we : ©. ore mea T add- oa Do) al ce YOUR amplifier! TWO SIMPLE CAR PROJ OTe maton me BemSTR eee SS ect Features 11 Viganella: Solar Power With A Twist Imagine living in a village with no sunlight for 84 days straight. The italian village of Viganella solved the problem using a giant mirror ~ by Foss Tester 14 New “Naked” WiFi Distance Record Think WiFi is only good for 100 metres? Well the record for a non-amplified signal is now 280km! Here's how they aid it ~ by Ermanno Pietrosemoli 40 Review: Teac GF350 Turntable/CD Burner You'll love this unit if you have lots of old vinyl records — by Barrie Smith 42 Review: Jaycar Gets Into Wireless Microphones Jaycar enters the wireless microphone market with three attractively-priced ‘models ~ by Ross Tester 57 Mater Maria College Scoops Technology Prize Pool Two students from Mater Maria Catholic College, Warriewood, win our inaugural "Excellence in Education Technology” awards Projects To Build 24 Remote Volume Control & Preamplifier Module; Pt.1 This digital unit works with any universal remote control and features an attractive blue LED readout and an optional rotary encoder ~ by Peter Smith 36 Simple Variable Boost Control For Turbo Cars ‘Simple circuit “intercepts” and stretches the standard boost control signal for even greater engine performance — by Denis Cobley 38 Fuel Cut Defeater For The Boost Control Use this with the Variable Boost Control io eliminate the standard factory fuel Cut to the injectors at boost levels of 16-17psi — by Denis Cobley 58 Low-Cost 50MHz Frequency Meter; Mk.2 Updated project can run from intemal batteries and now includes a 1OkHz rounding mode for measuring S6MHz PPM FIC transmitters ~ by John Clarke 78 Bike Computer To Digital Ammeter Conversion Stan takes a cheap bike computer and turns i into a aigital amp-hour meter with the aid of the mighty Picaxel - by Stan Swan lal Columns ial Columns 44 Serviceman’s Log Customers and their strange ants - by the TV Serviceman 70 Circuit Notebook (1) 4-Channel RF Remote Switch; (2) Sinewave-To-Digital Clock Shaper; (3) Tachometer & Elapsed Time Accumulator; (4) Picaxe-Controlled MP3 Doorbell 88 Vintage Radio The quirky Brevile 801 personal portable - by Rodney Chamoness Departments 2 Publisher's Letter 4 Mailbag 76 Product Showcase 83 Order Form 98 Ask Silicon Chip 101 Notes & Errata 102 Market Centre siliconehip.com.au ae get Turntable/CD Burner rea as ea rt mn Cad > Low-Cost 50MHz Frequency Meter, itk.2 ~ Page 58, Fepruany 2007 12 CEIIP 2 ncn: Publisher & Editor-in-Chief Leo Simpson, B.Bus., FAICD Production Manager Greg Swain, B.Sc (Hons ) Technical Editor Poter Smith Technical Staff John Clarke, B.E (Elec.) Foss Tester Jim Rowe, B.A., B.Sc, VK2ZL0 Reader Servi ‘Ann Jenkinson Advertising Enquiries Glyn Smith Phone (02) 9939 3295 ‘Mobile 0431 792 283 [email protected] Regular Contributors Brendan Akhurst Rodney Champness, VK3UG Kevin Poutter: Mike Sherif, B.Sc, VK2YFK Stan Swan SILICON CHiPs published 12 times ‘a year by Silicon Chip Publications Pty Ltd. ACN 003 205 490. ABN 43, (003 205 490 All material copyright ©. No part of this publication may bbe reproduced without the writen ‘consent ofthe publisher. Printing: Hannanprint, Noble Park, Victoria. Distribution: Network Distribution ‘Company, ‘Subscription rates: $89.50 per year in Australia, For overseas Fates, see the subscription page in this issue, Editorial office: Unit 1,234 Harbord a, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Postal address: PO Box 139, Collaroy Beach, NSW 2097. Phone (02) 9939 3298. Fax (02) 9999 2648. E-mail slicon @sliconchip.com.au A ere ree: Suicow Cur Publisher's Letter Let’s not vacillate on nuclear power Just over a year ago, in the January 2006 issue, L wrote in the Publisher's Letter that Australia should build nuclear power stations. Furthermore, advocated that it be used to power the proposed dosalination plant in Sydney. Well, the political climate has certainly changed since then! The New South Wales Government has back-tracked on the desalination plant, in the forlorn hope that it would rain enough to fill the dams, Didn't happen, did it? But on a moro positive the Federal Government commissioned a roport from Ziggy Switkowski on “Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy”. This 204-page report has just been released and the omens are generaily favourable to nuclear power Having read the report, 1 can summarise it in the following way: Uranium mining is generally safe and worthwhile for Australia and we should produce more of it; Uranium processing is very expensive and we shouldn't touch it with a barge pole and finally, Nucloar Power is safe but much more expensive than ‘Australia’s existing coal-fired power stations. It will never be competitive with ‘coal-fired power stations unloss a substantial carbon tax is levied on them. bt about the first part: we should export more uranjum to other countries. The second part also seems indubitable ~ so don't proooss in Australia. The third part is more questionable ~ should we bother with nuclear power if we have to artificially make coal power more expensive tomake nuclear power viable? I suggest that is the wrong quostion. The Fedoral Government is unlikely to bring in a carbon tax on all coal-fired power stations just to make nuclear power stations viable and nor should it, Rather, if nuclear powor stations are to be built, to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, the Government should make a policy decision that nuclear power stations will be part of the national grid and will be able to sell their higher-cost electzicity to it~ just as higher-cost wind power already is. Consumers will pay more but they ate likely to pay more in the future, whother we have nuclear power sta- tions or not Having said that, some of the assumptions in the Report seem questionable. For example, Australia’s electricity demand Is estimated to double by 2050, even though energy consumption per unit of GDP is declining. Furthermore, a3 stated in the Report, “consumption is expected to grow at around 2 percent per Yyoar to 2030. The bulk of the electricity will continue to used in industry and ‘commerce but domestic consumption is also expected to increase”. In effect, the Report says that clectricity consumption will continue to grow inoxorably and there will be no real drive forbusinesses and households toreduce thoir power use. So will wo continue to waste ever more power? I suggest that ‘water consumption inall Australian citios can be drastically curtailed by stringent restrictions but little in the way of economic sanctions (ie, price rises), then there ‘must be enormous scope for reductions in electricity consumption over the next 40-odd years, with no reduction in economic output or living comfort. Think about it: the majority of households could undoubtedly be re-designed. toprovide ust as much, ifnot more, living comfort while using substantially less energy. This has been done on a very large scale in Europe and the USA. And undoubtedly, most businesses could affect major savings in electricity consump- tion if thoy really had to, because of higher prices or restrictions, So by all means let's build some nuclear power stations to provide base load powor while reducing our overall greenhouse gas emissions. But let’s not just Continue to use electricity wastefully. Surely, we are more clever than that. Leo Simpson Thero soems to be Little siliconchip.com.auPerformanbenieiie-move Strength in the palm of your hand @iPatetren sete Reino the new handheld digital multimeters and oscilloscopes UI250A series handheld DMMs —_thatate built to test and designed to save fi 1 place vorsatlity at your fingertips Featuring builtin battery charging capability, exciting + 80,000 count resolution, dual displays and innovative new features and over-nould casing for + Uniimited datalogging from DMM to PC protection inthe toughest conditions + Programmable square wave generator If you need a test instrument that offers the ultimate « Temperature, Copan, Maths cians potable test capitis, Agilent range of handheld Fee eer» 20MH2 frequency counter digital multimeters and oscilloscopes are the right choice. ($645 ine. 687) UI600A series handheld scopes bring high performance on the move! ‘© Scope-DMM-Recorder - all-in-one + Hiperormance functions specifically for electrons + Free PC connectivity software (optional cables required) «© FFT, Zoom and Math functions + Extremely rugged and robust construction + Calibration certitcate included + 3-year Australian warranty © 45-inch LCD colour display © 200MSa/s sampling rate From only © 125KB/ Sooue rBst 125KB/ch memory depth ($2,207 inc. GST) Download product brochures, view online demos and purchase online at Vise™. Mastercard™ and PayPel™ accepted @ Agilent TechnologiesComments on suggested projects In your November 2006 editorial you asked whether people were in favour of the development of a new valve amplifier project. May T come in with a resounding no! Valves are passe and Ldon’thelievea progressive magazine like Siticon Cusp should waste resources on retro projects. All your golden-cared readers might be disappointed but they will both soon got over it ‘May { suggest that you look at some of the modem stago-lighting equip- ‘ment which has been developed in the last fow years. Thoro is an opportunity to describe some ofthe modem moving head lights which aro full of servos and electronics (and some of which use 22 control channels to control all the functions they have). ‘You could cover the DMX512 stand- ard which is used to control them and perhaps do aroview of madem lighting control techniques (@ historical retro- spective could be interesting). This could then lead to a couple of projects, Power consumption in large-screen LCD TVs Twould like to comment on the amount of power consumed by some large screen LCD TVs. I was surprised to learn that my recently purchased LG 42LC2D (42-inch) did not state the amount of power it draws from the mains. The current is stated to be 2A but no wattage rating is listed. Honce I did a little checking with a power meterloaned from my local TAFE Colloge wh« T teach Industrial Blectronics. The measured power consumption was around 250W, give or take around 20W depending on sound output, picture brightness, etc. Comparing this to a 70cm CRT-based LG TV, which measured around 60W, is a little disturbing, Tam assuming the bulk of this power must be taken by the fluo- escent tubes that provide the back- lighting to the LCD screen. Itmakes MAILBAG one being a digitally controlled dim- ‘mer (or perhaps two, each usinga PLC and one using phase control and the other using high speed PWM switch- ing) and perhaps a DMX decoder. ‘Another aspect is the use of LEDs for lighting. This could lead to another project tobuild a 3-colour mixing light for party effects. love the magazine end read it as- siduously. I have just been re-reading. the 1994 issues and am amazed at the changes which have occurred since then. Bob Li USB-UP revisited Trecently built the USB-UP kit from the November 2004 issue of SILICON Ca; it works.great. On reading the Notes & Errata. for the original pub: lication, it seemed that there were only two ways you could get around the problem of your PC not powering down the USB ports when in “soft off” mode. These involved either buying a PCI USB card and using it ‘you wonder how long these tubes ‘will last at such high light output Jovols, It seems consumers are not aware of those hidden costs. True, the LCD screen is nice to watch, especially in widescreen high-defi- nition format but at what price? All this extra power is placing additional burdens on home air conditioning systems and may be compared to a similar problem caused by using quartz-halogen cell- ing downlights. Someono had previ- ously installed 12 of these SOW units in our living room. I soon replaced ‘most of these with two modern high frequency 36W circular fluorescent lights and directly saved around 500W, while indirectly at least a kilowatt, considering air condition- ing in the summer has to remove this extra hoat, I also eventually found equivalents to the remaining 12V/50W quartz halogen lights such as the Mogaman GU10 based 240V with that or switching the PC off at the mains/PSU For thoso lucky enough, there is @ third option. A number of mother boards allow you to choose where the power for the USB/PS2 ports comes from. There might be a jumper, (usu- ally located near the PS2 ports), that you can use to select either +5VSB (GV Standby supply) or +5V (normal 5V supply) For ASRock motherboards, the de- fault is +3VSB; moving it to +5V will remove power from the USB/PS2 ports when the computer is put into “soft off". Of course, doing this will remove tho ability to turn on the computer via keyboard or mouse. CFL 11W units, giving a similar light output. Tn this onergy-wasting consumer- based society, surely we should be looking at means of reducing energy waste. In short, I was disappointed at therelatively large power tequire- ments of my LCD TV and certainly ‘won't be using it to provide back- ground music on the many radio channels provided, especially if 1 cannot turn off the backlighting! Tbelieve TV manufacturers should be made to display the power con- sumption of thoir products, as is, required of white goods manufactur- ers; it may well lead to more energy efficient products. Heinz Harle, Liverpool, NSW. Comment: we commented on the amount of power used by plasma sets in the March 2006 editorial but it scems that LCD sets havea similar problem. 4 Siicon Crue siliconchip.com.auElectric drills and rechargeable batteries Tagroe entirely with your editorial in the December 2006 issue regard ing portable drills. Unfortunately, as long es the port- able drill marketiis profit-driven and rechargeable balteries are vulnor- able, I suspect the situation won't change very much. Of course meking, the public aware of the problem is important. A project like the charger controller must certainly help to do this but I think that the number of people who would actually build this controller, compared to the number of peaple who use portable drills, isin the minority. That puts the ball squarely in the courtof the manufacturers both the ones who make the drills and those ‘who make the battories for the drills. If the drill manufacturers aren't motivated to fix this problem then T ‘would call on the battery manufac- turors to come to the party. believe that the technology al: ready exists whereby overcharging of their rechargeable batteries could be provented — and fairly cheaply. Forexample, [can soe no reason why a simple thermal cutout, such as @ Advances in cars are real [was disappointed by Julian Edgar's article “Electronic Advances in Cars?” in the December 2006 issue, since he fails to acknowlodge the significant electronic advances in hybrid electric cars. His comments about the Prius could create an incorrect percoption about hybrid vehicles and their role in reducing greenhouse gase: His article in Juno 2006 on “Allison's Hybrid Drive Bus” was very good and appears tobe factually correct, whereas his statements about the Toyota Prius suggest a lack of relevant research. His statement that “the NiMH battery pack is heavy and requires such a huge amount of energy to produce that itis doubtful if the energy savings in fuel over the life of the car outweighs the production energy input” prompted me to do some internet research on life cycle assessment and the hybrid battery technology. Firstly, the Australian Greenhouse siliconchip.com.au bimetallic strip, could not be incor porated in all rechargeable cells. The question then is what might induce the battory manufacturers to fix this problem, for which they are at least partly responsible? (One solution mightbe fornational standards bodies to require that some kind of protection be implemented insuch products. They could justify this on the grounds that, without protection, a rechargeable battery cannot reasonably be expected to survive for the expected lifetime claimed by the manufacturer. Alll sorts of consumer products rightnow are provided with various means of protection to minimise harm or damage in the event of misuse or fluro. Thoy are provided with such protection because thoy aro required by law to be so pro- tected. So why should batteries be an oxception? ‘The botiom line fs that neither the manufacturers nor the regulatory bodies will act ifthe consumers—we the public ~ don’t complain. If we do nothing then most likely nothing will be done. ‘Herman Nacinovich, via email. ce published a report in May 2004 sycle Emissions Analysis of Fu- ols for Light Vehicles,” that includes a 1998 Life Cycle Assessment propared by Toyota on its hybrid vehicle versus atypical gasoline vehicle. The hybrid vehicle uses about 37% less energy over its life compared to a typical petrol vehicle. If Julian has documen- {ation to the contrary could you please provide it? Secondly, would Julian explain why he thinks the Prius battery is too heavy? The battery pack in the Generation III Prius weighs only 45kg versus 57kg for the original Prius and its specific power is about 50% greater than what a panel of industry experts predicted in 1999 would bo available in NiMH baiterios by 2005, (The Prospects for Hybrid Electric Vehicles, 2005-2020: Results of a Delphi Study”, Honry K. Ng, Anant D. Vyas, and Danilo J, Santini, Center for Transportation Research, Argonne National Laboratory) Atmel’s AVR, from JED in Australia JED has designed a range of single board computers and modules as a way of using the AVR without SMT board design ‘The AVRS70 module (above) is a way of using an ATmaga128 CPU on a user base board without having to lay out the intricate, surface-mounted surrounds ofthe CPU, and then having ta manufacture your board on ‘an SMT robot ine. Instead you simply layout ‘square for four 0.1" spaced socket strips fand plug in our pro-lested module, The module has the crystal, resetter, AVR-ISP ‘programming header (and an optional JTAG ICE pad}, 28 well as programming signal ‘sitching For alte extra, wo oad a D105 RIC, crystal and Li battery underneath, which uses SPI and port G, See JED's www site for a dates |AVR573 Single Board Computer i i ‘This board uses the AVRS70 module and ‘adds 20 Dig inputs, 12 FET outputs, LCD! od, 248292, 1xR6485, 1-Wre, owerreg. etc. See ww. jedmicro.com.aulavr.htm $330 PC-PROM Programmer This programmer plugs into & PC printer port and reads, writes and edits any 28 or Spin PROM, Comes with plug-pack, cable and software. Also available is a multi-PROM UV eraser ‘with timer, and a 32/82 PLEC converter. JED Microprocessors Pty Ltd 173 Boronia Rd, Boronia, Victoria, 3185 Ph. 03 9762 2588, Fax 03 9762 5499 dmicro.com.au Fepauany 2007—_— DDT Mailhag: continued ‘Thirdly, based on my reading about hybrid electric cars and future plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, I would say the automotive industry has made substantial advances in electronic technology that would be the subject ofan interesting article in SL1GON CHE. For example, the Panasonic battery used in the Prius battery is capable of cover 10,000 charge cycles, Compare that to the 500 or so cycles wo can got from consumer NiMH batteries. How aboutan article on the battery charging tochnology used! in the Prius? The US Department of Energy spon- sors research on renewable technology and [have found over a dozen very in- teresting publications about the Prius and hybrid vehicles at http:/iwww.osti, gov/bridge. For example, researchers at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have performed exhaustive tests on the battery packs in the Prius and Honda hybrids and the Prius engine and electronic controls. They even revealed the secret about how Toyota has increased the Prius motor output from the 33kW ofthe Prius Generation Il to 5OkW in the Prius Generation 111 using the same windings T also want to comment on your editorial and article about the environ- mental wastofulness of cheap battery powered tools. Since Julian Edgar has implied that production of NiMH bat- tories requires huge amounts of energy, I'd like to suggest more articles on bat- tery tochnology and the implications on greenhouse emissions. Robin De Vore, Myponga, SA. Comment: Julian Edgar owns a provi- ‘ous model Prius and is very familiar with the technology used in the car. In general, the thrust ofthe article is correct. Forexample, the latest Toyota Aurion is slightly smaller than the original Toyota Avalon that it replaces yet is heavier, has a more powerful engine butisno more economical. And yel the Toyota Avalon design is more than 10 years old Sensationalistic journalism For many years, I have eagerly awaited each issue of SILICON CHIP. At times I have been tomptod to write in for various reasons, usually for posi- tive comments on excellent articles. However, as is usually the case with correspondence, I am writing with a complaint instead. have read many atticles over the yoars by Julian Edgar and have some. times wondered about tho integrity of his facts. The latest article titled “What's Happened To Electronics In Cars?” has compelled me to write, I found it to be the most disgraceful piece of sensationalistic journalism that I have ever read in your maga- Thave beon involved in the automo- tive field for many years, specifically in electrical and electronic systems, including spending time with a luxury vehicle importer, and also with a re- search team at Melbourne University. Tam currently teaching to apprentice Mechanics and Automotive Blectri- cians and fool that it is important to keep up to date with the latest trends in technology. “The claim that “the only significant development in cars over the last dec- ade has beon the widespread fitting of stability control” is about a decade too lato, as this was introduced nearly 20 years ago, by the very manufa turer shown in the first photo of the article. ‘The advanc 7 not slowed down in the slightest. Justa quick search on the internet will show that there are manufacturers with various forms of direct petrol injection using a stratified charge (extremely Jean mixtures) already in production, claiming excellent fuel usage reduc tion. This is not a piece of technology that falls in their laps but takes many millions of dollars and years of re- search to bring to market ‘There are definite limits to the cur rent technology available, as was so well shown, but not expressed in the ‘Honda Insight” insert. Here was @ 6 Smicon Cae siliconchip.com.au5x7 Dual Colour Dot Matrix Display 4 Dot Matix Display 8 | ME osainny #94807 Da Stet se cu web * '5GHz 12VDC Coil Microwave RF Relay] Freq: 150H2 Type: SPOT ents x Vis 3OVDC Max cuent 05. Swishing Ps 1OW Px Col Res 360 te Manu Nit wss243 For Data See Web? ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS “SHARP 10mm Device LTL2PSEGK Cour: Berean Tener Clear ain: 3000 ut LITE-ON, OMHZ ear CcoKS™\ RO 7 ey: 108 Lid: pF Package: HO-38U Lied psa Des. 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In tho middle of this comes a po- tential problem, as a result of recent changes to our Australian Dosign Rules. This has allowed a greater error percentage of speedo accuracy and it seems that some manufactur- cers have taken deliberato advantage of this or used lowor specinstrument panels in some This translates to the speedo indi- car maker that did everything that Mr Edgar claimed would save the automo- tive world but it was simply rejected by consumers for various reasons. As faras all of the gadgets and gimmickry boinga waste of money, [for one enjoy those little comforts that make motor- ing that little moro pleasing. As far as using LCD displays for “looking” behind the vehicle when reversing, yos they ere available. ‘Another advancement manufactur ers have been using is the integration of multiplexed wiring systems. While the reasoning is not purely to reduce the weight of wiring looms, this is one of the benefits boing exploited as the price of raw copper continues to rise, Another major advancement, while not brand now, is the increasing versatility of on-board diagnostics to reduce down times and tho cost of diagnosing the majority (not all) of the faults which may occur in a motor vohicle. One of the contributions that electronic throttles have made to the motor vehicle is not just to minimise “kangaroo hopping” but to also im- prove exhaust emissions. ‘Advancoments in lighting are con- tinuous. LEDs are used on many vehicles for lighting. The use of gas discharge lighting for headlamps has made great improvements in the reli- ability and safoty aspocts of night driv. cating a higher speed than the is actually doing on the road, My 2005 Toyota Yaris indicates about 4108-9km/h for an actual road speed of 100kin/h. Toyota has replaced the speedo once and the problem is still there. Interestingly, the odometer is accurate to within 100 metres over 10km test run, confirmed with two GPS units; about a 1% error. Now ifa Speedo Corrector wasin- stalled in my case, the spoedo could bo made accurate but the odometer would be registering low by 8-9% 760, This raises a problem with the logality of tampering with en odomi- ter (by fitting the kit) torecord LESS than the actual distance travelled. Could this lead to big fines? ing. Research continuos into the uso of LED lighting for hoadlamps and we can expect to seo it in the near future. Electric power steoring has helped reduce the woight and cost of vehicles using it, braking systems are continu ally advancing for added safety, and enormous amounts of research con- tinuos in the field of batteries for the eventual possibility of fully electric vehicles. The amount of research car- ried out in the automotive sector runs into billions of dollars yearly In conclusion, I was bitterly disap- pointed with the article and I fool that it completely lacked even the most basic of research. Petar Maksimovic, Redwood Park, S.A, Comment: we don’t dispute that there have been many technological devel: opments in cars over the years and in fact we have covered most of them in the magazine. However, in spite of those developments, today’s cars ‘are becoming very heavy and while engines are certainly more refined, the weight gains have mitigated against better fuel economy. By the way, multiplexed wiring is not new. We wrote about multiplexed wiring in the Jaguar XJ-40 in the Feb- ruaty 1988 issue of SilzcoN CrP and we covered Direct Petrol Injection in ‘August 2005. However, cars with this Talso have to ask why a Govern- ment would allow such error mar- gins in new car speedos, As my wife discovered, she was being regularly tail-gated on tho highway when driving at an indicated 100km/b, when in actual fact she was only travelling at 92km/h road speed. How safo is that? Funnily enough, our Yaris uses the same digital instrument technol- ogy as our previous Toyota Echo, ‘which had a speedo accurate to just within than 2% Jack Chomley, via email. Comment: thanks for the warn- ing Jack. People using the Speedo Gorrector to correct a speedo in an otherwise unmodified carshould be ‘aware that it could lead to odometer error. latter feature, such as Alfa Romeos, do not appear to be any more economical than cars without it. Nor are cars with electric power steering necessarily any lighter than cars with conventional power steering No doubt cars could be designed to be much lighter and economical ~ but they are not! SLA batteries for portable drills Tread with interest your article on cheap electric drills. Glten when you contact the manufacturer you will find that the replacement battery pack is worth more than a new drill My solution is to pick up sevoral 12V 7.7Ah sealed coll batteries and hook the drill up to them with a cable. Sure it is not cordless but it is still portable, With some Nylon strapping and Araldite, it’s easy to put a carry handle on the battery for additional portability, I now have three drills modified like this and the 12V batteries last far longer than the original units. David Boccabella, via email. Bringing a dead cordless drill back to life 1 liked the article on reviving cord- Jess drills in the Docomber 2006 issue 8 SiucoN Crp siliconchip.com.auValve amplifiers not wanted “Do People Really Wanta High-Performance Value Amplifier"? God NO! Is this the legacy of “Electron- ics Australia” and “ETT”? This letter has been build- {ng in me for some time but your November 2006 editorial has finally convinced me to write. Can we please at least try to drag SILICON CHIP out ofthe 1950s, full of old fogey's memories of Vintage Radio and the dawn of television? Comparing St CON Cu to, say, the US-based “Circuit Gellar” or tho UK's “Elektor” is truly disheartening, Isn't this the descendant of the magezine which brought us the EDUC-8? The Playmaster? Miniscamp? ‘And what do we have now? A PIXaxo Web server? Modchipping an Xbox? Programmable Christmas Star? Tachometer kits! In the 1970s and 1980s Australia was the backwa- terof electronics, where local monopoly component suppliers weren't even interested in you without @ 1000+ component order and ordering overseas was a hideous experience. Despite this, ETI and EA managed to produce somo fascinating designs and projects and built a market around those limi- tations. ‘Today, we can order pretty much any part from anywhere in the world. We have FPGAs which can, implement dosigns orders of magnitude more com- plex than the largest 80s-era ASIC. Surface mounting can be done by hobbyists and regularly is (in other magazines anyway). We can easily order multi-layer PCB boards over the intemet for affordable prices and have them couriered to our homes. We can download free SDKs and silicon compilers over the internet . .. but we don’t. We talk about valve amplifiers and articles which include PICaxes with, 20-line “Grmware”. There should be a mix of the complex and the simple, the cutting edge and the pedestrian, the risky and the straightforward, ‘So why does Siticon Gut only inchide simple, podestrian and straightforward? What's happened? Where is the legacy of BA and ETI? Doos it still live, or is it RIP? Tan Farquar, via email. Comment: Siticon CtP does produce projects which do require a lot of development. An example is the Digital Volume Control in this issue. And we have produced designs with surface-mount components such as the UHF Prescaler in the October 2006 issue. Interestingly, none of the kit suppliers has so far seen fit to make a kit available for this project. but I think that it is the most expensive way to go; ie, buying more expensive Nicad cells which maybe will last for a couple of years. Thave been doing a similar thing by using SLA bat teries. I take the original battery pack apart as you have done and then make a dummy battery pack with wood dowelling inside to hold the contacts and then wire them siliconchip.com.au coer a Great New ET-AVR Stamp Includes ATMegat28 Microcontroller * Up to 53 VO Points + 8-Channel 10-bit A/D * Direct In-Circuit Programming * Ideal as a Removable Controller Exciting New ET-ARM Stamp * Includes LPC2119 Microcontroller * High-Speed Operation * Heaps of /O plus CAN, UART, I2C * In-Circuit Programming * Supporting Board Also Available Save Heaps on Components We carry a wide range of integrated Circuits, Microcontrollers, Capacitors, LEDs and LCDs. All at very competitive prices. oe We are your one-stop shop for Microcontroller Boards, PCB Manufacture and Electronic Components. sal and Versatilo Mini Broadcast ‘Audio Mixer Broade uaity with Operational Features ‘and Technial Performance identical to full sind Raho Station Mixing Panels ‘Permanent intaltion 1 not oguired, the *Morn sas easy as 3 Storea System to "Set Up"all connections via Plugs and Sockets ‘Snitchmode Bower Supply ‘he "Meri" oiginelly deslgned for Med Tralning use In High ‘Schools and Colleges Is « remarkably versatile Audio Mixer Applications: steals Training - Basic Audio Production - News ‘Room Mixer Outside Broadcasts Rado Program Pre Recording = ‘On-Air iver n eral Raho Station - "Disco Mixer” ‘Tho "Metin a an Affordable Professional Auaio Product ‘Buy one fr your School, College, Community Radio Station, ‘Ethnic Radio Broadcast Association or for yoursell For Details and Price, ple ELAN Phone 08 9277 3500 AUDIO Fax. 08 9478 2266 26teel Court. South Guildford email [email protected] ‘Western Australia 6055 ‘werwolan.com. ‘FepRUARY 2007 aeee Mailbag: continued PICs and the ‘changing face of electronics T've just finished reading the De- comber 2006 magazine- congratula- tions on another great issue! But it mede me think: are PICs {and small microcontrollers in gen- eral) taking the “electronics” out of modern electronics? ladmit that this is a bit rich coming from someone who has contributed a PIC-based project! admire ingenious electronic de- sign and Llike to pick up design tips by closely examining the circuits you publish, and reading the “How it works” section of each project, even if [have no real interest in the project's application. But increasing- ly, we see for example, in the Power ‘Tool Charger Controller “apart from thePIC, there isnot really much else to the circuit”. The CPR Trainer also consists of little more than a PIC - there is vory little the article can say about how it works. toa microphone line plug (Dick Smith Electronics Cat, P-1820) which is po- larised so you cannot make mistake when connecting them together. ‘These work bost with 12V, 18V and 24V drills, as you can best match the voltage with these, I have found that the charge will last about twice as long as the Nicad packs. By having two or more of these packs, when one is charging you can use the other and always have plenty of charged, batter- ies on hand. “The only drawback is that you have to carry the SLA battery with you when you are working. I put the SLA. battery into an aluminium box or a sealed polycarbonate box and then put a strap onto it to sling it over my shoulder, A. Prince, via email. Vintage TV needs a good home Thave a 1974-76 Philips colour 68cm with working remote. It’s still ‘working with a good picture and is ‘Then there's the Super Speedo Corrector - a little more electronics of interest, giving some scope for explanation about being config- urable to different voltago lovels, noise filtoring, etc but what would be really interesting would be to know how the frequency conver- sion is performod. To say “Ithe PIC} is programmed to alter an incoming frequency” isn’t roally a satisfying explanation, ‘Ontheother hand, wesee circuits such as the Auxiliary Battery Con- twoller which foaturos just the sort of hard-wired logic that a small PIC could replace very easily and cheap- ly. All the NOR and NAND gates, and associated diodes, resistors and capacitors could be readily replaced with a little 6-pin PIG — lowering cost, reducing board space, and increasing reliability. ‘And yet there does soem a loss of the “art” about that. It seems some- how mora clever to build an oscilla- in very good condition, I would like to sell it to someone willing to clean up/restore but can’t find anyone inter- ested. Can you help? Colin McIntosh, Melbourne, Vic. Phone 0407 333 838. Recycling microwave ‘oven components Readers of the “Salvage It” article on microwave ovens and your edito- rial on the wastefulness of electronic equipment being dumped (December 2006) may like to know that a lot of electronic scrap is recyclable. While microwave oven transformers may have no othor safe purpose in elec- tronic projects, they are recyclable, due to the amount of steel and copper in thom, Many scrap metal yards will pay 20-40 cents per kilogram forthem, and will happily take the stee! chassis of the appliance too. Most of these transformers weigh 5-7kg each; maybe not worth it for one or two of them but worth checking out for repair workshops who have lots of torto flash a LED outofaNAND gate and a few passive components, than it is to write a few linos of code. t’ssimilarto the feeling Tget look- ingat the Vintage Radio column and tying to follow the circuit descrip- tions, with my limited knowledge of valves. It seems vory clever, the way a single valve can accomplish soveral tasks at once. Such design seems to be a lost art. Yet again, looking at the remote watering system described in Circuit ‘Notebook (December 2006, page 42- 43), I seo a bunch of counters and gates, all cleverly laid out, and yet there are four chips that could effec tively be replaced with a single PIC. In fact, make that six chips, because the PIC could also provide the delays produced by the 555s. So I guess [am saying the PICs are taking over and deservedly so but I say that with some regret. What to do? No use fighting the tide. But I'd like to see moro explanation of what the PIG code is doing, David Meiklejohn, via email. scrapped microwave ovens to dispose of. My local scrap yard also buys scrap compnter/electronic circuit boards at 20c/kg and computer hard drives at 20c/kgas Fe-Aluminium. Save money ‘on tip fees, help the planet and make a few dollars at the same time. ‘Andrew Peters, Rockhampton, Qld, Loved the Boony story Our company did the software de- velopment for the Boonanza Il online promotion. [loved your article on this ‘year’s talking figurines in the January 2007 issue but thought you might be interested to know that the website FAQs do point out that they wouldn't respond to the television like the first Boonanza promotion. See: http://www.boonanza.com.aw/dpages/ fag.htmi#faqit Byall accounts the original figurines did respond to the TV and as | under- stand it was done via an audible tone broadcast with the TV signal. James Macpherson, www.nextstudio.com.au so 10 Silicon Crp siliconchip.com.auLet there be light - and there is! by ROSS TESTER op in Italian Alps lies the tiny town of Viganella. I's about as far north as you can get in Italy before you cross into Switzerland. But the Bishop who founded Vi ganella in the early 13" century made a fundamental error in siting the town, it didn’t occur to him et the time - midsummer 1217 ~ that the idyllic location between two streams near the bottom of a deep valley would also be the cause of eight centuries of winter misery For most of the year, Viganella is beautiful, Picture postcard, even. But for 84 days in winter (November 11 to Fobruary 2) the village is completely in the shadow of a 1100m high peak to the south and receives no sunlight While that doesn’t translate to dark: ness, it does - or at least did ~ mean a gloomy existence, making Viganella very much less than ideal during win- Mirror ‘The concept is delightfully simple: place a mirror high enough up a south-facing mountain so that it can “see” the sun, normally hidden behind a tall mountai tothe south, Angle the mirror so that it reflects the sun back down into the shadows and, ecco! (that's Italian for voila!). But it took some seven years and £100,000 (approx. SAU165,000) to bring the concept to fruition. Fepavany 2007 14For most of the yea = the most frustrating part was the b ter. Temperatures plummeted, flowers died and laundry took an etemity to dry naturally, if at all. Tt seemed so unfair. The villagers could see brilliant blue sky above, could see the bright sunlight on ¢ mountains overhead — yot they were destined to live in shadow. Most of the town’s 185 residents didn't venture ontside during the days of perpetual gloom. ‘They re-emerged only for one of the town’s main fest vals, held early February to mark the return of sunshine to Viganella y, especially the younger ones simply loft town, leaving only the eld. orly behind, Fewer and fewer children were born, until Viganolla faced the threat of extinction: From the Viganella councils files, this diagram shows the concept diagram for the heliostat system. The final ion looks slightly different 12 SILICON CrP Viganella is an idyllic place to live, nestled high in the Italian Alps (above). But come late November, it used to be plunged into gloom and perpetual cold until the sun reappeared in Feb fant sunshine only a couple of hundred metres away on the mountains above. vary Bven the health of those resider that remained in Viganella suffered with a condition known as SAD ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder” ‘whereby the lack of sunshine reduces a person's production of melatonin, a natural hormone, making them depressed, Today, though, its different. While ever there isa cloudless sky, Viganolla is bathed in sunshine for up to six hours each day. That mightn’t sound like much to plains dwellers but it certainly does to Viganellans! So what has changed? In a classic twist to the old proverb about moving Mohammed and moun: tains, Viganella resident ~ and now x 8m mirror is irs allow it to track the sun Mayor ~ Pierfranco Midali brought the sunshine to the village by erecting what is believed to be the world’s first and only, heliostat (or mirror if you like) intended specifically for light. it's mounted high on the 1100 metre Mount Scagiola on the northern side of the valle; ing the sun's rays from the south and reflecting the back down into the depths of the v ley ~ and Viganella. The village is illuminated (and warmed!) by the reflected sun rays for between five and six hours each day suming, of course, that the sun is shining! It’s centred on the town square or piazza. The villagers call the square “Il Cuore di Viganella” = the heart of Viganella. 