SILICON CHIP MAGAZINE

Silicon Chip - December 2013

by Silicon Chip

The December issue of Silicon Chip has just arrived. This month's projects include a professional portable PA System. This unit is ideal for meetings, outdoor sports events, church groups and much more. The unit features a low-distortion 100W class-D Amplifier with Li-Po Battery Operation for true portability. Suitable for a wide range of inputs with 2 Microphone Inputs, a Guitar Input and Separate Line Input for CD or Portable Music Player. The unit utilizes Twin 200mm Loudspeakers with integral tweeters and also includes separate Bass and Treble Controls. Also this month, build a soothing Bellbird sound unit. This unit replicates a lifelike Bellbird sound with a LED Chaser on the edge of the board, the LED's chase in combination with the Bellbird sound. Ideal for school projects or simply a fun project to build. Finally this month, the assembly details for the “Tiny Tim” 10W/Channel Stereo Amplifier

This month's articles include a very interesting article on the new Electric Superbikes. These new bikes are capable of speeds up to 205km/h and are almost silent in operation. This article looks at the construction and development of these high performance superbikes. Also this month, how to replace your car's filament interior lights with the new LED types, in a wide range of colours with lower power consumption.

Part Code: SILCHIPDEC2013

Features

• Electric Superbikes: The Very Fast Sounds of Silence
• Update Your Car's Interior with LED Lighting
• A Look at the New PIC32MZ Microcontroller
• Review: Opus One A2696 DAB+ & Internet Tuner

Projects

• Build an Electronic Bellbird
• PortaPAL-D: A Powerful, Portable PA System, Part 1
• “Tiny Tim” 10W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Part 2
• More Reception Modes for the SiDRadio & SDRs

Silicon Chip - November 2013

by Silicon Chip

Just Arrived the November issue of Silicon Chip, this month build a compact, easy-to-use, inexpensive GPS Tracker Unit. This unit records the route, time & date on a removable SD memory card for later display using Google Earth or other mapping software. Ideal as a travel log or record for a car trip, can also be used on a hiking expendition or on a boat trip. The unit is easy to build with just a few components and is housed in a sturdy plastic box. Also this month, build a Dual-Channel Audio Delay Unit for PA Systems, this unit delays the sound from the front set of speakers to the rear speakers, producing a much clearer and and intelligible output for a large hall or gathering. Finally this month, a simple unit to measure the alcohol content in your drink, the unit can also be used to check alochol breath testers.

This month's features include a look at the new DRM Digital Radio standard, which will revolutionize long distance radio communication in long-wave, meduim wave and shortwave bands, as well as how to use the new SiRADIO to receive these DRM broadcasts. All the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio are included, providing stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPNOV2013

Features

• Raspberry Pi XBMC Solution for Multimedia
• DRM Digital Radio: What It's All About
• Using the SiDRADIO to receive DRM Broadcasts
• Review: Gratten Spectrum Analyser & Signal Generator

Projects

• Build A GPS Tracker & Record Your Journeys
• Dual Channel Audio Delay for PA Systems
• Alscolyser: For Accurate Alcohol Analysis
• SiDRADIO: An Integrated SDR using a DVB-T Dongle, Part 2

Silicon Chip - October 2013

by Silicon Chip

The October issue of Silicon Chip has just arrived. This month's projects include a Software Defined Radio, this unit is powered from your PC and can accurately monitor frequencies from 100kHz to 2GHz. The unit is self-contained and uses a USB DVB-T dongle for the high accuracy receiver. The unit also incorporates an Up-Converter and RF preselector. The unit provides reception in the FM, AM, SSB, CW frequency ranges and the software can provide precise setting frequencies as well as a spectrum analyser and waterfall displays directly on your PC. Also this month build a low-cost speaker system and matching amplifier, with surprisingly good performance. Detailed construction information is given on cutting the correct sizes of wood for the enclousure as well as step-by-step instructions for putting it all together. The matching stereo amplifier is suitable for a 10W output, with very low distortion and is also short circuit protected. Finally this month, build an Automatic Car Headlight Controller, this unit turns on the car's headlights in low light conditions and will also give a warning if the lights have been left on, when the engine is stopped.

