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3D TV: It’s on the way . . .
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OCTOBER 2002
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October
2002 1
6 Megapixel Cameras Are Here!
hklightingfair.com
hkelectronicsfair.com
Invitation to join our Buying Missions to
Hong Kong Electronics Fair, 11-14 October 2002
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair, 11-14 October 2002
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council is organising a buying mission to visit the Hong Kong
Electronics Fair 2002 and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair 2002 which will take place at the
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 11-14, 2002
An exclusive package is offered to each Australasian company who join the mission:
Special Cathay Pacific Airfare plus Accommodation Package exclusive for this event.
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Contents
Vol.15, No.10; October 2002
www.siliconchip.com.au
FEATURES
4 3D TV In Your Own Home
You can watch 3D pictures via your computer or TV set but you’re still going
to need special glasses – by Barrie Smith
30 Electronics In Schools: The Class Of 2002
You won’t believe some of the electronics projects the kids are making in
school these days – by Ross Tester
32 6+ Megapixel SLR Cameras
How close do the new SLR digital cameras come to “film” quality? Canon’s
EOS D60 comes pretty close – by Ross Tester
65 Honda Fuel-Cell Vehicle Released In USA
Speed Controller For Universal
Motors – Page 14.
No mass market plans yet but it’s the first fuel-cell vehicle to receive government certification and hit the road
PROJECTS TO BUILD
14 Speed Controller For Universal Motors
Use it to control the speed of circular saws, routers, jig saws, electric drills
and lawn edgers rated up to 1200W – by John Clarke
39 PC Parallel Port Wizard
This simple gizmo can test your PC’s parallel port. It can also teach you a lot
about the way parallel ports operate – by Trent Jackson
53 “Whistle & Point” Cable Tracer
PC Parallel Port Wizard – Page
39.
Connect it to one end of a cable conductor and listen for the whistle at the
other end and your wiring tracing problems are solved – by Jim Rowe
72 Build An AVR ISP Serial Programmer
It allows you to reprogram your AVR micro in a flash, without even removing it
from the application circuit – by Stephen Davies & Peter Smith
SPECIAL COLUMNS
26 Circuit Notebook
(1) DC Automotive Tester With Current Probe; (2) Winter Charge Booster
For 12V Car Batteries; (3) Triple-LED Version Of Torch; (4) One-Of-Nine
Sequencer; (5) Simple AM Transmitter; (6) Battery Status Indicator; (7)
Smoke Alarm Battery Life Extender
60 Serviceman’s Log
Big TV sets can be a nightmare – by the TV Serviceman
“Whistle & Point” Cable Tracer –
Page 53.
80 Vintage Radio
Radio Corporation WS122 army transceiver – by Rodney Champness
DEPARTMENTS
2
10
59
69
79
Publisher’s Letter
Mailbag
Book Review
Product Showcase
Silicon Chip Weblink
www.siliconchip.com.au
88
91
94
96
Ask Silicon Chip
Notes & Errata
Market Centre
Advertising Index
Build An AVR ISP Serial Programmer – Page 72.
October 2002 1
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
www.siliconchip.com.au
Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD
Production Manager
Greg Swain, B.Sc.(Hons.)
Technical Staff
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Reader Services
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Advertising Enquiries
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Phone (02) 9979 5644
Fax (02) 9979 6503
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Brendan Akhurst
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2 Silicon Chip
It’s good news week, every week...
Do you get sick of all the doom and gloom
constantly bombarding us? Are you sick of all
the dumping on Australia by greenies and environmentalists concerning energy use, pollution,
the Kyoto protocol, salinity, cutting of old-growth
forests and a thousand and one other issues. This
is not to mention the usual force-feed diet of crime,
economic troubles, terrorism and whatever.
You could let all the media news get you down
but a better approach is to think how much better
off most people are than they were five, ten and
20 years ago. Or go back further. How much better
off are you now than you were 30, 40 or 50 years
ago? OK, you were younger (and possibly in better health) but by and large,
life is better now than even in the recent past.
In general, with the possible exception of housing and petrol, most things
you can buy now are much cheaper than years ago. In particular, virtually
all consumer goods and mass-produced items are a great deal cheaper and
better than they were in the past. Not only do we have access to vastly better
technology in virtually every aspect of life, we are better fed, better clothed
and have better health services than we ever had in the past. Our prospects
for longer and healthier lives are also far better than in the past, in spite of
concerns about pollution, growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics, mad cow
disease and a host of other factors.
Why are we so much better off? Mainly it is due to the overwhelming advances in science and technology in every field of human endeavour. And
we are especially lucky in Australia to be living in a rich country with access
to virtually any product or technology we desire. Australia’s economy has
grown by leaps and bounds over the last ten years or so and the vast majority
of Australians are reaping the benefits.
I like to think of the Australian economy as akin to a huge amplifier system
with multiple inputs and outputs. The inputs come from all of us, government, business and a host of organisations. The outputs go to all of us as
well but the outputs are unnecessarily “loaded down” by government taxes
and excises, tariffs, surcharges and subsidies. There are filters in the system
too, stopping both good and bad ideas from being implemented and there
are “propagation delays” as well, causing desired government actions to be
delayed, sometimes for years. There are multiple feedback loops as well,
constantly correcting and modifying the “amplifier” behaviour and generally
responding to the wishes of the majority.
There is nothing new in this thinking – economists have been using similar
terminology in their computer models of the economy for many years.
So next time you are confronted by media doom and gloom, think about
how well the Australian economic “amplifier” is running. Focus on the good.
Comet chasing has its ups and downs
It is was pretty frustrating, really. Our September issue featured a major
story on NASA’s comet-chasing satellites. But even before the issue went
on sale, NASA was forced to make an announcement that they had lost the
CONTOUR satellite which had just been launched. A replacement satellite
is under way and the general theme of the story is unchanged but it was still
frustrating for us. You win some, you lose some.
Leo Simpson
www.siliconchip.com.au
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SHOREAD/MGRM1002
You can have
3D
TV
in your own
home
by Barrie Smith
4 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
T
he third dimension. Has a certain ring to it, doesn’t
it? Creating images and viewing them in 3D is still a
challenge, but this hasn’t stopped video enthusiasts
from punching out some corners of the envelope.
Most of us who can hear and see well, take binaural (stereo) sound and binocular vision for granted. Sophisticated
devices to replicate the former experience have been around
for 40 years or more and today we can enjoy the delights
of Compact Discs in the home at little cost and even less
fuss. Just sit back, fire up the hifi and listen; no need to sit
in the ‘sweet spot’ of the room (unless you’re a fanatic) and
no pressing need for headphones.
But binocular vision, viewing images in stereo, enjoying
the third dimension – that’s a tougher call. And this is the
odd thing: image capture by means of the photographic
process has been around for 176 years now, while sound
recording has been with us only 125 years since Edison
began to market his phonograph.
Furthermore, it was only about 25 years after Niepce
took the world’s first photographic image that stereo cameras became practical devices and people of the Victorian
era could sit back and enjoy images of their world in
simulated depth, thanks to the Wheatstone hand-held
viewer.
19th Century Apparatus
And there lies the rub: successful and satisfactory view-
ing of the 3D image always has, and still is, accomplished
by use of a viewing aid to feed the eyes and brain discrete
images, for the left and right eyes.
In the 19th century it was the Holmes-style viewer or
similar hand-held apparatus.
In the mid-20th century 3D viewing could be achieved
with spectacles fitted with red and blue/green filters then,
thanks to Dr Edwin Land’s invention, cross oriented polarising filters.
Over time there have been no-specs, lenticular systems,
as evident in commonly available 3D postcards and in a
little known Russian projection system. Lenticular 3D has
never really taken hold but may see some daylight in new
LCD technology developments.
Stereo imaging, since its inception, has surged in popularity in fifty-year cycles.
The last bump on the 3D radar screen was in 1952, when
the pioneering movie Bwana Devil premiered in Los Angeles on the Thanksgiving evening of 1952, bringing “screams
from the audience” as a lion
“leaped from a
screen”.
3D movies carried the burden of
recapturing lost
audiences infatu-
You can watch 3D pictures via your computer or TV set – but you’re still going to need the glasses! Inset is the H3D
spectacles and IR emitter.
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 5
dating back to the 1950s, the third dimension on TV is a
comparative rarity.
I can well remember the excitement of one Friday night
in October, 1983 when the Channel Seven network broadcast nearly two hours of 3D television. 3D on TV – at last.
The only downside was that you needed to wear a pair
of anaglyph spectacles (left eye looks through a red filter,
right eye uses blue/green) to enjoy the offering.
You could say the audience response was
‘underwhelming’ – and stereoscopic movies on TV never
reappeared on Aussie screens. Perhaps the menu of a
Three Stooges short and a low budget Western called Fort
Ti was the reason.
Viewing Session
We can’t hope to do it justice in a printed magazine page
but here’s a frame from Ultimate G’s 3D title. This is a
single (left eye or right eye) image.
ated by commercial TV when it appeared in 1948.
Massive 3D
Today, you can visit your local IMAX theatre and enjoy
a similar but far more vivid experience as the expansive
film process runs a catalog of documentaries shot with a
pair of massive 70mm motion picture cameras and shown
with an even more massive pair of projectors.
The audience views the huge image with somewhat bulky
and clumsy LCS (Liquid Crystal Shutter) spectacles, delivering a rapid sequence of right/left eye images, triggered
by an infrared beam within the cinema.
Yes, we have come a long way! 3D movies – but we’re
still wearing glasses!
To get a hands-on experience of 21st century 3D TV I
spent the morning with Mark Giles of Mindflux, a Sydney
company importing and distributing 3D gear. To get a
‘second opinion’ I took along this magazine’s editor and
publisher, Leo Simpson.
Mark very kindly took us through the ropes by first setting
up a TV set and DVD player and handing each of us a pair
of black specs with grey LCS lenses. The DVDs viewed (and
generally available) are all NTSC productions, so you need
a compatible player and TV set.
Mark then slipped a disc onto the player, Haunted
Castle, a title which I had previously seen and been impressed by, in the Sydney IMAX theatre as a 3D presentation.
The show is a feast of impressive computer imagery that
3D on DVD
Now, thanks to the popularity of DVD as a delivery medium, you can enjoy 3D viewing via your home TV set.
And, if our pockets and energies can take us there, we can
even craft our own 3D productions. But we’ll still need to
wear glasses to enjoy stereoscopic video!
However you have to remember there’s 3D . . . and
there’s 3D!
For a few years now the computer gaming fraternity have
been playing with highly enhanced 3D graphics on their
PC screens, PlayStation consoles and the like.
But this is a graphic display that shows the three dimensions – width, height and depth – rendered as a flat image,
in other words as a perspective illustration.
Then there’s the 3D process, the topic of this story,
which displays graphics as a binocular image, with each
eye receiving a discrete image. Without a viewing aid, such
as dedicated spectacles, the image is a confusion of two
slightly displaced images.
However, when the viewer dons the specs, all is revealed
and the illusion of the image having true width, height and
depth is achieved. You feel you can reach out and touch
the subjects on screen.
Anaglyph Stereo
Despite the existence of a fat backlist of 3D movies
6 Silicon Chip
The Ultimate 3D Collection contains a decoder, 3D specs
and DVDs.
www.siliconchip.com.au
takes you through haunted castles and the like - and ends
with the obligatory and fairly scary roller-coaster ride.
The stereoscopic effect in this presentation is excellent
with the 3D effect convincing and not at all an eye strain.
I said the roller coaster ride was ‘fairly scary’.
Well, to be honest, the scare factor (SF) is directly proportional to the screen size.
In the IMAX theatre it was a blast! However, our preview
session was run with a 50cm television set so the SF was
many notches down from the 30 x 38 metre IMAX mega
screen. But it was not hard to imagine the effect from a
largish (say a metre or more diagonal) rear projection or
front projection television set up.
Next up was Ultimate G’s, a more ‘down home’ sort of
production about two kids’ dream of becoming pilots, mixed
in with some stunt flying. This gained much because it was
nearly all shot in ‘true’ (not CGI simulated) live action, with
real people in real environments.
The production had been carefully photographed and the
3D effect was again convincing and enjoyable but a little
more exaggerated than the first film, although not enough
to cause eyestrain.
It should be noted that both these productions (and possibly most other 3D titles) are packaged on the same DVD
as 2D and 3D versions.
The 3D video signal consists of alternating left and right
images – alternating at the field rate of the video signal
(50Hz for PAL and 60Hz for NTSC). The LCS 3D glasses
contain shutters that alternately block each eye so that the
left eye only sees left images and the right eye only sees
right images. When the glasses are taken off, you can see
both images overlaid.
Depending on the offset between the two images, it can
range from blurred to utterly unwatchable.
In both cases, any scene with bright areas – such as sky
– revealed quite noticeable flicker; it is possible to alleviate
the flicker by careful adjustment of contrast.
With specs off you see a double image. It was interesting
to hold a freeze frame on the DVD and see a clear, non-stereo
image, intended for a single eye.
‘Freeze frame’ should really be called ‘freeze field’ as
Pricey but effective, the Cy-visor delivers 3D TV direct to
the spectacles’ LCD screens.
some devices (from TVs, to VCRs, camcorders and DVDs)
offer a ‘Pause’ function which holds only a single interlaced field.
This factor is, of course, the heart of the whole system.
25 of the fields (in PAL) in any one second carry the left eye
image; the other 25 carry the right eye image. So the video
Looking for some 3D DVD Titles? Here’s just a few, originally shot for the huge IMAX format and now reduced somewhat!
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 7
The Standard
NTSC and PAL can both be used for the recording and
playback of stereoscopic 3D video by storing the left and
right views in the even and odd fields of the video signal.
This is commonly known as “field-sequential 3D video”
or occasionally “alternate-field 3D video”. However, the
choice of which image (left or right) to store in which field
(even or odd) is arbitrary.
A proposed standard is in development that seeks to
formalise the image/field polarity for the recording of
field-sequential 3D video in the NTSC and PAL standards.
picture of 25 complete frames in each second is comprised
of two sets of 25 interlaced ‘lefts’ and ‘rights’.
The 3D programming on the DVD is accomplished by
coding the left and right images onto the even and odd
fields respectively (or vice versa).
A standard sync extractor chip (eg, LM1881 or EL4581)
can be used to identify odd and even fields and hence
identify left and right images. The LCS glasses are then
driven by this signal.
On replay, an IR emitter transmits to the infrared viewing spectacles in the room (a maximum ‘live’ viewing
screen-to-specs distance of six metres is quoted by
Mindflux).
A tiny IR receptor is built into the front of each spectacle
frame; at this point the infrared signal fires the opacity/
transparency cycle of the specs’ LCS lenses; the left eye
sees only the left image, the right eye sees only the right.
Mindflux markets a variety of 3D TV packs. One is the
Ultimate 3D collection ($229), containing three DVDs,
the H3D signal box (connected to the DVD’s output and
mountable on the top of the TV set) and two pairs of wired
LCS spectacles.
If you hanker for total viewing freedom you can purchase two pairs of wireless specs (H3D Video Eyewear)
and enjoy a far more comfortable viewing option, for an
additional $235.
There is also a computer pack (Eyeforce), suitable for
Another 3D viewing option: i-glasses!
installation on your Windows PC. Similar setup: a different
IR emitter (which sits on top of your monitor) and two pairs
of specs. Cost: $249.
There are other spectacle options, including headmounted displays (HMD) – Cy-visor is one at $3699 -–
which plug directly into the DVD’s video output or the
computer’s VGA signal. These are equipped with a pair
of LCD screens and of course need no TV set to create the
stereoscopic image.
And this is where the story gets interesting: Mark ran a
DVD computer game, authored in stereo, on a Windows
PC, with the monitor set at a refresh rate of 100Hz.
Voila! No flicker. My guess is that you could probably
run the 3D programming on most screens, even with refresh
rates down to as low as 70Hz and enjoy the 3D effect with
zero flicker.
The point is, you don’t need more than 25 fields to create
the stereo image, but you do need more than 25 ‘bursts’ of
an on screen image to avoid flicker. That is, each of the 25
fields shown each second can be displayed on screen for
a frequency of more than 1:1.
100Hz scan rate
So why not run the show on a 100Hz television set to overcome flicker? (Or 120Hz
on an NTSC model?) Good idea.
But it doesn’t work! For a 100Hz set to
work with 3D, the left-image, right- image,
Footnote
Eyeforce 3D pack, with wireless spectacles.
8 Silicon Chip
Andrew Woods suggests that readers
can view his conference paper from 1991
“which discusses the principles I used
to modify the components of a Grundig
100Hz TV set to achieve 100Hz 3D.”
Go to: “The use of flicker free television products for stereoscopic display
applications” at http://info.curtin.edu.
au/~iwoodsa
www.siliconchip.com.au
left-image, rightimage field sequence (ie, L1 ,
R1, L2, R2 etc)
needs to be maintained.
Mindflux: www.mindflux.com.au
Unfortunately most 100Hz
Digital Playtime: www.digital-playsets don’t do this;
time.com.au/3D/index.asp
most implement
a modified field
EzyDVD: www.ezydvd.com.au/
sequence that regrettably upsets
Direct 2U: 07 5455 3554
the 3D content.
Some TVs interpolate new fields
to improve depiction of 2D motion at 100Hz.
Other sets merge the odd and even fields into a single
progressively displayed frame, then use a rapid cycle frame
store to deliver a double quantity of the complete frames.
So there is a range of methods used.
For a 100Hz set to work with 3D it needs to convert the
50Hz PAL signal
field sequence
from the normal
sequence of L1,
R1, L2, R2, L3, R3,
to a “doubled up”
sequence of L1,
R1, L1, R1, L2, R2,
L2, R2, L3, R3, L3,
R3 at 100Hz.
This is a relatively simple
scheme to implement (simpler
than some of the
2D schemes) but
most 100Hz TV It’s not that scary . . . honest!
sets don’t offer
it – although some can be modified to achieve it. A secondary issue would be how to sync the LCS glasses with
the 100Hz signal.
There is considerable debate in 3D TV circles as to
methods of tapping into 100Hz display systems to deliver
high quality, flickerless stereo images. Dedicated TVs and
converters are available in the US and Europe; the URLs are
www.3dmagic.com/catalog/price_list/price_list.html#TV
and www.micronas.com/press/pressrel-eases/pressrelease.
php?s=1&ID=171
Next issue: we take a look at some of the DVD titles and
apparatus available in Australia – plus a hands-on trial of
a 3D camera adaptor that lets you shoot 3D video with a
SC
consumer camcorder.
Contacts for Hardware and Software
Supplies
Acknowledgement:
Barrie Smith would like to thank Jason Pang and Mark
Giles at Mindflux for their help as well as to express
his gratitude to Andrew Woods at the Centre for Marine Science and Technology, Curtin University of
Technology, Perth WA for additional technical advice
and checking.
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 9
MAILBAG
Solar panel payback period
I refer to the Mailbag item in your
August 2002 issue “Are photovoltaic
cells really green?” from a Glenn
Mayall. Your correspondent once
again repeats a myth, attributed to the
Reagan era in the USA, namely that
solar panels never generate enough
energy to make up for that expended
in their manufacture. There was a
very detailed article on this in “Home
Power” magazine January 2001. It is
well worth reading both the article and
some of the references.
Please, the time has come for you
to take a stand and dispel this myth
rather than repeat it in your magazine. Check the following article at
http://www.humboldt1.com/~michael
.welch/pvpayback.pdf
Ross Dannecker,
Rockhampton, Qld.
Project suggestion – a silent PC
I have a suggestion for a project: a
silent personal computer, preferably in
a small case. Even making the power
supply fan-less would make a huge
difference.
Don’t you think it is about time PCs
were like the rest of our home entertainment appliances, such as the VCR,
DVD and hifi amplifiers, all quiet!
Peter Humphreys,
via email.
Comment: we like your idea but we
don’t see it happening anytime soon.
These days even laptops have fans.
Service history for appliances
is desirable
I refer to the note in SILICON CHIP
January 2002, page 92, entitled “How
to stop rust on screws”. This reminded
me of standard Service Radio & Radar
gear which had red shellac anti-vibration sealer applied to screws etc. This
is useful if a service or modification is
carried out a different colour may be
used to reseal, thus showing a “modification”.
I used such method to seal screws
in spectacle frames. The colour was
easily visible – ensuring sealing had
been done, unlike clear varnish which
is hard to see.
10 Silicon Chip
Secondy, reading the “Serviceman’s
Log”, surely it would be considerate
for “repairers & technicians” to put a
plate or “log” into the bowels of the
equipment giving a precis of service/
modification history. This is not new
as watch and clock makers years ago
recorded service by enscribing in the
case of the object.
Finally, service records should
record all tests performed with result, whether normal or abnormal.
Memory is not a suitable repository
of information.
John Ernest,
via email
Electrical wiring regulations
in Queensland
I followed with some interest the
debate last year regarding the introduction of new laws regarding who could
work on mains powered equipment,
particular in Queensland.
What has happened to these laws?
Have they come into effect? If so does
this mean only electricians can do
upgrades to computers eg memory,
hard disks etc?
Frank Krista
Gordon Park, Qld.
Comment: As noted in the editorial
in our June 2002 issue, Queensland
carried out a review of regulations
and have maintained the status quo,
ie, it is illegal for anyone to work on
mains-powered equipment unless they
have, at least, a restricted licence. Unfortunately, while we made a big effort
to change this, there is just not enough
interest from our readers or any other
bodies (eg, electrical engineers) to
make the politicians sit up and take
notice. In this country, apparently
Apathy does rule!
What’s wrong with Basslink?
What on earth is your correspondent
Keith Anderson, in his letter entitled
“Basslink should be done properly”
(August 2002), on about?
He claims Basslink is being done
badly, why? He does not say.
The proposed technology for
Basslink is conventional state of the
art. It is not the only choice but it is
a perfectly reasonable and defensible
choice.
If Keith Anderson has a valid point
to about Basslink why doesn’t he
make it?
Graham Shepherd,
New Town, Tas.
Critical components
hard to get
On quite a few occasions I am keen
to construct one of the projects detailed in your magazine but am frustrated by the time taken in sourcing
one or two critical components. A
case in point is the PC IR Transceiver
published in the December 2001 issue. The critical component the SMT
transceiver itself described as
TFDS4500 by Vishay Telefunken.
I presume this is the Manufacturer
(German?). Some direction in sourcing
this component within Australia
would be appreciated. RS stock a similar device with a different pinout while
Farnell don’t seem to carry anything
in this line at all. Would appreciate
any help.
Ross Metcalf,
via email.
Comment: We often have this
component sourcing dilemma and
it is usually because the component
concerned is not available in small
quantities from the local distributor
or often not available at all from the
local people because they just cannot
be bothered. The project is available
as a kit from Jaycar.
RDS in Australia
After owning a home stereo and car
stereo with RDS (Radio Data System)
capability I started to wonder why
only Triple J was transmitting the RDS
www.siliconchip.com.au
information, so I decided to do some
research.
After talking to a number of broadcasters I found out that the main
reason was that they believed there
weren’t enough RDS receivers out
there. I checked out a few places that
sell both car and home stereos, and
found that not every second stereo
sold had RDS, but still quiet a few did.
Many manufactures don’t bring their
RDS models in to Australia because
not enough stations are broadcasting
RDS.
So it’s sort of a stalemate between
broadcasters and stereo receiver manufacturers. It would cost an outlay of
less than $3000 for a broadcaster to
transmit RDS, and for that their name
would be advertised on a lot of people’s radios.
In order to gather information on
the numbers of RDS receivers, to show
broadcasters that it would be worthwhile transmitting the RDS signal, I
decided to set up a web page. If you
would like to see more broadcasters
use RDS, please add your RDS receiver
to my page as well as any other stations
you know which are transmitting RDS.
www.sutcliffetech.com.au/rdsinfo.
html or email: rdsinfo<at> sutcliffetech.
com.au
Gary Sutcliffe
Brisbane, QLD
Amateur radio articles
wanted
What a wonderful opportunity you
now have with the demise of Electronics Australia and Radio Mag. It would
be a pity to waste such an opportunity,
to incorporate the diversity of subjects
that these two magazines offered, in
SILICON CHIP.
I occasionally purchase SILICON
CHIP from our local newsagent but
find there are limited articles that
suit my interest, with the exception
of Vintage Radio.
If you could incorporate articles on
Short Wave and Broadcasting Band
The Tiger
comes to
Australia
The BASIC, Tiny and Economy
Tigers are sold in Australia by
JED, with W98/NT software and
local single board systems.
Tigers are modules running true compiled multitasking BASIC in a 16/32 bit core, with typically
512K bytes of FLASH (program and data)
memory and 32/128/512 K bytes of RAM. The
Tiny Tiger has four, 10 bit analog ins, lots of
digital I/O, two UARTs, SPI, I2C, 1-wire, RTC and
has low cost W98/NT compile, debug and
download software.
JED makes four Australian boards with up to 64
screw-terminal I/O, more UARTs & LCD/keyboard support. See JED's www site for data.
Intelligent RS232 to RS485
Converter
Huge Santa Display panel
Here are the specs for the Santa
Display (SILICON CHIP, November
2000) we made when we found
ourselves with a couple of weeks
to spare.
Four long days to make and paint,
nine hours and one carton to drill
the first 1254 holes and the slight
chamfer to every hole at its face
(looks better), seven 10-hour days to
wire using 700 metres of cable and
tinned wire. The panel was 3.6 x 1.8
metres. All this is still only driven
with the original PC board and one
transformer, which still only got
warm. Cost excluding the
LED stars was $710:00.
We first decided on stars
after the rest was done
and working, as the background looked a bit bare
and with blue and white
LEDs costing around $5
a throw, four should have
done it but my better half
chose the position from
the front as I drilled from
the back – that’s the four
white LEDs near Rudolph.
www.siliconchip.com.au
That looked too symmetrical so I
decided to buy 8 more, 4 white and
4 blue. I could only get 3mm blue
at the time (a few bucks cheaper but
just as bright as 5mm).
I have saved a few dollars towards
this coming year’s project. At this
stage it looks like I will be using 200
blue LEDs and two of your “flickering flame” PC boards to make an
8-pointed star 2.2 metres high and
1.2 metres across that will twinkle
way up high on the roof.
Dallas Redding,
via email.
The JED 995X is
an opto-isolated
standards converter for 2/4 wire
RS422/485 networks. It has a
built-in microprocessor controlling TX-ON, fixing Windows
timing problems of PCs using RTS line control.
Several models available, inc. a new DIN rail
mounting unit. JED995X: $160+gst.
Www.jedmicro.com.au/RS485.htm
$330 PC-PROM Programmer
This programmer plugs into a PC printer port and
reads, writes and edits any 28 or 32-pin PROM.
Comes with plug-pack, cable and software.
Also available is a multi-PROM UV eraser with
timer, and a 32/32 PLCC converter.
JED Microprocessors Pty Ltd
173 Boronia Rd, Boronia, Victoria, 3155
Ph. 03 9762 3588, Fax 03 9762 5499
www.jedmicro.com.au
October 2002 11
DX-ing, Amateur Radio, also possibly
offer limited free advertising, I am
sure you would increase your sales
volume no end.
Other topics I am sure would be of
interest to the vast majority of your
audience would be articles on amateur
radio, such as antenna tuners, VSWR
meter, RFDS frequencies, aerodrome
NDB frequencies and locations, new
marine frequencies and locations of
marine HF stations, antenna topics
and so on.
I respect SILICON CHIP for what it
offers, however, I am positive if you
offered these subjects, or at least undertake a feasibility study on same
you would be very pleasantly surprised.
G. J. Wilson,
Mt. Seymour, Tas.
Comment: While we appreciate that
you would enjoy articles on Shortwave, DX-ing and the other topics,
we have had little indication of reader
interest in these subjects in the past.
Are other readers keen to see these
sorts of articles?
Cordless phones link for
modems
Is it possible to adapt a cordless
phone to access the internet over a
reasonable distance, say 100 to 150
metres and at say reasonable speed,
if not at the usual 56k.
IBM did have some interface with
some clever electronics but ceased
manufacture in 1998, it was called
‘The IBM Cordless Computer Connection”.
It would make a nice project, to
circumvent the usual umbilical cord
we have to live with, and to save the
expense of mobile phone gizmos.
Bill Mulders,
via email.
Comment: This is a great project
idea but we would have to standardise
on a particular cordless phone for any
design work.
In appreciation of the Airzone 500
The July article on the “Airzone
500 series” gave me many a wry
smile. I had one of these once in
1954. I picked it up off the tip at
Willoughby; amazing to recall what
was thrown out in those days. However, the series entered my life again
round 1980. A friend’s parents were
given such a set (mantel identical
with the one shown on the photos)
as a wedding present. It had been
stored for many years in their linen
cupboard until they gave it to their
son, a friend of mine.
It eventually “carked” it in 1980.
He asked me to look at it for him
and I found the mains transformer
was burnt out. Even then, the prospect of securing a replacement was
daunting and he rather baulked at
having it rewound due to the cost.
I told him I’d keep my eye open for
one and when I was visiting a friend
in Newcastle, asked him if he knew
of any “junk shops” where such
things might turn up. He mentioned
one place on the outskirts so I drove
and asked the proprietor. “No”, he
couldn’t assist, but he thought that a
chap at Charlestown probably could
and gave me the address.
I called in there on my way back
to Sydney. The house was a fairly
small fibro dwelling, but was almost
hidden from view by a mountain of
rusted out whitegoods.
I knocked on the door and got no
answer. There was pathway down
the yard and I could see a shed at the
12 Silicon Chip
rear with the door ajar. So thinking the
owner might be fiddling in his shed,
I ventured down and knocked on the
shed door. No answer. I peered round
the door and as my eyes adjusted to
the gloom, I saw something which
produced a reaction of mixed shock,
amazement and joy.
There before my eyes, stacked floor
to ceiling were dozens of radios from
the 1920s and early 30s. It was an
absolute “Aladdin’s cave” of old
radios.
I must say that my immediate reaction was promptly followed by a
mixture of guilt, occasioned by envy
and I thought it best to beat a retreat
before the owner turned up in case he
got the wrong idea. I turned to go and
as I went to close the door to I found
it wouldn’t shut.
I glanced down to see what was
blocking it and to my sheer amazement, there was a power transformer
complete with tagstrip, covered in dirt
and dust. I picked it up and rubbing
the dust off the tagstrip, I saw from
the voltages and ratings that it was
exactly what I was looking for. What
should I do?
I debated waiting for the owner,
then telling myself that if he used a
transformer where he could use half
a house brick, he didn’t see the transformer of any value. So I decided to
“buy” it.
I took it out to the car where I wrote
a note explaining what I’d done and
stuck a $5 bill in it and put it under
the front door. I left feeling rather
guilty. I cleaned it up, checked the
voltages and found it OK, removed
the tagstrip, installed “flying” leads
and mounted it on the Airzone.
About six weeks later I was in
Newcastle again and plucking up
the courage to visit the house at
Charlestown, I drove down the
street looking for the house with
the white-goods.
I couldn’t find the house matching that description but judging
from its approximate position,
the bare earth and the fresh coat
of paint on the house, I pulled up
outside the place. There were two
young fellow leaning of the bonnet
of a “souped-up” Cortina, tinkering
with the innards.
I approached them and saying
I thought I had the house right,
describing my earlier visit, was
informed that “the old bloke” had
died. “What happened to all the old
radio stuff down in the back shed?”
I asked. “All that old junk went to
the tip mate,” I was informed. I left
in sorrow.
Richard Lockhart,
Artarmon NSW.
Comment: we have published this
rather long letter as a cautionary
tale. If you have a big collection
of “valuable” stuff, don’t let it be
disposed of in this way after your
demise. Sort it, catalog it, sell it or
give it away but don’t let it be sent
to the tip!
www.siliconchip.com.au
* * LOOK * * * * LOOK * *
NEW 2km SUPER 433mHZ UHF TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER SETS
We have not seen legal 433Mhz transmitters with this much range before !!!
PRE-BUILT UHF RX's & TX's
These 433 transmitter and receiver sets are pre-tuned for maximum performance
and have a range of up to 1.8K. They would be ideal for remote control of
machinery, electronic equipment etc. Simple to connect to other projects etc with just 3
connections each, transmitter 12VDC + ground and signal... receiver 5VDC + ground, and signal, 190mm long
and housed in plastic case with built in antenna. They could easily be made weather-proof.(uhf433) $55 pair
*NEW*NEW*NEW*
*PHONES*PHONES*PHONES*
Where else can you get a cordless phone
at this price? All of the these items are new in
their original packaging. Why pay hundreds of
dollars for a quality cordless phone?
O U R
N E W
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a d d r e s s
To help speed up our response to your
E-Mails we have introduced a new Oatley
E-Mail address...techo<at>oatleyelectronics
This address is for technical enquires only
& our regular sales<at>oatleyelectronics
address is now for sales enquiries only.
Series IV 4 CHANNEL UHF RECEIVER KIT: Combined
with our Series IV Code Hopping TX (TX4), this RX kit can
control 4 relays in any mix of toggling or momentary use.
Uses a pre-built & pre-aligned 433MHz UHF (crystal
locked) code hopping RX module. This RX module can
learn up to 15 trans-mitters. The relays have high current
contact ratings. 12V DC op-eration. Receiver kit inc. PCB
& all on-board components.
(K180) $54
9
3
1
$
OMNI CA390 Caller ID Unit
See who is calling be for you
answer. Features include
compact size, clear LCD
display & 70 memories. $12 ea.
(ca390)
OMNI ELITE 2.4Ghz
CORDLESS FLIP PHONE
Features inc.. 40 channels, auto answer,
10 number memory, handset, 2 way
digital security code, out of range
indicator & much more. Comes with
OMNI CL100 Call screener
power adaptor & handset battery. Ask
M e m o r y
P h o n e
for a free caller ID unit with this phone .
Features include Displays caller's
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memories, control, hearing aid
compatible and wall or
desk mount. (CL100) $55 ea.
OCTOPUS PHONE
Modern styling, wall
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pay rental to your
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Own one
MOBILE PHONE ACCESSORIES PACK
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Give your NOKIA 8210 a new look.
(octo8)
This kit includes hands free, car
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MODULAR PLUG
For less than the cost of the face. $11
DOUBLE ADAPTOR
(noc8210)
5 for $7.50
Series IV 4
CHANNEL UHF
TRANSMITTER KIT:
Transmitter has 4 channels and operates from 12V lighter
battery (supplied). Uses a pre-built and pre-aligned
433MHz UHF code hopping transmitter module.
Transmitter kit includes transmitter module, battery clips,
12V battery and key-fob case: (TX4) $25
NEW SPECIAL PRICE
2.4Ghz 4 CHANNEL VIDEO & STEREO AUDIO
TRANSMITTER & RECEIVER KIT & ANTENNA PLANS
These simple, easy to build kits, ideal or experimentation
for radio LAN or amateur TV.
$99
STEREO A/V
TRANSMITTER /
RECEIVER KIT:
L
This kit contains
CIA
SPE
K171C & K171D
modules & inc.