1d about 500m above the town on Mt fade of steel and computer. movement. siiconchip.com.auViganellans wai The holiostat, mace of steel, isabout 40 square metres (8 x 5m). It tracks the sun’s progress across the sky with the aid of computer-driven motors so the sunlight is always aimed at the village. ‘Architecht Giacomo Bonzani did some experiments in his back garden to prove the theory. And the mirror on Mt Scagiola is the end result. “On a cloar day it produces five hours of sunlight in the piazza even in mid-December,” ho said. “In theory, it could he snowing in the Power Supplies HAMEG Instruments have always compromise value of German engine products, an attractive educational ing for the sun to, umm, gives about 5-6 hours of sunlight in the Oscilloscopes Here's another illage each day village but so long as the sun was out further up the valley, Viganel- le's piazza could have snow and sunshine at the same time. Tho giant mirror was ferried to the site by helicopter and installed last November. A big inauguration party was held on December 17, close to the Winter Solstice, Residents wore sunglasses in commemoration of the event and the vision of their mayor. Midali, a former railwayman, took seven years to raise the €100,000 to bring the idea into reality, getting RF Generators yourself to find out more. Call us please on 1-300-853-407 HAMEG Instruments eee siliconchip.com.au eed Frequency Counters jew of the system on the mountain. ly this photo was taken during construction himself elected Mayor of — in the process. As this issue of SILICON Git goes to press, Viganella is in the old “gloom” period but latest reports have the resi- dents —especially the elderly —sitting outside in Il Cuore di Viganella enjoy- ing tho winter sun and warmth, Interest in the Viganella sunshine project has come from many other similarly-affected villages in The ‘Alps, on both sides ofthe alian/Swiss border. Mayor Midali might just have spawned a whole new industry! Spectrum Analysers been recognised for the consistent quality and no- ing. And now the news is even better! With more new scount scheme and lower prices for 2007 you owe it to TRIO Cee Fepnuary 2007 18Worid mecorad If, like many WiFi users, you’re struggling to get garden-variety, unamplified WiFi signals to reach the other end of your house (despite the manufacturers’ 100 or 200m claims!) you might be interested to know that a group in Venezuela has raised the WiFi distance bar a tad - without using amplifiers or other cheats! by Ermanno Pietrosemoli With the sleet stopped and the fog lifted, the 2.7m dish on top of Pico del As ds ready for its part in the world record. The fine rope seen coming from the centre of the dish was used to hel it towards Fl Baul, 280km away. siliconchip.com.au 14 SILICON CHP‘The Radio Link window showing the 280km pat ites stayed in contact via cel distance. The two 8 stratospheric balloon! fhe world record for 802.11 data transmission (WiFi) is attimeof going to press) 310km, However this record was set by the Swedish Space Agency using 6W amplifiers and a stratospheric balloon, Using “naked” out-of-the-box ‘equipment (albeit into dish antennas) and a ground-to-ground link, US radio amateurs achieved a distance of some 200km back in 2005. ‘Thanks to a favorable topography = high mountains with plains in betweon ~ Venezuelans have already achieved some long-range WiFi links, such as tho 70km between Pico Espejo ‘and Canagua and a trial 100km link between Maracaibo and Machiques in Zulia State. But the record books have been re- written by a group in Vonezuela with a distance of some 280km. To put it in an Australian perspec- tivo, that’s roughly the distance from Sydney to Canberra! siliconchip.com.au Hero's how they did it, ‘To break the record, the first step ‘was to find a clear link path, ideally betwoen two olevated areas with no peaks or other obstructions in be- tween. ‘Many sites in the Guayana region ‘were looked at ~ even though the famous “‘tepuys” (tall mesas with steep wells) looked promising there ‘were always obstacles in the middle ground. ‘Attention was then turned to the mighty Andes mountains whose steep slopes, rising abruptly from the plains, Tooked adequate to the task. First examinod was Pico Espejo (at 4765m above sea level) and several sites in the Amazonas State but there were again obstacles in the path. Using the free software Radio Mobile, (available at www.cplus.org/ rmw/english1.html), there appeared to be no obstruction along the whole 300km path between Pico Espejo 1th parameters overlaying the map of Venezuela showing the world-record I phones. There has been a longer 2.4GHz link but it used amplifiers and a and the town of El Baul, in Cojedes State. However, Pico Espejo can only ‘be reached by cable car, making the transportation of a 2.4m dish rather difficult. An altemative mountain, Pico del Aguila, has road access to the sum- rit, so this poak was chosen instead. Soveral sites were considered possible on and around this peak. Antennas While it would have been easiest to ‘uso 30dBi gain commercial antennas the group decided instead to recycle parabolic reflectors formerly used for satellite service, replacing the feed with a 2.4GHz one. The concopt was proved with an ‘80cm dish but the gain was way too low, so they next tried an offsetfed 2.4m roflector. This offored ample gain, albeit with some difficulties in the aiming of the Peoruany 200715‘All smiles after the new world record was confirmed and the dish dismantled. The author of this article, alongside Javier Trivito. 3.5° beam. The 22.5° offset also meant that the dish appeared to be pointing downwards when it was horizontally aligned. Several tests wero performed with cantennas as feeds and also using a 124Bi Yagi. They were ablo to e: lish a link with the Base Station at Aguada but efforts to measure the gain of the setup using Netstumbler were not successful. There was too much fluctuation on the received power o traffic for @ meaningful meas- ‘urement of the gain, asignal generator and spoctrum analyser were required and would also be needed forthe field trip in order to align the antennas properly While waiting for the required ‘equipment, they looked foran antenna to be usod at the other end, as well as for a pointing system better suited to the narrow radio beam, In February 2006, Ermanno trav- elled to Triest to partake in an annual wireless training event. While there he mentioned the project to colleague Carlo Fonda who was thrilled and eager to participate. The collaboration betwoon the Latin American Networking School (EsLaRed) and the Abdus Salam In tomational Centre for Theorethical Physics (ICTP) in the wireless flold goes back to 1992, when the first Net- 16 SILICON CHIP ;rmanno Pietrosemoli, is at the left in this photo, working School was held in Mérida with ICTP support. Since then, several activities in which members of both institutions have participated havo taken place, notably the yearly training in wire less networking at ICTP and the ones dedicated to computer networks in general organised by EsLaRed in sev- eral countries of Latin America Conditions ato driving sleet and fo; 10 del Aguila were the team led by Carlo Fonda assembles the 2.7m. Accordingly, it was not difficult to persuade Dr Sandro Radiciella, the head of the Acronomy and Radio Propagation Laboratory at ICTP, to support Carlo Fonda's trip in early April to Venozuela in ordor ta partici- pate in the exporimont. Back home, Ermanno noticed @ 2.75m parabolic contre-fed mesh an tenna at the home of a neighbour, who graciously lent it for the experiment Action Plan Once satisfied with the existenc of a suitable path, the group looked at the equipment needed to achieve the goal. Well-known Orinoco 802.11 (WiFi) rds have been used for a number of years. They are robust and trust- worthy, sporting an output power of 15dBm and receive threshold of -84dBm. The free space loss at 282km is 1494B, so to compensate 30dBi an- tennas would be needed at both ends and even that would leave very little margin for other losses. On the other hand, the popular Linksys WRTS4G wireless router runs Linux and the Open Source com- munity has written several firmware versions that allow for a complete customisation of every transmission parameter In particular, OpenWRT firmware allows for the adjustment of the acknowledgment time of the MAC jot particularly pleasant. Here ish antenna in the middle of siliconchip.com.auTransport layer, as well as the output powor ‘Another firmware, DD-WRTT has aGUL interface and a very convenient site survey ntility Furthermore, the Linksys can be located closer to the antenna than a laptop, so they decided to go with a pair of these boxes, one as an AP (ac: ess point) and the other as a client The WRTS4G can operate at 100mW with good linearity and can even be pushed up to 200mW — but at this, value non-linearity is vory severe and spurious signals are generated, so this is discouraged. Although this is consumer-grade equipment and quite inexpensive, after years of using them the group folt confident that they could serve the purpose, provided a spare sot was kept handy By setting the output power at 1o0mW (20dBm), the Linksysstill had a 6dB advantage compared with the Orinoco, so @ pair of them was used. Doing it! Javier Trivifio and Ermanno Pi- otrosemoli travelled to Bail with a 4-wheel-drive truck loaded the offset antenna, arly next morning the an- tenna was installed and pointed in the direction of Pico del Aguila. The Garmin IIf plus GPS showed a total path length of 279k. At the same time, the other te comprising Carle Fonda and Ga from ICTP, with assitance from Franco Bellarosa, Lourdes Piotrosemoli and José Trivino, rode to the proviously siliconchip.com.au 2.2.7m dish on the roof ofa large 4WD is not without its perils. boware of loweflying tees! This was the dish taken to the top of Pico del Agu surveyed area al Pico del Aguila in a truck carrying the 2.7m mesh an- tenna, The Aguila team was able to install and point the mesh antenna before the fog and sleet began, as is com- ‘mon at this altitude of 400m above sea level Power for the signal generator was supplied from the truck by means of 12 V DG to 120V AC inverter. Com- munication between the two sites was maintained via cell (mobile) phones = both ends have cell phone tower ‘At 1am inEl Baul thoy were able to Fe tee fe Proving it: scr amplifiers. Note the ping times as well. observe a-82dBm signal at the agre 2450MHz frequency on the spectrum analyser. ‘To be sure, they asked Carlo toswitch offthe signal and indeed the trace on the spectrum analyser showed only noise, confirming that they were eally seeing a signal that originated some 280km away. ‘After again turning on the signal generator they performed affine point ing in elevation and azimuth at both ends, When they were satisfied that had attained the maximum received signal, Carlo romoved the signal gen- trator and replaced it with a Linksys WRTS4G wireless router configured as an Access Point, while Javier con nected another WRTS4G at the oppo- site end, configured as a client At once, they started receiving “beacons” but the ping packets did not get through. This was expected, since the propa- gation time of the radio weve over a 300km link is ims and therefore it takes at least 2ms for an acknowledg- ment to reach the transmitter. Fortunately, Open-WRT firmware allows for tinkering with the ACK timing and after Carlo adjusted for the three orders of magnitude increasa in delay above what the standard Wi-Fi link expects they hegan roceiving packets with delays above Sms. Several .pdf file transfers from Carlo’s to Javier's laptops were made to prove the world-record-breaking link. sc shot of Javier's laptop showing details of .PDF file transfer from Carlo’s laptop 260km away, using two WRTS4G wireless routers and no Feuauany 200717rp 7 df t ‘ wv SPST tluminated Relay SPDT 12VDC/240VAC10A PCB New Rall lght low profi (1.5xr Sale poled double changnover switching rly. ase NAV DC cal. OV AC 108 snitch entacte Sam pin configuration Se? 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Its ability to both attenuate and amplify means that it can operate as a simple volume control or as a high- performance stereo preamplifier! INCE THE PUBLICATION of our previous general-purpose remote volume control project June 2002), a number of readers have requested a comparable unit with digital, rather than analog, attenuation. In other words, they want to dispense with the potentiometer, citing the short operational life and poor channel-to- channel tracking of these mechanical components. For those that haven't seen the 24 cup earlier project, a dual-gang motorised potentiometer was driven by a micro- Controller to selectively attenuate the incoming audio signal, The advantage of this approach is simplicity and (depending on the pot usod) relatively low cost. We used this method again in the Studio Series Preamplifier Control Module (April 2006), where we showed how it is possible to achieve both reliability and high performance using a more expensive motorised potentiometer, Nevertheless, we con~ tinued to receive requests for a digit- ally attenuated version —so here it is! Now you've no excuse not to do away with that noisy old pot and upgrade to this stato-of-the-art digitally con- trolled module ~ which should never F out! Main features The Remote Volume Gontrol & Preamplifier Module allows volume and balance adjustments to bo made with any universal infrared remote control. Adjustments can also be mado via an optional up-front encoder. The encoder \ hhas 20 detents per rev positive, professional feel. The volume and balance levels are displayed on ablue or red 2-digit rea out, which can be set to “go blan! shortly after each adjustment for less ution and a siliconchip.com.auinvasive operation. Muting is also supported via remote control. Due to its universal nature, the mod- ule can be used in-line in just about ‘any hifi andio system, For example, it could be inserted between your CD/ DVDplayorand poweramplifier~and ‘would be ideal for use with several of our past audio amplifier projacts, such as the SC480 (Jan./Feb, 2003) and the Studio 350 (Jan./Feb. 2004). ‘The design is essontially a 2-chip solution, with the audio side handled by a high-performance Burr-Brown PGA2310 storeo audio volume control IC. An Atmel ATmega8515 microcon- troller managos the user interface, which comprises the rotary encoder, two optional selection switches, an infrared remote control receiver and two 7-segment displays. It also com- ‘municates with the PGA2310 overa’ wire sorial interface to set the device's volume levels. ‘Tho two displays mount on their ‘own small PC board and are wired back to the module via ribbon cable All other components mount on the main board, which is designed to fit directly behind the front panel of a metal enclosure, This arrangement affords flexibility and simplifies construction for the majority of case assombly options, siliconchip.com.au Also featured is a new, low-noise power supply module that includes its own on-board transformer. If the Jong slim board layout doesn't suit your case, then the PG board has been designed so that you can slice off the transformer and juggle tho two mod- ules about to your heart’s content, But wait — there's more! For those who alroady have a suitable chassis-mount transformer, we've also included a version of the supply without the transformer to save you having to cut the board apart in the first place! ‘OK, so thisnew design uses. digital rather than analog volume adjustment method. ‘To undorstand how this works, lot’s look briefly at a basic attenuator and then com- pare this to tho | internals of the PGA2310. Digital control Digital attenuation of an audio signal is quite straightforward in concept. In its simplest form, an attenuator might consist of resistive voltage divider whose elements can be selec tively switched in and out of elreuit ‘under digital control. A basic representation of such an attenuator appears in Fig.1. With nei- ther of the switches (S1 & $2) closed, the attenuation of the circuit can be expressed as: Vour/Vin = (Rei + Raz + Ras)/(Rg + Rea + Roa + Raa). ‘Applying a digital logic “high” level to the control input of either switch causes it to close, bypassing a branch ofthe string, For example, if 1 closes, resistors Rpg & Rpg are bypassed, 80 the expression becomes: Vour/Vin = Ray/(Ra + Ren). ‘As you can see, the circuit has three possible states or levels of attenuation. ‘To increase the number of states, it's just a matter of adding more resistors and switches. For audio use, the re- sistor values would be chosen so that cach state change results in a logarith- ‘mic change in the attenuation level. ‘Why the op amp? It acts as a buffer, isolating the circuit from output load- ing effects and generating a constant output impedance regardless of at- tenuation level. Programmable gain ‘As mentioned, this dosign is based around the PGA2310 IC from Burr Brown (Texas Instruments) see Fig.4 integrates a digitally programmable ‘attenuator that operates in much the same way as our example in Fig. However, this device isa little different in that the gain of its op amp is also digitally programmable. This means that it can be pro- grammed to oporate as an attenuator ‘oran amplifier. Its overall adjustment span is 1274B, ranging from-95.5dB to +31.5dB in 0.54B steps. Gain changes are offocted during audio signal zero crossings, oliminating the audible “clicks” that typically ocour without this feature ‘Two identical channels are includ- ed, labelled (not surprisingly) “left” and “right”. The level of each channel is sot by a 16-bit sorial data word that is transforred via the device's digital % Wae Mn Your or oT Lae sana om # ag ‘gat tls allied cron Srprenid he bani of dy y controlled analog attenuator. Two analog switches ($1 & 2) fre opened and closed under digital control to select the input: {o-output attenuation level ofthe circuit. Feenusny 2007 25aya Avtst0 OL JINGON YIITdWWIdd 8 TOMLNOD IMNTON ILOWIY ds 2. WALES TWNOMIO IY ZS 9 15, 5 ¥ siliconchip.com.au SILIGON CrP 26FFig.2: the complete circuit diagram for the module, minus the display board. ‘All analog functions are handled by the PGAZ310 volume control chip (C1), while microcontroller 12 deals with the user interface; When a volume change is requested by the ‘user - either via the infrared receiver (C3) or the rotary encoder ~ the microcontroller interprets the request and sonds the new data down a serial pipe to IC. interface. The PGA2310 was designed specifically for professional audio work, boasting high dynamic range and very low noise and distortion. How it works We've endeavoured to keep con- struction as simple as possible, hence the use of just three ICs (see Figs.2 & 3), The microcontroller (IC2) handles all aspects of the user interface, which ‘comprises the rotary encoder, infrared. receiver IC3, the LED displays and pushbutton switches $1 & S2, In ro- sponse to user commands, the micro sends the desired volume level to the volume control chip (IC1) via a “3- ‘wiro” sorfal interface. ‘The serial interface consists of the signal Jines SDI (Serial Data In), SOO {Serial Data Out), SCLK (Serial Clock) ‘and CS (Chip Select). Bach serial data transfer from the micro to the PGA2310 (ICi) consists of a complete 16-bit word, comprising one byte for each channel. Those interested in the spe- cific timing details will find them in the relevant datasheot, available from wwwtiscom. ‘The micro can immediately mute both channels by driving the MUTE input of IG1 low. Itcan also dotormine how a new gain setling is applied to the device's control registers by con~ trolling the ZCEN input. If this input is high, the gain is updated on the second zero crossing of a channel's input signal. This minimises audible glitches on the output. Conversely, if ZCEN is low, the update is performed as soon as it's received. Note that with high volume levels and no input signal, it may well be possible to hear clicks when altering tho volume level. This occurs because the PGA2310 waits only 16ms for the two zero crossings and ifnot detected, the new gain setting will take effect with no attempt to minimise audible artifacts. siliconchip.com.au ‘The analog interface side is ex- tremely simple, consisting of just a handful of resistors, capacitors and RCA sockets (CON4-CON7). The left and right channol inputs are arranged so as to be as far apart as practically possible, with obvious benefits in the channel’ crosstalk performance (see performance panel). ‘As shown, the signal inputs are ca- pacitively coupled to prevent DC cur rents from flowing in the PGA2310's attenuator circuits. ‘The 10082 series resistors provide a small amount of protection from input over-voltages and also interact with 100pF capaci- tors to ground to filter out high-fre- quency noise, Note that larger resistor values cannot be used here because they would degrade the PGA2310's distortion performance. On the output sido, 1008 resistors isolate the PGA2310's drivers from cable and amplifier input capacitance, thereby ensuring stability. They also provide a measure of protection from short-circuit signal lines. Again, cou- pling capacitors prevent DC currents flowing in the output circuit. Keeping noise at bay ‘Apart from minimising external logic, the use of a large 40-pin micro- geeeooee © Fig.3: there's not a Jot to the splay board just two commen jode 7-segment displays and a 20-way header socket, Resistors in series with each segment (on ‘the main board) limit LED current to less than 5mA; an important requirement, as Ion current for ports A & C must not exceed 100mA in total! Fig: this block diageam shows the internal functions of the PGA2310 volume control IC. Both the input attenuation level and op amp gain are digitally controlled. The a fenuation/gain levels are set via the on-board serial control port logic, which receives its data from the microcontroller. Fenruany 2007 27ROTARY ENCODER Fig.s(a): a basic representation of a rotary ‘encoder. This also shows how the switch inputs are pulled up via resistors internal to the microcontroller. The program in the micro filters out switch contact bounce and interprets the ‘A’ and ‘B' signals to detect shaft rotation and direction. ig.5(b): the two out-of-phase switch signals from the rotary encoder generate a 2 complete electrical cycle. Some encoders will have more than one detent per cycle it Gray code, defining one controller also allowed us to dispense with the nood for display multiplex- ing, as each LED sogment can be driven by one port pin. This is an important element of the design bocauseitelimi- nates a potential source of switching ‘ho other area that requires careful dosign to keep noiso at bay is the power supply. As you can see, wo've used RC filters comprising 102 resistors and 1000, capacitors on the +15V rails to reduce noise toaminimum. Strictly speaking, theso are not required when the module is powered from the sup- ply described here. However, they Frequency response . Maximum input signal... Input impedance Output impedance Harmonic distortion Signal-to-noise rati Channel crosstalk Adjustment range... Step size. Gain matching... © Display resolution .. ensure consistent performance if the unit is to be powered from the aux: iliary outputs of a power amplifier’s supply, for example. Conducted noise from the microcon- trolleris reduced by the inclusion ofan LC filter in its 4.7V supply, made up of 4 100jH choke (RFC1) and an associ: ated 100F capacitor. In additional, digital ground is connected to analog ground at one point only ~ ic, at the power input connector (CON4). ‘To ensure that this strategy is effec- tivo, you must use hoavy-duly hook-up wire for the power supply wiring, a3 described in P1.2 next month. flat from 10Hz to 150kHz uu 9.7V RMS (0B gain), 250mV RMS (431.508 gain) 10k. . 