December 2009 - Silicon Chip Online

Outer Front Cover
Contents
Publisher's Letter: Email can be a mixed blessing
Review: Hakko’s FX-888 SMD-Safe Soldering Station by Ross Tester
Project: Voltage Interceptor For Cars With ECUs by John Clarke
Project: One-Of-Nine Switch Position Indicator by John Clarke
Project: Capacitor Leakage Meter With LCD Readout by Jim Rowe
Project: Ginormous 7-Segment LED Panel Meter Display by Greg Radion & Ross Tester
Project: WIB: Web Server In A Box, Pt.2 by Mauro Grassi
Vintage Radio: The Radiogram Bloke by Rodney Champness
Book Store
Advertising Index
Outer Back Cover

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siliconchip.com.au December 2009 1 SILICON CHIP If you are seeing a blank page here, it is more than likely that it contained advertising which is now out of date and the advertiser has requested that the page be removed to prevent misunderstandings.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.jaycar.com.au Contents Vol.22, No.12; December 2009 SILICON CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Features 14 World Solar Challenge – Sunswift Did Us Proud! Australia’s Sunswift IVy ran fourth in the recent World Solar Challenge but was first in its class, using silicon-based solar cells – by Ross Tester 16 Review: The Pest Free II Electromagnetic Pest Repellent Would you like to ensure that your home is free of rats, mice & cockroaches? Of course you would but we don’t believe this device works – by Leo Simpson Voltage Interceptor For Cars With ECUs – Page 24. 22 Review: Hakko’s FX-888 SMD-Safe Soldering Station Hakko’s new FX-888 Soldering Station features a number of upgrades over previous models and should find a ready market – by Ross Tester Pro jects To Build 24 Voltage Interceptor For Cars With ECUs Easy-to-build unit allows you to modify the output of most sensors in your car, before feeding the modified signal to the ECU. Use it to correct air/fuel ratios after engine mods, prevent turbo boost cuts & lots more – by John Clarke 32 One-Of-Nine Switch Position Indicator This simple circuit can used with any switch with up to nine positions and indicates the currently selected position on a 7-segment LED display – by John Clarke One-Of-Nine Switch Position Indicator – Page 32. 40 Capacitor Leakage Meter With LCD Readout Here’s one for the workbench. This unit can perform a leakage current test on almost any type of capacitor and has seven different standard test voltages ranging from 10-100V – by Jim Rowe 70 Ginormous 7-Segment LED Panel Meter Display Ever had the need for a digital display that can be read from across the room? How about from across the factory floor? Or how about 50 or even a 100 metres away? – by Greg Radion & Ross Tester 82 WIB: Web Server In A Box, Pt.2 Follow our step-by-step procedure to connect the WIB to your modem/router and configure the settings. We also show you how to set up dynamic DNS so that you can access the WIB via the Internet – by Mauro Grassi Special Columns 63 Serviceman’s Log The laptop that crashed but only at home – by the Serviceman 78 Circuit Notebook (1) Trailer Lights Test Circuit; (2) Rain Sensor Uses AC; (3) RF Wobbulator For Checking AM/FM Receivers; (4) Solar-Powered Night Light 96 Vintage Radio The Radiogram Bloke – by Rodney Champness Departments 4 6 31 38 Publisher’s Letter Mailbag Order Form Product Showcase siliconchip.com.au 104 106 109 110 Capacitor Leakage Meter With LCD Readout – Page 40. Web Server In A Box: Getting It Running – Page 82. Back Issues Ask Silicon Chip Notes & Errata Market Centre December 2009 1 ROCKBY ELECTRONICS SOLARKING Monocrystalline 12/24V Solar Panels Monocrystalline solar panels are designed for long life (up to 20 years) and high efficiency output. These units may be ganged into arrays for applications where high power output is required eg for large battery banks. An excellent solution for remote or mobile power applications, electric fence battery banks, inverter systems, RV’s, caravans, boats etc. All aluminium frames and tempered glass panels allow installation in the most demanding environments. To prevent moisture ingress, the solar cell modules are laminated between sheets of high transmissivity 3mm tempered glass, tedlarpolyester-tedlar (TPT) material and sheets of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Specifications: Stock#: Max Power #36994 #36995 #36997 #37873 #37970 10W 20W 80W 120W 175W Rated Voltage Short Cct Curr. 0.56A 22.0V 1.17A 21.6V 4.55A 21.8V 6.82A 21.8V 4.87A 45.1V 12.0V 12.0V 12.0V 12.0V 24.0V Open Cct. Dimensions LxWxH 396 x 289 x 23 645 x 295 x 25 1210 x 540 x 35 1500 x 660 x 35 1508 x 808 x 35 Price $55.00 $110.50 $397.00 $610.00 $825.00 Features: *Heavy Duty Mental Frame *20 Year Limited Warranty *Monocrytalline Silicone *3.2mm Tampered Glass Auto Switch Solar Controlllers Pure Sine Wave Solar Panel Controller,12V/24V auto switch High efficiency AND stability.voltage drop is less than 0.2V. Manufacturer.: JUTA to Au ng 24 tchi / 12 wi S #37605 #37737 $89.00 12A $49.50 20A 12VDC 2A (Switch Mode) Plug Pack * Device:UE24WS * Input: 100-240VAC * Output: 12VDC <at> 2A * Connection:2.1mm DC Plug * Supplied: Bulk * N22899 / N1358 #37858 Watts 1500W 2000W Specifications: * Input: 12VDC * Output: 100-120/220-240 VAC * Pure sine wave efficiency: >90% * Full load efficiency: >85% * Low I/P protect.: 10±0.5V/20±0.5V * Overloading protection * Short circuit protection * Auto restart function 12VDC 7A Regulated Switchmode Supply #37931 LCD Mounting Bracket (with removable pin) #37993 Stock# 37964 37965 * Model: SMP12V7A-25P * Input: 100V-240VAC 47-63Hz * Dimensions: 170 x 60 x 40mm. * O/P Lead with 2.5mm DC jack * Includes Clover Leaf AC lead $16.40 * Colour: Silver / Grey * Suitable for: 10-22” LCD TVs, * Monitors etc. * Weight:1.05Kg * Maximum Load: 15Kg * 30° Tilt range * Dimensions: 60x370mm * Hardware and Manual included Inverters Universal Flat Panel Mounts o ls " t ne 32 Pa e t rg la La " F 0 6 $42.50 PHOENIX High Definition Set Top Box * Res.: 1920 x 1080i, 1280 x 720p, $88.00 720 x 576p and 720 x 576i * HDMI output: 1080i/720p/576p #38024 * Fully MPEG-2/DVB Compliant * Dolby 5.1 audio * Auto conversion between SD & HD progarms * HDMI, VGA, Comp., Optical audio & coaxial outputs $42.50 $29.80 * 15° Tilt range * Suits up to 60” flat panels * Vesa standard mounting: 805 x 455mm * Max Weight 75Kg * Wallboard dimension: 855mm #37807 * Colour: Black Price $497.00 $720.00 Modified Sine Wave Inverters Input Volts: 10-15V DC Standby input curr.: 0.2A Output: 240V ~ 50hz Overload Protection Stock# 38118 37857 38119 37938 Watts 400W 900W 1100W 3500W Price $69.50 $119.00 $145.00 $490.00 Remote Control 240V Mains Operated Switch Allows remote control of just about any appliance in the home! This 5 ch. mains switching package is suitable for switching up to 1000W. This makes it perfect for automating devices around the home at the touch of a button. Operating range: 20m #35397 $19.50 Extra socket for Wireless Power Socket Extra wireless remote control power point to interface with the controller included with the #35397 Up to 5 power sockets can be connected to the one controller. Maximum switching power: 1000W Operating range: 20m #35404 Battery Charger (Inc. 4 x AA 2600mAH) Free $13.90 Multimeter * Charges 2 or 4pcs Ni-MH/ Ni-CD AA and AAA batteries * AC100-240V Worldwide Use * Car Charger Adaptor and Switching Power Supply Included * Includes 4 x 2600mAh High Capacity NiMH Cells * Output Power: 4.48VA (max) WITH EVERY PURCHASE OVER $30.00 $24.80 Offer Ends 11/01/2010 (one per customer) #38040 (From this Add) For on-line Ordering and other Products see our web site www.rockby.com.au ROCKBY $13.50 Device:TC1602A_09T View Area(mm):64x 13.5 (approx) Display Mode:STN White & Blue Controller:SPLC780D #37879 Manuf.:Tinsharp Electronics * For Data See Web * 128X 64 Dot - FSTN Graphics LCD Module d Le t e li u Bl ack B Device:64128A-FC-BW-4LP Size(WHDmm):93 X 70 X 11 View Area(WHmm):70.7x38.8 Manufacturer:Displaytech * For Data See Web * $19.50 #38027 Large Char.16 x 2 LCD Module rn lit / G ck ll Ba e Y ED L Device:MDLS16268CSP-04 Character Type Display $15.50 Size(WHDmm): 122 x 44 x 15mm Char Size(WHmm): 4.84 x 9.22mm Manufacturer: Varitronix #37633 * For Data See Web * Use with MP3 player/CD/DVD/MD/PC/Laptop Computer/Digital Camera/Mobile/Cassette Player With 12V Car adaptor for your Device or 2 of “AAA” size batteries (not included) Manufacturer: SANSAI Digits: 3.5, 13mm height Ranges: 200mV DC Input impedance: >100MOhm Supply voltage: 7-11V DC Power consumption: 1mA DC Over-range indicator: ‘1’ Decimal place: Selectable with wire jumper Accuracy: +/-0.5% $15.50 #37632 #37432 $6.90 27000mcd 5mm Super Intensity White Led. Device:NSPW500D Colour: White Lens: Clear #36884 $1.90 $11.60 Dummy Load Wire Wound Power Resistors Type: Non - Inductive Size(LxDmm):125x25 Stock# Value 37932 4 Ohm 37933 4 Ohm 37446 8 Ohm 37573 8 Ohm Watts 50W 100W 50W 100W Price $8.90 $14.80 $8.90 $14.80 Light Dependant Resistor (LDR) Device:P1241-05 Dark resistance:500k Ohm Light resistance: 8~24K Ohm Max. power: 30mW Size: 5.1(L) x 4.3(W) x2(H)mm RoHS: Yes #37876 Spacing: 3.4mm * For Data See Web * $1.50 Stop: Corrosion, Galling, Seizure * Copper based (colour Silver Gray) * Temp.: -65 to 2000 Deg. F * NLGI Grade : 1 * Specific Gravity : 1.2 * Penetration: 270 +-20 * 16oz Can (450gm net) * Manuf.: SAF-T-EZE (USA) * Spec. Sheet see web * #37853 $10.90 12VDC Revolving Warning Light Revolving Warning Light with cigarette lighter plug. With strong magnet hold. Colour: Amber $21.50 Voltage: 12VDC #36517 Lead Free Solder Complies with European RoHs, 99.3% tin and 0.7% copper. Weight: 0.25Kg Melts: 227 Deg. C Size Price 40W Temperature Controlled Soldering Station $39.50 Specifications: Heater Power for Soldering Iron: 48W Temperature Range: 100 ~ 450 Deg .C Voltage Supply: 220 - 240VAC Weight: 0.59kg This professional electronic temperature controlled soldering stations has been developed to meet the present and future needs of the electronics industry. Features: *Auxilary ground terminal *LED power, heater and temperature indicators *Overheat protection with temperature control Specifications: Power: 40W(150-420 Deg C) Voltage Supply: 230VAC-110VAC Iron Voltage :24VAV Soldering Iron Length:198mm Size: 170x116x96 (LWH) #34765 Showroom & Pick-up Orders: 56 Renver Rd. Clayton, Victoria 3168 Ph: (03) 9562-8559 Fax: (03) 9562-8772 * Cast Aluminium Frame * Hair line sight * Thumb hold * Magnifying viewer * Floating Luminous dial * Hi Precision instrument * 1:250000 outer scale * Size 75x52x26mm folded up 37942 0.5mm $15.90 37943 0.8mm $15.40 37944 1.0mm $15.40 $12.50 Features: For general electronics applicationsand repair. With on/off switch & LED indication Standard tip: 1.2mm Military Style Lensatic Compass Stock# Lead-Free Adjustable Soldering Station Rockby Electronics Pty Ltd ABN# 3991 7350 807 ACN# 006 829 821 #37173 #36679 #37719 Super Bright 3 Watt Star Type White LED This car power supply with 3 car lighter sockets With 800mA, 5.0V USB outlet Can be used to charg portable MP3, CD Player, PDA, Mobile Phones, GPS and other devices With 1.5M extension lead $17.50 Anti-Seize & Extreme Lubricating Compound LCD Panel Meter Device: Intensity: 65 lm <at> 700mA Manufacturer:Luxeon Star * For Data See Web * 3 Way Car Lighter Sockets Adaptor with USB MP3 FM Wireless Stereo Transmitter White 16x2 LCD Module d Le t ue kli l B ac B ELECTRONICS $47.50 #37940 * Stock is subject to prior sale For a Free Monthly Mailer Please Contact us Mail Orders To: Internet: P.O Box 1189 Huntingdale Victoria 3166 Web Address: www.rockby.com.au Email: salesdept<at>rockby.com.au For on-line Ordering and other Products see our web site www.rockby.com.au SILICON SILIC CHIP www.siliconchip.com.au Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Production Manager Greg Swain, B.Sc. (Hons.) Technical Editor John Clarke, B.E.(Elec.) Technical Staff Ross Tester Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc Mauro Grassi, B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D Photography Ross Tester Reader Services Ann Morris Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 Mobile 0431 792 293 glyn<at>siliconchip.com.au Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Rodney Champness, VK3UG Mike Sheriff, B.Sc, VK2YFK Stan Swan SILICON CHIP is published 12 times a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 003 205 490. ABN 49 003 205 490. All material is copyright ©. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Printing: Hannanprint, Noble Park, Victoria. Distribution: Network Distribution Company. Subscription rates: $94.50 per year in Australia. For overseas rates, see the order form in this issue. Editorial office: Unit 1, 234 Harbord Rd, Brookvale, NSW 2100. Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9939 3295. Fax (02) 9939 2648. E-mail: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au ISSN 1030-2662 * Recommended and maximum price only. 4 Silicon Chip Publisher’s Letter Email can be a mixed blessing Anyone who has a computer on their desk must often feel that it is the task-master rather than just a tool. I know that as soon as I turn on my computer, there is the inevitable temptation to check whether any vital emails have come through overnight. But as I scroll through, deleting the spam that has not already been filtered out and the “funnies” that people send to amuse me, I come across those that will ultimately appear in the magazine as letters to the Editor, Circuit Notebook items or requests for information. And there will be many more that require an answer or acknowledgement or just need reading. As you can imagine, not every letter to the Editor is published, nor every Circuit Notebook item featured and most requests for information, while answered, do not appear in the “Ask SILICON CHIP” pages. But the mere process of looking in the Inbox is insidious. Before I know it, it can be after 11am and I still have not struck a blow in the immediate tasks for the day which are usually far more important than email. So I am caught in a dilemma. For most of my tasks, I need to turn on the computer but I really need to avoid clicking the icon for “Outlook Express” because it is such a trap. Doubtless some readers will not want to read that emails to SILICON CHIP are not our top priority. In fact, they are – since so much advertising, subscriptions, reader orders, advertising material and other matters all come in via email. In fact, most incoming email is screened and dealt with by our office manager who also then directs the other correspondence to the appropriate staff members. And that is where the bottlenecks can build up. Since emails are so easy to send, many people expect a virtually instantaneous response. And if they don’t get that response within a few hours, they send another email – and then another. Well, this is where we must ask you to be patient. There are times in our monthly production cycle when email must take a lower priority (apart from those dealt with promptly, as noted above). If all email was to be top priority, the magazine would never be produced on time and I am sure that readers would not be happy about that either. In fact, in those months when the magazine does go on sale late in the month (but still on schedule), we get emails asking why? You cannot win! Nor are we able to answer technical enquiries by phone. We have just had to put a stop to this as it can be extremely time-consuming. You can see that this must be true. If someone asks a question about a project that might be five, 10 or even more than 40 years old, you have to get out the magazine, check the circuit (after listening to the question) and then give the answer. That might take 10 minutes or more and if we are right on deadline it just adds to the pressure. So please don’t expect us to take phone calls on technical matters – send your queries by email! And then please be patient. We are not sitting at the computer just waiting for your email to come through. In an ideal world, that might be possible but not in this one we are presently inhabiting. And please don’t phone us and claim that you don’t have email facilities. This has been a ploy with some readers to the person initially answering the phone. Then when an answer is given, it turns out that they would be happy to receive some information by email. That can leave a sour taste. If you don’t have email, please send your enquiries by letter. Some companies ban employees from answering any personal emails in company time – and they have the means and methods to enforce it. They also ban answering mobile phones, sending or checking text messages, Facebook and the like or anything not directly connected with the work in hand. From a business point of view, that has much to commend it. Without this sort of discipline, productivity drops markedly. We are no different – we cannot let email dominate the editorial production process. Leo Simpson siliconchip.com.au HAMEG instruments a Rohde & Schwarz Company Analog meets Digital No more blind spots The NEW 350MHz 2/4 Channel Digital Oscilloscope HMO3522/3524 Contact us at: sales.australia<at>rohde-schwarz.com www.rohde-schwarz.com.au siliconchip.com.au December 2009 5 MAILBAG Letters and emails should contain complete name, address and daytime phone number. Letters to the Editor are submitted on the condition that Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd may edit and has the right to reproduce in electronic form and communicate these letters. This also applies to submissions to “Ask SILICON CHIP” and “Circuit Notebook”. Praise for the WIB project I have been looking for something like the WIB project for quite a while. To make it a bit more versatile could you please make the digital outputs configurable as either inputs or outputs? Digital inputs could be used for alarm contact closures or similar, so you are emailed on your mobile to say your house is being burgled, or the bore pump in the back paddock has run out of fuel. (Yes I would need a long-haul WiFi/LAN like I have now with an IP web cam on it – all solar powered, of course). If you are running out of code space you could offer an extended version with the dsPIC33FJ128GP802 (ie, the 128K version). What if you tossed in a bit of code to talk to Dallas/Maxim 1-wire parts on Safe disposal of microwave ovens My microwave oven was losing power and as it was fairly old I deemed its working life over and took it to the local recycling centre. Before I did, I removed the turntable drive motor for some future project. I knew that microwave ovens could pack a lethal punch so re-read an earlier SILICON CHIP article (December 2006) before I did so. At the recycling centre I cheerfully asked what their procedures were when dismantling microwaves. To my surprise I had an immediate audience. They are dangerous to dismantle? No procedures existed. The supervisor strolled over, a perfectly reasonable young lady, and said she had dismantled hundreds of microwaves without any special precautions and had never had a shock. I said that if she had, she might not be telling me this. I gave her a copy of your article. She said that getting instructions for dismantling any of the cast-off 6 Silicon Chip one of the digital pins? Then you could have several DS18b20 temperature sensors and a humidity sensor as well. One more pin for the anemometer reed switch, one for the tipping bucket rain gauge and an analog pin for the wind direction pot and bingo you’ve got a logging IP weather station in a WIB. The mind boggles at what could be done and the variations of the “WIB” down the track. Thanks for an excellent project. Ray Hudson, Mareeba, Qld. More praise for the WIB I just wanted to congratulate you on Mauro Grassi’s fabulous Web-ServerIn-A-Box (WIB) project. I am a hack experimenter who has recently started detritus of our modern lives was next to impossible. Particularly bad was the dismantling of flat-panel screens without breaking the fluorescent lamps. Some of the staff are intellectually handicapped who are given employment by the local council so their understanding may not be high. Her situation, she maintained, was typical of all the recycling facilities in NZ. This is hardly an encouraging picture. Surely the manufacturer or distributor of consumer goods has a responsibility for their final and safe disposal? If this requires legislation and incurs a levy at the point of sale, that’s fine with me. This will ensure correct disposal procedures and it might just slow the rate of obsolescence of our consumer goods (might cheer your Serviceman up a bit too). Any comment from the Australian end? Andrew Buchanan, Wellington, NZ. Comment: sadly, there are not many such recycling centres in Australia. trying to get my head around webenabling my own amateur projects. I am more interested in adding Telnet-style interfaces and email-enabling my applications than I am in creating embedded web servers. Do you plan on releasing your source code to people who buy/build these kits? I’d love to be able to learn from your project and adapt the source code to suit my own projects. I know the Microchip TCP/IP stack is available on the internet but I am especially interested in learning from your SMTP, Dynamic DNS and FAT/ SD code. Anyway, keep up the good work! Malcolm Macleod, Brunswick West, Vic. Clarification on DAB+ transmissions I would like to comment on some of the assertions made by Simon Kareh, in the Mailbag pages of the October 2009 issue. The best way to feed the transmitters is to encode the signal in AAC+ at the studio output. This compression system is around twice as efficient as MP3 hence needs about half the bit rate for the same quality sound. No audio modifications have to be made at the transmitter. The ABC is actually transmitting some dynamic range on local radio which has not happened before. Additionally, they are transmitting Local Radio and Radio National in stereo which has not happened since AM stereo was switched off many years ago. The technical specifications match those he quotes. The comments made about the demo in Martin Place needs qualification. Firstly, this is the worst place for radio reception due to the buildings. The main FM stations are 150kW (ERP) each and DAB+ in mainland capitals are 50kW per transmitter, provided they are transmitting at their siliconchip.com.au WATERPROOF BATTERY CHARGERS Dodgy rechargeable torches again I think you had an article in SILICON CHIP a while back about some torches being sold as rechargeable – they had a magnet and a coil visible but it turned out that the “generator” did nothing and the LEDs were run by three hidden button cells. Well, I recently found another one in a local bargain shop. For $3.50, they have a very neat little “rechargeable” torch with three white LEDs and a generator that you operate by squeezing repeatedly. The information on the packaging says something along the lines of “ . . . one minute of generating gives twenty minutes of light . . . ”. I thought they were such a good idea I gave one to my mother and one to my aunty. I also gave one to a friend and he used it until it started to go dim but he could not recharge it, so he pulled it apart. That’s when he discovered three hidden button cells and no connection from the generator to any sort of energy storage. Strangely, the generator actually works – the LEDs light up brightly with the switch in the “off” position while the thing is being pumped. The potential is there (pun intended) but it is not used as claimed! I might be getting a bit cynical but I think far too much stuff these days is just rubbish. Just imagine how many millions of those torches were made. They are all going to fail and they’ll all end up in landfill along with the cells (probably containing mercury), the magnets, the copper, the plastic and the LEDs. Apart from the false claim of rechargeability, I strongly object to the waste of the Earth’s resources and the way they are making fools of millions of people who think they are saving the planet from millions of discarded batteries by using a rechargeable torch. Name withheld at reader’s request. maximum allowable power. Lower power is only being used in Sydney and Melbourne. Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth are transmitting at full power on all transmitters. The power cannot be increased because of the interference with analog TV channels 9 & 10 which surround siliconchip.com.au SA-VBA Series Encapsulated Battery Chargers 12V or 24V , 90W to 200W • Completely encapsulated: waterproof, shockproof and ignition protected • Protected against overheating • Automatic three stage charging • Two LEDs for status indication Completely encapsulated: waterproof, shockproof and ignition protected. Water, oil or dirt will not damage the SA-VBA chargers. The casing is made of cast aluminium and the electronics are moulded in resin. Protected against overheating: Can be used in a hot environment such as a machine room. Output current will reduce as temperature increases up to 60°C, but the SA-VBA charger will not fail. Automatic three-stage charging: Once the absorption voltage has been reached, the SA-VBA charger will switch to float charge after the charge current has reduced to a low break point current (see specifications), or after a 20 hour absorption period. The battery is therefore effectively protected against overcharging and can remain permanentely connected to the charger. The charger will automatically reset and start a new charge cycle after interruption of the AC supply. Two LEDs for status indication: Yellow LED: battery being charged Green LED: float charge, the battery is charged For more information, contact BATTERY ENGINEERING (08) 9302 5444 or mark<at>siomar.com www.batterybook.com December 2009 7 Mailbag: continued Climate change is caused by man Custom Vinyl Cut Stickers! ANTRIM TRANSFORMERS manufactured in Australia by Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd harbuch<at>optusnet.com.au Toroidal – Conventional Transformers Power – Audio – Valve – ‘Specials’ Medical – Isolated – Stepup/down Encased Power Supplies Encased Power Supply www.harbuch.com.au Harbuch Electronics Pty Ltd 9/40 Leighton Pl, HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476 5854 Fax (02) 9476 3231 8 Silicon Chip The publication of Professor Ian Plimer’s letter does not help rational debate on the climate change issue. The established method on which we base our scientific knowledge requires verifiable, replicable, experimental evidence usually presented in refereed scientific journals. The fact that Mr Plimer has chosen to use a his book, media interviews and letters to magazines such as SILICON CHIP (not known for its environmental science expertise) to publicise his ideas (without prior journal papers) is a clear indication that scientific journals and their referees have rejected his ideas. The science journal and peer referee system sometimes fails but not often. The weight of evidence for man-induced climate change is overwhelming. Mr Plimer’s comment about the whole thing being caused by “young scientists seeking promotion” is just plain stupid. He talks vaguely of “cycles in climate” but fails to explain why we are seeing changes which have no precedent in size or rapidity in a million years of geological history. There are now many thousands of pieces of evidence, collected by thousands of scientists in widely varying fields, which point to rapid climate changes in the last century or two. Changes as rapid as those we are observing now have only happened in the past when there have been cataclysmic events – asteroid impact or major volcanic events – and it has been many millions of years since any such events. The scientific evidence for climate change has been published in refereed scientific journals and (believe me!) it HAS been disputed and argued – at length – but the case has held up under dispute and most of it is now accepted by the vast majority of scientists in both climate related and other fields. If this was just another scientific dispute, the public could probably ignore it but this one will affect everyone in the world in a big way. Australia will be hard hit because we happen to be in the wrong place on the globe. I am an agricultural consultant with 40 years experience and I have seen changes in the climate of southern Australia over my time which are exactly in line with the climate model predictions. Our science is telling us that there is just a small chance that we (and the rest of the world) can do something about the problem and can reverse some of the effects. But action will hurt and will require political fortitude and it takes voters to put spine into politicians. SILICON CHIP readers are technically competent voters who are capable of assessing data if they take the trouble to do so. So I sought a single piece of evidence which might convince readers to seek more information on this matter. I chose this graph of CO2 levels measured in ancient ice sheets (Fig.1). It shows that CO2 levels have been cycling between 180 and 280 ppm for nearly a million years. You can see the effects of several of Professor Plimer’s “geological cycles” there. The larger amplitude 90,000-year cycles correspond to ice ages. The small (<10,000 year) the DAB+ transmitter channels. Since there are many reflections in Martin Place and no direct signals, FM will have added distortion and if you could hear it in stereo, the width of the sound image would be varying, depending on exact location. DAB+ is either perfect or non-existent. The antennas on all the DAB+ transmitters are all vertically polarised, as he discovered. He may have got the same result when the radio was upside down if it was lifted so that the centre of the antenna was in exactly the same place as it was the right way round. This is only an issue in a situation like Martin Place. Since DAB+ is using COFDM modulation, you can have Single Frequency Networks. These are already being siliconchip.com.au CHINA PCB Supplier Atmospheric CO2 Concentrations From Ice Cores Over The Past 650,000 Years prototype thru production . 1-layer up to 30-layer . Cost and quality . On time delivery . Dedicated service . Instant Online Quote & Order ...........Day and Night One piece orders are welcome! Check our low price and save big $$$ Fig.1: carbon dioxide concentrations from the Vostok, Dome C, Taylor Dome & Law Dome ice core in Antarctica and from the Cape Grim station in Tasmania. The current global concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (approximately 380 parts per million) are the highest in the last 650,000 years. web: www.pcbcore.com email: sales<at>pcbcore.com fluctuations are shorter warm-cool now and industry went from a few phone: 86(571)86795686 cycles affecting smaller sections of horses to a system powered by multithe planet – some can be attributed to volcanic events. But there are no natural processes to explain why, some 300 years ago, both a 90,000 year steady cooling cycle and a 10,000-year cooling cycle were suddenly interrupted and in just 300 years, the CO2 levels have shot up to an unprecedented 400ppm – and the rise shows no indication of slowing! It just so happens that at the same time (geologically speaking) as this rapid rise in “emissions”, the area of land under forest decreased dramatically (replaced largely by methane-emitting rice paddies and methane and CO2 emitting cows), human populations went from half a million world wide to six billion gigawatt power supplies. Denying this sort of “coincidence” is like saying that smoke pouring out of a power supply and the dead short on the output are not related. Denial of “climate change” as a mankind-induced reality is a denial of the foundation on which our whole science and technology is based. If you have a concern for your childrens’ welfare then go look at what the fuss is about. Look in www. ipcc.ch for the science reports and references to the hard science. Try www.climatechange.gov.au for the Aussie view-point and some more popular science explanations. Cliff Hignett, BSc. App. CPSS, Daw Park, SA. used for Digital TV in Kings Cross, Manly East & Bouddi (NSW). Obviously these sites need SFN repeaters. You will note that there are only three DAB+ transmitters in Sydney at the moment for all those program streams. They all fit in a 7MHz TV channel. So these repeaters can consist of a single Digital TV transmitter on each site. The Melbourne CBD, Dandenong Ranges and the south-eastern corner of Port Phillip Bay require similar repeaters. As far as mobile reception goes, he should try the “Pure Highway” which is currently the only car radio, particularly if you add the magnetic antenna. True car radios are coming. Mr Kareh’s antenna installation for DTV is suffering from impulse noise. siliconchip.com.au CHINA PCB Supplier prototype thru production . 1-layer up to 30-layer . Cost and quality . On time delivery . Dedicated service . Instant Online Quote & Order ...........Day and Night One piece orders are welcome! Check our low price and save big $$$ web: www.pcbcore.com email: sales<at>pcbcore.com phone: 86(571)86795686 FRONT PANELS & ENCLOSURES Customized front panels can be easily designed with our free software Front Panel Designer • Cost-effective prototypes and production runs • Wide range of materials or customization of provided material • Automatic price calculation • Fabrication in 1, 3 or 7 days Sample price: USD 43.78 plus S&H www.frontpanelexpress.com December 2009 9 W3926 Marque Magnetics Ad.ai 7/13/07 3:36:14 PM Mailbag: continued Talk to a company that speaks your language Incorrect attribution of infrared picture • Technical Engineering support M Y CM MY CY CMY K • Custom Design capability • Direct Replacement of ‘standard’ parts • Stocking options • NZ manufacturing facility • Company owned China manufacturing facility • ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 (medical) certified And all available to you! Ph: +64 9 818 6760 11 Culperry Road, Glendene, Auckland, New Zealand www.marque-magnetics.com W3926 C A new type of oscilloscope... low t cos No computer required. Just.. Plug in a monitor Plug in a mouse I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the infrared picture of the termite shown on page 12 of the October 2009 issue is the property of Termicam Pty Ltd. I would also like to set the record straight with regards to how the picture was produced. Back in 2001 in Singapore, our TermiCam franchisee (Aardwolf Pest Kare trading as Termicam Singapore) decided to work on termites. We found this queen termite in a termite nest out in the back streets in a field of Singapore and we then decided to bring it back to the office for further work. We found a cigarette packet, pulled down the cellophane cover and placed the queen termite into the cellophane satchel which gave us a clear view of it. We attached a macro lens (worth about $80,000) to a high profile thermal camera (not a Flir i5 which is incapable of doing this type of work), which gave us the ability of working up close, to at least 0.5mm from the target. The specifications of the camera used are: Thermal Sensitivity: <0.1°C <at> 30°C (0.18°F <at> 86°F) Field of View: 24° x 18°/0.5m Detector: Focal Plane Array (FPA) uncooled microbolometer; 320x240 pixels. We took thermal shots in different colour palettes until we found one that was best suited for the image (as shown in your magazine). Queen termites do not eat timber. They are fed by the workers through a process called Trophallaxis. The king, soldiers and the nymphs are fed the same way. So your caption referring to termites eating studs and noggins inside a wall is totally misleading. David Rice, Director, TermiCam Pty Ltd, Glen Waverley, Vic. Switch on. • • • • • • • • 50 Mhz 240MSPS real time sampling 2 x 8 bit + 1 x 1 bit input FFT, Math and memories Auto measures and manual measurements using markers Easy to use, click and drag waveforms or click/scroll settings USB host, save waveforms as txt or csv. Save screen as bmp Easy flash upload new revisions Excellent with wide screen monitors (03) 9714 8269 sales<at>screenscopetraces.com www.screenscopetraces.com 10 Silicon Chip The usual fix is to remove the antenna designed for channels 2, 7, 9, 10 & 28 and replace it with one designed for channels 6-12 & 27-36. DAB+ does not squawk when the signal becomes unusable. It is designed to fade out and in. I suggest Mr Kareh go to a local electrical retailer home and have a listen to some DAB+ radios there, because that location will not have the problem of Martin Place. Alan Hughes, Hamersley, WA. Using compact fluorescents with light dimmers Many years ago I built two EA April 1984 Touch Light siliconchip.com.au Dimmers (one with the IR RC option) and they have served me well and look decorative as well. Now as I read in the Sunday papers the government has decreed that I must use CFLs instead of incandescent lamps, so would you be willing to suggest how I can do so? I do not need the dimming function. I need to switch the lights on or off so can the circuit be modified to work on CFL or will you be perhaps producing a 2-wire CFL touch switch project with IR RC option some time in the future? Guy Pearse, via email. Comment: for the time being, you can still buy incandescent lamps from lighting shops, some hardware stores, some IGA supermarkets and bargain shops. We suggest you stock up because when present stocks run out, that we will be the end. Also, it is still possible to buy 240VAC halogen incandescents and we also understand that you can still buy lamps for refrigerators, ovens and microwave ovens. You should buy a stock of any that you might need for the life of your appliances. Finally, some CFLs are dimmable so if they are suitable for your particular light fittings, you should buy some. Energy saving strategies may not work Are people really serious about energy saving and trying to save the world? I have noticed that you can Active filter with 2-pole sections I just purchased a kit for your Multi-Function Active Filter project (SILICON CHIP, July 2009), for a measurement application. I identify the filter circuits as 4-pole low-pass and high-pass, using series-connected 2-pole sections. I notice that the instructions for setting up the filters suggest making the filter sections identical, ie, both 2-pole sections using the same components. Unfortunately this doesn’t quite work, since the resulting compound filter will not have the same cut-off frequency as the selected value for the sections. I understand that such an article is not the place to rave on about the placement of poles in s-space, etc but I still think it should have been pointed out. I also notice that the latest version of the TI Filter Pro software now covers lots of different filters, not only LP and HP. It also correctly calbuy master/slave power boards which contain a sensor that monitors the current running through the “master” outlet and automatically switches four “slave” outlets on or off based on the status of the master. I assume the idea is that you would connect your receiver/amplifier to the master socket and use its state to culates the values for a 4-pole filter consisting of two 2-pole sections, as in this project. John Yelland, Milang, SA. Comment: two cascaded op amp active filters with the same components will have the same cutoff frequency. What does change is the roll-off response. We did point out that two cascaded Butterworth filters will give what is called a LinkwitzRiley response. So two filters that have a Q of 0.7071 will combine for a Q of 0.5. This is sometimes called a “Butterworth-squared” response. With the TI Filter Pro, the 4-pole response can be implemented by setting up a custom frequency and Q and setting the Q at 0.7071 for each section. The result is a Q of 0.5 but the cut-off frequency remains the same. We do know that Filter Pro covers more types of filters than LP and HP but we only concentrated on the types relevant to our project. switch on peripheral devices such as a CD player, MP3 player, etc. Instead of many devices drawing standby power, only one device is actually on standby while the others are effectively “switched off” at the socket. It seems a good idea but the problem I have observed is that the “smart” power board uses more power than the JOIN the teChNOLOgy age NOW WIth PICaXe Developed as a teaching tool, the PICAXE is a low-cost “brain” for almost any project. Easy to use and understand, professionals & hobbyists can be productive within minutes. Free software development system and low-cost in-circuit programming. Variety of hardware, project boards and kits to suit your application. Digital, analog, RS232, 1-Wire™, SPI and I2C.PC connectivity. Applications include: Distributed in Australia by 1[Datalogging 1[Robotics 1[Measurement & instruments 1[Motor & lighting control 1[Farming & agriculture 1[Internet server 1[Wireless links 1[Colour sensing 1[Fun games Microzed Computers Pty Ltd Phone 1300 735 420 Fax 1300 735 421 www.microzed.com.au www.siliconchip.com.au siliconchip.com.au NEW X2 HIPS now in sC tock! November 2009 67 December 2009 11 Mailbag: continued Home-made booster for 3G signals AMALGEN TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD the most experienced Toroidal Transformer manufacturers in Australia Manufacturers of the original ILP Unirange Toroidal Transformer - in stock from 15VA to 1000VA - virtually anything made to order! - UPS, power conditioning and surge suppression too Amalgen Technologies Pty Ltd Ph: (02) 9570 2855 Fax: (02) 9580 5128 email: sales<at>amalgen.com.au web: www.amalgen.com.au 12 Silicon Chip I noticed a request on page 106 in Ask SILICON CHIP, November 2009 (from M. P. via email) “wondering if you guys have been able to come up with a home-made signal booster (repeater) for use in homes that do not have the best 3G coverage”. My daughter had this problem at her house near Beenleigh 40km south of Brisbane where, due to terrain shielding, reception on a Bigpond MAXON Model BP3-EXT 3G modem was marginal at best. 3G was their only alternative to dial-up – ADSL is not available. Rather than an active booster, I made an “external” antenna which could be sat on a desk near a window facing towards the edge of the hill which blocked the radio path. To minimise size, I used a bi-quad design cut for 850MHz. This feeds the primary SMA antenna socket of the modem via 4m of RG58U cable. Gain is about 11dB. The improvement was spectacular. Performance went from slow with frequent dropouts to top speed with consistently high signal strength indication. With a 353 x 90mm footprint and being just 353mm high, it is small enough to sit unobtrusively at the back of the computer desk, looking happily out the window. Material for the backplane might be a problem for some constructors. I just happened to have a piece of standby state of the connected devices. On one occasion, I have measured (using a simple Jaycar energy meter) over 10 watts when the power board is connected without anything plugged in. The amplifier and CD player combined use less than this amount when connected on standby. This seems to be a crazy situation when you need to use more energy to “save” a small amount. At the Secondary College where I teach electronics and physics, the “experts” have recently told us we waste too much power on lighting, so 1.8mm aluminium sheet recovered from some computer equipment but any sort of sheet metal would suffice. The backplane is 353 x 353mm with 88mm flanges bent forward at right angles at the top and bottom to form a shallow U-shape, ie, the blank size is 532 x 353mm, allowing for bending. The antenna is bent from a length of 2.1mm diameter copper wire with quad sides 86.1mm long and it is mounted 44mm in front of the backplane using a piece of hard plastic tube. The coax shield and inner conductor are soldered directly to the bi-quad feed points and the cable run back through the mounting tube. The antenna wire was formed by bending it around two 2-inch nails (outside spacing 84mm) driven into a piece of timber. Marc Fraser, Camp Hill, Qld. timer switches have been installed in every classroom. These have been set to turn the lights off, usually within five minutes of the end of each lesson. If the lights go out before the lesson finishes, we turn them back on and they might stay on 40 minutes into the next lesson, even though the room might be empty. I think educating people to turn lights off when they leave or even using proximity switches would have been a better solution. But there’s more! The existing wiring in most classrooms previously alsiliconchip.com.au lowed for the lights to be switched off in banks (maybe one-third or half of the total room lighting). This was good if a teacher wanted to use a data projector or show a video. The experts changed the switching so that all the lights were connected to a single “timer” switch. Now the only options are all lights on or all lights off! It remains to be seen if we reduce our energy usage in the next quarter. My teaching colleagues and myself can’t see the logic in being forced to turn on more lights than we need and this doesn’t even address the issue of old fluorescent lights failing prematurely due to constant switching. Gary Cohen, Vermont South, Vic. Fisher & Paykel smart drive motors With reference to your reader’s enquiry about using F & P motors (Ask SILICON CHIP, October 2009), this field has been pioneered by Michael Lawley and he has extensive experience and printed information and parts available – see: http://www.ecoinnovation.co.nz/ Michael and his team are innovators of the first order and re-engineer the smart drive for many uses, for example as a generator for micro hydro schemes. Peter Wilson, Bay of Plenty, NZ. Fisher & Paykel motors have electronic commutation I am writing in response to a reply you gave to A. M. in the October 2009 issue of “Ask Silicon Chip” about how to drive a Fisher & Paykel Smartdrive washing machine motor. I believe the answer you gave was not 100% accurate. Your advice of using a variable-voltage DC-to-AC inverter would be a valid method but it is not the fundamental principle behind these machines. They work on electronic commutation similar to that of a VCR capstan or drum motor, therefore no frequency generator is required. What is necessary is logical switching of the output transistors in relation to the rotor position which is read by three Hall sensors mounted within the stator. I also have considered reconfiguring one of these motors to see what was required to get one up and running and have analysed one of these units very closely. I have drawn up a truth-table of the logical states of the Hall sensors and a diagram of how this switches the polarity of the individual stator poles in relation to the position of the rotor. I do have a question for you however. Would a PIC be capable of doing the necessary logical switching required? This is more a question of speed I think. There are the three inputs (from the three Hall effect sensors) and six outputs to drive the semiconductor switching devices (of which a combination of only two is ever high per cycle). Hence there are six logical states and this cycles a total of 28 times per 360° rotation of the rotor/ output shaft. Could a PIC handle this, particularly at higher speeds? Grant Saxton, Cambridge, NZ. Comment: a PIC running at 20MHz (5MIPS) should be able to provide the motor switching. The PIC really does not have too much to do: just look at the Hall Effect states and switch the motor drive accordingly with some dead-band between switching the motor windings and the motor speed set by the drive period for each winding. Assuming the PIC code runs 100 instruction cycles for the motor drive routine (and this is an excessive number of instructions), the PIC could run at up to a 50kHz rate of change for the Hall Effect signal and the motor drive. 50kHz equates to 107,000 RPM for the motor with 28 states per revolution. Direct drive motors are unlikely to run at more than 1000 RPM. For a belt drive, the pulley drive ratio could be 10 to 20:1 and so the motor could be expected to run at up to 20,000 RPM. That’s still far less SC than the 107,000 RPM rate. Australia’s Best Value Scopes! Shop On-Line at emona.com.au GW GDS-1022 25MHz RIGOL DS-1052E 50MHz RIGOL DS-1102E 100MHz 25MHz Bandwidth, 2 Ch 250MS/s Real Time Sampling USB Device & SD Card Slot 50MHz Bandwidth, 2 Ch 1GS/s Real Time Sampling USB Device, USB Host & PictBridge 100MHz Bandwidth, 2 Ch 1GS/s Real Time Sampling USB Device, USB Host & PictBridge Sydney Brisbane Perth ONLY $599 inc GST Melbourne Tel 02 9519 3933 Tel 03 9889 0427 Fax 02 9550 1378 Fax 03 9889 0715 email testinst<at>emona.com.au siliconchip.com.au ONLY $879 inc GST Tel 07 3275 2183 Fax 07 3275 2196 Adelaide Tel 08 8363 5733 Fax 08 8363 5799 ONLY $1,169 inc GST Tel 08 9361 4200 Fax 08 9361 4300 web www.emona.com.au EMONA December 2009 13 World Solar Challenge – First place overall: Tokai Challenger, Japan When the Tokai Challenger, overall winner of the 2009 Global Green Challenge (aka World Solar Challenge) finished nearly a full day ahead of the field, Australia’s Sunswift IVy was back in fourth place... and the team from the University of NSW couldn’t have been happier! T he Japanese team crossed the control finish line just north of Adelaide at 3.39pm (CDST) on 28 October after a near-faultless run from the start in Darwin. With a maximum vehicle speed of some 150km/h and an average just over 100km/h for the journey, their only incident was a flat tyre which the support team changed almost as fast as a Formula 1 on race day! Total elapsed run-time was a miserly 29 hours and 49 minutes. The win by Tokai Challenger broke the four-race winning record of the Nuna V team from the Netherlands. It finished in second place, at 8.30AM next morning, with the Infinium team from the University of Michigan (USA) crossing the line at 9AM. Then in fourth place was the first of the Aussie teams, the Sunswift IVy, at 14 Silicon Chip 3.08pm. Fifth was another American team, “Eleanor” from the MIT, and sixth place, at 9.10am next day, was the Aurora 101 from the Melbourne-based Aurora Vehicle Association. A lot of pre-race hype had the British expecting to do very well in their Cambridge University “Endeavour” but unfortunately they came in 14th place, having covered only 1616km of the 3021km course. However, they fared much better than the Swiss team’s “Swisspirit”, which didn’t even make the start and the Canadian’s “Eclipse” which travelled less than 100km. Another team expected to do very well but withdrew after only 380km was the Belgian team’s “Umicar Inspire”. Sunswift IVy Having attended the Sunswift IVy press launch at Dee Why beach a couple of weeks before the race commencement on October 25, we followed the team’s progress with interest, via live updates on the web. That site was fortunate because the mainstream media focussed almost entirely on the first three placed vehicles after the Belgians withdrew, virtually ignoring the Australian contingent. The total IVy project cost was estimated to be $280,000 – a significant proportion of which was in solar cells – but if the amount of free time given by UNSW student and faculty was factored in the cost would likely be several orders of magnitude greater. Total project time was 18 months. The IVy (so called because it was the fourth UNSW solar “car” to bear the name) actually came first in its class, those with silicon-based solar cells. siliconchip.com.au – Sunswift did us proud! First in “Silicon” class, Fourth overall: Sunswift IVy, Australia by ROSS TESTER The racers which finished above it had state-of-the-art cells which offered up to 30% efficiency (versus IVy’s 22%). Incidentally, Tokai Challenger’s solar cells were made of rare metals with an output of 1.8kW. These cells are usually used for powering satellites. This year, the rules were changed somewhat including a maximum of 6 square metres of solar cells – IVy packed in 5.998 square metres! The Tokai’s 2176 solar cells, supplied by Sharp Japan, measured 77 x 39mm. Another change was that the driver had to maintain a seated position (in the past, most were recumbent). Sharing the knowledge While the entrants in the World Solar Challenge are deadly serious about winning and use every trick in the book to try to gain a miniscule siliconchip.com.au About Sunswift IVy Size: 4.6m (l) x 1.8m (h) x 1.8 m (w) (about the same length and width as an average sedan Solar Array: 400 Silico but half the height) n A300 plus “home-made ” UNSW topcells Power Output: maximum 1300W Storage: Lithium Polymer cells, 24. 