PCBs voltage
regulators & RCA
connectors on the receiver
only& all on-board parts.: (K171B) $99
2.4 GHz VIDEO TRANSMITTER ANTENNA PLANS :
NEW, OLD AND NEAR OBSOLETE SEMICONDUCTORS Check our website for plans to build a antenna made from
a "PRINGLES" chip container to suit this kit. We tested
GO TO OUR WEB SITE AND CLICK ON THE "LOTS OF SEMI'S" LINK & one of these antennas fitted to the receiver only, we
VIEW THE EVER GROWING LIST OF NEW, HARD TO FIND, OBSOLETE received great audio & video signal over a distance 500M
AND NEAR OBSOLETE SEMICONDUCTORS WE HAVE IN STOCK. HIGH CURRENT POWER SUPPLY
FRYER CONTROLLER
These could be used intact or connected to a PC to
control the 4 high current outputs on the PCB (Schematic
PARRABOLIC MICROPHONE/ STETHOSCOPE
.for the output section supplied)These items are full of This amazing parabolic microphone can listen in on all
useful bits like..Sprecher & Shun Contactor CA-9-10 sorts of things from a distance, like bird calls and
made in Switzerland. (New cost $90), 15va 240v wildlife sounds, etc. Or by attaching the microphone to
Transformer 0/6.3/7.5/8.5/9.5/12.5/15 secondary, Pcb a metal rod or screwdriver handle it can be used to
170mm x 140mm containing : 5 off H100S12-1-C listen to white Ants chewing on your house! It is also
Millionspot Relay, 5 off Diode bridge 1 Amp, 2 off Diode ideal for detecting engine knocks and worn bearings
bridge 5 Amp, 4 off High current Triacs. TPDV1240, 5 off etc. We even heard water rushing through a radiator
Opto isolator 4N25, 4 off 440 Volt AC 0.047 caps, 1 off hose! Kit inc. PCB, all onboard components,
Mains power switch (Rocker style), 12 way terminal block stethoscope pickup,
(32 Amp ?), 1 off 16 way IDC connector, Various electret Microphone.
Resistors, Caps, Regulator etc. Zilog Z86E2304PSC KIT (K175) $22...
(Socketed), 4 Mhz Xtl, High power Piezo sounder, 300mm Aluminium
Resistors, Caps, Ic's Regulator etc. Display Pcb. 4 off Parabolic Dish:
Kingbright 2 Digit DA56-11EWA 7 seg led displays. 2 off (K175D) $18...
MM5451N Led display deSuitable small
coder / driver Ic's (NOT
plastic Case:
socketed), Resistors,
(HB1) $2.50...
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Power switch:
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Screwdriver with
Solid plastic Handle:
$1
SOOPER SNOOPER
SPECIAL
SOLAR FURNACE /
PARABOLIC REFLECTOR
This is the same 300mm dish used in our Sooper
Snooper. It is mill finished ie. unprotected aluminum & is
reflective enough to ignite paper almost instantly, Some
automotive cutting compound / polish it could make it
highly reflective:$18 ea.
20A+ SWITCHED MODE POWER SUPPLY: Ideal for
stepper motors. This power supply is built using a surplus
48 - 24V DC to DC Converter & one of our new toroidal
transformers. We sell the DC to DC Converter unit on it's
own for $44. For an additional price, we supply a toroidal
transformer, 35A bridge rectifier, 5 capacitors &
instructions on how to assemble a power supply that can
be modified for voltages between 11V to 24V
DC adjustable via a trim-pot.
No additional hardware or
extra wire supplied. DC-DC
CONVERTER UNIT:(SMPS1)
$44 ea PACKAGE (SMPS1)
plus additional hardware):
(SMPS2) $79
NEW!!! 635nM 5mW. LASER DIODE SPECIAL.
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SC_OCT_02
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 13
Improved
Speed
Controller
for
Universal
Motors
By JOHN CLARKE
This new speed controller can be used with power tools and
appliances rated up to 5A. Use it to control the speed of circular
saws, routers, jig saws, electric drills, hobby lathes, lawn edgers
and other appliances with universal “brush type” motors.
14 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
T
his circuit is essentially a re- smoothness which you can obtain. that in mind if you want to use an
vised version of the Speed Con- Some power tools and appliances electric drill as a power screwdriver
with this control. You can do it for
troller published in September don’t run smoothly at very low speeds
short periods but if you want to do it
& November 1992. It has been a par- when run from this type of control
ticularly popular project and readers circuit and frequently display a be- for long periods you run the risk of
have come up with countless appli- haviour known as “cogging” whereby severely over-heating the drill motor.
it runs in short bursts.
cations for it.
In the middle range of the speed conIn fact, you might think that since
So the practical minimum speed
trol, the circuit gives good speed regthere are now so
ulation. This means
many battery-powthat if the motor is
WARNING!
ered and 240VAC
loaded down, the
power tools with
applied voltage is
(1) This Speed Controller circuit operates directly from the 240VAC
inbuilt speed conautomatically inmains supply and is potentially lethal. Do not build it unless you
trols that the uses
creased to compenknow exactly what you are doing.
for a circuit such
sate.
DO NOT TOUCH ANY PART OF THE CIRCUIT WHILE IT IS
as this would have
At the maximum
declined. In fact,
end of the speed
PLUGGED INTO A MAINS OUTLET and do not operate the cirthis circuit is more
control range, this
cuit outside its earthed metal case.
popular than ever
circuit will not give
and people are confull speed operation
(2) This circuit is not suitable for use with induction motors or shaded
stantly coming up
when in variable
pole motors used in fans – see “What motors can be controlled”.
with new applicamode. This is betions for it.
cause at the maxiApart from drills
mum speed setting
(3) This circuit must only be used with universal “brush type” (series
and circular saws,
it is essentially just
wound) motors with nameplate ratings up to 5A.
the speed control
a high power diis particularly useode and this means
(4) Power tools with inbuilt fans must not be operated at low speeds
ful for controlling
that it is feeding
for long periods otherwise they may overheat and suffer damage.
routers and jig
half-wave rectified
saws (when cutting
240VAC to the moplastics, for exam(5) This circuit must not be used to control the power to lamps or elec- tor or about 170V
ple), hobby lathes
RMS.
tric radiators. To do so would contravene the regulations of
(which use sewing
So if do you want
the NSW Energy Authority and affiliated state energy authorities.
machine motors),
full speed from the
food mixers (where
the in-built speed
control has failed) and lawn edgers
(where full speed operation tends to
frequently break the Nylon line). The
speed controller also offers much improved operation of sewing machines,
in comparison to the conventional
resistive pedal controller.
The new 5A Speed Controller is
housed in a diecast box which is much
more rugged than the previous project
which used a plastic case. The diecast
case also improves heat dissipation
from the Triac.
The controls on the front panel
comprise a full/control switch and a
knob to set the speed. Power comes
in via a 3-core mains lead and mains
plug while the outlet is a flush-mount
mains GPO (General Purpose Outlet)
socket on the front panel.
Speed control range
This speed controller will enable
you to set the appliance operating
speed over a wide range down to a
very slow rate. In fact, the minimum
speed will mainly depend on the
www.siliconchip.com.au
for any appliance motor depends on
freedom from “cogging”.
There is another factor which limits
the minimum speed that an appliance
can be run at and that is the fact that
most universal motors have an inbuilt fan for cooling. Below certain
speeds that fan is largely ineffective
and so there is no cooling at all. Bear
A
10k
5W
SPEED
4.7F
630V
2k
D1
SCR
A
D2
G
K
1k
MOTOR
N
Fig.1: this circuit demonstrates the
basic principle of motor speed control.
The SCR feeds half-wave rectified AC
to the motor and its trigger point is
made sooner or later in each positive
half-cycle to vary the power.
motor, set the speed
switch to “full”.
Basic circuit operation
The circuit is very similar in principle to simple SCR speed controls developed years ago except that we are
using a Triac. So to explain the circuit
principle, have a look at Fig.1 which
is just about the simplest speed control you could get. The SCR device
conducts in one direction only and
feeds half-wave rectified AC to the
motor.
Essentially, the SCR is a rectifier
diode which only conducts when it
receives a trigger voltage at its gate.
Once it starts conducting, from anode
(A) to cathode (K), it stays conducting
until the load current drops to zero or
the circuit voltage is reversed.
Because the SCR is a switching
device, it can be used as a very efficient power controller, varying large
amounts of current while itself dissipating very little power.
The circuit of Fig.1 controls the AC
power to the motor by triggering the
SCR into conduction late or early in
October 2002 15
So how does the circuit give speed
regulation?
The answer is that the circuit monA2
150k
itors the back-EMF from the motor.
TRIAC1
1W
BTA41-600P
Back-EMF can be defined as the
D2
SBS1
G
1N4004
2N4992
A1
voltage developed by a motor which
SPEED
VR1
opposes the supply voltage. The higher
10k
LIN
the speed of the motor, the higher the
GPO
47nF
1k
back-EMF. This circuit monitors the
240VAC
VR2
back-EMF in the following way.
INPUT
5k
A
N
SET MIN
Notice that one side of the motor is
SPEED
connected directly to the SCR’s cathD3
ode while the other side is connected
D1
R250H
E
to the cathode of diode D1 and to the
1N4004
6A 600V
mains Neutral wire. This means that
the gate-to-cathode voltage applied
N
to the SCR is the difference between
the wiper voltage from VR1 and the
E
(CASE)
back-EMF generated by the motor (disregard the voltage drop across diode
Fig.2: this was the circuit of our speed control published in
September 1992. It uses a silicon bilateral switch and 47nF
D2).
capacitor to give strong gate pulses for reliable triggering.
Actually, in so-called universal
motors (AC/DC series motors with
each positive half-cycle of the 240VAC half cycles?
commutators as used in most power
waveform; being a diode, the SCR does
The answer is that we could but then tools and appliances), there are two
not conduct at all during the negative
a fundamental advantage of this basic back-EMFs generated. The first is
AC half cycles.
circuit would be lost. The advantage a function of motor speed and the
If the SCR is turned on early in each is speed regulation. A circuit with
remanent magnetism (remanence)
AC half cycle, the power fed to the mogood speed regulation will maintain of the field coils. It is generated durtor will be relatively high. Conversely, a selected motor speed regardless of
ing the time when the SCR is not
if the SCR is turned on late in each AC variations in the load. If you are using a conducting; ie, during the negative
half cycle the power fed to the motor speed controller with an electric drill, half cycles of the AC waveform and
will be relatively low and hence the
you don’t want the motor to bog down during the first portion of the positive
motor will run slowly.
when you start to drill into the heavy
half cycles before the SCR conducts.
The trigger voltage for the SCR stuff, do you?
The second back-EMF is generated
comes from VR1, a
during the time
2kΩ potentiometer
when the SCR is
connected in series
conducting and
What motors can be controlled?
with a 10kΩ resistor
since the there will
Virtually all power tools and small appliances use so-called “universal”
and diode D1. This
now be current
motors. These are “series wound” motors with a commutator and brush2kΩ potentiometer
flowing in the field
is fed with half-wave
coils (and also in
es. The “series wound” term refers to the fact that the motor armature
rectified AC which is
the armature). This
and field windings are connected in series and this allows the motor to
partly smoothed by
back-EMF will be
be run from AC or DC, ie, “universal”.
the 4.7µF capacitor
higher than the first.
across it. The resultWe are only conInduction motors must not be used with this speed controller. So how
ing ramp voltage
cerned with the
from the wiper is fed
back-EMF generdo you make sure that your appliance is a universal motor and not an
to the gate of the SCR
ated while the SCR
induction motor?
via diode D2.
is not conducting
since it is this voltIn many power tools you can easily determine that the motor has brushSpeed regulaage which deteres and a commutator – you can see sparking from the brushes and that
tion
mines how late or
settles the matter. But if you can’t see the brushes, you can also get a
early in each posiNow you might
tive half cycle that
clue from the nameplate or the instruction booklet.
ask: why just use
the SCR begins conan SCR and allow
duction. Hence, the
conduction on only
So how do you identify an induction motor? Most induction motors used
motor applies negapositive AC half cyin domestic appliances (eg, washing machines, fridges, water blasters,
tive feedback to the
cles? Why not use a
swimming
pool
pumps)
will
be
2-pole
or
4-pole
and
always
operate
at
gate of the SCR.
Triac which can be
This negative
a fixed speed. Typically this is 2850 RPM for a 2-pole unit or 1440 RPM
triggered into confeedback enables
duction on both posfor a 4-pole unit. Bench grinders typically use 2-pole induction motors.
the circuit to give
itive and negative
A
F1
10A FUSE
16 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
10A FUSE
A
F1
TRIAC1
BTA41-600P
100k
1W
Fig.3: this is the
revised speed
control circuit
which now
uses a sensitive
gate SCR as the
trigger source
for the high
power Triac.
D2
1N4004
SPEED
VR1
10k
LIN
SCR1
C103B,
MCR100
A
A
G
47k
240VAC
INPUT
VR2
10k
G
A1
100
K
K
A2
GPO
1 FULL
A
S1
2.2k
2
1nF
N
CONTROL
1k
MIN
SET
E
(CASE)
47nF
A
K
D1
1N4004
K
D3
R250H
6A 600V
A
N
E
1N4004
(CASE)
A
MCR100
K
MAINS CORD
(CLAMPED TO
CASE WITH
CORD GRIP
GROMMET)
Now the basic circuit presented in
Fig.1 will actually work. In fact, it was
*USE 7.5A MAINS
RATED WIRE
VR2
R250H
1k
A
100
47k
2.2k
1nF
47nF
D1
N
PC BOARD
MOUNTED IN
CASE WITH 6mm
NYLON SPACERS,
NYLON SCREWS
AND NUTS
CS
D3
K
RELLORTNOC ROTOM
TRIAC1
(MCR100
MOUNTED
UNDER
BOARD)
12001101
NEUTRAL
(*BLUE)
D2
100k 1W
1
2
G
Fig.4: Use this diagram when
assembling the PC board and
completing the wiring inside the
case.
*GRN/YELLOW
SCR1
A1
A2
NOTE: IF USING
C103B FOR SCR1,
FLAT SIDE FACES
BOTTOM OF PCB
A
A WS
A
the basis of most speed control circuits
used about 30 years ago.
However, it has a number of drawbacks. First, the power dissipation
through the 10kΩ resistor is about 2.4
watts which means that it gets rather
hot. Second, even though the current
through the 10kΩ resistor and VR1
is relatively high, it won’t be enough
for reliable triggering of higher power
Better circuit
10A
ACTIVE
(*BROWN)
A
K
K
tive half cycle and hence more power
will be applied to the motor. This
will tend to correct the drop in motor
speed.
It’s not perfect but it’s a lot better
than having no speed regulation at all.
FUSE F1
BTA41-600P
G
G
A
5A UNIVERSAL MOTOR CONTROLLER
good speed regulation. Say a particular
motor speed is set by VR1 and then the
motor speed tends to drop because of
an increase in loading.
This reduces the motor back-EMF
and therefore increases the voltage
at the gate the SCR. More correctly,
it means that the ramp voltage at the
SCR gate will exceed the voltage at
the SCR cathode earlier in the posi-
C103B
N
*GRN/YELLOW
*
*
*GRN/YELLOW
*
VR1
EARTH
POT
LOCATING
PIN
*BLUE
Fig.5 (below): the mounting
details for the Triac. It is an
isolated tab device and does not
need an insulating washer.
1
E
2
*BROWN
*BROWN
A
N
S1
(CASE LID)
*BROWN
MAINS
OUTLET
FIT HEATSHRINK SLEEVING OVER ALL SWITCH CONNECTIONS
www.siliconchip.com.au
PC BOARD
CASE
TRIAC
6mm
TRIAC MOUNTING DETAIL
October 2002 17
Scope 1: This waveform shows the Speed
Controller set for maximum output when
driving a resistive load. Note that the waveform
is essentially a half-wave rectified sinewave
with an RMS value of 170V. The early part of
each positive half-cycle has been chopped out,
due to the fact that the trigger circuit does not
fire the Triac until about 2 milliseconds after the
start of the cycle.
SCRs. And third, the circuit is not
particularly good at very low speed
settings.
Now fast-forward to September 1992
and have a look at the speed control
circuit of Fig.2. You can see the similarities between it and Fig.1. Instead
of an SCR, we have used a Triac and
instead of feeding the gate directly
from VR1 as in Fig.1, a trigger circuit
consisting of a silicon bilateral switch
(SBS1) and a 47nF (.047µF) capacitor
has been used.
While the Triac is capable of conducting on both positive and negative
half cycles of the 240VAC 50Hz waveform, this circuit only enables it to
trigger on positive half cycles, because
of the rectifier action of diode D1.
A silicon bilateral switch is a voltage
breakover device; ie, at voltages below
its breakover point it is essentially
open circuit but once the breakover
voltage is reached, it becomes a low
value of negative resistance.
Don’t worry too much about the
Scope2: The same waveform now superimposed
on the 240VAC 50Hz input waveform (in blue).
Notice there is some small voltage loss across
the Triac. The “flat-topping” of both waveforms
is commonplace in areas where there are lots of
fluorescent or gas discharge lights and/or PCs,
which clip the peaks of the mains waveform.
This is because capacitive-filter supplies take
their power from the peaks of the AC waveform.
“negative resistance” bit. All you
have to remember is that it is used in
conjunction with the 47nF capacitor.
This charges up from VR1 via diode D2
until it reaches the break-over voltage
of about 8V. At this point it dumps
the capacitor’s charge into the Triac’s
gate to trigger it into conduction and
the cycle repeats for the next positive
half cycle of the mains AC waveform.
The energy stored in the capacitor is
quite enough to trigger even insensitive Triacs, hence we are able to use a
high power 40A device in this circuit.
In this circuit, the motor back-EMF
acts to reduce the charging voltage to
the 47nF capacitor rather than reducing the SCR gate voltage as in Fig.1. But
although the circuit arrangement is a
little different, the speed regulation is
just as good. The circuit efficiency is
improved too, with only 200mW being
dissipated in the 150kΩ resistor which
feeds VR1. This resistor has a rating of
1W to ensure that it has an adequate
voltage rating.
Scope3: This waveform s
Controller set for maximu
driving an electric drill (
motor). Notice that there
beginning of each positiv
waveform, caused by the
This caused the gross err
measurement of 1.497kH
The functions of the three diodes
in the circuit need to be explained.
Diode D1 is there to reduce the power
dissipation of the series resistor string
and to ensure half-wave operation
of the circuit. D2 is there to protect
the gate of the Triac when it is in the
conducting state – terminal A1 can be
above the potential of the gate.
Diode D3 has been included as a
flyback diode to quench the large inductive spike generated by the motor
at the end of each positive half cycle.
While the voltage spike does not cause
any damage to the circuit, it does have
the effect of disrupting the back-EMF
monitoring system described above.
VR2, the 5kΩ trimpot in series with
VR1, is there to provide a minimum
setting for the circuit.
One question we have not answered
so far is why we specified a Triac
instead of an equivalently rated SCR.
The reason is quite simple. We did it
to avoid the need for parts stockists
to have to order in another device.
The completed PC board,
reproduced same size.
At right is the underside
of the board showing the
mounting of the triac.
Its tab is isolated so no
insulating washer is
required – but give it a
good smear of heatsink
compound to help it
keep its cool!
18 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
shows the Speed
um output when
(ie, with a universal
is some hash at the
ve swing of the
e motor’s commutator.
ror in the frequency
Hz – should be 50Hz.
Scope4: Now set for a lower speed from the
electric drill, the Triac is on for a shorter time
and the RMS value is reduced to 115V. Again,
the “judder” in the waveform is caused by
commutator hash. Again, this hash also caused
the slight frequency measurement error.
We have specified a 600V 40A device
so that it can withstand the “locked
rotor” current of any power tool with
a nameplate rating of up to 5A.
Note that a “locked rotor” condition
may well blow the 10A fuse but the
40A Triac should not be damaged. Yes,
we have done this test!
Another reason for using the 600V
40A Triac is that it is an isolated tab
device. This means that it can be
attached directly to the metal case
without any need for a mica washer
or other means of insulation.
Latest circuit version
The circuit of our new 5A Speed
Controller is shown in Fig.3. As already mentioned, this is a revised
version of the design we featured in
the September & November 1992 issues. Our new circuit replaces the now
hard-to-get SBS with SCR1, a C103
sensitive gate SCR and this provides
the same capacitor dump function
as the SBS.
The 47kΩ and 2.2kΩ resistors form
a voltage divider between the anode
and cathode of the SCR with the divided voltage applied to the gate. The
SCR conducts when the gate voltage
reaches 0.6V and is triggered by a mere
200uA of gate current.
Because of the resistive divider, the
voltage across SCR1 must rise to some
13.4V before the gate reaches the 0.6V
sufficient to trigger the SCR. When
the SCR fires, the charge on the 47nF
capacitor is dumped into the gate of
www.siliconchip.com.au
Scope5: Now set for a very low speed from the
electric drill, this scope waveform demonstrates
motor “cogging”. As you can see, the Triac is no
longer firing reliably on each positive halfcycle. The frequency measurement is also
meaningless. This speed setting is too low to be
useful as the drill will not run smoothly.
Triac1 via the 100Ω resistor to fire the
Triac. The 1nF capacitor between anode and gate of SCR1 is there is provide
more reliable triggering when there is
lot of commutator hash from the motor
being controlled.
Note that the revised circuit uses
slightly different component values
compared to Fig.2. Apart from the
resistors and capacitors associated
with the SCR, the original 150kΩ 1W
resistor is changed to 100kΩ while
the trimpot VR2 is now 10kΩ instead
of 5kΩ.
By the way, the 100kΩ resistor is
a 1W type, not for disippation but to
Parts List – 5A Universal Motor Speed Controller
1 PC board coded 10110021, 79
x 38mm
1 diecast box 120 x 66 x 38mm
(Altronics H-0453 or
equivalent)
1 panel label 119 x 65mm
1 mains flush-mount socket (Jaycar PS-4090 or equivalent)
1 SPDT 250V 6A rocker switch
(S1; Altronics S-3215)
1 10kΩ linear 24mm
potentiometer (VR1)
1 knob for potentiometer
1 7.5A three-core mains cord and
moulded 3-pin plug
1 10A M205 fast blow fuse
2 M205 PC board mount fuse
clips
1 cord-grip grommet to suit mains
cord
2 crimp eyelets or solder lugs for
earth connection
4 6mm Nylon spacers
2 M3 x 10mm csk screws
1 M3 x 10mm screw
2 3mm star washers
4 M3 x 15mm Nylon screws and
nuts
4 stick-on rubber feet
1 200mm length of blue 7.5A
250VAC wire
1 200mm length of brown 7.5A
250VAC wire
5 100mm long cable ties
8 PC stakes
Semiconductors
1 BTA41-600P Triac (TRIAC1)
1 C103B sensitive gate SCR
(SCR1)
1 R250H 6A 400V diode (D3)
2 1N4004 1A 400V diodes (D1,D2)
Capacitors
1 47nF (.047µF) 63V MKT
polyester
1 1nF (.001µF) 63V MKT polyester
Resistors (0.25W 1%)
1 100kΩ 1W 5%
1 47k
1 2.2kΩ
1 1kΩ
1 100Ω
1 10kΩ horizontal trimpot
code 103 (VR2)
October 2002 19
These two views inside the case show exactly how the wiring should be done. When we say exactly, we mean it: don’t
take chances or shortcuts with 240VAC. Ensure that any hookup wire you use is 250VAC-rated.
ensure that it has an adequate voltage
rating.
As mentioned above, switch S1 provides full power operation, bypassing
the Triac so that the motor gets the
full 240VAC applied to it. Note that
the switch must be a changeover type
to select either Active or the Triac A1
output rather than just using a single
switch across the Triac. In the latter
case, there would be a short circuit
(which would blow the fuse) when
diode D3 and the Triac conducts on
negative half-cycles of the 240VAC
mains.
Construction
All the components of the 5A Speed
Controller are mounted on a PC board
coded 10101021 and measuring 79 x
38mm. It is housed in a diecast box
measuring 120 x 66 x 38mm.
Begin construction by checking
the PC board against the pattern in
Fig.7. There should not be any shorts
or breaks between tracks. If there are,
repair these as necessary. Use the
diagram of Fig.4 as a guide when assembling the PC board and completing
the wiring inside the case.
Start assembly by inserting the PC
stakes at the external wiring connection points on the PC board. Then
insert the resistors, using the table
below as a guide to the values. When
inserting the diodes, take care with
their orientation.
Note that in a kit you may be supplied with a C103B or MCR100 for
SCR1. If so, not that the pinouts for
the C103B are reversed to those of the
MCR100, as shown on the circuit of
Fig.3. Make sure you insert SCR1 into
the PC board correctly, otherwise the
circuit won’t work.
The capacitors can be installed next.
Use the table below to check the values. VR1 can also be installed at this
stage. Fuse F1 is mounted in fuse clips
which attach to the PC board as shown
on Fig.4. Clip the fuse into the clips
first, insert them into the PC board and
solder in position.
The Triac is mounted on the underside of the PC board with its leads
protruding up through the holes in the
PC board. Bend the leads so that the
copper side of the PC board is 6mm
away from the back of the Triac body,
as shown in Fig.5.
Insert the PC board into the case
and mark out the mounting hole po-
Resistor Colour Codes
No. Value
❐ 1 100kΩ
❐ 1 47kΩ
❐ 1 2.2kΩ
❐ 1
1kΩ
❐ 1 100Ω
4-Band Code (1%)
brown black yellow brown
yellow violet orange brown
red red red brown
brown black red brown
brown black brown brown
20 Silicon Chip
5-Band Code (1%)
N/A
yellow violet black red brown
red red black brown brown
brown black black brown brown
brown black black black brown
sition for the standoffs and for Triac1.
Remove the PC board and drill out
the holes. You will also need holes in
the end of the case for the cord-grip
grommet and the earth lug screw. The
cord-grip grommet hole is elongated
but must be a tight fit to properly grip
the mains cord.
The hole for Triac1 must be deburred with a larger drill before it is
secured in place.
Attach the PC board to the case
with Nylon standoffs and Nylon M3
x 15mm screws. Nylon screws are
essential here, to avoid the possibility
of arcing from the PC board tracks to
the mounting screws.
Use metal screws for the Triac and
earth connections. Secure Triac 1 to
the case with a metal M3 x 10 screw
and nut after applying a smear of
heatsink compound on the mating
surfaces. Note that the specified Triac
is an insulated tab device and does not
require an insulating washer.
Attach the mains cord wires to the
PC board and lock the cord in place
with the grommet. Mark out and drill
the front panel for the mains outlet,
speed control pot (VR1), the earth
screw and the switch.
You can use the front panel label as
a guide to the positions. The cutting
template for the mains socket is shown
Capacitor Codes
Value
47nF
1nF
Old
Value
.047µF
.001uF
IEC
Code
47n
1n
EIA
Code
473
102
www.siliconchip.com.au
Note that all of the circuit is connect- adjust VR2 and then try again. You
ed to the 240VAC mains supply and
may then want to try other power
is potentially lethal. Do not touch any tools to get a compromise setting for
part of the circuit when it is plugged
the trimpot.
into a mains outlet. Always remove the
IMPORTANT: Do not operate the
plug from the mains before touching circuit with the lid off the case. SC
the circuit. In particular
this applies to adjustA
ment of trimpot VR2.
SW A
After testing the conA
troller, then you need to
adjust trimpot VR2. Plug
SC
in your favourite power
N
tool and note how it runs
at the minimum setting
MOTOR CONTROLLER
of VR1. If it could run
N
slower, disconnect the
circuit from the power, Fig.7: actual size artwork for the PC board.
10110021
in Fig.6.Note that it is important to
drill a small hole for the locking tab on
the potentiometer to prevent it rotating
inside the case.
Attach the front panel label and
secure the mains socket. Attach the
pot and switch.
Wiring must be done using 7.5A
250VAC-rated wire. Earth connections
are soldered or crimped to the solder
lug using green/yellow mains wire.
The lugs are secured to the case using
a metal screw, nut and star washer.
Tie the wires with cable ties to prevent them breaking from their terminations.
Finally, attach rubber feet to the base
of the case.
MAX
240V - 5A
MOTOR SPEED
CONTROLLER
Small hole 4.5mm
in diameter
MAX
240V - 5A
MOTOR SPEED
CONTROLLER
CONTROLLED
SILICON
CHIP
www.siliconchip.com.au
For universal-type motors
up to 5A nameplate rating
Do NOT use on induction
or shaded-pole motors
14mm
10.9mm
Semicircular part
33mm in diameter
16.5mm
(CASE LID)
Fig.6: these are the panel cutout details for flush-mount AC socket.
CONTROLLED
SILICON
CHIP
www.siliconchip.com.au
For universal-type motors
up to 5A nameplate rating
Do NOT use on induction
or shaded-pole motors
Fig.8: actual size artwork for the front panel label.
“Universal” motors:
the inside story
This photo shows the construction of a typical double-insulated jig-saw which uses a
universal motor with brushes
and a commutator. The plastic case provides the “double
insulation” construction and
it also provides the alignment
for the motor bearings, brushes
and gears. Note the integral fan
on the motor shaft to provide
cooling.
This jig-saw also has speed
control built into the trigger
switch. This motor is actually
wound for operation from 180V
so it gives a wide (no load)
speed control range from 500
to 2900 RPM.
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 21
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
dicksmith.com.au
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
dicksmith.com.au
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
dicksmith.com.au
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
dicksmith.com.au
CIRCUIT NOTEBOOK
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions from
readers are welcome and will be paid for at standard rates.
DC automotive tester with current probe
The inspiration for this circuit came from the Auto Ammeter published in the June 2002 issue of SILICON CHIP.
It avoids the hazards of trying to break into automotive
circuits to make measurements.
A 3-terminal regulator, REG1, supplies the 5V needed for the Hall Effect sensor whose output at pin 3 is
nominally at +2.5V and is fed into opposite inputs of
comparators IC1a and IC1b. The other comparator inputs are connected to resistive voltage dividers and their
R-5410). The toroid should be cut in half and the halves
kept oriented in the same way. To do this, you score all
round the surface of the toroid with a hacksaw and then
carefully snap it in half. Be prepared to make a mess the
first time you try this, so purchase several
toroids.
The Hall Effect sensor is sandwiched
between the toroid halves and silicone is
applied to one side. Silicone is also used
Howard
to hold the two toroid halves inside the is this monAnthony
th’s winclip. The battery clip also holds the lot ner of the Wavetek
Meterman 85XT
together as the silicone cures.
true RMS digita
Howard Anthony,
l
multimeter.
Huntingdale, WA.
REG1 7805
IN
S1
OUT
GND
8.2k
1
HALL
SENSOR
UGN3503
10k
3
5
6
2
9V
BATTERY
VR1
5k
LED1
8
7
IC1b
2
VR2
5k
A
K
IC1: LM833
8.2k
7805
LED2
3
10k
390
IC1a
1
390
A
LEDS
K
UGN3503
BRANDED
SIDE
4
IN
A
K
OUT
GND
1
3
2
30A BATTERY CLIP
thresholds set by trimpots VR1 & VR2. The trimpots are
set so that LED1 and LED2 are just turned off. This setting
is sensitive enough to detect the current drawn by a 5W
globe in a 12V circuit.
The two LEDs will show which way current is flowing
in a circuit which is particularly useful when testing wires
(which do not have the correct wiring code)
within a wiring harness.
A simple current probe can be made using a 30A
battery clip (DSE cat P-6420) and a small toroid (DSE cat
TWIN CORE
SHIELDED CABLE
TOROIDAL FERRITE
CORE BROKEN IN HALF,
AND HALVES CEMENTED
INSIDE CLIP JAWS
HALL SENSOR
CEMENTED TO CUT
FACE OF ONE HALF
OF SPLIT CORE
Winter charge booster for 12V car batteries
This is really a project for winter when the colder
temperatures reduce battery capacity and make engine starting harder. This circuit is designed to shift
the regulator’s earth reference voltage up by about
0.6V to increase the maximum charging voltage.
The circuit can be fitted in a small box and mounted as close as possible to the regulator. The switch
can be set to summer or winter, as the case may be.
The extra voltage to the battery will do little harm
given that it is less willing to accept a charge in cold
weather and greater demands are made of it with
more difficult starting, lights, wipers, etc.
26 Silicon Chip
Stephen Butcher,
Masterton, NZ. ($25)
–
REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR
FIELD
+
A
6A
DIODE
BATTERY
K
S1
S1 CLOSED:
SUMMER/NORMAL CHARGE
S1 OPEN:
WINTER/BOOST CHARGE
CAR FRAME
www.siliconchip.com.au
Triple-LED
version of torch
This circuit includes the additions
by Duncan Graham in January 2002
and Rick Matthews in the May 2002
issue of SILICON CHIP to make quite an
improvement on the circuit originally
published in the December 2000 issue.
It drives three white LEDs, increases
the operating voltage range and regulation and allows the use of two cells
rather than one.
Q4 is now a high-gain Darlington
transistor and its associated base resis-
tor R5 is increased from 220W to 560W.
L1 was replaced with a pre-wound
coil from an old computer power
supply. The coil is a toroid of 13mm
diameter with approximately 70 turns
of 0.5mm enamelled copper wire.
C3 was increased from 47mF to
100mF for extra filtering at higher
current. R11 (10kW) was added in
series with the current regulator as
without it Q5 would stop the oscillator
alto-gether instead of just altering the
pulse width.
R7 was changed from 24W to 8.2W
to allow the circuit to deliver 60mA
to drive three LEDs instead of one.
Resistors R8, R9 & R10 (4.7W) were
added to ensure that the LEDs shared
the current equally. The three white
LEDs are 15CD (yes, 15 candelas!)
available from Oatley Electronics for
$6.00 each.
Philip Chugg,
Rocherlea, Tas. ($40)
One of nine sequencer
This novel circuit uses a flashing
LED as the clock
input for a 4017
decade counter.
Typical flashing
LEDs (eg, DSE cat
Z-4044) flash at
about 2Hz so the
outputs Q0-Q9 will
cycle through at
that rate.
For example, Q0
will turn on for half
a second, then Q1,
then Q2 etc up to
Q8 then it will start
at Q0 again. Up to nine outputs can
be used. If you want fewer outputs,
connect an earlier output to MR, pin
15. If MR is not used, connect it to 0V.
Uses for the circuit include sequencing different strings of Christmas lights etc.
The resistor from CP0 to ground
can be anywhere from about 330W to
about 10kW. Lower values will cause
the LED to flash more brightly if that
www.siliconchip.com.au
is required.
With a 4.7kW resistor as shown,
the clock input CP0 (pin 14) will
alternate between about 2V and 7V.
To drive loads of up to 40W at
up to 60V, connect each output to
the gate of a 2N3055E or equivalent
Mosfet (MTP3055E etc), as shown
for Q0.
Peter Olsen,
Lugarno, NSW ($35)
October 2002 27
Headlight controller for motor bikes
This circuit automatically turns a motor
FUSE 1
+
cycle’s headlight on
and off, independent15A
ly of both the light
and ignition switches,
provided the battery is
fully charged.
BATTERY
The first stage uses
6.6V – 7.2V
the 220W resistor and
ZD1 to hold transistor
ZD1
Q1 off while the motor
6.2V
1W
is not running; it draws
–
about 2mA.