This month's articles include a useful article on replacing the battery pack in your cordless drill. The battery packs can easily be replaced with a new lithium polymer battery pack which offers less weight and the ability to run for a longer time. Also this month a quick look at the future in two-way radio with the arrival of digital two-way radio, offering clearer signals and an increased number of users within the same frequency.

Part Code: SILCHIPOCT2013

Features

• Fit Your Cordless Drill with a Lithium Battery Pack
• Narrow-Band Digital Two-Way Radio

Projects

• SiDRADIO: An Integrated SDR using a DVB-T Dongle, Part 1
• “Tiny Tim” Horn-Loaded Speaker System
• “Tiny Tim” 10W/Channel Stereo Amplifier, Part 1
• Automatic Car Headlight Controller

Silicon Chip - September 2013

by Silicon Chip

Now in Stock the September issue of Silicon Chip, with many interesting projects and great features. Build a Speedo Corrector, which automatically corrects your car's speedo after you have changed the wheels, gearbox or differential on your vehicle. This unit will work with analog or digital speedometers that use a frequency signal for speed sensing. The unit is based on a programmed PIC16F88 Microcontroller and delivers reliable performance. Also this month, build an inexpensive Low-Voltage Cutout for Lithium and SLA Batteries, this very compact unit can be easily housed in the battery compartment and will automatically disconnect the battery from the load, once the voltage falls below a certain value, preventing damage to your batteries by a full discharge. As well, this month includes a 12/24V Regulator for those large 70V Solar Panels you may have but could not find a suitable regulator.

This month's features include a look at the new Head-Up Speedometer displays that are on the market, how they are installed and some of the features available. Together with a look at the latest release of the Altium Designer 2013 PCB Layout Software, the new features available and a look at some sample designs from Silicon Chip. This month's issue also includes all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio, stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPSEP2013

Features

• Speedometer Head-Up Displays
• Graphene: 300 Times Stronger than Steel
• Review: Bush TR82DAB+/FM/AM/LW Radio
• Review: Altium Designer 2013 PCB Layout Software

Projects

• Speedo Corrector, Mk3
• Collinear Antennas for Aircraft ADS-B Signals
• LifeSaver for Lithium & SLA Batteries
• Simple 12V/24V Regulator for 70V Solar Panels

Silicon Chip - August 2013

by Silicon Chip

Just Arrived, the August issue of Silicon Chip, this month is loaded with interesting projects and articles. Build a relaxing PC Birdies playback module, this unit has two singing birds and can be built easily by the beginner. The unit only chirps or sings during daylight hours and provides a wide range of random playing canary songs. Also this month, how to track aircraft with a low-cost USB DVD-T receiving dongle. With just a PC, USB Dongle, Antenna and some free software, you can identify planes as they flow over your location, and display the results on your PC. If you need an inexpensive iPod Charger, our simply iPod Charger Adapter can be built for a few dollars and uses a standard plugpack. Finally this month, an RF Detector Probe for DMMs, this unit will allow you to measure RF signals from 100kHz to 1GHz, with signal voltages of 20mV to 10V RMS.

This month's articles include a very interesting feature on tracking commercial aircraft anywhere in the world. The article looks at how this is done and some of the websites available, that show real-time information on the location of various aircraft. Also this month a review of the some of the popular Adventure Cams available, these Action Cams, are great for recording water action, such as board riding, skiing, snorkling etc.