75kg Controller: Tritium wave sculptor, 20k W power handling, 97% effi Motor: cient Brushless CSIRO 3-phas e, 98% efficient, with braking reg Body & Chassis: Carbo eneration n-fibre monocoque frame Suspension: Front – dou ble wishbone; Rear – tra iling arm Brakes: Front – hydraulic dual red undancy, Rear – Handbrak Steering: e Rack and Pinion Wheels and Tyres: Three carbon fibre wheels with Dunlop Solarma tyres Performance (Solar only): Maximum Speed 115km /h; average during race 76.28km/h advantage for their vehicle, one of the features of the race is the camaraderie between teams and the sharing of knowledge and technical developments. Indeed, on the Sunswift website, the team have placed a considerable amount of their computer software and hardware, with a promise of more to come, for other/new teams to use. Different divisions The Global Green Challenge comprises two categories, with more than one division in each catering for different types of vehicle and/or teams: The World Solar Challenge – for purely solar-powered vehicles (and there are different divisions in that) open to teams from universities, technical institutes, private entrepreneurs and past participants, and The Eco Challenge – open to all manufactures and producers of low emission, diesel, hybrid, electric, hydrogen and alternative fuel supply vehicles. There were many “factory” teams entered in the Eco Challenge but one outstanding entrant, in the Production Class 2-Seat Electric Vehicle, was a Tesla Roadster (the only one in Australia), driven by Simon Hackett, owner of Internode (an ISP). On the fourth day of the race, Hackett set a world distance record of 501km (313 miles) on a single charge of the Tesla’s lithium-ion battery pack. References: www.globalgreenchallenge.com.au www.sunswift.com/ivy w w w. i n t e r n o d e . o n . n e t / n e w s / 2009/10/155.php SC December 2009 15 SILICON CHIP Article withdrawn due to threat of legal action. SILICON CHIP Article withdrawn due to threat of legal action. SILICON CHIP Article withdrawn due to threat of legal action. SILICON CHIP Article withdrawn due to threat of legal action. 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 Hakko’s new FX-888 SMD-Safe Soldering Station Review by Ross Tester For anyone involved in assembly line or service soldering, the Hakko brand needs no introduction. Their latest offering, the Hakko FX-888 Soldering Station features a number of upgrades and improvements over previous models and should find a ready market in the assembly industry, service personnel and technicians and advanced hobbyist users. 22 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au T his new soldering station is suitable for both leaded and lead-free soldering so it will serve now and well into the future. The FX-888 is in fact the successor to Hakko’s popular 936 soldering station but with a number of important refinements. These include a faster thermal recovery, a higher heater output (now 65W) and a new tip design which has a larger copper mass and improved thermal transfer, achieved by shape changes. Output of the new model is 30% greater than its predecessor. As a result, recovery time to 350°C is 20 seconds faster and the drop in tip temperature is also reduced. As you can see in the graphs reproduced below, thermal recovery is outstanding. The most striking change, though, is in the overall appearance of the station. Depending on your viewpoint (and age?) it could be described as both more modern or more retro – take your pick – gone is the industrial “square box”, replaced by a smaller, more rounded ABS case in cobalt blue and yellow. Size matters – and when it comes to a soldering station, the smaller the better (consistent with the power to do the job). The FX-888 controller is just 95 x 118 x 136mm – considerably smaller than the 936 model and, we believe, smaller than any other similarlypowered controller. Both the controller and soldering stand “feet” are positioned on the extremities for added stability The station is in two parts, the controller box and the iron holder. The controller has a large temperature dial, calibrated from 200°C (400°F) up to 480°C/880°F. Temperature stability is claimed to be ±1°C. Thermal calibration is via a screwdriver hole in the controller – and a tiny screwdriver is stored in a slot on the underside of the controller. The lightweight (44g) soldering “pencil” iron is connected to the controller box via a 1.2m cable and a 6-pin DIN plug. It is very comfortable in the hand which makes long-term usage (eg, production line) very much less tiring than heavier, less-well-balanced irons. For the record, the iron voltage is 26V and maximum power is 65W. The iron drops into its own holder which has provision for three separate tipcleaning devices: the ubiquitous wet sponge, an optional copper “woolly wire” and a rubber cleaner. Recent articles in SILICON CHIP have suggested that wiping an iron tip on a wet sponge is not good for the tip – it promotes early oxidation – but dry cleaning methods are preferable. With temperature control, the iron is suitable for a wide range of soldering applications, from small SMD components right through to heavyduty applications. The 20 different T-18-series tip styles available for the iron also assist in this regard. There is everything from fine points, through chisels, flats and special tips. ESD-safe The Hakko FX-888 is ESD safe – and important consideration for production line soldering, repairs and for the hobbyist. Resistance between tip and ground is less than 2, while the tipto-ground potential is less than 2mV. What you get Included in the FX-888 package is the soldering station (rated at 240V, 70W), along with its CAL adjustment driver and Allen key, the iron itself (fitted with an T18-B tip), the iron holder/stand, cleaning sponge and rubber tip cleaner. Available as options/spare parts are the copper wool cleaner, the range of different tips mentioned earlier, replacement ceramic heaters . . . in fact, all components in both the controller and iron are listed as spare parts in the instruction leaflet. Where from, how much? Hakko Soldering Stations, including the FX-888, are distributed in Australia by Electrolube, 3/98 Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale NSW 2100. Ph (02) 9938 1566; website www. electrolube.com.au They are available through many component and tools suppliers. Recommended retail price is $183.00. SC These two graphs demonstrate just how good the new Hakko FX-888 soldering station is, compared to what has been regarded as a pretty good performer, Hakko’s 936 station (which the 888 supersedes). Thermal recovery is important for consistency and repeatability in solder joints and also for minimisation of dry joints. siliconchip.com.au December 2009 23 Pt.1: By JOHN CLARKE Voltage Interceptor For Cars With ECUs At one time, the sensors in cars with engine management were regarded as untouchable. But now you can change the signal response of many of the sensors to improve your car’s driveability, throttle response, handling and so on. This voltage interceptor allows you modify and program the response of any voltage sensor in your car, without prejudicing reliability or affecting the ECU in any way. Use it for restoring correct air/fuel ratios after engine modifications, preventing turbo boost cuts or altering sensor signals for improved driveability. Main Features • • • • • • Output follows input plus adjustment value Programmed using a pushbutton controller Easy installation Works with sensors with voltage outputs Adjustable sensitivity Smooth transition between adjacent output points 24 Silicon Chip M ODERN CARS have lots of sens ors to closely monitor the engine and other systems and they provide information to the ECU (Engine Control Unit). In turn, the ECU controls the fuel injectors and ignition timing, based on this information. Some of the sensors you can intercept and modify include the airflow meter, oxygen sensor, accelerometers (or G force sensors) used in stability control and active 4-wheel drive sys- tems and the throttle position sensor (TPS). For cars with an electric throttle rather than a throttle cable, modification of the TPS signal can transform the way the car drives. For example, you can alter the signal so that there is less pedal travel required to provide more throttle. This will make the car behave as though it has more power. Alternatively, the signal can be altered so that more pedal travel is siliconchip.com.au required for throttle openings only at smaller throttle settings. This could make the car a lot smoother when moving off and make it safer to drive in wet and slippery conditions. VOLTAGE SIGNAL FIG.1(a) Interceptor concept An interceptor allows the signal from a sensor to be altered before it is monitored by the car’s ECU. Fig.1 shows the concept. Fig.1(a) shows a typical sensor connected to the ECU while Fig.1(b) shows the interceptor connected between the sensor and the ECU. The voltage interceptor does not necessarily modify the sensor signal at all times; when no changes are required, the signal at the output will be the same as at the input. For example, an airflow sensor output may provide 0.9V at idle and 4.1V at full engine load and high RPM. The latter reading will normally result in a very rich mixture. So you might decide to limit the range of the airflow output for signals above 2V (say) and to change the slope. The result would be fuel mixtures that are not quite so rich at large throttle openings and your fuel economy should improve. We have already given the example of modifying the output of the throttle position sensor and there are quite a few other applications. There is one proviso though: each sensor to be modified will require its own interceptor. Want to modify the output of three engine sensors? You will need three of these interceptors. Pusbutton controller The interceptor needs to be programmed and for this you need a Pushbutton Controller which is also described in this article. This controller has nine buttons and a 2-line LCD panel. It connects to the interceptor via a cable and a 25-pin connector which plugs into the PC board. After programming, you disconnect the pushbutton controller and the interceptor is used on its own. The good thing is, regardless of how many interceptors you decide to install, you only need one Pushbutton Controller. We’ll talk about this controller in more detail, later in this article. Note that while we have designed this interceptor for use in automotive applications, there are many other siliconchip.com.au ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) SENSOR +12V MODIFIED VOLTAGE SIGNAL VOLTAGE SIGNAL IN SENSOR VOLTAGE INTERCEPTOR ENGINE CONTROL UNIT (ECU) OUT HAND CONTROLLER FIG.1(b) Fig.1: the Voltage Interceptor is installed immediately after the sensor and modifies the sensor’s signal before it is fed to the ECU. INPUT INPUT PROCESSING (IC1a, IC1b) GAIN OR ATTENUATION WITH VR2 OUTPUT PROCESSING (IC2b, IC3b) GAIN OR ATTENUATION WITH VR7 5V MAXIMUM +12V 0V POWER SUPPLY (REG1, ZD3, ZD4) SENSITIVITY (VR6) ADJUST SIGNAL (IC2a, IC3a) OFFSET WITH VR5 MICROCONTROLLER (IC4) MINIMUM SET (VR3) OUTPUT +11.4V +5.6V +5V –7.5V HAND CONTROLLER VOLTAGE INTERCEPTOR Fig.2: how the unit processes the sensor signal. The signal is first amplified or attenuated and fed to microcontroller IC4. IC4 then digitises the signal and modifies its response to produce a control voltage that’s used to offset the output of IC2b. applications where it is desirable to convert a DC signal into a smaller, larger or non-linear voltage. Interceptor workings The block diagram of Fig.2 shows how the Voltage Interceptor processes the sensor signal. First, the sensor signal needs to be amplified (gain) or reduced (attenuation) to bring it within a range of 0-5V which the microcontroller (IC4) can handle. Yes, inevitably, the Interceptor uses a micro. The Voltage Interceptor’s microcontroller digitises this gain-changed signal from the sensor into a “map” with 256 separate load sites. The output circuitry (IC2b & IC3b) then applies a reverse amount of gain or attenuation to cancel out the gain/ attenuation originally applied in the input processing stage. This ensures that the Interceptor’s output has the same overall voltage range as the sensor itself. The idea is to present a signal to the ECU with exactly the same characteristics as the signal from the sensor. That way, the overall operation of the ECU is not prejudiced in any way and it acts exactly as if the sensor was connected directly to it. You then have the option of changing the Interceptor’s output response at each and every load site. The Pushbutton Controller is used to set this December 2009 25 SC 2009 8 A K ZD1–ZD4 20k 10k 2 1k 4 A K D1 1N4004 RB2 RB0 PWM A K 8 6 9 Vdd 3 AN4 7 RB1 14 D1, D2 Vss 5 10nF 22k IC1b IC4 PIC16F88-I/P AN3 MCLR REF– 17 RA0 16 RA7 13 RB7 12 RB6 11 RB5 10 RB4 15 RA6 18 AN1 10k TP4 TP3 1 10 F +5V 5 6 VR2 100k IC1: LMC6482AIN –7.5V 1 +5.6V 10nF VR3 1k MINIMUM VOLTS 4 IC1a 10k 3 2 470k 5V SET 10k LK1 10k 100 VR5 10k 2.2k 5V MAX TP2 OFFSET LOCK 7 VOLTAGE INTERCEPTOR FOR CARS 10nF VR4 1k THRESHOLD 100 F 1M RLY1a 1nF A K 2 3 10k V++ 1 A 7 10 10k 100nF 100nF 43k K 2 3 8 20k 0.5W A K 10nF 9.1k 4 IC2a 470 +11.4V IC2: LMC6482AIN IC2b 10k D3, D4: 1N4148 +11.4V ZD2 15V 1W 5 6 100k 10nF 4 IC3a 8 VR6 50k SENSITIVITY 10k 10nF 2.2k K A LED1 E C B B 100nF +5.6V ZD4 5.6V 1W V+ B Q2 BC547 1 IC3b 7 ZD1 16V 1W E C1 K A B C Q1–Q4 A K Q4 BC327 C E E 100 F Q3 BC337 C V++ –7.5V +5V IC3: LMC6482AIN 5 6 10nF 10k OFFSET MEASURE TP5 VR7 50k OUTPUT SET D4 ZD3 7.5V 1W 220 OUT ADJ IN LM317T V+ 10 F 120 K A RLY1 Q1 BC337 TP1 E C –7.5V 5V ADJUST OUT ADJ 100 F 16V VR1 500 IN B 100 F A K REG1 LM317T C2 A LED1 D3 100 F K K A 1k 1k D2 1N4004 150 RLY1b V+ OUT (CON2b) OUTPUT Fig.3: the Voltage Interceptor is based on a PIC16F88-I/P microcontroller (IC4) which has the ability to adjust the output at 256 points. It accepts the incoming signal from IC1b at its AN4 (pin 3) input and outputs a PWM signal at pin 9. This signal is then filtered and fed to IC2a to produce an offset voltage which is fed to pin 5 of IC2b via VR6. 0V CON1 +12V IN 4 10 11 12 13 9 2 3 6 8 5 CON3 DB25 (CON2a) INPUT TO HAND CONTROLLER 26 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au output response during the setting-up procedure. A signal of 0V (min) will be at load site 0 while a 5V signal (max) will be at load site 255. However, most engine sensors do not produce a voltage that goes as low as 0V; the minimum is usually several hundred millivolts above 0V. For example, the minimum might be 320mV DC and the maximum might only be 4V, ie, a range from 0.32V to 4V. After input processing, this signal is amplified to cover a range of 1-5V. For this signal range, load sites from 0 to 51 will not be available and this reduces the overall adjustment points to just 205 compared to the available 256. To improve this, a minimum set adjustment is included to allow the lower adjustment points to be used. Interceptor circuit details Our first Voltage Interceptor was published in 2004 in SILICON CHIP’s Performance Electronics for Cars. Called the Digital Fuel Adjuster (DFA), it proved very popular and is still available as a Jaycar kit (Cat. KC-5385). This Voltage Interceptor is considerably upgraded, with the ability to adjust the output at 256 points instead of the 128 for the DFA. Its circuitry also uses far less components while offering better performance, greater output accuracy and extra adjustments. While the DFA used eight ICs, the Voltage Interceptor uses only four (three dual op amps and the micro) and it fits into a more compact case. Now let’s have a look at the full circuit in Fig.3. The input signal comes in at the top lefthand corner of the circuit and is connected to a relay which initially bypasses the input directly to the output. This is to prevent the car’s ECU from recording a fault code with the Voltage Interceptor, before the engine is started. After the relay, the sensor signal is connected to op amp IC1a. This is set up as an inverting amplifier with a gain of -0.47. Its input impedance is 1MΩ, to provide a minimal load to sensitive sensors (oxygen sensors, for example), that can be affected by loading. IC1b is also an inverting amplifier and it can be set to provide gain or attenuation, using trimpot VR2. The gain range is from -0.2 to -12.2. This is sufficient to boost a 1V signal to 5V or when set to provide attenuation, a 15V signal can be reduced to 5V, suitsiliconchip.com.au Parts List 1 PC board, code 05112091, 105 x 87mm 1 diecast box, 119 x 94 x 34mm, Jaycar HB-5067 or equivalent 1 TO-220 mini heatsink, 19 x 19 x 9.5mm 1 DB25 female PC-mount connect or (Altronics P-3250 or equivalent) 4 extension screws, spacers and nuts for DB25 connector 1 2-way pin header with 2.54mm spacing 1 jumper shunt to suit header 1 12V DPDT relay (Jaycar SY4059, Altronics S 4150 or equivalent) 2 2-way screw terminals with 5.04mm spacing 2 3-6.5mm cable glands 3 DIP8 IC sockets 1 DIP18 IC socket 4 M3 x 6mm tapped Nylon spacers 8 M3 x 4mm screws 1 M3 x 6mm screw 1 M3 nut 6 PC stakes Semiconductors 1 PIC16F88-I/P microcontroller programmed with 0511209A.hex (IC4) 3 LMC6482AIN dual CMOS op amps (IC1-IC3) 1 LM317T adjustable 3-terminal regulator (REG1) 2 BC337 NPN transistors (Q1,Q3) 1 BC547 NPN transistor (Q2) 1 BC327 PNP transistor (Q4) 1 16V 1W zener diode (ZD1) able for the 5V maximum required by microcontroller IC4. Op amp IC2b is an inverting amplifier with a gain of -1. A 5V signal from IC1b would produce a -5V level from IC2b’s output. IC2b’s output can be level-shifted by trimpot VR6 but we will give more detail about this later. IC3b is an inverting amplifier with a gain that can be varied from between -0.142 when the wiper of VR7 is set toward the 10kΩ resistor and -3 when VR7 is set towards the 20kΩ resistor. This adjustment has sufficient range to set the maximum output anywhere from 1V up to 12V. 1 15V 1W zener diode (ZD2) 1 7.5V 1W zener diode (ZD3) 1 5.6V 1W zener diode (ZD4) 2 1N4004 diodes (D1,D2) 2 1N4148 diodes (D3,D4) 1 3mm red LED (LED1) Capacitors 5 100µF 16V PC electrolytic 2 10µF 16V PC 3 100nF MKT polyester 7 10nF MKT polyester 1 1nF MKT polyester Resistors (0.25W, 1%) 1 1MΩ 3 1kΩ 1 470kΩ 1 470Ω 0.5W 1 100kΩ 1 220Ω 1 43kΩ 1 150Ω 1 22kΩ 1 120Ω 2 20kΩ 1 100Ω 10 10kΩ 1 10Ω 1W 1 9.1kΩ 7 0Ω links 2 2.2kΩ Trimpots 1 500Ω multi-turn top adjust trimpot (Bourns 3296 type) (code 500) (VR1) 2 1kΩ multi-turn top adjust trimpot (Bourns 3296 type) (code 102) (VR3,VR4) 1 10kΩ multi-turn top adjust trimpot (Bourns 3296 type) (code 103) (VR5) 2 50kΩ multi-turn top adjust trimpot (Bourns 3296 type) (code 503) (VR6,VR7) 1 100kΩ multi-turn top adjust trimpot (Bourns 3296 type) (code 104) (VR2) IC4 is the PIC16F88-I/P microcontroller. The signal from IC1b is fed to its AN4 input (pin 3) and is converted into an 8-bit digital value with 256 possible levels. There are two voltage references for this analog-to-digital conversion: the 5V REF+ and an adjustable voltage, REF-. The 256 conversion levels are measured between these two references. When REF- is set to 0V, the conversion range is 0-5V and the 256 levels are about 19.5mV apart. REF- is adjustable using trimpot VR3 which is connected to pin 1 of IC4 and bypassed using a 10µF capacitor. December 2009 27 Pushbutton Controller Parts List 1 PC board, code 05104073,115 x 65mm 1 front panel label 1 plastic case, 120 x 70 x 30mm with clear lid (Jaycar HB-6082 or equivalent) 1 LCD module (Jaycar QP-5515 or backlit QP-5516) 5 white click-action switches (S1, S2, S5, S7, S9) 4 black click action switches (S3, S4, S6, S8) 1 SPST micro tactile switch with 0.7mm actuator (S10) 1 4017 decade counter (IC1) 1 DIL 14-way pin header 1 DB25 PC-mount right-angle socket 1 1.8m DB25-pin male to DB25pin male RS-232 connecting lead (all pins connected) (Jaycar WC-7502 or equivalent) 4 M3 x 12mm tapped plastic spacers 4 M3 x 6mm CSK screws 2 M3 x 6mm screws 2 M3 x 12mm plastic screws 2 2.5mm thick plastic washers 1 100mm length of 0.7mm tinned copper wire or 2 x 0Ω resistors 1 10µF 16V PC electrolytic capacitor 2 10kΩ 0.25W 1 % resistors 1 7-way, 8-way or 9-way 330Ω terminating resistor array (8-10 leads). Note: six resistors are used in the circuit and one end of each resistor connects to the pin 1 common 1 10kΩ horizontal trimpot (code 103) (VR1) REF- allows us to optimise the analogto-digital conversion of input voltages that do not go as low as 0V. For example, a sensor may have a range from 0.8V to 4V. Gain adjustment for IC1b would be set so the AN4 input receives 1V to 5V from the 0.8V to 4V sensor signal. With REF- set to 1V then, a 1V signal will be converted to a digital value of 0 instead of 51 (as noted above). The 5V would be converted to 255 and so the full 0-255 range of digital sites would be available. Each of those 256 site values can be changed by the Voltage Interceptor. 28 Silicon Chip Specifications Voltage input range: 0-15V maximum Voltage output: typically set for 0-1V or 0-5V but can cover any range up to 12V Minimum input voltage adjustment: from 0-2.5V Output adjustment: ±127 steps Adjustment range: from 0V through to the full output range Adjustment resolution: 39mV for a ±5V adjustment range at maximum sensitivity (finer resolution is available by sacrificing adjustment range) Input adjustment points: 0-255 corresponding to 19.5mV steps for a 0-5V input Output adjustment change response: 512µs response plus 10ms to alter to within 10% of the new value Display update time: 250ms The output changes are manipulated by a control signal from pin 9 of the micro. This is a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal running at 7.843kHz which varies its duty cycle. The PWM signal is then filtered using a 100kΩ resistor and a 100nF capacitor to produce an average DC voltage. The resulting output is 0V for 0% duty cycle and +5V for 100% duty cycle. A duty cycle of 50% gives +2.5V and this is the midpoint which results in no change in the sensor signal from input to output. In essence, the resulting control voltage from the micro is used to “offset” the output of op amp IC2b. The offset voltage either adds to or subtracts from the DC voltage that otherwise would have been delivered by IC2b. But first, the DC control voltage from the micro has to be level-shifted by op amps IC2a & IC3a. As stated, at 50% duty cycle, the voltage at pin 3 of IC2a is 2.5V. IC2a amplifies this by 1.91 due to its 10kΩ and 9.1kΩ feedback resistors. With nothing else happening, IC2a’s output would be +4.775, or approximately +4.78V. However, IC3a provides an offset voltage for pin 2 of IC2a so that its output actually sits at 0V. This works as follows. Trimpot VR5 feeds a voltage to pin 3 of IC3a which amplifies it by a factor of 2. In practice, VR5 is set to feed 2.63V to pin 3 of IC3a and so the output at pin 1 is +5.25V. IC2a then amplifies this by -0.91 (9.1kΩ/10kΩ) to give -4.78V and this will exactly cancel the +4.78V which would have been there from the input to pin 3 (of IC2a). Hence, the output from IC2a is set to 0V. Then with the normal duty cycle variation from pin 9 of IC4, IC2a’s output will swing above and below 0V by ±4.78V. However, there is a further adjustment of the signal from IC2a which is fed to Sensitivity trimpot VR6; it sets the overall level of voltage applied to IC2b. When the wiper of VR6 is at 0V, there is no change in output from the Voltage Interceptor with PWM changes. When set so the wiper is towards the 43kΩ resistor, the maximum offset shift for the Voltage Interceptor output is available. Power supply Power for the circuit comes from the car’s 12V supply which can rise to about +14.4V when the battery is being charged. Diode D1 is included to protect the circuit from reverse supply connection. Following this diode we derive the 5.6V supply using zener diode ZD4 and a 470Ω series resistor. A nominal +11.4V supply is provided via a 100Ω resistor and 15V zener diode ZD2. The zener diode is included to suppress transient voltages which are present on 12V car supplies. The 11.4V rail supplies op amp IC3. An LM317T 3-pin adjustable voltage regulator (REG1) is used to derive the main +5V rail. The incoming 12V supply is fed to REG1 via a 10Ω resistor while 16V zener diode ZD1 clamps any voltage transients, with further filtering provided by a 100µF capacitor. Op amp supplies We have specified three LM6482AIN dual op amps for this project. These have a very low input offset voltage of 110µV (typical), an extremely high input impedance of more than 10 Tersiliconchip.com.au DB25 SOCKET +5V 5 14 2 3 15 10k 10k 1 16 Vdd CP0 CP1 IC1 4017B MR 13 12 O5-9 8 Vss O0 O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 O7 O8 O9 3 2 4 7 5 6 10 1 9 11 S1 S3 S2 S5 S4 S7 S6 VR1 10k 10 mF 3 S9 S8 4 S10 6 9 14 13 6 12 8 11 10 10 11 9 12 8 4 6 x 330 Ω* DB7 LCD DISPLAY MODULE DB6 DB5 DB4 DB3 DB2 5 SWITCH FUNCTIONS S1 RIGHT S6 S2 UP S7 LEFT S3 STEP RIGHT S8 STEP LEFT S9 DOWN S4 STEP DOWN S5 VIEW/RUN PUSHBUTTON CONTROLLER R/W 2 STEP UP * USES 7 x 330 Ω RESISTOR ARRAY SC RS EN DB1 7 DB0 13 2007 CONTRAST S10 RESET Fig.4: the circuit for the Pushbutton Controller is quite simple. It uses 10 switches, an LCD module, a 4017 counter (IC1), a DB25 socket, a 10m mF capacitor and a few resistors. Trimpot VR1 sets the display contrast. aohms (>10TΩ), a 4pA input bias current, an output swing to within 10mV of the supply rails and a wide common mode input range which includes the supply rails. In other word, this is a pretty special op amp package. Furthermore, the three op amp packages have different supply voltage requirements. For IC1a, the output is expected to swing from 0V and negative by no more than -7.05V. IC1b is required to swing from 0V and positive up to 5.00V. Hence, IC1 uses the +5.6V and -7.5V supply rails. For IC2a, the output will swing over a maximum of ±4.78V, as noted above. IC2b will typically swing from 0V to -5V. Hence, IC2 uses the main +5V rail and the same -7.5V rail as used by IC1. IC3a’s output is usually fixed at close to 5V, as noted above, while IC3b’s output is designed to swing from a typical 12V maximum down to 0V. Supply for this is 0V for the negative supply and a nominal 11.4V for the positive supply. This 11.4V supply will vary with the car battery voltage and must be over 13V (as it normally siliconchip.com.au This is the view inside the completed Voltage Interceptor unit. It’s build on a single PC board and is housed in a sturdy diecast metal case. The construction details will be in Pt.2 next month. December 2009 29 Using The Pushbutton Controller As already noted, the controller has a 2-line 16-character Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and nine pushbutton switches to do the programming. In fact, it is the same controller that was used in the Programmable Ignition System from the March, April & May 2007 issues of SILICON CHIP and it is available as a Jaycar kit, Cat KC-5386. On the top line, the display shows OUTPUT then the output value and either (dV) or LOCK. The OUTPUT refers to the up or down adjustment made and is 0 when there is no change in the output compared to the input. Values can be altered in number by up to ±127. The (dV) is the delta Voltage and is an abbreviation for the change in voltage made to the output. If the word LOCK is displayed instead, it means that a jumper link has been installed preventing any adjustment to the output settings using the push button switches. On the lower line of the display, it shows INPUT and then a number (from 1-255) and then either /RUN/ or (VIEW). The INPUT number refers to the way the input value has been divided up into 256 sections from minimum through to maximum and shows the particular input value load site and its corresponding output value (on the top line). The /RUN/ display shows input load sites in real time as they follow any input voltage variation. A (VIEW) display does not show the current input value that is connected to the Voltage Interceptor but the input value selected by the pushbutton switches. This display allows the whole input/output map to be viewed by scrolling through each value. The display is changed between /RUN/ and (VIEW) using the Run/View switch. Pressing this switch toggles between the two alternatives. Up and Down switches are used to change the output value for each input value. A fast up and fast down switch is also included to increment the values in steps of 4 instead of steps of 1. Scroll left and scroll right buttons provide for changing the input value when set for the view display. These switches do not operate for the run display. A reset button is included and must be accessed using a small probe that inserts into a hole in the front panel. Pressing this switch for 4s resets all output adjustments back to 0. The display shows RESET on the top line when this reset is successful. will be) for the output to reach 12V. So how do we generate the -7.5V rail? This task is performed by the micro, as well as doing its main function in providing the main Interceptor offset function. It delivers a 975Hz square wave output from its RB2 output at pin 8. This drives a charge pump circuit comprising transistors Q2, Q3 & Q4, diodes D3 & D4 and capacitors C1 & C2. Transistor Q2 and the 2.2kΩ resistor act as a level shifter, converting the 5V square wave from RB2 to a 12V square wave. Complementary transistors Q3 & Q4 buffer this 12V square wave and drive the charge pump. When the square wave is high at about 12V, Q3 switches on and charges C1 to almost 12V via diode D3. When the 12V square wave is at 0V, transistor Q4 switches on and the positive side of C1 is pulled down to 0V. The negative side of C1 is therefore close to -12V and this charges capacitor C2 (negatively) via the now conducting diode D4. The process repeats with C1 charging and delivering its charge to C2. This provides the nega30 Silicon Chip tive voltage supply that is regulated to 7.5V using zener diode ZD3 and the 220Ω series resistor. Relay operation As already noted, relay RLY1 bypasses the Interceptor circuitry before the car’s engine is started, to avoid the ECU recording a fault condition. The relay is switched on when IC4’s RB1 output goes high and drives transistor Q1 via a 1kΩ resistor. Q1 then drives the relay coil and indicator LED1. Diode D2 clamps the reverse voltage from the coil when it is switched off to prevent damage to Q1. The relay is switched on at a preset supply voltage. This can be either as soon as a 12V supply is connected to the Voltage Interceptor or at a higher voltage. The higher voltage threshold prevents the relay from switching until the car engine has started, after which the alternator increases the supply rail, ie, as the battery is charged. The relay switching voltage is set using trimpot VR4. Its wiper is monitored by the AN3 input (pin 2) of IC4 and the setting can be measured at test point TP4. The voltage is scaled so that 1.3V at TP4 gives a 13V threshold. Similarly, for a 12V threshold, TP4 would be set to 1.2V with VR4. The battery supply voltage is measured at the AN1 input (pin 18) of IC4. The 12V input is divided down by a factor of three using the 20kΩ and 10kΩ resistors and so the AN1 input will be at 5V for a 15V supply. Pushbutton controller The 25-pin socket shown on the lefthand side of the circuit (Fig.3) is for connection to the Pushbutton Controller. A jumper link (Lock: LK1) at the RB0 input to IC4 prevents the pushbutton controller from making any changes to the output. In this LOCK state, the input and output values can be viewed but not altered. The circuit for the Pushbutton Controller is shown in Fig.4. It comprises an LCD module, a 4017 decade counter (lC1), a DB25 socket and several pushbutton switches. This unit connects to the 25-pin connector in the main Voltage Interceptor circuit via a standard DB25 RS232 cable. Signals from the microcontroller in the Voltage Interceptor drive both the LCD module and counter IC1. IC1 has 10 outputs and each output independently goes high in sequence as it is clocked at its clock input (pin 14). A high at the reset (MR, pin 15) sets the “0” output at pin 3 high. Each output connects to a switch. When a switch is closed, it pulls pin 9 of the DB25 socket high whenever its corresponding output on IC1 is high. This allows the microcontroller in the Voltage Interceptor to recognise which switch is closed. The LCD is driven using data lines DB7-DB4. The display readings are entered via the data lines and are controlled via the EN and RS (Enable and Register Select) inputs. Note that the data lines and the EN and RS lines are all connected to ground via 330Ω resistors. These resistors terminate the signals correctly to prevent false data at the LCD from the long DB25 cable interconnection. The resistors also tie all inputs low when the DB25 cable is not connected Finally, trimpot VRl is used to adjust the display contrast. That’s all for this month. Next month, we’ll give the construction details and describe how it’s used. SC siliconchip.com.au SILICON SILIC CHIP siliconchip.com.au YOUR DETAILS NEW! 6 MONTH SUBS AND AUTO RENEWAL NOW AVAILABLE Your Name_________________________________________________________ Order Form/Tax Invoice Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd ABN 49 003 205 490 PO BOX 139, COLLAROY NSW 2097 email: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Phone (02) 9939 3295 Fax (02) 9939 2648 This form may be photocopied without infringing copyright. 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PRICES VALID FOR MONTH OF MAGAZINE ISSUE ONLY. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST PHONE – (9-5, Mon-Fri) Call (02) 9939 3295 with your credit card details MAIL OR This form to PO Box 139 Collaroy NSW 2097 December 2009 31 12/09 Design by JOHN CLARKE Words by LEO SIMPSON One-of-nine switch indicator Originally conceived as a track-in-use indicator for model railway layouts, this one-of-nine indicator can used with any selector switch with up to nine positions. It can be used with a bank of reed switches, as might be used on a locomotive turntable or traverser on a model railway layout or with any switch with up to nine positions. Then we realised it had many other uses . . . A ny railway modeller will be familiar with the problem: you have a locomotive turntable or switch-yard and you are never sure which track is actually selected, unless you go and have a close look. Or you could have the same problem with a traverser which selects rolling stock storage tracks. With a locomotive turntable you may well be sure that a track has been correctly “indexed” but you still don’t know which one has been selected. So the solution to that problem is a reed switch associated with each output track and a magnet on the turntable to activate each reed. The bank of nine (or less) switches is wired effectively as a single-pole rotary switch and then can be coupled to this single-digit display. From there, the concept can be applied to any situation where a rotary switch is used, 32 Silicon Chip with one or two provisos which we will come to later. Normally open switches More specifically, this Switch Indicator is designed to operate with normally-open switches, such as reed switches. With no switches closed, the single-digit display will show zero (0). With a switch closed, the display will show the number of the switch. This brings us to another important point – the circuit is designed to operate correctly only if one switch is closed at the one time. The arrangement of the reed switches and magnets should be such that as one switch opens the next switch closes. In other words there should not be a period when two reed switches are closed. If two or more switches are closed, the display will show a blank or an incorrect value which may be quite unrelated to the switches that are closed. For example, a closed 4 and 6 switch will show a 6, a closed 1 and 2 switch will show a 3 while a closed 8 and 3 switch will show a blanked display. Circuit description The circuit for the Switch Indicator comprises the switch inputs, a diode matrix, a CMOS 4511 BCD to 7-segment decoder (IC1) and a single 7-segment common cathode LED display. IC1 has four inputs labelled A, B, C & D. These are normally held low at 0V via the four 10k pull-down resistors. When all four inputs are low, IC1 decodes this condition as zero and it drives the 7-segment display accordingly, to show a 0. This is achieved by pulling its a, b, c, d, e & siliconchip.com.au There’s not much to this versatile project – it simply detects which switch position is high and reads out the appropriate figure on the LED display. An extension board (see overleaf) can show the same digit some distance away. f outputs high to drive the similarly labelled segments of the display via the 1.2kresistors. For the 0 display, the central ‘g’ output remains low and its segment is not lit. For those not familiar with BCD decoders and 7-segment displays, a look at Table 1 will be helpful. The four columns on the left side of the table are labelled D, C, B & A, corresponding to the BCD inputs of the 4511 decoder. What we are talking about is a 4-bit BCD code; BCD stands for Binary-Coded Decimal. So if you look at the top row of the ABCD columns you will see that it shows 0000 and this corresponds to a numeric value of 0, as indicated at the top of the extreme right column. The other columns in Table 1 show BCD INPUTS SEGMENT OUTPUTS DISPLAY D C B A a b c d e f g 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 a f b g c e d Table 1: here’s how the 4511 chip decodes the switch inputs, in BCD (binarycoded-decimal and lights the appropriate segments in the LED readout (1s light, 0s extinguish). Any other BCD input results in all 0 s and therefore no segments lit. Note that the “6” shown here is the standard 4511 output – but we’ve modified it so that the “a” segment lights as well (see right . . . ) siliconchip.com.au which of the seven segments of the display are illuminated. Hence, the top row of the table shows that all segments except ‘g’ are illuminated. Going back to the circuit of Fig.1, if switch 1 is closed, the 9V supply is connected to the anode of diode D1 and this pulls the A input of IC1 high. This is equivalent to a BCD value of 0001. IC1 decodes this condition as a 1 and drives the b & c outputs high while all other outputs are kept low. The b & c segments for the display now light to show the 1. This is shown in the second row of Table 2. Similarly, if a different switch is We reckon our 6 (left) looks a lot better than the standard 7-segment display 6 (right). All it costs is two diodes! December 2009 33 REG1 7809 CON1 +9V S1 A D2 A IN A GND 10 F 16V K S2 S3 OUT D1 D18 10 ZD1 18V 1W 100 F 25V K K A K K D3 K A D7 K D6 A K D8 S6 A K D9 A 10 OPTIONAL REMOTE DISPLAY (CON4 CONNECTS TO CON3 VIA IDC CABLE) K A DISP2 LT5543R CON4 D5 S5 9 g f 1 e 2 d 4 c 6 f e b 7 a a b g d c dp k 3,8 K D12 S7 A K D11 A K 4 D10 A S8 0V D4 A A S4 +12V CON2 3 K D13 A 6 K 2 D15 S9 A 1 K 7 D14 A 5 K BI 16 Vdd Og LT Of DD Oe DC DB 7x 1.2k 14 9 DA Ob EL Oa 10k 10k 10k g 11 f 1 e 2 d 4 c 12 6 9 A 13 Vss 10k 10 15 10 IC1 Od 4511B Oc DISP1 LT5543R CON3 A 7 a D17 D16 8 K b f e a g d b c dp k 3,8 K ZD1 7809 GND SC 2009 SWITCH POSITION INDICATOR A IN GND A OUT Special drive for 6 The display for the number 6 requires some explanation. As shown in Table 1, the 4511 decoder creates a 6 by driving the c, d, e, f and g segments. This gives an abbreviated 6 (in our opinion), so we have modified the circuit to also include the top segment (‘a’) in the 6 display, using diode D17. This lights the ‘a’ segment whenever the ‘e’ segment is lit. Diode D16 is included to prevent the low ‘a’ output line from IC1 from being driven high via diode D17. This display modification does not affect any other numbers. This is because for other numbers where the ‘e’ 34 Silicon Chip segment is lit (ie, the numbers 0, 2, and 8), the ‘a’ segment is already lit – and it doesn’t get any brighter if more than one output drives it! Other inputs on the 4511 include pin 3, the Blanking Input (BI), pin 4, Lamp Test (LT) and pin 5, Latch Enable (LE). These functions are not used in our design and so pins 3 & 4 are tied high while pin 5 is tied low. Power for the circuit can come from just about any 12V DC supply (in fact, anything from 11V to 18VDC at 80mA or so will do). Diode D18 protects the input capacitor and regulator from reverse voltage connection while the 10 resistor and 18V zener gives transient protection. A 100F capacitor filters the input to the 3-terminal regulator, REG1. This regulator provides a 9V output for the reed switch common connection and supply for IC1. A 10F capacitor bypasses the regulator output. K D18: 1N4004 A Fig.1: switch positions S1-S9 are decoded by IC1, a BCD-to-7-segment decoder, the result displayed on the 7-segment LED readout. The optional remote display can be used some distance away. pressed, then the diodes associated with that switch pull the respective A, B, C or D lines high to select the required digit to light. Table 1 shows the A, B, C and D input conditions to produce each number. K D1-D17: 1N4148 K Remote readouts So far, we’ve only looked at a single LED display mounted on the main PC board. But we’re sure (in fact we know from experience!) that there will be times when a remote display is also needed. Therefore, we’ve designed the system to be very flexible. You can use the single display on the main PC board, or you can add a second, smaller, display-only PC board via a suitable length of IDC ribbon cable and have an extension readout (obviously this always displays the same digit as on the main board!). Or you can even leave the display off the main PC board and simply have a single display a suitable distance away. How far away? Because the LED segments only draw milliamps there won’t be much voltage drop over a ribbon cable, even several metres long. siliconchip.com.au D1 10k 1 4148 D2 10k 2 2 4148 D3 3 3 4148 D4 4148 D5 4 4 4148 D6 5 5 4148 D7 6 6 4148 D8 4148 D9 7 4148 D10 8 8 4148 D11 9 V+ 9 4148 D12 4148 D13 10 F 100 F 4148 D14 10k 4148 D15 10k 7 +V 4148 D17 4148 1.2k 1.2k 1.2k 1.2k LOCATING LUG UNDER DISP1 1.2k 18V ZD1 1.2k 1.2k IC1 4511B 1 D16 H1 8x2 IDC HEADER (CON3) 10 D18 V+12V 21+ REG1 7809 V0V 0 CON2 19021190 OPTIONAL REMOTE LED INDICATOR BOARD DISP2 YALPSID NIART 4148 R OTA CID NI G NIDIS K CART NIART CON1 RIGHT ANGLE IDC HEADER 29021190 (CON4) LOCATING LUG 16-WAY IDC CABLE IDC LINE CONNECTOR (DISPLAY END) IDC LINE CONNECTOR (MAIN BOARD END) Fig.2 (top) shows the component layout for both the main PC board and the (optional) remote or extender board. The extender draws its power from the main board and is connected via the 16-way IDC cable, shown immediately above in Fig.3. We’re not stating a maximum distance – it’s probably tens of metres or more – but if the remote display is noticeably dimmer than the main display, you’ve reached the limit! Construction The Model Railway Storage Track Indicator is constructed on a PC board coded 09112091 and measuring 104 x 62mm. This can clip into the integral mounting clips within a UB3 plastic case if required. Alternatively, four corner mounting points are provided for mounting in a different box or mounted under a track layout. Fig.2 shows the component layout on the board. The remote LED display PC board measures 35 x 43mm. This board is coded 09112092. Its layout is also shown in Fig.2 Begin construction by checking the PC board for breaks in tracks or shorts between tracks and pads. Check that siliconchip.com.au Parts list – Switch Position Indicator 1 PC board coded 09112091, 104 x 62mm 1 Display PC board coded 09112092, 35 x 43mm * 1 plastic UB3 box, 130 x 68 x 44mm 1 TO-220 mini heatsink 19 x 19 x 9.5mm 6 PC mount 2-way screw terminals with 5.08mm pin spacing 1 1m length 16-way IDC cable * 1 16-way PC mount IDC header * 1 16-way PC mount right angle IDC header * 2 IDC line sockets * 1 20-way IC socket strip Items marked with 1 DIP16 IC socket an asterisk (*) are for 1 M3 x 6mm screw optional remote display 1 M3 nut Semiconductors 1 4511 BCD to 7-segment decoder (IC1) 1 LTS543R common cathode LED display (DISP1) (or 2*) 1 7809 9V regulator (REG1) 1 1N4746 18V zener diode (ZD1) 17 1N4148 switching diodes (D1-D17) 1 1N4004 1A diode (D18) Capacitors 1 100F 25V PC electrolytic 1 10F 16V PC electrolytic Resistors (0.25W 1%) 4 10k (brown black orange brown or brown black black red brown) 7 1.2k (brown red red brown or brown red black brown brown) 1 10 (brown black black brown or brown black black gold brown) December 2009 35 Here’s the display showing switch position 6 along with the extender board which obviously has to show the same thing! You can elect to have the main display only, the extender display only (by leaving out the main board LED readout) or indeed both displays, as we have shown here. the hole sizes are correct for each components to fit neatly. The screw terminal holes are 1.25mm in diameter compared to the 0.9mm holes for the IC, resistors and diodes. REG1 should have a 3mm mounting hole for the metal tab and the corner mounting holes should also be 3mm in diameter. The first components to insert are the diodes and resistors. The diodes must be mounted with the orientation as shown. Diode D18 and ZD1 have a larger body size compared to the other diodes (D1-D17). When inserting the resistors, use the resistor colour codes shown alongside the resistors in the parts list to check the resistor values (both 4-band and 5-band types are shown). A digital multimeter can also be used to measure each value as it is inserted. REG1 mounts on a small heatsink with its leads bent at right angles to insert into the PC board holes. Make sure the leads are bent at the correct length so the regulator tab can be secured to 36 Silicon Chip the PC board using a screw through the mounting hole in the PC board. Do this before soldering its leads. The screw terminals can be mounted next, noting that the 10-way section is made from five 2-way sections locked together, before they are inserted into the PC board. IC1 can either be soldered directly into the board or you can solder in a 16-pin DIP IC socket – either must be oriented with the notch as shown. Two 5-way socket strips are used for the LED display. If you intend using the separate display board, you will need to mount a 16-way IDC PC-mount header for the interconnecting cable. This header has its notch closest to the display. Install the two capacitors next, ensuring they are oriented correctly. If the display is to be mounted on the main PC board then this can be inserted now. The decimal point is oriented to the lower right as shown. That completes the main PC board assembly but if the remote display is required, the display PC board will also require assembly. It too should also be checked for breaks in tracks or shorted tracks and that hole sizes are correct. The right angle mount 16-way IDC header mounts as shown and the display can be mounted on two 5-way socket strips. The 16-way IDC cable is made as shown in Fig.3, using a length of 16way IDC cable and the two IDC sockets at each end. They are attached to the ribbon cable by clamping the socket halves around the cable in a vise. Make sure the cable is oriented correctly, with the red stripe side located at the pin 1 edge of the IDC sockets. Pin 1 is indicated with a triangle shaped arrow embossed on the location lug side of the socket. Testing Apply power and check that the display shows a 0. If it does not, check that there is 9V between pin 16 and 8 of IC1. If there is no voltage here, siliconchip.com.au 2 REED SWITCH 3 3 REED SWITCH 4 REED SWITCH 5 REED SWITCH 6 REED SWITCH 8 REED SWITCH 9 4148 4148 4148 5 4148 4148 4148 7 4148 8 4148 9 V+ USING SEPARATE REED SWITCHES 4148 4148 4 6 REED SWITCH 7 4148 18V V21+ 4148 V0 4148 4148 1 3 2 3 4 +9V (R) 5 9 8 7 0V 4148 4148 4148 4148 4148 4148 4148 7 4148 8 4148 USING A SINGLE ROTARY (OR SLIDER) SWITCH 4148 4148 5 9 V+ 4148 4148 4 6 6 +12V 19021190 CON1 2 (POWER) CON2 4148 1 Fig.4 (left) shows how you would wire a set of reed switches, such as would be used on a model railway turntable or traveller with a magnet strategically placed on the moving section. 