Once the battery
voltage exceeds 7.0V
–
+
during charging, Q1
begins to turn on. The
last stage uses the 22W
ZD1, ZD2
resistor and ZD2 to turn
on transistor Q2, which pulls the base
Q1
MJ4502
E
+
C
22
5W
B
220
1W
ZD2
6.2V
1W
1
1W
22
5W
VR1
5 3W
+
+
–
DIP BEAM
6V 25W
HALOGEN
Q2
BD139
C
WIREWOUND
B
E
–
B
E
–
C
C
B
C
E
MJ4502
BD139
of Q1 down, switching
it hard on. In conjunction with the Vbe drop
of Q2, ZD2 will turn off
Q2 at a battery voltage
of about 6.7V.
In practice, this
means that the headlight will be on most
of the time while the
motor is running and
charging the battery.
Heatsinks are required for both transistors. The circuit can
be mounted adjacent
to the battery with a
single lead going to the
headlight power feed.
Stephen Butcher,
Masterton, NZ. ($35)
Touch-enabled fuel cut-off for diesels
Ignition immobilisers work well
for petrol cars but are no use for diesel-powered vehicles which require
a fuel cut-off solenoid.
This circuit fills that need. It is
auto arming and gives an armed/
disarmed indication via the fuel
gauge. Under the bonnet, it can to be
disguised as a horn relay, making it
easy to hide as well as costing less
than $20 to build.
To switch on the circuit, turn
the ignition on and then use your
hands to connect the touch point
to the chassis (say via the ignition
key). The tiny current which flows
A
IGNITION
through your body turns on the Darlington-connected transistors Q1 & Q2
which activate relay RLY1.
One set of contacts of RLY1 is used
to latch it on via diode D2 and also
switches on relay RLY2 for the fuel
pump or fuel cut-off solenoid.
The second set of contacts of RLY1
connects the fuel gauge to the fuel
sender, making the fuel gauge operate
normally.
If the circuit isn’t switched on, the
fuel gauge should indicate that the
tank is empty and the fuel pump or
solenoid won’t operate.
Note: this concept won’t work in
those vehicles in which the fuel
gauge indicates even when the
ignition is turned off.
The 470mF capacitor and diodes
D1 and D2 provide a 0.5-second
time-constant, so the circuit is less
sensitive to momentary power loss
and therefore safer.
The 100nF capacitor and 220kW
pull-up resistor at the base of Q1
are there to prevent false switch-on
at ignition turn-on and they reduce
the sensitivity of the touch point.
A. Doyle,
Rydalmere, NSW. $40
K
D1
1N4148
220k
E
Q1
B
100nF BC557
MONO
E
FUEL
SENDER
Q2
BC327
C
B
FUEL
GAUGE
C
1k
D2
1N4004
A
RLY 1
1k COIL
K
K
FUEL
PUMP
RLY 2
30A HORN
RELAY
470F
25V
105°C
D3
1N4148
A
TOUCH
POINT
BC327, BC557
1N4148
A
28 Silicon Chip
K
1N4004
A
K
B
E
C
www.siliconchip.com.au
Simple AM transmitter uses crystal ear piece as microphone
There are not many AM transmitters that are
easier to build than this one because the inductor
is not tapped and has a single winding. There is
no need to wind the inductor as it is a readily
available RF choke (eg, Jaycar Cat LF-1536).
To make the circuit as small as possible, the
conventional tuning capacitor has been dispensed with and fixed 220pF capacitors used
instead.
To tune it to a particular frequency, reduce
one or both of the 220pF capacitors to raise the
frequency or add capacitance in parallel to lower
the frequency.
Q1 is biased with a 1MW resistor to give a
high input impedance and this allows the use
of a crystal ear piece as a low cost microphone.
Peter Goodwin,
Southland, NZ. ($30)
BC547b
E
–
Q1
BC557
B
R1
1k
R2
330
E
C
C
RED
R5
4.7k
R4
12k
COM
LM385Z-2.5
BC557
B
+
–
E
C
Smoke alarm battery life extender
While smoke alarms are quite cheap
devices, the cost of 9V batteries quickly exceeds their purchase price.
Added to that is the irritation of
random beeps from the alarm as the
battery reaches the end of its useful
life.
This circuit allows typical smoke
alarms to be powered from the 12V
supply in a burglar alarm while still
keeping the standard 9V batteries in
place. It extends the 9V battery life to
that of its “shelf life” as the battery is
only required to drive the smoke alarm
in the event the 12V supply is removed
or shorted out.
In normal operation, the LM317
supplies 9.7V and this is fed via diode
D2, resulting in just over 9V at the
smoke alarm supply terminals. Q1
is not biased on, so the 9V battery is
disconnected from the circuit. If the
www.siliconchip.com.au
D1
1N914
+
A
150H
1k
C
B
6V
BATTERY
E
220pF
C
220pF
150pF
Q1
BC547b
E
1k
REG1
LM317T
K
IN
REGULATOR SET
FOR 9.73V
OUTPUT
+
Q1
BC327
E
B
OUT
ADJ
12V
SUPPLY
Q2
BC547b
100k
This circuit gives a progressive indication of the condition of
a 6V (4-cell) battery. It is based on a 3-lead tri-colour LED (Jaycar
Cat ZD-1735 or equivalent).
With a fresh 6V battery, transistor Q1 is cut off and Q2 functions
as a current source, feeding about 2mA to the green LED. As the
voltage from the battery drops, the bias on Q2 is reduced and so
it is turned on less and Q1’s emitter is no longer held below its
base. Thus Q1 turns on gradually (as battery voltage falls) and so
the red LED is progressively lit, producing a colour change from
green to orange.
Finally, as the battery falls below 4V, Q2 is cut off and Q1 turns
on fully, to give a red indication.
While this circuit has been set for a 6V battery, the transitions
can be changed to suit other voltages.
Tony Ellis,
Porira, NZ. ($35)
6V
BATTERY
GREEN
100nF
XTAL
MIC
Q2
BC557
B
C
B
R3
20k
E
4.7k
1M
Battery Status Indicator
+ LM385Z
–2.5
AERIAL
B
C
330
A
39
4.7k
9V
BATTERY
SMOKE
ALARM
K
D2
1N914
2.2k
–
COMMON
1N914
K
LM317T
A
OUT
BC327
ADJ
IN
12V supply is removed, the output of
the LM317 will be 0V and Q1 will be
biased on via the 4.7kW resistor and
thus the smoke alarm will continue
to be powered.
The circuit could be assembled on
a piece of Veroboard and fitted inside
B
E
C
the smoke alarm. Alternatively, you
could house the circuit and 9V battery
within a standard electrical flushmount box which the smoke alarm
covers when mounted.
Paul Blackler,
Spreydon, NZ. ($35)
October 2002 29
Electronics in Schools:
Recently, SILICON CHIP received a
phone call from David Kennedy who
teaches electronics to Higher School
Certificate students at Mater Maria
College in Warriewood.
He told us that all of the students’
final year projects were laid out ready
for marking by HSC assessors (in fact,
they were being marked as he spoke)
– and as Mater Maria College is only
a stones-throw from the SILICON CHIP
offices, he thought that we might be
interested in seeing what the students
had achieved.
He was sure the students would
also be keen to hear any comments
we had – positive or negative – about
the projects. While anything we said
would not affect the HSC marks,
he thought the students themselves
would benefit.
So it was during an afternoon in
late August, Leo Simpson and myself went over to Mater Maria (to our
knowledge, the only school in the area
with electronics in the senior curriculum) to see what the students had
achieved.
Ambitious!
To say we were impressed is a massive understatement. “Blown away” is
an expression which springs to mind.
Without exception, the projects were
extremely ambitious and, despite
some unfortunate choices which we’ll
go into shortly, were well executed.
Not a crystal set nor battery-powered
gizmo in sight!
We must admit we were surprised
at this, given the fact that many (perhaps the majority of) students in the
class had little or no experience in
electronics before embarking on the
course (some hadn’t even touched a
soldering iron!).
Most of the projects involved sound
systems or lightshows of some description. Hardly surprising, that, given the
ages of the students.
Some of the projects came from the
pages of SILICON CHIP. We recognised
the “Discolight”, several amplifiers
and other audio modules.
Many decided to go for high power
amplifiers and speaker systems. Not
just your average stereo amplifiers and
speakers but as our photos show, some
30 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
the Class of 2002
pretty impressive ones. Some even
did both amplifier and speakers and a
couple had gone the full mogilla with
amplifier, speakers and lightshow!
Another student had chosen to
make a sub-woofer amplifier and box
for his car. This amplifier wasn’t a
12V system, no sir. He’d built the full
mains-powered system then added
a 12-240V inverter, thank you very
much!
One very impressive project involved the routing-out of a solid guitar
amplifier to house a variety of sound
effect boards: waa waa, fuzz, and so on,
all selectable by the guitarist as he/she
played without resorting to foot pedals
and trailing cables.
The project itself is only part of
the HSC mark. It’s worth 40% so is a
very important part (the other 60% is
in the dreaded examination – and the
students can be asked anything from
Ohm’s law to detailed semiconductor
physics).
As well as the project building,
standard and presentation, marks were
awarded on the supporting documentation: design ideas, costings, implementations, drawings, circuits etc.
These ranged from notes in an
exercise book to a very impressive
document that would have done an
engineering workshop (or the military)
proud, with exceptional standard of
both presentation and content.
Careers
Most of the students had already
chosen technical careers: some wanted
to do electrical/electronic engineering
or related subjects at university; another wanted to gain an electrician’s
apprenticeship. Yet another had
already signed up for the Air Force
(which would also gain him a university place).
Despite the complexity of the subject, and the fact that many students
chose it as a precursor to a university
course, David Kennedy was quite
critical of the fact that it didn’t count
towards a university admission score.
It counts towards the HSC, of course
– but students studying much “softer” subjects gained that all-important
ranking.
Doesn’t quite seem fair, does it?
www.siliconchip.com.au
by Ross Tester
The 12 students who make the up HSC Design & Technology (Electronics) Class
at Mater Maria College, Warriewood, with teacher David Kennedy at left. Some
of the projects and documentation can be seen in this photo, with a small
selection of the projects shown opposite.
The ETI480 Oscillator Amplifier
While some students built some very
modern amplifiers, many chose the
(in?)famous ETI480 amplifier module.
The reason given is logical enough: it’s
cheap. There is another, associated
word that springs to mind!
As many found out, the ETI480 is not
a good choice (especially when Higher
School Certificate marks depend on
it!). It’s true that it looks very simple
to build. In fact, many thousands have
been constructed for that very reason
in the 25+ years since it was first
described in Electronics Today. How
many of those actually work is another
thing altogether.
Now that SILICON CHIP owns the
copyright to articles published in ETI as
well as EA, we can say that the ETI480
has always been a dog of an amplifier.
It takes off at the drop of a hat (most
students had that trouble, some going
through several output transistors) and
it’s not a good performer, even by 1976
standards.
The published specs state 100W
output into 4Ω – but if you look at the
graph in the December 1976 issue,
that’s at somewhere between 3% and
5% or more distortion. Realistically, it’s
more a 60W amplifier at anything like
reasonable distortion figures.
According to Mr Kennedy, there
was considerable panic the day before
marking (and even well into the night
before!) as amplifiers continued to
destroy themselves. Incidentally, the
ETI480 is a regular topic of newsgroups on the ’net – almost invariably
along the lines of “how do I get it to
work” and “how do I stop it oscillating!”
(There is insufficient supply bypassing, among other things).
Having seen the demand for a
reliable, low-cost but reasonably high
performing amplifier module for school
projects, etc, SILICON CHIP has placed
this on the upcoming projects list.
We’re determined, for the sake
of students and constructors everywhere, to finally lay the ETI480 to
rest!
As they say in the classics, “watch
SC
this space!”
October 2002 31
6+
Megapixel
SLRs
In recent months, single-lens reflex cameras have been announced/
released offering a staggering 6+ megapixel resolution. They’re
claimed, for all intents and purposes, to offer “film” quality. Do they?
32 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
Here’s what you get in
the EOS D60 kit for your
not inconsiderable
amount of money:
the Canon EOS D60
body, shoulder strap,
charger, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, various
input/output cables and two
CDs of PC/Mac photo manipulation software, including
Photoshop LE. Notice what’s
NOT there? That’s right – a lens!
J
ust how far can digital camera
technology go? And just how good
can they get? Recently we had a
(very!) short opportunity to have
a look at one of the new breed of high
resolution digital cameras.
We’re talking serious product here,
not your run-of-the-mill digitals which
are fast reaching the “free in every
packet of cornflakes” stage. OK, slight
exaggeration – but you get the drift.
While we’ve lusted after several
digital cameras in the past year or so,
they have been in the 3-4 megapixel
range and most have been so-called
“compact digitals” – more intended
for consumer happy snaps, blown up
to no more than postcard size, than
for serious users (eg, very keen amateurs, or professionals such as media
photographers, wedding/function/PR
photographers, and so on).
And while 3 or 4 megapixels can
give good results, by-and-large they
have not been capable of competing
with the results from most SLR (single-lens reflex) 35mm film cameras
– even relatively inexpensive ones.
When you wanted to make a big enlargement, or crop a small section of
the image, film has won every time.
Then back in March, I heard about
three new digital cameras about to
come onto the market – the Nikon
D100, Fuji S2 and the Canon EOS
D60 – which could change all that.
All offered more than 6 megapixel
resolution, in a physical format akin
to the SLRs we’ve used for decades.
In fact, like most SLRs, they featured
a wide range of interchangeable lenses,
either from their own stable or from a
myriad of after-market lens suppliers.
As it happens, the Nikon and Fuji
are based on essentially the same
platform and use the same lenses.
The Nikon was scheduled for release
in July but no firm release date could
be obtained for the Fuji. The Canon
was first released around March but
was in extremely short supply. There
was little point in talking to Fuji but
we asked both Nikon and Canon to
make a review model available. Nikon
promised, Canon delivered.
So in this brief look at the state-ofthe-art in digital cameras, we only
look at the Canon EOS D60. The other
two, at least from our research, will be
quite similar.
The Canon has a slight edge on
the other two in resolution – 6.3
mega-pixels effective, versus the Fuji
and Nikon’s 6.1 megapixels effective.
The sensors in digital cameras have
more pixels than actually used – 6.52
in the case of the Canon. There are
limitations, mainly optical, on how
much of the sensor can be used to
produce an image.
Affordable?
Right from the outset, we have to
say that the new high resolution dig-
ital SLRs are not for everybody. They
are expensive (some might say very!)
– and their attachments are expensive.
The body kit (as pictured above) for
the Canon EOS D60 will set you back
more than five thousand dollars. That
does NOT include a lens. A zoom lens
from Canon’s “EF” family (16-35mm;
f2.8) another three grand. Add an
electronic flash and you’re nudging
the ten thousand dollar mark.
That’s serious money – and for that,
you have to be a serious photographer.
Having said that, there are many
serious photographers! Stocks of the
EOS D60 are in such short supply
world-wide that you’ll almost certainly go on a waiting list. (Lucky, that – it
gives you time to save up!).
We said before that these cameras
were aimed at serious amateurs or
professionals. A typical example is
sports photography, especially press
sports photography.
With a camera such as this, a
photographer can take his pictures,
down-load to a notebook computer
and email a selection via mobile phone
to anywhere in the world within a few
minutes of the action.
During the Sydney Olympic Games,
there were some reports of photos taken during an event, printed in newspapers and delivered back to Homebush
Bay before the spectators had left the
First look/review by SILICON CHIP photographer, Ross Tester
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 33
Top and rear views of the camera, showing the
myriad of controls. The dial at far left (in the
normal film rewind position) controls the exposure
modes, the thumb dial on the right is for exposure
speed. The rather confusing two on/off switches
above control either camera power (top left) or the
quick control dial (centre) immediately underneath.
stadium for that event!
That’s only possible via the digital
route. Just think of the time taken to
get the roll(s) of film to a processor
(even on site), processing time itself,
selection, scanning and despatch to
the paper – and you can see why digital
is the way to go!
That sort of flexibility and speed is
worth its weight in gold to a newspaper. Small wonder then that Canon has
been showing off the D60 to most, if
not all, of the nation’s media groups.
Speaking of the Olympic Games,
I was one of those 42,000 “vollies”.
At the first event, the Triathlon, I was
assigned to media access control,
checking the passes of press people
wanting to enter restricted areas. We
had the photographers “corralled” in
a holding area for a short while (much
to their angst!) and I was able to have
a good look (drool!) at their gear.
Even then, a full two years ago,
I marvelled at the range of digital
cameras (and digital backs for conventional cameras) which many of the
world’s leading photographers sported. Sure made my 35mm equipment
look sick!
Back then, three or four megapixels
was pretty much the limit. And back
then, I can’t recall any of this class of
camera available for less than $10,000
(the top-of-the-line models where
somewhere up in the stratosphere!)
Imagine how much those photographers would give to get their hands on
six megapixels at $5000-ish!
Incidentally, the EOS D60 easily
34 Silicon Chip
beats Canon’s own “flagship” professional camera, the EOS 1 D, at four
megapixels. Admittedly, that is one
v-e-r-y tricked up camera with many
more professional-type features than
the D60. But at more than ten grand
for the body alone, it would want to
be!
Incidentally, some of those long
lenses you see used by sports photographers cost many, many times
more than the camera itself. The topof-the-range Canon EF lens, which can
do an admirable “head & shoulders”
from more than a kilometre away, will
cost you more than a house. (There is
only one such lens in Australia, by
the way!).
We have, until now, been concentrating on that six megapixel resolution. But of course resolution is only a
part of the story. Let’s now have a look
at the D60 in detail.
What you get
Ignoring the fact that there is no film
nor film transport mechanism, the EOS
Some of the detail available in the
LCD screen on top of the camera. It
doesn’t all come on at once . . .
D60 is in most senses a “traditional”
SLR camera. It has a focal-plane shutter, a flip-up mirror, variable shutter
speeds, variable exposure settings . . .
everything you’d expect to find. Well,
with the possible exception of the lens:
that’s an option, so you can purchase
the one(s) that suit(s) your needs best.
(Of course, many purchasers will
already have their own selection of
lenses).
But wait, there’s more!
Being totally electronic, there is a
whole lot more. First of all, as well as a
TTL (through the lens) viewfinder with
integral camera data display, there’s
a 1.8-inch TFT colour monitor built
in. There’s a large LCD panel on the
top of the camera which gives a huge
range of information in four languages
(more on this later). There’s an array of
pushbuttons on the rear of the camera
along with a quick control dial (there’s
also another main dial on the top of
the camera).
The one thing you can’t do is open
up the back of the camera – there’s
no need, of course, because there’s no
film. One thing this does do is make
the body that much more rigid than a
standard 35mm.
I was intrigued to note the O symbol
engraved on the body, which in a film
camera shows the exact position of the
film for extreme macro photography.
Except there’s no film! (Obviously, this
symbol in a digital shows the position
of the CMOS sensor).
A small built-in flash is provided but
www.siliconchip.com.au
The ZoomBrowser
utility is very nice
and easy to use.
It’s a whole lot
quicker to select
shots using this
utility than
opening them in,
say, Photoshop.
You can instantly
enlarge each pic
to view it on this
“monitor screen.”
even more impressive is the camera’s
“evaluative through-the-lens” (E-TTL)
exposure control when using this
flash or one of the Canon Speedlite
flash guns.
In the time between you pressing the
shutter release and when the mirror
goes up, the camera fires a brief preflash, evaluates the ambient light and
reflected illumination, and calculates
the exact flash output needed. Now
that’s clever!
This pre-flash is also part of the
red-eye reduction mechanism. (Redeye occurs when flash light reflects
off the blood-filled vessels behind the
retina at the back of the eye when the
eye’s iris is wide open [ie, in low light
situations]. The pre-flash causes the
iris to briefly close down, minimising
reflected red light).
As far as storage is concerned, the
EOS D60 accepts Type 1 or Type II
CompactFlash cards or even a high
capacity Microdrive.
With a 128MB CompactFlash card,
you can get around 15 shots in RAW
format (3072 x 2048; 7.4MB picture
size), 48 shots in large, fine format
(also 3072 x 2048 but compressed
to 2.5MB picture size) and as many
as 255 shots in small (1536 x 1024;
0.5MB picture size). RAW format, by
the way, is “as she is shot” – a 16-bit
RGB-TIFF, for maximum image quality
and content.
Put in a Microdrive and well, the sky
is (almost) the limit, especially with
the capacity of Microdrives increasing
almost exponentially these days.
How big a pic?
Our argument against digital cameras has been on the basis of resolution/
enlargement.
Let’s look a little more closely at
those digital formats and what you
can do with them.
We said at the outset that these digital cameras were “near film quality”.
But what does that mean?
At the highest camera resolution,
it’s claimed that you could print an
A3 size image (420 x 297mm) on
photographic paper and it would be
very difficult (if not impossible for
most observers) to tell the difference
between it and the same scene on an
A3 print from 35mm film.
In fact, with the processing power
available to you in digital format, it
could be much better: sharpening,
colour correction, special effects, etc
are all dramatically easier in digital
format.
Incidentally, a copy of Adobe
Photoshop LE, the “lite” version of
the industry-standard image editing
program, is included with the box of
goodies you get with the camera. We’ll
look at the other goodies shortly.
Above A3 and the film starts to
take over. But then again, how often
do you need to enlarge a 35mm negative (or positive) to greater than A3
(that’s about a 16x12 in oldspeak)?
Anyone, especially a pro, wanting
this type of end result would almost
certainly turn to a medium-format
film camera.
But for your typical postcard-size
prints or even 10x8s (250x200mm) or
12x10s (300x250mm), the convenience and flexibility of the hi-res digital
wins hands down.
Control of your pictures
We cannot hope to tell you
We know these aren’t particularly exciting shots but they do prove a point! Video monitors and TV screens (left) usually
take a fair bit of mucking around to get just right. This shot was taken hand held – I just aimed the camera, zoomed in and
pressed the shutter. The D60 did everything else – and did it right! Likewise, the closeup of the brochure at right; again
handheld, point and shoot. Auto focus, auto exposure, auto everything. This could be used for archiving purposes.
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 35
everything about the EOS D60 in this
brief review – we didn’t discover them
all ourselves in the week or so we had
it. Briefly, though, we’ll summarise
some of the more important functions:
Autofocus: a 3-point autofocus system
is built in – you can choose which
of the three points you use or let
the camera make the decisions for
you. Of course, you can also turn
AF off and drive the focus yourself.
In the past, there has been some
criticism of the amount of battery
consumed by autofocus. We didn’t
find this a problem; we did run the
batteries flat by forgetting to turn
the camera off, though. (Changing
one of the inbuilt settings to auto
turn-off after a fixed, settable,
time fixed this).
Metering: a triple metering system is
at your disposal. The camera can
use a 35-zone evaluative metering
system, partial metering or centre-weighted metering. You can also
override the metering system by ±2
stops in half-stop or one-third-stop
increments. Or you can have the
camera automatically bracket under,
normal and over exposure shots for
you. Without film to worry about
wasting, why not?
Shooting modes: there are 11 shooting
modes programmed in, set from
a single dial. Along with a fully
manual mode, you can choose from
a fully automatic programmed
(AE) mode, shutter priority AE
for fast-moving scenes, aperture
priority AE when you’re worried
about depth of field – and then
there are five modes set by dialling
up a pictogram: portraits, close-ups,
landscapes, sports and night scenes.
That might be thought of as shooting
for dummies. Maybe so, but gee
it’s easy!
Shutter speeds: from 1/4000s to 30s
plus bulb.
Drive modes: you have the choice of
a conventional single frame (one
frame per shutter release) or continuous shooting (á lá a motor drive
– up to eight frames at three frames
per second). And there’s a self-timer
built in for good measure.
White balance: once again, manual
control where you make the white
point decisions, or seven modes of
automatic/preset. Pictograms again
make it easy – daylight, overcast,
tungsten light, fluorescent light,
external flash and a custom mode
36 Silicon Chip
Canon’s “PhotoStitch” utility: Not perfect but gee, it’s not bad!
We just had to show you this nifty utility which is on the Canon CD. It allows you to join
two pics (digital, scanned, downloaded, etc) in a “panorama” mode. It’s very quick and
easy to use and while it’s not perfect, it does a commendably good job – almost as if shot
with a very wide angle lens! You could in theory keep adding photo after photo after photo!
We started with these two building pics, shot from exactly the same spot.
Here’s what they would have looked like merely superimposed one on the other. . .
And here’s how PhotoStitch joined them. Perspective is a bit strange but otherwise,
not a real bad result in smoothing the building lines out. The join is barely visible.
plus a fully automatic mode which
allows the camera to react to changing lighting conditions during the
shoot.
LCD Panel
The LCD panel on the top of the
camera, in conjunction with information in the viewfinder, gives even
the most demanding photographer
every piece of information they could
ever want.
Of course there are the things you’d
expect: shutter speed, ISO speed,
aperture and so on – but there is so
much more that we’ve reproduced the
manual graphic to show you.
It’ll tell you when your battery is
low, the mode you’re in, how many
shots you’ve taken/have left, exposure
info, drive mode . . . there is very little
it doesn’t tell you and that is almost
certainly taken care of via the rear
screen.
Viewfinder
Much of this information, especially the vital stuff, is repeated in the
20mm viewfinder so you don’t need
to take your eye away from the action
to see what the camera is doing. The
viewfinder has a –3.0 to +1.0 dioptre
adjustment to cater for most eyesight.
Software
We’ve already mentioned Photo-shop Lite – but there are other goodies. Whether you work in Windows or
Mac, there is software to make your
life easy:
ZoomBrowser EX (Win) or Image-Browser (Mac) allow you to
download, catalog and print your
digital pictures.
www.siliconchip.com.au
How much resolution do you need?
We've been extolling the virtues of
6+ megapixel resolution – but obviously that comes at a (significant) price.
Resolution determines image
quality – the higher the resolution,
the better the final print.
It should be fairly obvious that
higher resolution packs more detail
into the image than lower resolution.
The higher the number of megapixels,
the higher the resolution.
First of all, let’s look at that term,
megapixels. Mega means, naturally,
millions of, and pixel is an abbreviation
for “picture element”.
In the camera, the image sensor
doesn’t work as a single unit. Instead,
it’s divided into (usually) millions of
individual sensors, each able to react
independently to changes in light level
(shades) and colours (hues).
Each one of these is called a pixel
– and the more pixels in that image
sensor, the better the resolution, because more information is provided
in the image.
How can you work out what reso-
lution you really need?
To produce a very good (photo-quality) print, you generally need around
300ppi (pixels per inch – yes, it's usually
expressed in imperial measurement).
You can get away with less (sometimes 200ppi is used) but quality drops
away quite quickly.
It’s not too difficult to work out how
many megapixels you need.
Once again, we need to work in
inches. And all this assumes you are
using the total area of the sensor for
your enlargement. If you are cropping
(choosing only a certain section of the
image to enlarge and discarding the
rest) these figures get blown right out
of the water!
Say you want a high quality, 10x8
print, so you’d choose 300ppi resolution.
Multiply both dimensions of the print by
300: 10 x 300= 3000, 8 x 300= 2400.
Therefore, your camera needs to produce an image 3000x2400 pixels. Can it?
Multiply the 3000 by 2400 and you come
up with 7,200,000 or 7.2 megapixels –
even beyond the 6.3 megapixel Canon.
Of course, if you are prepared to
settle for 200ppi in the final print, the
equation becomes 2000 x 1600 or
3.2megapixels.
Perhaps now you can understand
why many of those “point'n'shoot”
cameras with only a few hundred
kilopixels or so produce less-than-satisfactory prints – at virtually any
size!
So how does the claim for 16x12
inch from 6.3Mp work out? Theoretically, even at 200ppi that’s 3200 x
2400 or 7.7Mp. The answer is in the
processing – either within the camera
itself, the output device (the digital
printer at your local processor’s) or
in your computer.
Many cameras and most photo-manipulation software have the capacity
to “interpolate”, manufacturing information from the pixels around it and
sort-of “filling in the gaps” with similar
information.
It’s not perfect, but these days is
capable of surprisingly good results
if you don’t push it too far.
PhotoStitch lets you merge several
images together to form one continuous panoramic photo. This software
isn’t limited to the digital pics from
the D60 – it will work with files from
any source (even document scans).
useful for the large RAW files. It also
lets you remotely control the camera
(with your PC) to shoot single frame,
timer and interval timer (eg, time
lapse or unattended). But would you
leave your D60 unattended? I know I
wouldn’t!
The package also includes the cables you’re going to need such as a
USB port connector, video out (did
we mention that the D60 can output
to a video monitor?) and power adaptor.
RemoteCapture
You can save images direct to
your computer rather than the Compact-Flash or Microdrive. This is really
Just for comparison, the same setup done under our Balcar studio flash with the
D60 (left) and my trusty old (very old!) Minolta SRT-101 using Fuji Sensia 35mm
film, f16, 1/60sec. Shadowing is more pronounced on the Canon.
www.siliconchip.com.au
Power
A rechargeable lithium-ion battery
pack is included which is claimed
will give a capacity of between 400
and 620 frames, depending on the
temperature and whether or not the
flash is used.
With the review sample, a battery
grip was supplied which takes a second battery, doubling the number of
shots. The grip also makes handling
the camera in vertical mode much
easier. But it will set you back another
$280 or so.
One thing we didn’t like: with the
battery grip in place and the 16-28mm
lens fitted, the camera was front-heavy
and always fell forward onto the front
edge of the lens. Not a big problem,
just something to keep in mind. And
while on the subject of gripes, the lens
cap could not be made captive in any
way – and with a lens of this value,
you don’t want to lose the lens cap.
OK, let’s cut to the chase
We’ve told you all about the camera
and what it will do. About the only
October 2002 37
In most cases, the 8 or 16 megabyte (MB) card that came with your camera won’t
cut it. Get the highest capacity removable storage card within your budget. For most
occasions, a 128MB card will suffice. Rapidly falling prices are making these cards
very affordable – having more capacity than you think you’ll need lets you concentrate
on taking pictures and not filling up the card.
thing we haven’t talked about is what
it did for us!
In one word, everything. Everything
that we wanted it to do, it did.
We put it through its paces in various
modes – as a studio camera (attached
to the same Balcar studio flash we use
for all our 35mm film photography);
as a portrait camera (with flash and
without); as a function/event camera
(I shot my surf club presentation night
with it!); even as a happy snap camera
taking various scenes outdoors.
I was tempted to take it along to the
State of Origin league match but wiser
counsel prevailed . . .
Just for the hell of it, we even shot
things like a computer monitor and a
printed page in extreme close-up to see
how the autofocus and auto-exposure
coped (it did!). And we also took it to
one of our advertisers who had some
bits and pieces he wanted us to see
in a very dimly-lit room. No dramas!
Now all this of course only scratched
the surface as far as the capabilities of
the D60 are concerned. We would have
loved to have it for another month (or
50!) to really play with it – but what it
did do more than convinced us that it
was more than capable of being a very,
very versatile workhorse.
Our verdict: more than acceptable.
It’s a not-so-little ripper, even if you
almost have to mortgage the farm to
buy it. We said it wasn’t the camera
for everyone.
But for serious users who want to
go the digital route, spec-wise the
Canon outperforms the Nikon and
Fuji “equivalents”; practically, there
does-n’t appear to be too much between them (even though we haven’t
played with the others) and, looking
at reported/likely street pricing, the
Canon is a little more keenly priced.
Not much – but it could be a couple
of hundred in your pocket.
By the way, if you are interested
in seeing the D60 stacked up against
other cameras, Google EOS D60 (and/
or Nikon D100/Fuji S2) and you’ll be
swamped.
SC
10. Get an external card reader.
More info:
Digital Camera Tips from SanDisk*
While the basic principles of photography still apply, digital cameras have their own
unique characteristics that differ from traditional film cameras.
To compile this advice, SanDisk enlisted the help of Rick Sammon, host of the Digital
Photography Workshop on the US DIY Television Network, photography instructor at
leading photo learning workshops around the US and author of 21 books on photography.
Here are Rick’s 10 tips for taking better pictures with a digital camera:
1: Move in closer.
Most pictures will benefit if you take a few steps forward. Having your subject fill most
the frame helps your viewer understand your photo and provides details that are often
more interesting than an overall view. To get the clearest picture, use the camera’s
optical zoom if you can’t move closer to your subject.
2: Use your viewfinder, not the LCD
A digital camera’s LCD screen uses lots of battery power so to maximize battery life,
use the camera’s viewfinder.
3: Anticipate the moment.
Most point-and-shoot digital cameras have an inherent delay between pressing the
shutter button and when the camera takes the picture. Try to anticipate the action and
always be ready to shoot.
4: Use available light when possible.
Indoors, the mood created by natural light is lost with a flash. Whenever possible,
position a subject by a door or window and avoid using the on-camera flash.
5.Shoot at the highest resolution available.
If you want to print your images or enlarge a part of the image, you’ll get the best
results from a larger file. You can always decrease the resolution of the image on your
computer to email them but starting off with a low-resolution image does not give you
the flexibility to print your picture.
6.Take as many pictures as possible.
The more images you take, the better your chances are of getting that special shot.
Because you don’t incur any costs until you print your images, take as many shots
as you can.
7.Delete unwanted images ‘on-the-fly.’
Immediately deleting images you don’t want minimises the task of deleting images
because you’re running out of storage capacity. When in doubt, save the image until
you can view it on your computer monitor.
8. Use rechargeable batteries.
Digital cameras are notorious for consuming batteries. Consider investing in an extra
rechargeable battery. You can continue to take pictures while the other set is charging.
9.Think big.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to transfer images between the camera and computer
is to use a card reader. This is often faster than using the transfer cable included with
your camera. In addition, if your camera does not have a docking/recharging station,
the card readers avoid tying up your camera and draining its batteries when it is left
on for long periods of time while transferring images.
* SanDisk (www.sandisk.com) is the world leader in removable storage media used
in digital cameras, including the “CompactFlash” used in the Canon EOS D60.
38 Silicon Chip
www.canon.com.au
Acknowledgement:
Our thanks to Alan Brightman of Canon
Australia for his assistance in supplying
the review EOS D60 (and also a 5-minute ogle at the EOS-1D!).
Also thanks to SanDisk for the use of
their Digital Photography Guide.
www.siliconchip.com.au
PC PARALLEL
PORT
WIZARD
Want to know more about the parallel port on
your PC? Maybe you’re thinking of buying a
second-hand notebook PC. Or perhaps you would
like a visual indicator to demonstrate that your
printer port responds to software commands. If
so, the PC Parallel Port Wizard is just for you!
by Trent Jackson
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 39
G
etting stuck with a fault in the
parallel port of today’s computers can be a pain. Wouldn’t
it be nice to have a simple port tester
to check it out. Before you pick up that
bargain at the flea market or swap-fest,
plug in this Wizard and it will tell you
if everything is as it should be.
But the Parallel Port Wizard is more
than a port testing device. It’s also a
learning aid. And it’s cheap and simple
to build. It’s a combination of some
DOS software and a handful of com-
mon components - but it enables you
to test and analyse every I/O pin in a
standard parallel printer port.
That might not sound very exciting
- until you get stuck with a fault. Oh,
and before we go too much further
we should state what the Parallel Port
Wizard will not do.
While it will test every I/O line on
the port as an output, to drive a LED,
it will not do any input tests. To do
that, you would at least need an array
of switches to pull the inputs high or
low and you would certainly need
more complicated software than is
presented here.