1000 Aypically .002% (see Fig.9) vu 20dB (20H2-22kHz bandwidth) “126dB @ tkHz, -123dB @ 10kHz 12708 (-95.54B attenuation to +31.5dB gain) «0.508 of 1.5dB (selectable) 0.0548, 1.5dB Note: except where noted, all measurements were performed with a 600 mV RMS input signal at OdB (unity) gain with the output driving a SOK load. For crosstalk measurements, the non-driven input was back-terminated into 6009. 28 Siuicon CHP ottky diodes (D1-D3) in serie with all inputs help to reduce the chances of blowing something up ifthe input wiring is accidentally reversed. With the excellent dynamic range of the PGA2310, the loss of 300mV or so in the supply rails has little effect on performance. Despite this protection, it’s still possible to make a mistake = such as feeding +15V into the +5V input. In this case, ZD1 will conduct and rapidly collapse the rail, while sending up smoke signals. Assuming that you spot these early on, disaster may well be averted! No special interfacing logic is required for the switches or rotary encoder, because the entire switch debouncing and docoding sequence is carried out in firmware. The same applies to the output of the infrared receiver module {IC3). Its serial data stream is interpreted in line with the Philips RCS infrared protocol, using an accurately timed, high-speed sam- pling algorithm to ensure excellent long-range performance. Encoder basics If you've never used a rotary on- coder, you may be wondering how they work. The simplest encoders consist of a multi-lobed cam that is used to operate two microswitches (Fig.5a). When the shaft connected to the cam is rotated, one of the switches opens and closes in advance of the other, depending on the direction of rota- tion, ‘This generates a 2-bit Gray code at the switch output torminals, which ‘can be interpreted by a microcontrol: ler or other digital logic to determine siliconchip.com.auig. the low-noise power supply weScatanon Sernal relatos D ‘on omroard terldal ttanstormor This transformer femora eso radiation than anger Eermount unis soi should be poet tid the wbote ot nt 2 atively smal case without having probleme with induced mains noise shaft position and direction of rotation (soe Fig,5b). ‘As you can 09, the four Gray code states describe one complete cycle, with the detents occurring when both switches are off. The encoder used in this project has 20 cycles (or “pulses") and detents per revolution, so the cycle repeats every 18° of rotation. Its direction of travel is indicated by the phase of the two signals, which are always 90° apart. ‘The liming diagram applies to most 2-bit encoders that utilise one detent per cycle (equal pulsesand detents per revolution). In fact, the microcontrol- Jorprogram expects this configuration, so if you're thinking of sourcing an alternative part, be sure that it moots this criteria. Also, get a unit with 20 or more dotents ~ any less will result in unnecessary knob winding! Many other configurations are avail- able; two and four detents per cycle fare common. For example, an encoder specified with 4 cycles/rev and 16 detents/rev has 4 detents/oycle and is unsuitable for use here ~ it would take four clicks (1/4 revolution) to make a single change to the volume or balance! Note also that some encoders have built-in switches. Such adevice would be ideal for this project, because it would be possible to wire the BAL- ANCE switch input (at CON3) to the encoder’s switch terminals, thereby dispensing with the need fora separate switch to select balance adjustment mode. Low-noise supply Yo ensure the best possible per formance, we've designed a separate, low-noise power supply to match the Remote Control & Preamp module, It provides regulated +15V and +5V out- puts and could be used with a variety of other audio projacts. As mentioned above, it even includes an on-board toroidal transformer to further sim- plify construction. As shown on the circuit diagram siliconchip.com.au ou Gy ene aw ma icone at aw S¢ AUDIO POWER SUPPLY Feneuany 2007 29Fig: it should only take a few ‘minutes to assemble the display Board. Note how the decimal points go atthe top of the read- ‘outs, rather than at the bottom. This is the completed display PC board assembly. The LED readouts plug into two single in-line header strips. 30 SILIGON CHP (Pig.6), the transformer’s two 15VAC secondary windings are connected in series to form a 30VAG centre-tapped configuration, Note the fuses in the secondary outputs these are included bocause the voltage regulators’ built in current limiting may be too high to protect a small 10VA transformer in the vent of an output overload. Diodes D1-D4 and two 2200HF ca- ppacitors rectify and filter the secondary output to create +21V DC (nominal) rails. The following LM317 and M337 sTableyiaResistr 4-Band Code (1%) brown biack yellow brown brown black orange brown yellow violet red brown brown brown red brown brown black red brown green blue brown brown our brown black brown brown brown black black brown a a a a a Q a Q a a ‘orange orange brown brown a Fig.7: follow this diagram when assembling the control board, adjustable rogulators then generate the complementary positive and negative supply tails. Their outputs are pro- grammed to+15V by virtue of the 1000 and 1.1kG2 resistors connected to their “OUT” and “ADJ” terminal. We've used adjustable regulators in this design because the “AD]” terminals can be bypassed to ground to improve ripple rejection, which we've done using 10uF capacitors. The associated diodes (D6 & D9) provide a discharge path for the capacitors Gates (( 5-Band Code (1%) brown black black orange brown brown black black red brown yellow violet black brown brown brown brown black brown brown brown black black brown brown green biue black black brown orange orange black black brown brown black black black brown brown black black gold brown siliconchip.com.auWatch the orientation of the diodes, IC sockets, polarised capacitors and shrouded headers (CONS & CONS). Use only the resistor values specified for the LED displays - lower values could lead to damage to the microcontroller ports. should an output be accidentally shorted to ground. Two roverse-connected diodes (D7 & D10) across the output prevent their respective rails from being driven to the opposite polarity (eg, if regulator fails) ‘A 7805 3-terminal regulator (REG@) is used to goner~ ate tho #8V rail. To reduce power dissipation in REGS, a second fixed regulator (REG3) is positioned “upstream” torediuce the DC input from 21V to 15V. While we could havo just added a series resistor or even atransistor-basod pre-rogulator to achieve similar results, this arrangement is inexpensive and includes the regulator's protection features in the case of an overload. Because the +5V supply draws power from only the positive side of the unregulated DC rail, a 3902 resis- tor (R1) across the negative input is included to help balance the rails, so that they decay at similar rates at power of Construction We'll ossomble the main PCboard (code 01102071) Hirst — see Fig.7. Bogin by installing the three wire links using 0.7mm tinned copper wire, then install the resistors Note that the 38002 resistor values adjacent to CONS on the overlay diagram are for blue displays only. If you've decided to use re i then substitute 560 values for 16 of the 3308 parts as indicated, All ofthe diodes (D1-D5 & ZD1) can go in next, taking care to orient their cathode (banded) ends as shown. That done, all romaining components can be installed siliconchip.com.au eRe ote free eae een but use a much larger input signal ~ so ‘second line to show the difference with a ear oe be better. The left & right signal inputs are located at re yeni advantage of this in the PC board layout. Fesruany 200731WARNING: FLNSUATNG COVER OVER Mans PSE] BEFORE CORNETON TO 240A. FFig:12ai follow this diagram when assembli hoard into two sections, so terminal blocks the PC board via the contral mounting hole before its pins are soldered. Below: this view shows the fully-assembled power supply board. Don't forget to fit the cover over the mains fuse. in order of height, with attention to the following points: ‘ Bo sure to insert tho 1000KF and 4100p electrolytic capacitors aroun the right way, following the * markings on the overlay. Tho 47} ‘units are non-polarised and can go in either way. @ Tho notch in the IC sockets must match that shown on the diagram, as must the polarising notch in the two shrouded headers (CON8 & COND), 32 SILICON CHIP Do not plug the ICs into their sockets until after the power supply has been cabled in and tested (see the “Testing” section in Pt.2 next month)! *he terminal blocks (CON1-CON3) and RCA connectors (CON4-CON7) must be seated squarely on the PC board surface before soldering, ‘ Seat the crystal (X1) all the way down on the board before soldoring. Once in place, connect its metal case to ground via a short length of tinned copper wire (see photo}. # The load length and bond of the two LEDs and infrared receiver (IC3) can ing the power supply board. Most constructors will not want to cut the CON1 & CON4 won't be required. The transformer should be secured to Value pF Code IEC Code EIA Code 220nF 0.22NF 220n 224 400nF O.1yF © 1000104 100pF NA 100p ‘101 220F NA 229 22 be determined by trial fitting the as- sembly into its intended position. Display board ‘There's nota lot to the display board just a socket for the two displays and .20-way header (see Fig.8). The socket can be mado by cutting down a longer single-in-line (SIL) header strip into two 10-pin sections, Make sure that siliconchip.com.aueas ae OI FFig.12b: this alternative version of the power supply board is available for those who prefer to use a chassis-mounted toroidal transformer. This board is essentially an upgrade to the low-noise supply featured in the October 2005 issue and will run cooler than its predecessor thanks to larger heatsinks. these are sitting perpendicular to the PC board before soldering, ‘When plugging in the display mod- ules, note that the decimal points 0 at the top, not the bottom of the readout. Also, make sure that you've got the polarising notch of the header (CON10) facing inwards towards the displays, Power supply The power supply can be con- structed ina number of different ways. If you've elected to build the version with an on-board transformer, then you have the option of separat- siliconchip.com.au This view shows the } mounting arrangements for the heatsinks and the regulators at one end of the PC board. Be sure to fit the heatsink tabs through their matching board holes, so that the heatsinks cannot touch each other. ing the transformer section from the remainder of the board before com- mencing construction (see Fig.12a}. Most constructors will not need to do this ~ check your chassis layout for compatibility before reaching for ahacksaw! Ifusing @ chassis-mount transform- er, then you may optionally choose the second (smaller) power supply board, which omits the on-board transforme fuses and associated connectors (Fig.12b). However, the following text assumes that you are assembling the on-board transformer version. As before, install all of the low-pro- 10200 oi soew white Nor fmm | 18 a vitter Fig.13: here's how to assemble the regulators to their heatsinks. The 7805 regulator (REG4) presents a special case; its screw should be inserted from the opposite side to that shown so that the screw head isn’t obscured by REG3’s heatsink. The PC board holes for the heatsink tabs should be drilled to 2.5mm. If this proves to be marginally too small to accept the tabs, you can use a jeweller’s file to remove just enough of the tabs to get a neat fit. The 39082 5W resistor should be mounted about 2mm off the PC board. file components first, starting with the single wire link Note that we've specified a single- piece fuseholder assembly with cover Fupruary 2007 331 main PC board coded 01102071, 109mm x 78mm 1 display PC board coded (01102072, 49mm x 34mm, 1 rotary encoder, 20 puises/ detents per rotation (Altronios $-3350) (optional, see text) 4 2-way Bmm/5.08mm pitch terminal block (CON2) 2 S-way 5mnv/6.08mm pitch ‘terminal blocks (CON1, CONS) 1 10-way boxed header (CONS) (Altronies P-5010, Jaycar PP- 4400) 2 20-way boxed headers (CONS), (CON10) (Altronics P-0144A) 2.PC-mount RCA sockets, red insert (CONS, CONS) (Altronies P.0144A) 2 PC-mount RCA sockets, black insert (CONS, CON7) (Altronics P-0145A) 41 40-way or 2 x 92-way 2.54mm SIL header socket(s) (Altronios P-5400, Jaycar PI-6470) 1 7-way 2.54mm SIL header (JP1- JP3) 3 jumper shunts 4 100,H choke (RFC1) 1 16-pin gold-plated IC socket 1 40-pin IC socket 4.M3 x 6mm pan head screws 4 M3 x 10mm tapped spacers 0.7mm diameter tinned copper wire for inks Semiconductors 1 PGAZ310PA stereo volume control IC (IC1) (Farnell 121- 2339) 1 ATmega8515-8P (or ~16P) microcontroller (IC2) (Jaycar ‘ZZ-8765) programmed with DAVOL.HEX 1 TSOP4838 (or equivalent) infrared receiver module (IC3) (Altronics Z-1611, Jaycar ZD- 1952, Farnell 491-3190) 1 4MH7 crystal, HC49S package (Y1) (Altronics V-1219) 3 1N5819 Schottky diodes (D1- D3) 2 1N4148 small-signal diodes (04, Ds) 1.1N4735A 6.2V 1W zener diode (201) 2127mm common-cathode 7-segment LED displays, blue (Jaycar ZD-1856) or red (Jaycar ZD-1855, Altronios 2.0190) 2.3mm red LEDs (LED1, LED2) Capacitors 2-1000uF 16V PC electrolytic 3 100uF 16V PC electroiytic 4 47yF 35V/50V nor-polarised PC electrolytic (max. 8mm dia.) 4.100nF 50V monolithic ceramic 2.100pF ceramic disc 2 22pF ceramic disc Resistors (0.25W 1%) 3100k2 16 56002 (red displays) 110KQ = 13300. 24.7kQ 16 33002 (blue displays) 41k2 10 10082 15602 2100 2.20-way IDC cable-mount sockets (Altronics P-5320, Jayear PS-0986) 20-way IDC ribbon cable (Altronics W-2620) Pushbutton switch (optional ~ see text) Universal remote control (see text) Power Supply 4 PC board, code 01102073, 168 x 61mm (on-board transformer) or. 1 PC board, code 01102074, 80 x 61mm (off-board transformer) 4 Micro-U 19°C/W TO-220 heatsinks with tabs (Altronios H 0637, Jaycar HH-8504) 2 3-way Smm/5.08mm terminal blocks (CON1, CON2) 1 2-way Smm/5.08mm terminal ‘block (CONS) 4 M3 x 10mm tapped spacers 8 M3 x 6mm pan head screws 4.M3 nuts & flat washers 0.7mm diameter tinned copper wire for link Heavy-duty hook-up wire for low- voltage wiring Heatsink compound Semiconductors 1 LM317T adjustable positive regulator (REG1) 1LM337T adjustable negative regulator (REG2) 17815 +18V regulator (REGS) 1 7805 +5V regulator (REG4) 11 1N4004 diodes (D1-D11) Capacitors 2 2200uF 25V 105°C PC electrolytic 2 100iF 16V 105°C PC electrolytic 3 10uF 16V 105°C PC electrolytic. 1 220nF 50V metallised polyester (MKT) 2 100nF 50V metallised polyester (MKT) Resistors (0.25W 1%) 24.1kQ 21000 13902 SW 5% Additional items for on-board transformer version 1 18V#15V 10VA PC-mount toroidal transformer (Altronics M-4330) for the mains fuse (see parts list) ~ so be sure to fit this in the correct (F1) position. The other two fuses (F2 & F3) use low-cost fuse clips. Position the small retaining lug on each clip towards the outer (fuse end) side; otherwise proper fuse installation will be impossible. ‘The 3902 5W resistor mounts vorti- cally (see photos) and should sitabout 34 Silicon Cin 2mm proud of the PC board surface to aid in cooling. Ifthe board has boon cut into two parts, then you'll need to run an insulated wire link between points "A &:B' to reconnect the ground end of this resistor back into circuit. On a similar note, terminal blocks CON1 & CON4 need only be installed if the board was cut apart. ‘Due to its size and weight, the trans- former must be firmly attached to the board using an appropriate selftap- ping screw via the provided mounting hole before its pins aro soldered. Ifthis is done in reverse order, the PC board pads may delaminato! You have been wamed, Leave the four regulators (REG1- REG4) until last. Those must be at- tached to TO-220 heatsinks before siliconchip.com.au——— 1M205 250VAC PC-mount fuseholder wicover (F1) (Altronics $-5985) 4.M208 fuse clips (F2, F3) (Altronies $-5983, Jaycar SZ- 2018) 2 3-way Smmv5.08mm terminal block (CON4, CONS) 4 100mA 250VAC M205 slow-biow fuse (F1) 2 250mA M205 slow-biow fuses (2, F3) ‘Selt-tapping screw for transformer mounting Mains connection hardware to sult ‘Additional items for off-board transformer version 1 15V+15V 20VA (or larger) toroidal transformer (eg, Jayear MT-2086) Mains connection hardware to suit Notes Note 1: the low-voltage version of the microcontroller is also compat- ible with this project and is available from Fututlecatwww-futurlec.com. ‘au, part number ATmega8515L-8P1 (er -8PU), Note 2: The 100mA and 250mA slow-blow fuses can be had from Wiltronics Research, stock Nos. FU0312 & FU0314. Cheok them out at www.wiltronics.com.au Rockby Electronic Components also carry the fuses, stock Nos. 14740 & 14743 ~ see www.rockby.com.au for more details. Note3: toavoid assembly difficulties and ensure long-term reliability, all the 3erminal regulators (REG1- REG4) used in the power supply should be recognised name-brand devices, suchas On Semiconductor! Motorola, STMicroelectronics, Na- tional Semiconductor or Fairchild, being installed on the PC board. First, smear a thin film of heatsink com- pound to both the rear (metal) area of each devico as well as the mating areas of the heatsinks. That done, fasten them to the heatsinks using M3 screws, nuts and washers as shown in Fig.13 but don't fully tighten the screws just yet. Note that insulating pads should siliconchip.com. au ‘The volume control module is designed to work with most universal ("one~ fora’) infrared remotes. It recognises the RCS protocol that was originally developed by Philips, so the remote must be programmed for a Philips (or compatible) appliance before use, ‘Most universal remotes are provided with along list of supported appliances and matching codes. To set the remote to work with a particular piece of gear, its usually just a matter of entering the code listed for the manufacturer (in this case, Philips), as detailed in the instructions, ‘You'll also note that different codes ate provided for TV, CD, SAT, and so ‘on. This allows two or more appliances from the same manufacturer to be ‘operated in the same room and even from the same handpiece. This multiple addressing capability can be useful in our application, too. Normally, we'd program the remote to control @ TV, as this works with the Control module. But what if you already have a Philips TV (ora Chinese model that uses the RCS protocol)? Well in his case, you'd simply use a CD or SAT ‘code instead — the control modal can handle any or these Lets look at an example. To set the AIFA Y2E remote to control a Philips ‘TV, you'd first press and hold "SET" and then press “TV”. This puts the remote in programming mode, as indicated by the red LED, which should remain i- juminated, Now release both keys and punch in one of the listed Philips TV codes. For this project, code 191 works well. he red LED should now go out and the remote is ready for use. ‘All universal remotes can be programmed in a similar manner but when in doubt, read the instructions! Ifthe first code listed doesn't work with the contro! module, then try another, ‘Once the remote has been programmed, the control module must be set Up to recognise the particular equipment address that you've chosen (TV, CD, SAT, etc). Details on how to do this are in the setup and testing section Although this project should work with any universal remote, we've tested the following popular models: AIFAY2E (Altron- ies A-1013), AIFA RA7 (Altronics A-1009) and BC3000 (ayoar AR-1710, pictured). For all these models, the setup codes are as follows: TV = 191, CD = 651 (Out not for BC3000 remote), SAT1 = 424 and SAT2 = 425. Note that the 'mute" button doesn't work {or all codes and in the case of the AIFA ‘Y2E, is missing anyway! in these cases, you may be able to use the "12" or 20+" buttons instead, not be used here, as they will impede heat transfer. Now slip each assembly into place in its PC board holes, taking care not tomixup the different rogulator types. “The tabs of the heatsinks should fully engage the holes in the PCboard, such that all of the heatsink edge contacts the PC board surface. You may find that the PC board holes are fractionally too small to allow this to happen ~ if this is the case, use a jeweller’s file to remove just enough of the tab to get a neat fit in the holes (see photo). Finally, push the regulators all the way down the slots in the heatsinks and then tighten up the screws. The regulator leads can now be soldered, taking care that the assemblies remain. in place when the board is turned over. Note that you'll find it easier if the dovices are mounted in a specific or dor, as follows: REG2 first, then REGA, REGS & REGA. That's ell wo have space for this month. Next month, we will complete the construction and describe the set up and test procedures se FeHpUARY 2007 35CAR PROJECT 1: Simple Variable Boost Control enc Peon rns For Cars With Turbochargers Quite a few cars have turbochar ers these days and these can provide even more performance if the turbo boost pressure i Pee MOOR M me T Ua ETE Tn entecrC ch ero Chon CaOR CE turbo boost as variable boost control, as presented her It intercepts the standard boos computer (ECU) and stretches it so solenoid has a longer duty eycle HIS VARIABLE Boost Control is a imple circuit to modify the fac- tory boost levels. It was dosigned in the first instance to suit a Subart WRX but it could be adapted to many cars and FWDs fitted with turbochargers. It employs a small PCboard and requires only four wire connections to the