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PRODUCT SHOWCASE eLabtronics launches icon-based micro assembly language at WCIT2002 Traditionally, microcontrollers have been programmed using a complex, error-prone assembly language. However, a South Australian based microcontroller company plans to change this with its “bitset” icon-based assembly language. eLabtronics will officially launch bitset worldwide at the World Congress on IT (WCIT2002) to be held in Adelaide from 25 February to 1 March. eLabtronics Technical Manager Miro­ slav Kostecki will present bitset at the WCIT2002 Business Forum. The program itself consists of 10 icons which can be used in any combination to form the total microcontroller instruction set. It makes microcontroller programming simpler, faster and less prone to error, without compromising the controller’s speed or the program efficiency. bitset is set to be used at all levels of education, giving students the opportunity to learn the basics of microcontroller programming at a much earlier age. In fact, bitset is so simple to use that an eight-year-old child was able to use it to program his own burglar alarm. bitset will narrow the “great digital divide” by providing greater accessibility to microcontroller programming. eLabtronics CEO Peng Choo said: “The bitset program has huge implications for Australia and will help establish its reputation as a major ICT innovator”. The company’s display at WCIT­ 2002 will feature a robotic arm which has been entirely programmed by stu- dents using the bitset program. Contact: eLabtronics 12-20 Gilles St, Adelaide, SA 5000 Ph: 08 8231 5966 Website: www.labtron.com.au True RMS Clamp-On Hi-Tester Nilsen Technologies has introduced a true RMS clamp-on meter, the Hioki 3280-20 Clamp-on HiTester. Its compact design makes it possible to securely clamp in even complicated circuitry due to its core thickness of only 9.5mm. There is a need for accurate yet simple measurement of distorted currents, including harmonic components, as well as a need to measure the unbalanced currents that flow through neutral wires in single-phase three-line circuits. The thin 3280-20 allows the technician to easily clamp complicated circuitry, which other instruments cannot do, and it can accurately measure true RMS for even distorted currents. It also provides portability, safety and ease of use, including a drop-proof construction. Contact: Nilsen Technologies Pty Ltd, 43 Sheehan Rd, Heidelberg West, Vic 3081 Freecall 1-800-623-350 Freefax 1-800-067-263 STEPDOWN TRANSFORMERS 60VA to 3KVA encased toroids Tandy have one too . . . Elsewhere in this issue is a D-I-Y RIAA preamp project, intended to fit into existing turntables. Not to be outdone, Tandy Electronics have just put on “special” (until 10th March) a turntable with a built-in preamp (presumably RIAA). The whole deal – “Optimus” turntable AND preamp – is selling for $99.00 (save $30). It is available through any Tandy Electronics store. (Call 1300 728 SC 075 for locations). www.siliconchip.com.au Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 March 2002  67