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PRODUCT SHOWCASE Advanced Jaycar digital and analog multimeter Despite today's digital multimeters having many advantages over analog models, there are times when a digital can’t cut the mustard and you really need that old analog pointer. Does that mean you need two multimeters? Not any more, now that Jaycar have released their QM-1050 Multimeter – a digital & analog model in one case. A 3-1/2 digit digital display is inset into the middle of the moving coil meter and both meters respond at the same time. But there’s more to it than that. As well as the “usual” measurement capabilities – DCV (to 1kV), ACV (to 700V), resistance (6 ranges 200Ω to 20MΩ) and current (AC/DC, 2mA to 20A in 4 ranges), you can also measure capacitance (.002µF to 20µF in 5 ranges), frequency (20kHz and 200kHz), temperature (-30° to 400° and 400° to 1000°), diode test, continuity test and battery test (button cells, 1.5V cells and 9V batteries). Now that’s a very comprehensive range of testing in one unit! As well, you get data hold facilities on the DMM and the voltage and current ranges are auto AC/DC (with a push button to select AC/DC if you want it.) The meter measures 190 x 85 x 40mm and is supplied in a protective holster. Weight, including holster, is about 600g. Red and black probes are supplied, as would be expected, along with a “K” type probe thermocouple for temperature measurement. With a retail price of $87, this meter has a lot to recommend it – especially when you consider that it not only replaces two metres but has a raft of functions normally only found on the most expensive digitals. Contact: Jaycar Electronics PO Box 185 Concord NSW 2137 Phone: (02) 9743 5222 Fax: (02) 9743 2066 Email: techstore<at>jaycar.com.au Website: www.jaycar.com.au Ex-Olympic Comms Gear from Oatley Electronics Oatley Electronics have available some little-used telecommunications equipment used for the Sydney Olympic Games at bargain prices. First item is a genuine Netcomm 56K V90 Mega-modem. The ones we saw looked so good you’d swear they were brand new, not used. Some might need just a little spit and polish to bring them up to mint condition. They're supplied with a 240V power adaptor and RS232 lead but don’t have instructions or driver software but these can be down-loaded from the Net-comm website. Oatley are selling these modems for just $75.00 The other bargain is a PANASONIC model KXTS85ALW Data Port phone. These are really advanced models featuring include Data Port, Programmable Call Restriction, 16 digit LCD Readout, One touch speed dialler, Hands Free Handset compatibility, Built in Hands Free Speakerphone, 9 Step Electronic Volume Control for Speakerphone, 5 step Electronic Volume Control for headset and handset, Call Waiting, Ringer Indicator, Call Forward immediate, Dial lock, Redial, Recall. Oatley have spotted them in a retail catalog for $161 but their price is just $50 or two for $90. Contact: Oatley Electronics PO Box 89, Oatley NSW 2223 Phone: (02) 9584 3563 Fax: (02) 9584 3561 Website: www.oatleyelectronics.com Dick Smith Electronics PowerHouse Powers Young Lifesavers In recognition of the opening of the latest Dick Smith Electronics PowerHouse store at Warringah Mall on Sydney's northern beaches, the company has recently undertaken the sponsorship of Rookie Surf Life Savers in the 21 northern beaches Surf Lifesaving Clubs. During their last year as a junior, or “nipper” at 13 years, children undertake the training and examination for the first life saving qualification, the Surf Rescue Certificate, which is the minimum qualification they require to join a patrol on the beach. For some time Surf Lifesaving has been concerned about the drop-off rate in the years immediately after the SRC. Dick Smith Electronics PowerHouse sponsorship has enabled the introduction of a program specifically designed to arrest this drop-off and to help children in this transition period. All will receive a unique patrolling uniform which identifies them as a Dick Smith Electronics PowerHouse Rookie Lifesaver and all will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of special events, training and activities (including non-surf activities) under the Rookie Program. For more information on the Rookie Program, contact Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches (02) 9971 4996. Contact: Dick Smith Electronics Phone: (02) 9937 3200 Fax: (02) 9805 1159 Website: www.dse.com.au FEBRUARY 2001  53 D-I-Y Alternative Energy Books Tasman Energy have available two books which could be of interest to anyone who is (a) sick of paying too much for fuel or (b) sick of paying too much for electricity (or who is off the beaten track and cannot get mains power). The first book is called “Make your own diesel fuel” and yes, that