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This is the legacy website; please use the new website.
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Issue 290
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View the articles in this issue >>
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25 Nov, 2012
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@siliconchip.com.au
23 Nov, 2012
Vintage Radio
The HMV A13B 4-Valve Twin-Chassis Mantel
21 Nov, 2012
A Seriously Bright 20W LED Floodlight
Last February, we published a DIY 10W LED Floodlight, which has been enormously popular. We said that one was almost blinding - but
to paraphrase Croc Dundee, that's not bright. THIS one is BRIGHT!
19 Nov, 2012
Hacking A Mini Wireless Web Server Pt.1
For about $30, you can have a tiny, low-power web/email server with WiFi, Ethernet and USB. And with a bit of extra circuitry, it can even monitor voltages and control some relays.
17 Nov, 2012
Review: Agilent U1233A DMM WIth Bluetooth Adaptor
This 6000-count true RMS multimeter has a
built-in non-contact voltage detector, low
impedance voltage measurement mode and
the option of a Bluetooth communication
module for wireless data logging.
13 Nov, 2012
LED Musicolour: Light Up Your Music, Pt.2
The new LED Musicolour makes building a spectacular light and music show easier than ever. In this second and final instalment, we explain how to build and test the unit and also detail how you can control it.
11 Nov, 2012
High-Energy Electronic Ignition System For Cars, Pt.1
This new circuit improves upon our very popular high energy electronic ignition system. It uses an IGBT ignition driver rather than the expensive high-voltage Darlington used in our previous designs. You can use it to replace a failed ignition module or to upgrade a mechanical ignition system when restoring a vehicle.
7 Nov, 2012
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".
5 Nov, 2012
The CLASSiC-D, Part 1
World's first DIY high-power high-performance
Class-D amplifier: 250Ω into 4Ω; 150W into 8Ω
3 Nov, 2012
Circuit Notebook
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.
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Issue 289
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View the articles in this issue >>
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27 Oct, 2012
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@siliconchip.com.au
21 Oct, 2012
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".
19 Oct, 2012
Vintage Radio
It's not common to see two sets that look almost identical on the outside but which are completely different on the inside. Such is the case with the Philips BX462A (Dutch) and 115 (Australian) receivers. In fact, the closer one looks at the chassis of these two sets, the more the differences become apparent.
17 Oct, 2012
Review: Micronix MSA438 3.3GHz Spectrum Analyser
This portable/hand-held instrument can run from mains or for up to four hours on an optional Lithium-ion battery. It has multiple measurement modes, USB flash drive support, PC connectivity (also USB) and an automatic signal finder mode. Its average noise level is -127dBm.
17 Oct, 2012
The Nick-Off Bad Cat Deterrent
Do you have a miscreant "puddy-tat" that likes to jump on kitchen benches (or worse)? It can be a real problem, especially at night when no-one is looking. The Nick-Off Cat Deterrent (aka the Ted-Off) is the perfect solution. It uses an infrared sensor to detect said cat and triggers an answering machine to play back simulated, demented barking. It also lights two white LEDs which form the eyes of an angry dog.
13 Oct, 2012
Circuit Notebook
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.
10 Oct, 2012
HAARP: Researching The Ionosphere
If you believe the conspiracy theorists, HAARP is a "death ray", it can cause earthquakes, control weather, bring down aircraft . . . even cause buildings to disintegrate. But as we shall see, HAARP, the High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program facility in Alaska is a highly useful and promising research centre.
10 Oct, 2012
LED Musicolour: Light Up Your Music, Pt.1
Now you can have a kaleidoscope of colour which continually changes in time to music. This consists of 16 strings of LEDs which are individually controlled by 16 frequency bands. Louder signals in each of those bands means that the respective LED string will be brighter. Use it for a Christmas light show, a disco or just for fun when playing music.
5 Oct, 2012
Serviceman's Log
Ever had that sinking feeling when a hard disk drives fails and you haven't backed up critical data? Or have you accidentally deleted one or more important files? Retrieving your data depends on the nature of the problem and the experience of the person doing the recovery.
3 Oct, 2012
Electric Remotely Piloted Aircraft... With Wings
In August, we looked at the burgeoning field of multi-rotor RPAs and SGMAs. But long before multi-rotor aircraft had enough computer grunt to actually keep them in the air, conventional (ie, fixed-wing) electric-powered model aircraft were being flown by radio control.
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Issue 288
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View the articles in this issue >>
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20 Sep, 2012
Circuit Notebook
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.
20 Sep, 2012
The HRSA's 30th Birthday
Australia's largest exhibition of Vintage Radios: It's on this month in Melbourne: 22-23 September
at the Springvale Town Hall. We'll see you there!
19 Sep, 2012
Review: iModela 3-Axis CNC Router/Mill
Looking for a small computer-controlled router/mill? This one won't break the bank but has quite a wide range of uses, from cutting 3D objects out of soft materials through to engraving metal and making PCBs - not just the tracks but the holes as well.
19 Sep, 2012
USB Test Instrument Interface For PCs
With this USB interface you can turn your desktop or laptop PC into a whole suite of test instruments - a 2-channel digital scope, spectrum analyser, AC DMM and frequency counter plus a 2-channel audio signal/function/arbitrary waveform generator. Interested? Read on.
17 Sep, 2012
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@siliconchip.com.au
6 Sep, 2012
Colour Maximite Microcomputer, Pt.1
The original Maximite microcomputer (March-May 2011) has been a huge hit with readers and thousands are now in use all over the world, from Australia to Russia. So how do you improve on such a big hit? How about by adding eight vibrant colours and a stereo music synthesiser for a start? The result is stunning and it takes the Maximite to a whole new level.
