converter or the digital inputs of a receiver or preamp/processor, plus a set of analog outputs for connection to a receiver or preamp. Its CD sync feature automatically begins recording when a CD (or other digital source) is played or it can be operated in manual recording mode. The DR-17 can also either automatically assign index (track) numbers to a disc being recorded or the user can add their own index numbers at the touch of a button. Its CD-RW edit functions allow the Safety outlets from DSE A new double power point from Dick Smith Electronics has a builtin safety feature to protect young children with a penchant for poking things in the holes. To operate, the plug must be inserted gently then turned to the right before power is connected to the outlet. This action should be beyond most young children and even if it is not, the plug is inserted so nothing else can be pushed into the outlet. It comes with a 10-year guarantee and like all similar products, must 78  Silicon Chip be installed by a licenced electrician. Priced at $18.90, the outlet is available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores and PowerHouse stores throughout Australia and by mail order through 1300 366 644 or their website at www.dse.com.au user to either erase tracks one at a time from the end to the beginning of a disc, or erase an entire disc at once. The DR-17 is fully compliant with the SCMS Serial Copy Management System, which limits digital copying to one generation. A key feature is its double-speed finalisation function, making a once tedious and time-consuming task fast and easy. Other features of the DR-17 include a precisely calibrated recording level meter, remote control operation via the supplied remote, a headphone output with adjustable level control and a full range of CD programming and playback functions. For more information, contact Jamo Australia on (03) 9543 1522. Want a 650-page book on DSP? Download it! Analog Devices have released a 650page book delving into the mysteries of digital signal processing (DSP). The Scientists and Engineers Guide to Digital Signal Processing, by Steven W Smith PhD is directed at scientists and engineers who need the power of DSP but do not have time to learn the rigorous theory and maths. A soft-cover version of the book is available from Analog Devices for $US40 (call US 1800 262 5643). But if you have the time (!) it can be downloaded free of charge from www. analog .com/industry/dsp/dsp_book Additional information is available from the book’s website at www.dspguide.com PICtutor – multimedia training system Emona Instruments have released the PICtutor kit from Matrix Multimedia. This is a self-contained training course that will teach users how to write, test and implement assembly language programs for the PIC series of microcontrollers. The kit includes a multimedia CD-ROM with 39 tutorial sessions as well as a Virtual PIC to test programs on-screen plus a PIC development board, based on a repro-grammable PIC16C84 with a parallel PC interface for program download from the assembler and various user interfaces. The PICtutor kit will teach stu- dents how to write assembly language programs for the PIC series of microcontrollers. The CD ROM’s tutorial sections will guide users through basic PIC architecture, commands and programming techniques up to advanced concepts such as watchdog timers, interrupt, sleep modes and EEPROM data memory use. The CD contains over 80 exercises and on-screen programming challenges. The deluxe version also includes a 7-segment LED display and an alphanumeric LCD display. Assembler and download (via printer port) software is included on the CD ROM. For more information, contact Emona Instruments on (02) 9519 3933, fax on (02) 9550 1378 or e-mail testinst<at>emona.com.au Altronics 3-2/3 digit DMM has RS232C interface Altronics have recently introduced a new digital multimeter (DMM) which not only offers advanced features in its own right but also has an inbuilt optically isolated RS232C interface. The meter itself has a 3-2/3 digit (2500 count) LCD display which also  has a variety of other information  available. It features six basic   positions, each auto-ranging   or manual ranging as required. There is a volts AC/DC range (250mV–1kV DC, 250mV –750V AC) with 10MΩ//15pF input impedance; resistance (250Ω – 25MΩ); amps AC/DC in three ranges (250µA – 10A continuous or 20A/30 sec); and temperature (with optional K-type probe): 20°–300°C. However, the resistance range also has available a continuity sound-er, a diode tester and a capacitance meter (.0025 – 25µF). There are another two ranges available via pushbuttons – a frequency meter measuring from 20Hz to 200kHz and a wireless electric field detection range measuring fields for 30 to >700V with a bargraph display. This latter function is also ideal for tracing live wiring connections, locating wiring breaks and distinguishing between active/neutral or active/ earth lines. With all of these features, the multimeter would be very popular in its own right. But it is the optional but lowcost RS232C interface which makes it really outstanding. It plugs into any spare “COM” port on a Windows 95/98 PC and, with the software provided in the interface kit, enables the PC to display a digital meter, an analog meter, a comparator meter and a data graphical recorder display (ie, data logging). For production work, service and troubleshooting etc, having a permanent record of all measurements can be a blessing! However, we believe this meter will be just as popular with advanced hobbyists and enthusiasts, simply because of the exceptional number of features offered for the price. A 9-pin serial connector is supplied but if a 25-pin COM port is all that is available, 9-pin to 25-pin adaptors are commonly available. The meter automatically senses when