Contents
Vol.17, No.10; October 2004
www.siliconchip.com.au
FEATURES
8 The Humble “Trannie” Turns 50
You say you want a revolution? Well, the humble transistor radio has just turned
50! Here’s a look at some of the early designs and how they were developed –
by Kevin Poulter
22 Review: Stressless Wireless
Add short-range wireless communications to your projects with these easy-touse transceiver modules – by Peter Smith
The Humble “Trannie”
Turns 50 – Page 8.
24 Epson’s Latest Micro-Flying Robot
Is it a bird, is it a plane? . . . no, it’s the worlds smallest “micro-flying” robot
and it flies by itself
46 Review: The Amateur Scientist 2.0
Over 1000 classic science projects from “Scientific American” and they’re
all on a single CD – by Peter Smith
PROJECTS TO BUILD
26 SMS Controller, Pt.1
Control equipment from anywhere using SMS and an old Nokia mobile phone.
It can even text you when your alarm has activated – by Peter Smith
Build An SMS Controller –
Page 26.
36 RGB To Component Video Converter
What – no RGB inputs on your TV to match your new digital set-top box? Don’t
sweat it . . . build this low-cost unit instead – by Jim Rowe
68 USB Power Injector
Don’t overload your PC’s USB ports or USB hub. This simple gadget goes in the
USB line and will drive that power-hungry USB peripheral – by Jim Rowe
76 Remote Controller For Garage Doors & Gates
It’s easy to build and has all the features you’ve ever wanted in a remote
control, including battery back-up
SPECIAL COLUMNS
60 Circuit Notebook
(1) Light-Controlled Pond Pump; (2) Bike Battery Charger; (3) 6-Station
Sprinkler Controller; (4) 4-Channel Oscilloscope Adapter
82 Serviceman’s Log
RGB To Component
Video Converter – Page 36.
Flushing out the problems – by the TV Serviceman
90 Vintage Radio
Those troublesome capacitors, Pt.1 – by Rodney Champness
DEPARTMENTS
2
4
57
59
89
Publisher’s Letter
Mailbag
Product Showcase
Silicon Chip Weblink
Order Form
siliconchip.com.au
98
101
102
104
Ask Silicon Chip
Notes & Errata
Market Centre
Ad Index
USB Power Injector – Page 68.
October 2004 1