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Issue 287
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View the articles in this issue >>
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27 Aug, 2012
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@siliconchip.com.au
22 Aug, 2012
Isolated High-Current Adaptor For Scopes & DMMs
If you want to measure and monitor mains current of up to 30A using your DMM or scope, this is the safe and easy solution. It works just as well with DC and it has significantly better resolution and bandwidth than most clamp meters.
19 Aug, 2012
Serviceman's Log
Watchmaking is not exactly my forte but I'll take on just about anything these days to try to make a dollar. Sometimes my efforts are successful and sometimes they aren't but it doesn't hurt to at least try.
18 Aug, 2012
RPAs: Designing, Building & Using Them For Business
SILICON CHIP talks to (while we watch in awe!) two young men who are dedicated RPA hobbyists turned businessmen: they are setting up a company specialising in aerial cinematography for movies and TV using RPAs - one of the first in Australia to do so.
16 Aug, 2012
Flying The Parrot AR Drone 2 Quadcopter
This impressive flying beast sports four rotors and two cameras. You can control it with an iPhone, iPad or Android device and capture 720p video of its exploits. It's quite robust, easy to fly and has multiple control modes to suit different pilot experience levels.
15 Aug, 2012
Circuit Notebook
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.
11 Aug, 2012
Timer For Fans And Lights
This simple circuit provides a turn-off delay for a 230VAC light or a fan. It can be used to make a bathroom fan run for a set period after the switch has been turned off or it can be used with a pushbutton to turn a light on for a specific time. The timer circuit consumes no standby power when the load is off.
9 Aug, 2012
Multi-Rotor Helicopters
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs)
are on the threshold of a major
explosion in design, operation
and areas of deployment.
Leading the way in this
revolution is a style
of helicopter best
known as a
Quadcopter or
Multi-rotor Copter.
8 Aug, 2012
The Driveway Sentry Mk.2
Here's an improved version of the Driveway Sentry we described in the November 2004 issue of SILICON CHIP. It detects vehicles like cars, trucks, tractors or other farm machinery moving along a driveway or through a gateway. When movement is detected, it switches on a mains-powered or battery-powered lighting system and activates an optional piezo buzzer alarm for a preset period ranging from 2-25 seconds.
5 Aug, 2012
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".
3 Aug, 2012
We Drive Nissan's Leaf Electric Car
On June 15, the much-anticipated Nissan LEAF 100% electric vehicle went on sale in Australia. Not co-incidentally, this was also the day it was introduced to the media - including SILICON CHIP. We had a good look at the LEAF and took it for a reasonable (if all-too-short) drive. Were we a little impressed? No way! We were very impressed!
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Issue 286
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View the articles in this issue >>
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29 Jul, 2012
6-Decade Capacitance Substitution Box
When breadboarding or prototyping, sometimes you need to experiment with a capacitor value. Substituting a range of different capacitors can be a bit tedious. What you need is a capacitance decade box, which makes it easy to find the right value for your circuit.
27 Jul, 2012
Vintage Radio
Built in Australia more than 50 years ago, this AWA 157P 7-transistor radio is still in good condition and required only a few minor repairs to restore it to working order. It's built like a valve receiver, with point-to-point wiring and no printed circuit board.
25 Jul, 2012
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@siliconchip.com.au
21 Jul, 2012
Modifying CD-ROM Motors For High Power Operation
Did you know that you can convert the flea-power motors from old CD or DVD-ROM drives to high-power operation - eg, for model aircraft or other demanding uses? While it may seem improbable it is relatively easy to do, the main change being to fit Neodymium 'Rare Earth' magnets. Oh, you also need to find some suitable motors.
19 Jul, 2012
Circuit Notebook
Interesting circuit ideas which we have checked but not built and tested. Contributions will be paid for at standard rates. All submissions should include full name, address & phone number.
17 Jul, 2012
10A DCC Booster For Model Railways
Most DCC base stations have puny current capabilities which are exposed if you want to run more than a few locos and peripherals on your model railway layout. Problem is, DCC boosters are expensive, with a well-known 5A booster costing over $200. Problem no longer; build this 10A beauty at a fraction of the cost.
13 Jul, 2012
Wideband Oxygen Sensor Controller Mk.2, Pt.2
Last month, we introduced our new Wideband Oxygen Sensor Controller Mk.2 and described the circuit. This month, we give the circuit for the display unit and the full construction details.
11 Jul, 2012
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".
9 Jul, 2012
The Square Kilometre Array: Australian Misses Out
Most readers will have heard of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope project which SILICON CHIP reported on in the December 2011 issue. It was supposed to be a bidding contest between Australia and South Africa. In simple terms, South Africa won and we lost. But that's not the end of the story.
7 Jul, 2012
Serviceman's Log
Many homes have had solar panels installed over the last few years, usually ranging from about 1.5kW up to 4kW. But how safe are they, especially if they have been installed in a rush to meet subsidy deadlines?
4 Jul, 2012
Peter Olsen & His Flashing School Lights
If you're in NSW, you may have seen those "check speed" signs with flashing lights mounted near the large "school zone" signs which mark the areas around schools where children will be present before and
after school. They're the result of a lot of political pressure - and
heartache - by Peter Olsen over the past six years. Of particular
interest to SILICON CHIP, they're powered by PICAXE microcontrollers.
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