Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Gadget Central Opens in Chatswood Where do you get a remote-control indoor helicopter? Or a ballpoint pen that doubles as a head massager? Or a motorised Pepper Mill? Not to mention James-Bond style pens with lasers in them... All this and over 1000 more products can be found at Sydney’s newest must-see Gadget shop, Gadget Central. Gadget Central specialises in providing that unique gift for the person who “has everything” or loves to be the first kid on the block with the new toy. Prices range from $5 to $300 so all budgets are catered for. Now what about a bathroom scale that fits in your pocket – or, coming soon a remote control fish tank submarine? Gadget Central is open 7 days. Contact: Gadget Central 314 Victora Ave, Chatswood NSW 2165 Ph: (02) 9884 8822 Fax (02) 9884 8966 Website: www.gadgetcentral.com.au FFT single-frequency imaging analysis Sonoscan’s new Virtual Sample Mode, a multiple-frequency echo of acoustic micro imaging using FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) filtering, is said to give engineers unprecedented views of a structure’s internal features. A range of frequencies around 230MHz is pulsed into the sample by a transducer. Reflection from an interface alters frequency distribution but the return echo encompasses a similar range of frequencies. The result is 20-30 or more single frequency images, each giving a slightly different view of the internal defect or feature. Ricoh’s “super combination” drive offers DVD+RW+R, CD/RW capabilities Ricoh has launched what they claim is the most universally compatible disk drive in Australia. The latest in DVD and CD technology, the MP5125A is a “super combination” drive with DVD+RW and CD/RW and offering DVD+R capabilities. The MP5125A writes to DVD+R media at a 2.4x speed (equivalent to a 22x CDR writing speed). DVD+R has also improved compatibility with DVD-ROM and DVD players, including Play Station 2. In addition, the DVD+R capabilities will allow users to add data files to a multisession disk, whereas DVD-R can only use “write once” media. Consequently, the ability to “write many” makes the MP5125A much more adaptable and better value. Ricoh says that the high speed DVD formatting time of under two minutes and the fast writing/recording capabilities of the MP5125A will also make it popular with users. www.siliconchip.com.au Contact: Sonoscan, Inc 2149 E Pratt Bvd, Elk Grove Village, Il USA 60007 Ph: 0011 1 847 6400 x 240 Website/email: www.sonoscan.com Tandy now online It also offers “direct to DVD” function which, with appropriate computer hardware, will enable direct recording of video from VCR and digital video camcorders. The bundled software will also support a variety of applications. Recommended retail price of the MP512A drive is $1,099.00 (inc GST). Ricoh drives and compatible media are available from specialists nationally. Tandy has launched an online version of their “bricks and mortar” stores, showcasing the large range of electronics products available. The site features extensive product detail, images and stock availability, along with a store locator and “best buys” and “new products” pages. There is also a powerful search engine and the site is e-commerce enabled. For those new to online shopping, Tandy has put together a guide which takes you step-by-step through the registration and ordering processes. Contact: Ricoh Ph: 1300 363 741 Website: www.ricoh.com.au Contact: Tandy Website: www.tandy.com.au July 2002  53 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 Clamp meter, idiotproof DMM from Jaycar Turnkey 3-phase motor speed controller Motorola, Inc’s Semiconductor Products Sector has developed the MC3PHAC Motor Control Unit, a pre-programmed, variable speed, 3-phase AC motor control unit. The MC3PHAC provides a comprehensive motor control solution enabling sophisticated motor control without a high investment in development and software expertise. It is ideal for many industrial, automotive and home applications such as low-horsepower HVAC motors, home washing machines and dishwashers, commercial appliances, process controls, pumps and fans. The CAPAC device is a high performance monolithic intelligent motor control unit designed specifically to meet the requirements for low-cost, variable speed, 3-phase AC motor control systems. The device is adaptable and configurable to its environment. It also contains all of the active functions required to implement the control portion of an open loop, 3-phase AC motor. Contact: Motorola Inc Website: www.motorola.com/ semiconductors LED solutions from Sunbrite Group A pair of recently-introduced digital meters from Jaycar Electronics are worth a second look! First is a Clamp Meter which not only does the usual AC (200A) and DC (40A) current tests but also has standard multimeter-type leads for DC/AC voltage (600V max) and auto-ranging resistance, capacitance and frequency measurement plus duty cycle and diode testing. It also features auto power-off, a data-hold function and one-touch zero. Cat No QM1562 sells for $159 with pouch, leads and instructions. Second is an ultra-large digit DMM which is not only auto ranging, it has shutters which automatically cover the unused input sockets so you can’t make a mistake and cook your meter! Along with the usual AC/DC voltage/current checks, it does capacitance, frequency, diode and continuity test. Cat QM1532 usually sells for $79 but is on special this month for $59. Contact: Jaycar Electronics PO Box 6424, Silverwater NSW 1811 Ph: (02) 9741 8555 Fax: (02) 9741 8500 Website: www.jaycar.com.au 54  Silicon Chip Lumex Inc, a major international player in the LED market, has formed a new division, the Sunbrite Group, whose charger is meeting the needs of high-power illumination applications using LED solutions. These include signage, traffic control, automotive and off-road vehicle lighting and general lighting. As well as state-of-the-art chip chemistries, the group will utilise Lumex’s polyLEDs, patented multi-chip units with discrete chips in dome lenses, available in virtually any colour. Sunbrite already has a very wide range of LED products to suit virtually any application. Contact: Lumex Inc 286 E Helen Rd, Palatine Il 60067 USA Ph: 0011 1 1800 278 5666 Website/email: www.subriteleds.com New network hubs from DSE Dick Smith Electronics has released two new 100Base-TX and 10Base-T switching hubs for small computer networks which are easy to set up and use. There are two new models, one with five ports and the other eight. Both offer full and half-duplex capability and are suitable for most operating systems including Windows, Macintosh, Linux, OS2 and Unix. The 5-port hub has a recommended retail price of $128.00 while the 8-port unit is $178.00. Both are available from all Dick Smith Electronics stores, PowerHouse stores, mail order (Ph 1300 366 644) SC or via the web. Contact: Dick Smith Electronics Ph: (02) 9642 9100 Fax: (02) 9642 9153 Website: www.dse.com.au www.siliconchip.com.au