the RS232C connection is made and disables its own auto power down function. Because the interface is optically coupled, there is no danger to the computer even in the case of catastrophic failure or gross overload. A protective rubber holster and large shrouded probes are supplied, as is a comprehensive manual. You do not have to remove the holster to attach the RS232C interface – it clips through a slot in the rear. The meter has a recommended retail price of $149.00 (Cat Q-1080) while the optional RS232C kit, containing the interface cable and software, sells for $25.00 (Cat Q-1082). It is available from Altronics retail and mail order centre in Perth (1800 999 007) or from most authorised resellers. AUDIO 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 March 2000  79 Video to VGA Conversion We’ve often seen converters for VGA (ie, computer video) signals to composite video but one back the other way is much rarer. According to Allthings Sales & Services, there are many applications where composite video needs to be displayed on a VGA monitor. Security/surveillance monitoring is just one area. VGA monitors are usually cheaper than video monitors or even many TV sets and the images they produce are usually superior – better linearity (less distortion), better resolution (higher bandwidth) and minimal overscan (on a video monitor you can lose up to 15% of the image). That’s the rationale behind this VGA-Convert system. It will convert any PAL, NTSC or SECAM colour/ monochrome composite and component S-Video (Y/C) video signal into a standard VGA signal. Almost any video source can be used – CCTV cameras, VCRs, TV tuners, DVD players, video games, etc, with no software or even a computer required – just plug the signal into the converter and the converter into the VGA monitor. You may want to use your existing 300MHz hand-held frequency counter Olympus digital camera sports world firsts The new Thurlby PFM1300 is a compact battery powered frequency counter offering the convenience of a hand-held multimeter. With an 8-digit liquid crystal display, it measures 5Hz to 25MHz and 20MHz to 1.3GHz in two ranges, with high sensitivity across the whole frequency range. A low- pass filter can be selected to reduce high frequency signal noise and ensure stable readings at lower frequencies. The system yields at least 7 digits of resolution per second of measurement time and can measure low frequencies to a resolution of 0.0001mHz. Despite its wide frequency range, the PFM1300 has low power consumption, enabling it to operate for many hours from a 9V battery. It can also be operated via a DC adaptor. A push-to-measure capability gives a virtually instantaneous reading followed by an automatic power-down after 15 seconds. This provides greatly extended battery life where continuous monitoring is not required. For more information, contact the Thurlby-Thandar nation-al distributor Emona Instruments on (02) 9519 3933, fax (02) 9550 1378 or e-mail test-inst<at>emona.com.au 80  Silicon Chip Along with many advanced features, the recently-released Olympus C-2020 ZOOM digital compact camera is the world’s first digital camera featuring an LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle. Until now most, if not all, digital cameras with LCD screens had to be viewed from virtually straight on, otherwise the image deteriorated rapidly. The 1.8 inch TFT colour LCD monitor on the C-2020 does not have this drawback – a very handy feature when composing a shot from an unusually high or low angle. The C-2020 is the first CAMEDIA offering a QuickTime Motion JPEG motion image capability for extended recording. This can record 15 seconds at 1.5 frames per second with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. Lower resolutions can give up to 60 seconds. The 0.5-inch CCD with 2.1 million pixels delivers detailed, high-quality shots. The CCD is coupled to a large diameter 3x optical zoom lens. This can be combined with a 1.6x, 2x and 2.5x digital zoom for a maximum zoom of 7.5x. There are three optional conversion lenses available, a telephoto, wide-angle and a macro. In addition to aperture-priority, shutter-priority and programmed AE, there is a manual exposure mode for shooting difficult subjects. Any shutter speed from 16 seconds through to 1/800 second can be selected, with apertures from f2.0-f11 (wide angle) or computer setup to monitor camera outputs, for example: this could be done at the touch of a button. VGA-Convert is priced from $119 and is available from Allthings Sales & Services, phone (08) 9349 9413, fax (08) 9344 5905; website www.allthings.com.au f2.8-f11 (tele-photo). There is also both manual and automatic focusing and auto bracketing is available with three or five step brackets. A wide range of special effects and features are also built in, including sepia, whiteboard and blackboard and black and white photography. A remote control is also included. The C-2020 camera uses SmartMedia technology and is supplied with an 8MB SmartMedia card capable of recording 82 or more SQ/VGA standard mode pictures (640 x 480 pixels) down to one SHQ, non-compressed picture at 1600 x 1200 pixels. It can also use the new 64MB SmartMedia card. When used with Olympus’ proprietary SmartMedia cards, extra features in firmware are accessible, including the ability to seamlessly stitch a number of shots into one panorama image. Images can be recorded in TIFF (non-compressed) or JPEG (compressed) formats, including JPEG for QuickTime. The camera measures 107.5 x 74 x 66mm and weighs 305g without battery or card. Retail price of the camera is around $2050 and it is available at better photographic outlets. For more information, contact the Australian distributors, R Gunz (Photographic) Pty Ltd, phone (02) 9935 6600; fax (02) 9935 6622; email gunzmail<at>gunzphoto.com.au SC