However, the simple approach can
be easily justified. Provided each I/O
line functions properly as an output,
it is reasonable to assume that it will
generally work on data input as well.
So whether your expertise runs to
advanced motherboard repairs or just a
mere mortal looking to solve a parallel
port problem, this Parallel Port Wizard
can be a very convenient item.
+5V
100nF
+5V
100nF
10F
PARALLEL
PRINTER
PORT
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
DATA B0
3
DATA B1
5
DATA B2
7
DATA B3
9
DATA B4
3
DATA B5
5
DATA B6
7
DATA B7
9
8x
10k
4
2
5
3
11,
12
11
10
1
14
16
17
BUSY/READY
ACKNOWLEDGE
1
15
18-25
IC2c
IC2d
4
6
10
180
180
180
180
K
K
K
K
K
K
LED2
A
LED3
A
LED4
A
11
16 IC1e
LED5
A
IC1f
14
12
15
A
LED7
A
LED8
A
IC2e
12
IC2f
14
15
(NOT
USED)
8
100
1
14
11
4,5
IC3b
9 14
12
2,3
D2
1N4004
13
K
OFF/ON
7
D1
1N4004
100
A
S1b
A
REG1 7805
K
IN
+5V
OUT
COM
9V
BATTERY
100
330
100F
10F
100nF
S1a
A
LED9
POWER
GND
SC
PC PARALLEL PORT WIZARD
40 Silicon Chip
K
LEDS
2002
(NOT
USED)
8
LED6
11
SELECT
ERROR
A
13
IC4b
4x
10k
13
IC2b
2
180
K
100nF
LED1
100
10
SELECT IN
IC2a
10
180
16
7
INITIALISE
IC1d
6
180
K
IC1,2: 4049
IC4a
STROBE
AUTO FEED
IC1c
4
180
IC3,4: 4002
100
PAPER END
IC1b
2
9,
10
IC3a
12
IC1a
100nF
1N4004
A
K
K
A
COM
IN
7805
OUT
www.siliconchip.com.au
Larger-than-life view of the PC Parallel Port Wizard with top cover removed. The 26-way IDC cabledoesn’t emerge from
the middle of the case as it appears here; rather it takes a 90° kink then another to emerge from the cutout which can
clearly be seen above the battery. This gives some strain relief to the IDC plug, preventing it from being pulled out.
It will analyse every I/O line and
give a pass/fail via the software.
The parallel printer port
The parallel printer port on a standard IBM compatible computer consists
of 25 pins, usually arranged in a “D”
configuration (see Fig.1). 17 of these
pins are I/O (input/output), while the
remaining eight are ground pins.
Of the 17 I/O pins, eight (pins 2-9)
are grouped as an 8-bit output section,
another four (pins 1, 14, 16 and 17) are
a 4-bit section while the remaining five
pins (pins 10-13 & 15) make up a 5-bit
input section.
So the parallel port is broken down
into three sections and each particular
section has its own unique address.
This is shown in the port mapping
13 12 11 10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
PARALLEL PRINTER PORT ON PC (FEMALE 25-PIN D CONNECTOR)
Fig.2:
Pinning of a parallel printer
port connector on a standard PC,
looking from the outside.
www.siliconchip.com.au
table (Table 1).
I’m not suggesting that it can’t be
As mentioned above, the software done via Windows, but I believe that
has been developed to run under the for this sort of function DOS is still by
PARALLELfar
PRINTER
PORT
TECHNICAL DATA TABLE MAP
the better
way.
DOS environment.
Using Windows to control devices
Hardware
via a port is bad enough but testing a
port properly via the Windows enviAll of the hardware is mounted on
ronment is quite difficult.
a small, single-sided PC board, coded
PIN NO
ADDRESS
BIT
VALUE
INVERTED
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
14
16
17
10
11
12
13
15
BASE
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
0
1
2
3
6
7
5
4
3
1
2
4
8
16
32
64
128
1
2
4
8
64
128
32
16
8
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO
YES
YES
NO
YES
NO
YES
NO
NO
NO
BASE + 2
BASE + 1
GENERAL USAGE
PRINTER USAGE
8-bit Output Data
8-bit Output Data
4-bit Output Data
Strobe
Auto Feed
Initialize
Select In
Acknowledge
Busy
Paper End
Select Out
Error
5-bit Input Data
Table 1: the parallel printer port pin assignments and usages. Common BASE
addresses are: &H378, &H278, &H3BC. These addresses are in hexadecimal.
To simplify
things,
bit values
are shown
decimal
Common BASE
addresses
are: &H378,
&H278, in
&H3BC.
These addresses are in hexadecimal.
To simplify things, the bit values are shown in decimal.....................................................................
October 2002 41
07110021 and measuring 116 x 92mm.
The circuit operation is relatively
straight forward. It uses only four low
cost CMOS ICs and a few other bits and
(CABLE TO PRINTER PORT)
10k
10k
100
100F
10k
10k
100
9V BATTERY HOLDER
100
IDC 26-WAY HEADER
+
12001270
1N4001
–
pieces to do the job. It’s all powered by
a single, on-board 9V battery.
Every pin on the parallel printer
port goes somewhere. As stated before,
IC3 4002
100
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
+
100nF
1
100
IC4 4002
100nF
1
10F
+
180
180
180
180
330
100nF
100nF
180
+
1
100nF
180
10F
IC2 4049
1
180
IN4001
IC1 4049
180
REG1 7805
S1
DPDT
LED9
LED1
LED2
LED3
LED4
LED5
LED6
LED7
LED8
Above is the complete project – PC board component overlay and external
wiring – reproduced at 1:1 scale. Below is a straight-on photograph of the same
thing: between the drawing and photo you should be able to work out how it all
goes together.
every pin on the port under goes a test
(minus the ground pins, of course).
I have deliberately used CMOS
ICs in this project, because as far as
I’m concerned, if a parallel port can’t
supply enough line voltage to drive a
CMOS gate, then it is probably suspect.
CMOS logic devices require at
least 73% of VCC for a valid logic
high, that’s only about 3.5V for a 5V
supply rail.
Parts List – Parallel
Printer Port Wizard
1 PC board, coded 07110021,
116 x 92mm
1 small ABS case 140 x 110 x
35mm (Jaycar HB-5970 or
equivalent)
1 front panel artwork sticker 134
x 30mm
1 miniature DPDT Switch (S1)
1 26-way PC-mounting IDC
male header socket
1 26-way IDC female plug
1 25-way D25 male IDC Plug
1 9V PC-mounting battery
holder ( Jaycar PH-9235 or
equivalent)
1 9V alkaline battery
1 1.5m length 26-way IDE ribbon
cable
1 200mm length hookup wire
4 small square rubber feet
2 PC stakes
4 6 x 3mm self-tapping screws
1 5mm M3 screw & nut
3 6mm M2 screws & nuts
9 5mm LED bezels
Tinned copper wire (links)
Semiconductors
2 4049 CMOS hex buffered
inverters (IC1 & 2)
2 4002 CMOS dual quad input
NOR gates (IC3 & 4)
1 7805 5 volt regulator (IC5)
8 5mm red LEDs (LED 1 - 8)
1 5mm green LED (LED 9)
2 1N4004 silicon power diodes
(D1 & 2)
Capacitors
1 100µF 16VW electrolytic
2 10µF 16VW electrolytic
5 100nFMKT polyester
(code 104 or 100n)
Resistors (1%, 0.25W)
12 10kΩ
5 100Ω
8 180Ω
1 300Ω
42 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
07210021
Same-size PC board artwork for those who want to make their own.
How it works
Referring back to the schematic, you
will see four quad-input NOR gates
(IC3a, IC3b, IC4a & IC4b). These gates
are basically used to return data to the
input side of the port. Remember that
there are 12 output pins but only 5
input pins on the port, hence the use
of four NOR gates.
All five of the input pins on the port
are pulled high via internal resistors,
so you could regard these pins as being Active low (it really just depends
on how you set up the software and
hardware.
With a NOR gate, any high logic
level on any of its input pins will
result in a logic low at its output pin.
It’s the same as an OR gate, except it’s
inverted.
The 10kΩ pull-down resistors on
all the output lines are there for two
reasons. Firstly, they ensure that none
of the inputs to the logic circuitry are
left floating when disconnected from
your PC.
Secondly, they also apply a small
load to the output lines, to ensure that
they are still capable of driving the data
feedback NOR gates while under load.
IC1 & IC2 are both 4049 buffer inverters. These buffers drive a string of
eight LEDs, controlled via (D0 - D7)
on the port. The 180Ω series resistors
limit the current the LED current to
around 20mA.
www.siliconchip.com.au
A double-pole switch controls both
power and port grounding to the circuit. Switching of the port ground to
the main circuitry has been included
so that the circuit doesn’t consume any
power from the port when various data
lines are high and the battery voltage
is not applied.
If this switch was omitted, you would
see the LEDs faintly light up with no
power applied. This is due to current
mirroring within CMOS devices.
Construction
As everything except the power
switch mounts on the PC board, con-
struction should be a snap even for
the beginner. Start with the lowest
profile components first (resistors and
diodes), followed by the links. We
normally use resistor lead offcuts for
the links but some on this board are a
tad long, so you’ll need some lengths
of tinned copper wire.
Two PC stakes are used to solder to
the switch. Four stakes are shown in
our photos but two of these were used
in development and are not required.
Next, mount the five MKT and two
electrolytic capacitors. The MKTs
aren’t polarised but the electros are,
so put them in the right way.
Follow these with the 5V regulator
(you’ll need to bend its legs down by
90°) and the four ICs.
Whether you use sockets or not is
entirely up to you: generally, they’re
not worth the trouble with low-cost
chips. Either way, make sure you get
the IC polarity right.
Now mount the 9V battery holder.
It both solders and screws to the PC
board. Then install the male IDC plug.
Apart from the switch and LEDs,
it’s now almost finished. First, though,
you’ll need to drill ten holes in the
front panel for the nine LEDs and the
power switch. Photocopy the front
panel artwork and use it as a template.
The LED leads must also be bent
over at 90° to enable them to poke
through the front panel. Make sure
they are all bent the same way AND
the right way – LEDs are polarised!
Glue the front panel artwork (or a
photocopy) onto the panel and drill
the holes out. And don’t forget the little
cut-out in the back panel. LED bezels
are not essential - but they do hide any
The ppwiz.exe software, downloadable from www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 43
This front panel artwork can
also be used as a drilling
template. Photocopy it, stick
it on the front panel – and
drill out the ‘X’s!
ragged or rough edges around the holes.
Fit the switch to the front panel
and solder its two lower pins to the
PC stakes. The two upper switch pins
solder to the back of the PC board
where shown.
Finally, screw in the PC board, plug
in your IDC cable and take it out the
rear panel (don’t forget the double
bend!) and now it IS all finished.
Using the PPP Wizard
As stated elsewehre in this article,
the Parallel Port Wizard and its software operates under MS-DOS. That
means you either have to boot the computer with a DOS disk or if you have a
Win 9x or Win Me machine, operate it
under a DOS (command prompt) box.
In either case, checking the parallel
port is child’s play.
You simply plug the wizard in to
the parallel port, turn it on and run
the PPWIZ.exe program.
All instructions are on screen.
The F1 key allows you to change the
Putting the port to use
Would you like to be able to control external devices
with your PC?
The existing parallel port in your PC offers a simple
hardware interface that can be wired up to just about any
external device with a little ingenuity.
And it’s easy to program, too!
The PPPWiz hardware and software provides a means
of learning the basics of parallel port operation. With this
knowledge, you can then begin to control the port (and your
external circuits) from within your own programs.
In the following examples, we show how to read and
write data from the parallel port using QBASIC. We’ve
used QBASIC because it’s easy to follow if you’re new to
programming.
For the most part, data is read from and written to the
parallel port in byte-wide (8-bit) chunks. To access the port
(read and write data), the programmer needs to know its
“address”.
Just as with disk drives, keyboards, serial ports, etc, the
parallel port occupies a unique address in the processor’s
(CPUs) input/output (I/O) address space. For example,
the address of the first parallel port (LPT1) in most PCs
is 378 or 278.
Thus the parallel port is said to be “I/O mapped” and is
accessed in QBASIC using the “INP” and “OUT” instructions.
Too easy!
Note that these numbers are in hexadecimal format. In
QBASIC, hexadecimal numbers must be prefixed with “&H”.
Here’s an example:
OUT &H378, 0
‘write data value ‘0’ to I/O port ‘378’.
The data output side of the port consists of an 8-bit latch
(or “register”). Therefore, data written with the OUT instruction remains on the port data pins (pins 2 - 9) until the next
44 Silicon Chip
base port address, the F2 automatically
searches for the base port address, the
F3 key starts the automated checking
procedure while the F4 key exits
from the program (see the screen grab
below).
The 8-bit pin status is mirrored by
the front-panel LEDs on the Wizard.
While this is of limited use in the port
checking procedure, it becomes very
useful when you want to experiment
with the port.
SC
Have fun!
OUT. To drive all eight pins high (near 5V) we would use:
OUT &H378, &HFF ‘write data value ‘FF’ to I/O port ‘378’.
With the PPPWiz connected, this instruction will turn
all LEDs on.
To read the digital levels present on the port “status”
pins, use “INP” instead:
PortValue = INP (&H379) ‘read data from I/O port ‘379’.
In this example, the digital levels of the “status” pins (pins
10 - 13 & 15) are read and stored in the variable “PortValue”.
Displaying the result is easy:
PortValue = INP (&H379) ‘read data from I/O port ‘379’.
PRINT PortValue
‘display the value on-screen
A parallel port occupies eight consecutive addresses in
I/O address space. The first address (the output port) is
referred to as the “base” address. Therefore, when a parallel
port is said to have an address of 378, this implies that it
occupies addresses 378 through to 37F.
Table 1 gives specific details about addresses and pin
assignments as they relate to the standard parallel port
(SPP). Parallel ports fitted to most Pentium-class PCs can
also operate in EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) and ECP
(Extended Capabilities Port) mode. These modes use
additional addresses and signals not covered in this article.
A wealth of PC parallel port technical information and
project ideas is available on the Internet.
Start at www.lvr.com/parport.htm
QBASIC was supplied with all versions of DOS and
Windows up to (but not including) Windows 2000. It is
also freely available on the Internet. To learn more about
QBASIC programming, go to www.qbasic.com
www.siliconchip.com.au
SILICON
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If you do a lot of multi-conductor cable wiring or cable troubleshooting,
you’ll find this project especially handy. It consists of two very compact
units: a signal injector which produces a very distinctive ‘warbling
whistle’, and a sensitive signal tracer which can help you easily identify
the cable conductor(s) carrying the warbling test signal. The signal tracer
unit can easily be adapted for other kinds of signal tracing as well.
‘WHISTLE & POINT’
CABLE TRACER
By Jim Rowe
I
t should be easy but it’s often a
pain. Most multi-conductor cables are colour coded, so it should
be a snack to connect each one to the
appropriate pins of an RJ45 wall socket
or whatever.
But some of the colours are often a
bit hard to distinguish — especially in
poor lighting, when you’re crouch-ed
down behind a desk or in some other
awkward location.
It is surprisingly easy to mistake
the blue-and-white for the green-andwww.siliconchip.com.au
white, or the white-and-orange for
the white-and-brown. And then you
find that somebody’s PC doesn’t seem
to want to talk to the network server,
because you’ve swapped some of the
pair returns. . .
Or you might be running a length
of six-pair telephone cable and need
to make sure that you get the pairs
properly matched at each end. It can
be trickier than you’d expect.
What you need in your toolbox is
a compact little signal injector giz-
mo to squirt an easy-to-identify test
signal along the conductors from one
end, plus an equally compact little
‘sniffer’ or signal tracer gizmo so you
can make sure which conductor is
carrying the test signal at the other
end.
These two handy little gizmos are
exactly what you get when you build
this project, which we’ve dubbed the
‘Whistle & Point’ Cable Tracer. (Get it?
One device produces the ‘whistle’ to
draw attention to the wire you want,
October 2002 53
and the other then ‘points’ you to
it...)
We can’t take the credit for designing the gizmos themselves, because
they were dreamed up by the team at
Oatley Electronics — who are selling
kits for the two PC board assemblies
inside ’em.
However when they showed them
to us, we were so impressed that we
decided to work out how to house
them in low-cost cases. This turned
them into rugged little devices capable
of being carried around in the usual
toolbox and used reliably ‘on the job’.
We also dreamed up that weird
name for the project too, so it would
get your attention. (So blame us for
that, not Oatley!) You’ll be able to buy
both PCB kits from Oatley for only $24
plus post and packing (typically $7.00
within Australia).
We’ve calculated that you’ll only
have to spend an extra $16 or so at
most, to fit both boards into the more
expensive of the boxes we’ve used
with on-off slider switches and batteries.
So the total cost for the complete
project as a cable tracer set should
still be no more than $32, buying
everything from scratch. Not bad for
such a handy pair of tools, wouldn’t
you agree?
By the way if you want to turn the
signal tracer unit into a more general-purpose unit, this mainly involves
using a larger speaker and building it
into a larger box.
And Oatley Electronics can even
help you out there, too: as you’ll
find in the ‘Wheredyageddit?’ box,
for only $2.00 more they can supply
husky little 50mm speakers complete
with a larger plastic case which can
be used to house the complete tracer.
The box even contains an optional
power amp IC which can be used to
get more ‘grunt’.
How they work
Let’s look first at the signal injector
unit. The circuit for this is shown in
the upper part of the schematic diagram and, as you can see, it’s based on
a couple of very low cost 555 timer ICs,
plus a C8050 NPN transistor.
The first 555 (IC1) is connected as
S1
ON/OFF
8
3
9V
BATTERY
10F
5
B
6
K
8
C
3
2
10F
E
7
1
100nF
Q1
C8050
10k
4
IC1
555
a simple relaxation oscillator, with
its frequency of oscillation set by the
10kΩ feedback resistor from pin 3 to
pins 2 and 6, and the 10µF capacitor
from pins 2 and 6 to ground.
With these values IC1 oscillates
quite slowly at around 6Hz, producing a square wave at pin 3 and a
‘rounded sawtooth’ waveform at pins
2 and 6. It’s the rounded sawtooth
that we make use of, but since pins
2 and 6 are operating at a fairly high
impedance, we use transistor Q1 as
an impedance matching emitter follower.
This allows us to extract the sawtooth without loading down the
oscillator and disturbing its operation.
As you can see, the low impedance version of the sawtooth which
appears at the emitter of Q1 is then
coupled to pin 5 of the second 555,
IC2. This is the ‘control voltage’
input of the 555, so as a result the
sawtooth from IC1 is able to modulate the operation of IC2.
IC2 is again connected as simple
relaxation oscillator, just like IC1.
10F
4
IC2
555
5
6
2
A
47k
CLIP A
(+)
100
7
K
1
2.2k
D1
1N4148
SIGNAL
INJECTOR
UNIT
D2
1N4148
10nF
CLIP B
(q)
A
1N4148
K
A
BC549
B
ZD1
+
C8050
q
E
2N5484
B
C
C
S
E
G
D
S2
ON/OFF
680
+
PROBE
TIP
150pF
39k
Q2
2N5484
D
G
S
1.5nF
3.9k
Q3
BC549
B
IC3
LM386
1.5nF
2
SIGNAL
TRACER
UNIT
SC
2002
1M
4.7k
10k
1k
100F
q
6
100F
5
C
9V
BATTERY
3
4
E
10pF
ZD1
5.6V
100F
47k
4.7
PIEZO
SPEAKER
15nF
AWHISTLE & POINT˚ CABLE TRACER
54 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
The injector board (top) and
the tracer board following
assembly. Note the absence
of on/off switches as shown
in the drawings below: these
were added when they were
put into cases.
clips should be accidentally connected
to supply rails with voltages above or
below the 9V battery rails.
So that’s the injector unit. A simple, low cost circuit which generates
a strong and very easy-to-recognise
audio test signal, from a standard 9V
battery.
Now let’s look at the matching signal
tracer unit.
As you might expect this is basically
just a fairly high gain audio amplifier,
although it does have a few special aspects because of its being customised
for this application.
For example because we’re really
only interested in tracing the injector
unit’s warbling whistle signal, the
amplifier’s frequency response is tailored to mainly respond to frequencies
between 1100 and 1700Hz. This also
TONE GENERATOR
2.2k
IC1
555
+
10F 1
Figs. 1a (the injector board – top)
and 1b (the tracer board – bottom)
along with the wiring required.
100F
10F
1
D2
4148
D1 +
CLIP A
(+)
CLIP B
(–)
–
10nF
S2
3.9k
1
4.7
IC3
LM386
1.5nF
ZD1
1k
220
47k
Q3
39k
+
10k
1.5nF
Q2
680
5.6V
BC549
2N5484
1M
4.7k
150pF
10pF
PROBE
100F
+
+
100F
+
GND
IC2
555
10k
100nF
10F
47k
C8050
Q1
100
+9V
4148
S1
9V BATTERY
allows us to use a very small piezo-electric speaker mounted directly on the
board, as we’re not interested in reproducing frequencies below 1100Hz.
At the heart of the amplifier is
IC3, an LM386 audio output device.
This provides the drive for the piezo
speaker, as you can see, with the 4.7Ω
resistor and 15nF connected across the
output as a ‘Zobel network’ to ensure
stability.
As the LM386 has a fixed voltage
gain of 20 in this configuration, transistor Q3 is used ahead of it to provide
additional gain and make the tracer
suitably sensitive. Q3 is a BC549, used
in a standard common emitter stage.
The emitter is fully bypassed to give
a high voltage gain, while the use of
1.5nF coupling capacitors deliberately
limits the low frequency response.
+
However in this case the main timing
components are the 47kΩ feedback
resistor and the 10nF capacitor from
pins 2 and 6 to ground.
This gives a basic oscillation frequency of around 1400Hz but because
of the modulation from IC1 the actual
frequency of IC2 varies up and down
between about 1150Hz and 1700Hz.
This time we use the square wave
output from IC2, available at pin 3. This
provides a waveform of almost 9V peak
to peak, which becomes the injector’s
‘warbling whistle’ output signal.
It’s fed to the active output clip (clip
A) via the series 100Ω resistor — to
protect IC2 from damage due to accidental short circuits. ‘Catcher’ diodes
D1 and D2 are also connected so that
pins 3, 2 and 6 of IC2 are protected
against overvoltage damage if the test
15nF
+9V
PIEZO
SPEAKER
9V BATTERY
GND
TONE DETECTOR
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 55
Q3 and IC3 together would probably serve quite well alone as a cable
tracer, providing plenty of gain plus
a reasonably low input impedance
(about 5kΩ).
However, a JFET source follower
stage has been added at the input, to
give the tracer a much higher input
impedance (nearer 1MΩ). This will
make the unit also very suitable for
signal tracing in low-frequency electronic circuits, where its high input
impedance won’t cause unnecessary
loading.
(When using it for signal tracing in
such circuits, you could use either
the injector unit to provide a suitable
signal for tracing, or a standard audio
generator set to produce a tone of about
1200-1400Hz.)
The input stage uses a 2N5484
N-channel JFET, with the signal from
the tracer’s probe tip coupled to its
gate via a 150pF capacitor. The 1MΩ
resistor provides the gate’s bias return,
while the 10pF capacitor shunts away
any RF that may also be picked up by
the probe tip.
Both Q2 and Q3 are powered from
a regulated 5.6V supply rail, which
is derived from the 9V battery via a
simple regulator circuit using the 680Ω
resistor and zener diode ZD1. The
LM386 chip runs directly from the 9V
Two different views of the
“opened out” tracer case showing
how everything is “shoe-horned”
in. It’s a tight fit but it will all go
in! Note the probe, the tinplate
shields, the insulating tape and
also the polystyrene packing
around the battery. All these are
explained in the text.
battery rail but both supply rails have
100µF reservoir capacitors to ensure
low frequency stability.
Construction
Apart from the 9V batteries and
on-off switches, virtually all of the
circuitry for both the injector and the
tracer units is fitted on two very small
PC boards.
The board for the injector unit
measures only 41 x 25mm and has the
Oatley code K181A, while the board
for the tracer measures 72 x 25mm and
is coded K181.
Despite the small size of both
boards, fitting the components should
be very straightforward as there’s not
all that many of them in either case.
The location and orientation of each
part is also shown clearly in the board
overlay and wiring diagram, so if you
follow this carefully you shouldn’t
have any problems.
As usual it will be easier if you fit
the low profile components (resistors
and diodes) first, then follow with
the smaller and larger capacitors, and
finally the transistors, ICs and the
piezo speaker.
Just make sure you fit each polarised component in the correct way
around, to prevent problems later.
When it comes to housing each board
in a protective case, you have a range
of choices.
The injector unit in particular can
go in virtually any small case, as long
as there’s room for the board assembly
itself, on-off switch S1 and the 9V battery and its snap lead. The two output
leads are simply taken out through a
grommetted hole and fitted with small
shrouded alligator clips.
To illustrate at least one of the
packaging options for the injector, we
Here’s how the injector board, battery and
switch all fit inside a piece of 32mm PVC electrical
conduit. Again, it’s a pretty tight fit inside the pipe!
56 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
housed the prototype unit in a 120mm
length of 32mm outside diameter PVC
conduit fitted with push-on plastic
end caps. This length was plenty to
fit both the board and battery end-toend, with the on-off switch mounted
in one end cap and the output leads
emerging through a grommetted hole
in the other end cap.
This makes a practical and quite
rugged little package, which can also
be easily opened when you need to
replace the battery. There are fewer
options for packaging the tracer unit,
because we found that its PC board
really needs to have a certain amount
of shielding.
This means that a very small metal
case would be quite OK, although
there aren’t too many suitably sized
and proportioned metal cases available — especially at a reasonable price.
You might have to make one up
yourself, or modify an existing metal
utility box. Of course you can always
use a low cost plastic case which lends
itself to fitting some shielding inside.
This can be quite practical, as we’ve
tried to show with our housing of the
prototype tracer unit shown in the
photos. The case we’ve used is a modular ABS unit measuring 90x50x32mm,
and sold by Dick Smith Electronics
(Cat. No. H-2832).
As you can see from the photos this
has just enough room to fit the PC
board assembly and battery on-edge
and side by side, with the on-off switch
S2 mounted in the rear panel (offset to
the side so it allows space for the PC
board) and the probe tip mounted in
the centre of the front panel.
As for the probe tip itself, we gave
this a bit of thought and ended up buy-
Parts List – Whistle & Point Cable Tracer
INJECTOR UNIT
1 PC board, code K181A, 25 x
41mm
1 Plastic case 90 x 50 x 32mm,
or
120mm length of 32mm PVC
conduit plus end caps (see text)
1 Miniature slider switch, SPST
(S1)
1 9V battery, 216 type
1 Snap lead for 9V battery
2 Small alligator clips, red and
black
1 Rubber grommet, 10mm hole
diameter
Semiconductors
2 LM555 timers (IC1,IC2)
1 C8050 NPN transistor (Q1)
2 1N4148 silicon diode (D1,D2)
Capacitors
3 10µF PCB electrolytic
1 100nF (0.1µF) metallised
polyester
1 10nF (.01µF) metallised
polyester
Resistors (0.25W 1%)
1 47kΩ
1 10kΩ
1 2.2kΩ
1 100Ω
ing one of the low-cost ‘solderless’ test
probes sold by DSE (Cat. No. P-1755).
It proved to be quite easy to remove
the metal probe tip from the plastic
body — they simply pull apart.
Then we used a small jeweller’s
hacksaw to cut off all but about 3mm
of the larger-diameter rear section of
the metal tip, leaving the remaining
section as a short ‘bolt head’ to go
TRACER UNIT
1 PC board, code K181, 72 x 25mm
1 Plastic case 90 x 50 x 32mm,
or
150mm length of 32mm PVC
conduit plus end caps (see text)
1 Miniature slider switch, SPST (S2)
1 9V battery, 216 type
1 Snap lead for 9V battery
1 Test probe (see text)
1 Piezo speaker, 19mm diameter
Semiconductors
1 LM386 amplifier (IC3)
1 BC549 NPN transistor (Q1)
1 2N5484 N-channel JFET (Q2)
1 5.6V 400mW zener diode (ZD1)
Capacitors
3 100µF 10VW PCB electrolytic
1 15nF (.015µF) metallised polyester
2 1.5nF (.0015µF) metallised
polyester
1 150pF ceramic
1 10pF ceramic
Resistors (0.25W 1%)
1 1MΩ
1 47kΩ
1 39kΩ
1 10kΩ
1 4.7kΩ
1 3.9kΩ
1 1kΩ
1 680Ω
1 220Ω
1 4.7Ω
behind the plastic case front panel.
The details of this should be clear
from the small diagram. We drilled
the front panel so that the threaded
section of the tip could be passed
through it, and the round knurled ‘nut’
(used originally to fasten the test probe
lead’s conductor) could then be used to
fasten the tip to the front panel.
The tracer’s own input wire was cut
Resistor Colour Codes
No.
1
1
1
5
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
www.siliconchip.com.au
Value
1MΩ
47kΩ
39kΩ
10kΩ
4.7kΩ
3.9kΩ
2.2kΩ
1kΩ
680Ω
220Ω
100Ω
4.7Ω
4-Band Code (1%)
brown black green brown
yellow violet orange brown
orange white orange brown
brown black orange brown
yellow violet red brown
orange white red brown
red red red brown
brown black red brown
blue grey brown brown
red red brown brown
brown black brown brown
yellow violet gold brown
5-Band Code (1%)
brown black black yellow brown
yellow violet black red brown
orange whiteblack red brown
brown black black red brown
yellow violet black brown brown
orange white black brown brown
red red black brown brown
brown black black brown brown
blue grey black black brown
red red black black brown
brown black black black brown
yellow violet black silver brown
October 2002 57
5
SILICON
CHIP
40
12.5
(ALL DIMENSIONS
IN MILLIMETRES)
20
‘WHISTLE & POINT’
CABLE TRACER
10
Dia
INJECTOR UNIT
30
35
(BEND UP AT ABOUT 70°)
Panel labels for the injector unit (above)
and tracer unit (below). As there are no
on-panel controls, placement is nto critical.
12.5
(BEND UP AT ABOUT 70°)
22
SHIELD PLATE
BEHIND FRONT PANEL
SHIELD PLATES FOR TOP &
BOTTOM OF CASE (2 OFF)
SILICON
CHIP
MATERIAL: 0.2mm TINPLATE (SEE TEXT)
We found that a shield was necessary inside the plastic case
to prevent the high-gain amplifier picking up too much RF
energy. Ours came from an empty pineapple tin – if you
don’t like pineapple eat something else.
very short and soldered directly to the
rear of the probe tip, behind the panel.
It all worked out quite neatly.
To provide the shielding, we cut
three small shield plates out of a strip
of 0.2mm tinplate salvaged from a
small tin which until recently contained pineapple pieces(!).
The shield plates were shaped as
shown in the small diagram, with
the barrel-shaped piece designed to
go behind the front panel (its 10mm
hole clearing the rear of the probe tip)
and the two more rectangular pieces
designed to go into the front sections
of the top and bottom halves of the
case itself.
These latter pieces have a 12.5mm
deep section on each side bent upwards at about 70°, so their centre
sections lie flat inside each half of
the case yet their shielding extends
around the sides.
When the shield plates had been cut
out and any sharp burrs removed, we
then fastened them to the rear of the
(TRACER BOX FRONT PANEL)
ORIGINAL WIRE
CLAMPING NUT NOW
ATTACHES TIP TO PANEL
front panel and inside the case halves.
We used small pieces of gaffer tape for
this, but you might prefer to use a few
dobs of epoxy cement (like 5-minute
Araldite).
Then we soldered some short
lengths of insulated hookup wire to
connect all three shields together, with
another short length so they could be
connected to the PC board’s earth line
when it was placed in position. (They
have to be connected to the board
earth, to provide correct shielding.)
Before mounting the PC board in
the case, we applied a small strip of
gaffer tape down the centre of each
case-half shield plate, to make sure
that the plates couldn’t cause any short
circuits at the edges of the board.
By the way, it’s OK to use Gaffer
Tape as insulation for low voltage
devices like this but only properly
rated electrical tape should be used
on higher voltages.
As well as cutting holes in the front
and rear panels to take the probe tip
‘WHISTLE & POINT’
CABLE TRACER
TRACER UNIT
and on-off switch, we also drilled
some small (2mm diameter) holes in
one side of each case half near the rear
end, to allow you to hear the sound
from the piezo speaker when the case
is screwed together. You can hopefully
see these holes in the photo.
When the board assembly was fitted
in the bottom half of the case, the front
panel with probe tip mounted on it
was slotted in too and the board input
wire carefully bent around to go into
the hole in the rear of the probe tip.
Then the two were soldered together
quickly, so as not to overheat either.
The rear panel with switch S2 fitted
was slotted in at the other end, and
the wires from the PC board and battery clip lead soldered to the contacts
of S2.
After this the wire from the shield
plates was carefully soldered to the
earthy copper at the front end of the PC
board. Then the battery was added and
squeezed in alongside the PC board (on
the copper side), with a small piece of
PULL AWAY PLASTIC SLEEVE
CUT OFF ALL EXCEPT 3mm OF TIP REAR
SECTION TO ACT AS 'HEAD' BEHIND PANEL
Here’s how we turned a multimeter probe into our tracer probe while at right is
a close-up photo showing how it mounts to the tracer case.
58 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
Capacitor Codes
Value Alt. Value IEC Code EIA Code
100nF 0.1uF
100n
104
15nF .015uF 15n
153
10nF .01uF
10n
103
1.5nF .0015uF 1n5
152
150pF
–
150p
150
10pF
–
10p
10
plastic material between the two to
prevent shorts.
Some small pieces of expanded
polystyrene were added as ‘packing
pieces’ at either end of the battery, to
prevent it moving forward or backward
and causing trouble.
Finally the top half of the case was
fitted, taking care to dress the battery
leads so they weren’t squashed between the case halves.
Using them
Checking cables using the two devices is quite straightforward. All you
need to do is connect injector output
clip A to one end of the wire you’re
trying to trace, and connect clip B to
either another wire, or a number of
other wires, or some earthy metalwork.
Then you turn both units on, and
start probing the far end of all of the
wires with the tracer unit. When you
contact the right wire with the probe
tip, you’ll hear the injector’s ‘warbling
whistle’ quite clearly.
Note that you don’t really need an
earth return wire for the tracer, because the tracer amplifier is very sensitive and there’s enough capacitance
between the shield plates and your
hand to provide a high impedance
return path.
Of course if you want to use the tracer to check signal paths in equipment
PC boards, then you will have to fit it
with an earth-return input lead.
This could consist of a 500mm
length of insulated hookup wire, with
one end soldered to the earthy copper
at the front of the tracer board, and the
wire brought out of the case through a
1.5mm hole drilled in the side.
The far end of the wire would be
fitted with a shrouded alligator clip
like those on the injector output leads.
You’ll only need to add this lead
to your tracer if you do want to use it
for general signal tracing work on PC
Wheredyageddit?
This project and the PC boards are
copyright Oatley Electronics.