Part Code: SILCHIPAUG2013

Features

• ADS-B & flightradar24.com
• Adventure Cams
• Digital TV: Where To From Here?
• Review: Samsung Chromebook
• Review: Tiny Scope Shoot-out

Projects

• PC-Birdies: Bird Song Playback Unit
• Track Aircraft on your own ADS-B Receiving Station
• Build an iPod Charger Adaptor
• Active RF Detector Probe for DMMs

Silicon Chip - July 2013

by Silicon Chip

Available now the July issue of Silicon Chip, this month's issue is stacked with great projects. Build the new high-performance DC Model Train Controller, This unit offers exceptional performance for conventional DC controlled model trains, the unit features pulse power for smooth running, excellent low speed performance, inertia and braking simulation, over-current and short circuit alarm. The unit is housed in an attractive case and can be build easily by the hobbyist, with only through-hole components used. Also this month a very useful UHF extender for your remote controlled devices. This unit adds UHF to your universal remote control, so you can extend the range dramatically for use inside and outside your house. A small receiver box is placed close to your appliances for converting the UHF signal to IR for controlling the appliance. This month also includes an excellent feature on adding Wireless Audio Streaming to the CLASSiC DAC, easily listen to music stored on a SD Card or your computer anywhere in the house and even through a Hi-Fi system located in another room.

This month's features include a look back in history to the founding and growth of AWA, with a look at some of the bestselling products and inside the old assembly shops. Also this month, a look at the different SD cards available, their capacity, size and file systems used for storage.
This month's issue also includes all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio, stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPJUL2013

Features

• 100 Years of AWA
• Cheap & Cheerful Smart TV Conversion
• Review: EDS-88A In Circuit Capacitor Tester
• Secure Digital Cards: Clearing Up The Confusion

Projects

• DIY Wireless Audio Streaming
• Li'l Pulser Model Train Controller, Version 2
• Add a UHF Link to a Universal Remote Control
• Demonstration Circuits for Human Colour Vision
• Build a USB Port Voltage Checker

Silicon Chip - June 2013

by Silicon Chip

Now Available, the June issue of Silicon Chip, this month is loaded with interesting projects and articles. Build a useful 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver which works with either a Universal Remote Control or via a UHF Radio Link. This unit can be used to control a wide range of devices including motors, lights, solenoids and much more. Switch on lights and heaters from the comfort of your armchair with this easy to build unit. Also this month, build an Infrared to 433MHz UHF Transmitter, this unit is ideal when you do not have line of sight to the remote control receiver and can be used outdoors to extend the range of the unit. This month also includes a useful Mini Audio Mixer, ideal for when you want to combine a number of sound inputs to the PA system, without having to worry about adjusting the PA system controls.

This month's articles include a look at the new LiFePO₄ Battery Cells, these cells offer improved power output over NiCAD's and NiMH Cells, but need to be treated carefully and charged correctly. Also a look at some of changes ahead for Digital TV, as well as a comparison between a large high-resolution monitor and a new Smart TV used as a Monitor.

Part Code: SILCHIPJUN2013

Features

• Get a Life with LiFePO₄ Cells
• High Resolution Monitor Shoot-Out
• Digital TV: Where To From Here?
• Wireless Microphones & Digital TV
• Review: GDS-2104A 100MHz 4-Channel Digital Scope

Projects

• LF-HF Up-Converter for VHF/UHF Digital TV Dongles
• A Versatile 10-Channel Remote Control Receiver
• Infrared-to-433MHz UHF Receiver
• A "Lump-in-the-Coax" Mini Audio Mixer

Silicon Chip - May 2013

by Silicon Chip

The May issue of Silicon Chip is now available. In this issue, the final article of the CLASSiC DAC, the operation and testing of the unit is described in detail. Also this month, a new power supply project for the very popular CLASSiC-D Amplifier. This unit delivers up to ±35 & 125W from a standard 12V battery with very high efficiency. The power supply features thermal shutdown, fuse protection, power on indication and is all housed in a very compact solid diecast case. This month, also features an easy to build Do Not Disturb Timer for your telephone, this unit is designed to put your phone in the engaged state, preventing annoying calls while you are taking a nap or for the late evening, when you do not want to be disturbed. The unit only requires a few components and will reset the telephone line to the active state once the time period has expired.