car's, cloctrical system Before we go any further we should 36 SILICON CHIP S¢ VARIABLE BOOST CONTROL ¢ Figat: the circuit is based on just two transistors and a signal from the car's 2 R307 br Inala juple of diodes. ine management at the signal to the boost control warn that ifyou want to fit this project, you must have a turbo boost gauge permanently fitted. Operating variable boost above factory set levels can blow your engine if you don’t know what the boost level is How it works The Variable Boost Control is a simple interceptor — it “intercepts Place Sign|byDENISICOBUEN, the standard boost signal to the Boost Control Solenoid from the car's engine management computer (ECU) ani stretches it so that the solenoid signal has a longer duty cycl ‘Most factory boost control systems use a variable width pulse signal to control the boost solenoid. This op erates at about 14Hz to suit a Subaru WRX (1998 model). While the circuit of Fig.1 look ple, it works quite well and has been fitted to several cars. fhe ECU boost pulse waveform is fod to the input which has a 1800 1W pull-up resistor, This is sensed by the ECUas the boost sol there, the signal \oid’s coil. From idviaa 4.7kQresis- tor to the base of transistor Qt which inverts the signal at its collector. The inverted signal charges a 2.2uP capacitor via a 1k0 resistor and diode D1 only to be discharged via 10k2 trimpot VR1 each time the signal at the collector of Q1 is pulled down to OV. The net result is a roughly sawtooth sform with a slightly rounded leading edge and gently sloping trail ing edge, the steepness of slope being he setting of VR1 this fairly rudimentary pulse signal dependent on siliconchip.com.auis fed to the BD681 Darlington tran- sistor (Q2) via @ 22k0 resistor which drives the boost control solenoid. Fast recovery diode D2 is connected from the collector of Q2 to the +12V line. It is included to damp the spike voltages generated each time Q2 is turned off Incidentally, Q2 inverts the signal back to the same polarity as the input, so that it drives the boost control solenoid correctly. ‘A BD681 Darlington trans ified for Q2 since ityha collector voltage, high gain and an adequate collector current rating (4A) to carry the curronts of typical boost control solenoids. Note that in some cases Q2 may need a small flag heat- Note also that this circuit has no protection against reversed supply voltage so if you connect the supply leads the wrong way, both diode D2 and the Darlington transistor are likely tobe instantly destroyed. The current path will be via the Darlington’s inter- nal reverse diode and D2. You have been warned! The circuit operation is clearly demonstrated in the scope waveforms of Fig.2. The top waveform (yellow trace) is the input signal, a series of nogative-going pulses. The middle waveform (purple trace) is present at the cathode of D1 while the bottom trace (cyan) is the output waveform at the collector of Q2. Noto that the nogative going pulses of the output waveform are substantially longer than those of the input waveform. Our test waveforms were made while the circuit was driving a resis- tive load rather than a boost solenoid but the operation was otherwise the same as would occur in a car. Building it The Variable Boost Control is assem- bled onto a small PC board measuring a ou prey aD eee CT OL Poe eg ees fe es tg ec cae ms 38 x 30mm, The wiring diagram is shown in Fig.3. Note that the BD681 should be laid flat down on the PC board so that the whole assembly can be sheathed in a piece of heatshrink sleoving ‘Apart from two wires being needed to connect the 10kQ potentiometer (VR1), you will need four wires to connect the Variable Boost Control to your car. These are as follows: @ +12V IGN - Red © Barth (chassis) - Black © Boost wire from ECU - Blus © Output to Boost Solenoid Black The +12V IGN wire can be tapped from any point which is switched by the ignition switch. ‘The Barth wire can be run to any convenient point on tho car's chassis. Then you will need ‘to identify the wire from the continued next page i. rae LOSS Fig.2: the top waveform (yellow trace) is the input signal (a series of negative going pulses). The middle waveform (purple trace) is the signal at the cathode of D1 while the bottom trace (cyan) is the output waveform at the collector of Q2. ac ara ee I [era eee 4 PC board, code 05102072, 38 xomm 4.80547 NPN transistor (Q1) + BD681 NPN Darlington power transistor (Q2) + 1N4148 small signal diode (01) 41 F R307 3A fast recovery diode (02) 1 2.0uF 16V PC electrolytic capacitor 1 10k0 potentiometer (V1) Resistors (0.25W, 1%) 122kQ 14.7KQ, 11ka 11802 0.5W Fig.3: here's how to inst ‘Take care with the pol the parts on ly of the transistors and diodes. 10 sougNOD rou (chassis) FROM EOU av sv 0si02072 Fig.a: this is the full-size etching paitern for the PC board. siliconchip.com.au ZBRUARY 2007 37CAR PROJECT 2: A Fuel Cut Detieater Por Cars With Note: prototype Perera Variable Boost Control Are you intending to build the Variable Boost Control icra el Pee RTO ROM ia incrsty) coco mene lo Ccuoy (FCD) to eliminate the standard factory fuel cut which typically occurs at boost levels about 16-17psi. The unit is not adjustable, so no external controls are required. DesigmbyIDENISICOBLE) HE FUEL CUT DEFEATER other simple “interceptor Itmodifies the signal from the engine's MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor and stops it from exceeding a particular level before feeding to the ECU, Therefore, the ECU does not sense the over boost condition brought about by the Variable Boost Control and hence does not cut the fuel supply via the injectors. The circuit is built on a small PC board and there are just four external connections: ie, +12V, OV (chassis), MAP sensor and the output to the i dosign. Variable Boost Control - ECU to the boost control solenoid and cut it. This should be done around 50cm ormore from the ECU to make it difficult to detect. ‘The end going to the ECU goes to the blue wire on the Variable Boost Control, while the end going to the boost solenoid goes to the brown wire on the Variable Boost Coritrol. Note that these connections should be mado with male and fo- male bullet or quick connect crimp ‘The circuit (Fig.3) is very simple and isbased on a TL072 dual FET-input op amp package. ICta is connected as a unity gain buffer (with its output con: nected directly to the inverting input) so that there is nogligible loading of the MAP sensor signal. Input protection for Cia is provided by the series 10k@ resistor and by di- des D1 & D2 which clamp any large ignal transients, ICtb and diode D3 act as a level clamp once the output signal from IC1a exceeds the threshold at pin § of IC1b, continued from page 37 connectors to ensure the integrity ofthe connections, Using these also means that you can quickly restore the standard boost connection, if you need to. ‘The Boost control pot VRi noods to be installed on your car’s instru: ment panel. Setting the boost level Asalroady noted, you MUST have a boost gauge fitted at all times to as set by the three resistors and 5.6 zener diode ZD1. In fact, ICib works as an inverting comparator, with the voltage at pin 5 set to around +3.9V. For output signals from ICia of loss than +3.9V, the output of IC1b will be close to +12V and diode D3 will be overse-biased, Hence, IC1b has no effect on the output signal from Cia and it passes unmodified to the ECU via the 1kQ and 6800 resistors However, once the signal at pin 6 of ICib exceeds +3.9V, IC1b's output goes low (0V) and diode D3 will be forward biased end it will conduct to shunt the output signal to tho ECU, clamping monitor the boost levels. Drive the car-up a long hill in third gear and sot VR1 to provide the required boost level. Warning: exceeding factory boost levels can reduce the life of the engine and transmission. Finally, note that you may need the companion Fuel Cut Defeater, described in this issuo, toremove the factory fuel cut which is typically set to activate at boost levels above about 16 or 17psi. so siliconchip.com.auN. Fig.1: the circuit is based on a TLO72 ual op amp (ICta & IC1b). 1C1a ‘operates as @ unity gain buifer, while TCib works as an inverting comparator. +2Ve S FUEL GUT DEFEATER it to a level of about 1.4V. Thus the ECU does not see MAP signals above a certain threshold and so it cannot cut fuel as it normally would in an aver-boost situation. This last factor means that it is extremely imporiant to ensure that you always monitor the turbo boost ‘on your car if you are using this Fuel Cut Defeater in conjunction with the Variable Boost Control. Assembly & fitting ‘Assembling the PC board (see Fig.2) is straightforward but make sure that you install op amp IC1 and the diodes the right way around. When you have finished the as- sembly, check all your work and then connect a 12V supply to the PC board Make sure that you connect the supply with the correct polarity otherwise you are Jikely to damage diodes D1 & D2 and the op amp. Check that the voltage at pin 8 of C1 is 45.6V (or close to it), with respect to pin 4. Tho voltage at pin 5 should be close to 3.9V, Note that this setting is designed to suit a Subara WRX and may possibly need adjustment to suit the MAP sensors in other vehicles, When installing the PC board in your car, the +12V wire can come from any point which is switched by the ignition switch. The Earth wire can be run to any convenient point on the car’s chassis. You will then need to identify the wire from the MAP sensor to the ECU solenoid. The one to use has about 1.4V on it at idle. Cut this wire at around 50cm or more from the EGU to make it difficult to detect. The end going to the MAP sensor ECU goes to the green wire on the Fuel Cut Defeater (FCD). The end going to the ECU goes to the blue wire on the FCD. Note that these connections should be made with male and female bullet or quick connect crimp connectors to ensure the integrity of the connections. Using these also means that you can. quickly restore the standard boost connection, if you need to. sc 1 PC board, code 05102071, 50 x33mm 1,TLO72 dual FETinput op amp (ict) 3. 1N4148 small signal diode (01,02,03) 1.5.6V 400mW zener diode 41 100F 16V PC electrolytic capacitor 1 100nF MKT polyester or monolithic (code 104 oF 100n) Resistors (0.25W, 1%) 140K2 13.90 3 4k0 Fig.2: follow this parts layout diagram to build the Fuel Cut Defeater. Note that diodes D1 and D2 face in opposite directions. MAP SIGNAL NPuT GRouNo erases) “10v ouput TORU Fig. for the PC board. C etching defects before instal f) CE "FUEL CUT DEFEATER. + this is the full-size etching pattern 3k the board for ing the parts. siliconchip.com.au Feunuany 2007 39— Teac GF350, CALLS ITS NEW systom ‘Multi Music Player/CD Record- er”, which I guess is par for the cours in the 21st contury. After all, who g the young sot would know a turntable as anything but a rotating platter thir But this Teac doos have a record turn- table that plays 23%, 45 and 78 RPM records albeit unfortunately all with the one stylus It also has a fairly de- cent AM/FM radio and an internal CD bumer that accepts CD-R/RW blanks as ng pre-recorded CDs. well as replayin The whole shebang is attractively packaged into a desktop cabinet made of real wood ... well, MDF actually The styling is retro black, including the car radio-like front control pan which has an attractively lit fascia h knobs! It displays the radio s' tion frequency setting, current status (Phono, AM, FM, etc) and recording level: Unfortunately, the all-black col ved into the top mounted turntable/pickup arm section, so 40 Smcow Crip record playing is quite an effort in low . A small lamp would have been become immersed, in dubbing those old saviour, liberating you from the PCas well as the tangles letting you shift the t user-friendly domestic appliance that k at home in the average The GF380 has been well thought out and its functions stood, If you want to dub an LP, you ‘n on the power, place a disc on the then load a blank CD into You then solect Phono, lower Record button and a displa dio level appears. You set ihe record- ing level via the bargraph display ylus onto the lead: For those people who don’t want to bother with a separate turntable, a computer and software, Teac has produced a single box solution for the chore of dubbing vinyl records to CDs. By ARENT SHITE then tap the Forward button and the recording to CD task begins. Butan LP ‘may last only 20-25 minutes per side. whilea CD can run to 80 minutes. The ‘Teac GF350 copes with this with th Pause button, allowing you to halt the CD buming while you fip the record over or replace it with another disc allowing you to completely fill a CD. It’s oven possible to separate and idontify the tracks on the final CD. ‘Those you can insert manually while the dubbing is in progress or you can set up an auto task, allowing the unit to insert a track division when the re play level drops below -20dB, ~30dB or -40dB for more than two seconds. However I believe that few of us will baby-sit an LP to CD dub just to drop in place markers and for the record, I had little luck with the auto ID modi either. Isometimes ended up with 18 racks from a 7-track LP! I think the dynamic range of LP recordingsis such that an auto identifying routine will never work. I have found that this is siliconchip.com.aualso the case with of software that handles the same task on a computer Dubbing inished, you have to final- ise the CD with a Table of Contents on the disc, otherwise it will not play on a domestic CD player. 1 had success with my very frst LP-to-CD copying effort, using @ CD-R blank but had no luck with any of my CD-RW blanks. ‘Teac recommends the use of “Digital Audio” blanks: | found that CD-Rs could be used but it may be the reason why the CD-RWs would not work There is an auxiliary input at the unit's rear, so you can dub from en outboard CD player, cassette deck or even from a VCR. Oddly, there is no provision for you to make a CD copy of a radio broadcast, even though the quality of the unit's AM/EM section is quite acceptable. Comment The Teac GF350 is a unique product and for what it attempts to do, it suc: coeds. In terms of audio reproduction, you can’t expect too much from a pair of 70mm speakers in a lightly-con- structed wooden cabinet. There is vir tually no bass and the physical speaker separation is only 35cm, so the stereo listening sweet spot is an unrealistic 20cm from the front of the unit! ‘Tho turntable is lightweight, as is the pickup arm, s0 my advice is to place it on a sturdy cabinet, isolated from footsteps in the room There is no adjustable counter woight for the tonearm, so there is no provision for the stylus tracking weight to be adjusted, nor is there an adjustment for the anti-skating setting be fine-tuned ‘Worse, the cartridge is a coramic unit, 60 reproduction is for from 2ist century standard. And given that itis ceramic cartridge, you would think that Teac might have fitted it with a tumover stylus so that you could play 78 RPM records correctly, (Editor's note: this is a throwback to tho old portable record players of the 1960s, ‘These units always had restricted bass response to avoid the acoustic feedback from speakers to tumtable that would otherwise result The turntable and ceramic cartridge will also give poor reproduction com- pared to a good quality turntable, bal- anced tonearm and magnetic cartridge with the correct stylus. Aside from the mode which iden: siliconchip.com.au PHONO i ‘The Teac GF350's smart looking, car radio-like control panel has a ind knobs! Among other thing the current status (Phono, AM, FM, etc) and recording level. lit fase setting tifles tracks for burning a CD from a record, there is little else to please the audiophile: no method to de-click noisy records; no way to precisely cue rn the start of a track when dubbing It is also highly probable that dub- bing to CD from a quality external turntable and mognetic cartridge with preamplifier pickup arm would give a superior result than using the unit's own player. Is a pity the unit has no stereo output so you could hook it into your hifi to replay the golden oldies on 'a decent set of speakers. Inspite of these cautions, let's hope Amplifier: 2 x 3.5 watts. drive with ceramic cartridge. Speakers: 2x 70mm, 4 ohms, eoee leads, 45 RPM adaptor. Price: $599 including GST. Specifications: Teac HFSEO Frequency response: 60Hz to 20kHz. ‘Amplifier/tuner section: AM/FM stereo tuner. Record turntable/pickup: 33-1/3, 45, 78 RPM. DC servo motor, belt CD recorder: drawer type. CD-R/CD-RW. Infoutputs: headphone output, stereo RCA inputs. ‘Accessories: manual, remote control and 2AA batteries, stereo RCA Distributor: Teac Australia 03 8336 650 or www.teac.com.au attractively it displays radio station frequency Toac takes the idea further and intro- duces some features in a future model to make the LP/78 copying task an easier and more elegant one: a botter quality turntable and cartridge as woll asa de-clickos built into the firmware would be a good start Vinyl records, it scoms, just won't dio! In spite of the above criticisms, tho Teac GF350 is presently the only tumtable/CD bumer available. For many people it will no doubt give an acceptable result, allowing them to play 33, 458 and 78s and make CD copies as well st Frouany 2007 41Jaycar gets into wireless microphones ith the possible exception of TV reception hardware, Jaycar Blectronics have nev er been really big in radio frequency (RF) spectrum equipment. However, thoir first foray into radio (wireless) microphones is cortain to set the pro- verbial feline amongst the groy winged creatures The first thing we noticed about the new “Digitech” Wireless Microphone range from Jaycar was the prices. “Surely there is some mistake,” we thought. “A complete wireless mic system for not much more than others charge for the microphone alone? No, Jaycar assured us. The prices were correct. ‘are they toys?” we asked? (Yes, we've seen some of the junk being flogged on eBay and at the markets) “Most defini 42 Smicoy Crp fessional UHF systems. Would you like to have a look at one?’ So it was that a day or so later not one but two of the three Digitech ‘wireless microphone systems arrived at SILICON CutP (the missing one was already out of stock!), Hore's what's in the range ‘At the lower end, for want of a bet ter word, is the AM4078 two micro: phone system. This is not a diversity system (see separate panel) ~ each microphone elfectively has its own Claimed range is 60m = a figure which we were easily able to confirm during a field test These units operate on the 740: 865MHz UHF band. Some of this band is occupied by band V TV (TV channols §9-69) but with 16 channels to choose from, there should be no problems finding an empty slot. ‘The most important partof the equa- tion, the price, we've left to last: it's a very pleasant surprise at $199.00! Re member, this includes the two hand. held mics (with batteries!), aplugpack adaptor (it operates on 14V DC) anda -metre 6.5mm to 6.5mm lead. ‘The output to your amplifier can be separate (ie, one line per mic) ormixed to-a single line out, while mic levels are individually adjustable, Audio quality sounds very netural (we're not sure what the mic insert is ~we didn’t have the hoart to dis Receiver dimensions are 210 x 170 x 42mm. This typeof system would be ideal for hall, club and church use, Middle of the range is a slightly more “upmarket” model, the AM- 4077. It too is a 16-channel sys but this time features full diversity. siliconchip.com.auHowever, it suits (and has supplied) just ono microphone. Speaking of what is supplied, this system comes in a professional-style aluminium road case, s0 is obviously intended for professional app! tions. The LCD panel on the front of the receiver also gives youtthe received signal level in dB, making it very easy to find signal holes before they find you (in the middle of a performance or speech, for example! The price of the AM-4077 is also another pleasant surprise at $249. If you're looking for an all-round ex lent performer, this one would be very hard to go past. Finally, the top-of-the-range AMS079 is virtually a combination of both the other systems. It’s adual mic, dual-di- versity, 32-frequency system (each mic can be selected to one of 16 channels) with a claimed range of 80-100m. ‘As can be seen from our photo, there are four antennas (and each is removable for remote/powered antenna mounting). That's because as a diversity system, there are two antennas for each channel and there are two channels, ‘The twin LCD panels display chan- nel selected, frequency and signal strength, so in a multiple-mic instal- lation (eg, theatre), channel conflicts botween this and other brands can be avoided. Output is either via a separate bal- anced line for each channel, or vie an Jaycar’s “Digitech” ‘AMa077 single channel diversity system comes complete with a quality microphone and an aluminium road case, as shown here. 16 user-selectable frequencies ensure there will be a vacant channel somewhere, UHF TV notwithstanding! On the opposite page is the top-of- the-range AM4079 dual channel (ie two microphones) diversity system, the two channels signals mixed. The system includes two microphones ‘with batteries, rocoiver unit in 19-inch rack-mount chassis, 14VDC plugpack and a 1-metre 8.5 mono plug to 6. mono plug lead. ‘This system is also very attractively priced at $399 and there are generous discounts for multiple units. Inuse As we mentioned above, we gave both units a field test — more accu- rately, a “baptism of fire” using them for volunteer commentators at a major sports event. to a commentator ~ rango/dropouts, clarity and easo-of-use~ the two Jaycar systems that we trialled performed as