Oatley have available a kit (K181) with
both PC boards and on-board compon-ents plus the 9V battery snap
leads and the piezo speaker for $24.00
plus $7.00 for packing and postage if
applicable. This does not include the
on-off slider switches, plastic cases,
batteries or probe tip as described in the
text. However Oatley can supply a larger
‘surplus’ plastic case with a PC board
containing a husky 50mm speaker and
an optional audio power amplifier — all
very suitable for ‘beefing up’ the signal
tracer unit — for an additional $2.00.
Oatley Electronics can be contacted by:
phone (02) 9584 3563; fax (02) 9584
3561; mail to PO Box 89, Oatley NSW
2223; email (sales<at>oatleyelectronics .com); or via their website (www.
oat-leyelectronics.com).
boards, though. For cable tracing, it’s
not needed.
SC
Book Review . . . by Leo Simpson
Firsts in High Fidelity. The Products and History of H. J. Leak
& Co, by Stephen Spicer. 1st edition published 2000 by Audio
Amateur Press, USA. Soft covers, 195 x 260mm, 272 pages.
ISBN 1-882580-31-1
Anyone who is over 45 probably is aware of the legendary English hifi company, H. J. Leak & Co Ltd, although unless you were
reasonably well-heeled in the years preceding 1970, it is unlikely
that you would have ever owned their products. I certainly knew of
their products in those years but they were priced way above my
means. So were the products of other notable English companies
such as Quad, A. R. Sugden and Wharfedale. It was more a matter
of admiring them from afar.
So it is with considerable interest that I received this sample
copy about the products of the Leak company. They made a range
of amplifiers, tuners and loudspeakers and all were notable in
some respect or other apart from high performance, for the day.
Of particular interest was the Leak sandwich loudspeaker, based
on a 13-inch woofer with a “sandwich” cone consisting of a core
of expanded polystyrene foam sandwiched between aluminium
skins. This very rigid cone was shown in adverts (in Radio TV &
Hobbies) supporting the full weight of the founder, Harold Leak.
One of the reasons why Leak amplifiers were so highly regarded
was the quality of construction. Not only was the under-chassis
layout beautifully symmetrical but the transformers were extremely
well made, with diecast covers. They were very good performers
too, with plenty of negative feedback (a supposed anathema to
today’s valve amplifier enthusiasts) and harmonic distortion of
less than 0.1%.
www.siliconchip.com.au
For me though, there was
a certain English eccentricity
about some Leak products and
none more so than the “troughline” FM tuner. I had always
assumed that this was another
English oddity but it turns out
that the “trough line” was quite
innovative in its day and used
a tubular transmission line in
place of the conventional coil
inductor used in the local
oscillator. This method of
construction gave very good
frequency stability. Nowadays, AFC (automatic
frequency control) largely achieves the same result.
Another interesting chapter in the book is devoted to the
Australian manufacture of Leak loudspeakers. This was started
by Syd McClory, a well-known personality on the local Sydney
hifi scene at the time.
All told, these book is a wonderful source of information on
Leak products, whether you just want to engage in nostalgia or
whether you are involved in restoring or building a Leak amplifier.
To that end, there are quite a few circuit diagrams for amplifiers
and tuners.
The book is priced at $59.95 plus $8 postage and packing. It
is available from Evatco, PO Box 487, Drysdale, Vic 3222. Phone
(03) 5257 2297. email evatco<at>mira.net
October 2002 59
SERVICEMAN'S LOG
Big TV sets can be a nightmare
Big sets which cost an arm and a leg when
new can present real problems when they
finally fail, ten years down the track. I got
caught this month with a Sony set which cost
over $5000. I should have known better...
Things have changed a lot since I
first took up servicing, even going back
to the monochrome days but, particularly, since the advent of colour. I often
used to hear, “My set is 25 years old, it
has never been repaired and it is still
going perfectly”
Well, frankly, I have yet to see a
perfect 25 year old TV set that has
never been fixed, but I am seeing a lot
more 10-year old TV sets that have
never had their backs off. To my mind,
that is a fantastic salute to the manufacturers.
On the other hand, I have had several 1989 Mitsubishi TV sets recently
with intermittent total or partial vertical collapse and the only fault has been
faulty joints. The picture tubes were
still in excellent condition.
There was a time when the only
choice in acquiring a TV set was the
size of the picture tube and design of
the cabinet. Nowadays the list of options is enormous and many features
are incorporated whether one uses
them or not.
My own kids have never known
monochrome TV and probably would
not even know how to operate any
old set without a remote control. It’s
hard to find a TV set today without AV
inputs, while turret tuners and even
pushbutton tuning systems have long
gone the way of the dodo.
So, what to do with a top-of-therange TV set that is ten years old and
cost over $5000 new? If some of the
deluxe features fail, one can probably
live without them but most times it is
a general failure. So, should the set be
abandoned, knowing that for a third of
the original price, it can be replaced it
with one having many more features?
60 Silicon Chip
It is most likely that the total waste
of the excellent technology which that
cost heaps of money, which more or
less impels the owner to get it fixed.
So it was with a 1992 Sony Kirara
Basso that was delivered (fortunately)
to the workshop.
The 34in/80cm set weighs 81kg and
even the 29in/68cm version weighs
56kg – apparently due in part to the
heavy iron support frames used in the
Trinitron tube set-up.
I have written before on this series,
using the G1 chassis. This particular
model was an overseas version – KV-
www.siliconchip.com.au
S29MN1 (SCC-F51B-A) – and the fault
description was “dead”.
When this set decides to spit the
dummy on the power supply board,
the result can be spectacular, not to
mention expensive. When the pyrotechnics finish, it is best to replace all
the following 16 parts: Q601, Q602,
IC601, D626, D603, D604, D605, D606,
VDR601, R606, R625, R626, C616,
C618, C617 and C619. (Q601 and Q602
should be replaced with 2SC4834NS.)
And if genuine Sony parts are used,
the trade price is over $300!
Why does it blow? Apparently because four (blue) capacitors become
leaky. In my case, these repairs were
straightforward but when the set was
switched on, all I had was a white line
across the screen and no sound. Also,
there was no AV in or out.
On the D board I replaced the vertical output IC503 with an STV9379
and electrolytic C570 with a 220µF
25V, the latter mounted on the PC
board track side, between IC503 pin
4 (-) and chassis (+). This made no
difference and I then replaced Q1801
and Q1802 on the VC board, plus
C1802.
Others should be warned that there
are two different versions of the VC
board in this series, which are not
interchangeable. I also changed all the
electros on this module but still wasn’t
getting anywhere.
Despite this set having very short
leads (the eight extension leads cost
an average $32 each), the main chassis
can be balanced, very precariously, on
its side, to get limited access to the
motherboard’s tracks.
With the multimeter I confirmed
that all the voltage supplies were correct; there are dozens to be checked.
Next, I concentrated on the jungle
IC, IC3501 CXA-1464AS, on the A
board. Despite having the correct
voltages going in, there was no vertical
output on pin 31. The oscillator was
working on pins 32, 33 and 34 but absolutely no output drive. Reluctantly
I ordered and replaced yet another
expensive 40-pin high density IC but
to my horror I found there was still no
vertical output.
By now I had exceeded the estimate
I had given the client and had to get
back to him and report on my progress.
Suffice to say he wasn’t impressed, nor
was he prepared to continue and said
I could keep the rotten set.
This wasn’t the best news I could
www.siliconchip.com.au
have had; I now owned an expensive
lemon, wasn’t sure how to proceed
and what to do to recover the costs
and effort already invested. I put it
aside until such time as there was a
lull and also give me time to collect
my thoughts.
Months later, I re-measured every
pin on the 48-pin jungle IC and
checked it off against the circuit.
Everything was correct except for one
pin. Pin 48, the SDA or Data Line, of
the I2C digital control, was low at
0.64V instead of 5.6V. At last I had
a clue that might possibly lead me
somewhere. But this 5V line goes all
over the set, to almost every IC.
It took an awful long time to
discover where this voltage disappeared, by the very lengthy process
of unsoldering each and every component on the rail until the 5V was restored.
This set has two I2C lines, one for the
tuners and front end and the other for
the rest of the set. It comes out of the
microprocessor M module on CN1108
pin 31 from the two EEPROMS and
pin 22 of IC005.
Logically, I started at the jungle IC,
IC3501, and unsoldered pin 48 but
it involved a very long time via very
diverse routes. I won’t go into how
much time was wasted following just
one red herring; the V-PROTECT line,
which was (for obvious reasons now)
giving incorrect voltages.
But I finally arrived at pin 14 of
IC3503, CXA1315P, which was loading the 5V line. Of course, once I had
found the culprit everything fell neatly
into place. Pin 5 of this IC connects via
CN1132 pin 10 (H-TRAPZ) to CN501 D
Board and from there to pin 7 CN502/
CN1801 pin 5 via R1816 27k, which
all has to do with east/west and north/
south correction.
Replacing IC3503 finally fixed all
the problems at one go. My challenge
now is to sell the set and recover my
costs – but I must say it does perform
very well and the twin tuner picture-in-picture is a treat.
Subsequently, I have had a few more
Items Covered This Month
•
•
•
•
APPLE m3502 21-inch monitor
PHILIPS 21PT128a/75R TV
PHILIPS KR6687T TV set
SONY KV-S29MN1 80cm TV
of this model with miscellaneous
faults. One had intermittent AV inputs
which was due to faulty joints on the
hinged connector between J and B
boards CN2301/CN308 and CN2302/
CN309.
Another set had total or intermittent
no-sync. I checked PS01, 0.6A fuse, on
the Teletext module V which supplies
5V to the text processor, IC02. Then
I re-soldered several faulty joints
on IC208 and IC209, 9V and 5V IC
regulators, on A1 Board. From here I
eventually found that the problem was
IC502, the SBX1692-01 Digital Comb
Filter on board B1. The main problem
for that was the cost – $241.93 trade,
plus freight.
Philips Anubis
My next story concerns the Philips
Anubis type chassis. This chassis
covers hundreds of models of TV sets
and has spawned a large number of
variations; eg, “Anubis A” to “Anubis
S” and then “Anubis S AA” to “Anubis
S DD”. These are the ones I know about
and I’m sure that other technicians
could nominate more.
In my case, the service manuals for
this one chassis occupy nearly one
filing cabinet drawer. It also makes it
very difficult to match the exact circuit with the set model, as the Philips
Product Survey only shows “Anubis
A”, “B”, and “S”, etc and not the letters
after that.
Against this background, here is
a story about one of these sets. It
was a 1997 Singapore-built Philips
21PT128A/75R with an “Anubis S DD”
chassis. My customer, a Mrs Blossom,
had brought this set in from a northern beaches suburb, so it was a little
rusty. And although the fault ticket
read “dead”, it was actually pulsating
very quietly.
I shorted out the base and emitter of
the horizontal output transistor (7445),
a BU1598CX, and then hung a 100W
globe across the collector to emitter.
Switching on lit the globe and the HT
settled at 95V. Well, at least the power
supply was good but it also suggested
that the horizontal output transformer
(5445) probably wasn’t.
Hoping that was all, I ordered a
new one. Unfortunately, because of
all the variants, it is important to order the correct part number, which in
this case was 4822 140 10557. And,
as luck would have it, it is directly
equivalent to the Spanish-made
October 2002 61
Serviceman’s Log – continued
DIEMEN HR7815 transformer.
(Note: the 4822 140 10486 is no
longer available for the 50cm Anubis
S BB and 35cm CC and the HR7815
has to be modified to fit. As well,
C2450 has to be changed to 680nF
250V.)
When the new transformer arrived
and had been fitted, I was disappointed
to find that the set still had the same
problem. I then found that the horizontal output transistor (7440, BF422)
was short circuit but replacing this still
made no difference.
Using an oscilloscope, I found that
in fact there was little or no output
from pin 37 of the jungle IC (IC7225).
A TDA8362 replacement for TDA8361
finally restored the EHT and produced
an intense white raster. A few measurements then showed that resistor
R3300 (10Ω), which feeds 160V to the
video output stage, was open circuit.
Finally, after a few adjustments I had
a good clear picture.
I don’t know how this sequence of
events happened but I certainly felt
unlucky to encounter so many faults
in this set. Still, the end result was
quite satisfactory.
Mr Ellis’s Philips
I have repaired many Philips 2B-S
chassis TV sets over the years but now
feel that they really are getting too
old. However, when it is quiet, I still
occasionally take on a repair for this
series, even though it is against my
better judgement.
Recently, I foolishly took one on
at a Mr Ellis’s house. He had a 1987
28CT8893/75T or KR6687T and he
was complaining about a “kink” in
the picture, about two thirds up the
screen. I figured that it had to be easy
and was probably C2571 (100µF 63V),
which does give trouble.
When I arrived, I removed the back
and turned the set upside down. This
way I get a manageable access to the
PC board. I pulled the chassis out far
enough to work on it and replaced
the capacitor. I also spent a long time
resoldering the entire chassis.
An hour later, my cockiness had
been completely knocked out of me.
I still had the same fault even after
changing the IC and all the nearby
electros. I measured the HT to be spot
on at 140V and I also measured all the
voltages around IC7570. The only significant one out was pin 8, which the
service manual has at 14V but which
I read as 19.6V.
It’s quite amazing, really, how one
can work on these sets for 15 years and
yet never notice some of the changes
that have been made to the model over
its life. In this case, the 26V or 27V
supply rail from pin 4 of the horizontal
output transformer had been changed.
Diode D664, resistors R3647 & R3646
and fuse F1646 had all been changed
from the circuit diagram – the diode
had another strapped in parallel,
R3647 had been deleted and R3646
reduced from 2.7Ω to 1.5Ω. The fuse
was now an 800mA button type.
I checked all these and they were
all OK. After a lot of mucking about, I
found that by shorting L5646, R3648
and R3646, the symptom would disappear completely and the supply
voltage would increase by 0.4V. Interestingly, this also made IC7570’s pin
8 voltage rise to 20V.
Well, I searched my soul but I
couldn’t see why such a small increase
could fix this symptom. And as there
were no signs of stress anywhere,
I decided that I would allow this
“bodgie fix” to remain. After all, the
set is now 15 years old and is already
well past its use-by date. But at least
Mr Ellis would get a little more life
out of it.
I returned the set to Mr Ellis, made
a nominal charge and warned him that
he was probably working on borrowed
time. I think he understood.
She’s apples
Some years ago, while reading the
classified ads, I spotted a 21-inch
Apple computer monitor for sale for
just $50.00. Although unsure of the
connections or resolutions that Apple computers worked on, I thought
it was worth the risk as a potential
standard PC monitor or at worst, a
video monitor.
Unfortunately, when I arrived to
inspect it, I discovered that I would
62 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
not be able to see it working – there
was no computer or even a lead to
connect it to the computer. The only
sign of life was the green power LED
on the front panel.
However, I did discover that the
deflection and EHT sections were
probably OK, by observing the collapsing raster when it was turned off
(any problem here would have made
it too expensive to repair).
In the end, I bought it for just $40.00
(I haggled). It was worth a gamble – the
cheapest 21-inch monitor at that time
cost over $2000.00.
On the way home, I called into a couple of local Apple agents to try to get
a video lead, as this monitor only had
a ‘Sun’ socket. The first agent I called
into specialised in secondhand as well
as new Apple and PC hardware. He
could only locate a secondhand cable
with a ‘Sun’ connector to individual
BNC connectors, which meant that
it would have to be modified (ie, by
fitting a VGA connector in place of the
BNC connectors). I wasn’t very keen
on paying the $40.00 that he wanted
for this secondhand lead but he challenged me to do better and refused to
negotiate, so I left empty-handed.
The second agents sold just new
Apple equipment but said they could
obtain an original secondhand lead
from a customer for only $200.00!
Hiding my shock and regret for not getting the first lead (I couldn’t possibly
go grovelling back to the first shop), I
calmly asked about obtaining a circuit
diagram for the monitor but was told
that this was not available.
By the way, I have since discovered
that WES Components (Phone 02 9797
SHELL
10
A3
3
4
5
A2
8
9
6
7
2
1
A1
Fig.1: signal input connector as seen
from the rear of the monitor
5
10
4
3
9
2
8
1
7
6
15 14 13 12 11
Fig.2: standard 15-pin VGA connector.
www.siliconchip.com.au
9866) now sell ‘Sun’ type leads and
adaptors for just $24.50 (now that I
don’t need one). However, they still
have to be modified as Apple didn’t
use the standard configuration.
Arriving home, I hit the Internet in
search of as much information I could
find about the Apple M3502 21-inch
monitor. It turns out that the ‘Sun’
connector is also known as a
13W3 video connector – see
Fig.1.
Apple’s 13W3 standard differed from the normal, swapping
the red and blue. However, as there
doesn’t appear to be any standard
for the sync connectors, Apple’s
configuration is as good as any.
The pins of interest are A1-blue, A2green, A3-red, 2-Vsync and 6 -Hsync.
I decided to hard-wire an old VGA
lead from a wrecked monitor to the
back of this socket. Fortunately, there
is enough room between the circuit
board that carries this socket and the
one behind it to drill a hole
large enough to take the VGA
cable’s original mount (I had to
nibble out a square hole).
The other end of the video
lead is the standard VGA connector on the lead and did not have to
be modified. Its pin attachments
are as shown below.
Signal Type : Analog
1 - Red
2 - Green
3 - Blue
4 - ID Bit
5 - Self Test
6 - Red Return
7 - Green Return
8 - Blue Return
9 - No Pin
10 - Ground
11 - ID Bit
12 - ID Bit
13 - Horiz Sync
14 - Vert Sync
15 - ID Bit
The pins of interest are 1-red,
2-green, 3-blue, 13-Hsync and
14-Vsync. The earth pins are left as is.
The next step was to set up the
computer. Hooking the monitor up to
the computer did produce a picture
but with no vertical or horizontal sync
and only half height. It was time to
hit the Internet again.
This time I discovered that the
Apple M3502 monitor has a fixed
resolution of 1152 x 870 pixels and a
horizontal frequency of 67.5kHz. This
is very close to the PC standard of 1152
x 864 pixels and 68.7kHz. The vertical
refresh rate is 75Hz and the dot pitch
is 0.26mm, which is pretty good even
by today’s standards.
Changing the computer’s display
resolution and scan rate to 1152 x 864
at 75Hz did lock the display in vertically (sort of) but it was still only half
height and out of sync horizontally. I
was able to determine, though, that
there were a multitude of problems
relating to the sync, blanking and
linearity.
Because I had no circuit diagram
and because the monitor was seven
years old, I decided to replace all the
electrolytic capacitors in the power
supply, EHT and deflection circuits
(about 50 capacitors in all). I didn’t replace the main power supply reservoir
electros as they all checked OK and
were expensive. About half of the 50
electros replaced were way off value
and this cured most of the faults except
for the main ones – still no horizontal
sync and a half-height picture.
Careful inspection of the picture
October 2002 63
Serviceman’s Log – continued
revealed that the vertical oscillator “see” the screen to change it back
was running at twice the rate it should because it’s out of sync). With this
have been. I removed the small signal package installed, the monitor instantdeflection board, checked everything ly locked in and I had full height – all
but could not find any faults. As a that remained was to reset the internal
precaution, I replaced all the electros presets for an optimum display (this
but this had no effect.
monitor had been well twiddled by
I desperately wanted a circuit dia- someone before I came along).
gram but couldn’t justify the money
One day, while pondering the meanwanted by the circuit diagram sellers ing of life and why the monitor driver
on the web. In the end, I carefully didn’t work, I happened to test an Osre-examined all the information I had borne MPV 1024 NI 14-inch monitor.
acquired and discovered that instead This worked fine at a resolution of 640
of using standard positive-going sync x 480 but on 800 x 600 or above, there
pulses, this monitor required nega- was no sync and a half-height picture.
tive-going sync pulses. Fortunately, I spent some time looking for a fault
Windows lets you specify the pulse before it dawned on me that I had seen
polarity and all graphics cards support this problem before.
either – all I needed was a suitable
A search on the Internet revealed
driver.
that this monitor works on positive
I downloaded and installed the sync pulses for 640 x 480 but uses a
driver development kit from Microsoft
combination of positive and negative
and started trying to create a driver for sync pulses for the other two resoluthe monitor without much success. I tions.
had since discovered that the monitor
In addition, I managed to find a
could also operate at 1024 x 768 at an driver for this monitor (created by a
85Hz refresh rate, so I incorporated user, not Osborne). I changed a couple
this setting into the driver as well but of scan rates slightly to comply with
it still refused to work.
the monitor’s specifications (the driver
In fact, the sync looked exactly the must have originally been created by
same on-screen as before and checking trial and error) and then installed it
the sync pulses coming from the graph- on my computer.
ics card with an oscilloscope revealed
As before, Windows just ignored
that they were always positive-going, the sync polarity settings (as per the
no matter what was specified in the Apple monitor). However, the “Power
driver.
Strip” software permits you to specI checked the spot in the Windows ify different polarity settings for the
registry where monitor resolutions are horizontal and vertical sync pulses
stored and discovered that they were for each resolution and so the Osborne
as they were supposed to be, according
worked perfectly.
to the driver (that is negative sync for
The Osborne monitor was about the
H and V). So why were the polarity same age as the Apple monitor and I
settings being ignored?
started wondering about this. All PC
In the end, I abandoned this ap- monitors since about 1995 work with
proach after discovering various soft- on positive-going sync pulses, so it
ware packages that let you change the appeared as though Microsoft had
sync pulse polarity
15
+6V
on the fly. The best
package I found was
5.2V
100nF
100F
220
a shareware program
ZENER
called “Power Strip”
H OR V
and it does a lot of
OUT
other stuff as well,
470
BC547,
including keyboard H OR V
ETC.
IN
shortcuts (necessary
1k
if some rogue program changes the
screen resolution and Fig. 3: two of these sync pulse inverters needed, one
SYNC PULSE INVERTER: Two needed, for horizontal
you can no longer each for horizontal and
andvertical
vertical pulses
(use same circuit)
pulses.
64 Silicon Chip
decided that all subsequent versions
of Windows (ie, from about Windows
98 on) would just ignore the sync pulse
polarity settings required by these
older, daggier monitors.
To test this theory, I installed Windows 95 on another computer (my
machine uses Windows 98), installed
the Osborne driver and found that
the Osborne monitor now worked
perfectly on all supported resolutions.
What’s more, so did the Apple monitor
with the driver I had created all those
months ago.
After using the Apple monitor with
“Power Strip” for some time, I subsequently upgraded my operating system
from Windows 98 to Windows 2000.
Unfortunately, my version of Power
Strip (ver. 2.78) would no longer work
(version 3.0 and above may work with
Windows 2000 but I haven’t tried
it).
In the end, I modified the Apple
monitor itself by installing a couple
of simple sync pulse inverter circuits
(see Fig.3). This simply involved cutting the horizontal and vertical lines
inside the monitor (pins 6 & 2 to the
sun connector) and hard-wiring the
inverter circuits in series. A 6V rail
to power the circuit was taken from a
plug connection on the main deflection board directly above.
These hardware modifications
enabled the Apple monitor to work
perfectly without any special software.
In Windows 98/Me, you first set the
resolution to 1152 x 864, then click
the Advanced button and change the
refresh rate to 75Hz. Windows 2000
and Windows XP are similar except
that a different refresh rate can be set
for each resolution.
Note that some lesser graphics
cards don’t permit you to change the
refresh rate. Some don’t even support
1152 x 864, while those that do don’t
necessarily support a 75Hz refresh
rate at that resolution. Those that did
work OK included S3 4MB AGP, TNT2
M64 (both PCI and AGP versions) and
GeForce 2 cards.
Anyway, the old Apple monitor
served me faithfully for about 18
months. I then sold it and bought a
nice flat 17-inch monitor that supports every resolution up to 1600 x
1200.
SC
www.siliconchip.com.au
Honda fuel cell vehicle
released
in USA
T
he Honda FCX has become the first fuel cell vehicle
in the world to receive government certification,
paving the way for the commercial use of fuel cell
vehicles.
Both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have certified the hydrogen-powered Honda FCX as meeting all applicable
standards.
The FCX has been certified by
CARB as a Zero Emission Vehicle
(ZEV) and by the EPA as a Tier-2 Bin
1, National Low Emission Vehicle
(NLEV), the lowest national emission rating. The FCX will also meet
US safety and occupant protection
standards.
Honda will start a lease program
for a limited number of FCXs in the
USA and Japan by the end of this
year. During the first two-to-threeyear period, Honda will lease about
30 fuel cell vehicles in California
and the Tokyo metropolitan area,
two locations with access to a hydrogen fuel supply infrastructure.
The company currently has no
plans, however, for mass-market
sales of fuel cell vehicles.
“Certification allows Honda to place fuel cell vehicles in
commercial operation,” said Tom Elliott, American Honda
executive vice president.
“We’ll have an opportunity to evaluate fuel cell vehicles
in real world applications and to study the development
of a refueling infrastructure to support fuel cell vehicles.
However, it is important to remember that significant cost,
technology and infrastructure issues remain prior to the
mass marketing of fuel cell vehicles.”
This latest version of Honda’s fuel cell vehicle achieves
15% more drive motor torque than previous models and
also provides improvements in mid-to-high range power
output and acceleration. It also has an increased driving
range of 355km, about 40km more than the previous model.
Honda started fuel cell research in 1989 and has been
road testing vehicles in the United States and Japan since
SC
1999.
www.siliconchip.com.au
Honda FCX specifications
Length..............................4165mm
Width...............................1760mm
Height..............................1645mm
Maximum Speed..............150km/h
Driving Range..................355km
Seating Capacity..............4 adults
Motor Power Output........60kW
Motor Torque...................272Nm
Motor Type.......................AC synchronous
Fuel Cell Stack..................PEFC (proton exchange membrane
–
Ballard)
Fuel Cell Power Output.....78kW
Power storage..................Honda Ultra Capacitor
Fuel..................................Compressed hydrogen
Storage............................157 litre high-pressure tank (5,000 psi)
October 2002 65
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
www.altronics.com.au/
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
www.altronics.com.au
SILICON
CHIP
If you are seeing a blank page here, it is
more than likely that it contained advertising
which is now out of date and the advertiser
has requested that the page be removed to
prevent misunderstandings.
Please feel free to visit the advertiser’s website:
www.altronics.com.au/
PRODUCT SHOWCASE
600W Digital power amplifier modules available in Australia
While we have yet to see many digital amplifier products, these digital
modules are available right now. To
look at the module with its modest
board dimensions of 85 x 53mm, you
would be justified in thinking that it
was rated at around 60W or thereabouts.
Wrong! This LC Audio Technology
ZP0200 module is rated at up to 200W
into 8Ω loads, up to 400W into 4Ω and
up to 600W into 2Ω.
When you consider the power ratings, the size and wire gauge of the
air-cored 80 microhenry output choke
no longer seems excessive. This choke
is inside the negative feedback loop to
ensure stability with any capacitive
load but it also leads to a variable high
frequency cut-off depending on the
load impedance.
Quoted frequency response figures
are DC – 91kHz for 8W, DC – 45.5kHz
for 4W loads and 20Hz to 22.5kHz for
2W loads.
Supply voltage requirements are
from ±30V up to ±60V, depending on
the desired power output. Efficiency
at 200W into 8Ω is quoted at better
than 90%. When multiple modules
are operated, the are run in synchronous mode, with all running on the
same pulse width modulation (PWM)
frequency. Signal to noise ratio is
quoted as 105dB A-weighted while
total harmonic distortion is .07% at
200W into 8Ω at 1kHz. These are pretty
impressive ratings.
The ZP0200 modules are priced
at $375 each. You can find out more
information at http://www.soundlabsgroup.com.au/LCAudio/LC_Audio_ ZAPpulse.htm
Australian electric glass furnace
A new design electric glass
melting furnace has been introduced by B & L Tetlow of
Blackburn, Vic, Australia.
The process is based on
initially preheating the raw
glass material to the point
where it becomes electrically
conductive.
Power then “shorts” through
the glass, raising temperatures
up to 1650°C.
Furnace operation is controlled from a remote main control
cubicle which contains full instrumentation — including three main
temperature controllers/programmers,
two over temperature controllers,
three SCR power controllers (one specially designed to control the booster
www.siliconchip.com.au
electrodes) plus other
ancillary equipment and components.
Contact:
B&L Tetlow
Ph: (03) 9877 4188 Fax: (03) 9894 1974
Website: www.tetlow.com.au
Contact:
Soundlabs Group
Ph: (02) 9660 1228 or (03) 9859 0338
Website: www.soundlabsgroup.com.au
Matrix Multimedia bonus PIC CDs
UK-based Matrix Multimedia
have announced that all Version
2 Development Boards will now
include free Lite/shareware versions of their best-selling range of
PIC mciro CD ROMs, including
C for PICmicros Lite, Assembly
for PICmicro microcontrollers
Lite and Flowcode for PICmicros
Lite
All three products are compressed onto a single CD ROM
which also includes the PPP
programming utility and other
PICmicro related resources.
Contact:
Matrix Multimedia Ltd
The Factory, Emscote St South,
Halifax, UK HX12AN
Ph: 0011 44 870 700 1831
Web: www.matrixmultimedia.co.uk
October 2002 69
IP65-rated cases from Altronics
To further complement their already comprehensive range of enclosures, Altronic Distributors now
stock a range of cost-effective ABS enclosures suitable for direct mounting to a wall or switchboard.
Consisting of five different sizes all models
include integral mounting ears for easy fixing to
walls, recessed front and rear panel to accept Lexan panels, plus moulded stand offs for accepting
PC boards.
All are moulded from UL94 ABS material.
Sizes available:
80L x 60W x 40Hmm
125L x 80W x 50Hmm
Contact:
125L x 100W x 60Hmm
Altronic Distributors
175L x 125W x 70Hmm
Ph: 1300 780 999
200L x 150W x 70Hmm
Website: www.altronics.com
Microgam’s new USB range
Microgram Computers have introduced several new USB dervices into
their range. Included is are external
cases with a USB 2.0 interface for IDE
drives, CDROMs etc. They are available for 2.5-inch (Cat No. 6710-7; rrp
$149.00); 3.5-inch (Cat No. 6711-7;
rrp $209.00); and 5.25(Cat No. 6689-7;
rrp $259.00) drives and are backwards
compatible with USB 1.1 ports.
There is also a USB Print Server,
which avoids the need for a computer
just to operate as a printer server. Or
you can avoid slowing down a work
station when a print job is running by
installing this printer server. It will
host two USB printers and one parallel
printer and connects by attaching a
UTP cable to the nearest hub. It supports pretty well all operating systems,
including Windows 95/98/98SE/ME/
NT 4.0/2000/XP, Mac OS 8.1 or higher,
UNIX/Linux, NetWare (Bindery/NDS).
Its Cat No. is 11362-7 and has a rrp of
$399.00.
Finally, there is a USB Magnetic
Card Readern (Cat No. 1008001-7;
rrp $299.00) which is programmable
to extract the segment of the data you
require. While the physical interface is
USB, it can be programmed to operate
as a keyboard wedge or alternatively
as a serial device.
More information, including product data sheets, are available from the
Microgram website.
Contact:
Microgram Computers
Unit 1, 14 Bon Mace Close,
Berkeley Vale NSW 2261
Ph: (02) 4389 8444 Fax: 1800 625 777
Website: www.mgram.com.au
AA-battery powered soldering iron from Electus
Electus Distribution has released
a handy battery powered soldering
iron that operates on just 3 x 1.5V
AA batteries.
The lightweight, Japanese made 6W soldering iron solves many
of your tricky soldering applications,
enabling you to solder almost anywhere.
It is a delight to use, heats to soldering temperature within ten seconds and
boasts an approximate 60 minute run
time. A slide switch engages the iron
and a momentary push button activates
the heat which is also indicated by a
high-brightness LED. Tip temperature is
around 500°C.
70 Silicon Chip
With a recommended retail price of
$74.95, the Cat No TS-1286 is serious tool
for the professional on the go.
Contact:
Electus Distribution
Locked Bag 45, Silverwater NSW 1811
Ph 1300 738 555 Fax 1300 738 500
Web: www.electusdistribution.com.au
New software integrates design models
and measurements
Mathematica Link for LabVIEW
bridges National Instruments LabVIEW graphical development environment and Wolfram Research
Mathem-atica technical computing
software to help engineers and scientists more easily acquire and analyze
measurements throughout all phases
of the design process.
Mathematica Link for LabVIEW
combines the data acquisition, analysis, and graphical user interface
capabilities of LabVIEW and the
modeling and analysis algorithms of
Mathem-atica to speed development
of custom applications in hundreds of
industries, from quantum mechanics
to automotive.
With this software, engineers can
control a LabVIEW application (Virtual Instrument or VI) from Mathem-atica or access Mathematica from within
a LabVIEW VI.
Mathematica Link for LabVIEW
features built-in, high-level functions
for creating a communication path
between LabVIEW and Mathematica to achieve seamless integration
throughout the design flow, from the
first mathematical model to validating
the final design.
Contact:
National Instruments Australia
PO Box 466, Ringwood Vic 3143
Ph (03) 9879 5166 Fax (03) 9879 6277
Website: www.ni.com/australia
Special price on a Fluke+ki
Fluke Corporation has announced
a limited time offer of its 179 Fluke
true-rms digital multimeter and
ToolPak magnetic hanging kit for a
special price.
The Fluke 179 is designed for
industrial professionals who require
accuracy and the ability to withstand
on-the-job rigorous use. Made by
Fluke in the U.S., the 179 is built
to the world’s toughest safety and
durability standards.
The Fluke ToolPak meter hanging
kit provides the accessories necessary to hang the Fluke 179 meter
almost anywhere, including a universal hanger, a magnet and a 23cm
www.siliconchip.com.au
it
Aussie controller for world markets
SPLat is an Australian
developed user- programmable embedded
controller that is being
successfully marketed
world-wide.
There are SPLats assisting disk drive manufacturing in Malaysia and
controlling turn-stiles at
a famous mansion in the
US. A US pharmaceutical research company
is planning to use SPLat
to control crystal growth
experiments on the Space
Shuttle.
The SL99 is a second-generation
SPLat controller designed for applications with modest I/O requirements.
It features 16 digital I/O points plus 2
analog I/O.
A simple add-on board can provide
up to 6 more analog or digital special
purpose I/O points such as temperature measurement or fluid level
switching. An expansion connector
allows digital I/O expansion up to
48 points. The SPLat programming
language is extremely easy to use for
simple timing and sequencing tasks
but has the sophistication to allow
complex control applications of several thousand instructions.
All I/O points include real-world
interface circuitry. The inputs are
designed to interface switch contacts
or NPN sensors, while the outputs are
low-side Darlington switches rated up
to 400mA. All I/O points have indica-
“hook-and-loop” hanger strap. The
universal hanger fits into a special
module on the back of the meter,
allowing users to hang the meter on
a nail, hook or other object. The hook
and loop strap is used with Fluke’s
universal hanger to wrap around
and connect to a pipe, beam or any
other convenient support structure.
The strong magnet attaches to an
electrical panel, metal door jamb or
any other ferrous-type metal.
Contact:
Fluke Australia
Ph: (02) 8850 3333 Fax (02)8850 3300
Website: www.fluke.com
www.siliconchip.com.au
TOROIDAL POWER
TRANSFORMERS
Manufactured in Australia
Comprehensive data available
Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd
tor LEDs. Plug-in connectors simplify
installation in OEM applications.
