Fullscreen HTML5Med Res (??MB)HTML4

SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher/Editor Nicholas Vinen Technical Editor John Clarke – B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Jim Rowe – B.A., B.Sc. Bao Smith – B.Sc. Tim Blythman – B.E., B.Sc. Nicolas Hannekum – Dip.Elec.Tech. Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Allan Linton-Smith Dave Thompson David Maddison – B.App.Sc. (Hons 1), PhD, Grad.Dip.Entr.Innov. Geoff Graham Associate Professor Graham Parslow Dr Hugo Holden – B.H.B, MB.ChB., FRANZCO Ian Batty Phil Prosser – B.Sc., B.E.(Elec.) Cartoonist Louis Decrevel www.louisdecrevel.com Former Cartoonist Brendan Akhurst Founding Editor (retired) Leo Simpson – B.Bus., FAICD Silicon Chip is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 626 922 870. ABN 20 880 526 923. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Editorial Viewpoint RIP Brendan James Akhurst, cartoonist extraordinaire I was very sad when I heard that Brendan had passed away recently, aged 73. That isn’t just because he was a great cartoonist who worked with us for 34 years (and for Electronics Australia before that), but also because he was a great person and a friend. I think I became his friend the day I bought my Ford Falcon. Brendan was definitely a ‘petrolhead’. While he liked cars in general, his last car was a Tickford Falcon that I know he loved driving. His fondness for cars was also reflected in his work for magazines like “Street Machine”. I was quite surprised when I found out how old he was. Based on the way he spoke and behaved, I thought he was barely in his early 60s, possibly even younger than that. Brendan was a passionate and active man to the end and certainly did not seem ‘old’ to me! I hope I can ‘stay young’ like Brendan did, if not in body, then at least in spirit. I think most Silicon Chip readers would agree that he was a very talented artist who produced magnificent work. Some of the cartoons he drew in his prime were utterly hilarious, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing when I first saw them. It wasn’t just that he could draw, he was also very creative in coming up with the ideas for cartoons. Brendan wasn’t just a talented artist. He worked for many years as a police diver; an occupation not for the faint-of-heart. He also helped to raise three fine sons. We at Silicon Chip are going to miss him. When you read the Serviceman’s Log column this month, you will see that we have a new cartoonist who is also very talented. I am sure he will bring something unique and individual to those pages over the coming months and years. The last cartoon Brendan ever drew is reproduced below. It reflects his affinity for animals, especially the charity “Wombatised” that rescues sick, injured, or orphaned Wombats. If you’d like to donate to them in his memory, you can contact them via www.facebook.com/wombatised/ Editorial by Nicholas Vinen Subscription rates (Australia only) 6 issues (6 months): $65 12 issues (1 year): $120 24 issues (2 years): $230 Online subscription (Worldwide) 6 issues (6 months): $50 12 issues (1 year): $95 For overseas rates, see our website or email silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Recommended & maximum price only. Editorial office: Unit 1 (up ramp), 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone: (02) 9939 3295. ISSN: 1030-2662 Printing and Distribution: 24-26 Lilian Fowler Pl, Marrickville 2204 2 Silicon Chip Australia's electronics magazine siliconchip.com.au