woll as, or better than, we expected (the AM4079 easily spanned 150m) ‘As wo said before, audio quality was as good as any wireless mic system we have used in the past — and that in- cludes some very expensive brands! Iwe can make one criticism, in the inclusion of 6.5mm audio ca- bles. There is little point. XLR output sockets are provided on the receivers and the vast majority of amplifiers and mixers use either XLR or RGA sock- cts, so a different lead (or adaptor) is unbalanced 6.5mm mono line with What is Diversity? Wireless microphones are right behind the eight-ball when it comes to operating conditions. For a start, they are ‘flea power" ~ just a few tens of miliwatts maximum — so their range is going to be severely. curtailed anyway. Second, the antenna orientation is all important. AS with any transmitting and receiving antennas, the wireless microphone (which contains the transmitting antenna) and the receiver antenna should be aligned in the same plane for maximum performance. They seldom are, Its natural for users to hold the microphone at any angle other than vertical! Some years ago, Shure published achart of losses as the angle between the antennas increased ~ and they were a real eye-opener. The moral of the story: keep the microphone as vertical as possible! ‘Third, with rare exception these days, radio mics use UNF. —up around the 800MHz area. Lots of things — human bodies included absorb UHF radio signals, so dropouts can be & real problem. Slightly changing position, or even changing the way the microphone is held, can suddenly result in @ siliconchip.com.au In the three areas most important required anyway. sc mute performer. And multipath (reflected signals) can also cause receivers real angst! ‘One ofthe most widely-used ways to minimise the effects of these (and other!) problems is to use a diversity receiver system. In ths, just about everything from the antennato the receiver output is duplicated. A monitoring system (these days, probably microprocessor controlled) continuously samples the output from both receivers and automatically and seamlessly switches to the best reception Even ifthe antennas are not the desired wavelength (or greater) apart, invariably at any given instant one wil be pulling in more, or better quailty, signal than the other. ‘Onthe front panel ofa diversity receiver there are usually two LEDs, one for each diversity channel, which turn on as that receiving channel is selected. You can see them switch back and forth as you move the microphone around, Usually, as far as the audio output is concerned, itis impossible to detect which receiver isin use or when they switch. Nor is there any difference in output level between diversity receivers. Feanvary 2007 43SERVICEMAN'S LOG | Customers & their strange antics Recently, at a pre-Christmas dinner with some colleagues, we got to talking about some of the strange (and sometimes dumb) things customers get up to. You won’t believe some of these stories. Every so often, and even more s0 nowadays, one has to havea chuck-out toget rid of the sets that are dumped on you. A.colleague recently hired a largo skip (and believe mo, that isn’t cheap) and loaded it to overflowing with sets that customers had either not picked up or had been dumped on him when the repair quote was rejected. ‘The amazing thing was that by next moming, it was nearly half empty again, But even more incredible was the queue of people bringing the scrounged sets back in to be repaired or quoted for repair, each one of course boing subject to a quote foo. My colleague explained the situa- tion to each new customor but several still insisted that he go ahead. And because the job labels were still stuck tothe backs of the sots, it was often just 2 caso of looking up the job number on the computer to retrieve the details, from the original estimate! In the end, ho found this recycling extremely profitable ~ nearly enough to pay for the skip, in fact! And several sets were repaired that would other wise have become landfill The “faulty” cassette deck One old dear went to a garage sale many years ago where she spied a POUT BUTS © Teac CTM519 TV set © Teac PC-D800SR tuner/CD player © JVC AV-25PX TV set (JK chassis) 44 SCN CHIP beautiful cassette deck for only $10. Delighted with her purchase, she took it home, plugged it and loaded it with her favourite music. ‘The lights came on and the tape moved but no sound could be heard. “Oh well”, she thought, “Tonly paid $10 for it; I'will take it in and get it repaired” My colleague could see that it needed cleaning and lubricating, plus now belts and tyres, so he quoted ac cordingly. A woek later, our little old lady picked the cassette deck up and took it home to try it out Well, she was back again the very next day, still complaining that there was no sound. My colleague apolo- gised and said he would check it out for her by the end of the day, He soon found that the unit was working per- foctly and the sound was just great. What's more, he could do nothing to make the unit misbehave. He told our heroine that he could find nothing wrong with itand advised her to take it home and try again. If there was any problem, he invited her to call and he would help her over the phone, Suro enough, she called a few hours later and said that there was still no sound. And by now, she was beginning to bocome rather agitated. My friend was quite perplexed by this. He was fairly sure there was nothing wrong with the unit, so what could she be doing wrong? He made various suggestions - such as turning up the volume control and pressing play, etc — but sho assured him that she was doing all these things. Finally she brought it back in and my colleague connected it all up again. And as before, the sound was porfoct, There was only one way to resolve this and so he invited madam to come in to the workshop and listen for her- self, When she arrived, he turned the volume up for hor and the workshop filled with sound. ‘What happened next was quite un- expected. The little old lady pointed to thoamplifier on which he had adjusted the volume and asked what it and the external loudspeaker were for. And she wanted to know why he wasadjusting “that box" rather than the controls on the cassette deck “After a little confusion, the penny dropped. Our old dear thought that the cassette dock was complete with its own amplifier and speakers. Sh didn’t realise it was just a deck to be used as an accessory in a hifi system! Speaker pyrotechni (On another occasion, a young man came into the showroom to purchase some speakers. He spied a pair which had white cones and was rather taken by them, so ho asked the salesman to give a demonstration, A brand new high-power amplifier had just arrived in the store, so the salesman connected it to theswitching console, along with the loudspeakers He then switched the amplifier on and tumed the volume up. ‘At first, everything sounded fan- tastic and the young man was really impressed by the quality. However, it was at this moment that there was a loud thud and the sound went dead. And then, right in front of their eyes, the voice coils in the loudspeakers began to glow a beautiful orange colour, this quickly changing to a red glow, in tum fol- lowed by smoke. “Wow", he exclaimed, “I love it Does it come in any other colours?” ‘The amplifior had not only failed in both channels but the protection it had also failed. The result was a high DG output from each channel siliconchip.com.auwhich had fried the speakers. And to edd insult to injury, the salesman’s last sighting of the young man was of him leaving for another store, to soo if he could get some speakers which glowed a different colour! Reversed brain cells I’snot always the client that is lack ing in the old brain power. Yours truly occasionally stuffs up too. ‘The other day [had torepairan elec- tronic distance measuring device. The repair was straightforward and when Thad finished [fitted all the batteries for a final test. I then discovered that although the machine was trying to work, it was struggling and barely giving any sort of output I dismantled it and checked alll my ‘work thoroughly again but could find nothing wrong except that the power supply was low. It took far too long belore I realised I had actually fitted two of the batteries the wrong way around. Duh! ‘The caring facade We live in a world where, superfi cially atleast, it seemsas though every- one is extremely concerned for our safaty and well boing. Of course, this, is all really a facade and the level of genuine concem is usually in inverse proportion to the rhetoric For example, you onter one of our leading hardware stores and are mot by oncofthe“team” with ajolly “how are you”. That's then followed by the now obligatory “havea nice day” as youare leaving. Do they really care whether have anice day, an indifforent day or arotien one? ‘Want another example? Well, we've all seen the “For Your Safety” blur that appears in the instruction manual for just about any piege equipment we buy these days. Call me a cynic if you like but [think it's there mainly to save the manufacturer from litigation, Byer tried to get help for a software problem or other types of help over the phone? A common response from the software companies is that it is, a third party’s responsibility for the problem ~ just uninstall, reformat or start again. Thad a frustrating experionce many years ago with a help-desk operator wow! t Love who worked fora cable TV company. In this particular case, | wanted to know the default RF output channel that the company’s cable box was sot to, so that I would have some idea where to find it when tuning the TV. And the answor from the help-desk operator? “The box is not set to any channel ~ it’s on ALL channels and all you have to do is tune your TV into it.” Theld my temper and tried rephras- ing my question in several different ways but kept getting th swer. Eventually, I said “well, how do I go about tuning my TV to your ble box? ry, can't help you with that", was the answer. “You will have to TRUE AUDIOPHILE SPEAKERS Danish Engineered Speaker Drivers for Astonishing Sound Reproduction with Clarity & Outstanding Performance ae oe ab Peerless vline vifa innovation lives on \ SCANSPEAK Feanuany 2007 siliconchip.com.au 45got tho TV manufacturer's technician to show you how as they are all dif- ferent” In the end, Tasked a colleague who immediatoly told me what the default channel was. He also told me how to changeit to avoid co-channel interfor- ence, if necessary. French arrogance We had an arrogant Frenchman drop his Teac CTMS19 TV into the workshop for repair, He told us it was, dead and he wanted an immediate quote. There was no "s'il vous plait” either - this was an order. We looked at the set, gave him a quote, repaired the power supply and were happy to sce the back of him when he picked the set up and loft. However, a few weeks later, he returned, complaining that we hadn’t fixed his set properly and accusing us of incompetence. We asked what the problem was and were told that thore ‘was no colour on AV playback. Unfortunately, he no longer had the remote control or the instruction book. He insisted again that we fix it ‘The Soptember 2006 issue's Serv- iceman’s warranty sagas prompted me to share one of my own. I used tobe “Technical Manager” for a PC distribution group. We dealt mainly with large corporate customors. In the mid-1980s most PCs would be lucky if they had a 20MB hard drive, So external large capacity dovices (up to.a staggering 140MB) ‘were popular for early “servers”. One well-known maker of these devices often combined them with tape drives (which no-one used) and the high-priced units (often two or three times the cost of the PC) went to the biggest companies in the country. Unfortunately, they were also supremely unreliable. To cut a short story long, one Monday morning, one of my well- known customers arrived at my office with a box containing said drive which appeared to have ex- ploded. Furthermore, ithad patches immediately and this time he wanted it done for free. We said that we would look into the problem and advise him - when we gotthe chance. Wealso explained that all we had done was repair the power supply and that our warranty covered this repair only. Furthermore, that was all he had paid for and we hadn't been advised of any other symptoms when he first brought the sot in. He really didn’t want to know about this and stalked out in a huff, leaving us with the set Eventually, when we had a spare minute, we connected the set and tied it out. All TV channels came up in full colour but when the sot was switched to AV1, there was no colour although the OSD displayed PAL as the selected colour system. Unfortunately, not having cither the remote control or the instruction book meant that we were unable to immediately confirm whether it was a hardware or software problem, ‘The AV signal went directly to the jungle IC inside the set, so it could have been the IC or one of its periph- 3 green paint on it. The story wont that they were moving equipment in the office over the weekend and a junior was delicately carrying the unit from one side of the office to it's new location. It seems that he caught his foot on the fixed cable coming out of the unit and tripped. ‘The drive flew several metres across the office bounced off a desk and hit an outside window. The window shattered (these units weighed 6 = 8kg) and the whole device fel six storeys to the carpark below, where it landed on a Datsun. My first comment was “I bet it was a gron Datsun”. Apparently it was. Unfortunately there was no way we could help them under warranty, since they freely admitted that the unit was not being carried in its protective packaging, Perhaps their insurancecompany might be ableto eral components, orit could have been the EEPROM and/or the microproces- sor IC. ‘We didn’t have the correct remote control for this set but we did notice that the RC747 remote for the Teac CTM342HWQ controlled some of the functions. Each time you pressod the relevant button, it would oycle between each system - ie, NTSC1, NTSC2 and PAL. And when we cycled itback to PAL, the colour came on and no matter what we did, we couldn’t make it disappear again. This proved that there was nothing wrong with the set or the repair we hhad done on it, Rather, it showed the customer to be not only arrogant but stupid as well, as he had continued to abuse us over the phone and was even threatening to call the police because “we were ripping him off”, As it tumed out, it was his own incompetence that had caused the problem. He sure didn’t say much when he picked the set up, although ho could have at least tried an “excu- sez-mois” or a “pardon monsieur”, oF even “jeregrette” —not that we really expected it! The spooky Teac ‘A good d of mine purchase assist? Then Ire-checked the device. The fixed cable would be around 20cm long and was still perfectly intact (about tho only thing that was Ishould add) ‘The customer eventually con- fessed that this unit hed given one too many “device not ready” errors and he'd thrown it across the room. The window-end height above street level had been a severe miscalcula- tion on his part. Chris Moran, via email. Comment: we feel sympathy forthe guilty party. One of the SILICON CrP staff members, who shall remain nameless, once threw a printer down the stairs when it misbehaved ‘ance too often. There was no chance of repair - it disintegrated into (seemingly) thousands of bits. It gave him great satisfaction sweep- ing it up because ho knew it would give him no more irritation. 46 Silicon Crap siliconchip.com.auIN FACT, BY’ RUNNING NOY FINGERS. OVER THE IC PINS, I COULDGET ME SET TO DISPLAY THE CORRECT COLOURS .:¢ “Teac PC-DB00SR Tuner/CD Player which worked fine for years. But then, one day, the CD motor stopped turning and tho playor started making a loud “clicking” noise. He asked me to have a look and after I removed the lower shell, it didn’t take long to find the cause. The sled assembly was jammed and the clicking noise was caused by the motor jumping a gear tooth every s0 often. But what was really strange was that the sled assembly was jammed against a fixed electro on the PG board. This electro was normally bent out of the way but somehow this one had got bent the wrong way and was now hitting the sled. The owner assured me that no-one else had ever been inside the machine, So who or what had caused the ca- pacitor to move? Spooky One man’s burden A rather haughty “lady” brought in_an old amplifier with one channel out of action. The fault turned out to be quite straightforward and was due simply to a faulty (noisy) balance control. We replaced it and soak tested the amplifier beforo returning it to the customer: ‘A week later, the woman phoned up tosay the amplifier sounded terrible and had “never been so bad”. And she was none too polite about it and didn’t hold back on the bad language either. ‘We naturally apologised and tried to explain that it was fine when we checked it after the repair. We also told her that she was more than welcome to bring it back and we would check it out again for her at no cost. So she brought itback and we connected it up for herand demonstrated it. She still complained that it used to have a lot more bass, so we tumed the bass up and the treble down, Whereupon she really threw a hissy fit, "Why did you move those controls?”, she fumed. “You have ruined itby adjusting them! You had absolutely no right to touch those controls"! And on and on and on When she calmed down, we did our best to explain that in order to service the unit, they had to be adjusted. After all, they were “consumer” controls and it was up to the consumer to set the bass and treble controls to their liking siliconchip.com.au complete package for your pc. IDEALIFOR| pom nals ee ics These'two great packages: leis cet Re Oc Standard edition - $115 ea CPt ee eat Metene Tiit ‘Australia and New Zealand — for oriers or more Ce eee) Pe aU eT ERE al Tol (08) 8323 8442 email: [email protected] mH AUC TTA Fearuany 200747A WEEK LATER SHE PHONED UP AND DIDN‘T HOLD BACK ON THe: BAD LANGUAGE EITHER. 0 But it was no good and she con- tinued to rant and rave. Finally, she picked up the amplifier and walked out, warning us that we would be hearing from her husband, We did, the very next day, but far from giving us a rocketing, he humbly apologised for her rude behaviour, in timating severe oostrogen-fuelled psy- Looting top rea) pariarmancs? chological problems! Furthermore, he went on, wo were not the only people he was having to phone that day! Unfortunately, we can't fix faulty customers. A bizarre story Finally, here is another slightly bizarre story, Completely NEW projects - the result of two years research & development © Learn how engine management systems work © Build projects to control nitrous, fue injection and turbo boost systems ‘Switch devices on and off on the basis of signal frequency, temperature and voltage © Build test instruments to check fuel injector duty cycle, fuel mixtures and brake & temperature jer prices: Aust. $A22.50 (incl. GST & P&P); Overseas $A26.00 vi (02) 9939 3295 & quoting your credit card number; or fax A JVC AV-25PX TV (JK chassis) came in under warranty five years ago ‘with a picture tube problem. This par ticular set was manufactured in 2000 and there was an intermittent heater- cathode short inside the greon gun. The 60cm set was considered a write-off and so the customer was given a new TV. We kept his old set as 4 possible source of spare parts and it remained undisturbed in a comer of aur workshop for five years. Recently, however, I wanted to demonstrate my old picture tube rejuvenator and tester and so this set was chosen as the guinea pig. Alter a few blasts from my machine, the pic: ture tube was as good as new, the set now giving a consistently good clear picture with perfect greyscale, purity and convergence. However, the colours were incor rect, as though the incorrect TV colour system had been selected. How! this wasn't the caseas the correct CCIR B/GPALD hadbeen selected and there were noHanoverblinds. Furthermore, the OSD (on-screen display) menusall, had the correct colours and a monitor connected to the output of the TV was also giving the correct colours. I quickly isolated the problem to bo somewhere around 1C251 (CX- ‘A2039M-X), a 24-pin surface-mounted IGcosting aver $60. Infact, by running my fingers over the IC pins, [could get the sotto display the correct colours. But that was as far as I could go, bo- cause no-one could justify the extra st of repairing this television even though it was otherwise in mint condi tion. ‘The cost of replacing this IC — if indeed it did fix the fault ~ could not be recovered from tho sale of this set in today’s market. So the set romains on death row as a donor for any similar set sc jrmail. Order by details to (02) 9939 phar 2648; or mail your order with cheque or credit card detals to Silicon Chip Publications, PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. 