18V V21+ 4148 4148 4148 4148 V0 R OTA CID NI G NIDIS K CART NIART 1 REED SWITCH 2 4148 4148 R OTA CID NI G NIDIS K CART NIART CON1 REED SWITCH 1 (POWER) +12V 0V CON2 19021190 Fig.5: the wiring for a conventional 9-position switch. This could be part of a dual or multi-pole switch, as long as the poles remained isolated. This arrangement can be used for any number of applications requiring “in use” identification. check for approximately 9V at the output of REG1. If the regulator does not deliver the right voltage it may be faulty (or the wrong type!) or installed incorrectly (not easy to do!), diode D18 or Zener ZD1 may be faulty or installed backto-front (much easier to do!) or there may be a short circuit between the 9V and common ground on the PC board. Otherwise there is not much else that can be wrong. When the display is working, a connection between the 9V terminal on CON1 and the 1 input should change the display to show a 1. siliconchip.com.au Similarly a connection from the 9V to the 2 input should have the display showing a 2 and so on. A transparent red acrylic or Perspex filter can be used over the display to improve the contrast (and therefore visibility) of the number. In use If the circuit is used with reed switches, Fig.4 shows how these are wired. One side of each switch is common and connects to the 9V terminal. The free end of each reed switch connects to the terminals on CON1. Not all nine reed switches need to be used - only the number of reed switches associated with the storage tracks need to be connected. Unused inputs are left disconnected. Fig.5 shows the equivalent connection for a single-pole rotary switch. We imagine that most applications requiring switch position indicators will in fact use a double-pole (or even multi-pole) switch. Just be certain to keep the original application and the Switch Indicator wiring isolated from each other! Any other uses for the Switch Indicator should follow this basic approach. SC December 2009 37 PRODUCT SHOWCASE Av-Comm’s loop antenna AM radio helper We’ve published a number of do-ityourself tunable loop antennas over the years (October 2007 and January 2009 being the latest, for example) but this one from Av-Comm is ready to go “out of the box”. And to be honest, we were rather surprised with its performance. For example, a bedside clock radio which has had pretty mediocre reception (like most AM clock radios!) was improved significantly. Similarly, a couple of small transistor radios (not the best at any time!) were also much better when used in conjunction with the Av-Comm loop. It’s a passive device (ie, unpowered); all you have to do is place the loop and radio receiver in reasonably close proximity then tune the knob for best reception. There will be one point where it suddenly comes to life. Despite loop antenna theory stating otherwise, orientation doesn’t seem to matter too much. Nor do you have to place the radio through the loop (although you can sit a small one on the loop bottom if you wish). Tuning range covers the entire 530-1710kHz AM broadcast band and at $49 plus P&P, we believe this will be really popular with those of us dinosaurs who still favour AM radio over FM! It is available direct f r o m Av - C o m m ( C a t Q-3052). Contact: Av-Comm Pty Ltd 24/9 Powells Road, Brookvale NSW 2100 Tel: (02) 9939 4377 Fax: (02) 9939 4376 Website: www.avcomm.com.au Mikrotik 5 Port Ethernet Router Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter The new Mikrotik RB750 is a powerful, low-cost compact 5-port Ethernet router running Mikrotik RouterOS, a stand- alone operating system based on the Linux kernel. This router is probably the most affordable and configurable 5-port managed switch/ r o u t e r available. It has loads of features including Multi Protocol L a b e l Switching (MPLS), Static and dynamic routing, Packet filtering firewall, Bandwidth management, VPN server with various VPN methods and tunnelling protocols, Quality of Service (QOS) to prioritise and shape network traffic, along with a large number of Network tools all with an easyto-use GUI or Contact: command-line WiFi Products interface. 2/24 Windorah St, Stafford Qld 5053 The RB750 Tel: (07) 3356 0588 sells for $89.95. Website: www.wifiproducts.com.au Fluke’s new 421D Laser Distance Meter has a range of up to 100m. Instead of walking back and forth across a space with tape or wheel, the user simply points the laser at the target, presses one button and instantly read the distance, without the help of a second person to hold the other end of the tape measure. Features include audible feedback for taking room angle and incremental measurements, a ±45° tilt sensor for taking indirect measurements in hard-to-reach areas, enhanced Pythagoras calculation for indirectly determining distance and a large liquid crystal display with buttons positioned for one-hand operation. Laser distance measurement technology makes the Fluke 421D Laser Distance Meter far more accurate and dependable than devices using ultra- Contact: sonic technology. Fluke Australia Pty Ltd It is IP54 rated for Unit 26, 7 Anella Ave, Castle Hill, 2154 resistance to water Tel: (02) 8850 3333 Fax: (02)-8850-3300 Website: www.fluke.com.au (spray) and dust. 38 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au Cleverscope’s Protocol Decoding Cleverscope’s protocol decoder for the CS328A Oscilloscope decodes digital data streams up to 4 MSamples long. Results are displayed right on the mixed signal graph, lined up with the digital and analog source signals. The tool is great for checking the operation of SPI, I2C or RS232 based products. The example shows an AD9834 synthesizer being exercised. You can zoom right in to check signal integrity and timing with 10ns resolution. The decoder is fully configurable for bit length, polarity, and colours. Using the 10ns resolution trigger time stamp you can precisely measure widely spaced packets. Navigating the captured signal is fast and easy; the zoomed Track- Helping to put you in Control Control Equipment Lil’est Data Logger The µLog is a tiny analog logging device. An ATtiny24 mated with an 16Mbit flash IC, sampling at 50Hz, it’ll log 3 channels of 10-bit ADC for 2 hours before the memory fills up. $23.95+GST ing graph follows the Scope graph tracer to see the big picture and the detail simultaneously. Contact: Cleverscope Ltd 28 Ranfurly Rd, Epsom, Auckland, NZ Tel: (64-9) 524 7456 Fax: (64-9)524 7457 Website: www.cleverscope.com Would you believe it? A Body Scale with WiFi! The world’s first wireless-linked personal weight scale, the WiFi Body Scale, which tracks your weight records for access from a PC or iPhone, is now available in Australia. Jam-packed with technology, the simple-to-use scale has an extra-flat, 22.8mm blackand-steel design that provides a sleek addition to any bathroom. With iPhone compatibility, the WiFi Body Scale uses bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) to calculate your body fat composition and display it in actual weight instead of as a percentage of body fat. This allows more accurate tracking by avoiding daily weight fluctuations due to water gain or loss. The WiFi Body Scale, which is already marketed in Europe, UK and the US, is sold online in Australia by specialist technology distributor PC Range. The $249 device is available until Christmas for an introductory price of $225 at www.wifiscale.com.au KTA-223 Arduino Compatible USB Relay IO Board 8 Relays, 4-Opto Ins, 3 Analog Ins, USB Virtual Com & RS485 Sturdy Enclosure with plug-in screw terminals. Light Control Software. Windows/Mac/Linux Drivers. $135+GST Kinetamap Logger GPS and Accelerometer Logger. ARM7 Controller, EM408 GPS, 3-axis Accelerometer, 1GB Flash, Bluetooth, USB, 1000mAh LiPo Battery, Bootloader & Customisable Firmware. $160+GST DCS303 DC Servo Driver 18-30V Digital DC Servo Driver, 3A Continuous 15A Peak, Takes Pulse and Direction inputs, Encoder Feedback, Windows Tuning Software. $135+GST DCS810 DC Servo Driver DCS303’s Bigger Brother 18-80V 20A, Electronic Gearing, Pulse, Direction, Encoder, Tuning Software $229+GST IP54 splashproof digital calipers MeasumaX electronic IP54 series calipers feature an ITO glass scale system and are perfect for most caliper measurement applications. The large LCD screen features error free readings in either imperial or metric modes. This model is available in a 150mm/6”, 200mm/8” or 300mm/12” size. Features: • accuracy to DIN862 • direct RS-232 output • large, clear LCD • on/off, metric/imperial and zero switches (zero setting at any position) siliconchip.com.au • hardened stainless steel mechanism with patented technology • four way measurement • splashproof electronics unit • measurement tracking speed 40”/sec • 0.01mm/0.005” graduations They are supplied in a foam lined plastic case. Contact: Hare&Forbes Machineryhouse Unit 1/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead NSW 2152 Tel: (02) 9890 9111 Website: www.machineryhouse.com.au Large 6 in Panel Meter Display 0-5V or 0-20mA Scaled, Counter, Tachometer, Frequency, Timer, Easy Set up Software. See Article in this Issue for Details. Kit or Pre-Assembled Form. Single Digit Controller Kit $69+GST Extra Digit Kit $39+GST 5 Digits on acrylic (pictured)$349+GST Contact Ocean Controls Ph: 03 9782 5882 www.oceancontrols.com.au December 2009 39 Here’s one for the workbench or toolbox! This instrument can perform a leakage current test on almost any type of capacitor in current use, including ceramic, mica, monolithic, metallised polyester or paper, polystyrene, solid tantalum and aluminium electrolytics. There are seven different standard test voltages from 10V to 100V, so most capacitors can be checked at or close to their rated voltage. Leakage currents can also be measured, from almost 10mA down to less than 100nA. DIGITAL CAPACITOR LEAKAGE METER by JIM ROWE I n theory, capacitors are not supposed to conduct direct current – apart from a small amount when a DC voltage is first applied to them and they need to ‘charge up’. And with most practical capacitors using materials like ceramic, polyester or polystyrene or even waxed paper as their insulating dielectric, the only time they do conduct any DC is during charging. That’s assuming they haven’t been 40 Silicon Chip damaged, either physically or electrically, or that their dielectric has not deteriorated with the passage of time. In that case they may well have a significant DC “leakage current” and need to be replaced. But as many SILICON CHIP readers will be aware, things are not this clear cut with electrolytic capacitors, whether they be aluminium or tantalum. Even brand new electrolytic capaci- tors conduct a small but measurable DC current, even after they have been connected to a DC source for sufficient time to allow their dielectric oxide layer to “form”. In other words, all electrolytic capacitors have a significant leakage current even when they are “good”. The range of acceptable leakage current tends to be proportional to both the capacitance and the capacitor’s rated voltage. Have a look at the figures siliconchip.com.au Fig.1: block diagram of the Digital Capacitor Leakage Meter. It consists of two sections, a selectable DC voltage source based on IC1 and a digital current meter (it’s actually a voltmeter set up to read current), based on IC2, IC3 and the LCD module. in the Leakage Current Guide (Table 1). The current levels listed there are the maximum allowable before the capacitor would be regarded as faulty. Commercially available capacitor leakage current meters are expensive (well over $1000), making this SILICON CHIP Capacitor Leakage Meter an attractive proposition since it will cost a great deal less. It’s easy to build and provides seven different standard test voltages: 10V, 16V, 25V, 35V, 50V, 63V and 100V which will cover the majority of capacitors that most readers will be using. Built into a compact jiffy box, it’s battery powered (6 x 1.5V AA alkaline cells) and therefore fully portable. This makes it suitable not only for the workbench but also for the service technician’s toolbag. The Capacitor Leakage Meter has a simple presentation in its plastic case. The lid carries the 2-line x 16-character backlit LCD module, as well as the test terminals, power and test switches, as well as the 7-position rotary selector switch. How it works The Capacitor Leakage Meter’s operation is quite straightforward, as you can see from the block diagram of Fig.1 above. There are two circuit sections, one being a selectable DC voltage source which generates preset test voltages when the TEST button is pressed. The other circuit section is a digital voltmeter which is used to measure any direct current passed by the capacitor under test. We use a voltmeter to make the measurement because any current passed by the capacitor flows via resistor R2. The voltmeter measures the voltage drop across R2 and is arranged to read directly in terms of current. So that’s the basic arrangement. The reason for resistor R1 being in series with the output from the test voltage source is to limit the maximum current that can be drawn, in any circumstances. This prevents damage to siliconchip.com.au CAP UNDER TEST + TEST SELECTABLE DC VOLTAGE SOURCE (7 VOLTAGES) (S2) +Vt R1 + + – DIGITAL VOLTMETER READING CURRENT (0-10mA/ 0-100 A) R2 TEST TERMINALS – (IC1) (IC2, IC3, LCD MODULE) either the voltage source or the digital voltmeter sections in the event of the capacitor under test having an internal short circuit. It also protects R2 and the digital voltmeter section from overload when a capacitor (especially one of high value) is initially charging up to one of the higher test voltages. R1 has a value of 10k which was chosen to limit the maximum charging and/or short circuit current to 9.9mA even on the highest test voltage range (100V). The digital voltmeter is configured as an auto-ranging current meter, with two current ranges selected by switching the value of shunt resistor R2. When TEST button S2 is first pressed the voltmeter switches the value of R2 to 100, to provide a 0-10mA range for the capacitor’s charging phase. Only when (and if) the measured current level falls below 100A does it switch the value of R2 to 10k, to provide a 0-100A range for more accurate measurement of leakage current. Circuit description Now have a look at the full circuit of Fig.2, overleaf. The selectable DC voltage source is based around IC1, an MC34063 DC/ DC controller IC. It is used in a step-up or “boost” configuration in conjunction with autotransformer T1 and fast switching diode D3. T1 is based on a ferrite pot core and has 15 turns on its primary and 45 turns on its secondary, effectively giving a three-times boost to the input voltage. However, we set the circuit’s actual DC output voltage by varying the ratio of the voltage divider in the converter’s feedback loop, connecting from the CAPACITOR LEAKAGE CURRENT GUIDE TYPE OF CAPACITOR Maximum leakage current in microamps A) at rated working voltage 10V 16V Ceramic, Polystyrene, Metallised Film (MKT, Greencap etc.), Paper, Mica 25V 35V 50V 63V 100V LEAKAGE SHOULD BE ZERO FOR ALL OF THESE TYPES Solid Tantalum* < 4.7 F 1.0 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 5.0 7.5 6.8 F 1.5 2.0 3.0 4.0 6.5 7.0 9.0 47 F 10 10 15 16 17 19 24 Standard Aluminium Electrolytic# <3.3 F 5.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 8.0 10 17 5.0 6.0 8.0 12 15 23 8.0 13 18 25 35 50 11 19 25 38 100 230 4.7 F 5.0 10 F 15 F 8.0 100 F 50 230 300 330 420 500 600 150 F 230 280 370 430 520 600 730 680 F 500 600 780 950 1100 1300 1560 1000 F 600 730 950 1130 1340 1500 1900 4700 F 1300 1590 2060 2450 2900 3300 4110 * Figures for Solid Tantalum capacitors are after a charging period of one minute. # Figures for Aluminium Electrolytics are after a charging/reforming period of three minutes. December 2009 41 42 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au A DrC 8 15T 2 4 33k 270 Cin- 8.2k 5.1k 2.0k 200 2.4k 150 3.6k +1.25V 45T 100nF TPG TP3 1M 2.4k 36k 270k 10k 7,8 1,14 100 – TEST TERMINALS + 10k 2 6 2.2 F 250V MET. POLY Q1 BC327 RLY1 1k +10V OR +16V OR D3 UF4003 +25V OR +35V OR K +50V OR +63V OR +100V A GND OUT CAPACITOR LEAKAGE METER 1k 16V 25V 35V 50V 63V 100V SwE 1 IC1 SwC MC34063 5 7 Ips GND 10V S1 SET TEST VOLTS Ct 6 Vcc 1 T1 470 F 16V IN REG1 7805 C E D2 D1 2.7k 2.2k A K A K 100nF B 10k Fig.2: the circuit diagram of the capacitor leakage meter . Some of the resistors, especially in the string attached to S1, are not values you see every day – but it’s important that the correct resistors are used to achieve the correct voltage steps. SC 2009 820pF 3 TEST S2 K D4 1N4004 9V BATTERY (6xAA ALKALINE) S3 POWER 6 5 2 3 3.6k 7 1.8k A K D1-D2: 1N4148 4 IC2b 1 180 A = 3.10 IC2a 8 IC2: LM358 2.2k +5.0V 3 1 12 13 16 17 18 RA4 AN2 RB6 RB7 RA7 RA0 RA1 15 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 6 4 A K 15 B-L A 2 Vdd 22 VR1 10k +5.0V 220 F TPG E B C BC327 TP2 (2.0MHz) GND IN OUT 7805 GND RLY1: ALTRONICS S-4100A OR SIMILAR (5V/10mA) B-L K 16 3 CONTRAST LCD CONTRAST R/W 5 16 x 2 LCD MODULE 270 5.6k 3.3k D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 GND 1 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 EN RS TPG TP1 +3.2V 100nF 1N4004, UF4003 Vss 5 RB0 RB1 RB2 RB3 RB4 RB5 CLKo IC3 PIC16F88 Vref+ 4 14 Vdd MCLR 2.2k Z-7013 (B/L) 16X2 LCD MODULE ALTRONICS R OTI CAPA C LATI GID RETE M E GAKAEL LCD CONT 1k TP1 TPG 3.20V 2.2k 2.2k T1 L1 F 4003 D3 T 220 F POWER 2.4k 200 4004 3.6k 36k 2.4k S1 7 2k – + 5.1k 470 F 1 TP3 4 5 TEST 3 8.2k 2 33k 270 1k SET VOLTS 9V BATTERY cathode of D3 back to IC’s pin 5. Here the feedback voltage is compared with an internal 1.25V reference. A 270k resistor forms the top arm of the feedback divider, while the 36k and 2.4k resistors from pin 5 to ground form the fixed component of the lower arm. These give an initial division ratio of 308.4k/38.4k or 8.031:1, to produce a regulated output voltage of 10.04V. This is the converter’s output voltage when switch S1 is in the 10V position. When S1 is switched to any of the other positions, additional resistors are connected in parallel with the lower arm of the feedback divider, to increase its division ratio and hence increase the converter’s output voltage. For example, when S1 is in the 25V position, it connects the 270, 8.2k, 5.1k, 2.0k, 200, 2.4k, 150 and 3.6k resistors (all in series) in parallel with the divider’s lower arm, changing the division ratio to 283.954k/13.954k or 20.35:1. This siliconchip.com.au TPG S2 1 6 S3 IC1 34063 150 270k 1 820pF REG1 7805 T- S 15T + 40T D4 T+ 10k 1 2.2 F 250V 3.3k TPG METAL POLYESTER 4148 D1 5.6k 2.7k 100 1M 10k 270 1.8k RLY1 S-4100A IC2 LM358 IC3 PIC16F88 180 Q1 10k 2.2k 100nF TP2 BC327 22 1 3.6k 2MHz 9002 © 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16 15 100nF D2 4148 19001140 VR1 10k Fig.3 (left): the PC board component overlay, along with a slightly reduced photo at right. The two vacant holes (lower right of pic) are for the “Test” button, S2, while the bare leads at the right edge connect to the two terminals (T+ and T–). produces a regulated output voltage of 25.44V. The same kind of change occurs in the other positions of S1, producing the various preset output voltages shown. Although the test voltages shown are nominal, if you use the specified 1% tolerance resistors for all of the divider resistors they should all be within +/4% of the nominal values because the 1.25V reference inside the MC34063 is accurate to within 2%. IC1 doesn’t generate the desired test voltage all the time – only when test pushbutton S2 is pressed and held down. This is because IC1 only receives power from the battery when S2 is closed. When the converter circuit operates it generates the desired test voltage across the 2.2F/250V metallised polyester reservoir capacitor. It is connected to the positive test terminal via the 10k current limiting resistor (R1 in Fig.1). Digital voltmeter The digital voltmeter is based on an LM358 dual op amp (IC2) and a PIC16F88 microcontroller (IC3). The micro provides the “smarts” to calculate the leakage current and display the value on the LCD module. The 100, 1M and 10k resistors connected between the negative test terminal and ground correspond to the current shunt labelled R2 in Fig.1, with the contacts of reed relay RLY1 used to change the effective shunt resistance for the meter’s two ranges. For the 10mA ‘charging phase’ range the reed relay connects a short circuit across the parallel 1M/10k combination, making the effective shunt resistance 100. For the more sensitive 100A range RLY1 is turned off, connecting the parallel 1M/10k resistors in series with the 100 resistor to produce an effective shunt resistance of 10k. The voltage drop developed across the shunt resistance (as a result of any current passed by the capacitor under test) is passed to the non-inverting input of op amp IC2a, half of the LM358. IC2a is configured as a DC amplifier December 2009 43 Parts List – Digital Capacitor Leakage Meter 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 9 4 1 1 1 1 2 8 1 Jiffy box, 157 x 95 x 53mm (“UB1” size) PC board, code 04112091, 127 x 84mm Binding post/banana jacks (1 red, 1 black) 16x2 LCD module, compact with LED backlighting (Altronics Z-7013) Mini DIL reed relay, SPST with 5V coil Single pole rotary switch, PC board mtg (S1) Instrument knob, 16mm diameter with grub screw fixing SPST pushbutton switch (S2) SPDT mini toggle switch (S3) Ferrite pot core pair, 26mm OD Bobbin to suit pot core 10x AA battery holder (flat) OR 4 x AA battery holder, flat and 2 x AA battery holder, side by side (see text) 3m length of 0.5mm diameter enamelled copper wire 12mm long M3 tapped Nylon spacers 25mm long M3 tapped spacers 25mm long M3 Nylon screw with nut and flat washer 6mm long M3 machine screws, pan head 6mm long M3 machine screws, csk head M3 nut 16-pin length of SIL socket strip 16-pin length of SIL pin strip 18-pin IC socket 8-pin IC sockets 1mm diameter PC board terminal pins 0.5m length 0.7mm tinned copper wire (for mounting switches etc) Semiconductors 1 MC34063 DC/DC converter controller (IC1) 1 LM358 dual op amp (IC2) 1 PIC16F88 microcontroller (IC3, programmed with 0411209A firmware) 1 7805 +5V regulator (REG1) 1 BC327 PNP transistor (Q1) 2 1N4148 100mA diodes (D1,D2) 1 UF4003 ultrafast 200V/1A diode (D3) 1 1N4004 400V/1A diode (D4) Capacitors 1 470F 16V RB electrolytic 1 220F 10V RB electrolytic 1 2.2F 250V metallised polyester 2 100nF multilayer monolithic ceramic 1 820pF disc ceramic Resistors (0.25W 1% metal film unless specified) 1 1M 1 270k 1 36k 1 33k 3 10k 1 5.1k 2 3.6k 1 3.3k 1 2.7k 2 2.4k 1 1.8k 2 1k 2 270 1 200 1 180 1 22 0.5W carbon 1 1.0 0.5W carbon 1 10k mini horizontal trimpot (VR1) with a voltage gain of 3.10 times, feeding the AN2 analog input of IC3, the PIC16F88 micro. IC3 compares the voltage from IC2a with a reference voltage of 3.2V fed into its pin 2. This reference is derived from the regulated +5V supply line via the voltage divider formed by the 44 Silicon Chip 1 8.2k 1 5.6k 3 2.2k 1 2.0k 1 150 1 100 3.3k, 5.6k & 270 resistors. After mathematical scaling inside IC3, the readings are then displayed on the 16x2 LCD module. IC3 can sense when the testing of a capacitor begins because it monitors the supply voltage fed to IC1, when test switch S2 is pressed. This is be- cause the supply voltage (about 8.4V) fed to pin 6 of IC1 is also fed to the non-inverting input of op amp IC2b, via a resistive divider formed by the 2.2k and 2.7k resistors. As IC2b connected as a unity gain voltage follower, so a logic ‘high’ is fed to pin 3 of IC3 (the RA4 input) as soon as S2 is pressed, and remains there as long as S2 is held down. When S2 is released, the 2.7k resistor pulls the voltage at pin 5 of IC2b down to 0V, causing the voltage at pin 3 of IC3 to fall to the same level. So IC3 can sense when a test begins and also when it ends, because of the logic level at its RA4 input. As part of its internal firmware program, IC3 ensures that RLY1 is always energised to short out the 1M and 10k current sensing resistors at the start of a new test, to allow for the capacitor’s charging current. It does this by pulling its output pin 18 (RA1) down to logic low level (0V), which turns on transistor Q1 and supplies current to the coil of RLY1. Once the capacitor’s current falls below 100A. IC3 pulls its pin 18 low, turning off Q1 and the reed relay. This removes the short circuit across the 1M and 10k resistors, changing the effective current shunt resistance to 10k and hence switching the meter down to its more sensitive range. Protection diodes Diode D1 is included in the metering circuit to protect pin 3 of IC2a from damage due to accidental application of a negative voltage to the negative test terminal (from a previously charged capacitor, for example). Diode D2 is there to protect transistor Q1 from damage due to any back EMF ‘spike’ from the coil of RLY1 when it is de-energised. Trimpot VR1 adjusts the contrast of the LCD module for optimum visibility. The 22 resistor connecting from the +5V supply rail to pin 15 of the LCD module provides the module’s LED backlighting current. The resistor’s value of 22 is a compromise between maximising display brightness and keeping battery drain to no higher than is necessary, to promote battery life. As you can see, although the voltage source section of the circuit operates directly from the 9V battery (via polarity protection diode D4 and S2), the rest of the circuit operates from a siliconchip.com.au Winding the transformer The step-up autotransformer T1 has 60 turns of wire in all, wound in four 15-turn layers. As shown in the coil assembly diagram (Fig.4, right), all four layers are wound on a small Nylon bobbin using 0.5mm diameter enamelled copper wire. Use this diagram to help you wind the transformer correctly. Here’s the procedure: first you wind on 15 turns, which will neatly take up the width of the bobbin providing you wind them closely and evenly. Then to hold it down, cover this first layer with a 9mm-wide strip of plastic insulating tape or ‘gaffer’ tape. Next take the wire at the end of this first layer outside of the bobbin (via one of the ‘slots’), and bend it around by 180° at a point about 50mm from the end of the last turn. This doubled-up lead will be the transformer’s ‘tap’ connection. The remaining wire can then be used to wind the three further 15-turn layers, making sure that you wind them in the same direction as you wound the first layer. Each of these three further layers should be covered with another 9mm-wide strip of plastic insulating tape just as you did with the first layer, so that when all four layers have been wound and covered everything will be nicely held in place. The ‘finish’ end of the wire can then be brought out of the bobbin via one of the slots (on the same side as the start and tap leads) and your wound transformer bobbin should fit inside the two halves of the ferrite pot core. Just before you fit the bobbin inside the bottom half of the pot core, though, there’s a small plastic washer to prepare. This washer provides a thin magnetic ‘gap’ in the pot core when it’s assembled, to prevent the pot core from saturating when it’s operating. The washer is very easy to cut from a piece of the thin clear plastic that’s used for packaging electronic components, like resistors and capacitors. This plastic is very close to 0.06mm thick, which is just what we need here. So the idea is to punch a 3-4mm diameter hole in a piece of this plastic using a leather punch or similar, and then use a small pair of scissors to cut around the hole in a circle, with a diameter of 10mm. Your ‘gap’ washer will then be ready to place inside the lower half of the pot core, over the centre hole. Once the gap washer is in position, lower the wound bobbin into the pot core around it, and then fit the top half of the pot core. The transformer is now ready for mounting on the main PC board. To begin this step, place a Nylon flat washer on the 25mm-long M3 Nylon screw that will be used to hold it down on the board. Then pass the screw down through the centre hole in the pot core halves, holding them (and the bobbin and gap washer inside) together with your fingers. Then lower the complete assembly down in the centre of the board with the ‘leads’ towards the right, using the bottom regulated 5V rail which is derived from the battery via REG1, a 7805 3-terminal regulator. The only other point which should be mentioned is that the PIC16F88 micro (IC3) operates from its internal RC clock, at close to 8MHz. A clock signal of one quarter this frequency (2MHz) is made available at pin 15 of IC3 and then at test point TP2, to allow you to check that IC3 is operating correctly. Construction Virtually all of the circuitry and components used in the Capacitor siliconchip.com.au UPPER SECTION OF FERRITE POT CORE BOBBIN WITH WINDING (4 x 15T OF 0.5mm DIA ENAMELLED COPPER WIRE, WITH TAP AT END OF FIRST LAYER & INSULATING TAPE BETWEEN LAYERS) FINISH TAP START 'GAP' WASHER OF 0.06mm PLASTIC FILM LOWER SECTION OF FERRITE POT CORE (ASSEMBLY HELD TOGETHER & SECURED TO PC BOARD USING 25mm x M3 NYLON SCREW & NUT) end of the centre Nylon screw to locate it in the correct position. When you are aware that the end of the screw has passed through the hole in the PC board, keep holding it all together but up-end everything so you can apply the second M3 Nylon flat washer and M3 nut to the end of the screw, tightening the nut so that the pot core is not only held together but also secured to the top of the PC board. Once this has been done, all that remains as far as the transformer is concerned is to cut the start, tap and finish leads to a suitable length, scrape the enamel off their ends so they can be tinned, and then pass the ends down through their matching holes in the board so they can be soldered to the appropriate pads. Don’t forget to scrape, tin and solder both wires which form the ‘tap’ lead - if this isn’t done, the transformer won’t produce any output. Leakage Meter are mounted on a single PC board measuring 127 x 84mm and coded 04112091. This is supported behind the lid of the jiffy box (size UB1: 157 x 95 x 53mm) which houses the meter, with the six 1.5V AA alkaline cells used to provide power mounted in one or two battery holders inside the main part of the box. The main board is suspended from the lid of the box (which becomes the instrument’s front panel) via four 25mm long M3 tapped spacers, while the LCD module mounts at the top end of the main board on two 12mm long M3 tapped Nylon spacers. The DC/ DC converter’s pot core transformer T1 mounts on the main board near the centre, using a 25mm long M3 Nylon screw and nut, while voltage selector switch S1 also mounts directly on the board just below T1. The only components not mounted directly on the main board are power switch S3, test switch pushbutton S2 and the two test terminals. These are all mounted on the box front panel, with their rear connection lugs extended down via short lengths December 2009 45 TRANSFORMER T1 POTCORE HELD TO PC BOARD USING 25mm x M3 NYLON SCREW WITH NUT & FLAT WASHERS MAIN BOARD MOUNTED BEHIND LID USING 4 x 25mm M3 TAPPED SPACERS SECURE WIRES TO SPACER WITH CABLE TIE S2 POSITIVE TEST TERMINAL (NEGATIVE TERMINAL OMITTED FOR CLARITY) LCD MODULE 16-WAY SIL PIN STRIP S1 SNIP OFF SCREW END 225K 250V RLY1 16-WAY SIL SOCKET DOLLOPS OF HOT MELT GLUE TO SECURE WIRE TO BATTERY HOLDER CELL HOLDER/S MOUNTED IN BOTTOM OF BOX USING DOUBLE-SIDED TAPE OR HOT-MELT GLUE 10 AA BATTERY HOLDER (FLAT TYPE) CUT TO SUIT 6 CELLS; NEGATIVE WIRE SOLDERED TO LAST SPRING WHICH IS HELD IN PLACE WITH HOT MELT GLUE LCD MODULE MOUNTED ABOVE MAIN BOARD USING 2 x 12mm LONG M3 TAPPED NYLON SPACERS Fig.5: detailed assembly diagram of the completed project. of tinned copper wire to make their connections to the board. All of these assembly details are shown in the diagrams and photos. The component overlay diagram for the PC board is shown in Fig.3 while the cross-sectional diagram, showing the PC board and batteries mounted inside the plastic case, is depicted in Fig.5. To begin assembly of the PC main board, fit the two wire links, both located just to the upper left of the position for transformer T1. They are both 0.4mm long above the board, so they’re easily fashioned from resistor lead offcuts or tinned copper wire. Next, fit the eight 1mm PC pins to the board – two for each of the three test point locations and the final pair at lower left for the battery clip lead connections. Follow these with the sockets for IC1 and IC2 (both 8-pin sockets) and IC3 (an 18-pin socket). Now you can fit all of the fixed resistors. These are all 1% tolerance metal film components, apart from the 1 resistor just to the right of IC1 and the 22 resistor at the top, just below the LCD module position. These latter components should be of the 0.5W carbon composition type. When you are fitting all of the resistors make sure you place each value in its correct position, as any mixups may have a serious effect on the meter’s accuracy. Check each resistor’s value with a DMM before soldering it into place. With the fixed resistors in place, you can fit trimpot VR1, which goes up near the top left-hand corner of the board. Next fit the small low-value capacitors, followed by the large 2.2F metallised polyester unit and finally the two (polarised) electrolytics. When fitting the mini DIL relay, make sure its locating spigot is at the bottom end. Then you can fit voltage selector switch S1, which has its indexing spigot at 3-o’clock. Just before you fit it you should cut its spindle to a length of about 12mm and file off any burrs, so it is ready to accept the knob later on. After S1 has been fitted to the board, remove its nut/lockwasher/position stopwasher combination and turn the spindle by hand to make sure it’s at the fully anticlockwise limit. Then refit the position stopwasher, making sure that its stop pin goes down into the These two photos of the assembled Capacitor Leakage Meter (one from each side) show the construction detail mirrored in the diagram above. It wouldn’t hurt to secure the thin battery wires (red and black) to the nearby mounting pillar with a cable tie to prevent flexing breaking the solder join at the PC stakes. We’ve shown this in the diagram above but it not in these prototype photos. 46 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au hole between the moulded ‘7’ and ‘8’ digits. After this refit the lockwasher and nut to hold it down securely, allowing you to check that the switch is now ‘programmed’ for the correct seven positions - simply by clicking it around through them by hand. 18.5 siliconchip.com.au A 14 53 x 17mm LCD CUTOUT B The final components With the transformer wound and fitted to the board, you’ll be ready to fit diodes D1-D4. These are all polarised, so make sure you orientate each one correctly as shown in Fig.3. Also ensure that the UF4003 diode is used for D3, the 1N4004 diode for D4 and the two 1N4148 ‘signal’ diodes for D1 and D2. After the diodes fit transistor Q1, a BC327 PNP device. Then fit REG1, which is in a TO-220 package and lies flat on the top of the board with its lead bent down by 90 degrees at a point about 6mm away from the body. The device is held in position on the board using a 6mm long M3 machine screw and nut which should be tightened before the leads are soldered to the pads underneath. The final component to be mounted directly on the board is the 16-way length of SIL (single inline) socket strip used for the ‘socket’ for the LCD module connections. Once this has been fitted and its pins soldered to the pads underneath, you’ll be almost ready to mount the LCD module itself. All that will remain before this can be done is to fasten two 12mm long M3 tapped Nylon spacers to the board in the module mounting positions (one at each end) using a 6mm M3 screw passing up through the board from underneath, and then ‘plugging’ a 16-way length of SIL pin strip into the socket strip you have just fitted to the board. Make sure the longer ends of the pin strip pins are mating with the socket, leaving the shorter ends uppermost to mate with the holes in the module. Now remove the LCD module from its protective bag, taking care to hold it between the two ends so you don’t touch the board copper. Then lower it carefully onto the main board so the holes along its lower front edge mate with the pins of the pin strip, allowing the module to rest on the tops of the two 12mm long nylon spacers. Then you can fit another 6mm M3 screw to each end of the module, passing down through the slots in the module and mating with the spacers. When the 20 A 17 HOLES A: 3mm DIAM, CSK 53 36.5 HOLE B: 3.5mm DIA 32 37 C HOLES C: 9.0mm DIA HOLES D: 7.0mm DIA HOLE E: 12mm DIA 19 C 28.5 28 28 D E D 22 A 39 39 CL A ALL DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETRES Fig.6: drilling and cutout detail for the lid of the UB-1 Jiffy Box, from which hangs the PC board containing everything but the battery holder. screws are tightened (but not OVER tightened!) the module should be securely mounted in position. The final step is then to use a finetipped soldering iron to carefully solder each of the 16 pins of the pin strip to the pads on the module, to complete its interconnections. After this is done you can plug the three ICs into their respective sockets, making sure to orientate them all as shown in Fig.3. At this stage your PC board assembly should be nearly complete. All that remains is to attach one of the 25mm long mounting spacers to the top of the board in each corner, using 6mm long M3 screws. Then the board assembly can be placed aside while you prepare the case and its lid. Preparing the case As the circuit requires 9V DC (and because a 9V DC battery won’t last very long) we require six AA cells. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any 6xAA flat battery holders – they’re only available in 1, 2, 4 and 10 cells. You have a choice here – fit a 4-cell and a 2-cell holder and connect them in series, or cut down a 10-cell to accommodate six cells. We tried both but chose the latter because arguably it looks neater. December 2009 47 If you cut down a 10-cell holder, you’ll need to solder the negative wire to the spring connecting the last cell and almost certainly, glue the spring in place. We used hot-melt glue for this – just make sure you don’t get any glue on the end of the spring itself and inadvertently insulate it! Hot-melt glue can also be used to secure the wires to the edge of the battery case. There are no holes to be drilled in the lower part of the case, because the battery holder/s can be held securely in place using strips of double-sided adhesive foam tape or hot-melt glue. But the lid does need to have some holes drilled, plus a rectangular cutout near the upper end for viewing the LCD. The location and dimensions of all these holes are shown in the diagram of Fig.6, which can also be used (or a photocopy of it) as a drilling template. The 12mm hole (E) for S2 and the 9mm holes (C) for the test terminals are easily made by drilling them first with a 7mm twist drill and then enlarging them to size carefully using a tapered reamer. The easiest way to make the rectangular LCD viewing window is to drill a series of closely-spaced 3mm holes around just inside the hole outline, and then cut between the holes using a sharp chisel or hobby knife. Then the sides of the hole can be smoothed using small needle files. We have prepared artwork for the front panel if you would like to make it look neat and professional. This can be either photocopied from the magazine (Fig.7) or downloaded as a PDF or EPS file from our website and then printed out. Either way the resulting copy can be attached to the front of the lid and then covered with self-adhesive clear film for protection against finger grease, etc. An alternative is to laminate the label using a heat laminator. You might also like to attach a 60 x 30mm rectangle of 1-2mm thick clear plastic behind the LCD viewing window, to protect the LCD from dirt and physical damage. The ‘window pane’ can be attached to the rear of the lid using either adhesive tape or epoxy cement. Once your lid/front panel is finished, you can mount switches S2 and S3 on it using the nuts and washers supplied with them. These can be 48 Silicon Chip followed by the binding posts used as the meter’s test terminals. Tighten the binding post mounting nuts quite firmly, to make sure that they won’t work loose with use. Then use each post’s second nut to attach a 4mm solder lug to each, together with a 4mm lockwasher to make sure they don’t work loose either. Now you can turn the lid assembly over, and solder ‘extension wires’ to the connection lugs of the two switches, and also the solder lugs fitted to the rear of the binding posts. These wires should all be about 30mm long and cut from tinned copper wire (about 0.7mm diameter). The next step is to mount the battery holder/s in the main part of the case, preferably using double-sided adhesive foam or hot-melt glue as mentioned earlier. At a pinch, you could even hold them in place with a strip of ‘gaffer’ tape. If using two battery holders, solder the bared end of the red wire from one battery clip lead to the black wire from the other clip lead, and carefully wrap this joint with insulating tape (or heatshrink sleeving) so that it can’t accidentally come into contact with anything. Then solder the remaining wire of each cliplead to their appropriate terminal pins at bottom left of the PC board, directly below the position for power switch S3. The red wire should go to the positive terminal pin, of course, and the black wire to the negative pin. The alternative cut-down 10-cell holder simply solders to the supply pins on the PC board. You should now be ready for the only slightly fiddly part of the assembly operation: attaching the PC board assembly to the rear of the lid/ front panel. This is only fiddly because you have to line up all of the extension wires from switches S2 and S3 and the two Inside the box, just before the lid is screwed on. We elected to use a “cut down” 10xAA battery holder to make a six-cell holder. Ideally it should be cut slightly longer so that the last spring is still held in position. We used hot-melt glue to hold this spring in place and secure the wires to the battery case. siliconchip.com.au Fig.7: this front panel artwork is full size so can be either photocopied (you won’t be breaching copyright!) or can be downloaded from siliconchip. com.au and printed out in glorious living colour. We’d cover it to protect the surface, either with self-adhesive clear film or with a heatset laminator (the latter is tougher!). If you choose the latter, you might remove the LCD cutout first, thus providing a clear “window” protecting the LCD. test terminals with their matching holes in the PC board, as you bring the lid and board together and also line up the spindle of switch S1 with its matching hole in the front panel. This is actually easier to do than you’d expect though, so just take your time and the lid will soon be resting on the tops of the board mounting spacers. Then you can secure the two together using four 6mm long countersink head machine screws. Now it’s a matter of turning the complete assembly over and soldering each of the switch and terminal extension wires to their board pads. Once they are all soldered you can clip off the excess wires with sidecutters. By the way, if you find this description a bit confusing, refer to the assembly diagram in Fig.5. This will hopefully make everything clear. You can now fit six AA-size alkaline cells into the battery holder/s and your new Capacitor Leakage Meter should be ready for its initial checkout. When you switch on the power using S3, a reassuring glow should appear from the LCD display window – from the LCD module’s backlighting. You should also be able to see the Meter’s initial greeting ‘screen’, as shown in the first of the display grab images below. If not, you’ll need to use a small screwdriver to adjust contrast trimpot VR1, through the small hole just to the left of the LCD window, until you get a clear and easily visible display. After a few seconds, the display should change to the Meter’s measurement direction ‘screen’, where it tells you to set the appropriate test voltage (using S1) and then press the button (S2) to make the test. If you set the voltage and press the button at this stage, without any capacitor connected to the test terminals, you’ll get a leakage current reading of ‘00.00A’. This reading will remain on the display when you release the button, and it will stay on the display until you either turn off the Meter’s power using S3, or else connect a capacitor to the test terminals and press the test button again. Assuming all has gone well at this point, your Meter is probably working correctly. However if you want to make sure, try shorting between the two test terminals using a short length of hookup wire. Then set S1 to the ‘100V’ position, and press Test button S2. The meter reading should change to a value around 9.9mA, representing the current drawn from the nominal 100V source by the 10k current limiting resistor and the 100 current shunt resistor inside the Meter. Don’t worry if the current reading is a bit above or below the 9.9mA figure, by the way. As long as it’s between about 9.2mA and 10.6mA (i.e., ±0.7mA or ±7%), things are OK. With the terminals still shorted together, you can try repeating the same test for each of the other six test voltage ranges of switch S1. You should get a reading of approximately 6.25mA on the 63V range, 4.95mA on the 50V range, 3.46mA on the 35V range, 2.48mA on the 25V range, 1.58mA on the 16V range and 99A on the 10V range. If the readings you get are close to these, your Capacitor Leakage Meter is working correctly. This being the case, switch off the power again via S3 and then complete the final assembly by lowering the lid/PC board assembly into the case and securing the two together using the four small self-tapping screws supplied. When you first turn the unit on, this welcome screen should greet you and tell you it’s working . . . . . . before it immediately switches over the the operational screen, telling you what to do . . . . . . whereupon the leakage current is displayed. Either this is an outstanding capacitor or none is connected! LCD CONTRAST SILICON CHIP + CAPACITOR LEAKAGE METER 25 35 50 16 63 100 10 POWER siliconchip.com.au – SELECT TEST VOLTAGE TEST Initial checkout December 2009 49 Resistor Colour Codes o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o No. 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Value 1M 270k 36k 33k 10k 8.2k 5.6k 5.1k 3.6k 3.3k 2.7k 2.4k 2.2k 2.0k 1.8k 1k 270 200 180 150 100 22 (0.5W) 1 (0.5W) If you get readings which are significantly different to those above, there is obviously an error somewhere to be corrected. It is quite likely that one or more resistors in the “string” from IC1 pin 5 to S1 is/are misplaced. Using it The Capacitor Leakage Meter is very easy to use, because literally all that you have to do is connect the capacitor you want to test across the test terminals (with the correct polarity in the case of solid tantalums and electrolytics: + to +, - to -), set selector switch S1 for the correct test voltage, then turn on the power (S3). When the initial greeting message on the LCD changes into the ‘Set Volts, press button to Test:’ message, press and hold down test button S2. What you’ll see first off may be a reading the capacitor’s charging current, which can be as much as 9.9mA at first (with high value caps) but will then drop back as charging continues. How quickly it drops back will depend on the capacitor’s value. With capacitors below about 4.7F, the charging may be so fast that the first reading will often be less than 100A, with the meter having immediately downranged. 50 Silicon Chip 4-Band Code (1%) brown black green brown red violet yellow brown orange blue orange brown orange orange orange brown brown black orange brown grey red brown green blue red brown green brown red brown orange blue red brown orange orange red brown red violet red brown red yellow red brown red red red brown red black red brown brown grey red brown brown black red brown red violet brown brown red black brown brown brown grey brown brown brown green brown brown brown black brown brown red red black brown brown black gold brown If the capacitor you’re testing is of the type having a ‘no leakage’ dielectric (such as metallised polyester, glass, ceramic or polystyrene), the current should quickly drop down to less than a microamp and then to zero. That’s if the capacitor is in good condition, of course. On the other hand if the capacitor is one with a tantalum or aluminium oxide dielectric with inevitable leakage, the current reading will drop more slowly as you keep holding down the Test button. In fact it will probably take up to a minute to stabilise at a reasonably steady value in the case of a solid tantalum capacitor and as long as three minutes in the case of an aluminium electrolytic. (That’s because these capacitors generally take a few minutes to ‘reform’ and reach their rated capacitance level.) As you can see from the guide table earlier the leakage currents for tantalum and aluminium electrolytics also never drop down to zero but instead to a level somewhere between about 1A and 4110A (ie, 4.1mA) depending on both their capacitance value and their rated working voltage. So with these capacitors, you should 5-Band Code (1%) brown black black yellow brown red violet black orange brown orange blue black red brown orange orange black red brown brown black black red brown grey red black brown brown green blue black brown brown green brown black brown brown orange blue black brown brown orange orange black brown brown red violet black brown brown red yellow black brown brown red red black brown brown red black black brown brown brown grey black brown brown brown black black brown brown red violet black black brown red black black black brown brown grey black black brown brown green black black brown brown black black black brown red red black gold brown brown black black silver brown hold down the Meter’s test button to see if the leakage current reading drops down to the ‘acceptable’ level as shown in the table (and preferably even lower). If this happens the capacitor can be judged ‘OK’ but if the current never drops to anywhere near this level it should definitely be replaced. What about low leakage (LL) electrolytics? Well, the current levels shown in the table are basically those for standard electrolytics rather than for those rated as low leakage. So when you’re testing one which is rated as low leakage, you’ll need to make sure that its leakage current drops well below the maximum values shown in the guide table. Ideally it should drop down to less than 25% of these current values. A final tip: when you’re testing non-polarised (NP) or ‘bipolar’ electrolytics, these should be tested twice – once with them connected to the terminals one way around, and then again with them connected with the opposite polarity. These capacitors are essentially two polarised capacitors internally connected in series, back-to-back. If one of the dielectric layers is leaky but the other is OK, this will show up in one of the two tests. SC siliconchip.com.au CHRISTMAS WISHLIST Solar Powered Xmas Rope lights Mini 2 Channel IR Apache Helicopter Charges in daylight and shines brightly at night. The solar cell mounts to any flat surface and charges the built-in battery. When the sun goes down, your lights come on automatically and light the 100 red, amber and green LEDs with different selectable flashing patterns. Has robust moulded plastic construction to take the inevitable bumps and occasional crash. • 20 minute charge gives about 10 $ 95 minutes flying time (recharges directly Cat: GT-3273 from the remote unit) • Requires 6 x AA batteries • Measures: 160(L)mm approx • Recommended for ages 10+ 29 • Lights 10 metres long • Solar panel: 148(W) x 105(H)mm Refer: Silicon Chip Magazine November 2009 Host your own website on a common SD/MMC card with this compact Webserver In a Box (WIB). It connects to the Internet via your modem/router and features inbuilt HTTP server, FTP server, SMTP email client, dynamic DNS client, RS232 interface along with four digital outputs and four analogue inputs. Requires a SD memory card, some SMD soldering and a 6-9VDC power adaptor. $ 95 Kit includes PCB, case and electronic components. 