An RS232 port is used for programming and communications. SPLat’s
LiveData protocol gives access to I/O
and RAM during program execution,
and is available as an ActiveX control
to simplify development of supervisory and telemetry applications.
The SL99 will be officially released
9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077
Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231
at Austronics 2002 (Melbourne Convention Centre, October 15-17th).
Contact:
SPLat Controls
2/12 Peninsula Bvde, Seaford Vic 3198
Ph: (03) 9773 5082
Website: www.splatco.com.au
Fast new digital camera from Ricoh
Elsewhere in this issue we look
at the very up-market Canon EOS
D-60 digital camera. Here’s another
to choose from - but this one is not
only priced way under stratospheric
levels, it’s also claimed to be the fastest
shooting camera in its class.
While the resolution of the new
$799 Ricoh Caplio RR30 is a fairly
typical 3.34 megapixels, it’s the shooting response time which sets it apart.
At just 0.22 seconds it allows reliable
capture of action shots so that what
you see is what you get. Many digitals
can take a second or so from the time
you push the button to the time the
shutter actually fires.
In addition the Caplio RR30 offers
three different continuous shooting
modes that capture up to 16 shots in
2 seconds – perfect for analysing that
golf or tennis swing!
The Caplio RR30 features a ‘One
Touch Review’ mode that allows
the user to instantly review the last
shot taken on the bright LCD screen
without having to change to playback
mode. This facility means that shots
can be reviewed and deleted if not
wanted immediately. Ultimately this
makes the whole digital process much
more efficient as unwanted shots can
use up valuable memory space if not
deleted.
Ricoh has addressed the problem
battery life of digital cameras with the
Caplio RR30 featuring the longest genuine rechargeable battery life currently
on the market. Using the li-ion battery
included with purchase, it can take
up to 350 shots between charges with
normal usage and up to 3,500 shots
can be taken when operating with
minimum power consumption. For
improved versatility, the Caplio RR30
is also compatible with universally
available conventional or rechargeable
SC
AA batteries
Contact:
Ricoh Australia
Ph: 1300 363 741
Website: www.ricoh.com.au
October 2002 71
Upload your microcontroller code in seconds with this
new, PC-serial-port-connected programmer design.
AVR ISP Serial
Programmer
This project will allow you to erase and rewrite the program
and data memory in your AVR micro in a flash – without
even removing it from the application circuit.
Design by STEPHEN DAVIES
Words by PETER SMITH
72 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
B
ack in the October 2001 issue
of Silicon Chip, we described
an AVR ISP programmer with
similar capabilities to those detailed
here. The original design connects
to your PC’s parallel port, with just
one low-cost IC providing buffering
between the SPI interface and parallel
port lines. The emphasis of the design
was on ease of construction and low
cost.
This new design is slightly more
complex but it provides a number of
useful additional features.
For a start, most PCs have a free
serial port, whereas the parallel port
may already be used for a printer or
scanner. Serial port interfaced devices
are generally much more robust, too;
there are no issues with inserting and
removing the connector with power
applied, and cable length is relatively
unimportant.
Best of all, support for the AVR ISP
Serial Programmer is already built
right into AVR Studio. This means
that you can assemble, debug and then
program your AVR micro, all within
the same application. By contrast, the
October 2001 design needs a separate
application to perform the programming part of the cycle.
AVR Studio, by the way, is a complete set of PC-based development
tools for use with Atmel’s AVR microcontroller family. It includes a project
manager, source editor, assembler and
simulator – and it’s free!
Serial versus parallel
programming
A potentially confusing aspect of
AVR programming involves the terms
“serial” and “parallel”. Most AVR
devices can be programmed using
a low-voltage “serial” method or a
high-voltage “parallel” method.
With serial programming, the RESET pin is held low while data is
exchanged over a 3-wire Serial Programming Interface (SPI). No special
programming voltages are required;
the microcontroller’s supply pin
remains within its normal operating
range (usually 2.7-6.0V).
Conversely, with parallel programming, the microcontroller must be
supplied with 5V whilst the RESET
pin is driven to 12V. In addition, eight
bits of data are transferred simultane-
ously rather than the bit-by-bit transfer
of the serial mode. In all, fourteen
distinct signals are required in parallel
programming mode, making it considerably more difficult to implement.
In-system programming
The advantage of the low-voltage
serial programming method is that it
allows in-system programming (ISP).
In-system programming means just
that. There’s no need to even remove
the AVR micro from its socket in order
to reload program and/or data memory. In many cases, all you need to
do to make use of this feature in your
designs is provide a connection point
(the ISP header) for the programmer.
The block diagram in Fig.1 shows how
it all hangs together.
Fig.2 shows how the ISP header
would be hooked up in a typical design. The AVR micro shown in this
example uses the same pins for both
the SPI signals (MOSI, MISO and SCK)
and the upper port B I/O signals - PB5,
PB6 & PB7. During normal operation,
these three pins behave like all the
other port I/O lines. However, when
RESET is held low, the alternate SPI
Fig.1: the programmer
connects between
your PC and the
target board. Power is
provided by the target
board, thus eliminating the need for a
separate supply.
www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 73
Fig.2: most AVR
micros can be
programmed via
a 3-wire Serial
Programming Interface
(SPI). It’s just a matter of wiring the SPI signals to a header for connection
to our programmer. In some cases, you may also need to add three 1kΩ
resistors, as shown here.
function is selected and programming
operations can commence.
Notice the three 1kΩ resistors in
Fig.2. They provide a measure of isolation between the user circuits and the
SPI signals. This works well if the I/O
pins are used for inputs only or when
used for outputs, if they only need to
sink or source a few mA of current. A
universal solution is shown in Fig.3,
where the user circuits are isolated with
an analog multiplexer when in programming mode (RESET signal low).
Of course, the simplest solution of
all would be to incorporate jumpers
or DIP switches in the design, so that
the user circuits can be completely
disconnected from the port pins when
the programmer is connected.
in-system programming.
Fuse bits
How it works
At this point, you’re probably
wondering why we need the parallel
programming method at all. Serial
programming does the job, with fewer
signals and at a lower voltage, doesn’t
it? Well, yes - almost. The fuse bits on
most devices can only be programmed
with the parallel method.
Fuse bits are used to control several
important microcontroller features.
They can be thought of as non-volatile
switches. When on, the respective
feature is enabled and when off, it is
disabled.
Fuse-selectable features vary according to device, so check your micro’s data sheets for details. In most
cases, the factory-programmed fuse
settings are fine for general use, so
this serial programmer is probably all
you’ll ever need!
By the way, all AVR devices, with
the exception of the AT90S8534,
ATTiny11 and ATTiny28, support
As you can see from the circuit diagram in Fig.4, there really isn’t much to
the hardware side of the AVR ISP Serial
Programmer. Most of the hard work is
done by IC2, an AVR microcontroller.
The design incorporates two serial interfaces. One connects to your
PC’s serial port and the other to the
SPI port on the microcontroller to
be programmed. Conceptually, the
microcon-troller (IC2) can be thought
of as an intelligent “bridge” between
these two interfaces. As you’ve prob-
74 Silicon Chip
ably guessed, this “bridge” is needed
because PC serial ports and SPI ports
are entirely incompatible.
Data is sent and received over the PC
serial port lines at RS232 voltage levels
(up to +/-12V). Translation to standard
TTL levels (0 – 5V) is performed by IC1,
a MAX232. This device incorporates
a charge pump voltage doubler and
inverter for generation of the required
positive and negative voltages, hence
the need for the 1uF capacitors.
Unlike the PC interface side, the
Serial Programming Interface operates at TTL voltage levels (0 – 5V).
The SPI consists of three signal lines,
namely: MOSI (Master Out Slave In),
Fig.3: an analog multiplexer can be used to completely isolate the user
circuits during programming
Table.1: Supported devices
ATTiny12
ATTiny15
AT90S1200
AT90S2313
AT90S2323
AT90S2343
AT90S4414
AT90S4433
AT90S8515
AT90S8535
Atmega83
Atmega103
Atmega161
Atmega163
MISO (Master In Slave Out) and SCK
(Serial Clock).
The microcontroller (IC2) is considered the serial bus “master”. It controls
the SCK line, sending serial data on
MOSI and receiving data on MISO. It
also controls the target micro’s RESET
line, driving it low to activate SPI
(programming) mode.
Connection to the target board is
made via a 6-pin single-row header
(CON3) or a 10-pin dual-row header
(CON2). Pinouts for both headers are
shown in Fig.5. The 10-pin header
is optional. We’ve included it in the
design because it tends to be the most
common type in use on AVR development boards.
Low-voltage operation
Power for the programmer is derived
from the target board. As shown, the
programmer is designed to operate
from 4.5-5.5V. However, some microcon-troller variants can operate
over a much wider voltage range.
For example, the AT90S1200-4 and
www.siliconchip.com.au
+V
C1
1F
C2
1F
R1
10k
2
6
16
Vcc
C1+
Vq
C1q
C3
1F
C2+
CON1
8,10
14
3
Tx
7
5
Rx
13
1
RS232
TO PC
SERIAL
PORT
2
7
8
T1out
IC1 C2q
MAX232
T1in
T2out
T2in
R1in
R1out
R2in
20
1
V+
R2out
1
C4 1F
RES
3
4
C5 1F
5
11
PB7
11
9
10
6
12
3
9
2
PD6
PD3
PB3
PD2
PB2
PD1/TxD
SC
PB1
PD0/RxD
PB0
GND
X2
4
6
2002
PB6
PD5
GND
15
JP1 IN: BOOTSTRAP
PROGRAMMING
OUT: NORMAL
D1
1N5817
4 x 100
SCK
7
MISO
9
17
MOSI
1
RESET
5
C6
22pF
15
14
13
4,6
8,10
JP1
CON3
ISP
12
10
4MHz
2
RES
5
4
5
1
TO
TARGET
BOARD
3
C7
22pF
AVR ISP SERIAL PROGRAMMER
TO
TARGET
BOARD
3
X1
X1
CON2
ISP
(OPTIONAL)
VCC 2
A
18
19
IC2
PB5
AT90S1200
8
16
OR
PD4
PB4
AT90S2313
7
K
C9
10F
16VW
Vcc
RES
4
9
C8
100nF
6
1N5817
A
K
Fig.4: the complete circuit diagram for the programmer. IC2 drives the target micro’s SPI lines in response to
commands and data received from the PC serial port.
AT90S2313-4 are specified for 2.7 –
6.0V. Higher speed devices such as the
AT90S1200-12 and AT90S2313-10 are
specified for 4.0 – 6.0V only.
If you’re likely to be using the programmer with designs powered from
less than 4.5V, then several points
need to be considered. Firstly, you’ll
note that we haven’t specified a speed
rating for IC2 in the parts list. Any
speed device (-4, -10 or -12) will work
OK in the programmer if the target
board supplies between 4.5 and 5.5V.
However, for low-voltage operation,
you should choose the –4 (4MHz) part.
In addition, you will need to replace
IC1 with a MAX3232 (or equivalent)
device, suitable for operation down
to 2.9V. By the way, we’ve nominated
2.9V instead of 2.7V, as this is the minimum programming voltage shown in
Fig.5: pinouts for the two ISP header
variants. Use the same pin assignments for your designs.
www.siliconchip.com.au
the most recent Atmel errata sheets.
Finally, you’ll need to replace D1
with a wire link. Although we’ve
specified a Schottky diode here, even
its 0.2V drop will be too high at these
low voltage levels. D1 provides reverse
polarity protection but is unnecessary
if you use the specified header sockets
and plugs. These are polarised (keyed)
and therefore impossible to accidentally reverse.
Having said all that, we believe that
the programmer will probably func-
tion right down to 2.9V even without
the lower-voltage components. No
guarantees though!
Microcontroller choices
This project is based on Atmel’s
application note AVR910. Atmel’s
original design calls for an AT90S1200
device for IC2. We’ve retained support for this device, and included
the option of using an AT90S2313 as
well. The latter device is a little more
expensive, but we believe that some
The PC board is a snug fit inside the case - so snug, in fact, we didn’t worry
about any mounting screws. Your PC board might need some minor surgery on
the corners (with a file) to ensure it fits past the case corner pillars.
October 2002 75
Fig.6: the overlay
diagram with
full-size PC board
pattern shown
“ghosted” underneath. The two
pads above CON2
are for temporary
connection to an
external 5V DC
supply (needed
only during
bootstrap
programming).
a kit, then there is no need to install
JP1. This 2-pin header and its associated jumper shunt are only required for
bootstrap programming, which we’ll
look at shortly.
Cable assembly
A minimum of two cables is required for a working setup, so we’ll
describe them first. For connection
to your PC’s serial port, you’ll need a
length of 9-way IDC cable with a 9-pin
male ‘D’ connector on one end and a
10-way header plug on the other. Cable
length is not critical and can be up to
1.5m or more. Fig.7 shows the details.
For connection to your target
boards, a much shorter length of 6-core
data cable or 6-way rainbow cable is
required. We recommend a maximum
length of about 250mm. Each end
should be fitted with a 6-way header
plug, wired pin to pin (see Fig.8).
If you own one of the many development boards that use 10-way headers
for the ISP connection, then you’ll
want to make the optional 10-way
cable. All that’s required is a 250mm
length of 10-way IDC cable with an
IDC header plug on either end.
Bootstrap programming
This photograph of the completed PC board is actually larger-than-life so you
can clearly identify the components and their placement.
enthusiasts will already have a spare
one or two of these in their parts bin!
The AT90S2313 is pin-compatible
with the AT90S1200 but includes
extra goodies such as SRAM, a UART
and more program (Flash) memory.
The designer has modified Atmel’s
original program so that it will run
on the AT90S2313 but a little more
on that shortly.
Construction
Referring to the overlay diagram in
Fig.6, begin by installing the three wire
links. Next, install all of the resistors
followed by diode D1. Be sure to align
the cathode end of D1 (indicated by a
white band) as shown.
The remaining components can be
installed in any order you wish but
leave the crystal (X1) and the connectors (CON1 – CON3) until last. CON1
and CON3 (optional) should be aligned
with pin 1, or the polarised side, facing towards the middle of the board.
When soldering, make sure that the
connectors are seated firmly against
the PC board surface.
76 Silicon Chip
The crystal (X1) is mounted in the
vertical position. Once in place, use a
length of tinned copper wire to attach
the body to the ground pad underneath, shown marked with an asterisk
(*) in Fig. 6.
Note that if you have a pre-programmed microcontroller (IC2), as
would be the case if you’ve purchased
Fig.7: the RS232
cable is made up
using two crimpstyle IDC connectors.
Note that the header
plug has one more
pin than the ‘D’
connector does.
This is easily
handled by
crimping the
header plug
first, then
stripping
back the 10th
conductor and
snipping it off where
it enters the header.
As with any other micro project, the
program (Flash) memory in IC2 needs
to be programmed before it will perform as designed. If you’ve purchased
this project as a kit, then the micro
will already be programmed. You
should skip this section and go directly to “Housing”. However, if you’ve
sourced all the bits individually, then
Fig.8: connection from programmer
to target board is via one of these ISP
cables.
www.siliconchip.com.au
you’ll need to program IC2 yourself.
The program files for IC2 are available from the Silicon Chip web site at
www.siliconchip.com.au If you have
an AT90S1200, then download the
AVR910a.ZIP file. Alternatively, for
an AT90S2313, download AVR910b.
ZIP. Inside these .ZIP files you’ll find
both the assembled (.HEX) file ready
for upload to the micro as well as the
source (.ASM) file.
If you have access to another (working) ISP programmer, simply connect
it to one of the ISP headers (CON2 or
CON3), hook up an external 5V DC
supply and you’re ready to upload
the code. We’ve provided a convenient connection point for the external
supply in the form of two spare pads,
situated just above CON2. Refer to the
overlay diagram (Fig.6) for details. Oh,
and you’ll need to install a shorting
link on JP2 during programming, too.
Don’t have access to a working programmer? No problems – we’ve devised
a method of “bootstrap programming”
IC2 to cater for this very dilemma!
You’ll need a free parallel port on your
PC, a “bootstrap programming” cable,
an external 5V DC <at> 50mA power
source and Windows programming
software. Let’s make the cable first.
Using a 450mm length of data cable
or rainbow cable, solder a 25-pin male
‘D’ connector to one end and a 6-way
header socket to the other. Fig.9 shows
the pin connections. For connection
to an external power source, solder
two lengths of hook-up wire to the
spare pads situated just above CON2
(see Fig.6).
Next, download and install the
Windows programming software. The
Parts List – AVR ISP Serial Programmer
1 PC board coded 07110021, 78.5mm x 49.5mm
1 82 x 54 x 31mm (L x W x H) plastic instrument case (Jaycar cat HB6015, Altronics H 0205)
1 4MHz crystal (HC49 package, parallel resonant) (X1)
Semiconductors
1 MAX232 RS232 line driver/receiver (IC1)
1 AT90S1200 microcontroller (IC2) programmed with AVR410a.HEX –or1 AT90S2313 microcontroller (IC2) programmed with AVR410b.HEX (see
text)
1 1N5817 or 1N5819 Schottky diode (D1)
Capacitors
1 10µF 16V PC electrolytic
5 1µF 50V monolithic (multilayer) ceramic
1 100nF 50V monolithic (multilayer) ceramic
2 22pF 50V ceramic disc
Resistors (0.25W, 1% metal film)
1 10kΩ
4 100Ω
Connectors & cable
1 10-pin dual-row shrouded (boxed) PC mount header (CON1)
1 10-pin IDC cable mount socket
1 9-pin IDC female ‘D’ connector
1 6-pin 2.54mm pitch single-row PC mount header (CON3)
2 6-way header sockets to suit CON3
1.5m 10-way IDC cable (for serial cable)
250mm 6-core data cable or 6-way rainbow cable (for ISP cable)
50mm (approx.) 0.71mm tinned copper wire (for links)
Additional parts for 10-way ISP cable (optional, see text)
1 10-pin dual-row shrouded (boxed) PC mount header (CON2)
2 10-pin IDC cable mount sockets
250mm 10-way IDC cable
Additional parts for bootstrap programming (not required if IC2 is
supplied pre-programmed)
1 6-way header socket to suit CON3
1 25-pin male ‘D’ connector
1 2-pin 2.54mm pitch single-row PC mount header (JP1)
1 jumper shunt (for JP1)
450mm 6-core data cable or rainbow cable
Fig.9: you only need to make this cable
if your micro’s (IC2) Flash memory is
“blank”. Bootstrap programming is a
once-only job, so your work doesn’t
have to look too pretty
www.siliconchip.com.au
software we’ve selected is called “PonyProg”, and it’s
available free from www.lancos.com PonyProg runs on
Windows 95, 98, ME, NT4 and 2000 and requires only
minimal hardware.
After installation, power down your PC and connect
the bootstrap programming cable. One end connects to
CON3 on the programmer and the other to your PC’s
parallel port. Install a shorting link on JP1 and hook up
the external 5V DC power source (watch the polarity).
Hold your breath and switch on.
Now power up your PC and launch PonyProg. You’ll
see messages to the effect that “setup” and “calibration”
need to be run before proceeding, so let’s do that first.
The following functions are all accessible from the
menu bar at the top of the main window. First, select
Setup -> Interface Setup. In the window that appears,
choose the “Parallel” option. In the drop-down list,
October 2002 77
Fig.10 (left): PonyProg
can be configured in
just a few seconds.
Our “bootstrap”
programmer is
compatible with
Atmel’s STK200/300
parallel port
programmer, identified
here as an “AVR ISP”.
Don’t check (tick) any
of the “Invert” boxes!
Fig.11 (right): this
is what you should
see after successfully
loading the program
(.HEX) file.
choose “AVR ISP API” if you’re
running Windows 95, 98 or ME,
or “AVR ISP I/O” if you’re running
Windows NT4 or 2000 (see Fig.10).
Click on the OK button to close the
window.
Next, select Setup -> Calibration.
Follow the displayed instructions to
run the calibration. To complete the
basic settings, select Device -> AVR
Micro and choose your micro from the
long list of supported devices.
Before “burning” the micro, you
need to load the program code. Select
File -> Open Program (FLASH) File.
From the “Files of type:” drop-down
list, change “*.e2p” to “*.hex”. Next,
navigate to wherever you unzipped
AVR910a.ZIP (or AVR910b.ZIP, see
above) and double-click on the appropriate .HEX file. The .HEX file
is loaded and displayed in the edit
window (see Fig.11).
OK, it’s programming time.
Select Command - > Write Program
(FLASH) and the Status window
appears. If all goes well, you’ll get a
“Write successful!” message. If you
get an error message instead, use the
Command -> Erase function and try
again.
Once you’ve managed to successfully program the micro, close PonyProg,
power down your PC and disconnect
the programming cable. Switch
off the 5V power source and
remove the associated hook-up
wire, as well as the shorting
link on JP1. All done!
done with sidecutters or a sharp knife
(mind the pinkies!).
The PC board should now slide all
(or most) of the way into the case. As
the board nears the bottom, it should
“wedge” in place, held firmly by the
sides of the case. For a more permanent
installation, you can attach the board
to the bottom of the case using 6mm
stand-offs, 10mm M2.5 screws and
M2.5 nuts.
For ribbon cable exits, file small flat
slots in the lip of the case so that the
cables just fit when the lid is closed.
If you’ve used data cable for the
6-way ISP cable, file an appropriately
sized slot in the lip on one end, or alternatively, drill a hole and fit a grommet.
Using the programmer
The AVR ISP Programmer integrates
with Atmel’s AVR Studio as well as a
number of other commercial development packages.
AVR Studio can be downloaded free
of charge at ftp://www.atmel.com/pub/
atmel/astudio3.exe
No special configuration is required
to get your programmer working with
AVR Studio. Simply connect the
RS232 cable to a free COM port (COM1
Housing
A little surgery is required
in order to fit the completed
assembly in the specified case.
Cut away the integral card
guides of the case so that you’re
left with reasonably smooth
internal surfaces. This can be
78 Silicon Chip
Fig.13: same-size PC board artwork.
Fig.12: AVRprog is invoked
within AVR Studio by holding
down ‘Alt’ and hitting ‘9’.
to COM4 is supported), connect the
ISP cable to the target board and apply
power. To activate the programmer
from within AVR Studio, hold down
the ‘Alt’ key and press ‘9’. The “AVRprog” window should appear, (see
Fig.12).
A stand-alone version of the programming software is also available.
Download it at ftp://www.atmel.com/
pub/atmel/aprogwin.exe
Die-hard DOS fans can download a DOS version from
ftp://www.atmel.com/pub/atmel/aprogdos.exe
Want to know more?
Atmel’s application note
titled “AVR910: In-System Programming” should be consulted
first. You’ll find it on Atmel’s
web site at www.atmel.com
For details on programming
specific microcontroller types,
refer to the data sheets, available
from the Atmel site.
SC
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October
ctober 2002 79
O
VINTAGE RADIO
By RODNEY CHAMPNESS, VK3UG
The Radio Corporation WS122
In May 2002, the AWA FS6 army transceiver
was described. This month we cover another
military transceiver, the WS122. This was a
much more portable set, requiring only three
men to carry it!
The WS122 as a type or model
number will mean nothing to many
readers, while others will become
dewy-eyed dreaming of their beloved
WS122 that they used many years ago.
Commonly the “WS” was dropped off
the type number; it simply stood for
“Wireless Set”.
The 122 is one of several different
portable high frequency (HF) radio
transceivers used during World War II
by the Australian Army. As mentioned
above, in May 2002 I described the
AWA FS6, a popular HF transceiver
from the same period. After reading
this article you will see that these two
transceivers are as different as chalk
and cheese.
The WS122 (Aust) was the final
unit in a series of sets which had
their start in the British-designed 22
set. Radio Corporation (Eclipse Radio
Pty Ltd) was charged with the job of
building an Australianised version of
the English 22.
Their first attempt was something
like the British 22 and probably not
much different in performance or
facilities.
They then built the “Yellow Band”
Not exactly a thing of beauty, this
WS122 war-time military transceiver was still being widely used
in Victorian rural fire services until
the 1980s. Its transmitter output
valve is an 807.
80 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
This photo shows the WS122 ready for service with power supply and
ancillaries hooked-up. The protective grille at the front made it difficult to operate and most users discarded these.
22 (Aust). It had an Australianised
circuit using American and Australian designed valves and while still
a grid-modulated transmitter, it used
only one 807 valve in the transmitter
output section. I doubt that this was
a particularly common set. I’ve never
seen one anyway.
However, Radio Corporation felt
that they could do better. Their design
engineers really got the bit between
their teeth and came up with the 22
(Aust) set. This was soon partnered by
the 122 (Aust) set which was identical
except that it had provision for crystal
control as well as variable frequency
control (VFO) of the transmitter operating frequency.
The 122 remained in service until
the mid 1950s when it was progressively replaced by the No 62 set.
Hobbies”. It worked well but it could
not be licensed for fire brigade radio
communications. However, it was
acceptable for amateur radio use.
I moved to rural Victoria in 1961
and joined the local Country Fire Authority (CFA) radio communications
network.
A couple of radio friends leant rather heavily on me to get a 122 – “the
best transceiver since sliced bread,
just what you need”. I was far from
convinced, as looking inside their
sets and looking at the circuit diagram
was enough to give me the horrors.
How would I find my way around the
insides of the set and understand the
circuit?
I was, to say the least, scared of such
complex (to me) military equipment.
No doubt new collectors feel much
the same as I did at that stage. Fortunately, I gradually overcame that
fear.
Anyway, they succeeded in convincing me to part with some hardearned cash and I bought a 122. I set
the transceiver up in my vehicle as
one of the local licensed mobile stations for the CFA on a frequency of
2692kHz.
I took it out to show my friends
and they immediately commenced
the “modification” process to get it to
look like all the other 122 transceivers
used in the various CFA networks. So
if the set which is the subject of this
article doesn’t look quite original,
you’ll understand why.
These sets proved very popular in
the HF fire brigade networks. They
were not expensive to buy, they
worked well after a routine service and
they could be licensed without any
modifications to the electronics. The
owners and operators became rather
fond of these big, bulky, complex and
complicated-to-operate sets.
They were also popular with amateur radio operators who used them
as mobile and portable transceivers
during the late 50s and into the 60s.
Early interest
In my mid teens, I became interested
in radio communications and was itching to be able to use radio transmitters
and receivers.
My chance came in 1957 when
I became involved with the local
Emergency Fire Service (EFS) in
country South Australia. I was given
a much-modified Type A MkIII transceiver (described in the October 1998
issue) to use at fires for communications back to base in a nearby town.
I ultimately built my own transceiver, based on designs in “Radio &
www.siliconchip.com.au
The power supply used two vibrators.
The third one is clipped in as a spare.
October 2002 81
Rear view of the transceiver chassis, out of its case. Note roller inductor tuning coil at the right of photograph. Crystals
are mounted near the back at the lefthand end of the chassis.
They were finally retired from service
in the 1980s. What a phenomenal run,
from the early 40s to the 80s!
Originally, the 122 came into use
around 1942 as an army portable HF
transceiver operating between 2MHz
and 8MHz. It operates from a 12V
battery and can be used as a ground
station, vehicle station or a man-pack
station.
As a man-pack station, it was carried by three men, one carrying the
transceiver, one the ancillary parts
like the power supply, headphones,
aerial wire, etc and one the 12V 20
amp-hour battery.
The transceiver cabinet top side is
designed like an “A” frame back-pack
(as can be seen in one photograph)
to make carrying the set easier (or
perhaps less difficult!). The load was
distributed so that no man carried
more than 35 pounds (16kg). The set
itself weighs 15kg.
The set could also be fitted with
immersion covers to stop water getting
82 Silicon Chip
into the set when amphibious landings
were required. However, this was really a “belts and braces” approach as
the set was already well sealed against
ingress of moisture.
All the rotating controls have rubber seals around the shafts, the toggle
switches have rubber boots (these have
all perished on my set and have been
removed) and the edges of the cabinet
and transceiver front have rubber seals
too. The phone type jacks each have
a spring-loaded cover with a rubber
gasket. This is held against the jack
opening to prevent water getting into
the set via this route.
If this wasn’t enough, the cabinet
has a Silica Gel capsule screwed into
the back of the cabinet. This can be
screwed out for replacement from
time to time. So the set was extremely well protected against ingress of
water.
50 years on, the seals are largely
ineffective due to the rubber perishing. And while rubber was used in
some areas, the actual wiring is in
plastic coated hook-up wire - quite
an innovation for the time. This is
probably the best protected set I’ve
come across of its era. Many of the
components were/are coated in
“tropicalising gunk”.
The set has an aluminium chassis
and the protection bars and other bits
and pieces are Duralumin.
As can be seen from the photographs, the transceiver is very complex, with lots of components in and
on the chassis. The valves are held in
position by clamps to ensure that they
do not come out of their sockets due
to rough handling.
The power supply is equipped with
a spare vibrator and three fuses. The
set itself has a relay-adjusting tool in
a holder on the back of the chassis; all
very handy.
There are two sets (red and blue)
of mechanical preset tuning adjustments that can be adjusted to allow
rapid selection of two frequencies.
www.siliconchip.com.au
Under chassis view showing the shielded RF section compartment and the
crowded wiring.
The adjustments are similar in concept
to the pushbutton tuning on older
car radios. These are locked with the
screwdriver located on the top right
of the front panel.
With the front protection grille in
place, the set is not easy to operate but
quite OK once it is removed. Most of
us just threw these grilles away.
Certainly it is far from an easy set
to service. Some parts are extremely
difficult to gain access to. However,
considering the amount of parts there
are, the set is quite reasonable to work
on, provided you’re not in too much
of a hurry to get the job done.
Receiver valve line-up
The receiver uses a total of seven
2V battery valves, with a 1D5GP radio
frequency (RF) amplifier, followed by
a 1C7G as a mixer. The intermediate
frequency (IF) stages use a further
two 1D5GP valves while a 1H6G
functions as detector and delayed
automatic gain control (AGC). Note
that the triode section of the 1H6G
isn’t used in the receiver – only in the
transmitter.
The audio stage is an 1F5G audio
output type valve and in the receiver
it only feeds two pairs of headphones.
(The 1F5G has sufficient gain and output to feed a speaker in a modified set.)
In Morse code (CW) mode, the beat
frequency oscillator (BFO) is another
1H6G valve.
The receiver is designed to receive
www.siliconchip.com.au
AM, MCW and CW transmissions
which it does quite competently. With
careful tuning and attention to the
radio frequency gain, the receiver can
also adequately tune single sideband
transmissions.
One attribute it has which is not
common on portable military equipment is a meter measuring the effect
of the AGC voltage in controlling
the gain of the RF and IF sections of
the receiver. This is very handy for
determining the relative strength of
received signals.
In amateur radio, this feature is usually called an “S-Meter” which equates
to “signal strength meter”. Its reading
is useful in aligning the receiver and
transmitter circuits.
Transmitter valve complement
The transmitter has two RF stages.
The VFO and crystal oscillator is a
6U7G (V5A). This stage drives the
output valve which is an 807 (V7A)
small transmitting tetrode.
The FS6 described in May 2002 uses
grid modulation but the 122 uses the
much more efficient plate and screen
modulation method.
The modulator is much more elaborate than that used in the FS6. The
1D5GP used as the 2nd IF amplifier is
also used as the first audio amplifier
in the transmitter, followed by the
triode section of the 1H6G (receiver
detector/AGC).
The next stage is the receiver audio
output stage and modulator driver
(1F5G). This drives the modulator
valve which is a 6N7 run as a pushpull class-B stage.
To my knowledge, the 22 (Aust) and
the 122 (Aust) were the only portable,
mobile, man-pack military transceivers that used such a sophisticated (for
that time) modulation system, except
for the ATR4.
The transmitter has three modes of
operation: voice (radio telephony RT, AM); Morse (CW) and Modulated
Continuous Wave (MCW).
On voice, a press-to-talk button on
the microphone is used to change over
from receive to transmit.
The microphone has a dynamic
insert which explains why so many
audio stages are necessary to achieve
full modulation; a carbon microphone
has greater output but poorer audio
quality. In addition, the quality of the
audio being transmitted can be monitored through the headphones.
On CW, the Morse key is depressed
and the unit changes over automatically to transmit. It has what is called
“semi-break-in” keying.
A tone (sidetone) in synchronism
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October 2002 83
Photo Gallery: STC Model 5017A
A product of STC (Sydney), the model 5017A uses the same chassis as the STC
5017 but is housed in an alternative cabinet style. This example is from 1936.
This set covers the medium wave band and uses the following valves: 6A7
frequency changer; 6D6 IF amplifier; 6B7 first audio/detector/AVC amplifier;
42 output and 80 rectifier.
with the Morse key is heard in the
headphones. This sidetone makes it
so much easier to check the quality of
the signal. The modulator is inactive
in this mode.
MCW is the same as for CW, except
that the modulator is operating and
a tone is transmitted in synchronism
with the operation of the Morse key.
Vibrator power supplies
The power supply is really two
supplies, both based on vibrators.
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84 Silicon Chip
One supply is used to provide the HT
(150V) for the receiver.
On low power transmit, the same
supply is used and it is switched
to provide 180V to the transmitting
valves. On high power transmit,
the two vibrator power supplies are
connected in series to provide 250 to
260V on MCW and voice and 320 to
360V on CW. It is well-filtered which
reduces vibrator hash to a very low
level.
General Overhaul
As mentioned earlier, my 122 had
been modified to suit work on the
Country Fire Authority radio networks. Some of the modifications
could be easily reversed but some
had to be left “as is”, hence the non
authentic look of the set in places.
Generally, the components in the
sets have been quite reliable and very
few needed replacement. If you are
going to work on one of these sets it
is imperative to obtain a handbook,
as the sets are very complex (for their
time) and difficult to work on.
In the back of the transceiver case is
a circuit diagram of the set and in the
power supply is a copy of its circuit.
These are better than nothing but are
hard to follow.
I replaced a few paper capacitors
in the audio sections. On transmit,
I found I could tune the transmitter
up and obtain good output but then
the output would just die away. The
plate current of the 807 was dropping
but the HT voltage was remaining
constant.
The problem was that the 807 had
lost its emission and a replacement
soon fixed that. I suppose that after
40-odd years it was entitled to be
tired.
The 1D5GP receiver RF valve was
also slightly weak and was replaced.
The 1F5G valve seems to be the one
most likely to require replacement
from my experience. Every other valve
has proved very reliable and long-lasting, despite being bumped around
in a vehicle for many thousands of
kilometres.
The “crash limiter” is a pair of diodes wired anode to cathode so that
any voltage AC or DC above around
0.2V is clipped to that level. It can be
switched across the headphone output
and is designed to limit the effect of
static crashes.
This it does but it also severely
limits the audio output and distorts it.
Radio amateurs thought it was useless
and I didn’t use it.
I wired another four diodes (1N4148)
in the same way as the original diodes
and put these in series with the existing ones. This improved the audio
quality while still retaining the static
reducing ability.
I decided that it would be a good
idea to check the alignment of the
transmitter and receiver circuits. I
tackled the receiver first.
I found that the intermediate frequency (IF) alignment was peaked
on 460kHz so it was left alone. That’s
close enough to the designed 455kHz
anyway. The RF and oscillator sections
are not so easy to get at, particularly
for the 2 to 4MHz band.