This month's features include a look at the exciting new Raspberry Pi Computer, this article covers the basics and explains the history and development of the computer. Also this month, a look at the new USB DVB-T dongle that will allow you to receive radio signals in the frequency range of 50MHz to 2200MHz, great for the Radio Buff, this inexpensive unit comes complete with software and allows you to define the receiving frequency accurately and also see the signal characteristics on your computer.
This month's issue also includes all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio, stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPMAY2013

Features

• Get a Software Defined Radio for $25
• The Raspberry Pi Single Board Computer
• Review: EDS-88A In Circuit Capacitor Tester
• The Avalon 2013 Air Show
• Review: The RF Explorer Spectrum Analyser

Projects

• DC-DC Converter for the CLASSiC DAC Amplifier
• High Performance CLASSiC DAC, Part 4
• Do Not Disturb Telephone Timer
• Simple DMM Auto Power Off
• Voltage and Current Meters for the New Battery Charger

Silicon Chip - April 2013

by Silicon Chip

In this issue, the third installment of building the High-Performance Stereo Digital-to-Analog Converter. These units are ideal to convert your MP3 or digital music to high quality stereo for your headphones or input to your sound system. This unit is based on the Cirrus Logic CS4398, as used in Marantz and other high-fidelity sound equipment. It has three TOSLINK inputs, three S/PDIF inputs and a USB audio input. A SD card socket is also included. The unit also incorporates a headphone amplifier and an optional infrared remove control. The unit can be built in a few hours and delivers exceptional sound quality. Also this month, build an attractive eye-catching LED Ladybird. This compact, easy to build brooch, features simulated body movements and wings flapping using an array of LED's. The unit is great for parties and is sure to attract pleny of attention. This month also includes a Deluxe GPS 1pps Timebase for Frequency Counters, this unit provides a very accurate timebase ensuring accurate readings for frequency measing instruments.

This month's articles include a look at receiving Digital TV on your laptop. Access a wide range of programming and news broadcast directly on your PC, with this inexpensive USB dongle for your PC or laptop.

Part Code: SILCHIPAPR2013

Features

• How to Get Digital TV on your Laptop or PC
• The New Silicon Chip Website
• Review: Siglent SDG1050 50MHz 2-Channel Function Generator

Projects

• High Performance CLASSiC DAC, Part 3
• LED Ladybird: An Eye-Catching Electronic Beetle
• Deluxe GPS 1pps Timebase for Frequency Counters
• A Rugged 10A Battery Charger from Bits & Pieces

Silicon Chip - March 2013

by Silicon Chip

The March issue of Silicon Chip, features an easy to build Infrasound Detector. The low frequency constant sound from wind turbines can cause discomfort to a number of people. This inexpensive unit filters all sound signals except those below 20Hz. The output is then dislayed on a standard frequency multimeter. Also this month, the second part of the High-Performance CLASSiC DAC, which features exceptional sound output from digital sources, such as SD cards, USB input and much more. This month the circuit is explained in detail and the performance graphs for this unit are shown. If your interested in Model Railways, 2 great projects for the model enthusiast. Build an Automatic Points Controller, this unit detects an approaching train and will automatically switch the points for the train. Ideal for when you have a large layout and only a single operator. A Capaitor Discharge Unit is also explained, this unit provides power for twin-coil points motors, which are commonly used for points in model railways.