89 Build any one of six different projects from the parts in the kit. No tools, soldering or glue required. All the parts snap together with spring terminals for the wiring. The instructions are excellent with extremely clear illustrations detailing every step. The finished projects are solar powered, but can also be powered by the light from a household 50W halogen light. Projects: • Windmill, Car, Dog, Plane, Airboat, Revolving Plane NEW QLD STORE 1.3MP Digital Video Sports Camera MO R RD ETON BAY MO BAY RD ON RET R AY DB AN DL New to Redland Bay Shire RE 00 D 119 2/79 Redland Bay Rd CAPALABA QLD Ph: (07) 3245 2014 • Storage media: 32GB SD card • Video resolution: 640 x 480 <at> 30 fps • Dimensions: 90(L) x 50(Dia)mm 2x Bigger! Mains Standby Power Saver with IR Receiver Saves on energy bills and reduces your carbon footprint. Eliminates the needless power consumed by appliances when they are in standby. Once it detects that they are in standby mode, it will switch them off completely after a short delay. Switching all your appliances on again is as simple as pressing the on button on the remote control. 20 Car Spaces $ 1 Aston Rd ERINA NSW Ph: (02) 4365 3433 $ 24 95 Cat: KJ-8926 Great Gift Idea! • Dimensions: 128(H) x 65(W) x 40(D)mm 39 95 Cat: MS-6146 Due early December Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! USB Cassette Deck Record cassette tracks to your computer via USB or play back through the built-in 5W speaker. You can also run the line level outputs to an external amplifier and use it as a component cassette deck. • Dimensions: 162(W) x 135(H) x 142(D)mm $ Cat: QC-3238 ERINA STORE RELOCATION Cat: SL-2829 Suitable for ages 10+ Cat: KC-5489 $ 49 95 6-in-1 Solar Educational Kit SD/MMC Card Webserver In a Box Make your own action sports video! The camera straps onto your helmet and has a super-sticky adhesive mount to keep it in place. It has simple one-button operation to start and stop recording and uses SD cards up to 32GB for storage. Ideal for mountain biking, skateboarding, BMX, skydiving, bungee jumping etc. Requires 2 x AAA batteries. $ 79 95 Cat: GE-4052 Economy HDMI Leads HDMI leads can cost an arm and a leg. If your budget doesn't extend too far, these leads are a cost-effective solution without compromising quality or performance. All have gold plated connectors and are fully HDMI v1.3b and HDCP compliant. 1.5 metres 3 metres 5 metres Cat. WQ-7415 Cat. WQ-7416 Cat. WQ-7417 $24.95 $34.95 $49.95 New New New New New New SuperCombi Power Management Control Systems Linkable 12 - 48V Solar Charge Controllers Introducing the all-new SuperCombi Power Management Systems In the future all domestic & commercial properties will use this product. What is it? Firstly, it is a very clever battery charger /inverter for an embedded battery bank in your house, etc. It will even recognise lower off-peak tariffs & charge your batteries at, say, 2.00am. In normal peak usage it works as a high power sine wave inverter replacing standard mains. It will also, if configured work as a zero-time changeover UPS. They are designed for high duty-cycle industrial-type use & can be stacked up to 90kW - with two or three phase configurations if needed. • Intelligent mains grid power and generator power management • Green Power Smart feature • Full continuous output rating up to 70°C • Solar charging capacity up to 600 amps (requires optional MP-3276 $24.95 or MP-3278 $33.95) • Battery temperature sensor (optional MI-5278 $69.00) • Wall mountable 12V 1500W Cat. MI-5250 $3,199.00 24V 1500W Cat. MI-5251 $3,199.00 12V 3000W Cat. MI-5252 $4,399.00 24V 3000W Cat. MI-5253 $4,399.00 Limited Stock* From $ 3,199 Cat: MI-5250 Due early December The CombiPlus units have the same bullet-proof build quality as the SuperCombis, but have less sophisticated functionality for those who don't need all the bells and whistles. Each unit features a powerful pure sine wave inverter for sensitive electronics and demanding appliances, as well as a four stage battery charger delivering up to 120 amps. With full power output rated as high as 70°C, the CombiPlus units can be connected to solar panels for battery charging, giving you even more flexibility when mains power isn't available. Like the SuperCombis, these can be stacked for increased power or supply three phase if required. Two models available, see website for detailed specs: 12V 1500W Cat. MI-5270 $2,899.00 12V 3000W Cat. MI-5273 $3,799.00 Data Lead 2m Data Lead 6m Data Lead 10m Cat. WI-5250 Cat. WI-5252 Cat. WI-5254 $35.00 $45.00 $55.00 $ • Ideal for the elderly or disabled. From $ 2,899 Cat: MI-5270 Limited Stock* Due early December Remote Control for SuperCombi Cat. MI-5259 Remote Control for CombiPlus Cat. MI-5279 39 95 Cat: MS-6118 Simply connect any mains operated device to the GPO and turn it on or off remotely from up to 2.8m away. $ Easy Lamp Switch 29 95 Cat: MS-6144 Wireless 3 Outlet Mains Power Meter Simply plug an appliance into each sender unit, enter your local electricity price and monitor the usage on the LCD of the receiver unit. You can also monitor the cumulative usage via the memory as well as the greenhouse gas emissions. It also has a clock and alarm function. Receiver requires 3 x AA batteries. • Frequency; 433.92MHz • Transmission range: 30m • Dimensions: Sender: 58(W) x 125(H) x 48mm Receiver: 100(W) x 130(H) x 36(D)mm No need to go to the central SuperCombi or CombiPlus unit if you need to make adjustments or monitor performance. The remote control emulates the front panel of the SuperCombi unit exactly, so you can perform all the control or monitoring functions as if you had the unit in front of you. The 15 metre lead gives ample scope for positioning the controller at a convenient location in your home or business. Due early December In addition to telling you the cost of electricity consumption of an appliance plugged into it and the amount of power used in kilowatt hours, it will tell you how many cumulative kg of CO2 the appliance is putting into the atmosphere. Battery included. Footswitch Operated Mains Outlet Remote Control Units Limited Stock* Greenhouse Gas (CO2) Meter • Dimensions: 120(L) x 58(W) x 40(H)mm CombiPlus Power Management Systems Also available: These professional grade, high current solar charge controllers offer the flexibility to suit almost any solar installation. With 12, 24 or 48V system voltage, multiple units can be stacked together (up to 10 units parallel) enabling your system to expand without rendering your old charge controller useless. Featuring an LCD and front panel controls, each unit can be used either as a battery charger, load controller or diversion regulator. Connected to a PC for custom settings, data logging and remote monitoring. Fully protected against reverse polarity, short circuit, high temperature and over voltage. Particularly suited to the SuperCombi and CombiPlus units, as they communicate via data cables to exchange charging information. 45 or 60A models available with remote sold separately: 45 Amp Cat. MP-3726 $389.00 60 Amp Cat. MP-3728 $459.00 Remote Cat. MP-3729 $149.00 Limited Stock* Due early December $ 99 95 Cat: MS-6116 Low Frequency Sine Wave Inverter -1,200W $439.00 $379.00 $ 379 00 Cat: MI-5279 Mains Auto Transfer Switch In the event of a power interruption, this fully automatic transfer switch (ATS) shifts your 240V power load from your mains power source to a connected backup power source. Perfect for caravans and motor homes already fitted with an inverter/battery or inverter/generator setup. Also suitable for home or office backup power systems. • Suitable for sensitive electrical equipment $ 00 • Monitors master power input with power protection • Protection against brownouts Cat: MS-5300 • Total switching time less than 12 milliseconds • Switching capacity: 20 Amps See in-store or website for full specs. Limited Stock* Due early December 269 Switchmode Plugpack 9VDC 3A 7 Plug Extremely high power output for its size, this switchmode adaptor offers excellent value for high powered applications. • Input: 100-240VAC 50/60Hz • Supplied with 7 plugs $ 95 • Safety Approval no. NSW22824 Cat: MP-3496 • Meet MEPS requirements 29 Suited to commercial applications, this sine wave low frequency inverter uses low frequency switching with large toroid output transformers to give ultra-robust performance and surge ratings much higher than conventional switchmode inverters. This results in lower standby power, lower heating and less wasted energy from the batteries. Being a pure sine wave, you can connect any device or appliance to the output even delicate electronics & equipment with variable speed motors. • Green Power function • 3m wired remote control • Automatic voltage regulation • Fan cooled • Reverse polarity protection • Overload protection • Input low/high voltage protection • Low battery alarm • Dimensions (L x W x H) 465 x 280 x 120mm $ 1,299 Cat: MI-5180 Blade Fuse Current Meter The quick and easy way to measure current in automotive circuits. Simply slot the adapter into the blade fuse holder and take a current measurement. Adaptor for standard, mini and maxi size fuses. • Peak hold and data hold • Analogue 3.5 digit digital display • Measurement range: 0 - 80A • Resolution: 0.1A • Accuracy: ±2% • Dimensions: 112(L) x 45(W) x 33(D)mm $ 99 00 Cat: QP-2257 *Not available in all stores. Please ring your local store before driving across town. 2 All savings are based on original recommended retail prices. New New New New New New CREE® LED Downlight Kits 6.0V 1600mAh Ni-MH RC Receiver Battery Packs These long life high capacity rechargeable Ni-MH battery packs are available in two types - "hump pack" and "flat pack" - to suit almost any RC car application. Each has five 1.2V 1/3A 1600mAh cells, and are fitted with standard 2-pin JST connectors. Hump Pack Receiver Battery Cat. SB-2302 Dimensions: 52 x 32 x 32mm, 60mm lead Flat Pack Receiver Battery Cat. SB-2304 Dimensions: 86 x 32 x 17mm. 80mm lead Also available: $ 7.2V 700mAh Ni-MH RC Battery Stick Pack Cat. SB-2306 $14.95 $ 29 95 Cat: SB-2302 $ 1 x CREE® LED Kit Cat. ZD-0370 Power: 1.3W White beam 45° Size: 60 x 45mm (45mm cutout) 29 95 Cat: SB-2304 A budget alternative balance charger that doesn't sacrifice performance. 2S and 3S battery sockets for common RC battery packs with LED charge status indication. Includes mains power supply. • Input voltage: 10 - 18VDC • Output voltage: 8.4V (2S), 12.6V(3S) • Charge current: 1.1A • Dimensions: 80(L) x $ 95 52(W) x 24(D)mm 44 Cat: MB-3636 Rectangular Cable Duct Available in two sizes and in convenient 1m lengths, the leads to your wall-mounted plasma or LCD TV will be kept bundled up but easily accessible. The cover can be quickly removed and replaced for maintenance and can be painted to match the colour of your wall. $ 149 00 Cat: ZD-0372 CREE® LED Downlight Lamps MR16 3 x CREE® GU10 CREE® GU10 CREE® GU10 3 x CREE® E14 CREE® Par 30 CREE® LED Warm White LED White 3.3W LED Warm White 3.3W LED White 3.9W LED White 3.3W LED White 9W Cat ZD-0351 Cat ZD-0362 Cat ZD-0363 Cat ZD-0364 Cat ZD-0366 Cat ZD-0368 $59.95 $39.95 $39.95 $59.95 $39.95 $119.00 Sensor LED Light Strip Kit This LED strip light is automatically switched on by a PIR detector, super bright LEDs light up for approximately 1 minute whenever someone approaches. Alternatively, it can set to switch on when it gets dark. The kit can be expanded to accept up to 6 LED strips. Kit contains mains power adaptor, IR detector and 2-watt LED strip. $ • 12 LEDs emit 130 lumens • 100,000 hours lifespan • Dimensions: 300(L) x 10(W) x 2(H)mm Cat. HP-1330 $9.95 Cat. HP-1332 $6.95 59 95 Cat: ZD-0370 4 x CREE® LED Kit Cat. ZD-0372 Power: 4.3W White beam 45° Size: 90 x 110mm (77mm cutout) Li-Po Balance Charger 25 x 16mm x 1m 50 x 25mm x 1m Featuring Cree® XR-E LEDs with 110 lumens from the smaller ZD-0370 to a whopping 400 lumens from ZD-0372, these offer comparable light to a 50W halogen downlight but at just 10% the power consumption! Life expectancy is over 50,000 hours. Power supply included. 59 95 Cat: ST-3183 Addittional 2 Watt LED Strip sold separately Cat. ST-3184 $24.95 Wireless Cabinet LED Lights 18mm Flexible Conduit - 2m For running cable protection in enclosures and machinery or wiring harnesses in hostile environments. Fully flexible, so handles tight radius 90° bends easily. Made from polyethylene, length 2m. Small in size and wire-free the units LED light projection covers great surface area. Easy to fit and install they each have a sensor and will only light up when the door is open and switches off once the door is closed using only minimal usage of the battery. Two models available: Outside diameter: 18mm Inside diameter: 14mm 4 LEDS $ 4 50 • Requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included) • Dimensions: 70(H) x 45(W) x 19(D)mm Cat. ST-3191 Cat: HP-1320 Flexible Conduit Adaptors 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" 3/4" - 2 pc 10 pc Panel Mount 2 Pk Panel Mount 10 Pk Removable 2 Pk Removable 10 Pk Cat. HP-1300 $3.95 Cat. HP-1302 $14.95 Cat. HP-1304 $3.95 Cat. HP-1306 $14.95 Cat. HP-1308 $7.95 Cat. HP-1310 $29.95 Wireless Doorbell with LCD Clock & Temperature HP-1308 HP-1304 HP-1306 $ 39 95 Cat: LA-5001 • Adjustable angles • Four stage on/off switch • Requires 3 x AAA batteries (not included) • Dimensions: 70(H) x 45(W) x 19(D)mm Cat. ST-3192 14 95 Cat: ST-3191 7 LEDS HP-1300 With 32 sounds and 24 polyphonic chimes to choose from, the receiver unit has a wide LCD showing time and indoor/outdoor temperature. There are also two clock alarms available which each ring for 1 minute. The waterproof doorbell transmitter has a name plate feature and is easy to install with no messy wiring required. Operating range of 100 metres. • 12/24 hr clock and C°/F° temperature • Receiver requires 2 x AA batteries • Transmitter requires 2 x AAA batteries • Receiver size: 115(W) x 88(H) x 35(D)mm • Transmitter size: 35(W) x 89(H) x 28(D)mm $ $ 24 95 Cat: ST-3192 Stainless 1W CREE® Tactical LED Torch Machined from a solid bar of 304 18/8 stainless steel and O-ring sealed, this is an ideal lighting tool to have in a harsh environment. The 1W CREE ® LED gives about 120 hours of burn time and 80 lumens of illumination. With a tactical tailcap switch, it's suitable for security, law enforcement, marine and military use. • Requires 3 x AAA batteries • Dimensions: 130(L) x 31(Dia)mm $ 59 00 Cat: ST-3398 Temp/Humidity Datalogger A must for anyone involved with food preparation, archiving or storage. This USB datalogger logs temperature and humidity readings and stores them in an internal memory for later download to a PC. • 32,700 memory values • Adjustable measurement cycle • Analysis software included • Alert if user-defined max/min values are exceeded • Celsius and Fahrenheit Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! www.jaycar.com.au $ 179 00 Cat: QP-6014 3 Gift Ideas For Him 1:10 Scale RC High Speed Electric Buggies 3 Channel Shark Helicopter With a much higher motor speed than your average RC car (3300 rpm/volt), both these 1:10 scale models have high-efficiency brushless motors which result in less friction and longer life for your components and batteries. They feature electronic speed controllers, four wheel drive, independent suspension, super-tuff Lexan bodies, rechargeable 7.2V, 2000mAh battery packs and digital proportional remote control units. • Recommended for ages 12+. $ Touring Car Length: 360mm Gear ratio: 6.25:1 Cat. GT-3674 349 00 $ Length: 460mm Gear ratio: 1:8.038 Cat. GT-3676 349 00 Cat: GT-3676 RC Wall Climbing Battle Cars These clever little radio controlled cars can be driven vertically on walls and even upside down on ceilings. They come in a twin pack with two cars and two IR remote controls, so you and a friend can battle each other in a skilful game of bash & barge where the last car left on the wall reigns supreme. $ 79 95 Cat: GT-3380 $10 One of the smallest 4 channel RC helicopters on the market, this little beauty is a joy to fly. Surprisingly easy to control and stable in flight, it comes ready assembled with a true 4 channel remote. Simply attach the helicopter to the IR remote to recharge it for 17 minutes, and you're up, up and away again. • 17 mins recharge for 5-7 mins flight time • Weighs 19g, 190mm long (220mm including blades) $ 95 • Requires 6 x AA batteries Cat: GT-3279 Was $79.95 • Suitable for ages 14yrs+ 69 Pole Dancer LCD Alarm Clock The pole dancer is back! When the alarm goes, your personal pole-dancer goes into her routine, complete with light show and funky music. • Requires 3 x AA batteries • Backlit LCD • Snooze function • Dimensions: 120(W) x 200(H) x 100(D)mm • Approx 25 minute charge for 10 minutes driving • Each remote requires 6 x AA batteries • Cars 120mm long $ • Measures 380(L)mm approx. • Recommended for ages 14+ Due early December ‘09 4 Channel Mini RC Helicopter Cat: GT-3674 Truggy All aluminium airframe, fuselage and landing gear make this chopper more than a toy and suitable for outdoor flying in calm conditions. Li-Po battery recharges in about 20 minutes to give about 10 minutes flight time. Remote requires 4 x AA batteries. $ 29 95 Cat: GE-4079 79 95 Cat: GT-3285 Gift Ideas For Music Lovers 5-in-1 Multifunctional Stereo This stereo includes a full size turntable, CD, MP3, AM/FM radio and cassette player. You can record music directly to your USB or SD card from the built in turntable or CD player. If that wasn’t enough you can also record from USB drive to SD card or vice versa. $ 199 00 Features include: Cat: GE-4132 • Belt drive system • Built-in amplifier (power output: 2 x 2 WRMS) • Programmable CD memories • Repeat one/all function • Bass boost function • Dimensions: 370(L) x 300(D) x 170(H)mm Shocking Gadgets Shocking Autopsy Game Remove the various weapons from the body without touching the injury area. Make a slip and you get a mild shock. Turn the shock function off and he'll just scream instead. Requires 3 x AAA batteries. • 1 - 4 players $ 95 • Suitable for ages 14+ • Requires 3 x AAA batteries Cat: GH-1108 Limited stock 19 Shocking Alarm Clock This will get you out of bed of a morning. Risk a mild electric shock when you turn the alarm off. Requires 2 x AA batteries. See in store or • Suitable for ages 14yrs+ online for more • Measures 90(dia) x 50(D)mm shocking gadgets Limited stock $ Interactive Music Quiz Test your family and friends' music knowledge with this interactive music quiz that you control! Game options include 'name that track', 'beat the intro', 'name the artist' and 'sing the next line'. Or make up your own game - the possibilities are endless! • Speaker console with four team buzzers and LCD points display • Quizmaster controller with music start/stop button, points buttons, crowd sound effects, three music distortion buttons and volume control • MP3 player (not included) connection to the Quizmaster controller • Requires 3 x AA batteries Due early December ‘09 • Suitable for ages 8 yrs+ Carbon Fibre Record Brush Cat: GH-1109 Shocking Trivia Game $ 49 95 Carbon fibre brushes are the best way to remove surface grit before playing. Millions of microscopic hairs get into every groove and when you're finished, the built-in handle has a cleaning bar to get rid of the dust from $ 95 the bristles. Essential for every turntable owner. Cat: GE-4051 9 4 14 95 Cat: GE-4233 Get the answer right or you'll get a mild electric shock. Questions are multiple choice with question cards, scorecard and erasable marker included. 1 to 4 players, batteries not included. Suitable for ages 14+ • Requires 3 x AAA batteries $ 95 Limited stock 44 Cat: GH-1091 Electric Shock Roulette Play Russian Roulette without the life threatening hazards!! Place your finger on the roulette machine and spin. Someone will get a mild electric shock. • Up to 4 players • Uses 3 x 'AAA' batteries. $ 95 • Suitable for ages 14+ Cat: GH-1092 Limited stock 12 All savings are based on original recommended retail prices. Great Gif t Ideas Slide/Film Scanner with LCD Record digital images of your film negatives and slides before they fade away. So simple to use and it doesn't even need a computer to operate. Insert a SD/MMC card and load your negatives or slides into the image holder and start scanning. Each scan takes a matter of seconds so you can have a whole album archived in minutes. Includes slide/film holders, and brush cleaner. • 5.1 megapixel CMOS sensor $ 00 • 3,600 dpi scan resolution • Powered via USB, 5V mains Cat: XC-4891 adaptor or 4 x AAA batteries • 5V mains adaptor included • Measures 87(L) x 88(W) x 105(H)mm SD/MMC card & batteries not included Was $249.00 GIFT IDEAS FOR HER $10 23 Piece Pink Mini Tool Kit An elegant tool kit for the handy female! Compact and easy to store, it comes in a smart carry case and is perfect for doing repairs at home, around the office and for travellers. These are good quality tools with rubberised grips to protect even the most $ 95 delicate hands! Was $24.95 Cat: TD-2067 149 Piece Pink Tool Kit also available: Cat. TD-2075 Was $49.95 Now $39.95 Save $10 199 $ 129 00 14 $50 USB Photo Scanner Preserve your cherished old photos by converting them to digital format with this easy-to-use USB photo Cat: XC-4910 scanner. Simply download the included software, connect the photo scanner to your computer via USB and you're ready to start scanning. With an 8 megapixel sensor and crisp white LED lighting, it will produce clear high resolution scans quickly and easily. It also takes great close object photos and can be used as a webcam! Enables $70 you to do basic photo editing such as crop, straighten, retouch and colour adjust. PC & Mac compatible. See website for specs and system requirements. Was $199.00 Deluxe Pink 3 Piece Gardening Tool Kit with Belt This set contains a 4 tined rake, trowel and secateurs all made from quality aluminium with soft PVC handles. The belt pouch is made from tough canvas and hold all tools securely in place. • Compatible with Windows 98, 2000. ME, XP, Vista, Mac OS 10.4 • Supports JPEG, BMP, TIF, GIF or PNG images • 12/24 hour alarm clock with calendar • Measures: 93(H) x 58(W) x 14(D)mm Was $39.95 $19 05 Can’t decide what to get for that “hard to buy for” friend? What about a Jaycar Gift Voucher. With over 6,700 products to choose from they’ll be sure to find something useful. Cat: TD-2074 Wake up to the happy smiling faces of your loved $10 ones when you're away from home. An ideal pocketsized travelling companion, view your downloaded photos in slideshow or single frame mode. Batteries and software included. Display your favourite photos or videos. You can control all of the functions with the remote control or leave the automatic slide show display running. USB or mains powered. 79 19 95 Alarm Clock with 1.5" Digital Photo Viewer 7" Digital Photo Frame • 16:9 aspect ratio $ 95 • SD/MMC/MS card compatible Cat: QM-3777 • Supports JPEG format • Supports MPEG1, MPEG2 and MPEG4 • Plugpack included • Dimensions: 202(W) x 150(H) x 20(D)mm Was $99.00 $ • Secateurs 170mm long • Trowel 300mm long • Rake 260mm long $ 29 95 Cat: QM-3778 Desktop Bling - Rhinestone Sparkle and functionality - she'll love these pink & white rhinestone desk accessories. Mouse Cat. GH-1890 $19.95 Cat. GH-1892 $19.95 Cat. GH-1894 $19.95 Cat. GH-1896 $24.95 Cat. GH-1898 $29.95 Cat. GH-1899 $59.95 Dual Power Calculator SOLAR POWERED ALARM CLOCKS Solar LCD Clock with Calendar & Temperature Stapler Tape Dispenser 4 Port USB Hub Ideal for home or office workspaces, this easy-to-read LCD clock has several additional handy features. Its large 55mm numerical time format and alarm function is complemented by a calendar date and temperature display in either Celsius $ or Fahrenheit. It's powered by 2 x AA batteries 95 with auxilliary solar cells to prolong battery life. Cat: AR-1761 • Suitable for wall mounting. USB Keyboard 34 $26 LCD Calendar Alarm Clock with Solar Cell $ Cat: XC-0213 Project the time on your wall or ceiling! A sleek matt-silver finished alarm clock with clear LCD time, calendar and temperature display. It projects the time when the alarm goes off or when you press the button. $ 24 Note: Jewellery not included USB Pink Keyboard with Optical Mouse Solar Powered Alarm Clock with Laser Projection • 12/24 hour time and °C/°F temperature • 2 x AAA batteries with solar cell to prolong battery life • Measures 165(L) x 35(W) x 110(H) 19 95 This ultrasonic cleaner produces millions of microscopic bubbles to clean items such as jewellery, reading glasses, small silverware etc. Great gift idea for all women who love bling! • Mains powered • Stainless steel tank $ • 600ml capacity Was $155 Cat: YH-5406 Also available Commercial - 3 Litre Capacity Ultrasonic Cleaner - YH-5410 $399 89 Stylish slimline design, this functional modern timepiece features a crisp LCD time, calendar and temperature display. It has a dual alarm with snooze button and a solar cell for auxiliary power. • 12/24 hour time and °C/°F temperature • Requires 2 x AAA batteries • Measures 80(L) x 41(W) x 152(H)mm Get her Jewellery to Sparkle Like New 95 Bonus Heart Shaped Mouse Pad! Give her something with a bit of colour & flair this Christmas with this matching pink keyboard & optical mouse. • Windows 95/98/ME $ 00 /NT/XP compatible. 35 Cat: XC-5151 Cat: XC-0214 Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! www.jaycar.com.au 5 Time To Party! Clip-on Chromatic Tuners 200W PA Combo Amp/Speaker Clip-on Chromatic Tuner Simply clip on to any part of the instrument that vibrates - the headstock, soundboard, bridge or tailpiece - then tune up as normal. The backlit display is lit red when you're out and green when you're in tune, so $ they're ideal for use on a dark stage or orchestra pit. 95 A PA system in a box. 3 channels with balanced and unbalanced inputs, RCA inputs for an auxiliary source. The ideal small PA for schools, sports organisations, churches, weddings, conferences or solo acts. 24 • Frequency for A tone: 430-450Hz • Size: 53(W) x 80(H) x 43(D)mm Cat: AA-2041 • 12" speaker 200WRMS output • 2 channel equaliser • Line level RCA inputs • Dimensions: 620(H) x 420(W) x 330(D)mm Clip-on Chromatic Tuner with Mic Built in mic so you can tune acoustically. Ideal for small instruments that may be difficult to clip a tuner to such as violins, ukuleles or 3/4 and 1/2 size childrens' instruments. The head swivels through 360° for easy reading. $ 95 34 • Pickup: mic and clip • Size: 53(W) x 80(H) x 43(D)mm Clip-On Digital Tuner with Metronome Acoustic tuner and metronome in one. Combines the features of a clip-on acoustic tuner and a metronome. You can tune by clipping on to any part of your instrument that vibrates or use the built-in microphone. Ideal for music students. Size: 110(L) x 35(W) x 20(H)mm 469 00 Cat: CS-2517 Aluminium PA Speaker Stands Cat: AA-2043 $ $ Weighing in at a tiny 1.5kg each, these stands won't break your back, but will support up to 35kg each; more than enough for PA bins. They're made of satin finished aluminium, extending from 1300 to 1900mm high and have a locking pin for safety. • Size folded: 1550(L)mm $ 99 00pr Cat: CW-2862 34 95 USB Microphone with Stand Cat: AA-2045 USB Turntable with USB Direct Encoding With features to match more expensive brand name models, this DJ turntable has a direct encoding feature which directly converts your LPs into MP3 files on your USB memory stick. Comes with silky smooth tonearm lift with integrated damper which provides precise, almost silent track engagement. Fitted with its own pre-amplifier and provides both a direct phono output and an equalised line level output. • 2 speed belt drive turntable 3 1/3 and 45 RPM • Anti-skating control • Motor off and reverse function • RCA Phono/line output • Size: 449(W) x 145(H) x 370(D)mm $ 249 00 Excellent quality reproduction on vocals, acoustic instruments or podcasting. Comes with shock-mount stand. 50Hz - 18kHz frequency response. See in store or website for full specs. $ • USB powered - no phantom power needed • Plug and play - no drivers needed • Built-in volume control Desktop Mic Stand A great desktop mic for receptions, conferences, webcasts etc. excellent build quality with diecast aluminium legs, steel column and padded feet. Adjustable up to a height of 200mm and folds up to 240mm long. Includes mic holder with 5/8" adaptor. $ 99 95 Cat: AM-4102 19 95 Cat: AM-4111 Cat: AA-0494 Boom Microphone Stand Metal Speaker Protection Grilles with Clips Made from strong perforated steel, these quality grilles are designed to protect Hi-Fi or PA speakers in cabinets, cars, etc. Eight sizes to choose from, each supplied with clips to firmly mount grilles to speaker boxes. 4" Grille AX-3590 $4.00 5" Grille AX-3591 $5.00 6" Grille AX-3592 $6.00 6.5" Grille AX-3593 $6.50 8" Grille AX-3594 $8.00 10" Grille AX-3595 $9.00 12" Grille AX-3596 $10.00 15" Grille AX-3598 $12.00 Replacement Horn Tweeters Quality replacement horn tweeters for our various speaker models, and can be easily used for other applications. No crossover required. Frequency response of 2.2 - 18kHz Piezo Horn Tweeter Cat. CT-2511* (For Foldback Speaker CS-2416) • 300WRMS <at> 8 ohms • 87dB SPL <at> 1W 1m Compression Horn Tweeter Cat. CT-2513* (For PA Bin CS-2514 & Active Speaker CS-2517) • 200WRMS <at> 8 ohms • 88dB SPL <at> 1W 1m *Standard threaded fittings $ $ 34 95 Cat: AM-4113 5" Indoor/ Outdoor Speakers Versatile speakers that can be mounted to a wall or ceiling and can be rotated 180 degrees for directional sound projection. Sold as a pair. $ 7 95 99 95 Dynamic Unidirectional Professional Microphone 69 95 With professional styling, it features a cardioid polar pattern for reduced background noise and feedback. This microphone is ideal for use in theatres, nightclubs, public address systems and recordings. Excellent frequency response and tough metal construction make this microphone great value. Supplied with a 4m cable to 6.5mm plug. Cat: CT-2513 Master Handbook of Acoustics 5th Edition An essential technical reference source for acoustics. A hands-on approach to acoustic measurement, room dimensions, speaker placement, room response, reverberation and how to build sound absorbers or diffusers. • Steel construction • Folds up to 850mm long pair Cat: CS-2436 • 50WRMS <at> 8 ohms • 100-20kHz • Dimensions: 245(H) x 185(W) x 168(D)mm Cat: CT-2511 $ Height adjustable with a boom that extends 600mm -so its suitable for vocals, overheads or miking up drum kits or pianos. Mic holder with 5/8" adaptor included. $ 72 00 Cat: BA-1490 Specifications: • Frequency Response: 60-12KHz • Output Impedance: 600 Ohm • Sensitivity: -76dB +/- 3dB <at> 1KHz • Termination: 6.5mm plug, 3 pin Cannon base $ 29 95 Cat: AM-4099 • Softcover, 510 pages, 235 x 190mm 6 All savings are based on original recommended retail prices. Time To Party! Laser Light Shows 12" Party Speaker Liven up any party with these truly portable take anywhere laser light shows. $30 Green Laser Show • 100 pre-set geometric patterns • Speed adjustment • Auto, manual or audio laser display controls $ • 10mW green laser • 532nM wavelength • 240VAC adaptor included This speaker handles a massive 200WRMS <at> 8 ohms and is an excellent addition to any entertainment equipment set up. Provides good performance in difficult locations such as backyards, tents, party $ 00 rooms or halls etc. 249 Cat: CS-2514 169 00 Cat: SL-2937 Was $199.00 Portable Combo 30W PA Amp with USB $30 This busker's amp has the normal Mic/audio inputs as well as a USB port, so you can plug in a memory stick and play backing or rhythm tracks in your performance. In addition, you can connect an MP3 player or CD player to the line level inputs via the RCA sockets. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that gives you 3 - 5 hours of use or it can be mains powered. • Separate volume control on USB channel • USB, mic & line-in inputs $ 00 • Battery or mains powered Cat: CS-2519 • 3 channel mixer • Dimensions: 245(W) x 280(H) x 245(D) Red Laser Show • 12 pre-set geometric patterns • Auto or audio laser display controls • 5mW red laser $ • 700nM wavelength • Batteries included 49 95 Cat: SL-2924 Was $79.95 299 Green Laser Display System Create a dazzling atmosphere at your next party with the green laser show. The unit comes fitted with a microphone that changes the pattern of the $ lasers to the beat of the music. 00 269 $30 Limited Stock Was $299.00 Cat: SL-2935 • 240VAC Adaptor • Inbuilt microphone • Dimensions: 230(L) x 155(W) X 60(D)mm Compact USB Media Player and Controller A USB compatible digital music controller that has the power to cue, play, manipulate and even scratch digital files. Add some FX in real time, plug and play your MP3s within any booting or searching time. It supports external USB mass storage devices up to 80GB. See our website for full specifications. 399 • DSP effects $ 00 • Multi function JOG mode • Firmware upgradeable Cat: AA-0499 • VBR & CBR file support • Ultra-fast instant start cue point management • Auto-BPM counter • Dimensions: 204(W) x 215(H) x 93(D)mm 69 USB Guitar & Microphone Audio Interface Simple, passive single unbalanced input audio interface for home recording or webcasting. It works on PC or Mac, requires no drivers or setup and is powered by the USB port. $19.05 Connect any MIDI device to your computer: keyboards, controllers, instruments, sound cards, samplers, drum machines etc. Plug and play, no software or drivers required. MIDI in and MIDI out connectors. $10 29 95 229 00 Cat: CS-2518 DJ Single Headphone with Handle Closed back, single cup headphone, designed especially for DJs. Keeps one hand available and frees you up from the constraints of wearing headphones. Curly cord cable terminates to 6.5mm plug. $10 No need for a laptop or PC - the i.Scratch DJ Station gives you the digital DJ essentials. Front loading CD tray, large LCD screen and an XXL jog wheel. Sample banks, cue point banks, seamless loop & reloop, instant start, auto cue, fast cue, track & folder search, pitch range/bend and scratch. CD, CD-R, CD-RW, MP3 compatible. • S/PDIF digital audio & RCA coaxial outputs • Fully programmable repeat function • Fader start & relay mode • Measures 348 (L) x 246(W) x 106(H)mm $ 349 00 Cat: AA-0493 Watch Cable TV All Over The House Send audio and video signals around the house from practically any video source - DVD, VHS, set-top box, cable TV etc. Operating on the 5.8GHz band keeps it free from interference on the 2.4GHz band and an external omnidirectional antenna provides a transmission range of up to 100 metres. Features: * 8 channel for minimal interference * External IR extender 99 $ $ i.Scratch CD & MP3 DJ Station • 6" speaker $ 95 • Headphone jack • CD input Cat: CS-2554 • Switchable distortion • Mains powered • Dimensions: 250(W) x 315(H) x 205(D)mm Also available: 50W Guitar Amplifier CS-2556 $199.00 • Cable length 2m Was $39.95 • Enclosure size 480(W) x 580(H) x 440(D)mm 39 Shred away in your room all you like. A groovy little practice amp with enough volume for the odd garage jam. It has a headphone jack so you can play until your fingers bleed without upsetting the neighbours. USB MIDI Interface High performance subwoofer. Finished in durable heavy vinyl, the cabinet houses a 12" subwoofer rated 300WRMS <at> 4Ω and 40-180Hz frequency response. • Driver diameter: 50mm $ 95 • Impedance: 48 ohms Cat: AA-2059 • Sensitivity: 98±3dB • Frequency response: 15Hz - 20kHz Was $49.95 20W Guitar Practice Amp • 6.5mm jack input, USB output $ 95 • 48kHz converters for high quality audio Cat: AM-2037 • Powered by USB • Size: 100(L) x 28(Dia)mm Was $119.00 12" Subwoofer $20 Power supply: 7.5VDC, 500mA Dimensions: 120(L) x 88(W) x 34(H)mm $ 00 Was $119.00 99 Cat: AR-1880 Extra receiver Cat No AR-1881 Was $79.95 Now $69.95 Save $10 Cat: XC-4934 Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! www.jaycar.com.au 7 IT & Comms 8 Port Hub Switch USB NXT Laptop Speakers High performance 8 port, 10/100/1000 N-Way switch increases network performance and reduces congestion. The switch also supports autonegotiation which allows each port to be operated at a different speed while maintaining maximum throughput. Plugpack included. • Max cable length: 100 metres • Transmission speed: 10/100/1000Mbps • Size: 180(W) x 103(D) x 27(H)mm Due early December Featuring high performance NXT flat panel drivers in a package small enough to fit in your notebook bag. Conveniently powered by USB, these plug-and-play speakers dramatically outperform inbuilt notebook speakers. Providing high quality sound in a portable take-anywhere package. Being USB, they eliminate hard disk noise that all other non-USB speakers suffer from. $ 99 00 $ • Dimensions: 220(L) x 70(H) x 45(D)mm 49 95 Cat: XC-5199 Cat: YN-8087 Industrial IP68 USB Keyboard 12V/5VDC 2A IDE/SATA HDD Power Supply Dustproof and waterproof to IP68, so should it ever get dirty simply wipe clean with a damp sponge. Perfect for industrial, food & beverage, laboratories, garages and even outdoor use. It also comes with a silicone sleeve for added protection. Anti-bacterial rubber construction. Power up and connect old hard drives with ease and start transferring, formatting or cloning drives without opening up the PC. Ideally suited for use with our e-SATA front panel (XC-4699 $19.95 ) and a SATA to e-SATA cable (PL-0757 $9.95 ). It features a SATA power connector in addition to a 12VDC male Molex plug for use with IDE drives. An IDE drive can also be used externally if you have a IDE to SATA upgrade panel (XC-4970 $24.95). 99 $ 00 • Full-sized QWERTY layout • USB connectivity Cat: XC-5141 • Windows 2000/XP/Vista • Measures 440(L) x 138(W) x 12(H)mm $ 29 95 Keyring Micro SD USB Card Reader Cat: MP-3239 Microscopic would be the best way to describe this card reader at only 19 x 15mm, and that includes the USB plug. Ideal for the travelling shutterbug. IDE to SATA HDD Upgrade Panel Clip this onto the end of an old IDE hard drive and the drive can then be used in our SATA docks or inside personal computers that lack IDE data and power connectors. A simple method for upgrading IDE drives. • USB 2.0 Micro SD compliant • Keyring lanyard included $ • Dimensions: 120(W) x 25(H) x 62(D)mm $ 9 95 Cat: XC-4759 USB Leads 24 95 USB A to USB B lead - 3m Cat. WC-7701 $13.95 Cat: XC-4970 2 x e-Sata + 2 x Male Molex Front Panel Leave USB 2.0 in the dust and add this front panel to your PC for the convenience of 2 eSATA ports and 2 male molex plugs. eSATA gives speeds that are up to 6 times faster than USB 2.0 so there's no reason to use your external hard drives on a USB 2.0 port anymore. $ Dimensions: 11(W) x 25(H) x 97(D)mm 19 Wireless USB Trackball Remote Control for PC The trackball works as a mouse and you can type numbers or text in the same way you do with a mobile phone. It also has quick-launch keys, plus controls for multimedia use - play, pause, record etc. You can also program macros or single commands into any key. No software or drivers are needed - just plug in the USB receiver and off you go. Requires 2 x AA batteries. 95 Cat: XC-4699 • 2.4GHz 10 metre range • 19mm optical trackball & mouse keys • USB dongle receiver • Microsoft Windows XP MCE/ Vista compatible • MCE hotkeys • Dimensions: 180(L) x 50(W) x 30(H)mm USB 3.0 Leads 1.8m USB 3.0 is here and offers data rates of up to 4.8Gbps - a quantum improvement over USB 2.0. Two leads available: Cat. WC-7770 $15.95 Cat. WC-7772 $15.95 Plug A to Plug A Lead 1.8m Mini USB Lead 1.8m $ 89 00 Cat: XC-4940 256MB Digital Voice Recorder 10 Port USB Hub Ten USB ports. That should be enough for anyone. The two position switch turns all ports on, or only ports 7 - 10. This means you can turn off non-essential peripherals while maintaining power to others - LED indicators tell you which group is live. 5VDC 2A plugpack required for powered operation. $ 59 95 • USB 2.0 • USB or mains powered Cat: XC-4946 • Key holes for wall mounting • Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OS 10.0 compatible • Dimensions: 172(L) x 36(W) x 27(H)mm A wireless solution for streaming stereo audio signals around your house or office. You can use it as a receiver to listen to music from an MP3 player or other source through home stereo speakers, or as a transmitter through a Bluetooth headset. The music source could be any Bluetooth enabled device such as MP3, CD player or a PC. See in store or website for full specs. $ 8 • Requires 2 x AA batteries • USB cable and software included • Variable speed playback • Date and time-stamped recordings • Dimensions: 97(L) x 45(W) x 18(H)mm Also available: 2GB 800 Hour Digital Voice Recorder Cat. XC-0382 $129.00 $ 69 95 Cat: XC-0380 Wireless Trackball Keyboard Bluetooth Stereo Dongle Power supply: 12VDC Dimensions: 108(W) x 85(D) x 28(H)mm Record up to 26 hours of voice or notes in either dictation or conference mode, manual of VOX. Play back through the built-in 30mm speaker or use the included software. An LCD screen keeps track of everything and the simple intuitive layout are easy to use. Easy download to PC 99 00 Cat: AR-1853 Simply plug in the USB receiver to your PC and this stylish and ergonomic wireless keyboard is good to go. So portable you can easily take it with you to and from your home, office or school workstations. Great for cramped workspaces and much easier to use than a laptop touchpad! A complete PC control interface in one neat package. • 2.4GHz with 8 channels - 10 metre range • Windows NT, 2000, XP & Vista compatible • 12 internet/multimedia hot keys • Requires 4 x AA batteries $ 99 00 Cat: XC-4941 Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! www.jaycar.com.au Touchscreen Car CD/DVD Player Auto A complete in-car entertainment package, this touchscreen controlled multimedia player comes loaded with features including CD player, AM/FM radio, DVD player, built-in 4 x 20WRMS amp plus an input for a reversing camera. Fully compatible with all modern audio and video formats and will accept inputs from just about any source including SD/MMC card, USB or an external media player like an iPod®. Visit our website for full details Limited stock $ HID Dual Lamp Conversion Kits - 35 Watt Used in the latest model luxury and high performance cars, High Intensity Discharge (HID) vehicle headlights are far brighter, whiter and more efficient than their quartz halogen predecessors. • 35W HID Xenon lamps - H4 base • 6000K colour temperature $ comparable to sunlight • Extra bright 3200 lumens 99 00 Cat: SL-3416 Available in two easy-installation models: Low Beam Cat. SL-3416 $99.00 High/Low Beam Cat. SL-3417 $149.00 599 00 Cat: QM-3784 9" In-Car LCD Colour Monitor Crisp high resolution, connect this 9" widescreen LCD to your source devices to entertain passengers with DVD movies or keep the kids amused with Xbox ® or Playstation® gameplay. Featuring multisource inputs and reverse image function, it also doubles as a reversing camera monitor. The tilting bracket gives you several in-car options, including dash, ceiling and headrest mounting. 199 • NTSC/PAL system $ 00 • 9" widescreen - 4:3 & 16:9 Cat: QM-3761 switchable format • 800 x 480 display resolution • 12VDC power input, 12W power consumption • Includes mounting bracket and remote control Due early December Simply clip to the top of your GPS unit. Different types to fit popular in-car GPS models: Garmin Nuvi, TomTom Go, Magellan Maestro, Navman etc. Universal 3.5" Cat. HS-9005 $14.95 Sunshade for TomTom 4.3" Cat. HS-9006 $19.95 Sunshade for Garmin 4.3" Cat. HS-9007 $19.95 Car Amplifier Wiring Kits Complete wiring kits for installing a car amplifier everything you need down to the cable ties and screws. Save $$ on the individual parts. 4G and 8G kits available, see our website for kit contents: 8G Wiring Kit Cat. AA-0442 $59.95 4G Wiring Kit Cat. AA-0444 $99.00 Modules 12VAC Motor & Lamp Controller Continuously controls the speed of 12VAC motors and can also be used as a dimmer for incandescent lamps. With the addition of a rectifier, it can also be used to control DC motors and if you add a 100k or 200k pot, you can control 24 or 48V devices. Suitable for iron core transformers only. • Loading capacity: for resistive or inductive loads up to 10 A max. • Dimensions: approx. 87(L) x $ 95 60(W) x 32(H)mm Cat: AA-0347 Due Mid December 54 Tank Level Indicator Module Battery-powered level indicator for measuring the water level in a tank from a distance up to 100m away. You'll need an 11 core cable to utilise all the measurement points, but you can use less if you like. No sensor is required as it works by simply sensing which conductor is submerged. Not suitable for combustible liquids such as petrol or diesel. Requires 2 x AA batteries. • Operating voltage: 3VDC • Current consumption during measurement: max 50mA • Measurement current: 50µA per channel • Max. cable length: 100 m $ 95 • Dimensions: 120(L) x 70(W) x 20(H) mm Due Mid December Cat: AA-0370 OFC PRO SERIES RCA LEADS Quality oxygen free copper Pro Series RCA audio leads with moulded gold plugs and central lead wire for remote switching of car amps, or for grounding on Hi- Fi home systems. Cable is figure 8 blue colour with an OD of 6mm each side. Plugs are gold plated mounted to the cable. Each lead has two RCA plugs on each end. 4 Lengths Available: 0.5 metres Cat. WA-1068 1.5 metres Cat. WA-1070 2.5 metres Cat. WA-1072 5.0 metres Cat. WA-1076 Limited Stock GPS Sunshades To Reduce Screen Glare 49 Warning: State roads & traffic authorities prohibit the retrofitting of these products to cars with normal headlights. Advised to be used only for off-road and showroom vehicles when replacing quartz halogen bulbs, or as headlight replacements for HID factory-fitted new model vehicles. $12.95 $14.95 $21.95 $23.95 T5 & T10 Replacement LED Globes Replace or jazz up your automotive dashboard or indicator globes with LEDs! Long life with low current consumption and total reliability. T5 & T10 sizes to suit most applications. 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It uses MJPEG video compression and can store over 150 hours of video on the installed 250GB hard drive. Recording set-up is simple and various trigger modes can be set across the day including timer recording, motion detection, and manual operation. The system comes complete with: $100 • DVR with 250GB HDD, 4 camera inputs, USB port, and 1 x composite video output • 4 x weather resistant COLOUR day/night cameras • Plug-in interconnection cables • Wireless remote control • Mains adaptor and user manual Was $649.00 549 00 Cat: QV-3063 Take Advantage Of The Sun MASSIVE SAVINGS ON POWERTECH SOLAR PANELS! These monocrystalline panels are more efficient than polycrystalline panels and are as strong and tough as the better known brands, but at a more attractive price. • Sizes range from 5 watts to a massive 175 watts. Two models available: $ SAVE OVER 33% OFF ORRP*! IP Camera Cat. QC-3397 $249.00 Wireless IP Camera Cat. 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QV-8102 $999.00 10 $ 599 00 Cat: QV-8101 12 Volt 12 Volt 12 Volt 12 Volt 12 Volt 12 Volt 24 Volt 5 Watt 10 Watt 20 Watt 65 Watt 80 Watt 120 Watt 175 Watt CAT ZM-9091 ZM-9093 ZM-9094 ZM-9096 ZM-9097 ZM-9098 ZM-9099 WAS NOW $115.00 $59.95 $175.00 $94.95 $225.00 $149.00 $639.00 $399.00 $875.00 $475.00 $1280.00 $695.00 $1750.00 $1100.00 SAVE $55.05 $80.05 $76.00 $240.00 $400.00 $585.00 $650.00 Smart Solar Battery Charger This solar battery charger supplies 15V at around 100-120mA of current. This is enough to keep an unused 12V battery topped up. It's ideal for that second car, caravan, or boat. Housed in a plastic case, it has an output lead to cigarette lighter plug, with a LED, which illuminates when the solar panel receives a charge. Note: some cars will require this to be directly wired to the battery, as the cigarette lighter socket is disconnected when the ignition is switched off. • Size 370(L) x 160(W) x 20(D) mm $ 29 95 Cat: MB-3501 Wind/Solar LED Garden Lights With two sources of alternative energy available, you'll be able to always keep these weatherproof garden lights shining. The power generator has a 200mW solar panel and a wind generator that both recharges the built-in rechargeable battery to power the lights at night. • 12 metre cable • Includes 3 x LED spotlights • Dimensions: 430(L) x 70(W)mm $ 95 • Blade diameter: 300mm 99 *ORRP – Original Recommended Retail Price Cat: MG-4560 All savings are based on original recommended retail prices. N e w To o l s , C o n n e c t o r s & M o r e 92 Piece 12V Rotary Tool Set ESD Safe Sidecutters Drill, saw, sand, polish, carve or grind in your workshop or out on the road. 90+ bits and attachments cover every possible task you'll ever need. 