48 SwICON CHP siliconchip.com.au 57Mater Maria College Scoops Technology Prize Pool ‘SiuicoGtiphas rewarded two students from Mater Mara Catholic College, Warriewood, with ts inaugural “Excellence in Education Technology” awards, and the college itself with more than $6000, worth of electronics laboratory equipment The awards had two divisions, both worth $5000. One was for any secondary schoo or college with an electrons curriculum and the other for universities and TAFES. ‘nthe schools civsion, there were two awards made of $1000 each to the students submitting their malor works for electronics in the Higher School Cetficate, with $3000 going to the winning schooVcollege for electronic test and construction equipment. ‘As it turned out, the judges awarded Mater Maca students with both individual prices and the college took out the major award. Leo ‘Simpson, publisher of SILICON CHIP, said that with the magazine's connections the $3000 was turned into $6000 worth of gear, “We oblained gear from Jaycar Electrons, Altronios and Dick Smith Electronics, s wellas bullet-proof digital multimeters from Yokogawa Australia” (see review ths issue). “We believe that with this equipment, Mater Maria electronics laboratory will be the best-equipoed in the state,” he said. “The teacher of electronics, Dave Kennedy, was speechless when he saw winners, Matt McDonald and Lauren siliconchip.com.au Wwe Capel. what he would be working with next yea.” The $1000 cash prizes were awarded to two student Capel and Matt McDonald, Lauren sourced a non-working 1940s vintage battery-operated valve radio receiver, restored and repaired it, then added a mains power supply and brought it into the twenty-first century with an MP3 player and miniature radio transmitter so she could play her MP3s through the radio. ‘Matt's project was a complete home security system, complete with ‘SMS text messaging service to warn of intruders and mobile-phone ‘operated remote control. Unable to find the alarm control he wanted in Australia, Matt sourced and imported a unit rom Great Britain. Leo Simpson said that both projects demonstrated a great deal of ingenuity and were markedly different from the majority of Higher Schoo! Certificate major works entered. “Most students chose projects such as high power audio amplifiers for the home or car, he said, “They reflect the interests of students of that age, “But the projects Lauren and Matt produced showed that they thought cutside the square. Much more research and documentation was needed in their projects than the majority, who in the main build their projects from kits of parts. Lauren Our photo shows Dave Kennedy, electronics teacher at Mater Maria Chomeost BONE FrequencyaMetenaN kee | Se SNe. ERE] aoa onic Futaba BYJOHNICHARKE! pean cero This update of our very popular compact 50MHz Frequency Meter now has an internal battery pack or can run from a DC plugpack supply. It also incorporates a 10kHz rounding mode to enable 36MHz R/C transmitters using pulse position modulation C2 ROCCE RETR cr ls a Cope siliconchip.com.auINCE MANY of our readers will Inot be familiar with the 50MH2 Frequency Meter presented in the October 2003 issue, we are present ing the design in full. No doubt kitset suppliers will bring out the updated vorsion ofthe kit but many readers will want to updatea kit they have already built. This is easy to do bocause there are only a few circuit and hardware changes and the PG board itself is unchanged. he circuit is concerned, the ange is in the PIC microcon- troller. We have used a PICIGF626A instead of the originally specified PICISF84P, hocause we needed alarger memory. Other changes include an LM2940CT-5 low dropout regulator instead of the 78105, an additional toggle switch on the front panel and the aforementioned internal battery pack. In other respects, the circuit is Frequency meters are used in virtu- all areas of electronics and are in- able for servicing and diagnostics. Among other things, they are ideal for checking the operation of oscillators counters and signal generators. This unit is auto-ranging and displays the frequency in Hz, kHz. or MHz. This makes it easy to read, as it av tomatically selects the correct range for any frequoncy between 0.1Hz and IMHz and inserts the decimal point in the correct place for each reading, Provision for prescaler If you want to measure frequencies siliconchip.com.au Compact size (130 x 67 x 44mm) 8-digit reading (LCD) Automatic Hz, kHz or MHz Indicator units Prescaler kHz, MHz and GHz Indicator units Three resolution modes in- cluding 10kHz rounding 0.1Hz resolution up to 150Hz 1Hz resolution up to 16MHz 10Hz resolution above 16MHz Battery or DC plugpack supply above 50MHz you will neod a pres- calor that divides the input frequency to a range that the frequency meter can accept. A good example is our UHF 1000:1 Prescaler, presented in the October 2006 issue. Accordingly, our updated mm of the 50MHz, requency Meter includes a prescaler switch which changes the units from MHz to GHz, kHz to MHz and Hz to kez, As already m ioned, for radio control modellers, the SOMHz Fre- quency Meter Mk.2 can be set to display the reading in 10kHz steps for frequencies above 16MHz. This is an important feature because when a standard frequency meter is used to measure radio control transmitt the modulation used will often result in an incorrect value. More informa- tion on this foature is detailed in an accompanying panel As before, the design is easy to build, since it uses the programmed PIC microcontroller to perform all the complex logic. Apart from that, there's, an LCD readout, a couple of low-cost ICs, two tansistors, tho 3-terminal low dropout regulator and a few sundry bits and pieces. Note thatalthough we have specified this Frequency Meter at 50MHz maxi- mum, typical units will be capable of measuring frequencies somowhat higher than this. In fact, our prototype moter was good for measurements to above 84MEz, LCD readout ‘A 2line 16-character Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) shows the frequency reading. This has several advantages over LED displays, including mach lower current consumption. In addi tion, the LCD can show all the units without resorting to tho use of separate annunciators, as would be requir with a LED display. Resolution modes ‘Throe resolution modes are availa- ble: (1) alow-rosolution mode with fas updates, suitable for most measure- ments; (2) a high-resolution mode for greater precision when required; and 3) the 10kHz rounding up feature. In low-resolution mode, the reso- lution is 1Hz for frequencies from 1-999Hz and 10Hz for frequencies above this. The corresponding display ipdate times aro 1s from 1-999Hz.and 200ms from 1kilz-50MIz, resolution mode provides 1Hz resolution for frequencies from 150H2- 16MHz. Above 16MHz, the resolution reverts to 10Hz. Tho display update time is ts. Below 150Hz in the high-resolution mode, the display has 0.1Hz resolu- tion and a nominal 1s update time for frequencies above 10Hz, This 0.1Hz resolution makes the unit ideal for testing loudspeakers, where the reso- nance frequency needs to be accurately measured. Note that the update time is longer than 1s for frequencies below 1072 The three resolution modos are selected by pressing the Resolution switch. The meter displays “LOW”, Peaeuany 2007 59PC board, code 04110031 for Dick Smith Electronics version; code 04110032 for Altronics version; 04110033 for Jaycar version — 121 x 61mm 1 plastic case, 130 x 67 x 44mm 1 front panel label to suit version, 125 x 64mm 1 LCD module (OSE Cat. Z 4170, Altronics Cat. Z 7000 or Jaycar Cat. QP 5515) SPST toggle switch (S1) pushbutton momentary contact switch ($2) miniature SPDT toggle switch (83) panel-mount BNC socket low-drift 4MHz crystal (Hy-Q HC49/U 4000.00kHz GGO3E) (xd) PC-mount 2.5mm DC socket 18-pin dual-wipe contact DIP socket (for IC3) 1 28-pin dual-wipe contact DIP socket (for DSE & Altronics LCD modules; see text); OR. 14-pin dual-wipe contact DIP socket (for Jaycar LCD module) 1 14-way SIL pin header for the LCD sockets 4.M3 x 10mm countersunk screws 4M nuts 4/M3 x 6mm cheesehead screws 4.M3 x 12mm tapped Nylon spacers 4.M3 Nylon washers 10 PC stakes 1300mm length of 0.7mm tinned ‘copper wire: “HIGH” or “LOW 10kliz@>16MH2" to indicate which mode is currently selected. In addition, the selected reso- lution mode is stored in memory and is automatically restored if the motor is switched off and on again. In the 10kHz rounding mode, the frequency is rounded up to just show the next 10kHz frequency band for frequencies betweon 16MHz and 50MIlz. When the display is showing frequency rounding the second line of the display indicates this with a *(10kHz Rounding)” indication. In low-resolution mode, the display will show OHz if the frequency is below 1Hz. By contrast, in the high- 60 SiicoN CHP 160mm length of 759 coax 1 100mm length of hookup wire 1 1kQ horizontal trimpot (code 102) (V1) 4 10k@ horizontal trimpot (code 103) (VR2) Semiconductors 1 MC10116N triple ECL differential line receiver (IC1) 1 7AHC192 quad Schmitt tigger (02) 1 PIC16F6284/P microcontroller programmed with fregenc2. hex (IC3) 1 LM2840C5 low dropout regulator (REG1) 1 2N5485 N-channel VHF JFET (a1) 1 BF450 PNP transistor (2) 3 BAW62 diodes (D1-D3) 1 1N4O04 1A diode (D4) Capacitors 2 100uF 16V PC electrolytic 3 10uF 16V PC electrolytic, +1 470nF MKT polyester 4 100nF MKT polyester 8 10nF ceramic 1 470pF ceramic 1 83pF NPO ceramic 1 22pF ceramic 410-60pF trimmer (VC1) Resistors (1%, 0.25W) 1910K2 7 4700 1100KQ = 1.3300 147k == 41002 210k2 1 45Q1W (optional) 22.2k0, resolution mode, show “No Signal below 0.1Fz ifthe frequency is below 0.5Hz, the display will initially show an “Await Signal” indication before displaying the frequency. If there is no signal, the display will then show “No Signal after about 16.6s. The 0.1Hz resolution mode for frequencies below 150Flz operates in «different manner to those measure- ments made at 1Hz, and 10Hz resolu- tion, Obiaining 0.1Hz resolution in a conventional frequency moter normally means measuring the test frequency over @ 10s period. And that he display will for frequencies ‘means that the update time is slightly longer than 108. This isa long time to wait if you are adjustinga signal generator toa procise frequency. However, in this frequency meter, the display update period is 15, for frequencies above 10.0F, increas- ing gradually to 10s for frequencies down to 0.12. So for normal audio frequencies, the display will update at 4s intervals, Just how this is achieved is explained below, when we discuss the block diagrams for the unit The Prescaler switch causes the dis- play to show the prescaler units in the LOW and HIGH resolution selections, When selected, the words “Prescaler units" are shown on the second line of the LCD. The prescaler nits feature is, not available for the 10kHz rounding feature because itis not required and would confuse the reading, Block diagrams Fig.i shows the general arrang ment ofthe frequency meter. I's mainly on the microcontrollor (I In operation, the input signal is processed and applied directly to a divide-by-256 prescaler inside 1C3. The divided signal then clocks timer TMRO which counts up to 256 before clocking Register AA, an 8-bit rogister that counts up to 256 before returning to zero. Combining all three counters (the prescaler, TMRO and rogister A) allows the circuit to count up to 24 bits, or a total of 16,777,216. By counting over a 1s period, it fol- lows that the unit can make readings up to about 16.7MHz. However, if the frequency is counted over a 100ms pe- riod, the theoretical maximum thal bbe measured is just over 167MHz, ‘As shown in Fig.1, the input signal is amplified (by Qt, IC1 & Q2) and fed to.gating stage IC2a. This drives clock- ing stage IC2b which is controlled by IC3's RAS output. Normally, IC2b al- lows the signal to pass through to the proscaler at IC's RA4 input. 1G3's RB2 output controls gating stage IC2a so that signal passes through for either a 100ms period or a 1s pe- riod. During the selected period, the signal frequency is counted using the prescaler, timer TMRO and register A. Initially, the prescaler, the timer and rogister A are all cleared to 0 and the RBZ output is then set to allow the input signal to pass through to the prescaler for the gating period (ie, for 100ms or 1s) siliconchip.com.auNORMAL FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT Fig.1: the block diagram of the 50MHz Frequency Meter for “normal” freq. is first amplified, then fed through a gating Ate cesta ‘circuit to clocking stage 1C2b. inside PIC microcontroller IC3 (ie, at the RA4 input). juency measurements. The incoming signal "This then drives a divide-by-256 prescaler HIGH RESOLUTION MEASUREMENT BELOW 150Hz ig.2: this is the alternative configuratio this case, the input signal is applied to the RAd input m for making high-resolution (ie, RAA input but by an internal 1MHz clock instead. During this period, the prescaler counts the incoming signal applied to RA4. Each time its count overflows from 256 to 0, it automatically clocks timer TMRO by one count, Similarly, whenever the timer output overflows from 255 to 0, it sets a Timer Overflow Interrupt Flag (TOIF) which in turn clocks Register A. ‘At the end of the gating period, IC3's RBZ outputis cleared, thus stop ping any further signal from passing through to the prescaler. The value of the count in TMRO is now transferred toRogister B, Unfortunately, the value in the prescaler cannot be directly read by IG3 and so we neod to derive the value, This is done by first presetting reg- {stor C with acount of 255. That done, the RA3 output is taken low to clock the prescaler and timer TMRO checked siliconchip.com.au to see if it's count has changed. If "TMRO hasn't changed, the prescaler is clocked again with RA3. During this process, register Cis de- creased by 1 each time the prescaler is clocked. The process continues, with RAS clocking the prescaler until timer TMRO changes by one count, When this happens, it indicates that the pres- caler has reached its maximum count. ‘The value in Register C will now be the value that was in the prescaler at the end of the counting period. “The processing block now reads the values in registers A, B and C. Based on this information, it thon decides where to place the decimal point and whether to show Hz, kHz or MHz ‘The required value is then written to the LCD via the data and control lines (RB4-RB7 and (RAO-RA2} For the Prescaler units selection, the to 0.1H2) measurements below 150Hz. In ‘as before, However, the prescaler is no longer clocked by the Hz units are shown os kHz, the kHz. units are shown as MH¥z and the MHz units are shown as GHz, In the 10kHz rounding mode, fre- quencies above 1GMHz are rounded up tothenext 10kHzband. Soforexample 2 36.44659MHz signal is rounded up to 36.450MHz. Alternative configuration If the input signal frequency is seater than 16MHz. and the gating period is 1s, register A will initially have overflowed. In this case, the gal- ing period is automatically changed to 100ms. Alternatively, if the high- resolution modeis elected and the fe- quency is below 150Hz, the frequency moter changes its configuration to that shown in Fig.2, In this caso, the input signal is applied to the RAd input as before Fepruary 2007 61Speci Input sensitivity: typically less than 20mV RMS from 1Hz to 100kHz rising to SOmV at 20MHz and 85mV at SOMH2, Input Impedance: 1.1MQ in parallel with about 10pF Frequency range: 0.1Hz to 50MHz or better Untrimmed accuracy: +20ppm equivalent to 1000Hz at 50MHz ‘Trimmed accuracy: 10pm from -20°C to 70°C Resolutior {igh Resolution Mode: 0.1Hz from 0.1-150H2; 1Hz from 150Hz-16MHz; 10Hz from 16-50MHz. Low Resolution Mode: 1Hz from 1-999Hz; 10H2 from 1kHz-50MHz Update time (approx.): 200ms for 10Hz resolution; 1s for 1Hz resolution; 1s for 0.1Hz resolution down to 10Hz, increasing to 10s at O1Hz Display units: Hz from 0.1-999Hz; KHz from 1-999. 998kHz; MHz from 1-50MHz. Current consumption: 65mA with 7.5-12V input However, the prescaler is no longer clocked by the RA¢ input but by an internal 1MHz. clock. Basically, what happens is that the RA4 input is monitored for a change in state ~ ie, from a low voltage to @ high voltage~which indicatesa signal at the input. When this happens, the prescaler is cleared and begins count ing the 1MHz internal clock signal ‘The overflows from the prescaler and timer TMRO are carried to register A as before, Counting continues until the input signal goes low and then high again, at which point counting stops. If the counting causes register A to over- flow, then the display will show no signal (this will happen after 16.7s if the signal does not go low and high again). Conversely, if the counting is within range, the prescaler value is determined by clocking IC2b using the RA3 output as before, Prom this, it follows that if the in- put frequency is 1Hz (ie, @ 1s period), the value in the A, B and C registers will be 1,000,000. That’s because the proscaler is clocked at 1MHz. for 1s. Similarly, the count will be 100,000 for 8 10Hz signal and 10,000 for a 100H2, input signal Finally, the value in the registors is divided into 10,000,000 and the decimal point placed immediately to the left of the righthand digit. This givesa direct readout in Hz with 0.1Hz resolution on the LCD. 62 Siuco Grip This technique cannot be used for measuring very high frequencies be- cause the value in the counter becomes smaller as the frequency increases and so we begin to lose accuracy. For example, at S00Hz, the counted value would be 2000 and at 500.1Hz the counted value would be 1999. The result of the division of 1999 into 10,000,000 would be 500.2 instead of the 500.1 required. ‘The 0.1Hz resolution has therefore been restricted to readings below 150Hz to ensure accuracy of the cal- culation. Cireuit details Rofernow to Fig.3 for the full circuit details. The input signal is AC-cou- pled to the unit via a 470nk capacitor to remove any DC component. This, signal is then clipped to about 0.6V peak-to-peak using diodes D1 & D2, with current limiting provided by the 100kQ sorios resistor. The 22pF capacitor across the 100k® resistor compensates for the capacitive load of the diodes, From there, the signal is fed to the gate of Qt, a 2N5485 JFET. This tran- sistor provides high input impedance, which is necessary to ensure a wide frequoncy response. Qi is selF-biased using a 910kQ resistor from gate to ground and a 4700 source resistor. Itoperates with a voltage gain of about 0.7, which means that the signal is slightly attenuated 3 (ight: the circuit is based on py sontroller ICS. This processes the signals from the preceding amplifier stages and drives the LCD. Power comes either from a 9-12V DC plugpack or from a 7.5V battery. al the source. This loss is more than compensated for in the following am- plifier stages. ‘Next, the signel is AC-coupled to pin 4 of amplifior stage [Cia via a 1004F electrolytic capacitor and a parallel 10nF capacitor. The 100HF capacitor is sufficiently large to allow for a low frequency response of less than 1H2, Howover, this capacitor Iosos its ef fectiveness at higher frequencies due to its high internal inductance and the signal is coupled via the 10nF capaci- tor instead, Differential line receivers IC1a is one of threo differential lino receivers in an MC10116N IC. It’s biased via the DC output at pin 11 and this is decoupled using a 10KF lectrolytic capacitor and a paralleled 10nF coramic capacitor. The voltage is thon applied to the wiper of trimpot VR1 (Offset Adjust) and this allows adjustment of the input bias voltage. In operation, ICia is run open-loop (je, without feedback) so that it pro: vides as much gain as possible. Even so, itonly operates with a voltage gain of about seven times. It's differential output signals appear at pins 2.& 3 and are applied to the differential inputs (pins 12 & 13) of ICib. Note that the differential outputs have 470Q pull down resistors, as they are open emitters. In fact, the MC10116 IC is an emitter-coupled logic (ECL) device. Unlike IC1a, IC1b has negative feed- back provided by the two associated 10082 resistors. This reduces the gain of this stage to just below two. ‘The third stage using ICic employs positive feedback and so it functions as a Schmitt trigger rather than as an amplifier. Its hysteresis is around 450mV and this means that the signal swing on its differential inputs must be greater than this in order to provide an output, In oporation, the output signal at pins 6 & 7 swings from 4.3V when high to 3.4V when low. This needs to bo level-shitted to provide normal CMOS input levels to the gating cir- siliconchip.com.ausiliconchip.com.auaoe, eee a 7 a ea aeeact Er to ek Tapes socket, O (Gevbacgegsaray BEM) — scoMoOuE or Se vu on Ps Tin & Ss TRO ae] Fig: follow this layout diagram to build the Altronics version. Note that trimmer capacitor VC1 mounts on the track side of the board ~ see photos. a ron fara se DaNAGOs men I %, ‘ao aa 18 ri Fig.6; this is the layout for the Dick Smith Electronics version, Note that DSE may not be offering a kit for the new Mk.2 unit. However, this layout lets you ‘upgrade existing Mk.1 versions of the DSE kit. cuit (IC2a) and this is done using PNP transistor Q2 IC2a is a Schmitt NAND gate. It inverts the signal on its pin 1 input when pin? isheld at +5V by IC3's RB2 output (i, the signal passes through to the pin 3 output but is inverted). Con- versoly, when RB2 is at OV, IC2e’s pin 64 SILICON ChIP 3 output remains high and the input signal is blocked. So, in summary, the signal is allowed through to [C2b when RB is high and is blocked when RB2 is low, as described previously. Ic2b normally has its pin 5 input held high via IC3's RAS output, s0 that the signal from IC2a is again inverted at pin 6, When RB2 is brought low. pin 3 of IC2a remains high and so pin 4 of ICab is also high. This allows RAS to clock the RA4 input vie IC2b. Driving the LCD Ics's RAGRA2 outputs drive th control inputs to the LCD module and select the line and the position of the character to be displayed. Similarly, RB4-RBY drive the data inputs (DB4 DB7} on the LCD module. A 470pF capacitor on the E-bar (enable control line) is included to slow down the rise and fall timos of the square wave from IC3. A4MHz crystal connected between ping 15 & 16 of IC3 provides the clock signals for IC3. The recommended crystal has low drift but a standard 4MHz crystal could be used ifaccuracy isnot critical. The capacitors at pins 15 & 16 provide the necessary loading for the crystal, while VC1 allows the clock frequency to be “tweaked” slightly to provide calibration, Power supply Power forthe circuitis derived from either a 9-12V DC plugpack or a 7.5V battery made up using five AA cells, siliconchip.com.au‘You can choose to operate from batter- ies or a DC supply but not both, Diode D4 protects the circuit against reverse polarity protection when using a plug- pack supply, while regulator REG1 provides a +5V supply rail to power the circuit. The specified regulator is a low dropout typo so that the meter will still operate when the batteries have dropped to 5V. Ifa battery is used, it connects to the cathode side of D4; io, it bypasses the reverse polarity protection. This means that D4 can be left out of cir cuit (along with the DG socket) if the unit is to be battery powered. If you wish to use rechargeable cells, recommended to use an extra cell to obtain more voltage. In this case you could replace Da with a 150 1W resistor to enable charging. Make sure you get the polarity correct. If you are ‘concerned about polarity, a Schottky diode (1N5819) could also beincluded in series with the resistor. Construction The SILICON Cite SOMHz Frequency Meter Mk.2 can bo madein one of three versions, depending on where you buy the kit. That's because the LCD modules available from Dick Smith Blectzonics (DSE), Altronics and Jay car are all different and so a different PC board has been designed to suit cach module. These boards are coded (04308031 (DSB), 04108032 (Altronics) and 04108033 (Jaycar) Tf you are buying a kit, make sure get the updated version and not ihe original version described in Oc- tober 2003, If you decide to purchase the earlier kit or you are modifying an existing kit, you will need a new programmed PICI6F628A, aminiature SPDT toggle switch and an LM2940CT- Jator. In addition, ] an extra hole in Accommodate the 5 low di you will ne the front pan additional switel Each LCD plugs directly into its intended PC board, which means that there are no extornal wiring connec t to the BNC input socket tions exc citonGodes) EIA Code IEC Code} 474 470n 104 100n 103 10n 471 470p 33 339 22. 