This month's features look at some of the new test instrument add-ons for your iPad. Previously the preserve of games and the internet, a number of new test instruments can be connected to your iPad to provide highly accurate test intruments, with detailed graphics and storage capabilities. These new instruments include a Spectrum Analyser, Oscilloscope and Logic Analyser, all available at prices less than the standalone units. This month's issue also includes all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio, stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPMAR2013

Features

• Oscium Test Instrument Add-On for the iPad
• New SIE-64 Hearing Aid from Blarney & Saunders
• Programmable Systems on a Chip (PSoC)

Projects

• High Performance CLASSiC DAC, Part 2
• Infrasound Detector for Low Frequency Measurements
• Automatic Points Controller for Model Railways
• Capacitor Dischard Unit for Twin-Coil Points Motor
• Control Relays via the Internet with Arduino

Silicon Chip - February 2013

by Silicon Chip

In this issue, build a High-Performance Stereo Digital-to-Analog Converter. These units are ideal to convert your MP3 or digital music to high quality stereo for your headphones or input to your sound system. This unit is based on the Cirrus Logic CS4398, as used in Marantz and other high-fidelity sound equipment. It has three TOSLINK inputs, three S/PDIF inputs and a USB audio input. A SD card socket is also included. The unit also incorporates a headphone amplifier and an optional infrared remove control. The unit can be built in a few hours and delivers exceptional sound quality. Also this month, build your own Seismograph, this easy to build unit is based on the PICAXE microcontroller and includes computer software to display the various tremors and jolts, similar to an expensive top of the range chart recorder. This month, also includes a Mobile Phone Loud Ringer, this unit is great for when you are working outdoors or in a very noisy environment. The unit sensors the vibration of your phone and then drives a large piezo siren, to ensure you won't miss a call. Finally this month, build an Improved Jacob's Ladder, and watch the high voltage sparks climb up the vertical wires to give a very eye-catching display.

This month's articles include a look at the new LED Halogen down-lights available. These high efficiency LED's can provide improved lighting at reduced cost over conventional halogen lights. Also a review of the new HB Wireless XR-450M UHF Handheld Transceiver. Plus all the regular articles, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio section.

Part Code: SILCHIPFEB2013

Features

• Replace Your Halogen Down-Lights with LED's
• The Historic Rubicon Hydroelectric Scheme
• Review: The XR-450M UHF Handheld Transceiver

Projects

• High Performance CLASSiC DAC, Part 1
• Seismograph with Tsunami Alarm
• Mobile Phone Loud Ringer
• Improved Jacob's Ladder
• Accurate GPS 1pps Timebase for Frequency Counters

Sold Out

Silicon Chip - January 2013

by Silicon Chip

In the new January issue of Silicon Chip, a simple amplifier module to build that can deliver up to 7W's of power. This easy to build module is ideal for incorporating in music players, kiosk sound systems and computer sound amplifiers. Also this month build an Solar-Powered LED Skylight, instead of cutting a hole in your roof, install some solar panels and connect these to these new LED Light Modules, to produce Solar Lighting at a fraction of the cost of building a skylight in your roof. This month also includes a neat Garbage & Recycling Reminder, ever forget which day is garbage day and which day is recycling unit, this little unit will give you a visual reminder on the particular day you need to put out which bin. Finally the second part of the new 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter, with all of the construction and assembly details.

This month's features look at the exciting new developments in LED technology and how they are replacing many other conventional lighting techniques. Also a look at some of the new products on display at the Sydney Audio & AV Show, including a wide range of amplifiers and top of the range speaker systems. Finally a look at the new Marantz Network Audio Player, this unit includes a Digital Radio Receiver, as well as being able to play tunes from a Network, USB Memory Stick or an iPod Player. This month's issue also includes all the regular columns, including the Circuit Notebook, Serviceman's Log and Vintage Radio, stacks of great reading.

Part Code: SILCHIPJAN2013

Features

• The Bright Present & Brighter Future of LED Lighting
• The Sydney HiFi Show
• Review: Marantz NA7004 Network Audio Player

Projects

• The Champion Preamp/Audio Amplifier Module
• Build a Solar Powered Skylight
• Garbage & Recycling Reminder
• 2.5GHz 12-Digit Frequency Counter, Part 2
• Performance Tweak for the Ultra-LD Mk3 Amplifier