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Ideal for drilling wood, composites, plastic or soft metals. $ Sizes: 0.3 to 1.6mm. See website for full range of sizes. Case size: 130(L) x 70(H) x 8(D)mm 12 95 12 Cat: SZ-2002 Flat RF Cable with F-Connector Sockets Flat RF cable joining section that goes through closed windows and doors while allowing you to keep the window or door locked. Ideal for temporary antenna installations or tenants who want to fit a TV antenna without boring holes in the wall. Terminated to F-sockets either end. Length 200mm. Ideal entry-level DSO for the advanced hobby user or technician and is particularly suited to audio work. Full data storage capabilities and USB interface so you can store traces on a flash drive. • Channels: 2 • Input impedance: 1Mohm • Bandwidth: 25MHz • Sampling rate: 500MSa/S • Max input voltage: 400V P-P, Cat II • Dimensions: 310(W) x 150(H) x 130(D)mm • Accessories: 2 x 10:1 probes, EasyScope software, USB cable Fits six standard car blade fuses. Fibreglass reinforced nylon base with splash-proof polycarbonate cover. • 32VDC max • 15A/circuit max • 45A/block max • 6.3mm QC terminals • Size: 112(L) x 46(W) x 40(H)mm $ 95 • Fuses not included Cat: TD-2406 25MHz Dual Trace Digital Storage Oscilloscope $ 4 95 Cat: WV-7399 IR Over Coax Transmitter and Coupler $ 699 00 Cat: QC-1932 100MHz Dual Trace Digital Storage Oscilloscope Professional level test instrument for the technician, design engineer or development laboratory. Full 100MHz bandwidth to keep up with the current digital chip technology, plus a host of features that make it a cost-effective addition or upgrade to your current test equipment. • Channels: 2 • Input impedance: 1Mohm • Bandwidth: 100MHz • Sampling rate: 1GSa/Sec (Per channel) • Max input voltage: 850V P-P, Cat II • Dimensions: 340(W) x 150(H) x 290(D)mm • Accessories: 2 x 10:1 probes, EasyScope software, USB cable An IR repeating remote control over coax cable. A basic setup consists of an IR coupler, emitters, cable to the remote location/s and as many IR injector / receivers as you have remote locations. Use the remote anywhere in the house to control AV devices in multiple rooms. • F socket connection. Transmitter AR-1824 $29.95 Coupler AR-1825 $19.95 Mains plugpack MP-3147 $17.95 IDC Crimping Tool Suits all IDC cable connectors. Commonly used for connecting items such as SCSI and IDE computer plugs. Don't destroy connectors with a vice or a hammer, crimp them the easy way. • Crimping distance from 27.5mm to 6mm (with attachment). $ 19 95 Cat: TH-1941 LED Magnifier Lamp 1499 Cat: QC-1933 10x LED Magnifier with Scale With all metal construction and glass optics, this superb little magnifier provides 10 dioptre magnification with razor-sharp clarity. Inside the viewer is a graduated scale in metric and imperial graduations so you can actually take measurements of an object. Three LEDs provide crystal-clear illumination of the subject. Science, education or engineering applications. • Requires 2 x AA batteries (included) • 10x magnification • Satin chrome finish • Size: 180(L)mm • 135mm long Extra Large Eye Terminals Kit contents: Driver bit handle Bits: Slotted 3mm, 4mm, PH 0, 1,T10, T15 Hex adaptors: 4mm, 5mm, Tweezers, IC extractor, Pearl catch $ Specifically for ESD work. High quality Japanese designed, Italian manufactured cutters especially for static-sensitive applications. $ 29 95 Cat: QM-3539 Clearly see what you're working on with this multifunctional laboratory magnifier. Included is an extension pole that transforms it from a desk top unit into a floor standing unit, also included is a detachable desk-mounting clamp. Can be powered with the provided plug pack or 4 C size batteries which allows this unit to be used where mains is not available. • 20 high-brightness LEDs • 4 dioptre magnification • 127mm diameter lens • 1200mm floor mode height • 600mm desk mode height • Mains plugpack included • Base measures: 310(L) x 230(W)mm • Batteries not included Free Call: 1800 022 888 for orders! www.jaycar.com.au $ 99 00 Cat: QM-3542 11 G i f t I d e a s To S u i t Yo u r B u d g e t ! Gift Ideas Under $25 Pink Pocket Pliers Key Fob The tiny stainless steel pliers include wire cutting jaws, a knife, + & - screwdrivers, and a nail file. • Matching pink slipcase with belt loop included • Measures 52mm long folded $ Was $9.95 4 Gift Ideas Under $40 RC Mini M*A*S*H Helicopter This is our smallest ready-to-fly infrared remote control Mini Helicopter. It is made of durable plastic and is ideal for indoor use. $15 Cat: TD-2071 Pocket Sized Dynamo Torch $3 • 20 min charge time for 8 min flying time • Requires 6 x AA batteries • 135mm long • Suitable for 8+ Was $39.95 $5 95 This torch features an array of 3 super bright LEDs that blast a powerful projection of white light wherever you direct it. A minute of winding gives about 10 minutes of light. Great for general use or for use in remote locations. $ 95 No more batteries! Was $17.95 14 Cat: ST-3331 Mini Rechargeable USB Keychain Speaker Constructed beautifully with elegant U shaped bracket, this utility LED is light enough to hang from your wall or bedpost without trailing wires. Perfect as a reading light or for an easy way to highlight your favourite wall painting. Swings out of the way after use. $29 05 USB Turntable with Amp Copies LPs, 45s or even 78s straight to PC, or simply listen to vinyl records via the built-in amp and speakers. Finished in contemporary white piano finish with blue LED accents. YOUR LOCAL JAYCAR STORE NEW SOUTH WALES Albury Ph (02) Alexandria Ph (02) Bankstown Ph (02) Blacktown Ph (02) Bondi Junction Ph (02) Brookvale Ph (02) Campbelltown Ph (02) Coffs Harbour Ph (02) Croydon Ph (02) Erina Ph (02) Gore Hill Ph (02) Hornsby Ph (02) Liverpool Ph (02) Newcastle Ph (02) Penrith Ph (02) Rydalmere Ph (02) Sydney City Ph (02) 6021 9699 9709 9678 9369 9905 4620 6651 9799 4365 9439 9476 9821 4965 4721 8832 9267 6788 4699 2822 9669 3899 4130 7155 5238 0402 3433 4799 6221 3100 3799 8337 3121 1614 Was $199.00 $20 • 12" LPs & 7" EPs with 3 speeds 33/45/78 • Measures 390(L) x 360(D) x 260(H)mm • Ask how to back up your LPs to CD $ 179 00 Cat: GE-4063 6 Bottle Wine Cooler Store your best wine and keep them chilled in this Wine Cooler. It has a capacity of 18L, holding up to 6 wine bottles and uses Peltier thermoelectric modules to cool the wine bottles 18 degrees below ambient temperature. 149 $ 00 • Mains powered • Power consumption 56W Cat: GH-1372 • Quiet operation • Dimensions: 245(W) x 380(H) x 510(D)mm Limited Stock Was $199.00 $50 USB Digital Microscope Capture higher resolution images and video then display them on your PC using a simple USB connection. Simply plug into your computer, download the software and view objects on your PC up to 400x. The bright LED white light allows you to see the objects even clearer! Perfect for Dad! Australia Freecall Orders: Ph 1800 022 888 Cat: ST-3189 This Christmas dust off those old LPs. This player includes a turntable, AM/FM stereo radio, cassette deck and a programmable CD player all encased in a cherry wood finish cabinet with two front stereo speakers. See our website for specifications. • Around 20 minutes flying time per charge • Requires 8 x AA batteries • Suitable for ages 10+ Was $109.00 • RCA line outputs • USB cable and software included • Measures: 320(W) x 265(D) x 85(H)mm 29 95 PERFECT FOR NOSTALGIA ADDICTS! Cat: XC-5178 Twin rotors with buckets of power, 3-channel radio control unit with throttle, rudder and trim controls. Finished in matt olive livery with twin rocket pods. Cat: GT-3264 $ • Wall mounting brackets included • Requires 3 x AA batteries • Size: 190(H) x 330(W) x 150(dia)mm 19 RC Apache Attack Chopper 79 95 Cat: GT-3260 Gift Ideas Over $145 Gift Ideas Under $145 $ 24 95 8 LED Utility Light Whenever you want to share your sound, your keychain speaker will distribute the decibels. Compatible with any device that features a 3.5 mm headphone socket such as iPods ®, MP3 players, PDAs, portable games and computers. It comes with a USB connection included to recharge the built-in $ 95 battery. The ultimate in portability. • USB and 3.5 - 3.5mm cable included • Measures: 25(W) x 25(H) x 25(D)mm Due early December $ $ 119 00 Cat: GE-4056 Taren Point Tweed Heads Wollongong VICTORIA Cheltenham Coburg Frankston Geelong Hallam Melbourne Ringwood Springvale Sunshine Thomastown QUEENSLAND Aspley Caboolture Cairns Capalaba Ipswich • Bundled software: MicroCapture • Operation System: Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/VISTA • Dimensions: 110(L) x 33(R)mm Ph (02) 9531 7033 Ph (07) 5524 6566 Ph (02) 4226 7089 Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) (03) 9585 9384 9781 5221 9796 9663 9870 9547 9310 9465 5011 1811 4100 5800 4577 2030 9053 1022 8066 3333 Ph Ph Ph Ph Ph (07) (07) (07) (07) (07) 3863 5432 4041 3245 3282 0099 3152 6747 2014 5800 Mackay Ph (07) 4953 0611 Maroochydore Ph (07) 5479 3511 Mermaid Beach Ph (07) 5526 6722 Townsville Ph (07) 4772 5022 Underwood Ph (07) 3841 4888 Woolloongabba Ph (07) 3393 0777 AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY Belconnen Ph (02) 6253 5700 Fyshwick Ph (02) 6239 1801 TASMANIA Hobart Ph (03) 6272 9955 Launceston Ph (03) 6334 2777 SOUTH AUSTRALIA Adelaide Ph (08) 8231 7355 Clovelly Park Ph (08) 8276 6901 Gepps Cross Ph (08) 8262 3200 WESTERN AUSTRALIA Maddington Ph (08) 9493 4300 Midland Ph (08) 9250 8200 Northbridge Ph (08) 9328 8252 Rockingham Ph (08) 9592 8000 $ 189 00 Cat: QC-3247 NORTHERN TERRITORY Darwin Ph (08) 8948 4043 NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Ph (03) 379 1662 Dunedin Ph (03) 471 7934 Glenfield Ph (09) 444 4628 Hamilton Ph (07) 846 0177 Hastings Ph (06) 876 0239 Manukau Ph (09) 263 6241 Newmarket Ph (09) 377 6421 Palmerston Nth Ph (06) 353 8246 Wellington Ph (04) 801 9005 Freecall Orders Ph 0800 452 922 Prices valid to 23rd December ‘09 Arrival dates of new products in this flyer were confirmed at the time of print. Occasionally these dates change unexpectedly. Please ring your local store to check stock details. 12 All savings are based on original recommended retail prices. SERVICEMAN'S LOG The laptop that crashed but only at home What do you make of a laptop that crashes frequently when used at home but is rock solid everywhere else? This one was a real mystery but eventually the penny dropped. Back in March, I related how I’d set up a wireless ADSL modem for Barbara, so that she could operate her Toshiba Tecra M2 laptop free of a trailing network cable. Despite my usual blunders in setting it all up, it all worked beautifully in the end and I left a very happy customer to play with her new toy. That was the last I heard from her until a couple of months ago, when she brought the laptop in complaining that it crashed regularly. Apparently, it would “fall over” at random intervals, even when she wasn’t actually using it, although it most commonly occurred while she was browsing the net. All would be well and then, for no apparent reason, the machine would suddenly reboot itself. It would then be OK for a short while and then crash again. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for it to crash five or six times an hour or more. This shouldn’t be too difficult, I thought (why do I always stupidly think that about computers?). Viruses and spyware nasties commonly cause these problems, so that would be my first line of attack. With that in mind, I initially scanned siliconchip.com.au the hard drive for viruses but it came up as clean as a whistle. I then did a full scan for malware using several popular anti-malware programs but again drew a complete blank. Having cleared the hard drive of any viral-type nasties, I then went to the Microsoft Update website and installed a few critical security updates. I also checked for driver updates but the site said that everything was OK. What was interesting was that during all this time, the machine was absolutely rock steady, with not so much as a hiccup. So I hadn’t really found any fault and all I could do was continue with a bit more housekeeping and make a few more routine checks. Next, I checked to see if the screen saver was causing the crash when it activated but that wasn’t the problem either. I then connected the machine to my local network via an ethernet cable and used it to browse the web at regular intervals. While doing this, I also took the opportunity to download the latest version of CCleaner and ran that to clear the hard disk of the usual detritus that comes with web browsing. I also downloaded and ran a freeware Items Covered This Month • The laptop that crashed but only at home • • • • A faulty STB Parts interchangeability Electronic module reliability How to fix a transmission registry checker over the machine to clean up any registry errors. Well, nothing I could do would make it fall over during any of this work. The machine had now been on for several hours, so it was all becoming a bit of a mystery. An intermittent hardware fault was another possibility, so my next step was to check the RAM and the hard disk drive. First, I booted the machine from my Memtest86 CD and let it run for several hours. This turned up yet another blank, so I turned my attention to the hard disk. This was checked using Seagate’s “SeaTools For Windows” (you can download it for free from the Seagate website). This can run a number of basic tests on the HDD and I ran both the short and the long self-diagnostics routines. They both gave the HDD a clean bill of health. At this stage, there was nothing for it but to give the machine back to Bar- December 2009 63 Serr v ice Se ceman’s man’s Log – continued SeaTools for Windows is a handy hard disk diagnostics tools from Seagate. You can download it from their website. bara. Perhaps, somewhere along the line, the problem had been eliminated by the routine housekeeping procedures but I certainly wasn’t staking my life on it. It was just as well I didn’t because the Toshiba threw its random reboot tantrum just 10 minutes after Barbara started using it. I advised her by phone to try keeping a record of what she was doing on the machine each time it crashed. I also told her to try operating the machine from battery power only in case there was some sort of severe interference getting through the mains, although I couldn’t imagine what. After three weeks of this, there was still no resolution in sight and at this stage her son got involved. He took it home and checked it out but he too drew a blank, so he took it to a local computer repair shop. They returned the machine two days later, saying they couldn’t find anything wrong with it but it still crashed regularly when taken back to Barbara’s place. This was getting weirder by the day. What we had was a machine that crashed regularly but only at its owner’s place! Take it somewhere else and it was rock solid. By now, the October long weekend was coming up, so I invited Barbara to bring the machine back in. That way, I could take it home and spend some time with it. Hopefully, I would be able to observe the circumstances when it crashed and get a handle on the problem. Well, true to form, it ran for two solid days without a problem. It was now time for a bit of lateral thinking. What was different about the way the machine was being used at my place compared to Barbara’s. And then the penny dropped. Well, actually, it was more like an anvil falling on me. Of course, the wireless networking! At Barbara’s place, it was connecting to her wireless network. So maybe, just maybe, it was the driver for the laptop’s wireless module that was causing all the fuss, especially as I had set the network up with the latest WPA encryption. The wireless module in the old Toshiba was an Intel PRO/Wireless Servicing Stories Wanted Do you have any good servicing stories that you would like to share in The Serviceman column in SILICON CHIP? If so, why not send those stories in to us? In doesn’t matter what the story is about as long as it’s in some way related to the electronics or electrical industries, to computers or even to car electronics. We pay for all contributions published but please note that your material must be original. Send your contribution by email to: editor<at>siliconchip.com.au and be sure to include your full name and address details. 64 Silicon Chip 2200BC and a quick check in Device Manager showed its driver (version 8) carried a 2004 time stamp. I then did a quick “Google” that included the words “crash” “XP”, PRO/wireless” and “2200BC” and quickly found what I was looking for. There was even a link from someone who had experienced exactly the same problem. And he had fixed the problem by upgrading the driver. I tracked down the latest driver (version 9.0.4.39 from late 2007), installed it and returned the machine to Barbara. I told her that I was pretty confident that that would fix it and I was right – the machine has now been running for a month at her place and hasn’t fallen over once! It was only then that we both realised that the problem started at about the time I installed her wireless network. My guess is that the old driver wasn’t up to the job when it came to handling the WPA encryption. And even when the machine wasn’t actually being used, there was still enough handshaking traffic between it and the wireless module to trigger a crash. Faulty STB I was recently called out to look at a faulty high-definition STB (set-top box) that was only a few months old. It had virtually given up the ghost completely. All it gave was a “No Signal” window on the screen. Initially, I did a full factory reset and Auto Tune (the factory reset function was well-hidden in the tuning menu) and all the station names came in as expected but I still got a “No Signal” message for each channel. The factory reset is important because we have had cases where stations that have not been deleted remain in memory, reducing space for additional channels. So someone coming from Melbourne to Sydney (say) will find that they are not able to store all the new local channels. Anyway, I persevered with this HD STB, checking the signal quality and strength in comparison with another combo unit connected to a plasma monitor. This particular installation had an amplified splitter so I tried swapping the leads over but that made no difference. In the end, I swapped the unit over and took it back to the workshop. These particular STBs were a very cheap high-definition model and it siliconchip.com.au ACOUSTICS SB would cost too much to send it back to the agents. I removed the covers from the unit and immediately spied the cause of the problem. Four electros in the power supply were swollen, with bulging ends. Three were 1000µF 16V types while the fourth was a 470µF 25V unit. They were all the same brand and I’ve seen this type give trouble many times before. Replacing them with new ones fixed the problem and the STB was back in action. I guess it’s a case of you get what you pay for! Now for some more stories from my friend in the automotive trade. Here they are in his own words. Parts interchangeability One of the more annoying aspects of modern vehicle design is that car manufacturers often do not allow for their spare parts to be interchanged between models. Why is it that back in the sixties my father’s inventory of ignition coils for the entire market would total no more than a dozen or so, including both 6V & 12V types, whereas nowadays my coil listing exceeds 400? I won’t even question why it is that I need to stock over 100 different engine coolant temperature sensors, when they all serve the same basic purpose. After all, they’re only NTC thermistors with dedicated plug connectors, for goodness sake. The cost effectiveness of all of this is obviously missed by the bean counters, as many of the world’s auto manufacturers are currently losing money faster then they can even count it. A good illustration of this is the various control modules throughout a car, which perform everything from engine and/or transmission control to ABS, traction control, airbags, climate control, immobiliser, lighting and wipers, etc. Take the engine ECU, for example. These can’t be inexpensive to design, develop and produce, yet most auto manufacturers produce a different version for each and every drivetrain variation in their model range. Often, there’s a different unit for 4-cylinder, V6 & V8 models, a different version for automatic or manual transmission and even further variants for the wagon or utility ranges because they have differing rear axle ratios. Ford, for example, have lots of different ECUs to siliconchip.com.au dynamica December 2009 65 Serr v ice Se ceman’s man’s Log – continued cover one series’ model range. They are not alone – most, if not all Asian and European car-makers do the same. Fortunately, GM back in the 80s took an alternate route in the USA. Their Delco ECU of the time (seen fitted to the Commodore V6/V8 range and others in Australia) is a good example of how it should be done. They used one single type of ECU which was interchangeable in anything from a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder LD Astra through to a Calais V6 to a VN SS Group A barnstormer, simply by swapping its plug-in EPROM. GM refers to their plug-in EPROM as a “mem-cal”. All the vital statistics and programming of the car concerned are stored in the mem-cal and they are relatively cheap to replace or swap and can be reprogrammed if required. But the whole point is that just one single ECU part number is all that’s required for the spare parts department to keep on the shelf to service an entire 5-year 66 Silicon Chip model range. How good is that! It’s a pity that the same can’t be said for their other electronic control modules (ECUs). While we are at it, I should vent my spleen regarding the modern-day practice of overusing acronyms. ECU means what? Electronic Control Module or Engine Control Unit? This varies wildly, depending on whom you are talking to in the trade. Further complicating the issue, the ECU is also now referred to as the PCM (power-train control module) by some. Then of course we have the ECM, TCM, BCM & BEM, not to mention ABS, OHC (SOHC & DOHC), TCS, ESP, EBD and DCS. OMG! Why is it we can have SAE, DIN, ISO and ECE standards for nearly everything but can’t have standards for acronyms? Electronic module reliability Generally speaking, the electronic modules in modern cars are very reliable, certainly more so than some mechanical parts of the car. In terms of percentage of breakdowns, cooling system and valve-train maladies cause far more heartache. Other dramas such as battery failure or even fuel system starvation or contamination are also much more common than electronic component failure. Yet time and time again, clients bring their vehicles in blaming the electronics alone for some of the most extraordinary symptoms. Owners will ask the technician to “read the codes” or do a “diagnostic printout”, thinking that our fancy (and sometimes expensive) scanners will reveal all. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Some of the most difficult faults cannot be diagnosed using any of these hand-held devices. Deep-seated gremlins can often be found in power supply wiring connectors or relays, which can cause all manner of horror intermittent faults. These, along with issues such as arcing HT ignition or even a simple blocked fuel filter will usually not show up any fault codes. How to fix a transmission Sometimes in the workshop we see the good side of attending to motor vehicles and more especially the good side of their owners. Earthing faults are making themselves felt more often these days and sometimes the consequences are dire. A case in point was a later model Ford Laser (MY2000 – KN series) which came in recently for a rego pink slip. For those who don’t live in NSW, every car over three years old is required to pass an annual roadworthiness safety inspection before re-registration is allowed. They are called a “pink slip” because at one time the colour of the old-style pre-printed RTA forms was, in fact, pink. As part of the safety inspection, we check all external lighting. And due to the fact that I’ve been doing this for many years and have become used to checking for “hidden” faults, I do it a little differently to most. When checking a car’s lighting, I have found that it’s prudent to check them as you see them in real life rather than operating each one individually. In this case, on the Ford Laser, when we switched on the tail-lights all appeared to be OK. We then pressed the brake pedal to see if the brake lights illuminated correctly. They didn’t seem too bad but there was a slight difference in brightness level between the LHS and RHS lights. However, when reverse was selected, this brightness difference was magnified. This problem would not have showed up if the three light circuits had been checked individually, so siliconchip.com.au it pays to check them under real-life conditions. A quick look behind the tail-light cluster revealed a small amount of corrosion at the common earth for the lighting circuits on that side of the car. This was easily cleaned up, after which the lights operated correctly and the rest of the inspection was completed fault-free. The owner subsequently paid our $85 bill, collected the car and went off happily to the RTA office to shell out an even larger share of her hardearned income. However, less than 10 minutes later, she returned to the shop to ask us what we “done” to her car. To our relief, she seemed quite happy as she explained that for some months the automatic transmission had been changing very harshly at odd times. However, since the rego check (and light circuit earth repair), the automatic was now behaving normally. In fact, it was now behaving as it did when the car was new. It transpired that the auto transmission control unit had been doing strange things when any rear lights were illuminated (ie, indicators, brake or tail-lights). With its poor earthing siliconchip.com.au circuit, a small voltage was being fed back up the reverse light wiring to the control unit, making it “think” that reverse had been selected even while the car was travelling forwards. However, after our quick wiring repair for the roadworthy inspection, this fault had been eliminated and the transmission was now shifting gears smoothly. The owner then revealed that she was planning to sell the car immediately after re-registration, because of the money she had already expended chasing this annoying fault – not to mention the possible cost blow-outs of an impending overhaul. Our repair meant that she could now reverse her decision to unload the troublesome Laser and soon after we were presented with large bottle of Scotland’s best produce. No-one gives me Scotch So those are my friend’s stories. How come he gets all the Scotch and beer payola? I must be in the wrong business but perhaps not – I’m sure the automotive trade has its moments, particularly when it comes to dealing with some SC customers. Silicon Chip Binders REAL VALUE AT $14.95 PLUS P & P H SILICON CHIP logo printed on spine & cover H Buy five and get them postage free! Price: $A14.95 plus $10.00 p&p per order. Available only in Aust. Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach 2097. Fax (02) 9939 2648 or phone (02) 9939 3295 & quote your credit card number. December 2009 67 CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE FX-888 Soldering Station SEE REVIEW THIS ISSUE New compact FX-888 is the successor to the Hakko 936 soldering station. Excellent thermal recovery, for lead-free soldering and leaded solder applications. Suitable for soldering small SMD components through to large heavy-duty applications. Features: Tip re-design, larger copper mass and shape changes to improve thermal transfer. 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USB host for USB memory stick FFT and Math functions Up to 1000 Waveforms record and playback USB device - PC software and cable included Models from 25 MHz to 100 MHz *** 5 year warranty *** Starting Prices 25MHz colour UQ2025C just $579 inc. GST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL * 60 MHz Colour UQ2062C only $695 including GST NZ orders welcome. Postage at cost. * Offer expires 31/1/2010 Contact TRIO Smartcal now! 1300-853-407 or visit www.triosmartcal.com.au to learn more. Email info<at>triosmartcal.com.au ADELAIDE BRISBANE MELBOURNE SYDNEY SALES: PH 1300 853 407 FAX 1300 853 409 sales<at>triosmartcal.com.au www.triosmartcal.com.au CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE siliconchip.com.au December 2009 69 Ginormous 7-Segment LED Panel Meter Display Have you ever had the need for a digital display that can be read from across the room? How about across the factory? How about fifty or even a hundred metres away? I segment can be driven independently, f you think the picture above is big, they can display the numerals 0-9 and it’s about half the size of the real many letters. There’s also a matching McCoy. That’s all we could fit (large!) decimal point alongside each across the pages of SILICON CHIP! digit containg five LEDs in series. This LED display, which can be Placed alongside each other, the expanded to up to 10 digits, uses display is striking – especially at night. special LED “light bars”, each about Five digits (the number presented 70mm x 15mm, each of which contain here) are some 600mm in width. When two rows of six 200-300mCd LEDs in we checked how far away we could series. The ends of the light bars are clearly read them, we gave up at 100m. angled so that when placed into the familiar 7-segment display pattern, they form ultra-large digits, ES each a whopping 150mm (6 FEATUR m 7-segment display rge 150m La • s inches) high. to display higher value Easily add extra digits • And unlike some multi2 x opto-isolated inputs LED displays we’ve seen, • • 1 x 10-bit 0-5V input they don’t cost upwards of a ut • 1 x 10-bit 0-20mA inp ial thousand dollars. ser L TT ial, • RS485 ser ters Each digit has its own pre- • RS232 serial or USB with optional conver assembled PC board. As each • 12VDC powered 70 Silicon Chip Like all LED displays, during the day visibility depends to a large degree on ambient light – for example, it’s not as good in direct sunlight. Even so, it’s pretty impressive. OK, so that’s the LED displays. But what do they display? For maximum flexibility the display has been designed to accept multiple input signals. Parameters are set using a computer and saved to memory. Input signal types are divided into 3 categories, analog, digital and serial. Analog: Analog input modes include 0-5V DC and 0-20mA (industrial standard 4-20mA sensors can also be easily used). As well as voltage and current, these can be configured and scaled to display virtually any analog reading, such siliconchip.com.au OPERATING MODES Design by Greg Radion (Ocean Controls Pty Ltd) Article by Greg Radion and Ross Tester as temperature, humidity, pressure etc. Digital: Digital input modes include counter modes (quadrature or up and down with reset and preset), tachometer (RPM), frequency and up or down timers. Serial: Serial input modes include RS485, TTL and (with an optional converter) RS232 or USB with the option of ASCII display or Modbus RTU controlled display. Various baud rates are supported. The device parameters are also set up using the RS485 / RS232 / USB connection to a computer with provided software or Modbus enabled device. The hardware Various PC boards add together to achieve the above functions. We’ve already mentioned the giant LED display siliconchip.com.au • 0-5V scaled • 0-20mA or 4-20mA scaled • Up/Down counter wit h reset and preset • Quadrature up/down counter • Tachometer RPM • Frequency • Up/Down second tim ers • ASCII or Modbus ser ial over RS485 or TTL boards. A KTA-255 Large 7-Segment Controller PC board is mounted to the back of the first digit. This board includes a microcontroller, constant current LED driver, shift register and all circuitry needed to connect the various input signals. The microcontroller reads in the input signals and scales them according to the user settings and then sends out the data to the shift register, which controls the data displayed on the 7-segment digit. Of course, you’re usually going to need more than one digit and this is where the smaller KTA-256 Large 7-Segment Driver PC boards come in to play. This has a constant-current LED driver, shift register and IDC header connections for connection to the previous and next digits. One of these is mounted on the back of each additional digit. The circuit Fig.1 shows the circuit diagram of the KTA-255 module and Fig.2 the KTA-256. As you can see, Fig.2 is basically a cut-down version of Fig.1. There are some labelling shortcuts on the PC board – these are shown in green on the circuit diagram. On the K-255 PC board an AVR ATMega168 microcontroller controls operations. Two of the analog inputs have been connected to the VI and CI terminals, with 10k inline resistors to provide some protection for the chip. The CI input also has a pair of resistors totalling 250which will generate 5V reference for a 20mA signal passed through them. December 2009 71 rameters can be loaded to default at power up, by making a connection between MI and COM on K3 on the side of the PC board. This can be done with a bare wire, or by temporarily soldering a wire in place. Let’s take a look at the operating modes in more detail. Each of the seven segments is made up of a 70 x 15mm LED “lightbar” as shown above. The PC board which carries them measures 112 x 165mm. A pair of opto-couplers isolate the digital input signals I1 and I2, and a DS3695 (MAX485 equivalent) converts RS485 levels to 5V TTL serial. The output to the LED segments is delivered via a TLC5916 IC. This is a constant current LED driver/shift register from Texas Instruments. The operation of the TLC5916 is much like a 74HC595 shift register in that it has a shift in data pin, a clock pin, a latch pin and a shift data out pin. However, the outputs on the TLC5916 will regulate their current according to one programming resistor. The AVR controls the data stream to the TLC5916. The output of the TLC5916 is connected to the input pin of the next board using headers, conveniently labelled IN and OUT. Configuration The KTA-255 configuration soft- ware sets up the display mode and parameters. User-configured parameters include: • Operating mode • Number of the digit to display the decimal point on • Scaling values • Count-by values • Reset values • Display delay time (to reduce flicker) • Debounce time (so that switch presses do not make multiple counts) • Modbus address • Baud rate • Parity Not all parameters are relevant to each operating mode. The configuration software will hide the parameters which are not used. To ensure that the configuration software can communicate with the controller, the communications pa- Analog 0-5V: The Analog 0-5V input mode will take a 0-5V signal in via the VI and COM terminals and scale it according to the values used in set up. The allowable range is -32,768 to +32,767 and decimal places can be used as well. For example, to use as a 0-5V voltmeter and assuming 5 digits to measure to four decimal places (0.0000 to 5.0000) the operating mode is set to 0-5V with the following parameters: Decimal Place = 5 (Show the decimal point on digit 5), 0V Value = 0, 5V Value = 5. That is all that is required but if the display flickers too much, the display delay time can be increased. If faster changes need to be seen on the display then the delay time can be decreased. Analog 0-20mA: The Analog 0-20mA input is between terminals C1 and COM, which includes a 250 load resistance. It can be easily used with 4-20mA sensors as the software allows either a 0mA or 4mA value to be entered and the other value is automatically calculated. Most industrial sensors will use a 4-20mA signal – a good example is a temperature sensor with 0-100°C output over 4-20mA. Assuming five digits The “business side” of the large panel meter. The first display PC board (ZJCXKD) has attached the first-digit driver PC board (and in this case an RS232 interface). Subsequent displays have the slave driver PC boards, all of which are daisychained with IDC cable. The display PC boards are pre-assembled; other PC boards are available in kit or assembled forms. 72 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au siliconchip.com.au December 2009 73 TB5 TB4 4.7k COM 2 1 5 4 6 3 2 MOSI SCLK RST GND SC RT COM 2 1 2 1 100nF AN2 120 130 2x 10k 4 5 4 OPTO2 4N25 * GREEN LABELS REFER TO MARKINGS ON PC BOARD AN1 5 2 100nF 4.7k 20 GND 22 8 XTAL2 XTAL1 PD6 PD7 PB0 PD4 PB2 PB1 PC5/ADC5 PC4/ADC4 PC3/ADC3 GND PC1/ADC1 PC0/ADC0 PC6/RST PB5/SCK PB3/MOSI Aref PC2/ADC2 AVcc IC2 ATMEGA168 PB4/MISO PD2 PD3 Tx RxEN Rx 7 Vcc 10 9 22pF X1 20MHz A 16 Vdd d g a a O0 LE CLK K 1 GND OE Rext SDO O7 O5 O6 O4 O1 SDI f dp e c 100nF K A D1 1N4004 IN GND 13 15 14 12 11 10 9 7 5 3 1 OUT 7805 3 2 1 4 3 6 2 1 5 (TO SLAVE DIGITS) LATCH CLK GND GND 910 SDO Vcc TB1 CON1 +V Vcc GND +V 152mm 7-SEGMENT DISPLAY (YSD-1100AR7B-15) bg IN 10 IC1 TLC5916 9 +V GND OUT REG1 7805 O2 O3 e f D1–D3 4 LATCH 12 3 CLK 13 2 5 6 7 8 SDI 22pF 100nF d c b dp Vcc 12 14 16 18 100nF 14 6 16 15 28 27 26 25 21 100nF CONTROLLER/FIRST DIGIT MODULE 100nF 24 23 1 19 17 18 4 5 3 Tx 11 4.7k COM GND DI 4 OPTO1 4N25 2 Rx DE 3 RE 2 RO 1 MAX485 RX TX Vcc LARGE 7-SEGMENT PANEL METER COM GND CI VI MISO MI MO A K A K 5 GND 8 Vcc 1 OPTIONAL USB/RS232 3 INPUT 4 Fig.1: the first digit requires this controller to drive it. This is shown opposite attached to the left-most display board. 2009 SC 1 TB3 Vcc D3 1N4004 1k D2 1N4004 5V I1- I1+ I2- I2+ 1k 7 B DI– D– GND 6 A DI+ IC3 D+ CON3 2 ANALOG INPUT 3 DIGITAL INPUT I1 1 DIGITAL INPUT I2 2 1 1 RS485 2 INPUT 3 TB2 4.7k 100nF 5V CON4 Vcc = +5V CON2 5 CON3 +V +V 9 18 16 14 12 1 a f b c 152mm 7-SEGMENT DISPLAY 10 dp e g a bg c d d 5 f dp e 1 3 5 7 100nF Vcc Vcc 1 16 8 7 6 5 2 SDI 2 3 4 O3 Vdd O4 O2 O5 O1 O6 O0 IC1 TLC5916 O7 SDI SDO CLK Rext LE GND OE 9 10 11 12 SDO 14 15 3 4 910 GND GND CLK CLK LATCH SC LARGE 2009 LATCH 7-SEGMENT PANEL METER again, we can display to two decimal places giving a range of 0.00 to 100.00. The operating mode is set to 0-20mA with the 20mA value to 100 and the 4mA value set to 0 (this will automatically set the 0mA value to -25). The decimal point position can be set to 3 (or 4 for more accuracy, albeit at the cost of never actually being able to display 100.000). Counter: In counter mode, an optically isolated signal on inputs I1+ and I1- will add the “count-by” value to the display each time it is triggered. To count down, a negative value can be used in the count-by value. The count-by value can be from -32,768 to +32,767 (signed 16-bit) but the displayed values (count total) can be from -2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647 (signed 32-bit). Obviously more than 5 digits would be needed to display these values. The I2+ and I2- terminals are used for another optically isolated signal, this is used to reset the counter to the “reset to” value 74 Silicon Chip 2 13 1 6 Fig.2: the circuit diagram of the slave digit controller – essentially a “cut-down” version of the first digit controller overleaf. 6 3 4 SLAVE DIGIT MODULE When a connection is made from VI to COM the display will subtract the “count by” value from the currently displayed value. Up/Down Counter: The Up/Down Counter mode is very similar to the Counter mode, however in this mode the optically isolated signal on I2+ and I2- subtracts the “countby” value and the non-isolated signal on VI and COM resets the display. Quadrature: In Quadrature mode a quadrature encoder can be used to count up and down. Phase A should be connected to I1+ and I1-, while Phase B should be connected to I2+ and I2-. The nonisolated input VI will reset the counter value. It should be noted that each encoder edge is used for a count signal, giving four times the line resolution of the encoder, ie, a 1000 line encoder will give 4000 counts per revolution. Tachometer: A tachometer pulse signal is fed into I1+ and I1-. If more than one pulse is given per revolution then the number of pulses per revolution can be entered into the “division” parameter. Frequency: The Frequency mode is much the same as the Tachometer mode, except that the signal is not converted to RPM before being displayed. Maximum measured frequency is approximately 20KHz. Up Timer: In Up Timer mode the unit will display hours minutes and seconds, with a decimal point to separate each. The I1+ and I1- input starts the timer, the I2+ and I2- input resets the timer to zero and the VI input pauses the timer. The timer will count upwards each second until the value set in the configuration is reached; if the set value is zero the counter will keep counting up. Down Timer: Similar to Up Timer mode, the Down Timer mode counts seconds, however, this time it is downwards. The reset value is set by the configuration software and the timer stops counting at zero. ASCII: For easy connection to computer programs and microcontrollers an ASCII mode has been added. Once the display has been put into ASCII mode and the baud rate and parity have been set in the configuration software, a link must be placed between VI and COM to make the device interpret the incoming data as ASCII, not setup instructions. There are always eight data bits and there is one stop bit. TTL serial from microcontrollers and RS485 serial can be sent directly to the controller. For RS232 or USB, an RS232 to TTL converter or USB-TTL serial converter is needed. Both of these are available from Ocean Controls. To d i s p l a y numbers, send 128 them to the dis(a) 64(f) play, followed (b) 2 by a Carriage R e t u r n c h a r32 acter (a value (g) of 13 or 0x0D). (c) 4 16 (e) For example, (d) (dp) “-1.234<CR>” 8 1 sent to the dissiliconchip.com.au 100nF IN 910 TLC5916 K2 K3 OUT IC1 K1 Double-sided boards – only bottom layer shown Note how the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 11th, 13th, 15th and 17th header pins are cut off to prevent them shorting to the copper tracks underneath. In the diagram each segment is labelled with a decimal value. To turn on a particular pattern of segments, add their values together and send that value after the special character. For example, to turn on the top four segments and display a square the value for each of those segments is added together (128 + 2 + 32 + 64 = 226.) This is shown on the display by sending the value 17 followed by the value 226. The K-255 and K-256 boards, shown here attached to the back of their display boards, with Figs. 3 and 4, the component overlays, between them. The PC board at the top of the left photo is an optional RS-232 serial interface. play will show “-1.234” on the display. The space character (32 or 0x20) will leave a blank space. The DEL character (127 or 0x7F) will clear the display. Letters can also be shown on the display, sending any of the characters a-z (97-122 or 0x61-0x7A) will show that character. As with all 7-segment displays, some characters will not show correctly and some can be mistaken (eg, “D” and “O”) but most are intelligible, especially in context. If special characters need to be displayed, then the special character DC1 (17 or 0x11) is sent. The character following this is used to turn on each of the individual segments of the 7-segment display. Holding Register Modbus The display controller can also be used as a Modbus slave. Modbus is an industrial protocol supported by many PLC’s and SCADA packages. It consists of 16-bit holding registers and input registers, as well as 1-bit coils and status bits. Only holding registers are implemented in the KTA-255 Display Controller. Further information on the Modbus protocol can be found at www.modbus.org. If the controller has been put in Function 1 Value to display low 16-bits 2 Value to display high 16-bits 3 Decimal point position 4 Mode 0 = Modbus, 1 = 0-5V, 2 = 0-20mA, 3 = counter, 4 = U/D counter, 5 = quadrature, 6 =tacho, 7 = frequency, 8 = ASCII, 9 = up timer, 10 = down timer, 11 = Modbus 5 Low scale, count by value, pulses/rev (depending on mode) 6 High scale, reset value (depending on mode) 7 Display delay time 8 Debounce time 9 Modbus address 1 to 243 10 Baud 0 = 9600, 1 = 2400, 2 = 4800, 3 = 9600, 4 = 19200, 5 = 38400, 6 = 57600, 7 = 115200 11 Parity 0 = none, 1 = odd, 2 = even siliconchip.com.au December 2009 75 Parts List KTA-255 1st Digit Driver 1 PC board labelled KTA-255v1, 77 x 52mm 1 28-pin IC socket 1 8-pin IC socket 2 6-pin IC sockets 1 TO-220 heatsink 3 3-way 3.5mm terminal blocks 2 2-way 3.5mm terminal blocks 1 2x3-way header pin set 1 18-way header pins, 90° 3 6mm M3 screws 1 M3 nut 2 5mm M3 Nylon spacers 1 6-way (or 10-way) 15cm IDC connector cable Semiconductors 1 TLC5916 IC (IC1) 1 ATMega168 Microcontroller, preprogrammed (IC2) 1 DS3695/MAX485/LTC485 IC (IC3) 2 4N25/4N35 Opto-Coupler (IC4, 5) 1 7805 5V regulator (VREG1) 3 1N4004 diodes (D1-D3) 1 20MHz crystal Capacitors 8 100nF monolithic (C1-C7, C9) 2 22pF ceramic (C10, C11) Resistors 2 10k 2 4.7k 1 910 1 130 4 1k 1 120 KTA-256 Slave Digit Driver 1 PC board labelled KTA-256v1, 52x 25mm 2 2x3-way header pin sets 1 18-way header pins, 90° 2 6mm M3 screws 2 5mm M3 Nylon spacers 1 6-way (or 10-way) 15cm IDC connector cable Semiconductors 1 TLC5916 IC Capacitors and resistors 1 100nF monolithic 1 910 Suggested display hardware (n = number of digits) 1 Acrylic sheet, red, 6mm thick 200mm x (25 + 115n)mm (Alternatively for a higher contrast display 3mm red and 3mm grey can be sandwiched together.) 