is exactly what you can do after reading this book. It tells you how to make perfectly usable, 20c/litre bio-diesel fuel (for automotive/stationary engine/etc etc use) using old cooking oil (which it also tells you how to scrounge from local restaurants, etc). The author claims to not only power his diesel vehicle from the fuel but also his power generation plant. And that brings us to the second tome: “Build your own battery charging plant”. This is a blow-by-blow account of the author's own installation which was forced on him when the electricity authority wanted $$$$ and months of delay to run mains power to his bush hideaway. Both books contain a wealth of information and, thankfully, warnings about the dangers involved (the common chemicals you mix for the fuel-making process make a pretty nasty brew!) The books are web-published; that is you pay for either or both the via the web and it or they are downloaded to you in Microsoft Word format. You can then print them out yourself on any graphics-enabled printer (eg laser). Both are just over 20 pages and cost $25 each. We must state that SILICON CHIP has not tried or tested any of the information in these books and makes no claims for the accuracy or veracity of the contents. For more information, visit the company's website or call. Contact: Tasman Energy PO Box 266, Deloraine Tas 7304 Phone: (03) 6362 3050 Fax: (03) 6362 Website: www.tasmanenergy.com.au 54  Silicon Chip Hitachi Super Bright LCD Projector There’s nothing worse than trying to present information using an LCD projector which has insufficient brightness to overcome room brightness. That’s why Hitachi's new CP-X325 Super Bright multimedia projector will be of interest to those involved in the presentation, display and PR industries. With a 1400 ANSI lumens display and true XGA resolution (1024 x 768) the Hitachi is claimed to offer unmatched quality, sharpness and colour contrast. All this is in a unit measuring just 300 x 76 x 225mm and weighing in at only 3.2kg. It also offers digital keystone correction, off-axis viewing without distortion, manual zoom and focus as well as auto configuration for easy setup. It has two RGB/video inputs, RGB output, stereo sound and a mouse-based remote control. The projector is now available through Hitachi dealers for $12495 including GST. Contact Hitachi Australia 13-15 Lyonpark Rd, North Ryde 2113 Phone: (02) 9888 4100 Fax: (02) 9888 4188 Website: www.hitachi.com.au TOROIDAL POWER 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 ADI’s one-chip decoder Analog Devices have released the only 32-bit single-chip decoder/ post-processor which can handle THX Surround EX, DTS-ES Extended Surround and Dolby Digital. The new Melody decoder post-processes THX Surround EX on the same chip as it decodes either DTS or Dolby Ditigal. The new decoder will enable future A/V receivers, PC audio cards and set-top boxes to process, in the same product, all of the leading audio algorithms: THX and THX Surround EX, DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Headphone and Dolby Pro Logic, HDCD, MPEG1 Audio Layers 1, 2 and 3 (MP3), MPEG2, Surround Sound and Stereo. Contact: Analog Devices PO Box 2098, Rosebud Plaza Vic 3939 Phone: (03) 5986 7755 Fax: (03) 5986 4688 Website: www.analog.com Central Coast Hobby & Communications Expo 2001 One last reminder: the NSW Central Coast Field Day will \\be held on the last Sunday in February (25th). It promises to be the biggest and best ever with more than 2000 people from clubs and organisations all over Australia converging on Wyong Racecourse to display and trade equipment, new and “pre loved”. Just about every aspect of amateur and CB radio is represented, along with electronics as a hobby, vintage and historical radio collections, volunteer emergency communications, satellite reception, computers and more. Wyong Racecourse is about an hour north of Sydney with plenty of parking within the grounds. Gates to the public open at 8.30am. Admission is $10 for adults; $5.00 for students, seniors and pensioners; with children under 12 free. Food and drinks are available on site. More information is available via the Central Coast Amateur Radio Club website, www.ccarg.org.au, or by phone: (02) 4340 2500. E ELECTRONICSHOWCASELE MicroZed Computers GENUINE STAMP PRODUCTS FROM 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 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! HC-5 hi-res Vi deo Distribution Amplifier DVS5 Video & Audio Distribution Amplifier Five identical Video and Stereo outputs plus h/phone & monitor out. S-Video & Composite versions available. Professional quality. 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 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 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! FEBRUARY 2001  55