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Advertising Index Altronics.................................81-84 Ampec Technologies...............OBC Dave Thompson........................ 111 Dick Smith Contest....................... 9 Digi-Key Electronics...................... 3 Emona Instruments.................. IBC Jaycar.............................. IFC,53-60 Keith Rippon Kit Assembly....... 111 Lazer Security........................... 111 LD Electronics........................... 111 LEDsales................................... 111 Microchip Technology.................. 5 Ocean Controls............................. 8 Phipps Electronics...................... 69 PMD Way................................... 111 SC Christmas Decorations......... 79 Silicon Chip Binders.................. 67 Silicon Chip Subscriptions...... 105 Silicon Chip Shop............ 106-107 Switchmode Power Supplies..... 10 The Loudspeaker Kit.com.......... 11 Tronixlabs.................................. 111 University of Southern QLD.......... 7 Vintage Radio Repairs.............. 111 Wagner Electronics..................... 71 Difficulty finding remote for an older project I have recently updated my hifi system, including the addition of the Remote Volume Control & Preamplifier Module (February-March 2007; siliconchip.com.au/Series/55) and the Studio Series Preamplifier (July 2006; siliconchip.com.au/Article/2718). I’m very pleased with the results. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in finding a suitable remote control to use with the project. Merchants do not seem familiar with the recommended Philips RC5 codes, resulting in several universal remotes being purchased and returned as unsuitable. Operating without a remote control is not a big issue; however, I want to switch on the auto blanking function for the LED display, which is quite bright when always on. Can you please help? (G. G., Perth, WA) • Everyone involved in that has since retired, but from what we can see in the article and the source code (which is available), virtually any universal remote control should work with that project. That includes the current Altronics A1012A and Jaycar AR1955 & AR1975 products. You just need to program them with the correct code. The instructions that come with those remotes are generally not terribly helpful as they do not give much information about what each setting does. But based on experience, we think that one of the following codes would likely work: Altronics A1012A: TV code 0088, 0149 or 0169 Jaycar AR1955: TV code 0200 There surely would be other codes that would work; you’d have to look through the manuals for anything that sounds like a Philips product and try those codes. See the October 2021 issue on page 81 for more information on the Altronics A1021A and how its codes correspond to some older remote controls. Sourcing a KDV149 varicap diode I built the AM Loop Antenna & Amplifier from Oatley Electronics (October 2007; siliconchip.com.au/ Article/2398). Over the years, the weather got to it and I had to dispose of it. I now live in a new location on the coast in North Queensland and I want to build up this antenna again, but Oatley no longer have the kit and I can’t find a data sheet for the KVD149. Can you recommend a diode to use? I discovered that NTE618 is a replacement but I can’t find a supplier. Also, the op amp is no longer available, so I plan to use an LM833. (P. C., Balgal Beach, Qld) • The NTE618 is available from eBay at www.ebay.com.au/itm/331706610858 New thermistor for Temperature Switch I built the January 2007 Versatile Temperature Switch (siliconchip. com.au/Article/2109) from a Jaycar kit (Cat KC5381) some time ago. I need to replace the NTC sensor but I am not sure of the correct type to use. Can you please help? (E. A., Jakarta, Indonesia) • The Vishay NTCLG100E2103JB thermistor should be suitable for most automotive uses and is rated up to 200°C. You can get it from element14 (Cat 1164822). Alternatively, for up to 250°C, use the Amphenol TH310J39GBSN, also available from element14 (Cat 2921623). Other suitable parts stocked by element14 are Cats 2921622, 2773999, 2525366, 2771940, 2771941 & 3397782. SC Notes & Errata Tele-com Intercom, October 2021: in the parts list on page 38, one of the alternative transformers for the ringer section is shown as Triad FS24-100-C2 (Mouser Cat 553-FS24-100-C2). This should instead be Triad FS24-100 (Mouser Cat 553-FS24100). Also see the notes on suppressing noise from alternative switchmode power supplies (other than those specified in the parts list) in the Mailbag section of this issue. Hybrid Lab Supply with WiFi, May & June 2021: the optional microSD card socket is the Hirose Electric DM3D-SF, not the Altronics P5717 (an Oupiin part) as specified in the parts list on page 36 of the May issue. The January 2022 issue is due on sale in newsagents by Thursday, December 30th. Expect postal delivery of subscription copies in Australia between December 30th and January 14th. 112 Silicon Chip Australia’s electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au