3n 12mm Nylon spacers 3n 25mm M3 screws 3n M3 nuts 76 Silicon Chip Modbus mode and the slave address, baud rate and parity are set via the configuration software, the controller will then be ready to use on a RS485 Modbus network or via direct connection on RS232, USB or TTL Serial. To display values the first three holding registers are used. Holding registers 1 and 2 are combined together to give a 32-bit signed value from -2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647, holding register 1 holds the lower 16-bits, holding register 2 holds the upper 16-bits. Holding register 3 sets the decimal point position. To show “-98765.4321” on the display, holding register 1 would be set to 38735, holding register 2 would be set to 50465 - respectively the lower and upper 16-bits of the signed 32-bit number. These can be easily derived in the controlling application. Holding register 3 would be set to 5 to display the decimal point on the fifth digit. Modbus Registers: As well as being able to display values directly from Modbus, the holding registers also hold all the settings for the controller, in fact, the configuration software uses the Modbus protocol to set up the controller. In all except ASCII mode the current displayed value can be read via the first 3 holding registers. Assembly Both the KTA-255 and KTA-256 modules are available either as a kit of parts to assemble yourself or a fully built and tested module. As previously mentioned, the individual “digit” PC boards are only available pre-assembled. If you choose the kits (which are cheaper) assembly of the PC boards is quite straightforward. Each board is double-sided, through-plated soldermasked and silk screened and has been through electrical testing. This means that it should be free from defects but it is worth going over just to be sure. The lowest components – resistors and diodes – should be placed first and then the others mounted, generally in order of height. Make sure you take a look at the diagrams and pictures to see where the components are placed and in particular, how the connector K2 (KTA-255 or K1 on the KTA-256) is mounted underneath the board, making the connection to the back of the 7-segment display, as well as the 7805 voltage regulator with heatsink, bent 90° over the edge of the board. Once the PC board is fully assembled, check your work for solder bridges, dry joints, etc. If it looks OK then you can proceed to the next step, mounting the PC board to the back of the display, Attaching the PC boards The assembled KTA-255 or KTA256 PC boards are mounted on the back of the 7-segment “digit” display PC boards, positioned so that some of the pins can be soldered to the tracks underneath. While this may be enough to hold the smaller (256) boards in place, for added stability the top ends of all the boards are screwed to very short (5mm) Nylon spacers, glued to the back of the display board. Eight of the pins on connector K2 (K1 on KTA-256) are not needed – in fact, may short to tracks on the display PC board, so must be cut off before mounting. Make sure you do not cut off the wrong pins though. Take a look at the photo and you will see that the two centre pins are soldered in place, then every second pin is removed from the centre outwards, leaving 10 pins in total. Apply a couple of blobs of glue to hold the nylon spacers in place. A two-part epoxy glue is recommended. Hot melt glue is not recommended as the close-by 7805 regulator can produce quite a bit of heat, which could soften the glue. If a metal bolt is used on the 7805 and heatsink, ensure that it cannot short-circuit to the 7-segment display PC board – we used a small square of electrical tape where it touches the board. The main controller board and driver boards can now be connected together by using 6 or 10 pin IDC connector cables, taking note of the pin 1 index, denoted by the small arrow on the PC board. Testing The easiest way to test the display is to connect a 10k potentiometer to the 5V, V1 and common terminals of the main controller board (255) with the wiper to the V1 terminal. Apply power – the LED displays should come on with a random reading. Varying the pot over its travel should make the LED siliconchip.com.au one tinted grey and the other tinted red which gives a nice dark background but allows the digits to be clearly read. Acrylic sheet is normally available, cut to your specified size, from plastics dealers. Configuration software The software to drive it all is available free of charge from the Ocean Controls website (see address below). This should give you virtually all the control you need to configure the giant display to read whatever you want it to. An example of a configuration screen, setting up an analog voltmeter, is shown at left. Operation is quite selfexplanatory. Where to get it The KTA-255 and KTA-256 have been designed by Ocean Controls Pty Ltd, who retain the copyright. As previously mentioned, both kits and pre-assembled modules are available, which include PC boards, components and a programmed microcontroller (for 255s). Each comes with the LED board, but not the mounting plastic (except for the 5 digit assembled kit which comes mounted on Acrylic). Prices are as follows (all plus GST): The KTA-255 Configuration Software. The Windows software makes setting up the display very easy. The top radio buttons set the mode, at the bottom the relevant parameters will be enabled and non-relevant parameters are disabled. On the right the maximum and minimum values and the decimal place position are shown for the number of digits you have. Once the parameters are to your liking enter the COM port number the device is attached to and click “Write To Controller”, success or failure will be shown in the status box. Parameters from the display can be read out of the display device by clicking “Read From Controller” Cat No Description Kit Assembled KIT-255 Controller Digit (inc one display) $69 $89 KIT-256 Slave Digit (inc one display) $39 $49 KI5-255 5 Digit Kit (inc five displays) $203 KT5-255 5 Digit Unit (Assembled on Acrylic) $349 Nothing extra is required for use with RS485; however for programming with either RS232 or USB serial ports you will need: COV-201 ARD-011 reading vary between 0 and 100.00. RS232-TTL Serial Converter USB-TTL Serial Converter - $14.95 $21.50 For more information: Final mounting Ocean Controls, 3/24 Wise Ave Seaford VIC 3198. Ph (03) 9782 5882 www.oceancontrols.com.au How you mount the displays is really up to you and your particular application. We have attached them to two sheets of 3mm Acrylic, SC 27 47.5 67.5 47.5 67.5 47.5 67.5 47.5 67.5 45.5 200 67.5 46.5 600 115 115 189.5 18.5 27.5 115 71.5 65.5 Scaled drilling detail (don’t use same size!) to suit a five-digit display. Either a 6mm red or a 3mm red plus 3mm grey sheet of acrylic work very nicely. You may prefer to mount differently to avoid screws coming through the acrylic panel. siliconchip.com.au December 2009 77 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. D1 A 1 LH TURN D2 K YELLOW A LED1 K D4 A REVERSE SIGNAL 2 EARTH RETURN 3 WHITE 4 GREEN A RH TURN SERVICE BRAKES 5 BLUE STOP LAMPS 6 RED REAR LAMPS CLEARANCE & SIDE LAMPS 7 BROWN K 10 D5 K BLACK D3 K A A LED2 K D16 7-PIN PLUG A OFF S1 10 Trailer or caravan lights can pre sent a major challenge if one or more of the lamps are not working. This simple tester is built with sufficiently long input and output cables so that it can be positioned on the vehicle’s boot and can be seen by the driver (or second person) while 2 WHITE 3 GREEN 4 BLUE 5 RED 6 BROWN 7 D18 K A A LED6 K K 7-PIN SOCKET 10 D1-D18: 1N5004 (3A) 12V LAMP Trailer lights test circuit BLACK K D17 K 1 D6 K A A (THREE DIODE/LED CIRCUITS NOT SHOWN) A YELLOW A K LED1-LED6 K A EXTERNAL EARTH SOCKET the controls are operated. It has two modes: “Thru” and “Vehicle Test”. The Vehicle Test mode checks the vehicle wiring to the external socket. The steps are as follow: (1) Ensure that rotary switch S1 is in the Off position and the external earth clip is protected from touching any metal parts. (2) Turn the switch to position 1 (LH turn), operate the vehicle’s LH blinker switch. The 12V lamp in the unit should blink in unison with the vehicle’s lamp. (3) Proceed to test the other functions. Typically a box trailer will C h o o s e Yo u r P r i z e There are now five great reasons to send in your circuit idea for publication in SILICON CHIP. We pay for each item published or better still, the best item in “Circuit Notebook” each month will entitle the author to choose one of four prizes: (1) an LCR40 LCR meter, (2) a DCA55 Semiconductor Component Analyser, (3) an ESR60 Equivalent Series Resistance Analyser or (4) an SCR100 Thyristor & Triac Analyser, with the compliments of 78 Silicon Chip Peak Electronic Design Ltd. See their website at www.peakelec.co.uk So now you have even more reasons to send that brilliant circuit in. Send it to SILICON CHIP and you could be a winner. You can either email your idea to silchip<at>siliconchip.com.au or post it to PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. siliconchip.com.au +24V 270 0.5W 330 0.5W R1 R2 +4.8V K IC1a 1 2 1k A 100nF IC1: 40106D D2 1 F 100k D1 K IC1b 3 A 4 IC1c 220k 5 14 IC1d 6 9 8 H = RAIN ON SENSOR 4.7k OUTPUT 7 10k R3 150 0.5W 6.8nF HEATED NICKEL OR GOLD PLATED RAIN SENSOR. (R1-2-3 PROVIDE GENTLE HEATING FOR DRYING) Rain sensor uses AC IC1e 4.7 F 10V 11 10 F IC1f 10 13 12 D1,D2: 1N4148 A K While rain sensor circuits are common on the Internet, most of the them measure the DC resistance of the sensor. As a result of the applied DC, the sensor can have quite a short life due to electrolysis. This design overcomes that problem by using AC across the sensor. Furthermore, the circuit employs a small heater to dry out the sensor after rain. The circuit is based on a 40106 (or 74C14) hex Schmitt Trigger. IC1a is connected as an oscillator operating at about 20kHz, as determined by the 6.8nF capacitor and 10kΩ resistor connected to pin 1. The signal is connected to one side of the rain sensor via a 1kΩ resistor and a 100nF capacitor. This isolates the DC component of the signal, leaving only AC across the sensor. With no rain on the sensor, the input of IC1b is pulled high via the 100kΩ resistor at pin 3. However, when a little rain falls on the sensor, a small amount of AC is applied to diodes D1 & D2. The diodes rectify the AC signal and thus cause the voltage at pin 3 to drop and ultimately this will cause IC1b to change state, from low to high. The rest of the circuit simply provides a small time delay, preventing any possibility of the output oscillating. IC1e & IC1f are not used and their inputs must be tied to the positive or negative rail. The output of IC1d could be used to drive a piezo alarm or a transistor and relay which could be used to operate motorised shutters from, say, a 24V DC supply. The 270Ω, 330Ω and 150Ω resistors function as a small heater, dissipating about 800mW. They are positioned under the sensor, to dry it out after rain. Alfred Hirzel, Waitakere City, NZ. ($40) have LH & RH turning, stop and rear lamps to test. (4) If the Tester’s lamp does not illuminate, this could indicate that the earth return is broken. If so, the Earth socket on the tester will allow a connection to the vehicle bodywork via a clip lead. If this causes the lamp to light, it confirms an earth fault. (5) Typically most faults are due to globe failures, poor connections due to corrosion or broken wires. (6) If the LEDs illuminate in the incorrect sequence, the trailer or vehicle wiring needs to be checked against the industry standards. In the Thru Test mode, the Tester is connected between the Vehicle and Trailer, both plugs to their respective sockets. This is a continuity test from the vehicle to the trailer. Ensure that the rotary switch is in the Off position and that the external earth clip is removed, preventing it from touching any metal parts. The correct LED will illuminate as each function is activated. If a LED fails to light during the test, check the relevant light by swapping with a tested lamp. Check also for corrosion on the lamp socket and connector pins or for broken wires. If multiple LEDs light, this could indicate that the earth return is open circuit. In that case, attach the external earth wire clip to a metal part of the vehicle and run the test again. Bob Winchester, Hornsby, NSW. ($40) siliconchip.com.au December 2009 79 RF wobbulator for AM/FM receivers RF OUT TRIGGER OUT 10nF D2 C B E A K 5 1k 2 6 1 F E C K A D1,D2: 1N4148 T1 & T2 3 1 S1b 80 Silicon Chip 5 B A 2 4 3 1nF 10nF 10k 2.7k E Q2 B C 5 4 56k 10nF 2.7k T1: 10.7MHz IF TRANSFORMER T2: 455kHz IF TRANSFORMER (REMOVE INTERNAL CAPACITORS FROM BOTH) S1: RANGE SWITCH A = 440 – 500kHz B = 8 – 11MHz VC1a 2 1 T1 3 10nF 10k 10nF 4.7k 10k Q3 B A K 100pF CENTRE FREQUENCY VC1b 2 E B RF LEVEL VR1 4.7k E B C S1a A VC3 (LED2) 100k A K C Q1 4 56k 10nF 100 F 10nF 100k B 10nF VC2 (LED1) 100k 100pF 1 T2 5 VR2 100k Q4 100 F 100 10k 100 F SWEEP WIDTH 100 F 100k 100 E C Q5 4.7k B 220nF 100 F SWEEP VR3 RATE 100k 7 10k K A LEDS 1 IC1 555 8 4 3 A LED3 D1 100nF K K A B Q1–Q6: BC547 E C Q6 100nF 1k 9V BATTERY ON/OFF 1k S2 Circuit Notebook – Continued Dayl is th e Edwa rd is winn month’ s s e Pea k At r of a l a s Inst rum Test ent An RF wobbulator is used in conjunction with an oscilloscope to display the response of intermediate frequency (IF) stages in AM/FM receivers. This circuit has two independent oscillators which use common IF transformers and a plastic dielectric tuning capacitor that are easily recycled from an old AM/ FM radio. The two oscillators are varied over a given frequency range using a sawtooth control voltage which can also be used to derive the sync signal for the oscilloscope. The internal capacitors are removed from both IF coil assemblies. The 455kHz oscillator involving transistor Q1 is tuned from 440-500kHz by the AM section of the plastic tuning capacitor. Similarly, the 10.7MHz IF transformer in the oscillator involving transistor Q2 tunes from around 8-11MHz, using the smaller capacitance section of the same tuning capacitor. The sawtooth sweep voltage is generated by a 555 timer (IC1) and the required waveform from pin 6 is buffered by transistor Q5. In conjunction with emitter follower Q4, Q5 drives potentiomet er VR2 which functions as the “sweep width” control. The voltage from VR2 is applied to LED1 or LED2 which are reverse-biased and function as varicaps to frequency modulate (ie, sweep) the selected oscillator. The non-linear slope in the sawtooth waveform is all but cancelled by a corresponding non-linear response in the voltage-to-capacitance curve of the LEDs, the result being much more linear. Transistor Q6, connected to pin 3 of the 555, provides a well-defined pulse to trigger the scope, to synchronise the timebase and allow a stable display. Transistor Q3, connected as an emitter-follower, provides the selected sweep oscillator output while VR1 acts as an RF level control. In use, the output of the wobbulator is fed into the mixer of the receiver under test (usually simply laying the end of the coax lead near the mixer grid/base/gate will be sufficient). The trigger output is connected to the external trigger input of the scope. The scope’s vertical input is connected to the AM detector output of the receiver. The correct oscillator is selected via siliconchip.com.au +8 – 14V 5.6k 12V BATTERY 15k 10k VOLTS ADJUST 3 VR1 20k 2 15k 4 IC1a D1 1 K 15k A 100nF 100k K ZD1 7.5V D2 K 100nF A VR3 500k RLY1 (12V/50mA) A IC1: LM324 OR LM2902 K +8 – 14V 9 D4 15k 10 IC1c 8 A 12k + 130k LDR1 D3 5 12 13 IC1d 14 6 LIGHT ADJUST VR2 500k Q1 BC558 C HYSTERESIS ADJ 3.9k E B IC1b 7 K A 15k C B Q2 BC548 – LOAD (LED LIGHT) E 11 15k 18k Q1, Q2 Solar powered night light ZD1 A D1– D4: 1N4148 K A K B E C This circuit operates from a 12 V battery that is charged from a solar panel and has the additional feature that if the battery voltage drops too low, then the light is turned off to prevent over-discharge damage. The prototype set-up uses a 5W solar panel to charge a 7Ah sealed lead acid battery via a charge regulator but it could work with any 12V battery solar system. And while the prototype runs a 20-LED downlight, depending on the current rating of the relay contacts, the circuit could switch a more powerful light. The circuit is split into two parts: voltage sensing and light sensing. It is based on an LM324 quad op amp (IC1), with two of these op amps configured as Schmitt triggers by virtue of positive feedback to their non-inverting inputs. IC1b performs the light-sensing function, monitoring a light dependent resistor (LDR1) via its inverting input, pin 11. Trimpot VR2 sets the threshold for the circuit. When the ambient light falls, the resistance of LDR1 will increase to the point that the output of IC1a switches high to turn on transistor Q2 via diode D3 and a 15kΩ base resistor. IC1a performs the voltage sensing function. A 7.5V zener diode (ZD1) provides a reference voltage which is applied to the non-inverting input at pin 3, while the battery is monitored via a 5.6kΩ resistor, trimpot VR1 and a 3.9kΩ resistor. Trimpot VR1 thus sets the voltage above which the output of ICa1 switches low to turn on transistor Q1 via diode D1 and a 15kΩ base resistor. Both parts of the circuit must switch their respective transistors, Q1 & Q2, on before the relay can be energised to apply power the load. Hence, when the battery voltage is high enough and darkness falls, both Q1 & Q2 switch on, causing relay RLY1 to switch on. Diode D2, the 100kΩ resistor and trimpot VR3 provide adjustable hysteresis for the voltage sensing function, so that small variations in the battery voltage do not cause nuisance switching in the circuit. The circuit draws about 3mA when the light is off. Editor’s note: since the circuit uses only two op amps in the quad package, an LM358 dual op amp could be used instead of the LM324. Anthony Dunk, Gosford, NSW. ($40) switch S1, the sweep width set to minimum and the frequency carefully adjusted with tuning capacitor VC1 until a response is seen on the scope and heard in the receiver. Adjust the level with VR1 so as not to overload the receiver. By advancing the sweep width control slightly and adjusting the vertical gain and sweep speed on the scope, a very good display of the IF bandwidth of the test receiver will be displayed and any adjustment made to it will be immediately apparent. If possible, turn off or disable the AGC of the test receiver to obtain more accurate results. The sweep speed of the wobbulator can be adjusted over wide limits using VR3 but low sweep speeds usually result in the most stable and non-flickering display. Dayle Edwards, Taylorville, NZ. siliconchip.com.au December 2009 81 WI B Pt.2: By MAURO GRASSI Web S erver I n a B ox Last month, we introduced our new Web Server In A Box (WIB) and gave the full construction details. This month, we show you how to connect it to your modem/ router and guide you step-by-step through the set-up details. We also show you how to activate a dynamic DNS service, so that you can access the WIB via the Internet. 82 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au I N ORDER TO ACCESS the WIB over the internet, you must have an account with an ISP (eg, Telstra, TPG, Optus, etc). You must also have a router connected to the modem or you can use a combined modem/router. In fact, this is the most common set-up where you have more than one device sharing your Internet connection. In summary, the set-up procedure involves the following eight steps: Step 1: Physically connecting the WIB to your network (this involves connecting it via an ethernet cable to your router or modem/router). Step 2: Changing the DHCP range of your modem/router (ie, the range of IP addresses it can automatically assign to other devices on the network) to prevent conflicts with the static IP assigned to the WIB. Step 3: Enabling port forwarding (or virtual server) in your modem/router for the HTTP and FTP servers. Step 4: Directly copying the provided website and configuration files onto the WIB’s memory card using a PC. Step 5: Modifying the settings.txt file so that you can connect to the WIB via the local network using your web browser. Step 6: Configuring each module in turn by changing the settings via the browser. These modules are: (a) the HTTP (web) server; (b) the SNTP client (for network time); (c) the FTP server (to allow files to be uploaded or downloaded); (d) the SMTP email client (for email notifications); and (e) dynamic DNS (domain name server) to allow access via the Internet. Step 7: Setting up the analog variables, so that you can monitor the analog sensors (eg, for temperature). Step 8: Creating new default values once the set-up is finished. Step 1: Connecting The WIB To Your Modem/Router T HERE ARE several ways of connecting this device to your local network. First, if you have combined modem/router with a spare ethernet port, then it’s simply a matter of connecting the WIB to it using a straightthrough ethernet cable as shown in Fig.9(a). Alternatively, if the router is separate, then the WIB should be plugged into this along with the modem as shown in Fig.9(b). If you don’t have a spare ethernet port on your modem/router, then the connection will have to be made via a network hub. This situation will typically arise if you only have one port on a combined modem/router siliconchip.com.au 192.168.0.34 ETHERNET PORT WIB (FIXED IP ADDRESS) MODEM/ ROUTER INTERNET DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS ETHERNET PORT PC (DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS) A FIXED LOCAL IP ADDRESS (EG, 192.168.0.1) MODEM/ROUTER WITH AVAILABLE ETHERNET PORT Fig.9(a): here’s how to connect the WIB to your local network if you have a combined modem/router (be sure to use straight-through ethernet cable). If your modem/router uses a 10.x.x.x fixed IP address, then you will have to change the IP address of the WIB accordingly (eg, if the modem,router uses 10.0.0.1, then change the WIB’s address to 10.0.0.34). December 2009 83 Step 1 CONTINUED . . . ETHERNET PORT DYNAMIC MODEM IP ADDRESS Fig.9(c) (below): this is the scheme to use if your modem/router has only one ethernet port but that’s normally taken by your PC or some other device. In that case, you need to connect both the PC and the WIB to separate ports on a hub. The modem/router is then connected to another port. The WIB’s IP address should normally be outside the DHCP range (see text). INTERNET FIXED LOCAL IP ADDRESS (EG, 192.168.1.1) MODEM PORT (EG, 192.168.1.2) 192.168.0.34 ETHERNET PORT (LAN) WIB (FIXED IP ADDRESS) ETHERNET PORT ROUTER B FIXED LOCAL IP ADDRESS (EG, 192.168.0.1) SEPARATE MODEM & ROUTER WIB (FIXED IP ADDRESS) Fig.9(b) (above): if the modem and router are separate, then connect the WIB as shown here. As before, use straight-through ethernet cable to make the connections and change the WIB’s IP to suit the network if the inward facing (local) IP of the router uses a 10.x.x.x address or some other addressing scheme. but that’s already used to connect your PC. In that case, the PC will have to be disconnected from the modem/router and both it and the WIB connected via a hub as shown in Fig.9(c). INTERNET ETHERNET PORT ETHERNET PORT 192.168.0.34 (DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS) DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS FIXED LOCAL IP ADDRESS (EG, 192.168.0.1) ETHERNET PORT (LAN) PC MODEM/ ROUTER HUB ETHERNET PORT PC (DYNAMIC IP ADDRESS) C MODEM/ROUTER WITH A SINGLE ETHERNET PORT Note that, in all cases, we’re assuming that the PC is assigned a dynamic IP address by the DHCP server in the router. Alternatively, it can be configured with a static IP. The default static IP of 192.168.0.34 for the WIB is also shown but this can be changed to suit the network if necessary, as we shall see later. Note that all the connections are made using straight-through ethernet cable (usually blue). Step 2: CHANGING THE MODEM/ROUTER’s DHCP RANGE I N MOST NETWORKS, a DHCP server in the modem/router is used to hand out dynamic IP addresses to any devices on that network. By contrast, the WIB uses a fixed IP address. As a result, the DHCP range must be restricted to avoid this address, to prevent conflicts. Alternatively, you can reserve a fixed (static) IP address for the WIB within the DHCP server range. Again, this prevents it from handing out the WIB’s IP address to some other device on the network. If you leave the WIB’s IP at the default 192.168.0.34, the easiest approach in most cases is to restrict the DHCP range so that is covers from 192.168.0.2 to 192.168.0.33. Alterna84 Silicon Chip tively, or you can specify that DHCP addresses start from 192.168.0.35. The first step is to log into your router using a web browser. Your router has a fixed IP address on the network (192.168.0.1 is a common default) and this is often (but not necessarily) the address that’s also used to access its set-up pages (this can be checked in the router’s manual). You will also need the username and the password for the modem/router. In the case of a D-Link DI-524, for example, the set-up address is the same as the LAN address and it’s just a matter of entering 192.168.0.1 in the browser, followed by the username and password at the login prompt. The default username and password differ according to the manufacturer but in any case, you should have changed these for security reasons when you first set up your modem/router. Once logged in, you then navigate to the DHCP set-up page and set up the DHCP address range. Make sure that the IP address of the WIB falls outside this range, to avoid any conflicts. You will need to specify a big enough address range to accommodate all the devices on your network that rely on DHCP. You then save the settings and reboot your modem/router to make the settings stick. An example screen grab using a D-Link DI-524 router is shown in Fig.10, while Fig.11 shows the settings for a Motorola SBG900 siliconchip.com.au Fig.10: configuring the DHCP server range in the D-Link DI-524 modem/router. Note that, for most modem/ routers, the WIB’s address should be outside this range. cable modem/router. Note that the latter has a fixed network address of 192.168.0.1 but its set-up is accessed using 192.168.100.1. For the Motorola SBG900, it’s a matter of navigating to Gateway – LAN – DHCP Server Config and entering in the starting IP address and the number of DHCP users (see Fig.11). Unlike most other modem/routers though, the DHCP range here must include the WIB’s IP address otherwise you will not be able to configure port forwarding later on (see below). You must then reserve a fixed IP address for the WIB and for any other device with a fixed IP that falls within the DHCP range. That’s done by associating an IP address with the MAC address of each such device – see Fig.12. You can discover the MAC address of each device on a network by entering ipconfig /all at a command prompt. The MAC address of the WIB is also indicated on its Basic Settings page – just enter 192.168.0.34/basic.cgi in a web browser and log in (admin and pass are the default username and password entries respectively). Don’t forget to reboot the modem after making these changes, so that the settings take effect. Fig.11: the DHCP server configuration for the Motorola SBG900 cable modem/router. Unlike the set-up for most other units, the DHCP range in this case must include the WIB’s IP address to allow port forwarding. The WIB’s static IP address is then reserved – see below. Fig.12: the WIB’s static IP address (along with the fixed IP of any other device) is reserved in the SBG900 as shown here. It’s done by assigning a fixed IP to the MAC address of each device – see text. Step 3: CONFIGURING Port Forwarding & THE Firewall T HE ADDRESS assigned to the modem by your ISP is known as the “public IP address”. This is the address that’s presented to the Internet. At the same time, the modem (or modem/router) also has a private (inward facing) IP address which it siliconchip.com.au presents to the home network – see Figs.9(a), 9(b) & 9(c). In operation, the router stores information on the outgoing packets and then uses this information to determine where to route the response on the home network. This is called Network Address Translation or NAT. NAT also acts as a kind of firewall, since any unsolicited requests from outside are dropped by the router. However, in this case, we want HTTP and FTP requests directed at December 2009 85 Step 3 CONTINUED . . . Fig.13: port forwarding set-up on the Motorola SBG900 modem/router. Unlike the D-Link DI-524, it allows you to specify a port range. Fig.12: virtual server set-up in the D-Link DI-524. Ports 80, 20 & 21 (all TCP protocol) must be forwarded to the WIB’s IP address and these ports, along with ports 25 (TCP) & 123 (UDP), must also be open in the firewall. the public IP address (ie, from the Internet) to be forwarded to the WIB’s private IP address. This is where “port forwarding” comes in. Port forwarding is a way of making your router redirect incoming traffic on a particular port to a private IP address on your home network. In this case, to access the WIB’s website from the Internet, we need to redirect incoming traffic on HTTP port 80 to the WIB’s static IP address. In addition, you also need to redirect traffic on the common FTP ports (20, 21) to provide FTP access from the Internet. Port forwarding goes under different names and some routers may call it “virtual server” instead. You will need to log into your router using a web browser to change the port forwarding settings. For web access, you need to enable forward port 80 to 192.168.0.34 while to enable FTP access, you need to forward ports 20 & 21 to the address. Example set-ups Let’s take a look at a couple of example set-ups, the first being for a D-Link DI-524 router (the procedure for your modem/router will be similar). As explained previously, the DI-524’s set-up pages are accessed by entering 192.168.0.1 (ie, the same as its private IP address) into a web browser. You then enter the username and password to log in. Once logged in, it’s then just a matter of clicking the Virtual Server button and defining entries to portforward TCP port 80 (for HTTP) and TCP ports 20 & 86 Silicon Chip Fig.14: setting up port forwarding automatically adjusts the firewall settings on some modem/routers but this must be done manually in the SBG900. Ports 20, 21 & 80 (TCP) must be opened in both directions, while ports 25 (TCP) & 123 (UDP) must be opened in the outbound direction only. siliconchip.com.au 21 (for FTP) – see Fig.12. In each case, they should be forwarded to the static IP address of the WIB (eg, 192.168.0.34). Note that FTP ports 20 & 21 have to be defined separately here. Alternatively, some modem/routers let you define a port range. Once port forwarding has been enabled for HTTP and FTP you will probably have to reboot the router for the changes to take effect. Fig.13 shows the corresponding port forwarding settings for the Motorola SBG900 cable modem. Unlike the D-Link DI-524, this modem lets you define a port range, so we only need a single entry for FTP (ie, port range 20-21). Note that if you have a separate modem and router, you will have to turn on port forwarding (or change the virtual server settings) for each. It won’t work if you only do it for the modem, for example, since the router would then drop any incoming requests. For example, let’s say that you have a modem with an internal IP address of 10.0.0.1 and a router with a matching external address of 10.0.0.3 (ie, on its modem port) and an internal address of 192.168.0.1. In that case, you configure the modem to forward ports 20, 21 & 80 to 192.168.0.1. The router is then configured to forward these ports to the WIB’s private IP address (eg, to 192.168.0.34). Check the firewall Once you’ve turned on port forwarding, you also need to make sure that the relevant ports are opened in the firewall. On some modem/ routers, this happens automatically when port forwarding is enabled (eg, D-Link DI-524). By contrast, on the Motorola SBG900, you have to open the relevant ports yourself. The protocol to use for both HTTP and FTP is TCP and you have to allow traffic in both directions. In addition, you have to open port 123 to allow NTP (or SNTP) requests to an Internet time server. In this case, the allowed protocol must be UDP and you only need to allow outbound requests – see Fig.14. You will have to do this, regardless as to what type of modem/router you have. Check also that port 25 (SMTP) is open for outgoing TCP packets, otherwise the WIB will not be able to send email (this port will already be open if you are successfully using a PC to send email). As with port forwarding, if you have a separate modem and router, you have to configure the firewall on each. Alternatively, turn one of the firewalls off – you don’t need both. Step 4: Copying Files To The Memory Card T HIS STEP involves copying the provided website files and the default settings file to the memory card. You will need a compatible memory card and a card reader so that you can read and write to the card using a PC. Many laptops are equipped with card readers as standard or you can use an external card reader with a USB interface like those shown last month. You can use any MMC, SD or SDHC memory card to store the files, since all three types are compatible with the WIB. The memory card must be formatted to the FAT/FAT32 file system. If it uses some other file system, then it will have to be reformatted (just right-click the drive and click “Format”). Note that you may want to back up whatever was on the card before you do this, because formatting will erase everything that’s on it. Next, download the file ewswebsite.zip from the December 2009 download section on the SILICON CHIP website. Unzip this file’s contents and then copy all the unzipped files directly to the memory card’s siliconchip.com.au Fig.15: the WIB’s website files must be downloaded (in ewswebsite.zip) from the SILICON CHIP website and copied to the memory card. root folder. After this is done, your memory card’s root folder should look like the screen grab shown in Fig.15. December 2009 87 Step 5: Configuring Minimal Settings H AVING COPIED the files to the memory card, the next step is to open the settings.txt file in a text editor and enter in a few basic (or minimal) settings. These are the settings that are necessary for you to access the WIB using a web browser (ie, when the card is installed in the WIB). First, you need to determine the gateway address of your network. This is the LAN (local area network) IP address of your router. Typically, this will be either 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 but other numbers are also commonly used (eg, 10.0.0.1), depending on the router. The default IP will be listed in the router’s manual and can also be checked by accessing the router’s set-up pages. It can also be discovered by entering the command ipconfig /all in a Command Prompt window on your PC. The resulting dialog will show not only the gateway address but also the IP addresses of other devices on the network, the subnet mask, the device MAC addresses and the addresses of your ISP’s DNS servers. As a minimum, the WIB must be provided with the following information to get it working on your home network: • IP Address: this is the address of the WIB and should be an unused address on your home network. As stated previously, the default value is 192.168.0.34 but change this to suit your network if necessary (eg, if you are using 10.x.x.x network IP addresses). If your network uses DHCP to hand out IP addresses, then you must follow the procedure described in Step 2 to restrict the DHCP range or to reserve a static (or fixed) IP addresses for the WIB, to avoid conflicts. Alternatively, you can reserve a range of fixed addresses and any address in this range can be then be used for the WIB. • Gateway Address: this is the IP address that the WIB uses to communicate with the Internet. This is simply the LAN IP address of your router (typically 192.168.0.1) and can be checked as described above. • Subnet Mask: this is the mask that determines your home network’s subnet. This will typically be set to 255.255.255.0 (the default) but some networks might require 255.255.0.0. • Primary DNS Server: this can usually simply be set to the IP address of the router (ie, the same as the Gateway Address). In some cases though, it may be necessary to enter in the Fig.17: the WIB’s home page displays the analog input values and lets you toggle the digital outputs on or off. You can also send data to the serial port. 88 Silicon Chip Fig.16: the log-in dialog box for the WIB’s website. Be sure to change the default username and password. address of your ISP’s primary DNS server, as some routers don’t function as DNS relays. In particular, if the WIB fails to pick up network time later on, try entering your ISP’s primary DNS server address here. Once again, use the command ipconfig /all to discover the DNS addresses if necessary. • Username: this is the username that’s used to log into the WIB’s HTTP server (and also to log into the FTP server). The default is “admin”. • Password: this is the password that’s used to log in to the WIB. The default is “pass”. The settings are each entered on a separate line and it should look like this (default values shown): IP Address = 192.168.0.34 Gateway = 192.168.0.1 Subnet Mask= 255.255.255.0 Primary DNS = 192.168.0.1 User = admin Password = pass Replace the values as appropriate using a text editor on your PC and save the changes to the memory card. As a minimum, you should replace the default “user” and “password” values. The security of the WIB depends on the username and password not being easy to guess, otherwise you could get an unwanted guest logging in and inspecting your email set-up details. Once you’ve modified the above parameters in the settings.txt file, eject the memory card from the reader and insert it into the WIB (it can only go in one way). The remaining entries in the settings.txt file are left as they are, since further changes are now made by accessing the WIB using your web browser. The resulting siliconchip.com.au changes are then saved in a separate binary file called values.dat. With the memory card now in place (and the unit connected to your router), apply power and check the orange and green front panel LEDs. These should both light for a few seconds and then the green LED should go out while the orange LED should flash at a 0.5s rate (ie, twice a second), indicating that the unit has “booted”. The green LED inside the RJ45 connector should be lit (indicating a valid ethernet link) and you should also occasionally see the yellow LED in the RJ45 connector light (ie, when data is being transferred). If it all checks out so far, launch your web browser (Internet Explorer, Opera, Firefox, Safari, Chrome, etc), type 192.168.0.34/home.cgi in the address bar and press Enter (note: be sure to use the correct IP address for the WIB if you’ve changed it from the default IP). A login window should now appear – see Fig.16. Next, enter your username and password and click OK. The WIB’s home page should now appear (Fig.17). This shows the values of the four analog inputs and the state of the four digital outputs. The latter are all off (logic 0) by default but you can toggle then by clicking the Toggle buttons. You now use the WIB’s website to change all the other settings and we’re going to do that right now. Step 6: Configuring The Modules T HIS STEP involves configuring each module of the TCP/IP stack in turn, beginning with the Basic Settings. Before we start though, note that each time you change an entry here, you must click its associated “Change” button to store the value in the values.dat file. The WIB must also then be restarted for any changes to take effect (ie. by clicking the “Master Reset” button. • Basic Settings: begin by clicking on the Basic link to bring up the page shown in Fig.18. This should show all the settings you entered at Step 5, so there should be little (if anything) to do here. However, you may wish to set a secondary DNS server (to act as a backup if the primary DNS server is temporarily out). To do this, simply enter its IP address and click the “Change Secondary DNS” button. Don’t forget to reboot the WIB for the setting to take effect. • HTTP Settings: Fig.19 shows the HTTP Settings page. However, before going further, we should emphasise that the default values will be suitable for most users and can be left just as they are. The HTTP file extension and permission settings should be modified only by advanced users who wish to customise the behaviour of the WIB. If necessary, you can change the HTTP port number (default 80) and the file extensions, contents and siliconchip.com.au Fig.18: the Basic Settings page should show all the settings you entered into the settings.txt file in Step 5 but you can make further changes here. permissions to determine whether files are available for public or private access. Basically, each file that is served by the WIB is treated differently, according to its extension. If the file has one of the 12 user-defined extensions, it’s assigned the corresponding user-defined file permissions and content type. If not, it’s given the default content type and file permission. The content type is specified in the HTTP header and is known as a “MIME-file” extension. This allows non-html files to be opened in a web browser, eg, pdf and gif files. Basically, the content type affects how the browser opens, transfers and displays the file. Note that the file permissions allocated to a particular file extension apply to all files with that file extension. There are three file permissions and these are as follows: December 2009 89 Step 6 CONTINUED . . . (1) Public/Private: this determines whether or not a user needs to log in to access a particular file type on the WIB. If a file type is public, then anyone can access those files without logging in. For example, if pdf files are public and there’s a file on the WIB called report.pdf, then that file can be accessed simply by entering IPaddress/report.pdf in the address bar of a web browser. In this case, IPaddress is either the public IP address of the modem if the user is accessing the WIB via the Internet or the fixed IP address of the WIB itself if access is via the local network (ie, 192.168.0.34/report.pdf). Note that because the file type is public, no log-in would be required. Similarly, if a hostname has been assigned (as described in the Dynamic DNS section below), then the user would simply enter hostname/ report.pdf in the address bar. Conversely, if a file type is private, then the user will be required to log in order to gain access. In fact, special system files should be made private so as to not compromise the system’s security. These include the settings.txt file, the log.txt file and the values.dat file. All three contain password information that should not be public. So, as a minimum, the “txt” and “dat” extensions should be private (ie, you should leave them at the default settings). Note that cgi files are also made private by default. This setting should be left as it is if you intend using the website cgi files we have provided for the WIB. Alternatively, you might want to make cgi files public if you create your own web pages with active content. As shown in Fig.19, quite a number of file types are made public by default, including pdf, jpg, gif and wav. However, you might want to change all these file types to private, so that no pages are accessible unless the user logs in using a username and password. (2) Static/Dynamic: this file permission determines whether the page contains dynamic content or fixed content. This affects whether the web server replaces dynamic content references or only serves a static page (we’ll explain this next month in Pt.3). (3) Executable/Non-executable: this permission specifies whether or not you can execute the commands on html forms. This should be set to Executable for file extensions that contain (modified) CGI command references – see Pt.3 next month for an explanation of how commands are implemented. Once again, the default settings will be suitable in nearly all cases. • In order for the SNTP client to work, you must have a valid DNS server address entered in the Basic Settings. You can usually just use the Gateway Address (eg, 192.168.0.1) here but if the NTP client fails to pick up the correct time, use your ISP’s DNS server address. Begin by clicking on the SNTP link to bring up the page shown in Fig.20. The default time server value is pool.ntp.org but there are lots of other NTP servers on the Internet and you can change the default server to any of these. The default port number is 123. This will only need to be changed in rare circumstances and then only if you have advanced knowledge of port forwarding. Note that the time obtained by SNTP is UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) time. This means that Fig.19: the HTTP Settings page lets you set the file permissions. Do not modify the default values unless you know exactly what you are doing. SNTP Settings: this page sets up the SNTP client so that it accesses an Internet time server (eg, to timestamp logging entries). The “epoch time” is the reference for SNTP and the 32-bit number returned as a result of a time query is the number of seconds that have elapsed since this reference time. For a typical NTP server, this is set at 00:00 on January 1, 1970. 90 Silicon Chip siliconchip.com.au you need to specify an offset value, depending on your geographical location, to convert to local time. The east coast of Australia (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne) is 36,000 seconds (ie, 10 hours) ahead of UTC and so 36000 is the default value here. Adelaide and Darwin are 9.5 hours ahead of UTC, so the value to use is 34200. The offset for Perth is 25200 (ie, 7 x 60 x 60). In practice, it’s just a matter of checking how far your region is ahead of UTC time and entering the value in seconds accordingly. Note that if you live in a part of the world that is behind UTC (eg, Canada & the US), you have to specify a negative number. For example, if you are four hours behind UTC, you would specify an offset value of -14400. Finally, the NTP page has provision for you to enter in the start and Fig.20: the default NTP server and port values will be suitable in most cases. Enter in an offset value to suit your time zone and the daylight saving details. end dates for daylight saving, so that the time automatically adjusts. You also need to enter the daylight sav- ing offset (eg, 3600 seconds for one hour). Setting this offset to “0” turns daylight saving off. • FTP Settings: clicking the FTP link brings up the page shown in Fig.21. The default port values shown here for the FTP server (ie, 20 & 21) should generally be left as they are but some advanced users might want to change them under certain circumstances. The timeout is the amount of time that is allowed to elapse without activity before the client is disconnected. This is an automatic logout in case you forget to do so. The default is 600s (10 minutes). There are many FTP client programs for Windows and other operating systems but many of these won’t work with the WIB because it doesn’t implement the full FTP command set. The way around this is to use a command line program called ftp. You invoke it from a command prompt simply by typing “ftp x.x.x.x” where x.x.x.x is the IP address of the WIB. If the IP address is valid, you will be prompted for the log-in username and password. As stated, the WIB’s FTP server only implements a subset of the full FTP command set. However, the main commands such as get, put, cd, pwd, dir, delete, user and pass are all available, as are the macro commands mget and mput (batch siliconchip.com.au Fig.21: the default FTP setting can usually be left as they are. Table 1: FTP Commands CD: change directory. PWD: show the current directory. DELETE: delete a file. DIR: show the files in the current directory and the file sizes. LS: show only the name of the files in the current directory. PUT: send a file to the ethernet web server. GET: retrieve a file from the WIB. get and put commands respectively). In particular, the mput command is useful for uploading an entire website to the WIB if you don’t wish to transfer the files directly using a MGET: retrieve a collection of files from the WIB. MPUT: send a collection of files to the ethernet web server. USER: specify the username for login. PASS: specify the password for login. OPEN: open an FTP connection to a remote server. QUIT: exit the current FTP session. PC and a memory card reader. Table 1 sets out the available FTP server commands. We’ll give an example FTP session in Pt.3 next month. December 2009 91 Step 6 CONTINUED . . . Fig.22: the SMTP Settings page. Click the “Email Test” button after entering in all the details, to verify that it works. • SMTP (Email) Settings: clicking this link brings up the dialog shown in Fig.22. This is where you enter your email settings, so that the WIB can send emails. The SMTP port can be left at its default of 25, so start by entering in the address that you want the WIB to send emails to. That done, enter in the hostname of your ISP’s SMTP server. For example, the Bigpond SMTP server is at mail.bigpond.com while the Optus SMTP server is at mail.optusnet.com.au Note that the SMTP server will be specified in your usual email client (eg, Outlook Express), so it’s easy to check. Alternatively, check your ISP’s website for the hostname of their SMTP server. Next, fill in the “Email From” field. This will typically be your name or your email address but you can also use any other name. Finally, enter your email username (usually your full email address) and your email server pass word. Don’t forget to click the cor- responding “Change” button as each field is completed. Now click the Email Test button. This allows you to check that your SMTP configuration is valid. If all is well, a test email will be sent each time you click this button and you can verify this by clicking the Basic link and scrolling to the bottom of the system log on that page (note: you may have to reload the page to update the log file from the version cached by your browser). If it doesn’t work, try resetting the WIB after changing the SMTP settings to ensure that the changes have taken effect. This is done by clicking the “Master Reset” button on the Basic page or you can restart the WIB by switching it off and on. Note that an error code is returned on each failed email attempt and this is useful for debugging. Once you’ve got it working, the WIB will start sending email notifications as follows: (a) each time a master reset is performed; (b) when the IP address of the WIB is changed; (c) when an analog input breaches its set limits; and (d) periodically (if enabled) when the required number of log entries is reached. • Dynamic DNS Settings: although the IP address of the WIB itself is fixed (eg, to 192.168.0.34), its public IP address (ie, that presented to the outside world by your modem) may change. This is because most ISPs assign dynamic IP addresses for specific “lease” periods (eg, 12 hours) rather than hand out static addresses. This is a way of making the most of the limited range of IP addresses assigned to a particular ISP. Because the public IP address assigned by your ISP may change, and since this address must be used to access the WIB from anywhere outside your home network, we need a way to automatically keep track of any address changes. A common method for doing this is called “Dynamic DNS” (Dynamic Domain Name System). This is a service that keeps track of a dynamic IP address by associating 92 Silicon Chip Fig.23: the Dynamic DNS Settings page requires entries for the public IP server and the dynamic DNS server. it to a static hostname. For example, you could associate the hostname silchip.redirectme.net to your current dynamic IP address and the system siliconchip.com.au Fig.24: you can set up a dynamic DNS service for the WIB by pointing your web browser to www.no-ip.com will then automatically track any future changes. This is exactly what we need for the WIB so that it can be accessed from the Internet by using its hostname rather than its public IP address. Dynamic DNS will work with a static IP address too. However, in this case, it would not have to keep track of any IP address changes. Instead, you would use the DNS service simply for the convenience of being able to use a hostname rather than an IP address. A dynamic DNS client is built into the WIB, so setting up the service is straightforward. The first step is to set up an account with a dynamic DNS provider at either www.no-ip. com or www.dyndns.com. You will need to sign up to a free account at one of these. Once that is done, the WIB will automatically log in to your account on a regular basis. It will then update its public IP address on the service if it detects it has changed. There may be a delay of up to 10 minutes until the changes are fully propagated but once they are, you will be able to again access the WIB using its fixed hostname. Note that many modem/routers also include a dynamic DNS client. In practice, you could use this siliconchip.com.au Fig.25: once you’ve created an account, log go to www.noip.com/members and click the “Add A Host” button. instead of the one in the WIB but we’ll assume here that you’ll be using the latter. OK, let’s take a look at how you would go about setting up an account at www.no-ip.com Begin by pointing your web browser to http://www.no-ip.com and click the green No-IP Free button – see Fig.24. Type in your email address and click the “Sign Up Now” button, then follow the prompts to create your account. Once you’ve created your account, log in by going to www. no-ip.com/members Your home page will look something like Fig.25. Now click on the “Add A Host” button, type in a hostname of your liking and choose a domain from the list of available names. For example, we chose silchip for the name and redirectme.net for the domain to get the hostname silchip.redirectme.net Now click on the “Create Host” button to complete setting up the dynamic DNS host. Having created the host account, the WIB must now be set up to log into this account when it detects a change in its public IP address. This is done by first clicking on the Dynamic DNS link to bring up the page shown in Fig.23. A number of settings now need to be entered in the Dynamic DNS Settings page, beginning with the public IP server. This is basically an HTTP server that allows you to determine your current public IP address (ie, as assigned by your ISP). A suitable public IP server is at checkip.dyndns.com and this is the default (note: IP servers that return a full html page, such as whatismyip. com, can not be used). Do You Really Need Dynamic DNS? It’s not always necessary to set up a dynamic DNS service. In particular, if you have been assigned a static IP address by your ISP, then the WIB can always be accessed over the Internet using this fixed public address. Similarly, if you have a dynamic IP address, this is unlikely to change if the modem is permanently powered up. And even if the modem is switched off for a short time or there is a power interruption, it will be assigned its previous IP address provided it is within the lease period. So again, depending on you application, you might not want to bother setting up a dynamic DNS. December 2009 93 Step 6 CONTINUED . . . To check this, enter checkip. dyndns.com in the address field of your browser. You should receive a simple html file response containing