The slugs are horizontal, going
into the large below-chassis shielded
enclosure and are well down in the
chassis amongst a lot of components.
Great care is needed to avoid
shorting anything. I couldn’t even
get a screwdriver onto them and had
to use a pair of long-nosed pliers to
laboriously rotate the slug cores; a
bit of butchery but the only way of
adjusting these coils. The 4 to 8 MHz
cores are accessible for use with a
screwdriver.
www.siliconchip.com.au
Surprisingly the adjustments were
quite close, only requiring a touchup.
The alignment of the transmitter
involves making sure that the receiver
and transmitter tuned circuits, particularly the respective oscillators, all
track one another.
I won’t go into all the procedure
necessary to achieve this, suffice to
say the alignment and adjustment
details are straight-forward and
unambiguous.
As some of the tuned circuits are
common to both the receiver and the
transmitter, it is necessary to make
sure that the compensating networks
within the equipment are adjusted
correctly too, otherwise the transmitter
and receiver do not operate on quite
the same frequency under some circumstances.
Note that the transmitter variable
frequency oscillator (VFO) (receiver
equivalent is the local oscillator)
runs at half the output frequency.
This prevents the transmitter output
getting back into the VFO (if it was
on the same frequency) and causing
instability.
On receive, I found the 122 would
quite effectively detect CW signals
down to around a microvolt – it’s not
as sensitive as modern day sets.
The transmitter came up very well.
On low power the radio frequency
output was around 3W. On high power
AM and MCW, the output was around
7W and on CW, 13W.
The modulation waveform was not
marvellous as observed on the oscilloscope but 100% modulation was quite
easily obtained.
Summary
Many vintage radio buffs who
collect military equipment, find this
set very interesting and well worth
having.
The 122, like virtually all military
sets, will not win any beauty contests
but then they were never intended
to. It is a credit to Radio Corporation
(Eclipse) that this set, old as it is, is
still capable of doing work to the same
standard as when it was made.
While its facilities and circuit
techniques are now obsolete, it was
a very advanced military transceiver in its day and it has a number of
facilities that were not incorporated
into amateur radio equipment until
SC
the 1960s.
www.siliconchip.com.au
Vintage radio feedback
As an old radio man who cut his
teeth on valve radios, I always enjoy
Rodney Champness’ “Vintage Radio” feature. But Rodney, my un-met
friend, something you said in the June
2002 issue is driving me bananas
because I don’t understand it.
In describing the Tasma M290
superhet radio, you point out that
the local oscillator padder capacitor
works best if placed where the Tasma M290 has it, in series with the
oscillator tuning gang rather than
in series with the earthy side of the
oscillator coil.
What’s the difference? In either
case, the oscillatory circuit consists of
the oscillator coil with two capacitors
in series across it. Seeing that the
oscillator is not “tickled” into activity
by phase changes across the parallel
resonant circuit (it has a separate
tickler coil), what does it matter to
circuit operation where the earth
point is placed in the circuit? That’s
the only physical difference I can
see, the effective placement of the
earth point.
The only technical difference I can
see is that the padder placement you
call “best”, in fact puts the dynamic
Miller capacitance of the valve grid
across the whole oscillator circuit
instead of (with the other padder
placement position) across just one
of the series capacitors (the tuning
gang). For circuit constancy, wouldn’t
it be better to put the padder capacitor in series with the earthy side of
the oscillator coil to slightly improve
the dynamic stability of the oscillator
circuit?
Stan Hood,
Christchurch, NZ.
It is always good to get comment
from readers and I appreciate Stan
Hood of New Zealand for taking the
time to do so. At the outset I certainly don’t claim to be the font of all
knowledge on vintage radio or design.
These are my thoughts on why the
local oscillator does work better when
the padder capacitor is in series with
the capacitor and not the earth end
of the oscillator coil. One side of
the original padders was earthed,
therefore using them in the earthy
end of the coil was convenient and
it worked. When fixed padders became common most manufacturers
carried on the convention. However,
some put the padder in series with
the tuning capacitor.
I used to wire all my receivers with
the padder to earth just as “Radio &
Hobbies” had done. I accepted is as
“the” way to do it and never questioned it. However, I ran into trouble
with a receiver that would drop out of
oscillation on the low frequency end
of the dial. All I did was to shift the
padder to be in series with the tuning
capacitor and the problem vanished.
I’ve since done this modification to
a few receivers and the results have
all been favourable.
It may be remembered that 2A7s
and 6A7s were prone to drop out of
oscillation on the low frequency end
of tuning ranges. This modification
has cured any sets that I’ve had
this problem with. It also seems to
improve the sets’ sensitivity.
I do believe that either the phase
of the feedback is changed or the
amount of feedback is reduced or
maybe both. The effect may also
vary depending whether the feedback winding is near the grid end
of the tuned winding or near the
so-called earthy end. Looking at the
typical circuit redrawn, it does look
like a cross between a Colpitts and
a “tickler” feedback type circuit.
With the tuning capacitor fully
meshed, the coil would appear to
be “centre tapped”. When tuned to
the high end, the electronic tapping
point has moved down near to the
padder capacitor. With the padder in
series with the tuning capacitor the
coil always has the bottom of the coil
referenced to earth and therefore the
feedback would be more predictable.
All I can say it works better with
the padder in series with the tuning
gang.
Rodney Champness,
Mooroopna, Vic.
October 2002 85
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ASK SILICON CHIP
Got a technical problem? Can’t understand a piece of jargon or some technical principle? Drop us a line
and we’ll answer your question. Write to: Ask Silicon Chip, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097; or
send an email to silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au
Increasing the rating of
the Battery Guardian
Thanks for the Battery Guardian
(SILICON CHIP, May 2002). It is exactly
what I need for my solar power system but I would like to increase the
current available from the circuit to
about 20A. Could I increase the size of
the heatsink, parallel another Mosfet
with Q1 or parallel the entire driver
portion? Or is there a better way? (R.
P., via email).
The Mosfet should be paralleled
with another STP60NE06 and provided with a heatsink. Also the fuse
should be a 3AG 20A type (using 3AG
fuse holder clips in the extra holes on
the PC board).
Ideally the wider current carrying
tracks on the PC board should be made
heavier by applying a thick layer of
solder over them. Be careful that the
tracks are not overheated and begin
lifting off the board. An alternative
would be to wire between the component leads in parallel with the PC
tracks using insulated hookup wire.
•
Connector confusion in
Theremin kit
I recently got my hands on one of
your Theremin kits (SILICON CHIP,
August 2000) and have more or less
finished putting the whole thing to-
gether. But I still have one question,
regarding the AC adapter.
Because I am located in Canada and
could not get the exact model number
you stated, I picked up a generic one
which will fit the bill. The thing is that
I am not sure about the tip polarity
required for the Theremin and I can’t
seem to find the information in the
literature provided. Could you help
me out? (M. E., Fredericton, Canada).
If you have a look at the PC board
wiring diagram you will see that the
DC socket has the tip connected to
positive. Make sure your DC plugpack
is the same and if you can’t change
it, swap the wiring in the DC socket
to suit.
•
Earthing fuel tanks
for safety
I was in a garage the other day and
was told to put my jerrycans on the
ground before filling them. When I
asked why I was told that it was to
earth them. Sounds reasonable. So I
asked what about the fuel tank in my
car? The reply was that it was earthed
and was OK. The attendant had just
been to a safety seminar run by a big
fuel company and this is what he was
told by the experts. We are now having
a running argument.
I say that the fuel tank and the whole
car are NOT earthed and the attendant
How to do bifilar winding
I am an electronics enthusiast in
the UK. I recently purchased a kit
from Altronics for the 15W class A
amplifier and power supply (SILICON
CHIP, July & August 1998). However, I
am a little stuck over the power transformer. Altronics don’t seem to do a
20V + 20V model now so I bought
a 100VA 20V + 20V EI transformer
over here but it ran very hot. I now
have a larger toroidal 18V +18V unit
but it runs on the limit of regulator
drop out.
In the second part of the project (August 1998) you put extra
88 Silicon Chip
windings on the 18V + 18V model
used for the prototype. These
windings were wound bifilar.
Could you explain (in reasonable
detail please) how I go about adding
windings myself – it’s the “bifilar”
bit I’m not sure about. (S. F., via
email).
Bifilar merely refers to the technique of doing the two windings at
the same time; ie, get hold of two
wires and wind them on as one.
You then terminate them as if they
were two separate windings, which
is exactly what they are.
•
and fuel company say that it is. Who
is right? (M. D., Warwick, Qld).
The important thing is that the fuel
tank is grounded to the car – this was
a problem with the plastic fuel tanks
on Falcons a few years ago because
the metal filler was not earthed to
the car. The problem is a buildup of
electrostatic charge on the fuel tank
(or jerry-can).
Anyway, why not put the jerrycans
on the ground when filling them? They
get heavy otherwise!
•
Sanwa taut-bandanalog
meter wanted
Please can you ask your readers if
anyone has a 1983 Sanwa N-501/D
analog multimeter they would like
to sell. It has a taut band suspension.
Thanks a lot.
Mike Sheriff,
Phone (02) 9949 2454
email colbox<at>zip.com.au
Ignition system
for a Ferrari
I have a 1979 Ferrari 308. I am looking to change over to a distributorless
ignition system. My goal is to use GM
type coils and a GM type ignition
module to eliminate the distributors.
My dilemma is that I do not have a
system to control spark advance, and
I am not sure of the best method for
determining cam or crank position.
This Ferrari has a magnetic type
pickup in each distributor, and has
two distributors, one for each cylinder
bank. I have a rear drive pulley that
is attached to the back of on of the
cams. If I had a cam position sensor
I could locate it here. I want to know
if your programmable ignition system
(SILICON CHIP, June & July 1999) will
solve my problems. (D. B., via email).
Forget about the PIT module; it is
too crude for car use. We would suggest
you don’t eliminate the distributors
but possibly convert them to reluctor or
Hall effect pickup. Then build our HEI
system (SILICON CHIP, June 1998).
•
www.siliconchip.com.au
That way you retain the necessary
spark advance.
Soft start for car headlamps
I recall seeing in “Circuit Notebook”, probably in the last 3 years, a
simple circuit for `soft starting’ 12V
car headlamps.
As I use high powered (145/90W)
halogen headlamps this `soft start’
circuit would be very useful in
prolonging the life of these very
expensive bulbs.
I have looked up your website
(great site and very easy to navigate)
but cannot find reference to it. I believe it used a simple Mosfet circuit
which did not apply full voltage to
the bulbs at switch-on but gradually
increased voltage over a period of
Diagnosing motor problems
I know this is a bit out of your area
but I would like your opinion. I have
a motor which quit while running.
Now all it will do is run under no load
for a few seconds after switch-on. My
hope is that this behaviour indicates
failure of the external capacitor rather
than the motor windings. The motor
name-plate rating is 240V 3A <at> 50Hz.
The capacitor’s legend is too damaged
to read. It is a plastic cylinder 7cm
long and 3.5cm in diameter. (F. M.,
Temagog, NSW).
Whatever is the problem, you
should check the capacitor. If you
don’t have a capacitance meter you
can still do a very rough capacitance
check using the continuity test on an
analog multimeter and then compare
it with a known good capacitor. We’d
be hopeful too, and would suspect the
capacitor.
•
Smoke precipitator for
home fires
I have a suggestion for a project.
There was a big conference in Adelaide recently on the dangers of wood
smoke. Surely a smoke precipitator
such as used in industry is not much
different to an ioniser – maybe a good
project? (C. H., Daw Park, SA).
Smoke reduction generally involves
a combination of bag chambers and
electrostatic precipitators, neither
of which are simple or inexpensive.
However, wood smoke also has the
hazard of creosote and noxious gases.
These could probably be removed by a
water spray system but again, it is not
a simple or cheap system, especially in
Adelaide where water is at a premium.
•
Bridging a Playmaster
amplifier
We have just recently purchased
a Playmaster Pro-3 Stereo Amplifier
from Jaycar Electronics and we were
wondering is it possible to link the
two output channels together so as
to double the output power. We only
need one channel and the specifications provided don’t mention anything
about whether we can bridge the two
outputs together. (S. J., via email).
www.siliconchip.com.au
You need the Bridge Adaptor board
•published
in the June 1985 issue of
Electronics Australia. We can supply a
photostat copy of the article for $8.80
including postage.
Curing noisy volume
controls
I had a clock radio which developed
a noisy volume control years ago. I
found a quick squirt of WD-40 cured
the problem instantly and permanently. It is over five years since I sprayed
this particular volume control and it
is still silent.
I’ve used this trick many times
since. Someone suggested I ought use
an electrical lubricant spray but I tried
others and there is just no substitute
for WD-40. It really works!
Many volume controls are “specials” and can be very difficult to
replace. With the WD-40 technique
there is no need to replace them at all.
(R. D., Salisbury Heights, SA.
Thanks for the tip.
•
Video/audio transmitter
kit cannot be found
I have purchased and built the
video/audio transmitter kit (SILICON
CHIP, July 1999). It works but I am
using it on a TV out of the computer
graphics card (Geforce 200, 64MB) and
the problem is that it won’t detect the
video/audio module. I can use a TV
with the video card with no problems,
and then plug in the transmitter and
the system works until I shutdown and
restart. It then searches for the TV and
unable to find it, it then turns off the
milliseconds. Again, if my recollection is correct I think there was a
relay in the circuit which bypassed
the Mosfet once full voltage was
reached.
Could you please tell me if you
have this circuit and how I may
obtain it? (S. P., via email).
You are probably referring to
a circuit which appeared in the
October 1997 issue. This was a
modification of the 12/24V speed
controller (see June 1997) using the
“soft start” facility at pin 4 of the
TL494. We can supply these issues
for $7.70 each, including postage.
•
second monitor.
Is there a way to make the kit detectable by my graphics card? (M. M.,
via email).
Your video card is probably looking
for a 75Ω load. Try loading the video
output with a 75Ω resistor or two 150#
resistors in parallel.
•
Universal preamplifier
has insufficient gain
I equipped community radio station
3GDR with three of your excellent
universal preamplifiers (SILICON CHIP,
April 1994) and was impressed enough
to buy a fourth kit and try it out on my
Onkyo turntable. Alas, it turns out that
I have an Audio Technica moving coil
cartridge. The output is way down and
the hum level is up. Anything I can do
or do I work out another way of using
the preamplifier at the radio station?
(B. G., via email).
Alas, you need a moving coil
preamplifier. Electronics Australia
described one in July 1981. We can
supply a photostat copy for $8.80
including postage.
•
Speed Alarm for a motor home
I have built the Speed Alarm described in the November & December
1999 issues and installed it in my
Land Rover Discovery; it works perfectly. I have modified it with leads
and sockets so I can also use it in my
Motorhome.
I was unable to obtain 0.18mm
enamelled wire so I have wound 500
turns of 0.20mm enamelled wire onto
October 2002 89
Electric guitar preamp modifications
I’m interested in a modification
to the guitar preamp from the November 2000 issue. I wish to use one
channel for a conventional lead or
rhythm guitar and the other channel
for a bass.
What I’d really like to do is modify
the tone control circuit somewhat
to make the turnover frequencies
around 500-600Hz for the midrange
and 2.5-3kHz for the treble controls.
(There’s not too much 10kHz out of
a bass!)
I feel that by simply altering the
values of the capacitors around the
mid and treble control pots, I can
achieve this. I have done some calculations and come up with the fol-
a slightly larger plastic bobbin (20mm
OD x 9mm ID x 9mm). My question is
will it work? I also have the following
questions. First, is it necessary to set
the speed alarm to read 100km/h before calibrating as per your instruction
for calibrating at 60km/h? Second, I
am told the speedo in the Motorhome
is out by 5km/h. What effect will this
have? (J. L., via email).
You can use a larger bobbin for
the coil pickup sensor without any
problems. In fact the larger core will
enable the speed alarm to register at
very slow speeds as well.
If you wish to calibrate the speed
alarm at 60km/h you need to set the
alarm at 60km/h as well. Calibration
at 100km/h requires the speed alarm
to be set to 100km/h.
The accuracy of the vehicle speedometer does affect accuracy of the
speed alarm. If you know the vehicle
speedometer is 5km/h out then you
can compensate for this by setting the
speed alarm 5km/h different when
calibrating. For example, if the vehicle
•
lowing: Substitute 4.7nF (.0047uF)
for the 2.7nF (.0027uF) capacitor
across the mid pot; substitute 18nF
(.018uF) for the 12nF (.012uF) in
series with the mid pot and substitute 4.7nF (.0047uF) for the 1.5nF
(.0015uF) in series with the treble
pot.
By my calculations this will result
in turnover frequencies of around
600Hz and 3000Hz for the mid-range
and treble controls respectively. Do
you agree with these figures? G. F.,
via email).
Your modifications will be suitable. As you have discovered, it is
simply a matter of scaling the values
to suit your required frequencies.
•
speedometer is known to be showing
speeds that are 5km/h faster than the
actual speed then the speed alarm can
be set to 5km/h less than the speed that
it will be calibrated. So if you wish to
calibrate at 60km/h as shown on the
vehicle speedometer, set the speed
alarm to 55km/h before pressing the
CAL switch.
Bridging ETI amplifier
modules
With reference to the comments
on bridging amplifier modules in the
August 2002 issue, there was a project
and a PC board, the ETI481, a guitar
amplifier. Its preamp board enabled
the bridging of two of the modules to
produce 200W into 8-ohm loads. The
PC board provided two out-of-phase
outputs, one for each module. (G. V.,
via email).
• We are aware that ETI published the
481 Guitar PC board which allowed
two 100W modules to be bridged
together (ETI, June 1977). The only
problem is, the combination can only
drive an 8-ohm load. It will however,
deliver 200W and not 100W as stated
in our answer - must have slipped a
cog there
Increased gain for Neon
Tube Modulator
I have built the Neon Tube Modulator from the November 2001 issue and
it works well on the bench from my
stereo amplifier line outputs. However,
when I set it up in my car and drive
it with the line outputs from the head
unit, you have to turn the volume
way up to get the Neon Modulator to
respond. Is there any way the circuit
can be changed to fix this? (J. E., Wollongong, NSW).
It seems you need a mite more gain
from the circuit. We suggest increasing
the 3.3kΩ feedback resistor for IC1a to
10kΩ or 15kΩ.
•
TV pattern generator
has no colour bars
I recently purchased a programmable TV Pattern Generator from
Altronics. It was described in the June
& July 1997 issues of SILICON CHIP.
Due to a change in the specifications
of the video modulator from the
original version Altronics included
info concerning modifications to the
wiring and overlay to compensate for
this change. The changes made were
an additional 5.1V 1W zener diode
between the 180Ω resistor and REG2
and changes in the wiring points of
the modulator using only three of the
original four pin outs on the PC board.
My problem is that while the kit
works well when displaying the first
three patterns (checkerboard, dot and
crosshatch + circle). I am unable to
display the red raster or colour bars.
Also the grey scale is not all that sharp
WARNING!
SILICON CHIP magazine regularly describes projects which employ a mains power supply or produce high voltage. All such
projects should be considered dangerous or even lethal if not used safely. Readers are warned that high voltage wiring should be
carried out according to the instructions in the articles. When working on these projects use extreme care to ensure that you do
not accidentally come into contact with mains AC voltages or high voltage DC. If you are not confident about working with projects
employing mains voltages or other high voltages, you are advised not to attempt work on them. Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd
disclaims any liability for damages should anyone be killed or injured while working on a project or circuit described in any issue of
SILICON CHIP magazine. Devices or circuits described in SILICON CHIP may be covered by patents. SILICON CHIP disclaims any
liability for the infringement of such patents by the manufacturing or selling of any such equipment. SILICON CHIP also disclaims
any liability for projects which are used in such a way as to infringe relevant government regulations and by-laws.
Advertisers are warned that they are responsible for the content of all advertisements and that they must conform to the Trade
Practices Act 1974 or as subsequently amended and to any governmental regulations which are applicable.
90 Silicon Chip
www.siliconchip.com.au
when displaying the full eight bars
from white to black. When I switch
S4 from grey scale to colour, it tries to
change but remains grey scale. Varying
VR2 and VC1 made no changes whatsoever to the colour scale when testing
it on my small colour TV.
There don’t appear to be any obvious solder bridges on the SMD IC10 on
the underside of the PC board and all
voltages check OK as per the testing
procedures specified in the magazine
article. (D. S., via email).
The lack of colour may be due
to the delay time set by the 2.2kΩ
resistor between pins 8 of IC11b and
3,4&5 of IC11c. Try changing the 10nF
(0.01µF) at the IC11c inputs to a larger
value.
Also the 270pF capacitor added at
IC10’s pin 16 input may need to be
made slightly larger in value to obtain
colour.
•
Cranking difficulties
with Austin A1300
I have a problem with the High
Energy Ignition project described in
the June 1998 issue. I have installed
it in an Austin 1300 which is used
infrequently. The circuit produces
no spark while the starter motor is
cranking the engine. I can only start
the engine by towing/rolling down a
hill or changing over to the HEI once
the engine is warm when the engine
will run once the ignition switch is
released to the running position. What
can I do? (G. P., via email).
We assume you are using points
ignition. The HEI should work even if
the battery voltage drops to 6V while
cranking. How far does your battery
drop? Also check the points gap. Rubbing block wear can reduce the gap to
nil. We suggest that you use a larger
points gap than specified, to ensure a
“clean and fast break” in the points
current even when cranking slowly.
•
LiL Snooper Camera
switcher
I am interested in building the Li’L
Snooper camera switcher from the
June 2001 issue of SILICON CHIP. I
have one question though. The cameras to be used with it are both colour. Is
this circuit be suitable for colour cameras; one is CCD, the other is CMOS?
If not, can you recommend any mods
to make it suitable? (C. L., via email).
www.siliconchip.com.au
Notes & Errata
Multi-purpose Fast Battery Charger: June and July 2001. When
charging older cells either singly
or in series, it is important to ensure that their contacts are clean to
prevent voltage drops across these
connections.
High resistance connections will
prevent the charger from operating
correctly as it will detect a high
voltage per cell and simply indicate
“no Battery”.
In addition the connecting leads
from the charger to the cell or cells
must be rated at 7.5A or more and be
no longer than necessary to prevent
voltage drops.
K-Type Thermocouple Thermometer/Thermostat, August 2002: The
display reading and the thermostat
trip point can be affected by RF
signals produced by portable and
mobile telephones when these are
close to the unit. This problem can
be cured with the addition of four
100nF (0.1µF) ceramic capacitors
and a 1kΩ resistor.
The 1kΩ resistor is placed in series
with the probe input connecting
to pin 3 of IC1 while one 100nF
capacitor connects between pin 3
and pin 4 of IC1. This forms a low
pass filter in the input circuit.
The second 100nF capacitor connects between pin 3 of IC1 and
ground which is the thicker PC
track adjacent to the 10µF capacitor
The Snooper will work with any
•camera
which delivers a 1V composite
video signal.
Low sensitivity in Theremin
I have recently built the Theremin
project from the August 2000 issue of
SILICON CHIP. It works well but I find
the sensitivity and range of the pitch
antenna low. This is also the same
case with the volume disc but this is
not such a problem.
I have earthed myself to the ground
plane of the project and this helps but
it is still limiting. I was wondering if
there is a circuit modification I could
do to improve this? This web site
http://www.maxiespages.com has
to the left of IC1. The third 100nF
capacitor connects between pins 2
and 3 of IC1. The 100nF MKT polyester capacitor connecting between
pins 6 and 2 of IC1 (located to the
right of IC1 on the PC board) is removed. The fourth 100nF ceramic
capacitor connects between pins 2
and 3 of IC2.
To provide for these changes,
we have modified the PC board, as
shown in this diagram. The modified PC board is coded 04208022
and is available on our website.
Atmel AVR ISP Programming
Adaptor (October 2001): The
software referred to in the article,
avr_isp.zip, is no longer available
from the Atmel website. A suitable
alternative is “Ponyprog”, available for free download from http://
www.lancos.com/prog.html This
program also supports Windows
NT/2000 and can program many of
the newer AVR devices.
To configure Ponyprog to work
with the ISP Programmer, set it up
for the “AVR ISP (STK200/300) parallel port interface” as described in
the included documentation.
Digital Storage Logic Probe, August
2002: the outputs of the 4N25 optocouplers on the circuit on page
24 should be pins 4 & 5, not 5 & 6.
The PC board diagrams are correct
in this regard.
many circuit diagrams but none like
your unique design. (T. H., via email).
Sensitivity to hand movement is
dependent on careful tuning of the
Theremin adjustments. However,
sensitivity is not extreme and is not
meant to be. The original Theremins
required the hand to be brought very
close to the plate or vertical wire for
best pitch and volume changes.
Note that positioning of the Theremin is important and it should not
be located near to metal surfaces. Also
attaching the lid of the Theremin onto
the box can alter tuning and readjustments may be required on a trial and
error basis.
A larger diameter plate and larger
diameter antenna can also improve
sensitivity.
SC
•
October 2002 91
Silicon Chip
Back Issues
April 1989: Auxiliary Brake Light Flasher; What You Need to Know
About Capacitors; 32-Band Graphic Equaliser, Pt.2.
May 1989: Build A Synthesised Tom-Tom; Biofeedback Monitor For
Your PC; Simple Stub Filter For Suppressing TV Interference.
July 1989: Exhaust Gas Monitor; Experimental Mains Hum Sniffers;
Compact Ultrasonic Car Alarm; The NSW 86 Class Electrics.
September 1989: 2-Chip Portable AM Stereo Radio Pt.1; High Or Low
Fluid Level Detector; Studio Series 20-Band Stereo Equaliser, Pt.2.
October 1989: FM Radio Intercom For Motorbikes Pt.1; GaAsFet
Preamplifier For Amateur TV; 2-Chip Portable AM Stereo Radio, Pt.2.
November 1989: Radfax Decoder For Your PC (Displays Fax, RTTY &
Morse); FM Radio Intercom For Motorbikes, Pt.2; 2-Chip Portable AM
Stereo Radio, Pt.3; Floppy Disk Drive Formats & Options.
January 1990: High Quality Sine/Square Oscillator; Service Tips For
Your VCR; Phone Patch For Radio Amateurs; Active Antenna Kit;
Designing UHF Transmitter Stages.
February 1990: A 16-Channel Mixing Desk; Build A High Quality Audio
Oscillator, Pt.2; The Incredible Hot Canaries; Random Wire Antenna
Tuner For 6 Metres; Phone Patch For Radio Amateurs, Pt.2.
March 1990: Delay Unit For Automatic Antennas; Workout Timer For
Aerobics Classes; 16-Channel Mixing Desk, Pt.2; Using The UC3906
SLA Battery Charger IC.
April 1990: Dual Tracking ±50V Power Supply; Voice-Operated Switch
With Delayed Audio; 16-Channel Mixing Desk, Pt.3; Active CW Filter.
June 1990: Multi-Sector Home Burglar Alarm; Build A Low-Noise
Universal Stereo Preamplifier; Load Protector For Power Supplies.
July 1990: Digital Sine/Square Generator, Pt.1 (covers 0-500kHz);
Burglar Alarm Keypad & Combination Lock; Build A Simple Electronic
Die; A Low-Cost Dual Power Supply.
August 1990: High Stability UHF Remote Transmitter; Universal Safety
Timer For Mains Appliances (9 Minutes); Horace The Electronic Cricket;
Digital Sine/Square Generator, Pt.2.
September 1990: A Low-Cost 3-Digit Counter Module; Build A Simple
Shortwave Converter For The 2-Metre Band; The Care & Feeding Of
Nicad Battery Packs (Getting The Most From Nicad Batteries).
October 1990: The Dangers of PCBs; Low-Cost Siren For Burglar
Alarms; Dimming Controls For The Discolight; Surfsound Simulator;
DC Offset For DMMs; NE602 Converter Circuits.
November 1990: Connecting Two TV Sets To One VCR; Build An Egg
Timer; Low-Cost Model Train Controller; 1.5V To 9V DC Converter;
Introduction To Digital Electronics; A 6-Metre Amateur Transmitter.
January 1991: Fast Charger For Nicad Batteries, Pt.1; Have Fun With
The Fruit Machine (Simple Poker Machine); Build A Two-Tone Alarm
Module; The Dangers of Servicing Microwave Ovens.
March 1991: Transistor Beta Tester Mk.2; A Synthesised AM Stereo
Tuner, Pt.2; Multi-Purpose I/O Board For PC-Compatibles; Universal
Wideband RF Preamplifier For Amateur Radio & TV.
May 1991: 13.5V 25A Power Supply For Transceivers; Stereo Audio
Expander; Fluorescent Light Simulator For Model Railways; How To
Install Multiple TV Outlets, Pt.1.
July 1991: Loudspeaker Protector For Stereo Amplifiers; 4-Channel
Lighting Desk, Pt.2; How To Install Multiple TV Outlets, Pt.2; Tuning
In To Satellite TV, Pt.2.
September 1991: Digital Altimeter For Gliders & Ultralights; Ultrasonic
Switch For Mains Appliances; The Basics Of A/D & D/A Conversion;
Plotting The Course Of Thunderstorms.
ORDER FORM
Please send the following back issues:
Amplifier Module; Level Crossing Detector For Model Railways; Voice
Activated Switch For FM Microphones; Engine Management, Pt.6.
April 1994: Sound & Lights For Model Railway Level Crossings; Discrete
Dual Supply Voltage Regulator; Universal Stereo Preamplifier; Digital
Water Tank Gauge; Engine Management, Pt.7.
October 1991: Build A Talking Voltmeter For Your PC, Pt.1; SteamSound
Simulator For Model Railways Mk.II; Magnetic Field Strength Meter;
Digital Altimeter For Gliders, Pt.2; Military Applications Of R/C Aircraft.
May 1994: Fast Charger For Nicad Batteries; Induction Balance Metal
Locator; Multi-Channel Infrared Remote Control; Dual Electronic Dice;
Simple Servo Driver Circuits; Engine Management, Pt.8.
November 1991: Colour TV Pattern Generator, Pt.1; A Junkbox 2-Valve
Receiver; Flashing Alarm Light For Cars; Digital Altimeter For Gliders,
Pt.3; Build A Talking Voltmeter For Your PC, Pt.2.
June 1994: 200W/350W Mosfet Amplifier Module; A Coolant Level
Alarm For Your Car; 80-Metre AM/CW Transmitter For Amateurs;
Converting Phono Inputs To Line Inputs; PC-Based Nicad Battery
Monitor; Engine Management, Pt.9.
December 1991: TV Transmitter For VCRs With UHF Modulators;
Infrared Light Beam Relay; Colour TV Pattern Generator, Pt.2; Index
To Volume 4.
July 1994: Build A 4-Bay Bow-Tie UHF TV Antenna; PreChamp 2-Transistor Preamplifier; Steam Train Whistle & Diesel Horn Simulator; 6V
SLA Battery Charger; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.10.
March 1992: TV Transmitter For VHF VCRs; Thermostatic Switch For
Car Radiator Fans; Coping With Damaged Computer Directories; Valve
Substitution In Vintage Radios.
August 1994: High-Power Dimmer For Incandescent Lights; Microprocessor-Controlled Morse Keyer; Dual Diversity Tuner For FM
Microphones, Pt.1; Nicad Zapper (For Resurrecting Nicad Batteries);
Electronic Engine Management, Pt.11.
April 1992: IR Remote Control For Model Railroads; Differential Input
Buffer For CROs; Understanding Computer Memory; Aligning Vintage
Radio Receivers, Pt.1.
June 1992: Multi-Station Headset Intercom, Pt.1; Video Switcher For
Camcorders & VCRs; IR Remote Control For Model Railroads, Pt.3;
15-Watt 12-240V Inverter; A Look At Hard Disk Drives.
October 1992: 2kW 24VDC - 240VAC Sinewave Inverter; Multi-Sector
Home Burglar Alarm, Pt.2; Mini Amplifier For Personal Stereos; A
Regulated Lead-Acid Battery Charger.
February 1993: Three Projects For Model Railroads; Low Fuel Indicator
For Cars; Audio Level/VU Meter (LED Readout); An Electronic Cockroach; 2kW 24VDC To 240VAC Sinewave Inverter, Pt.5.
March 1993: Solar Charger For 12V Batteries; Alarm-Triggered Security
Camera; Reaction Trainer; Audio Mixer for Camcorders; A 24-Hour
Sidereal Clock For Astronomers.
April 1993: Solar-Powered Electric Fence; Audio Power Meter;
Three-Function Home Weather Station; 12VDC To 70VDC Converter;
Digital Clock With Battery Back-Up.
June 1993: AM Radio Trainer, Pt.1; Remote Control For The Woofer
Stopper; Digital Voltmeter For Cars; Windows-Based Logic Analyser.
July 1993: Single Chip Message Recorder; Light Beam Relay
Extender; AM Radio Trainer, Pt.2; Quiz Game Adjudicator; Windows-Based Logic Analyser, Pt.2; Antenna Tuners – Why They Are
Useful.
August 1993: Low-Cost Colour Video Fader; 60-LED Brake Light
Array; Microprocessor-Based Sidereal Clock; Satellites & Their Orbits.
September 1993: Automatic Nicad Battery Charger/Discharger; Stereo
Preamplifier With IR Remote Control, Pt.1; In-Circuit Transistor Tester;
+5V to ±15V DC Converter; Remote-Controlled Cockroach.
October 1993: Courtesy Light Switch-Off Timer For Cars; Wireless
Microphone For Musicians; Stereo Preamplifier With IR Remote
Control, Pt.2; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.1.
November 1993: High Efficiency Inverter For Fluorescent Tubes; Stereo
Preamplifier With IR Remote Control, Pt.3; Siren Sound Generator;
Engine Management, Pt.2; Experiments For Games Cards.
December 1993: Remote Controller For Garage Doors; Build A LED
Stroboscope; Build A 25W Audio Amplifier Module; A 1-Chip Melody
Generator; Engine Management, Pt.3; Index To Volume 6.
January 1994: 3A 40V Variable Power Supply; Solar Panel Switching
Regulator; Printer Status Indicator; Mini Drill Speed Controller; Stepper
Motor Controller; Active Filter Design; Engine Management, Pt.4.
February 1994: Build A 90-Second Message Recorder; 12-240VAC
200W Inverter; 0.5W Audio Amplifier; 3A 40V Adjustable Power
Supply; Engine Management, Pt.5; Airbags In Cars – How They Work.
March 1994: Intelligent IR Remote Controller; 50W (LM3876) Audio
September 1994: Automatic Discharger For Nicad Battery Packs;
MiniVox Voice Operated Relay; Image Intensified Night Viewer; AM
Radio For Weather Beacons; Dual Diversity Tuner For FM Microphones,
Pt.2; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.12.
October 1994: How Dolby Surround Sound Works; Dual Rail Variable
Power Supply; Build A Talking Headlight Reminder; Electronic Ballast
For Fluorescent Lights; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.13.
November 1994: Dry Cell Battery Rejuvenator; Novel Alphanumeric
Clock; 80-Metre DSB Amateur Transmitter; Twin-Cell Nicad Discharger
(See May 1993); How To Plot Patterns Direct to PC Boards.