your public IP address. It will look like this: Current IP Address: 165.221.92.134 except the IP address will almost certainly be different (ie, it will show your current public IP address). So that’s how the WIB determines its public IP address. This discovered address is displayed on the Dynamic DNS Settings page (Fig.23). The public IP server port should be set to 80, which again is the default (it can be changed if necessary by advanced users). For the Dynamic DNS server, you have to enter the hostname of the server for the particular account you’ve just created. If you are using the service at www.no-ip.com, enter dynupdate.no-ip.com as the server. Alternatively, if you are using the service at www.dyndns.com, you should enter members.dyndns.org The dynamic DNS server port should normally be left at 80 (the default). You should set force updates Step 7: Configuring The ANALOG VARIABLES Fig.26: the Variables set-up page allows you to define and set up the various parameters (including minimum & maximum limits) for the four analog inputs. In this case, we have set up a temperature sensor on Variable 0. F IG.26 SHOWS the analog variables set-up page. This has fields for each of the four analog inputs (ie, Variable 0 to Variable 3). You only have to enter data for the sensors used. For example, if you have a temperature sensor connected to input AN0 (pin 9 of CON3), then you only have to enter data into the Variable 0 fields. Before going further though, we’ll make it easy for you. If you are using the AD22103 temperature sensor, enter a value of 0.11663409 into the Gradient field and -8.928571429 94 Silicon Chip into the Y-intercept field. It’s then just a matter of entering the number of decimal points, the minimum and maximum limits for email notification (see below), the logging period and the number of logging entries. Let’s look at all this in greater detail. The Raw Value is the digitised ADC (analog-to-digital converter) value. This value will be between 0 and 1023 (inclusive), as this is a 10bit conversion. Remember that the voltage range will be from 0V (GND) to 3.3V (ie, the 3.3V rail voltage). If the sensor has an output voltage to 1 and then enter the username and password to log into the account you created with your dynamic DNS provider. That completes the dynamic DNS set-up. You should now be able to use the hostname to browse the website on the memory card from anywhere on the Internet. In our case, we chose silchip.redirectme.net as the hostname, so the home page can now be accessed from the Internet by entering silchip.redirectme.net/ home.cgi in a browser and logging in. That’s easier to remember than using 165.221.92.134/home.cgi to access the WIB. range greater than this, you will need to add a voltage divider (consisting of two resistors) to bring the voltage fed to the WIB’s input back within the 0-3.3V range. This is then taken into account when “calibrating” the sensor by setting the gradient and y-intercept values in the WIB. From the raw value, the actual value of the input variable is calculated using the gradient and y-intercept values as follows: value = gradient x raw + y-intercept This means that, in order for readings to be accurate, you will need to enter the correct gradient and y-intercept values for the particular sensor being used (note: we are assuming that the sensor has a linear response). Let’s consider the AD22103 temperature sensor, for example. This can measure temperatures ranging from 0-100°C and its output is “ratio metric”. From the data sheet, its output voltage (Vo) is given by the formula: Vo = (Vs/3.3) x (0.25 + 0.028 x T) . . . (1) where Vs is the actual supply voltage to the sensor (slightly less that 3.3V because of the series 110Ω resistor) and T is the temperature (0-100°C). As stated, the raw value is the ADC value and is determined by the equation; raw = (Vo/Vdd) x 1023 . . . (2) where Vdd is the actual voltage of the 3.3V supply rail. Rearranging and plugging this into siliconchip.com.au equation 1 gives the temperature as a function of the raw value: T = (3.3 x Vdd)/(Vs x 1023 x 0.028) x raw – (0.25/0.028) or T = (0.1152073733 x Vdd/Vs) x raw - 8.928571429 In practice, Vs will be about 3.23V, while Vdd will be about 3.27V. Therefore, the correct values for the gradient and Y-intercept for this temperature sensor are: (1) Gradient = 0.11663409; and (2) Y-intercept = -8.928571429 These values must be entered in the Variable 0 gradient and Y-intercept fields respectively (assuming the sensor is connected to AN0). You can also enter in minimum and maximum limits for the sensor. When these limits are breached, an email is sent automatically. If the measured value drops below the minimum limit, the file var0min. txt appears in the email body. Conversely, if the maximum limit is exceeded, var0max.txt is included. For Variable #1, the corresponding files are var1min.txt and var1max. txt and so on. Note that a 10% limit value hys- teresis is included in the firmware to prevent too many emails from being sent in a short time, eg, if the temperature is fluctuating about a limit. You can also enter the name of the variable being monitored. For example, if you have a temperature sensor connected to Variable #0 (AN0), you can give it the name “Temperature”. This name will then be used in the log file and will also be referred to in any limit condition email messages. The Log Period field lets you enter a number that sets the logging interval in minutes (0 = logging off). The system adds to the log until the number of log entries reaches the number entered in “Set Log Size” field. At this point, the log file is automatically emailed to the specified email address and then cleared, ready for the next logging cycle. For example, suppose the Log Period is set to 10 minutes and the Log Size is set to 144. In this case, the input value will be logged every 10 minutes (along with the time of day) and after 144 such entries the whole log will be emailed and then cleared. As a result, an email containing the logged entries will be sent once every 24 hours. Similarly, setting the Log Period Step 8: CREATE THE NEW DEFAULTS T HIS FINAL STEP is short and sweet! Once you’ve made all the changes to the settings, go to the Basic page of the supplied website and click on the Create Defaults button. This will make your settings the new defaults and create a new set- tings.txt file with these new defaults. That completes the set-up of the WIB. Next month, we’ll describe the special system files that make up the website and also briefly describe how to design your own website with active content. to 10 minutes and the Log Size to 12 will result in the log being emailed every two hours. Finally, you can edit the text in the various “.txt” files to suit your application and the content is dynamic, ie, a number of variables can be included. When the email is sent, the system replaces these variables with the relevant information. For example, the content of var0 max.txt is as follows: The ~1E is currently at ~D0 which is above the set maximum of ~1C! This is an automatically generated message, created on ~E2. In this case, 1E is the name of Variable #0 (“Temperature” in our case), D0 is the current value of Variable #0, 1C is the maximum limit set for Variable #0 and E2 is the current time. So, for example, the actual message that’s sent could be: The temperature is currently at 31.0 which is above the set maximum of 30.0! This is an automatically generated message, created on Fri 28 August 2009 17:00:00. We’ll describe this in greater detail next month and post a table listing the dynamic page content codes on our website. Network Addresses If your modem/router uses a 10.x.x.x private (ie, inwards facing) IP address, then you should change the IP address of the WIB to suit this network – eg, to 10.0.0.34 if the network is 10.0.0.x. That’s done by editing the settings.txt file on the memory card as described in Step 5. All other settings including the DHCP range, the Gateway address and the primary DNS address should also be changed accordingly. Accessing The WIB’s Website From The Internet Inside your home network, you can access the WIB home page simply by entering 192.168.0.34/home.cgi in the address field of your web browser and then logging in. Accessing the WIB’s website is just as easy from anywhere on the Internet. First, you can access it by using its public IP address; eg, 165.221.92.134/home.cgi Alternatively, if you’ve set up dynamic DNS siliconchip.com.au as described in Step 6, you will be able to access it by using the hostname defined in your dynamic DNS account. In our case, the hostname is silchip.redirectme.net and so we can access the WIB using the address silchip.redirectme.net/home.cgi Alternatively, you can go to another page (not necessarily in the root folder) by using a forward slash and the filename. For example, if we want to access a file named mydocument.doc in a sub-folder called documents, we enter silchip.redirectme. net/documents/mydocument.doc in the address field of the browser. Of course, this also works inside your local network, ie, we would enter 192.168.0.34/documents/mydocument. doc into the browser. Note that you can not access the WIB using the hostname SC from inside the network. December 2009 95 Vintage Radio By RODNEY CHAMPNESS, VK3UG The Radiogram Bloke Mainly because of their size, radiograms and radiogram/TV combination units are usually ignored by vintage radio enthusiasts. However, a lot of equipment was produced and at least one collector, Peter Henstridge of Adelaide, SA, has restored some items to as new condition. in one cabinet. Some enthusiasts even concentrate on just collecting valves or other specialised items and some even go to the trouble of building replicas if the original equipment is no longer available. However, it’s the mantel receivers (both pre-war and post-war) that are the most likely to be collected. The main reasons for this are that they are small (which makes them easy to display), they are relatively common and they are usually easy to restore. By contrast, some categories of our radio/TV heritage have not proved popular with collectors for a variety of reasons. For example, B&W valve TV receivers are considered difficult to restore and are given a wide berth by most vintage radio collectors. Most collectors are simply not familiar with the technology and picture tube availability is very limited, as is the availability of some other specialised parts. Another area that is receiving little attention is radiograms and other combination units with TV sets and reel-to-reel tape recorders built into a single cabinet. The bulk of the equipment is the main issue here but the increased complexity of such equipment compared to mantel receivers also turns many collectors away. The Radiogram Bloke A fully-restored Precedent radiogram, tape recorder and TV combination unit. Such units were very expensive in their day. E NTHUSIASTS WHO collect and restore antiques often specialise in a certain area and vintage radio buffs are no different. They may be interested almost exclusively in early crystal sets for example, or their interests might involve pre-valve equipment, early breadboard radios, coffin-style radios, consoles, radiograms, PA am96 Silicon Chip plifiers, TV sets (both b&w and colour) or radio communications equipment. Alternatively, they might be interested in reel-to-reel tape recorders, car radios, valve and early transistor portables, mantel receivers, console sets, radiograms or “combo” units that have a TV, radio receiver, turntable and perhaps even a tape recorder all Fortunately, not everyone is put off by radiograms and combination units. In fact, these are the very types of sets that vintage radio enthusiast Peter Henstridge from Adelaide has chosen to collect and restore. Peter’s interest in vintage radio started around 2002 when he purchased a Kriesler model 11-103 radiogram at a local opportunity shop for the princely sum of $20. He and a mate sat it on a table to have a good look at it and then tried it out (note: I personally do not recommend that old radios be turned on before they have been thoroughly checked, as some faults can damage critical components when it siliconchip.com.au This photo shows Peter’s Healing 501E console following restoration. Despite its age, the cabinet was in good order. is switched on)). Its performance was woeful, with many obvious faults that Peter would have to fix at some time in the future. It stayed in a room gathering dust for many months. Then, one day while downloading music off the internet, he realised that if he played vinyl records from the period he was interested in on the old Kriesler radiogram, it would save mucking around with time-consuming downloads. As a result, he immediately got stuck into the restoration which was a complete success. And having been bitten by the restoration bug, Peter has subsequently restored many other radiograms. That first radiogram, the Kriesler 11-103, took Peter nearly six months to restore. The cabinet and the internals, including the record changer, all needed attention, so it was a steep learning curve as electronics isn’t his occupation. However, once Peter had this radiogram up and running, he was really keen to restore more, either for himself or for friends. Peter’s interest in radiograms eventually led him to register “The Radiogram Bloke” as a business name and to advertise his services on a local community radio station. He also obtained publicity in Collectormania (a magazine for collectors) and other publications. Peter’s aim was to make sure that siliconchip.com.au A view inside the Healing 501E before work commenced. It required little work to get it going again. radiograms received more attention than they had in the past. He even took a selection of his radiograms, consoles and TV/radiograms to a local boot sale. And to make his demonstration even more effective, he took along a small alternator/generator so he could power the exhibits and show people what these old (but hardly inferior) pieces of equipment could do. His demonstration produced a reaction he hadn’t really expected. One visitor even offered to buy one of his restored sets and so a deal was done. He realised then that his hobby could be self-sustaining. He says that over 100 radiograms and similar pieces of equipment have now been through his workshop, so there are now many fine pieces of furniture in the form This general view shows just some of the sets in Peter’s collection. All have been restored to full working order. December 2009 97 Above: this interesting radiogram was made by Classic in Sydney during the 1950s and featured curved doors which opened up to reveal a record changer and record storage area at left and a cocktail bar at the right. The same unit is shown at left with the doors closed. of restored radiograms making their appearance again in many lounge rooms. Part of the reason for this is the renewed interest in vinyl records amongst some music fans. Although Peter’s interest is predominately radiograms, he also has many other older radios. These include coffin-style sets, a 1920s peep show machine that shows “naughty” pictures, various console radios, advertising and promotional literature, and many other bits and pieces of our radio and early audio history. His collection fills a number of rooms in his 98 Silicon Chip home as well as a shed and a shipping container. However, from personal experience, it’s not a good idea to leave equipment in a container for too long. I once did this and due to the conditions inside the container, quite a few items of equipment and some accompanying literature were ruined. Peter’s restoration techniques After looking at some of the before and after restoration photographs, it’s obvious that Peter wants the restored equipment to look like new. Just how close it gets to being original though depends on a number of factors, including parts availability and the condition of the set after many years of storage (often in a damp, rodentinfested backyard shed). One interesting restoration is to a Bakelite receiver cabinet. One end has been restored and looks just as it would have when it was first manufactured, while the other end has been left as it came to him. This is a particularly good example of how a piece of “junk”, in the minds of many, can be made to look like the radio our parents lovingly placed on a table or mantelpiece. Peter doesn’t claim to be a technical wizard and sometimes seeks assistance from a friend if he runs into technical problems. However, he’s able to do most of the work himself. When restoring the chassis of a receiver, he first cleans the metal work and then paints it if necessary. If there are any polished metal fittings, these are removed, cleaned and then coated with a clear lacquer to preserve their finish. The controls and other moving surfaces are then cleaned and lubricated. If there is a record changer, this is also carefully cleaned and lubricated siliconchip.com.au Left & above: this unknown brand early radiogram has also been restored to full working order. Note the ancient turntable. sheen, the excess polish is removed using Orange Oil. The end result is an extremely fine-looking piece of furniture. One particular item that Peter has restored, an STC A8551 Capehart radiogram, will be featured in “Vintage Radio” next month. It shows how Peter does the job and the quality of the equipment after restoration. A range of restorations as necessary. Most of the problems with these items relate to dried out grease and oil which stops the mechanism from working. In addition, turntable motors usually have oil-soaked felt pads that feed a sintered bronze bearing and these are given a dose of oil to ensure that the bearing stays well-lubricated. Turntable idler wheels also need to be inspected to ensure they are in good condition and replaced if they are not. It’s not unusual for an idler wheel to have a flat spot where it has been resting against the drive shaft of the motor for the last 30 or so years. Fortunately, Peter has a good stock of spares to replace any worn turntable parts. Restoring the electronics Peter usually begins the electronic side of the restoration by replacing all the paper and electrolytic capacitors. The power transformer and the mains cord are then carefully checked and the latter replaced if necessary. Once that’s done, the set is thoroughly tested and one or more valves also replaced if substitution proves that they are down in performance. If siliconchip.com.au the receiver doesn’t work as expected after this work is done, Peter then enlists his electronics friend who can diagnose faults and carry out an alignment if necessary. Peter specialises in restoring his radiograms and similar items to look like they did at the time of manufacture. If a cabinet is in good condition, it will be left as is. However, most require work on them. Peter uses Accent Paint Stripper from Mitre 10, as it doesn’t stain the timber like some strippers do. Once he is satisfied with that, he fills any imperfections with a grain filler and perhaps some stain if need be. He then sands it down with fine grades of abrasive paper, finishing off with 0000 grade steel wool. Coarser grades than that will usually leave sanding marks. The next stage is to stain the cabinet to its original colour using a spray gun. Then, when the layers are all on, including a clear lacquer, the surface is lightly sanded with 0000 steel wool. The end results of this work can be seen in the photographs. Finally, the cabinet is polished with an automotive-type polish of Peter’s own mix. Once he is satisfied with the Radiograms are not the only items that Peter has restored. Towards the end of the radiogram era, a number of interesting innovations appeared on the home entertainment scene. Television by then had become well and truly entrenched and so too were reel-to-reel tape recorders (although to a lesser extent than TV sets). As a result, some manufacturers produced combination radiogram/ television sets and radiogram/tape recorder ensembles. Some even produced complete radiogram/TV set/ tape recorder set-ups, complete with a microphone. Karaoke, of sorts, had arrived. Of course, many of these combination consoles also had stereo sound, although the TVs were still mono as stereo TV didn’t come into use until after the introduction of colour TV. These combination sets were invariably big and heavy, as I found out when I was in the service trade. Two examples shown in the photos are a Precedent combination console and an Astor combination console. These represented the low end of the market and the top end of the market, respectively. The Precedent is shown with a picture on the TV screen, demonstrating that TV sets of the era will still work quite well. Unfortunately, many peoDecember 2009 99 Before and after: these four photographs show the first STC console radio that Peter restored. The two photos at the top of the page show the set before restoration, while the bottom two photos show the finished item. ple looked down on the Precedent as being a cut-price, poor-quality design. However, my experience is that they are simple designs that work quite well. They are also easy to restore, although their cabinets were inferior in quality to those used in the more up-market sets. The Astor combination is a quality machine and it works extremely well. 100 Silicon Chip I remember various models of both Astor and Precedent combinations from my days in the service trade and both were good. However, you did need to be strongly built to shift them about and they were pricey items, particularly the Astor and others of similar quality. As a guide, they usually cost 3-6 months’ pay. A somewhat different radiogram is the Classic from the 1950s. It was made in Sydney and featured curved doors which opened up to reveal a Collaro record changer plus record storage at the lefthand end and a cocktail bar at the righthand end. The latter was no doubt intended for storing glasses and bottles to facilitate a quiet drink while listening to the music. Above the dial scale and controls siliconchip.com.au is a magic eye, tuning device. Maybe that helped with the tuning after a few pleasant drinks! Another radiogram Peter has is of unknown manufacture. It is a very early radiogram and has a wind up turntable and only plays 78 RPM records. Once again, it has been beautifully restored. Photo Gallery: Sony TR-717B Transistor Mantel Radio Turntables The turntables used in these units progressed from the single players of the late 1920s to the multi-disc record changers, such as the Collaro and BSR changers, of the 1950s and 1960s. The original turntables were single speed and initially they were started and stopped manually. By contrast, the last units to be manufactured could play up to 10 records in a stack and all three record diameters (7-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch) were selected automatically (except for playing speed). Once all the records had been played, the record changer would then shut down. In fact, in some cases, the whole radiogram was shut down when the changer switched off. Such units could also operate at any of the four speeds that were available near the end of the vinyl record era (ie, 162/3, 33, 45 and 78 RPM), although speed selection had to be done manually. The first STC console cabinet that Peter restored was in very poor condition when obtained (see accompanying photographs) but the photographs of the finished item are impressive. The inside of the cabinet and the works are equally well restored. Finally, Peter’s interests also include horn-type speakers and the sets that they were used with. He is also interested in the history of radio station 5CL and the part Harry Kauper played in the early development of radio in South Australia. Harry also features in my book “Outback Radio: From Flynn to Satellites”. T he Sony TR-717B transistor mantel was battery operated and so could be used as a portable too. The two bands covered MW broadcast and 3.9 -12MHz shortwave. Its retro design has barely a straight edge and the radio was available in the 60s in 2-tone English ivory with beaver brown or English ivory and teal blue. The radio was sold world-wide, though the American market was the biggest for Sony. Boasting 7 transistors, this was a superhet design with a transformerless 280mW output stage. The transistors are: converter 2SA-123, IF1 2SC-76, IF2 2SC-76, AF1 2SD-66, AF2 2SD-65 and AF out 2SB-51 (x2). Photo by Kevin Poulter for the Historical Radio Society of Australia (HRSA). Phone 03 9539 1117. www.hrsa.net.au This Astor “3-in-1” radiogram & TV combination unit from 1969 is fully functional again. Summary Peter has only been restoring vintage equipment for about seven years and it is interesting to see the results of his efforts in restoring radiograms. Very few collectors and restorers have shown much interest in this important part of our domestic radio heritage. As stated previously, there are some very obvious reasons for this, the main siliconchip.com.au one being “where do I put it?” Record changers can also be difficult to service if parts are worn or idler pulleys are defective, but pick-up heads and styli are still available for most. The old adage of “it pays to advertise” has worked well for Peter with displays and demonstrations of his equipment, advertisements on a local community radio station and a registered business name that promotes his interest. If you wish to contact him, his phone number is (08) 8376 9382 or via email at radiogrambloke<at> bigpond.com Acknowledgement: photographs by SC Peter Henstridge. December 2009 101 ALL S ILICON C HIP SUBSCRIBERS – PRINT, OR BOTH – AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR A REFERENCE $ave 10%ONLINE DISCOUNT ON ALL BOOK OR PARTSHOP PURCHASES. CHIP BOOKSHOP 10% (Does not apply to subscriptions) SILICON For the latest titles and information, please refer to our website books page: www.siliconchip.com.au/Shop/Books PIC MICROCONTROLLERS: know it all SELF ON AUDIO Multiple authors $85.00 The best of subjects Newnes authors have written over the past few years, combined in a one-stop maxi reference. Covers introduction to PICs and their programming in Assembly, PICBASIC, MBASIC & C. 900+ pages. PROGRAMMING and CUSTOMIZING THE PICAXE By David Lincoln (2nd Ed, 2011) $65.00* A great aid when wrestling with applications for the PICAXE See series of microcontrollers, at beginner, intermediate and Review April advanced levels. Every electronics class, school and library should have a copy, along with anyone who works with PICAXEs. 300 pages in paperback. 2011 PIC IN PRACTICE by D W Smith. 2nd Edition - published 2006 $60.00* Based on popular short courses on the PIC, for professionals, students and teachers. Can be used at a variety of levels. An ideal introduction to the world of microcontrollers. 255 pages in paperback. PIC MICROCONTROLLER – your personal introductory course By John Morton 3rd edition 2005. $60.00* A unique and practical guide to getting up and running with the PIC. It assumes no knowledge of microcontrollers – ideal introduction for students, teachers, technicians and electronics enthusiasts. Revised 3rd edition focuses entirely on re-programmable flash PICs such as 16F54, 16F84 12F508 and 12F675. 226 pages in paperback. A collection of 35 classic magazine articles offering a dependable methodology for designing audio power amplifiers to improve performance at every point without significantly increasing cost. Includes compressors/limiters, hybrid bipolar/FET amps, electronic switching and more. 467 pages in paperback. SMALL SIGNAL AUDIO DESIGN By Douglas Self – First Edition 2010 $95.00* The latest from the Guru of audio. Explains audio concepts in easy-to-understand language with plenty of examples and reasoning. Inspiration for audio designers, superb background for audio enthusiasts and especially where it comes to component peculiarities and limitations. Expensive? Yes. Value for money? YES! Highly recommended. 558 pages in paperback. AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER DESIGN HANDBOOK by Douglas Self – 5th Edition 2009 $85.00* "The Bible" on audio power amplifiers. Many revisions and updates to the previous edition and now has an extra three chapters covering Class XD, Power Amp Input Systems and Input Processing and Auxiliarly Subsystems. Not cheap and not a book for the beginner but if you want the best reference on Audio Power Amps, you want this one! 463 pages in paperback. DVD PLAYERS AND DRIVES by K.F. Ibrahim. Published 2003. $71.00* OP AMPS FOR EVERYONE By Bruce Carter – 4th Edition 2013 $83.00* This is the bible for anyone designing op amp circuits and you don't have to be an engineer to get the most out of it. It is written in simple language but gives lots of in-depth info, bridging the gap between the theoretical and the practical. 281 pages, PROGRAMMING 32-bit MICROCONTROLLERS IN C By Luci di Jasio (2008) $79.00* Subtitled Exploring the PIC32, a Microchip insider tells all on this powerful PIC! Focuses on examples and exercises that show how to solve common, real-world design problems quickly. Includes handy checklists. FREE CD-ROM includes source code in C, the Microchip C30 compiler, and MPLAB SIM. 400 pages paperback. PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SATELLITE TV By Garry Cratt – Latest (7th) Edition 2008 $49.00 Written in Australia, for Australian conditions by one of Australia's foremost satellite TV experts. If there is anything you wanted to know about setting up a satellite TV system, (including what you can't do!) it's sure to be covered in this 176-page paperback book. NEWNES GUIDE TO TV & VIDEO TECHNOLOGY By KF Ibrahim 4th Edition (Published 2007) $49.00 It's back! Provides a full and comprehensive coverage of video and television technology including HDTV and DVD. Starts with fundamentals so is ideal for students but covers in-depth technologies such as Blu-ray, DLP, Digital TV, etc so is also perfect for engineers. 600+ pages in paperback. RF CIRCUIT DESIGN by Chris Bowick, Second Edition, 2008. $63.00* The classic RF circuit design book. RF circuit design is now more important that ever in the wireless world. In most of the wireless devices that we use there is an RF component – this book tells how to design and integrate in a very practical fashion. 244 pages in paperback. A guide to DVD technology and applications, with particular focus on design issues and pitfalls, maintenance and repair. Ideal for engineers, technicians, students of consumer electronics and sales and installation staff. 319 pages in paperback. See Review March 2010 See Review Feb 2004 SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES A-Z by Sanjaya Maniktala, Published April 2012. $83.00 Thoroughly revised! The most comprehensive study available of theoretical and practical aspects of controlling and measuring EMI in switching power supplies. ELECTRIC MOTORS AND DRIVES By Austin Hughes & Bill Drury - 4th edition 2013 $59.00* This is a very easy to read book with very little mathematics or formulas. It covers the basics of all the main motor types, DC permanent magnet and wound field, AC induction and steppers and gives a very good description of how speed control circuits work with these motors. Soft covers, 444 pages. 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Covers key topics in RF: analog design principles, transmission lines, couplers, transformers, amplifiers, oscillators, modulation, transmitters and receivers, propagation and antennas. 279 pages in paperback. Alternative fuel expert Carl Vogel gives you a hands-on guide with the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a two-wheeled electric vehicle – from a streamlined scooter to a full-sized motorcycle. 384 pages in soft cover. *NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE PLUS P&P – AUSTRALIA ONLY: $10.00 per order; NZ – $AU12.00 PER BOOK; REST OF WORLD $AU18.00 PER BOOK PAYPAL (24/7) INTERNET (24/7) MAIL (24/7) PHONE – (9-5, Mon-Fri) eMAIL (24/7) FAX (24/7) To ilicon Chip Use your PayPal account www.siliconchip. 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CHIP BOOKSHOP 10% (Does not apply to subscriptions) SILICON For the latest titles and information, please refer to our website books page: www.siliconchip.com.au/Shop/Books PIC MICROCONTROLLERS: know it all SELF ON AUDIO Multiple authors $85.00 The best of subjects Newnes authors have written over the past few years, combined in a one-stop maxi reference. Covers introduction to PICs and their programming in Assembly, PICBASIC, MBASIC & C. 900+ pages. PROGRAMMING and CUSTOMIZING THE PICAXE By David Lincoln (2nd Ed, 2011) $65.00* A great aid when wrestling with applications for the PICAXE See series of microcontrollers, at beginner, intermediate and Review April advanced levels. Every electronics class, school and library should have a copy, along with anyone who works with PICAXEs. 300 pages in paperback. 2011 PIC IN PRACTICE by D W Smith. 2nd Edition - published 2006 $60.00* Based on popular short courses on the PIC, for professionals, students and teachers. Can be used at a variety of levels. An ideal introduction to the world of microcontrollers. 255 pages in paperback. PIC MICROCONTROLLER – your personal introductory course By John Morton 3rd edition 2005. $60.00* A unique and practical guide to getting up and running with the PIC. It assumes no knowledge of microcontrollers – ideal introduction for students, teachers, technicians and electronics enthusiasts. Revised 3rd edition focuses entirely on re-programmable flash PICs such as 16F54, 16F84 12F508 and 12F675. 226 pages in paperback. A collection of 35 classic magazine articles offering a dependable methodology for designing audio power amplifiers to improve performance at every point without significantly increasing cost. Includes compressors/limiters, hybrid bipolar/FET amps, electronic switching and more. 467 pages in paperback. SMALL SIGNAL AUDIO DESIGN By Douglas Self – First Edition 2010 $95.00* The latest from the Guru of audio. Explains audio concepts in easy-to-understand language with plenty of examples and reasoning. Inspiration for audio designers, superb background for audio enthusiasts and especially where it comes to component peculiarities and limitations. Expensive? Yes. Value for money? YES! Highly recommended. 558 pages in paperback. AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER DESIGN HANDBOOK by Douglas Self – 5th Edition 2009 $85.00* "The Bible" on audio power amplifiers. Many revisions and updates to the previous edition and now has an extra three chapters covering Class XD, Power Amp Input Systems and Input Processing and Auxiliarly Subsystems. Not cheap and not a book for the beginner but if you want the best reference on Audio Power Amps, you want this one! 463 pages in paperback. DVD PLAYERS AND DRIVES by K.F. Ibrahim. Published 2003. $71.00* OP AMPS FOR EVERYONE By Bruce Carter – 4th Edition 2013 $83.00* This is the bible for anyone designing op amp circuits and you don't have to be an engineer to get the most out of it. It is written in simple language but gives lots of in-depth info, bridging the gap between the theoretical and the practical. 281 pages, PROGRAMMING 32-bit MICROCONTROLLERS IN C By Luci di Jasio (2008) $79.00* Subtitled Exploring the PIC32, a Microchip insider tells all on this powerful PIC! Focuses on examples and exercises that show how to solve common, real-world design problems quickly. Includes handy checklists. FREE CD-ROM includes source code in C, the Microchip C30 compiler, and MPLAB SIM. 400 pages paperback. PRACTICAL GUIDE TO SATELLITE TV By Garry Cratt – Latest (7th) Edition 2008 $49.00 Written in Australia, for Australian conditions by one of Australia's foremost satellite TV experts. If there is anything you wanted to know about setting up a satellite TV system, (including what you can't do!) it's sure to be covered in this 176-page paperback book. NEWNES GUIDE TO TV & VIDEO TECHNOLOGY By KF Ibrahim 4th Edition (Published 2007) $49.00 It's back! Provides a full and comprehensive coverage of video and television technology including HDTV and DVD. Starts with fundamentals so is ideal for students but covers in-depth technologies such as Blu-ray, DLP, Digital TV, etc so is also perfect for engineers. 600+ pages in paperback. RF CIRCUIT DESIGN by Chris Bowick, Second Edition, 2008. $63.00* The classic RF circuit design book. RF circuit design is now more important that ever in the wireless world. In most of the wireless devices that we use there is an RF component – this book tells how to design and integrate in a very practical fashion. 244 pages in paperback. A guide to DVD technology and applications, with particular focus on design issues and pitfalls, maintenance and repair. Ideal for engineers, technicians, students of consumer electronics and sales and installation staff. 319 pages in paperback. See Review March 2010 See Review Feb 2004 SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES A-Z by Sanjaya Maniktala, Published April 2012. $83.00 Thoroughly revised! The most comprehensive study available of theoretical and practical aspects of controlling and measuring EMI in switching power supplies. ELECTRIC MOTORS AND DRIVES By Austin Hughes & Bill Drury - 4th edition 2013 $59.00* This is a very easy to read book with very little mathematics or formulas. It covers the basics of all the main motor types, DC permanent magnet and wound field, AC induction and steppers and gives a very good description of how speed control circuits work with these motors. Soft covers, 444 pages. AC MACHINES By Jim Lowe Published 2006 $66.00* Applicable to Australian trades-level courses including NE10 AC Machines, NE12 Synchronous Machines and the AC part of NE30 Electric Motor Control and Protection. Covering polyphase induction motors, singlephase motors, synchronous machines and polyphase motor starting. 160 pages in paperback. PRACTICAL VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES & POWER ELECTRONICS Se e by Malcolm Barnes. 1st Ed, Feb 2003. $73.00* Review An essential reference for engineers and anyone who wishes to design or use variable speed drives for induction motors. 286 pages in soft cover. Feb 2003 BUILD YOUR OWN ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE PRACTICAL RF HANDBOOK by Ian Hickman. 4th edition 2007 $61.00* by Douglas Self 2nd Edition 2006 $69.00* by Carl Vogel. Published 2009. $40.00* A guide to RF design for engineers, technicians, students and enthusiasts. Covers key topics in RF: analog design principles, transmission lines, couplers, transformers, amplifiers, oscillators, modulation, transmitters and receivers, propagation and antennas. 279 pages in paperback. Alternative fuel expert Carl Vogel gives you a hands-on guide with the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a two-wheeled electric vehicle – from a streamlined scooter to a full-sized motorcycle. 384 pages in soft cover. *NOTE: ALL PRICES ARE PLUS P&P – AUSTRALIA ONLY: $10.00 per order; NZ – $AU12.00 PER BOOK; REST OF WORLD $AU18.00 PER BOOK PAYPAL (24/7) INTERNET (24/7) MAIL (24/7) PHONE – (9-5, Mon-Fri) eMAIL (24/7) FAX (24/7) To siliconchip.com.au ecember 2009 103 Use your PayPal account www.siliconchip. 139 Call (02) 9939 3295 with silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Your order and card details to Your order to PO Box D Place com.au/Shop/Books silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Collaroy NSW 2097 with order & credit card details with order & credit card details (02) 9939 2648 with all details Your You can also order and pay for books by cheque/money order (Mail Only). Make cheques payable to Silicon Chip Publications. Order: ALL TITLES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY. PRICES VALID FOR MONTH OF MAGAZINE ISSUE ONLY. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST Silicon Chip Back Issues 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 1994:90-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 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; Dual Supply Voltage Regulator; Universal Stereo Preamplifier; Digital Water Tank Gauge; Engine Management, Pt.7. 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. June 1994: 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. 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. Pt.1; HF Amateur Radio Receiver; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.5. July 1999: Build A Dog Silencer; 10µH to 19.99mH Inductance Meter; Audio-Video Transmitter; Programmable Ignition Timing Module For Cars, Pt.2; XYZ Table With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.3. October 1996: Send Video Signals Over Twisted Pair Cable; 600W DC-DC Converter For Car Hifi Systems, Pt.1; IR Stereo Headphone Link, Pt.2; Multi-Channel Radio Control Transmitter, Pt.8. 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. November 1996: 8-Channel Stereo Mixer, Pt.1; Low-Cost Fluorescent Light Inverter; Repairing Domestic Light Dimmers.. 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. December 1996: Active Filter For CW Reception; Fast Clock For Railway Modellers; Laser Pistol & Electronic Target; Build A Sound Level Meter; 8-Channel Stereo Mixer, Pt.2; Index To Vol.9. January 1997: Control Panel For Multiple Smoke Alarms, Pt.1; Build A Pink Noise Source; Computer Controlled Dual Power Supply, Pt.1; Digi-Temp Thermometer (Monitors Eight Temperatures). 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. March 1997: 175W PA Amplifier; Signalling & Lighting For Model Railways; Jumbo LED Clock; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.7. 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. 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. 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. January 2000: Spring Reverberation Module; An Audio-Video Test Generator; Parallel Port Interface Card; Telephone Off-Hook Indicator. 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. 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. August 1994: High-Power Dimmer For Incandescent Lights; Dual Diversity Tuner For FM Microphones, Pt.1; Nicad Zapper (For Resurrecting Nicad Batteries); Electronic Engine Management, Pt.11. 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. September 1994: Automatic Discharger For Nicad Batteries; MiniVox Voice Operated Relay; AM Radio For Weather Beacons; Dual Diversity Tuner For FM Mics, Pt.2; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.12. 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. October 1994: How Dolby Surround Sound Works; Dual Rail Variable Power Supply; Talking Headlight Reminder; Electronic Ballast For Fluorescent Lights; Electronic Engine Management, Pt.13. 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. November 1994: Dry Cell Battery Rejuvenator; Novel Alphanumeric Clock; 80-M DSB Amateur Transmitter; 2-Cell Nicad Discharger. October 1997: 5-Digit Tachometer; Central Locking For Your Car; PCControlled 6-Channel Voltmeter; 500W Audio Power Amplifier, Pt.3. August 2000: Theremin; Spinner (writes messages in “thin-air”); Proximity Switch; Structured Cabling For Computer Networks. December 1994: 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. 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. September 2000: Swimming Pool Alarm; 8-Channel PC Relay Board; Fuel Mixture Display For Cars, Pt.1; Protoboards – The Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.1; Cybug The Solar Fly. January 1995: Sun Tracker For Solar Panels; Battery Saver For Torches; Dual Channel UHF Remote Control; Stereo Microphone Preamplifier. 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. October 2000: Guitar Jammer; Breath Tester; Wand-Mounted Inspection Camera; Subwoofer For Cars; Fuel Mixture Display, Pt.2. February 1995: 2 x 50W Stereo Amplifier Module; Digital Effects Unit For Musicians; 6-Channel LCD Thermometer; Wide Range Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Pt.1; 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; Balanced Mic Preamp & Line Filter; 50W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; Wide Range Electrostatic Loudspeakers, Pt.3; 8-Channel Decoder For Radio Remote Control. May 1995: 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; Build A Gain-Controlled Microphone Preamplifier; Identifying IDE Hard Disk Drive Parameters. September 1995: Railpower Mk.2 Walkaround Throttle For Model Railways, Pt.1; Keypad Combination Lock; Build A Jacob’s Ladder Display. 104 Silicon Chip November 2009 May 1999: The Line Dancer Robot; An X-Y Table With Stepper Motor Control, Pt.1; Three Electric Fence Testers; Carbon Monoxide Alarm. January 1998: 4-Channel 12VDC or 12VAC Lightshow, Pt.1; Command Control For Model Railways, Pt.1; Pan Controller For CCD Cameras. February 1998: Telephone Exchange Simulator For Testing; Command Control For Model Railways, Pt.2; 4-Channel Lightshow, Pt.2. April 1998: Automatic Garage Door Opener, Pt.1; 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply, Pt.1; PC-Controlled 0-30kHz Sinewave Generator; Understanding Electric Lighting; Pt.6. May 1998: 3-LED Logic Probe; Garage Door Opener, Pt.2; Command Control System, Pt.4; 40V 8A Adjustable Power Supply, Pt.2. 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; 15W/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; I/O Card With Data Logging; Beat Triggered Strobe; 15W/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 1995: 3-Way Loudspeaker System; Railpower Mk.2 Walkaround Throttle For Model Railways, Pt.2; Build A Nicad Fast Charger. October 1998: AC Millivoltmeter, Pt.1; PC-Controlled Stress-O-Meter; Versatile Electronic Guitar Limiter; 12V Trickle Charger For Float Conditions; Adding An External Battery Pack To Your Flashgun. November 1995: Mixture Display For Fuel Injected Cars; CB Transverter For The 80M Amateur Band, Pt.1; PIR Movement Detector. 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. May 1996: High Voltage Insulation Tester; Knightrider LED Chaser; Simple Intercom Uses Optical Cable; Cathode Ray Oscilloscopes, Pt.3. June 1996: Stereo Simulator; Build A Rope Light Chaser; Low Ohms Tester For Your DMM; Automatic 10A Battery Charger. July 1996: VGA Digital Oscilloscope, Pt.1; Remote Control Extender For VCRs; 2A SLA Battery Charger; 3-Band Parametric Equaliser. 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, 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; A Look At The BASIC Stamp; Bargraph Ammeter For Cars; Keypad Engine Immobiliser. March 1999: Build A Digital Anemometer; DIY PIC Programmer; Build An 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. How To Order: Just fill in and mail the handy order form in this issue; or fax (02) 9939 2648; or call (02) 9939 3295 and quote your credit card number. Price: $A12.00 each (including GST) in Australia or $A15.00 each overseas. 104 S iliconpostage Chip and packing. Email: silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Prices include 10% OF SUBSCR F TO IB OR IF Y ERS OU 10 OR M BUY ORE February 2000: Multi-Sector Sprinkler Controller; A Digital Voltmeter For Your Car; Safety Switch Checker; Sine/Square Wave Oscillator. March 2000: 100W Amplifier Module, Pt.1; Electronic Wind Vane With 16-LED Display; Build A Glowplug Driver. May 2000: Ultra-LD Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; LED Dice (With PIC Microcontroller); 50A Motor Speed Controller For Models. June 2000: Automatic Rain Gauge; Parallel Port VHF FM Receiver; Switchmode Power Supply (1.23V to 40V) Pt.1; CD Compressor. July 2000: Moving Message Display; Compact Fluorescent Lamp Driver; Musicians’ Lead Tester; Switchmode Power Supply, Pt.2. November 2000: Santa & Rudolf Chrissie Display; 2-Channel Guitar Preamplifier, Pt.1; Message Bank & Missed Call Alert; Protoboards – The Easy Way Into Electronics, Pt.3. December 2000: Home Networking For Shared Internet Access; White LED Torch; 2-Channel Guitar Preamplifier, Pt.2 (Digital Reverb); Driving An LCD From The Parallel Port; 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: An Easy Way To Make PC Boards; L’il Pulser Train Controller; A MIDI Interface For PCs; Build The Bass Blazer; 2-Metre Groundplane Antenna; 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: 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: Universal Battery Charger, Pt.1; Phonome – Call, Listen In & Switch Devices On & Off; Low-Cost Automatic Camera Switcher; Using Linux To Share An Internet Connection, Pt.2. July 2001: The HeartMate Heart Rate Monitor; Do Not Disturb Tele phone Timer; Pic-Toc – A Simple Alarm Clock; Fast Universal Battery Charger, Pt.2; Backing Up Your Email. August 2001: DI Box For Musicians; 200W Mosfet Amplifier Module; Headlight Reminder; 40MHz 6-Digit Frequency Counter Module; Using Linux To Share An Internet Connection, Pt.3. September 2001: Making MP3s; Build An MP3 Jukebox, Pt.1; PCControlled Mains Switch; Personal Noise Source For Tinnitus; Directional Microphone; Using Linux To Share An Internet Connection, Pt.4. November 2001: Ultra-LD 100W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1; Neon Tube Modulator For Cars; Audio/Video Distribution Amplifier; Build A Short Message Recorder Player; Useful Tips For Your PC. January 2002: Touch And/Or Remote-Controlled Light Dimmer, Pt.1; A Cheap ’n’Easy Motorbike Alarm; 100W /Channel Stereo Amplifier, Pt.3; Build A Raucous Alarm; FAQs On The MP3 Jukebox. February 2002: 10-Channel IR Remote Control Receiver; 2.4GHz High-Power Audio-Video Link; 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; 6-Channel IR Remote Volume Control, Pt.1; RIAA Pre-Amplifier For Magnetic Cartridges; 12/24V Intelligent Solar Power Battery Charger. April 2002:Automatic Single-Channel Light Dimmer; Pt.1; Water Level Indicator; Multiple-Output Bench Power Supply; Versatile Multi-Mode Timer; 6-Channel IR Remote Volume Control, Pt.2. May 2002: 32-LED Knightrider; The Battery Guardian (Cuts Power When the Battery Voltage Drops); Stereo Headphone Amplifier; Automatic Single-Channel Light Dimmer; Pt.2; Stepper Motor Controller. February 2005: Windmill Generator, Pt.3; USB-Controlled Electrocardiograph; TwinTen Stereo Amplifier; Inductance & Q-Factor Meter, Pt.1; A Yagi Antenna For UHF CB; $2 Battery Charger. August 2007: How To Cut Your Greenhouse Emissions, Pt.2; 20W Class-A Stereo Amplifier; Pt.4; Adaptive Turbo Timer; Subwoofer Controller; 6-Digit Nixie Clock, Pt.2. August 2002: Digital Instrumentation Software For PCs; Digital Storage Logic Probe; Digital Therm./Thermostat; Sound Card Interface For PC Test Instruments; Direct Conversion Receiver For Radio Amateurs. March 2005: Windmill Generator, Pt.4; Sports Scoreboard, Pt.1; Inductance & Q-Factor Meter, Pt.2; Shielded Loop Antenna For AM; Sending Picaxe Data Over 477MHz UHF CB; $10 Lathe & Drill Press Tachometer. September 2007: The Art Of Long-Distance WiFi; Fast Charger For NiMH & Nicad Batteries; Simple Data-Logging Weather Station, Pt.1; 20W Class-A Stereo Amplifier; Pt.5. September 2002: 12V Fluorescent Lamp Inverter; 8-Channel Infrared Remote Control; 50-Watt DC Electronic Load; Spyware – An Update. April 2005: Install Your Own In-Car Video (Reversing Monitor); Build A MIDI Theremin, Pt.1; Bass Extender For Hifi Systems; Sports Scoreboard, Pt.2; SMS Controller Add-Ons; A $5 Variable Power Supply. October 2007: DVD Players – How Good Are They For HiFi Audio?; PICProbe Logic Probe; Rolling Code Security System, Pt.1; Simple Data-Logging Weather Station, Pt.2; AM Loop Antenna & Amplifier. May 2005: Getting Into Wi-Fi, Pt.1; Build A 45-Second Voice Recorder; Wireless Microphone/Audio Link; MIDI Theremin, Pt.2; Sports Scoreboard, Pt.3; Automatic Stopwatch Timer. November 2007: Your Own Home Recording Studio; PIC-Based Water Tank Level Meter, Pt.1: Playback Adaptor For CD-ROM Drives, Pt.1; Rolling Code Security System, Pt.2. June 2005: Wi-Fi, Pt.2; The Mesmeriser LED Clock; Coolmaster Fridge/ Freezer Temperature Controller; Alternative Power Regular; PICAXE Colour Recognition System; AVR200 Single Board Computer, Pt.1. December 2007: Signature Series Kit Loudspeakers; IR Audio Headphone Link; Enhanced 45s Voice Recorder Module; PIC-Based WaterTank Level Meter; Pt.2; Playback Adaptor For CD-ROM Drives; Pt.2. July 2005: Wi-Fi, Pt.3; Remote-Controlled Automatic Lamp Dimmer; Serial Stepper Motor Controller; Salvaging & Using Thermostats; Unwired Modems & External Antennas. January 2008: PIC-Controlled Swimming Pool Alarm; Emergency 12V Lighting Controller; Build The “Aussie-3” Valve AM Radio; The Minispot 455kHz Modulated Oscillator; Water Tank Level Meter, Pt.3 – The Base Station; Improving The Water Tank Level Meter Pressure Sensor. November 2002: SuperCharger For NiCd/NiMH Batteries, Pt.1; Windows-Based EPROM Programmer, Pt.1; 4-Digit Crystal-Controlled Timing Module. December 2002: Receiving TV From Satellites; Pt.1; The Micromitter Stereo FM Transmitter; Windows-Based EPROM Programmer, Pt.2; SuperCharger For NiCd/NiMH Batteries; Pt.2; Simple VHF FM/AM Radio. January 2003: Receiving TV From Satellites, Pt 2; SC480 50W RMS Amplifier Module, Pt.1; Gear Indicator For Cars; Active 3-Way Crossover For Speakers. February 2003: PortaPal PA System, Pt.1; SC480 50W RMS Amplifier Module, Pt.2; Windows-Based EPROM Programmer, Pt.3; Fun With The PICAXE, Pt.1. March 2003: LED Lighting For Your Car; Peltier-Effect Tinnie Cooler; PortaPal PA System, Pt.2; 12V SLA Battery Float Charger; Little Dynamite Subwoofer; Fun With The PICAXE, Pt.2 (Shop Door Minder). April 2003: Video-Audio Booster For Home Theatre Systems; Telephone Dialler For Burglar Alarms; Three PIC Programmer Kits; PICAXE, Pt.3 (Heartbeat Simulator); Electric Shutter Release For Cameras. May 2003: Widgybox Guitar Distortion Effects Unit; 10MHz Big Blaster Subwoofer; Printer Port Simulator; PICAXE, Pt.4 (Motor Controller). June 2003: PICAXE-Controlled Telephone Intercom; Sunset Switch For Security & Garden Lighting; Digital Reaction Timer; Adjustable DC-DC Converter For Cars; Long-Range 4-Channel UHF Remote Control. August 2005: Mudlark A205 Valve Stereo Amplifier, Pt.1; Programmable Flexitimer; Carbon Monoxide Alert; Serial LCD Driver; Enhanced Sports Scoreboard; Salvaging Washing Maching Pressure Switches. September 2005: Build Your Own Seismograph; Bilge Sniffer For Boats; VoIP Analog Phone Adaptor; Mudlark A205 Valve Stereo Amplifier, Pt.2; PICAXE in Schools, Pt.4. October 2005: A Look At Google Earth; Dead Simple USB Breakout Box; Studio Series Stereo Preamplifier, Pt.1; Video Reading Aid For Vision Impaired People; Simple Alcohol Level Meter; Ceiling Fan Timer. November 2005: Good Quality Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.1; PICAXE In Schools, Pt.5; Studio Series Stereo Headphone Amplifier; Build A MIDI Drum Kit, Pt.1; Serial I/O Controller & Analog Sampler. December 2005: Good Quality Car Sound On The Cheap; Pt.2; Building The Ultimate Jukebox, Pt.1; Universal High-Energy Ignition System, Pt.1; MIDI Drum Kit, Pt.2; 433MHz Wireless Data Communication. February 2008: UHF Remote-Controlled Mains Switch; UHF Remote Mains Switch Transmitter; A PIR-Triggered Mains Switch; Shift Indicator & Rev Limiter For Cars; Mini Solar Battery Charger. March 2008: The I2C Bus – A Quick Primer; 12V-24V High-Current DC Motor Speed Controller, Pt.1; A Digital VFO with LCD Graphics Display; A Low-Cost PC-to-I2C Interface For Debugging. April 2008: Charge Controller For 12V Lead-Acid Or SLA Batteries; Safe Flash Trigger For Digital Cameras; 12V-24V High-Current DC Motor Speed Controller, Pt.2; Two-Way Stereo Headphone Adaptor. May 2008: Replacement CDI Module For Small Petrol Motors; High-Accuracy Digital LC Meter; Low-Cost dsPIC/PIC Programmer; High-Current Adjustable Voltage Regulator. June 2008: DSP Musicolour Light Show, Pt.1; PIC-Based Flexitimer Mk.4; USB Power Injector For External Hard Drives; Balanced/Unbalanced Converter For Audio Signals; A Quick’n’Easy Digital Slide Scanner. July 2003: Smart Card Reader & Programmer; Power-Up Auto Mains Switch; A “Smart” Slave Flash Trigger; Programmable Continuity Tester; Updating The PIC Programmer & Checkerboard. January 2006: Pocket TENS Unit For Pain Relief; “Little Jim” AM Radio Transmitter; Universal High-Energy Ignition System, Pt.2; Building The Ultimate Jukebox, Pt.2; MIDI Drum Kit, Pt.3; Picaxe-Based 433MHz Wireless Thermometer; A Human-Powered LED Torch. August 2003: PC Infrared Remote Receiver (Play DVDs & MP3s On Your PC Via Remote Control); Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.1; Home-Brew Weatherproof 2.4GHz WiFi Antennas; PICAXE Pt.7. February 2006: PC-Controlled Burglar Alarm, Pt.1; A Charger For iPods & MP3 Players; Picaxe-Powered Thermostat & Temperature Display; Build A MIDI Drum Kit, Pt.4; Building The Ultimate Jukebox, Pt.3. August 2008: Ultra-LD Mk.2 200W Power Amplifier Module, Pt.1; Planet Jupiter Receiver; LED Strobe & Contactless Tachometer, Pt.1; DSP Musicolour Light Show, Pt.3; Printing In The Third Dimension. September 2003: Robot Wars; Krypton Bike Light; PIC Programmer; Current Clamp Meter Adapter For DMMs; PICAXE Pt.8 – A Data Logger; Digital Instrument Display For Cars, Pt.2. March 2006: The Electronic Camera, Pt.1; PC-Controlled Burglar Alarm System, Pt.2; Low-Cost Intercooler Water Spray Controller; AVR ISP SocketBoard; Build A Low-Cost Large Display Anemometer. September 2008: Railpower Model Train Controller, Pt.1; LED/Lamp Flasher; Ultra-LD Mk.2 200W Power Amplifier Module, Pt.2; DSP Musicolour Light Show, Pt.4; LED Strobe & Contactless Tachometer, Pt.2. October 2003: PC Board Design, Pt.1; JV80 Loudspeaker System; A Dirt Cheap, High-Current Power Supply; Low-Cost 50MHz Frequency Meter; Long-Range 16-Channel Remote Control System. April 2006: The Electronic Camera, Pt.2; Studio Series Remote Control Module (For A Stereo Preamplifier); 4-Channel Audio/Video Selector; Universal High-Energy LED Lighting System, Pt.1; Picaxe Goes Wireless, Pt.1 (Using the 2.4GHz XBee Modules). October 2008: USB Clock With LCD Readout, Pt.1; Digital RF Level & Power Meter; Multi-Purpose Timer; Railpower Model Train Controller, Pt.2; Picaxe-08M 433MHz Data Transceiver. November 2003: PC Board Design, Pt.2; 12AX7 Valve Audio Preamplifier; Our Best Ever LED Torch; Smart Radio Modem For Microcontrollers; PICAXE Pt.9; Programmable PIC-Powered Timer. December 2003: PC Board Design, Pt.3; VHF Receiver For Weather Satellites; Linear Supply For Luxeon 1W Star LEDs; 5V Meter Calibration Standard; PIC-Based Car Battery Monitor; PICAXE Pt.10. January 2004: Studio 350W Power Amplifier Module, Pt.1; HighEfficiency Power Supply For 1W Star LEDs; Antenna & RF Preamp For Weather Satellites; Lapel Microphone Adaptor For PA Systems; PICAXE-18X 4-Channel Datalogger, Pt.1; 2.4GHZ Audio/Video Link. February 2004: PC Board Design, Pt.1; Supply Rail Monitor For PCs; Studio 350W Power Amplifier Module, Pt.2; Shorted Turns Tester For Line Output Transformers; PICAXE-18X 4-Channel Datalogger, Pt.2. March 2004: PC Board Design, Pt.2; Build The QuickBrake For Increased Driving Safety; 3V-9V (or more) DC-DC Converter; ESR Meter Mk.2, Pt.1; PICAXE-18X 4-Channel Datalogger, Pt.3. April 2004: PC Board Design, Pt.3; Loudspeaker Level Meter For Home Theatre Systems; Dog Silencer; Mixture Display For Cars; ESR Meter Mk.2, Pt.2; PC/PICAXE Interface For UHF Remote Control. May 2004: Amplifier Testing Without High-Tech Gear; Component Video To RGB Converter; Starpower Switching Supply For Luxeon Star LEDs; Wireless Parallel Port; Poor Man’s Metal Locator. June 2004: Build An RFID Security Module; Simple Fridge-Door Alarm; Courtesy Light Delay For Cars; Automating PC Power-Up; Upgraded Software For The EPROM Programmer. July 2004: Silencing A Noisy PC; Versatile Battery Protector; Appliance Energy Meter, Pt.1; A Poor Man’s Q Meter; Regulated High-Voltage Supply For Valve Amplifiers; Remote Control For A Model Train Layout. August 2004: Video Formats: Why Bother?; VAF’s New DC-X Generation IV Loudspeakers; Video Enhancer & Y/C Separator; Balanced Microphone Preamp; Appliance Energy Meter, Pt.2; 3-State Logic Probe. September 2004: Voice Over IP (VoIP) For Beginners; WiFry – Cooking Up 2.4GHz Antennas; Bed Wetting Alert; Build a Programmable Robot; Another CFL Inverter. October 2004: The Humble “Trannie” Turns 50; SMS Controller, Pt.1; RGB To Component Video Converter; USB Power Injector; Remote Controller For Garage Doors & Gates. May 2006: Lead-Acid Battery Zapper; Universal High-Energy LED Lighting System, Pt.2; Passive Direct Injection (DI) Box For Musicians; Picaxe Goes Wireless, Pt.2; Boost Your XBee’s Range Using Simple Antennas. June 2006: Pocket A/V Test Pattern Generator; Two-Way SPDIF-toToslink Digital Audio Converter; Build A 2.4GHz Wireless A/V Link; A High-Current Battery Charger For Almost Nothing. July 2006: Mini Theremin Mk.2, Pt.1; Programmable Analog On-Off Controller; Studio Series Stereo Preamplifier; Stop Those Zaps From Double-Insulated Equipment. July 2008: DSP Musicolour Light Show, Pt.2; A PIC-Based Musical Tuning Aid; Balanced Mic Preamp For PCs & MP3 Players; Bridge Adaptor For Stereo Power Amplifiers. November 2008: 12V Speed Controller/Lamp Dimmer; USB Clock With LCD Readout, Pt.2; Wideband Air-Fuel Mixture Display Unit; IrDA Interface Board For The DSP Musicolour; The AirNav RadarBox. December 2008: Versatile Car Scrolling Display, Pt.1; Test The salt Content Of Your Swimming Pool; Build A Brownout Detector; Simple Voltage Switch For Car Sensors. January 2009: Dual Booting With Two Hard Disk Drives; USB-Sensing Mains Power Switch; Remote Mains Relay Mk.2; AM Broadcast Band Loop Antenna; Car Scrolling Display, Pt.2; 433MHz UHF Remote Switch. August 2006: Picaxe-Based LED Chaser Clock; Magnetic Cartridge Preamplifier; An Ultrasonic Eavesdropper; Mini Theremin Mk.2, Pt.2. February 2009: Digital Radio Is Coming, Pt.1; Tempmaster Electronic Thermostat Mk.2; 10A Universal Motor Speed Controller Mk.2; Programmable Time Delay Flash Trigger; Car Scrolling Display, Pt.3. September 2006: Transferring Your LPs To CDs & MP3s; Turn an Old Xbox Into A $200 Multimedia Player; Build The Galactic Voice; Aquarium Temperature Alarm; S-Video To Composite Video Converter. March 2009: Reviving Old Laptops With Puppy Linux; Digital Radio Is Coming, Pt.2; A GPS-Synchronised Clock; Theremin Mk.2; Build A Digital Audio Millivoltmeter; Learning about Picaxe Microcontrollers. October 2006: LED Tachometer With Dual Displays, Pt.1; UHF Prescaler For Frequency Counters; Infrared Remote Control Extender; Easy-ToBuild 12V Digital Timer Module; Build A Super Bicycle Light Alternator. April 2009: Digital Radio Is Coming, Pt.3; Wireless Networking With Ubuntu & Puppy Linux; Remote-Controlled Lamp Dimmer; School Zone Speed Alert; USB Printer Share Switch; Microcurrent DMM Adaptor. November 2006: Radar Speed Gun, Pt.1; Build Your Own Compact Bass Reflex Loudspeakers; Programmable Christmas Star; DC Relay Switch; LED Tachometer With Dual Displays, Pt.2; Picaxe Net Server, Pt.3. May 2009: A 6-Digit GPS-Locked Clock, Pt.1; 230VAC 10A Full-Wave Motor Speed Controller; Precision 10V DC Reference For Checking DMMs; UHF Remote 2-Channel 230VAC Power Switch; Input Attenuator For The Digital Audio Millivoltmeter; Drawing Circuits In Protel Autotrax. December 2006: Bringing A Dead Cordless Drill Back To Life; Cordless Power Tool Charger Controller; Build A Radar Speed Gun, Pt.2; Super Speedo Corrector; 12/24V Auxiliary Battery Controller. January 2007: Versatile Temperature Switch; Intelligent Car AirConditioning Controller; Remote Telltale For Garage Doors; Intelligent 12V Charger For SLA & Lead-Acid Batteries. February 2007: Remote Volume Control & Preamplifier Module, Pt.1; Simple Variable Boost Control For Turbo Cars; Fuel Cut Defeater For The Boost Control; Low-Cost 50MHz Frequency Meter, Mk.2. March 2007: Programmable Ignition System For Cars, Pt.1; Remote Volume Control & Preamplifier Module, Pt.2; GPS-Based Frequency Reference, Pt.1; Simple Ammeter & Voltmeter. April 2007: High-Power Reversible DC Motor Speed Controller; Build A Jacob’s Ladder; GPS-Based Frequency Reference, Pt.2; Programmable Ignition System, Pt.2; Dual PICAXE Infrared Data Communication. November 2004: 42V Car Electrical Systems; USB-Controlled Power Switch (Errata Dec. 2004); Charger For Deep-Cycle 12V Batteries, Pt.1; Driveway Sentry; SMS Controller, Pt.2; PICAXE IR Remote Control. May 2007: 20W Class-A Amplifier Module, Pt.1; Adjustable 1.3-22V Regulated Power Supply; VU/Peak Meter With LCD Bargraphs; Programmable Ignition System For Cars, Pt.3; GPS-Based Frequency Reference Modifications; Throttle Interface For The DC Motor Speed Controller. December 2004: Build A Windmill Generator, Pt.1; 20W Amplifier Module; Charger For Deep-Cycle 12V Batteries, Pt.2; Solar-Powered Wireless Weather Station; Bidirectional Motor Speed Controller. June 2007: 20W Class-A Amplifier Module, Pt.2; Knock Detector For The Programmable Ignition; 4-Input Mixer With Tone Controls; Frequency-Activated Switch For Cars; Simple Panel Meters Revisited. January 2005: Windmill Generator, Pt.2; Build A V8 Doorbell; IR Remote Control Checker; 4-Minute Shower Timer; The Prawnlite; Sinom Says Game; VAF DC-7 Generation 4 Kit Speakers. July 2007: How To Cut Your Greenhouse Emissions, Pt.1; 6-Digit Nixie Clock, Pt.1; Tank Water Level Indicator; A PID Temperature Controller; 20W Class-A Stereo Amplifier; Pt.3; Making Panels For Projects. June 2009: Mal’s Electric Vehicle Conversion; High-Current, HighVoltage Battery Capacity Meter, Pt.1; GPS Driver Module For The 6-Digit Clock; A Beam-Break Flash Trigger; Hand-Held Digital Audio Oscillator. July 2009: The Magic Of Water Desalination; Lead-Acid Battery Zapper & Desulphator; Hand-Held Metal Locator; Multi-Function Active Filter Module; High-Current, high-Voltage Battery Capacity Meter, Pt.2. August 2009: Converting A Uniden Scanner To Pick Up AIS Signals; An SD Card Music & Speech Recorder/Player; Lead-Acid/SLA Battery Condition Checker; 3-Channel UHF Rolling-Code Remote Control, Pt.1. September 2009: High-Quality Stereo Digital-To-Analog Converter, Pt.1; WideBand O2 Sensor Controller For Cars, Pt.1; Autodim Add-On For The GPS Clock; 3-Channel UHF Rolling-Code Remote Control, Pt.2. October 2009: Universal I/O Board With USB Interface; High-Quality Stereo Digital-To-Analog Converter, Pt.2; Digital Megohm & Leakage Current Meter; WideBand O2 Sensor Controller For Cars, Pt.2. November 2009: WIB: Web Server In A Box, Pt1; Twin-Engine SpeedMatch Indicator For Boats; High-Quality Stereo Digital-To-Analog Converter, Pt.3; A Dead-Simple Masthead Amplifier NOTE: issues not listed have sold out. We can supply photostat copies of articles from sold-out issues for $A12.00 each within Australia or $A15.00 each overseas (prices include 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 can be downloaded from www.siliconchip.com.au 105 Silicon Chip November 2009 October 2002: Speed Controller For Universal Motors; PC Parallel Port Wizard; Cable Tracer; AVR ISP Serial Programmer; 3D TV. 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 silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au Ding deterrent for car parks Is there any chance of SILICON CHIP doing a project to help stop people dinging cars in car parks, maybe using those reversing sensors? Would it also be possible to film them? I’m asking because my partner has come home twice in two weeks with a cracked and dented bumper bar and rear quarter panel. (C. K., Laurieton, NSW). • While it would be feasible for a car fitted with reversing sensors to give a warning alarm when other cars were approaching too closely, no doubt it would also react to pedestrians. It might stop dings but then its noise might also invite vandalism from passers-by. Getting a video record would also be feasible but the camera and recorder in your car would need to run continuously or at least be triggered every time something came within sensor range. Ignition system for a motorcycle engine A few years back I built and fitted the High-Energy Ignition unit to my Subaru, basically to eliminate the need to keep tweaking the points for efficiency. It is still problem-free; if anything, your kits are underrated. Next, I will be building a modified 725cc single-cylinder bike engine and would like your opinion about an ignition system, bearing in mind this engine may run methanol fuel and whether it is possible to use the digital pulse adjuster to power an injector for this project. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated. (A. J., Mt, Gambier, SA). • Most motorcycles do not have any degree of ignition advance with RPM nor do they have engine load retard (vacuum advance). The Programmable Ignition System from the March, April & May 2007 issues would be ideal if you have room. If the bike has a CDI ignition you could use the May 2008 replacement CDI for motorcycles. We do not think methanol would require a different spark treatment, except for timing changes. The DPA (Digital Pulse Adjuster) can drive injectors but it is designed to be used in conjunction with a Blackout Alarm Needed For Life Support Machine I hope you will be able to assist in my request, as I have to be connected to a life-support machine to ensure I get sufficient oxygen while I sleep and I am rather worried about power failures during the night. I am in need of a device to monitor the supply of mains power and if there is a failure, to sound a rather loud alarm as I also have an acute hearing loss. It would be great if the alarm ran off a rechargeable 9V battery that is trickle charged whenever the unit was turned on. Have you ever described anything along these lines or something that could be adapted? I have looked at commercial units 106 Silicon Chip but they are unsuitable in that they use a transducer that is way above my hearing range. I have great difficulty in even hearing a smoke alarm unless I am directly underneath it. (G. H., via email). • We have not published a specific project which would suit your application. The closest would be the Brownout Protector featured in the December 2008 issue but it does not have battery backup. However, it would be relatively easy to modify it so that the relay switched on a battery powered alarm when the mains power failed. Perhaps an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) could be part of the solution. controlled injector system; the DPA introduces an extra injector that is in effect controlled by the main injector pulse width but with pulse width adjustments available. It is not a standalone injector drive system as it does not control injector pulse width in response to fuel requirements for the engine. Timer wanted for a rotisserie I recently purchased a Roband brand (Model R 10) commercial grade chicken rotisserie for use at home. This rotisserie is made locally. Despite its hefty price of some $2500 new, I was a bit shocked to learn that it did not have a basic mechanical timer to automatically switch it off. (The one I purchased was used and I am in the process of re-furbishing it). I considered incorporating a timer in it and came to the view that an electronic timer would be preferable to a mechanical one. A comprehensive search of timer circuits in SILICON CHIP revealed that none of the timing circuits published was suitable for the purpose. A mechanical timer gives the ability to start the timing cycle automatically when set and the ability to adjust up or down the timing period at any time during the timing cycle. As well, the remaining timing period is exhibited and you get an audible warning at the end of the timing cycle. An electronic version should have a large 3-digit display plus the ability to count down from at least three hours and operate a relay capable of switching 15A at 230VAC. Given SILICON CHIP’s track record in publishing timers, I am confident that such a project would not present any difficulties and will prove very popular. Thank you for considering it. (C. N., via email). • As you have discovered, we have not published a suitable timer circuit. However, a more practical solution is to use the timer out of a discarded siliconchip.com.au microwave oven. We have published two articles along these lines, in the August 2003 and October 2008 issues. Knock sensing for Programmable Ignition I purchased a Knock Sensor amplifier kit from Jaycar – KC5444. I believe it captures signals within the range of 4.5kHz high-pass and 6.8kHz lowpass. However, I require a frequency range of 6kHz to 8.5kHz. I believe this can be achieved by changing a few resistors. Can you please advise on the resistor values and the placement in order to achieve this particular frequency range? (S. P., via email). • The Knock Sensor unit (SILICON CHIP, June 2007) was designed to match up with the Programmable Ignition System (March, April & May 2007). It is not a standalone unit for general knock sensing as the knock condition should only be monitored over a short period in the engine cycle. This is done in the Programmable Ignition System. Changing to the higher frequency range is easily done by changing the 6.8nF capacitors in the high-pass filter to 5.6nF. Similarly, for the low-pass filter, change the 3.3nF capacitor to 2.2nF and the 12nF capacitor to 10nF. Shed fire alarm wanted Recently, my garage burned down and I lost 40 years of tools and other stuff. I have a suggestion for a project: how about a workshop fire alarm? You could use a standard smoke alarm, wired to sense when the lights were on so that the device could be disabled when welding or woodworking. I would think in most home workshops the lights would be on when working (maybe a manual over-ride and auto-on after say 90 minutes?). I thought an air horn would be good – my shed is about 30 metres from my house. Lights or other devices to alert the owner could be fitted. (E. P., Bathurst, NSW). • We have published a project to suit your application. It was a Smoke Alarm Monitor (January & February 1997). It featured inputs for multiple smoke alarms and had provision for an external siren. As well, you could disable the alarm siliconchip.com.au Digital TV Modulator Wanted Now that there is an increasing mass of TVs with inbuilt digital tuners or digital set-top boxes I think there is a (hopefully) low-cost way of distributing a high-quality picture to several TVs around a house and/ or over a long distance by using 75ohm coax cable and splitters. In many cases, all it would take is to feed the signal in near the head of the legacy TV antenna system to achieve distribution to every TV around the house. Ideally, the digital TV modulator would accept HDMI, YPB with SPDIF coax or optical audio and composite video with L and R audio. Otherwise, it may be simpler to use one of the many converters available at stores like Jaycar. The output channel would have to be switchable in case a local broadcaster uses the intended frequency. A digital TV modulator could provide razor sharp pictures from a DVD player, Foxtel, PVR, security camera, etc. From a cost comparison perspective, it could work out cheaper than long HDMI/ YPB video cables, HDMI repeaters, YPB distri- for preset periods which would suit your workshop application. Alternative to GPS clocks In October 2008 you had a clock synchronised to the Internet and more recently you have had GPS clocks. These are a bit expensive and overkill really. I have a clock radio that obviously uses the 50Hz supply frequency as a reference and it keeps absolutely perfect time. I have been told that this is because the power stations run their alternators at a constant speed and if over a time they have run slightly fast or slow they compensate for this. Would it be possible to make a clock referenced to the mains frequency by using a coil to pick up the field from the walls of a house and use it as a reference to run the clock. That way, the clock would not have to be plugged in to the mains and could be run off a battery. (P. C., via email). • In theory you could have a clock synchronised to the mains using an bution amplifiers, wall plates etc or a balun-Cat 5e -balun set up – all for the same (SD) quality. Larger savings would be possible in churches, halls, schools, etc. Combined with video switching of the input (at say the amplifier), it would be possible to eliminate separate multi-core video cables snaking their way from the DVD player, Foxtel, STB and PVR to the TV’s inputs. The reduced number a wall plates and cables going to the TV would likely have better WAF (Wife Approval Factor). This feature alone is worth the effort! I think a Digital TV modulator kit has huge potential – over to you! (T. H., via email). • The large range of inputs (HDMI, etc) and capabilities means that your proposed TV modulator/ distribution scheme would be complex and expensive. In fact, it would be cheaper to simply install a set-top box for each TV set. That way you could at least have any Freeview TV program at any set. inductive pickup. However, it would be difficult to ensure that it would not be subject to interference from other RF fields. It would also have no syn chronisation during blackouts and being battery-powered, unless it stopped, you would have no idea of whether there had been a blackout or not. DIY video projector I am interested in your feedback on an Internet site I came across. There is a company called Lumenlab providing a kit to enable construction of a video projector, using a 15-inch LCD monitor, minus the backlighting. You source the monitor and they provide construction details plus Fresnel lenses and the triple projection lens. They propose using a metal halide lamp which is cheaper and has a much longer life than commercial lamps. Are you aware of this project and if so is it feasible in your opinion? (T. L., via email). • It seems like a Heath Robinson December 2009 107 CDI Module Modifications For Outboard My son has a twin-cylinder John son outboard motor which has a failed CDI (replacement cost, as your May 2008 article suggested: astronomical). I offered to help (if possible) with your device but we face some problems. The engine has one trigger coil for the ignition system and two trigger magnets in the flywheel set 180° apart, thus making it fairly clear that, even though the two cylinders have firing strokes 180° apart (for smoothness), both spark plugs fire simultaneously (being fired from the one trigger coil), ie, the cylinder whose piston is at the bottom of its stroke gets what I have seen elsewhere called “wasted spark”. There is no distributor as there used to be in most car engines. This is borne out by the fact that the ignition module, which I have partly unpotted, has one only capacitor to fire the system but seems to have two SCRs, ie, one for each ignition coil of which there are two. This seems to offer a simplified ignition system rather than having two completely separate systems. I suppose we could use two of your units and fire them both simultaneously from the one trigger scheme. We cannot see how a Fresnel lens could give a satisfactory result considering that VGA or better projectors can be purchased for quite reasonable prices. Our feeling is “why would you bother?” Tape equalisation for preamplifier Some time ago, I purchased a kit based on the Universal Stereo Preamplifier described in April 1994. I intend to use it to transcribe old audio tapes and I thought that the article included details of the required equalisation components for various tape speeds. When I opened the kit, it included a copy of the article but there were no details about the tape speed it is designed for. It is probably designed for 3¾ inches per second (ips). I think that I must have seen another article giving the components for other 108 Silicon Chip coil (if it has sufficient output) but I am interested in the possibility of driving two coils from the positive junction of C1, C2 and the 1MΩ resistor on the circuit of page 35 (May 2008). Having the alternative of installing one or two capacitors to supply extra “oomph” suggests that this may be a possibility but I wonder about the possible need to have some sort of balancing circuitry to ensure that each coil receives approximately equal current. I wonder also whether SCR1 (BT151) will be able to handle double the coil firing current. All this assumes that the polarity problem mentioned in the article is solvable. (P. C., via email). • You might need to check if the trigger voltage is positive for one firing point and negative for the second firing point. In this case, each coil would be fired separately using the two SCRs with an inverted trigger for the negative pulse. If both triggers are positive, it would probably be best to use two CDI modules and fire from the same trigger coil. For a positive and negative trigger, the May 2008 CDI is unsuitable unless the SCR trigger is redesigned. speed equalisations. It is also possible that I was remembering an earlier project. Could you let me know the components for 1.875ips, 3.75ips and 7.5ips? (A. S., Mont Albert North, Vic). • The tape rolloff corner frequency for this preamplifier was set at 3150Hz, suitable for 7½ and 15ips tape speeds. Tape speeds of 17/8 and 3¾ips require a 1770Hz corner frequency. In this case, use a 6.2kΩ resistor instead of the originally specified value of 3.6kΩ. Is SD card recorder suitable for bird calls? The article about the SD card recorder/player in the August 2009 issue more than once calls the project a “voice recorder”. Would it be suitable for recording bird calls? At the moment, I use a laptop and Audacity. Could I record 20 minutes of continuous audio using this device and achieve the same quality that I now I get with the laptop and Audacity? (T. T., Tuross Head, NSW). • The SD Card Recorder is referred to as a voice recorder because the sampling frequency for recording is set at 16kHz, meaning only frequencies up to 8kHz can be recorded. This limits the quality of the recording to speech, for example, which typically has little harmonic content above about 4kHz. We assume that bird calls would also have little harmonic content above 4kHz but that may not be true. You may be able to estimate the effect of limited bandwidth by employing the filters within Audacity to simulate the effect of limited sampling frequency. That way you can make your own assessment as to whether the SD card recorder would be suitable. SpeedAlert is not loud enough I have built your SpeedAlert Kit and a fault has occurred, probably due to my constant dismantling and reassembling of the kit and now it will not respond to the input from the coil. Also the first digit of the display does not light up at all. In an effort to overcome this problem I bought another kit. This was a later version that was much easier to build but alas the same problem has reared its head. I have interchanged the coils and the ICs in an effort to locate the problem. On both units, the display appears to light up as it should and responds to the mode button. Also could you please advise me as to how the buzzer can be replaced by a loud chime or “bing” sound. (E. B., via email). • It is strange that both the old and new speed alert have a blank left digit and will not respond to the coil pickup. Make sure the display is soldered correctly in place and that the interconnection between the two PC boards is making contact. Also, check that the magnets are correctly positioned to fly past the coil and that the coil has the steel bolt through it. With regard to the piezo alarm, it connects directly to the pin 2 output of IC1 and this only has a 25mA drive. So it cannot be connected directly to a loud chime. Note that if a piezo buzzer is used the sound will not occur as we drive siliconchip.com.au the specified piezo transducer with a square wave to provide the sound, rather than feeding it with a fixed DC voltage. As such a siren, buzzer or piezo unit that has an inbuilt driver is unsuitable in this circuit. For a louder sound, use the Jaycar AB3440 piezo transducer and mount it externally to the speed alert. To obtain more drive and a much louder sound, you need a circuit similar to that involving transistor Q1. Its base would be connected to pin 2 via a 680Ω resistor and the emitter connected to +5V (not the emitter of Q4 as for Q1). It could drive a piezo transducer connected between the collector of the transistor and the 0V supply. Switch failure in motor speed controller I built the 10A Full-Wave Motor Speed Controller (SILICON CHIP, May 2009) and I am having some problems with it. I am using the controller to control a 1300W router. When I first tried the controller, I had accidentally wired the pot backwards so that when I set the pot to minimum speed it was actually maximum. I connected the motor to the controller and powered it up. At that stage, I did not realise the pot was wired in reverse so the motor was running at full speed (22,000 RPM). I turned the power off using the switch on the controller box and there was a large flash from the switch. I checked the pot wiring and corrected the mistake and tried again. This time nothing happened. I checked the switch in the power point on the controller and found it was open circuit. I then dismantled the switch and found the flash had totally destroyed the contacts and toggle mechanism. Notes & Errata SD Card Music and Speech Recorder, August 2009: a new firmware update allows the recorder to read and write 2GB SD cards correctly. It also incorporates minor improvements to the interface. The firmware update is Version 2.60 and can be retrieved from the August 2009 download area of the SILICON CHIP website. IC1 should be programmed with the latest version according to whether the Jaycar (0110809J.hex) or the Altronics (0110809A.hex) LCD module has been used. (usually in the very early hours of the morning), it would “hang” – with a blank display apart from the daylight saving mode indicator LED. On investigation, this turned out to be due to a bug in the routine used to calculate and display the hours component of daylight saving time. This routine has now been changed and the resulting “Version 4” of the firmware tested for about 10 days. Version 4 of the firmware will be available for free downloading from the SILICON CHIP website by the time this note is published. 6-Digit GPS Clock, May-June 2009: as noted on page 100 of the October 2009 issue, designer Jim Rowe modified the GPS Clock’s firmware program to extract the time information from the GPGGA sentences rather than the GPRMC sentences available from the output of the EM-408 receiver module, in order to remove the 300ms delay which occurred in the seconds display every five seconds. This modification (in “Version 3” of the firmware) achieved the desired aim when the clock was displaying local standard time but as a number of readers have later found, there was a still-hidden bug which only made itself known when the clock was switched into displaying daylight saving time: every so often Web Server In A Box (WIB), Novem ber 2009: the metal shield of the ethernet connector module (CON2) should be connected to the GND (ground) pad of CON1 to minimise EMI. The corrected PC pattern has been sent to the kit retailers and is available for download from the SILICON CHIP website. I replaced the power point and tried again. This time the controller worked however the motor speed was erratic over most of the speed range. I tried adjusting the feedback gain but this High-Quality Stereo DAC, September 2009: the circuit diagram on page 16 (Fig.2) should show pin 12 of the 14-pin header going to the top of S3, while pin 8 should go to the top of S1. In addition, pin 7 of the 14-pin header should go to the cathode of LED1, while pin 11 should go the the cathode of LED3. The PC board patterns and wiring diagrams are correct. had little effect. I also separated the pot wiring from the output wiring, with no effect. While doing these adjustments, . . . continued on page 111 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. siliconchip.com.au December 2009 109 MARKET CENTRE Cash in your surplus gear. Advertise it here in SILICON CHIP ELNEC IC PROGRAMMERS High quality Realistic prices Free software updates Large range of adaptors Windows 95/98/Me/NT/2k/XP C O N T R O L S Tough times Battery Packs & Chargers demand innovative solutions! CLEVERSCOPE USB OSCILLOSCOPES 2 x 100MSa/s 10bit inputs + trigger 100MHz bandwidth 8 x digital inputs 4M samples/input Sig-gen + spectrum analyser Windows 98/Me/NT/2k/XP Siomar Battery Engineering www.batterybook.com Phone (08) 9302 5444 Made in Australia, used by OEMs world-wide splat-sc.com IMAGECRAFT C COMPILERS OzComfile ANSI C compilers, Windows IDE AVR, TMS430, ARM7/ARM9 68HC08, 68HC11, 68HC12 BASIC and LADDER Multi-Tasking Processor GRANTRONICS PTY LTD CE TOUCHSCREENS – 7”, 10” & 15” Development Software FREE to all customers Proto Boards-Starter kits – TOUCHSCREENS www.grantronics.com.au And more! Industrial quality December Special Start Kit 220: $140.00 FOR SALE HUGE CLEARANCE – OVER 300+ LINE ITEMS: ICs, MOSFETS, transistors & diodes sacrificed by major component importer; eg, NE555P $0.30ea, LM311N $0.30ea, BT137-500 $1.00ea, 27C512-90 $1.90ea, IRFP450 $1.50ea. MINIMUM ORDER VALUE $40.00 + GST + POSTAGE. EMAIL: jim<at>jmglobalelectronics.com for a complete list. RCS RADIO/DESIGN is at 41 Arlewis St, Chester Hill 2162, NSW Australia and has all the published PC boards from SC, EA, ETI, HE, AEM & others. Ph www.ozcomfile.com.au Australian Distributors for Comfile Technology (02) 9738 0330. sales<at>rcsradio.com. au; www.rcsradio.com.au SHIELDED (SCREENED) ROOM: 2.5-metres cube, Belling-Lee type TA3. Dismantled in Auckland ready for shipping, $2,000. Contact +64 9 811 8990 or stuar37<at>attglobal.net LEDs! Nichia, Cree and other brand name LEDs at excellent prices. LED drivers, including ultra-reliable linear CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING RATES Advertising rates for these pages: Classified ads: $29.50 (incl. GST) for up to 20 words plus 85 cents for each additional word. Display ads: $54.50 (incl. GST) per column centimetre (max. 10cm). Closing date: 5 weeks prior to month of sale. To book your classified ad, email the text to silicon<at>siliconchip.com.au and include your name, address & credit card details, or fax (02) 9939 2648, or phone (02) 9939 3295. 110 Silicon Chip Start Kit 220 driver options. Many other interesting and hard-to-find electronic items! www.ledsales.com.au PCBs MADE, ONE OR MANY. Any format, hobbyists welcome. Sesame Electronics Phone (02) 9593 1025. sesame<at>sesame.com.au www.sesame.com.au terrystransistors.com.au: genuine BD139/40 2SA970 MJL4302A MJL4281A ON<at>$9.20 2SK1058 2SJ162 REN<at>$9.40 MJL21193/4 MJL1302A MJL3281A BF469/470 MJE15030/1. Cheap postage. AC~DC SERVICE MANUALS www. acdcmanuals.com – thousands of downloadable service manuals for most brands and models including CTV, DVD, LCD, Plasma, VCR, Dryers, Fridges, Vacuum Cleaners, Vintage Radio, Washsiliconchip.com.au VIDEO - AUDIO - PC distribution amps - splitters digital standards converters - tbc's switchers - cables - adaptors genlockers - scan converters bulk vga cable - wallplates Doubts on battery charge controller DVS5c & DVS5s High Performance Video / S-Video and Audio Splitters MD12 Media Distribution Amplifier QUEST ® Quest AV® VGA Splitter VGS2 HQ VGA Cables AWP1 A-V Wallplate Come to the specialists... QUESTRONIX ® Quest Electronics® Pty Limited abn 83 003 501 282 t/a Questronix Products, Specials & Pricelist at www.questronix.com.au fax (02) 4341 2795 phone (02) 4343 1970 email: questav<at>questronix.com.au ing Machines and many more. The must have website for all Techs, Electricians and Restorers! PBASIC ROBOT KITS only $149.95 w w w. p y m b l e s o f t w a r e . c o m / ro bostamp.php Many other kits <at> www. pymblesoftware.com/catalog.pdf WANTED CUSTOMERS WANTED: Truscotts Electronic World – large range of semiconductors and passive components for industry, hobbyist and amateur projects including Drew Diamond. 27 The Mall, South Croydon, Melbourne. (03) 9723 3860. electronicworld<at>optusnet. com.au KIT ASSEMBLY KEITH RIPPON KIT ASSEMBLY & REPAIR: * Australia & New Zealand; * Small production runs. Phone Keith 0409 662 794. keith.rippon<at>gmail.com siliconchip.com.au Ask SILICON CHIP – continued I have looked at your 12V Lead Acid Battery Charge Controller from the Circuit Notebook pages of the August 2008 issue, with the intention of building it. However, I suspect it will not work correctly. Please correct me if I am wrong. My concern lies in the apparent fact that as the voltage sensing and power supply to IC1 is derived from the positive output to the battery, there is a sensing disassociation with the charger source. Specifically, at end of charge, pin 7 of IC1 goes high, LED1’s current falls to zero and Q1 is supposed to switch off as the gate voltage is removed via the 1kΩ gate resistor to its source. The problem I see is that IC1’s pin 7 output can only rise to near the level of the supply voltage from the charged battery, say approximately 14V, supplied through the 22Ω sensing/sourcing resistor. Now if the charger input ripple voltage peaks out around 17-18V or more, at switch-off, Q1’s source terminal will immediately rise to match the peak voltage differential between the . . . continued from page 109 the motor started to increase in speed until it reached maximum and there was no more control with the pot. I followed the fault-finding procedure and found Q1 to be short circuited between all pins. The rest of the circuit checked out OK, with correct voltages and waveforms when powered from 12V DC. Should there have been so much arcing in the switch when the motor was turned off at full speed and could this arcing have damaged Q1? Do you have any suggestions? (R. D., via email). • We assume that the spark across the switch was from the large inductive spike produced by the motor when it was switched off while your router was still spinning at high speed. Remember that you are controlling a lot of power and that your router should not be switched on when power is first applied to the controller. input and output supply voltages. This will recreate a voltage differential across the source to gate 1kΩ resistor of 5V or more, effectively turning on Q1, even if only partially. In summary, the FET would appear to never really switch off and will ultimately overcharge the battery in question, as well as becoming problematic if no heatsink was attached. If I am right, would the simple expedient of connecting the supply input (pin 8) of IC1 to the input side of the charger suffice? Or would this action in itself become problematic for other reasons? Keep up the great work – SILICON CHIP is a terrific magazine. (C. O., via email). • The circuit for a 12V Lead Acid Battery Charge Controller published in the August 2008 Circuit Notebook section should work as described. Your analysis does not take into account the fact that the LM311 comparator has an ‘open collector’ output which can switch load voltages as high as 50V, ie, it is not limited to the supply voltage level at pin 8 of the device. As a result when the comparator switches off in the circuit published, the current through the output does fall to zero. Once power is applied, you should bring the motor up to speed with the pot and also make sure the router has stopped (ie, its trigger control has been released) before switching off of the controller. The 10Ω gate resistor and ZD2 were also probably damaged when the IGBT failed. When these components are replaced, the circuit should work. Removing phantom from receiver input With respect to the VHF Weather Satellite Receiver (August 2008), I am using a quadrifilar helix aerial which is a dead short. How do I remove the phantom power on the antenna input? (R. P, Vancouver, Canada). • To remove the “phantom power” from the antenna input of the VHF Weather Satellite Receiver, all you need to do is remove the 4.3µH RF SC choke RFC1. December 2009 111 Do you eat, breathe and sleep TECHNOLOGY? Opportunities exist for experienced Sales Professionals & Store Management across Australia & NZ Jaycar Electronics is a rapidly growing, Australian owned, international retailer with more than 60 stores in Australia and New Zealand. Due to our aggressive expansion program we are seeking dedicated sales professionals to join our retail team to assist us in achieving our goals. We pride ourselves on technical expertise from our staff. Do you think that the following statements describe you? Please put a tick in the boxes that do:  Knowledge of core electronics, particularly at a component level  Retail experience, highly regarded  Assemble projects or kits yourself for your car, computer, audio etc  Have energy, enthusiasm and a personality that enjoys helping people  Opportunities for future advancement and development  Why not do something you love and get paid for it? Please email us your applicaton & CV in PDF format, including location preference. We offer a competitive salary, sales incentive and have a generous staff purchase policy. Applications should be emailed to jobs <at> jaycar.com.au Jaycar Electronics is an Equal Opportunity Employer & actively promotes staff from within the organisation. into RF? DOWNLOAD OUR CATALOG at www.iinet.net.au/~worcom There’s something to suit every radio frequency fan in the SILICON CHIP reference bookshop RF Circuit Design – by Chris Bowick A new edition of this classic RF design text - tells how to design and integrate RF components into virtually any circuitry. $ 75 Practical RF H’book WORLDWIDE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS PO Box 631, Hillarys, WA 6923 Ph: (08) 9307 7305 Fax: (08) 9307 7309 Email: worcom<at>iinet.net.au Silicon Chip Circuit Ideas Wanted – by Ian Hickman A reference work for technicians, engineers, students and the more specialised enthusiast. Covers all the key topics in RF that you $ need to understand 90 Do you have a good circuit idea? If so, sketch it out, write a brief description of its operation & send it to us. Practical Guide To Satellite TV Provided your idea is workable & original, we’ll publish it in Circuit Notebook & you’ll make some money. We pay up to $100 for a good circuit idea or you could win some test gear. – by Garry Cratt The reference written by an Aussie for Aussie conditions.Everything you need to know. $ 49 You’ll find many more technical titles in the SILICON CHIP reference bookshop – see elsewhere in this issue 112 Silicon Chip Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. Advertising Index AC-DC Service Manuals............... 110 Active Components......................... 63 Altronics............................ loose insert Amalgen Technologies.................... 12 Aust. Valve Audio Transformers..... 110 Av-Comm................................... 68-69 Dick Smith Electronics............... 20-21 Diamond Systems........................... 10 Emona Instruments......................... 13 Front Panel Express.......................... 9 Gless Audio................................ 68-69 Grantronics................................... 110 Harbuch............................................ 8 Hitech Antics..................................... 8 H.K. Wentworth Pty Ltd.............. 68-69 Instant PCBs................................. 111 Jaycar............................IFC,51-62,112 JM Global Electronics................... 110 Keith Rippon................................. 111 LED Sales..................................... 110 Marque Magnetics.......................... 10 Microgram Computers.................OBC MicroZed Computers...................... 11 Mornsun.......................................... 67 Ocean Controls............................... 39 Oatley Electronics......................... IBC OzComfile..................................... 110 PCBCART....................................... 12 PCBCORE........................................ 9 Pymble Software........................... 111 Quest Electronics.......................... 111 RCS Radio.................................... 110 RF Modules................................... 112 Rockby Electronics........................ 2-3 Rohde & Schwarz............................. 5 Sesame Electronics...................... 110 Silicon Chip Binders........................ 67 Silicon Chip Bookshop........... 102-103 Silicon Chip Order Form................. 31 Siomar Battery Industries.......... 7,110 Soundlabs Group............................ 37 Splat Controls............................... 110 Tekmark Australia........................... 79 Telelink Communications........... 68-69 Terry’s Transistors......................... 110 Trio Smartcal.............................. 68-69 Truscotts Electronic World............. 111 Wagner Electronics......................... 65 WiFi Products................................. SC Worldwide Elect. Components...... 112 PC Boards Printed circuit boards for SILICON CHIP designs can be obtained from RCS Radio Pty Ltd. Phone (02) 9738 0330. Fax (02) 9738 0331. siliconchip.com.au siliconchip.com.au December 2009 113