December 1994: Easy-To-Build Car Burglar Alarm; Three-Spot Low
Distortion Sinewave Oscillator; Clifford – A Pesky Electronic Cricket;
Remote Control System for Models, Pt.1; Index to Vol.7.
January 1995: Sun Tracker For Solar Panels; Battery Saver For Torches;
Dolby Pro-Logic Surround Sound Decoder, Pt.2; Dual Channel UHF
Remote Control; Stereo Microphone Preamplifier.
February 1995: 2 x 50W Stereo Amplifier Module; Digital Effects Unit
For Musicians; 6-Channel Thermometer With LCD Readout; Wide
Range Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Pt.1; Oil Change Timer For Cars;
Remote Control System For Models, Pt.2.
March 1995: 2 x 50W Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1; Subcarrier Decoder
For FM Receivers; Wide Range Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Pt.2; IR
Illuminator For CCD Cameras; Remote Control System For Models, Pt.3.
April 1995: FM Radio Trainer, Pt.1; Photographic Timer For Dark
rooms; Balanced Microphone Preamp. & Line Filter; 50W/Channel
Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; Wide Range Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Pt.3;
8-Channel Decoder For Radio Remote Control.
May 1995: Build A Guitar Headphone Amplifier; FM Radio Trainer, Pt.2;
Transistor/Mosfet Tester For DMMs; A 16-Channel Decoder For Radio
Remote Control; Introduction to Satellite TV.
June 1995: Build A Satellite TV Receiver; Train Detector For Model
Railways; 1W Audio Amplifier Trainer; Low-Cost Video Security System;
Multi-Channel Radio Control Transmitter For Models, Pt.1.
July 1995: Electric Fence Controller; How To Run Two Trains On A
Single Track (Incl. Lights & Sound); Setting Up A Satellite TV Ground
Station; Build A Reliable Door Minder.
August 1995: Fuel Injector Monitor For Cars; Gain Controlled Microphone Preamp; Audio Lab PC-Controlled Test Instrument, Pt.1; How
To Identify IDE Hard Disk Drive Parameters.
September 1995: Railpower Mk.2 Walkaround Throttle For Model
Railways, Pt.1; Keypad Combination Lock; The Vader Voice; Jacob’s
Ladder Display; Audio Lab PC-Controlled Test Instrument, Pt.2.
October 1995: 3-Way Loudspeaker System; Railpower Mk.2
Walkaround Throttle For Model Railways, Pt.2; Build A Fast Charger
For Nicad Batteries.
____________________________________________________________
10% OF
F
SUBSCR TO
IB
OR IF Y ERS
OU
10 OR M BUY
ORE
Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $______or please debit my: ❏ Bankcard ❏ Visa Card ❏ Master Card
Card No.
Signature ___________________________ Card expiry date_____ /______
Name ______________________________ Phone No (___) ____________
PLEASE PRINT
Street ______________________________________________________
Suburb/town _______________________________ Postcode ___________
92 Silicon Chip
Note: prices include postage & packing
Australia ............................... $A7.70 (incl. GST)
Overseas (airmail) ..................................... $A10
Detach and mail to:
Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139,
Collaroy, NSW, Australia 2097.
Or call (02) 9979 5644 & quote your credit card
details or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503.
Email: silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au
www.siliconchip.com.au
November 1995: Mixture Display For Fuel Injected Cars; CB Transverter
For The 80M Amateur Band, Pt.1; PIR Movement Detector.
December 1995: Engine Immobiliser; 5-Band Equaliser; CB Transverter
For The 80M Amateur Band, Pt.2; Subwoofer Controller; Knock Sensing
In Cars; Index To Volume 8.
January 1996: Surround Sound Mixer & Decoder, Pt.1; Magnetic Card
Reader; Build An Automatic Sprinkler Controller; IR Remote Control
For The Railpower Mk.2; Recharging Nicad Batteries For Long Life.
April 1996: Cheap Battery Refills For Mobile Phones; 125W Audio
Amplifier Module; Knock Indicator For Leaded Petrol Engines; Multi-Channel Radio Control Transmitter; Pt.3.
May 1996: Upgrading The CPU In Your PC; High Voltage Insulation
Tester; Knightrider Bi-Directional LED Chaser; Simple Duplex Intercom
Using Fibre Optic Cable; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.3.
June 1996: BassBox CAD Loudspeaker Software Reviewed; Stereo
Simulator (uses delay chip); Rope Light Chaser; Low Ohms Tester
For Your DMM; Automatic 10A Battery Charger.
July 1996: Build A VGA Digital Oscilloscope, Pt.1; Remote Control
Extender For VCRs; 2A SLA Battery Charger; 3-Band Parametric
Equaliser; Single Channel 8-Bit Data Logger.
August 1996: Introduction to IGBTs; Electronic Starter For Fluorescent
Lamps; VGA Oscilloscope, Pt.2; 350W Amplifier Module; Masthead
Amplifier For TV & FM; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.4.
September 1996: VGA Oscilloscope, Pt.3; IR Stereo Headphone Link,
Pt.1; High Quality PA Loudspeaker; 3-Band HF Amateur Radio Receiver;
Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.5.
October 1996: Send Video Signals Over Twisted Pair Cable; Power
Control With A Light Dimmer; 600W DC-DC Converter For Car Hifi
Systems, Pt.1; IR Stereo Headphone Link, Pt.2; Build A Multi-Media
Sound System, Pt.1; Multi-Channel Radio Control Transmitter, Pt.8.
June 1998: Troubleshooting Your PC, Pt.2; Universal High Energy
Ignition System; The Roadies’ Friend Cable Tester; Universal Stepper
Motor Controller; Command Control For Model Railways, Pt.5.
July 1998: Troubleshooting Your PC, Pt.3; 15-W/Ch Class-A Audio
Amplifier, Pt.1; Simple Charger For 6V & 12V SLA Batteries; Auto
matic Semiconductor Analyser; Understanding Electric Lighting, Pt.8.
August 1998: Troubleshooting Your PC, Pt.4 (Adding Extra Memory);
Simple I/O Card With Automatic Data Logging; Build A Beat Triggered
Strobe; 15-W/Ch Class-A Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2.
September 1998: Troubleshooting Your PC, Pt.5; A Blocked Air-Filter
Alarm; Waa-Waa Pedal For Guitars; Jacob’s Ladder; Gear Change
Indicator For Cars; Capacity Indicator For Rechargeable Batteries.
October 1998: Lab Quality AC Millivoltmeter, Pt.1; PC-Controlled StressO-Meter; Versatile Electronic Guitar Limiter; 12V Trickle Charger For
Float Conditions; Adding An External Battery Pack To Your Flashgun.
November 1998: The Christmas Star; A Turbo Timer For Cars; Build
A Poker Machine, Pt.1; FM Transmitter For Musicians; Lab Quality AC
Millivoltmeter, Pt.2; Improving AM Radio Reception, Pt.1.
December 1998: Engine Immobiliser Mk.2; Thermocouple Adaptor
For DMMs; Regulated 12V DC Plugpack; Build A Poker Machine, Pt.2;
Improving AM Radio Reception, Pt.2; Mixer Module For F3B Gliders.
January 1999: High-Voltage Megohm Tester; Getting Started With
BASIC Stamp; LED Bargraph Ammeter For Cars; Keypad Engine
Immobiliser; Improving AM Radio Reception, Pt.3.
March 1999: Getting Started With Linux; Pt.1; Build A Digital
Anemometer; Simple DIY PIC Programmer; Easy-To-Build Audio
Compressor; Low Distortion Audio Signal Generator, Pt.2.
April 1999: Getting Started With Linux; Pt.2; High-Power Electric
Fence Controller; Bass Cube Subwoofer; Programmable Thermostat/
Thermometer; Build An Infrared Sentry; Rev Limiter For Cars.
November 1996: 8-Channel Stereo Mixer, Pt.1; Low-Cost Fluorescent
Light Inverter; Repairing Domestic Light Dimmers; Multi-Media Sound
System, Pt.2; 600W DC-DC Converter For Car Hifi Systems, Pt.2.
May 1999: The Line Dancer Robot; An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor
Control, Pt.1; Three Electric Fence Testers; Heart Of LEDs; Build A
Carbon Monoxide Alarm; Getting Started With Linux; Pt.3.
December 1996: Active Filter Cleans Up Your CW Reception; A Fast
Clock For Railway Modellers; Laser Pistol & Electronic Target; Build
A Sound Level Meter; 8-Channel Stereo Mixer, Pt.2; Index To Vol.9.
June 1999: FM Radio Tuner Card For PCs; X-Y Table With Stepper Motor
Control, Pt.2; Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars, Pt.1;
Hard Disk Drive Upgrades Without Reinstalling Software?
January 1997: How To Network Your PC; Control Panel For Multiple
Smoke Alarms, Pt.1; Build A Pink Noise Source; Computer Controlled
Dual Power Supply, Pt.1; Digi-Temp Monitors Eight Temperatures.
July 1999: Build A Dog Silencer; 10µH to 19.99mH Inductance Meter;
Build An Audio-Video Transmitter; Programmable Ignition Timing
Module For Cars, Pt.2; XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.3.
February 1997: PC-Controlled Moving Message Display; Computer
Controlled Dual Power Supply, Pt.2; Alert-A-Phone Loud Sounding
Telephone Alarm; Control Panel For Multiple Smoke Alarms, Pt.2.
August 1999: Remote Modem Controller; Daytime Running Lights For
Cars; Build A PC Monitor Checker; Switching Temperature Controller;
XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.4; Electric Lighting, Pt.14.
March 1997: Driving A Computer By Remote Control; Plastic Power
PA Amplifier (175W); Signalling & Lighting For Model Railways; Build
A Jumbo LED Clock; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.7.
September 1999: Autonomouse The Robot, Pt.1; Voice Direct Speech
Recognition Module; Digital Electrolytic Capacitance Meter; XYZ Table
With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.5; Peltier-Powered Can Cooler.
April 1997: Simple Timer With No ICs; Digital Voltmeter For Cars;
Loudspeaker Protector For Stereo Amplifiers; Model Train Controller;
A Look At Signal Tracing; Pt.1; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.8.
October 1999: Build The Railpower Model Train Controller, Pt.1;
Semiconductor Curve Tracer; Autonomouse The Robot, Pt.2; XYZ
Table With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.6; Introducing Home Theatre.
May 1997: Neon Tube Modulator For Light Systems; Traffic Lights For
A Model Intersection; The Spacewriter – It Writes Messages In Thin
Air; A Look At Signal Tracing; Pt.2; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.9.
November 1999: Setting Up An Email Server; Speed Alarm For Cars,
Pt.1; LED Christmas Tree; Intercom Station Expander; Foldback Loudspeaker System; Railpower Model Train Controller, Pt.2.
June 1997: PC-Controlled Thermometer/Thermostat; TV Pattern
Generator, Pt.1; Audio/RF Signal Tracer; High-Current Speed Controller
For 12V/24V Motors; Manual Control Circuit For Stepper Motors.
December 1999: Solar Panel Regulator; PC Powerhouse (gives +12V,
+9V, +6V & +5V rails); Fortune Finder Metal Locator; Speed Alarm For
Cars, Pt.2; Railpower Model Train Controller, Pt.3; Index To Vol.12.
July 1997: Infrared Remote Volume Control; A Flexible Interface Card
For PCs; Points Controller For Model Railways; Colour TV Pattern
Generator, Pt.2; An In-Line Mixer For Radio Control Receivers.
January 2000: Spring Reverberation Module; An Audio-Video Test
Generator; Build The Picman Programmable Robot; A Parallel Port
Interface Card; Off-Hook Indicator For Telephone Lines.
August 1997: The Bass Barrel Subwoofer; 500 Watt Audio Power
Amplifier Module; A TENs Unit For Pain Relief; Addressable PC Card
For Stepper Motor Control; Remote Controlled Gates For Your Home.
February 2000: Multi-Sector Sprinkler Controller; A Digital Voltmeter
For Your Car; An Ultrasonic Parking Radar; Build A Safety Switch
Checker; Build A Sine/Square Wave Oscillator.
September 1997: Multi-Spark Capacitor Discharge Ignition; 500W
Audio Power Amplifier, Pt.2; A Video Security System For Your Home;
PC Card For Controlling Two Stepper Motors; HiFi On A Budget.
March 2000: Resurrecting An Old Computer; Low Distortion 100W
Amplifier Module, Pt.1; Electronic Wind Vane With 16-LED Display;
Glowplug Driver For Powered Models; The OzTrip Car Computer, Pt.1.
October 1997: Build A 5-Digit Tachometer; Add Central Locking To Your
Car; PC-Controlled 6-Channel Voltmeter; 500W Audio Power Amplifier,
Pt.3; Customising The Windows 95 Start Menu.
May 2000: Ultra-LD Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; Build A LED Dice (With
PIC Microcontroller); Low-Cost AT Keyboard Translator (Converts
IBM Scan-Codes To ASCII); 50A Motor Speed Controller For Models.
November 1997: Heavy Duty 10A 240VAC Motor Speed Controller;
Easy-To-Use Cable & Wiring Tester; Build A Musical Doorbell; Replacing Foam Speaker Surrounds; Understanding Electric Lighting Pt.1.
June 2000: Automatic Rain Gauge With Digital Readout; Parallel Port
VHF FM Receiver; Li’l Powerhouse Switchmode Power Supply (1.23V
to 40V) Pt.1; CD Compressor For Cars Or The Home.
December 1997: Speed Alarm For Cars; 2-Axis Robot With Gripper;
Stepper Motor Driver With Onboard Buffer; Power Supply For Stepper
Motor Cards; Understanding Electric Lighting Pt.2; Index To Vol.10.
July 2000: A Moving Message Display; Compact Fluorescent Lamp
Driver; El-Cheapo Musicians’ Lead Tester; Li’l Powerhouse Switchmode
Power Supply (1.23V to 40V) Pt.2.
January 1998: Build Your Own 4-Channel Lightshow, Pt.1 (runs off
12VDC or 12VAC); Command Control System For Model Railways,
Pt.1; Pan Controller For CCD Cameras.
August 2000: Build A Theremin For Really Eeerie Sounds; Come In
Spinner (writes messages in “thin-air”); Proximity Switch For 240VAC
Lamps; Structured Cabling For Computer Networks.
February 1998: Multi-Purpose Fast Battery Charger, Pt.1; Telephone
Exchange Simulator For Testing; Command Control System For Model
Railways, Pt.2; Build Your Own 4-Channel Lightshow, Pt.2.
September 2000: Build A Swimming Pool Alarm; An 8-Channel PC
Relay Board; Fuel Mixture Display For Cars, Pt.1; Protoboards – The
Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.1; Cybug The Solar Fly.
April 1998: Automatic Garage Door Opener, Pt.1; 40V 8A Adjustable
Power Supply, Pt.1; PC-Controlled 0-30kHz Sinewave Generator; Build
A Laser Light Show; Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6.
October 2000: Guitar Jammer For Practice & Jam Sessions; Booze
Buster Breath Tester; A Wand-Mounted Inspection Camera; Installing
A Free-Air Subwoofer In Your Car; Fuel Mixture Display For Cars, Pt.2.
May 1998: Troubleshooting Your PC, Pt.1; Build A 3-LED Logic Probe;
Automatic Garage Door Opener, Pt.2; Command Control For Model
Railways, Pt.4; 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply, Pt.2.
November 2000: Santa & Rudolf Chrissie Display; 2-Channel Guitar
Preamplifier, Pt.1; Message Bank & Missed Call Alert; Electronic
Thermostat; Protoboards – The Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.3.
www.siliconchip.com.au
December 2000: Home Networking For Shared Internet Access; Build
A Bright-White LED Torch; 2-Channel Guitar Preamplifier, Pt.2 (Digital
Reverb); Driving An LCD From The Parallel Port; Build A Morse Clock;
Protoboards – The Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.4; Index To Vol.13.
January 2001: How To Transfer LPs & Tapes To CD; The LP Doctor –
Clean Up Clicks & Pops, Pt.1; Arbitrary Waveform Generator; 2-Channel
Guitar Preamplifier, Pt.3; PIC Programmer & TestBed.
February 2001: How To Observe Meteors Using Junked Gear; An
Easy Way To Make PC Boards; L’il Pulser Train Controller; Midi-Mate
– A MIDI Interface For PCs; Build The Bass Blazer; 2-Metre Elevated
Groundplane Antenna; The LP Doctor – Clean Up Clicks & Pops, Pt.2.
March 2001: Making Photo Resist PC Boards; Big-Digit 12/24 Hour
Clock; Parallel Port PIC Programmer & Checkerboard; Protoboards –
The Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.5; A Simple MIDI Expansion Box.
April 2001: A GPS Module For Your PC; Dr Video – An Easy-To-Build
Video Stabiliser; Tremolo Unit For Musicians; Minimitter FM Stereo
Transmitter; Intelligent Nicad Battery Charger.
May 2001: Powerful 12V Mini Stereo Amplifier; Two White-LED Torches
To Build; PowerPak – A Multi-Voltage Power Supply; Using Linux To
Share An Internet Connection, Pt.1; Tweaking Windows With TweakUI.
June 2001: Fast Universal Battery Charger, Pt.1; Phonome – Call, Listen
In & Switch Devices On & Off; L’il Snooper – A Low-Cost Automatic
Camera Switcher; Using Linux To Share An Internet Connection, Pt.2;
A PC To Die For, Pt.1 (Building Your Own PC).
July 2001: The HeartMate Heart Rate Monitor; Do Not Disturb Telephone
Timer; Pic-Toc – A Simple Alarm Clock; Fast Universal Battery Charger,
Pt.2; A PC To Die For, Pt.2; Backing Up Your Email.
August 2001: Direct Injection Box For Musicians; Build A 200W Mosfet
Amplifier Module; Headlight Reminder For Cars; 40MHz 6-Digit Frequency Counter Module; A PC To Die For, Pt.3; Using Linux To Share
An Internet Connection, Pt.3.
September 2001: Making MP3s – Rippers & Encoders; Build Your Own
MP3 Jukebox, Pt.1; PC-Controlled Mains Switch; Personal Noise Source
For Tinnitus Sufferers; The Sooper Snooper Directional Microphone;
Using Linux To Share An Internet Connection, Pt.4.
October 2001: A Video Microscope From Scrounged Parts; Build Your
Own MP3 Jukebox, Pt.2; Super-Sensitive Body Detector; An Automotive
Thermometer; Programming Adapter For Atmel Microcomputers.
November 2001: Ultra-LD 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1;
Neon Tube Modulator For Cars; Low-Cost Audio/Video Distribution
Amplifier; Short Message Recorder Player; Computer Tips.
December 2001: A Look At Windows XP; Build A PC Infrared Transceiver; Ultra-LD 100W RMS/Ch Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; Pardy Lights
– An Intriguing Colour Display; PIC Fun – Learning About Micros.
January 2002: Touch And/Or Remote-Controlled Light Dimmer, Pt.1; A
Cheap ’n’Easy Motorbike Alarm; 100W RMS/Channel Stereo Amplifier,
Pt.3; Build A Raucous Alarm; Tracking Down Computer Software Problems; Electric Power Steering; FAQs On The MP3 Jukebox.
February 2002: 10-Channel IR Remote Control Receiver; 2.4GHz
High-Power Audio-Video Link; Assemble Your Own 2-Way Tower
Speakers; Touch And/Or Remote-Controlled Light Dimmer, Pt.2;
Booting A PC Without A Keyboard; 4-Way Event Timer.
March 2002: Mighty Midget Audio Amplifier Module; The Itsy-Bitsy
USB Lamp; 6-Channel IR Remote Volume Control, Pt.1; RIAA Prea
mplifier For Magnetic Cartridges; 12/24V Intelligent Solar Power
Battery Charger; Generate Audio Tones Using Your PC’s Soundcard.
April 2002: How To Get Into Avionics; Automatic Single-Channel Light
Dimmer; Pt.1; Build A Water Level Indicator; Multiple-Output Bench
Power Supply; Versatile Multi-Mode Timer; 6-Channel IR Remote
Volume Control, Pt.2; More FAQ’s On The MPs Jukebox Player.
May 2002: PIC-Controlled 32-LED Knightrider; The Battery Guardian
(Cuts Power When the Battery Voltage Drops); A Stereo Headphone
Amplifier; Automatic Single-Channel Light Dimmer; Pt.2; Stepper Motor
Controller; Shark Shield – Keeping The Man-Eaters At Bay.
June 2002: Lock Out The Bad Guys with A Firewall; Remote Volume
Control For Stereo Amplifiers; The “Matchless” Metal Locator; Compact
0-80A Automotive Ammeter; Constant High-Current Source.
July 2002: Telephone Headset Adaptor; Rolling Code 4-Channel UHF
Remote Control; Remote Volume Control For The Ultra-LD Stereo
Amplifier; Direct Conversion Receiver For Radio Amateurs, Pt.1.
August 2002: Digital Instrumentation Software For Your PC; Digital
Storage Logic Probe; Digital Thermometer/Thermostat; Sound Card
Interface For PC Test Instruments; Direct Conversion Receiver For Radio
Amateurs, Pt.2; Spruce Up Your PC With XP-Style Icons.
September 2002: 12V Fluorescent Lamp Inverter; 8-Channel Infrared
Remote Control; 50-Watt DC Electronic Load; Driving Light & Accessory
Protector For Cars; Spyware – An Update.
PLEASE NOTE: November 1987 to March 1989, June 1989, August
1989, December 1989, May 1990, December 1990, February 1991,
April 1991, June 1991, August 1991, January 1992, February 1992, July
1992, August 1992, September 1992, November 1992, December 1992,
January 1993, May 1993, February 1996, March 1998 and February
1999 are now sold out. All other issues are presently in stock. We
can supply photostat copies (or tear sheets) from sold-out issues for
$7.70 per article (includes p&p). When supplying photostat articles
or back copies, we automatically supply any relevant notes & errata
at no extra charge. A complete index to all articles published to date
can be downloaded free from our web site: www.siliconchip.com.au
October 2002 93
MARKET CENTRE
Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in Silicon Chip.
FOR SALE
CABLE SPECIALS: POWER, 3 Phase,
Underground, 0.6Kv, Ex British Aerospace 500 metres $3 / metre O.N.O 1
drum. Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd.
Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
BATTERIES SPECIALS: 9 Volt DURACELL, Made In U.S.A, Ex Olympic
Boxed Lots of 48 $50 plus $15 P&P.
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
UNIVERSAL DEVICE PROGRAMMER: Low cost, high performance,
48-pin, works in DOS or Windows incl.
NT/2000. $1364. Universal EPROM
programmer $467.50. Also adaptors,
(E)EPROM, PIC, 8051 programmers,
EPROM simulator and eraser.
Dunfield C Compilers: Everything you
need to develop C and ASM software
for 68HC08, 6809, 68HC11, 68HC12,
68HC16, 8051/52, 8080/85, 8086, 8096
or AVR: $198 each. Demo disk available.
ImageCraft C Compilers: 32-bit Win-
dows IDE and compiler. For AVR, 68HC
08, 68HC11, 68HC12, 68HC16. $385.00
Atmel Flash CPU Programmer: Handles the 89Cx051, 89C5x, 89Sxx in
both DIP and PLCC44 and some AVR’s,
most 8-pin EEPROMS. Includes socket
for serial ISP cable. $220, $11 p&p.
SOIC adaptors: 20 pin $132.00, 14 pin
$126.50, 8 pin $121.00.
Full details on web site. Credit cards
accepted.
GRANTRONICS PTY LTD, PO Box 275,
Wentworthville 2145. (02) 9896 7150 or
http://www.grantronics.com.au
EXTENSION CORD SPECIALS: 10
METRE, CLICK Heavy Duty, Ex Olympic
Brand New Unopened boxed Lots of
5 $30 plus $15 P&P. Australian Video
Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
SURPLUS COMPUTER PRODUCTS,
PO Box 220, Sebastopol Vic. 3356.
Phone (03) 5336 2296 or email: tmcleod<at>ncable.net.au
IBM Master Clock: Pendulum type,
Electromechanical, 24 Volt DC, Origi-
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES
Advertising rates for this page: Classified ads: $20.00 (incl. GST) for up to 20
words plus 66 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $33.00 (incl. GST) per
column centimetre (max. 10cm). Closing date: five weeks prior to month of sale.
To run your classified ad, print it clearly on a separate sheet of paper, fill out the
form & send it with your cheque or credit card details to: Silicon Chip Classifieds,
PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Or fax the details to (02) 9979 6503.
Taxation Invoice ABN 49 003 205 490
Enclosed is my cheque/money order for $__________ or please debit my
❏ Bankcard ❏
Visa Card ❏ Master Card
Card No.
Signature__________________________ Card expiry date______/______
Name ______________________________________________________
Street ______________________________________________________
Suburb/town ___________________________ Postcode______________
94 Silicon Chip
nal, Hand Painted Face Lettering IBM,
Serviced, new French Polish, Ex British
Aerospace, Keeps Good Time, $7500.
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER SPECIALS:
CHUBB Dry Powder 1.5kg, EX OLYMPIC Boxed $25 plus $15 P&P. Australian
Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879
6782.
COMPUTER ACCESSORIES at market
prices. Cables, screws, fans, mice and
100s more. Ask for my price list. Ph (03)
5336 2296 or email:
tmcleod<at>ncable.net.au
HOT AIR REWORK STATIONS! Include a hot air gun for removing SMD
components as well as a soldering iron
with a small tip. Bargain price! $360.
See www.mobacc.com.au for more
details.
HELMET SPECIALS: Motor Cycle, ex
Olympics $20 Terminator 2 Movie Policeman Type, various sizes. Australian
Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879
6782.
A NEW RANGE of European kits made
by SMART KIT now available in Australia at www.q-mex.com.au
DOUBLE ADAPTORS: Ex Olympic,
Boxed Lots of 10, $20 plus $15 P&P.
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
RF CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS:
Top quality at low prices from RFShop
www.rfshop.webcentral.com.au (07)
3278 0262.
RCS HAS MOVED to 41 Arlewis St,
Chester Hill 2162 and is now open,
with full production. Tel (02) 9738 0330;
Fax 9738 0334. rcsradio<at>cia.com.au;
www.cia.com.au/rcsradio
Audio, Video, S-Video and VGA cables
distribution amps, switchers, adaptors,
price lists at:
www.questronix.com.au
www.siliconchip.com.au
TAIG MACHINERY
Micro Mini Lathes and Mills
From $489.00
59 Gilmore Crescent
Garran ACT 2605
(02) 6281 5660
0412269707
For price list, write Acetronics
5/32 Seton Rd, Moorebank 2170 or email
acetronics<at>acetronics.com.au
Phone (02) 9600 6832
www.acetronics.com.au
Satellite TV Reception
International satellite
TV reception in your
home is now affordable.
Send for your free info
pack containing equipment catalog, satellite
lists, etc or call for appointment to view.
We can display all satellites from 76.5°
to 180°.
AV-COMM P/L, 24/9 Powells Rd,
Brookvale, NSW 2100.
Tel: 02 9939 4377 or 9939 4378.
Fax: 9939 4376; www.avcomm.com.au
Need prototype PC boards?
We have the solutions – we print electronics!
Four-day turnaround, less if urgent; Artwork from your own
positive or file; Through hole plating; Prompt postal service; 29
years technical experience; Inexpensive; Superb quality.
Printed Electronics, 12A Aristoc Rd,
Glen Waverley, Vic 3150.
Phone: (03) 9545 3722; Fax: (03) 9545 3561
Call Mike Lynch and check us out!
We are the best for low cost, small runs.
FOUR WAY Power Board with Spike
Protection: Ex Olympic, $10 plus $15
P&P (Buy 5 and no P&P). Australian
Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879
6782.
USB KITS: DTMF Transceiver, Thermometer, DDS HF Generator, Compass, 4-Channel Voltmeter, I/O Relay
Card. Also Digital Oscilloscope and
Temperature Loggers. www.ar.com.
au/~softmark
VALVES, AMPLIFIERS AND KITS:
Thomson Audio Design is Australian
distributor of JJ Electronic electron tubes
and capacitors. We also manufacture
valve amplifiers and kits. Phone: 0425
721 590. Web:
www.thomsonaudiodesign.com
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE SIMULATOR: test equipment without the cost of
telephone lines. Melb 9806 0110.
http://www.alphalink.com.
au/~zenere
ALLEN KEY SPECIALS: Metric Sets
$9, Imperial Sets $9, Ex Olympic P&P
$10. Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd.
Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
KITS KITS AND MORE KITS! Check
’em out at www.ozitronics.com
CCTV CAMERA HOUSINGS: IP 67
NATA Laboratory Certified, Designed
www.siliconchip.com.au
In Australia, Made In Australia, by Australian Video Systems, TYPE CH 750,
Brackets, Sun Shield, IP67 Conduit,
Current the professionals choice! $240
plus GST + $15 P&P. Australian Video
Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
BARCODE READERS: Ex British Aerospace, Portable Hand Held 6 only $50
each $300 P&P $30. Australian Video
Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
CCTV things Better-Prices Better-Range Cameras from $34 * PC
Video & Audio Recording Dial In/Out
S/W $99 * FREE things <at>
www.allthings.com.au/free
INFRARED Acrylic: black to the human
eye, transparent to CCTV camera that
has IR capability, 3mm thick, 104mm x
52mm. $20 each plus $5 P&P. Australian
Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879
6782.
ALARM SPECIALS: Ex Olympic, DSC
PC 550 with manual, siren , 1 x PIR
Key Pad, Transformer $150 P&P $20.
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
TELEPHONES: Ex British Aerospace,
used but work. $15 each plus $15 P&P
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
CABLE SPECIALS: Screened Multi
New New New
Mark22-SM
Slimline Mini FM R/C Receiver
•
•
•
•
•
6 Channels
10kHz frequency separation
Size: 55 x 23 x 20mm
Weight: 25gm
Modular Construction
Price: $A129.50 with crystal
Electronics
PO Box 580, Riverwood, NSW 2210.
Ph/Fax (02) 9533 3517
email: youngbob<at>silvertone.com.au
Website: www.silvertone.com.au
Positions At Jaycar
We are often looking for enthusiastic
staff for positions in our retail stores and
head office at Silverwater in Sydney. A
genuine interest in electronics is a necessity. Phone 02 9741 8555 for current
vacancies.
Core, Under Ground, Ex British Aerospace, New On Reels, 50 Pair, 26 Pair,
15 Pair all with tight woven screen and
drain wire, cores are multi stranded.
$2 / metre drum lots. Australian Video
Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Low
prices, hobbyists welcome. Sesame
Electronics (02) 9586 4771.
sesame777<at>optusnet.com.au; http://
members.tripod.com/~sesame_elec
SCREWDRIVER SETS: Ex Olympic,
Crescent Type $25 P&P $15. Australian
Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879
6782.
24 Volt To 12 Volt DC Converters: Designed and manufactured in Australia
by Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd, 5
amp, switchmode, $85 plus GST. Current Product. Australian Video Systems
Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
continued on page 96
October 2002 95
wetness, etc. Just phone, fax or write for
our FREE catalogue and price list. Eco
Watch phone: (03) 9761 7040; fax: (03)
9761 7050; Unit 5, 17 Southfork Drive,
Kilsyth, Vic. 3137. ABN 63 006 399 480.
CCTV Acrylic Domes: Designed and
manufactured in Australia by Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd, 150mm,
250mm, 275mm, 383mm. Masked,
tinted, Infra Red, Clear or Dummy!
Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph:
(02) 9879 6782.
PADLOCK SPECIALS: Ex Olympic,
Boxed Lots of 10, $40 P&P $15. Australian Video Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02)
9879 6782.
Cameras Hi-Resolution SUPER
CLEARANCE SALE. Lowest prices in
Australia. Colour Digital Dome Camera
was $290 Now $89, Dummy Dome $5,
12vDC power supply $5. Colour Pinhole Camera with audio in metal case
was $240 Now $79. Worlds Smallest Wireless Colour Camera with
audio, complete kit; was $599 NOW
Only $185. Limited stock. Be quick.
www.gcselectronics.com (02) 4227
9933.
WEATHER STATIONS: Windspeed &
direction, inside temperature, outside
temperature & windchill. Records highs
& lows with time and date as they occur.
Optional rainfall and PC interface. Used
by Government Departments, farmers,
pilots, and weather enthusiasts. Other
models with barometric pressure, humidity, dew point, solar radiation, UV, leaf
NOW
AVAILABLE
FROM
MEGAPHONES; TOA; BE HEARD! Ex
Olympic $65 + GST P&P $15 Batteries
Included, Shoulder Harness, used at
Sydney Olympics 2000. Australian Video
Systems Pty Ltd. Ph: (02) 9879 6782.
KIT ASSEMBLY
NEVILLE WALKER KIT ASSEMBLY
& REPAIR:
• Australia wide service
• Small production runs
• Specialist “one-off” applications
Phone Neville Walker (07) 3857 2752
Email: flashdog<at>optusnet.com.au
Acetronics....................................95
Allthings Sales & Services...........95
Altronics........................... 66-68, 96
Av-Comm Pty Ltd.........................95
Dick Smith Electronics........... 22-25
Elan Audio....................................83
Emona............................................9
Grantronics..................................94
Harbuch Electronics.....................71
Instant PCBs................................95
Hong Kong Trade Council..........IFC
Hy-Q International........................79
Jaycar .............................. 45-52,95
JED Microprocessors..............11,79
MicroByte Electronics..................79
Microgram Computers...................3
KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR. Small production or one off. Phone Robin Frost
08 8357 4441.
Email: patrob<at>bigpond.com.au
MicroZed Computers...................79
WANTED
Procopy........................................79
EARLY HI FI’S AMPLIFIERS, Speakers, Turntables, Valves, Books ; Quad,
Leak, Pye, Lowther, Ortofon, SME,
Western Electric, Altec, Marantz, McIntosh, Goodmans, Wharfedale, Tannoy,
radio and wireless. Collector/Hobbyist
will pay cash. 02 9440 1267.
johnmurt<at>highprofile.com.au
Oatley Electronics........................13
Printed Electronics...................... 95
Quest Electronics.........................79
RCS Radio..............................79,95
RF Probes....................................79
Silicon Chip Back Issues........ 92-93
Silicon Chip Bookshop........... 86-87
Silicon Chip TestBench..............IBC
Silvertone Electronics.............79,95
Soundlabs Group.........................79
www.siliconchip.com.au
Project Reprints
Limited Back Issues
Limited One-Shots
If you’re looking for a project from ELECTRONICS AUSTRALIA, you’ll find it at SILICON CHIP! We
can now offer reprints of all projects which have appeared in Electronics Australia, EAT, Electronics
Today, ETI or Radio, TV & Hobbies. First search the EA website indexes for the project you want
and then call, fax or email us with the details and your credit card details. Reprint cost is $8.80 per
article (ie, 2-part projects cost $17.60). SILICON CHIP subscribers receive a 10% discount.
We also have limited numbers of EA back issues and special publications. Call for details!
visit www.siliconchip.com.au or www.electronicsaustralia.com.au
96 Silicon Chip
Advertising Index
Taig Machinery.............................95
Telelink Communications....79,OBC
Wiltronics.....................................79
_________________________________
PC Boards
Printed circuit boards for SILICON
CHIP projects are made by:
RCS Radio Pty Ltd. Phone (02) 9738
0330. Fax (02) 9738 0334.
www.siliconchip.com.au
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