220 Value uF code 470nF 0.470 100nF 0.1)F t0nF 01 470pF NA 33pF NA 22pF NA Value 1 910K 1 100k2 1 47kQ. 2 10k 2 2.2kQ @ 1 4 1 oooog 4702 3302 1002, 180. cocog siliconchip.com.au 4-Band Code (1%) white brown yellow brown brown black yellow brown yellow violet orange brown brown black orange brown red red red brown yellow violet brown brown orange orange brown brown brown black brown brown brown green black brown 5-Band Code (1%) white brown black orange brown brown black black orange brown yellow violet black red brown brown black black red brown red red black brown brown yellow violet black lack brown ‘orange orange black black brown brown black black black brown brown green black gold brown FeaRUA 2007 65pervect) switch $3 and to the battery holders. The unit is housed in a plastic case measuring 130 x 67 x 44mm, with the LCD module protruding through a cutout in the front panel. The Dick Smith version has the power switch on the righthand side and the signal input applied to the BNC socket at the top left of the box. By contrast, both the Altronics and the Jaycar versions have the power switch at the top left, while the input socket is mounted on the top right of the box ‘This difference comes about because the display readout for the DSE LCD module is upside down compared to the other two modules in relation to the input terminals. Note that the unit shown in the photos is the Jaycar ver- sion but both the Altronics and DSE modules were fully tested. Figs.4-6 shows the PC board layouts for the three versions. Begin by check- Here's another view of the completed PC board. Note how regulator REG! is, ‘mounted face down over 1C3 and the adjacent 100nF capacitor, with its three leads soldered to PC stakes. 66 SmIcON Cru ing that you have the correct PC board for the LCD module you are using, That done, check the mounting holes for the LCD module against those on the PC board (the holes must be 3mm in diameter). Check also that holes are large enough to mount switch $2 and the DG input socket Next, install all the wire links ond resistors, using the accompanying re sistor colour code tahle as a guide to selecting each value, It’s also a good idea to check the resistors with a dig- ital multimeter just to make sure, IC1 and 1C2 can go in next, taking care to ensure that they are correctly oriented. Then install a socket for IC3 but don’t install the microcontroller yet. ‘Tho diodes and capacitors can now all be installed, followed by REG1 and transistors Q1'& Q2. Note that REGI mounts using PC stakes and is mount- Fig. this diagram shows how the unit is installed inside the case, Be sure to use Nylon Nf spacers and washers [sx em WED NON RCE] FREQUENCY HETERFC BOAR 2 where indicated. ed horizontally to cover IC3. Note also that some of the parts must sit with their bodies parallel to the PC board. ‘These include crystal X1, its adjacent 470p¥ capacitor and the 10:F capac tor adjacent to switch S1 on the Jayear version (so it doesn’t later foul $3), plus the 10.F and 100uF capacitors on the Altronies version (so that they don't foul the LCD module). It’s just a matter of bending their leads at right angles before installing them on the board, Similarly, the top of transistor Q2 must be no higher than 10mm above the PC board so that it doesn’t interfere with the LCD module (all versions). The next step isto install the socket forthe LCD module. Both the DSE and Altronics versions use a 28-pin DILIC socket that is cut in half to obtain a 14-way strip socket which is then sol- dered in place. By contrast, the Jaycar siliconchip.com.auversion uses a 14-pin IC socket which is cut into two 7-way strips which are then installed side-by-side. Once the sockets are in, install PC stakes for the “+” and “-” supply con- nections (near D4) and for the signal inputand GND connections. These PC stakes should all be installed from the copper side of the board. PC stakes are also used to mount switch 81. These should be trimmed so that when the switch is mounted, its top face is 20mm above the top surface of the PC board. Be sure to orient S1 With its flat section facing towards the right, as shown in Figs.4-6. ‘The remaining parts can now be installed on the board. Those parts include switch $2, the DC socket trimpots VR1 & VR2, crystal X1 and trimmer capacitor VC1, Note that VCI is mounted on the underside of the PC board, so that it can be adjusted without having to remove the LCD module. Front panel The front panel (ia, the case lid) must be drilled and a cutout made to accommodate the throe switches and the display. However, ifyou have pur- chased a kit, then you probably won't have to worry about this. It will also be necessary to drill the mounting holes for the LCD module. Note that these should be countersunk so that the intended screws sit flush with the surface of the lid ~ see Fig. That done, the adhosive label can be attached to the panel with the cut-outs made using autility knife. Kit versions are supplied with screen-printed label- ling. In that case, countersunk screws Testing ‘Now for an initial tost before IC3 or the LCD are plugged in. Apply power and check that +5V is prosent on pin 16 of IC1, pin 14 of IC2 and pins 4 & 14 of IC3. If this is OK, disconnect power and install 1C3 in its socket, taking care to ensure it goes in the right way around, Plug the LCD module into its matching socket and temporarily fit a couple of 12mm tapped Nylon spacers to support it on the PC board. ‘Apply the power again and check that the display shows either 1Hz or Oz. not, adjust VR2 for best display contrast. VR1 should be adjusted 50 that the display shows OFlz when the signal input torminals are shorted siliconchip.com.au Now press the Resolution switch = the display should show “HIGH It should thon show “Await Signal” when the switch is released. If the switch is then pressed again, the display should show “LOW”. A third press will bring up the LOW 10kH2@>16MHz mode, Final assembly Refer to Fig.7 for the final assombly ert eo ony (oe ea Ree aac shows an enlarged view of VC} details. As shown, the LCD module is secured to the case lid using four M3 x 10mm CSK screws, four M3 nuts (used as spacers) and four 12mm-long tapped Nylon spacers. The PC board is then secured to the bottom ends of the four spacers, Use Nylon washers for the underside of the PC board to prevent shorling any tracks with the screws (see above photo) You will have to drill a 9mm dia- Fig.8: the two battery holders (4 x AA and 1 x AA) must be wired in series as shown here. Add an extra AA holder if you are using rechargeables, Fepruany 2007 67Contral Tram HEN MODEL ENTHUSIASTS get together they often want to fly their radio-controlled aeroplanes (or drive their radio-controlled cars or boats) in a competition-based meet. With so many radio controls being sed they must each operate on a different band to avoid interference between the controllers. Having a device that can immediately check each transmitters operating frequency is a great asset because it can tell immediately if there is going to be a frequency conflict. n that case, they ‘can change the crystal frequency on one of the transmitters and for its recetver. Radio transmitters operate on the 27MHz band, 29MHz band, 36MHz band and 40MHz band. However, the synthesised modules (crystal controlled) are only available on the S6MHz band and this is by far the most popular band. On this band, there is PPM (pulse position modulation) and PCM (pulse code modulation) used for the transmission. With PCM the frequency reading on a meter will be correct since the modulation is symmetrical and the frequency swings will average out. For PPM the frequency reading on a meter will be a few kHz low because of the asymmetrical dwell times on the high low parts of the modulation, The PPM frequency reading can be most confusing at times. To understand why let's consider an example. The 36MHz band runs in 10kHz steps from 36.010MHz to 36.590MHz. If we have a crystal in the transmitter that is set at 36.450MHz, the reading on a standard frequency mater will show a lower value at say, 36.44646MHz. But with our frequency meter in 10kHz rounding mode, it converts the 86.44646MHz count to 36.450MH2. There is no need to connect the RC transmitter directly to the frequency meter for these readings. Just bring the transmitter’s antenna close to an antenna that's connected to the meter as shown in one of the photos. We made our antenna from an old Ethernet cable. Just cut the cable 80, that you have a length of 200mm or so from the BNC socket, then strip off the other sheath insulation and the woven shield, leaving just the inner insulated wire. This can then be covered with a length of heatshrink sleeving to provide extra stiffening and protection. ‘The battery holders are attached to the bottom of the case using epoxy adhesive. 68 SILICON Gra meter hole in one side of the box to provide access to the DC socket if you are powering the unit from a plugpack. This hole should bo positioned mid- way along one side and about 10mm down from the top edge of the case. IF the unit is to be battery-powered you will need to solder the battery leads to the supply PC stakes on the underside of the board. The batteries can be secured to the bottom of the case by mounting them in suitable holders. We used a4x AA holder and a single AA holder — soe Fig.8. Use an extra AA holder if you are using rechargeables. The BNC input socket is mounted in aslot in the top side of the caso (see photo below) and is wired using 759 cable to the two signal input PCstakos on the underside of the PC board. In practice, the slot must be made so that the socket can be either slid in or out, long with the PC board and display assembly. We made the slot just wide enough (o allow the “flat” side of the BNC socket to fit. This provents the socket, from turning in the slot when an input connector is attached. Finally, switch $3 is wired to its ter minals as shown using hookup wire. Calibration ‘The completed 50MHz Frequency Meter can be calibrated against the 15.625kH2 line oscillator frequency in acolour TV sct, Fortunately, you don't need toremove the back of the set to do this, Just connect long insulated wire ead to the input socket and dangle it near the back of the TV set It's then just a matter or adjusting VC1 so that the meter reads 15.625kHz. when the resolution is sot to “High” Note: the TV must be showing a PAL program, not NTSG (15.750kFz). If there is insufficient adjustment on VGi to allow calibration, the ‘33pF capacitor at pin 15 of IC3 can be altered. Use a smaller value if the frequency reading is too high and a langer value if tho frequency reading is too low. Usually, the next value up or down from 33pF will be sufficient use either 27pF or 39pF, If you require greater accuracy, the unit can be calibrated against the standard 4.43MHz colour burst frequency that’s transmitted with TV signals. The best place to access this frequency is right at the colour® fo S Ors Poco SIGNAL iN BATHE eT Tid (0; use this artwork to upgrad 50MHz FREQUENCY METER ep cutout fan existing Dick Smith Ele« ® ESTATE toi] tronics Mk.1 version. burst crystal inside a colour TV set This crystal will usually operate at 8.8672375MHz (ie, twice the colour burst frequency), although some sets use a 4.43361875MHz crystal Be warned though: the inside of a colour TV set is dangerous, s0 don't attempt to do this unless you are an experienced technician, There are lots of high voltages floating around inside a colour TV set and you could easily olectrocute yourself ifyou don’tknow what you are doing. In particular, note that much of try in a switchmode power supply circuit (as used in virtually all late-model TV sets) operates at mains potential (ie, many of the parts operate at 240VAC). In addition, the line output stages in some TV sets also operate at mains potential ~ and siliconchip.com.au that’s in addition to the lethal EHT voltages that are always present in such stages. Note too that some TV sets (par larly older European models) even have a “live” chassis, in which all the circuitry (including the chassis itself) ‘operates at mains potential (ie, 240V ‘AC). Usually, there will be a label on the back of the set advising ofthis but don't take it for granted. Don’t even think of messing about with this type of set Inshort, don’tattempt the following calibration procedure unless you are very experienced and know exactly what you are doing. ‘Assuming that you know what you are doing (and the set has a grounded chassis), you will need to make up an insulated probe with a 10M@ resistor in series with the input plus a ground lead. ‘This probe is then connected to one side of the colour burst crystal and VC1 adjusted so that the meter reads cither 8.867237MHz or 4.433618MHz (resolution set to high mode) ‘Make sure that the probe has no effect on the colour on the TV screen when it is connected to the colour burst crystal. If it does, it means that the probe is loading the crystal and altering its frequency. In that case, try connecting the probe to the other terminal of the crystal ‘That's it - your new SOMHz, Fre: quency Meter Mk.2 is now calibra and ready for action, st Footnote: Jaycar Electronics will be offering a complete kit for new Mk2. version for $69.95, Cat, K-5440, Fen 69 many 2007T NOTE a eG 7005 a} - 4 8¢397 RF remote switch As described in the “Reliable 4-Chamnel RF Switch” (September 2006), the outputs from low-cost RF remote control modules often need to be conditioned to eliminate noise-induced effects. For basic applications, this might consist of “get-reset” latch in line with each output To simplify construction, these functions can be integrated into a PICAXE microcontroller (IC1) running some simple BASIC code, as demonstrated by this design, It 1usos an Oatley Electronics (www. atleye.com) 4-channol receiver Se 5 —De: IN4004 re " msc al PICAXE 4-channel a simple monostable circuit and | module (RX7) and matching trans- miter (TX7). Aftera short powor-up delay, the program scans fora logic high level on any ofits four inputs, which may originate from the UHF module outputs or a pushbutton switch (81-84). When an input goes high, thematching output is immediately toggled. A short (100ms) delay is 70 Swicon Grip siliconchip.com.auSante Got Soh AF anal Corl Sieh pins = 0 pause 200 i ingen est tome cle iinet then bet gota day tet Hing -0then est logge feck: fiat ten heat gob ely 6 iinpt0then est? toggle check ilu then els gota dy st Hingu-0 ten na logge 2 cho: iipui=t then del Shut day ir wich bounce Inrease dy sriicaioas wich cuss uelaheopeation. day pause 100 goto main eS then executed before scanning the inputs again. ‘As noted in the program listing, tho pause valuo (towards the end ofthe program) can be increased as necessary to eliminate false signal- ling that may occur when switching inductive loads. The circuit was used to remotely control overhead lighting but is equally applicable to many other remote switching tasks. Claude Zambelli, ‘Nunderi, NSW. (S45) siliconchip.com.au Sinewave-to-digital clock shaper ‘This circuit can bo used to step up a sinewave at its input to sufl- cient amplitude to drivean ACMOS Schmitt trigger (ICta) to produce a CMOS-level clock signal output. ‘Trimoap VC1 is adjusted to mini- mise the detector output voltage at “Vall”, While the circuit Q is low, the phase shift between the input sin wave and the input to the 74AC14 ‘Schmitt trigger varios significantly when the tuned circuit is adjusted through resonance. For precision applications, low temperature cocfficient, high Q inductors and capacitors taust be used tominimise the phase shift variation over time and temperature ‘As you can see, we pay good money for each ofthe “Circuit Notebook'items publishedin Siicon Culp. Butnow there ‘are four more reasons to send in your Circuitides, Each month, the best contri- bution published will entitle the authorto choose the prize: an LCR4DLCR meter, ‘a DCASS Semiconductor Component ‘Analyser, an ESR60 Equivalent Series Resistance Analyser or an SCR100 K wo ‘The circuit was used as a clock shaper in a GPS timing circuit, where the output signal was divided down to 1Hz. for comparison with the receiver's PPS output. ‘The PPS signal from a modern timing GPS receiver (after corre tion for known pulse quantisation errors) will have an error of a fow nanoseconds RMS. To preserve the accuracy of the measurement, the phase shift through the clock shaper ‘must be stable to bettor than 1n8. ‘With an observation time of around 1 day, a frequency error of@ few parts in atrillion is easily meas- ured. To achieve this levol of stabil- the propagation delay through the divider chain (not shown) must also be sufficiently stable. Bruce Griffiths, Hamilton, NZ. ($35) Thyristor & Tiiac Analyser, with the ‘compliments of Peak Electronic Design Ltd www.peakelec.co.uk ‘Sonow youhave even more reasons to send that briliant circuit in. Send it to SILICON CHP and you could be a winner. You can either email your idea to silchip @siliconchip.com.auor postitto PO Box 139, Collaroy, NSW 2097. FeeRuARY 2007Cireult f 2, Dae 1NA14B Tachometer & elapsed time accumulator This design was produced for use with a vehiclo-mounted weed sprayer unit, which is powered by its own 9BHP petrol engine. The addition ofa tachometer and engino run-time logger ensures that the spray pump is run at the correct speed and the engine sorviced at the recommended intervals, ‘The unit is designed for 2- or 4-stroko single-cylinder petrol en- gines. Itcan simultaneously display the engine speed and the session and total engine run times in hours and minutes. The session run time isthe sum ofthe interval(s) in which the engine has been operating since the unit was last switched on. The total run timo is stored in 1C2's EEPROM and is simply the sum of all the session run times, including the presont one. An LCD readout is used to ensure visibility in bright sunlight. The prototype uses a 16-character x 2-line module from Jeycar Electronics, Cat. QP- 15 (check for pin-out variances if other brands are substituted). The displayable spocd range is 472-999 RPM, while run time range is 0-999 hours 59 minutes. Run time inaccuracy should not be worse than 0,0064% of reading, not accounting for tolerances in the Continued Pecwa ican { ‘ oo a a a aK Pas 4MHz, crystal. The rate is every second. ‘Transformer T1 is wound on a powdered iron toroidal core (Jay- car Cat. L0-1244 or similar) using 0.63mm-diameter enamelled cop- per wire. The primary has 11 turns and an inductance of about 10H. Each secondary has 22 turns and an inductance of about 40uH. The primary winding of T1 is capacitively coupled to the engine spark plug lead by using a couple of plastic cable ties to bind the let- ter to a pickup wire over a Iongth of about 10-16cm. Doubling the pickup Iead back once over this Tength was found to give a consist- ent RPM reading This sensor comprises a tunod circuit, which is energised when the HT voltage on the spark plug lead drops very suddenly just after the spark is initiated. A damped oscil- lation at about MHz. (with a decay time constant of about 24s) is gener ated in the secondary of T1, which is full-wave rectified by diodes D2 & D3. The 7555 monostable has an output pulse width of about 5.2ms and acts to filter out any unwanted oxcitations ofthe tuned circuit dur- ing any single spark interval. Note that many small 4-stroke engines use a “wasted-spark” ignit- ion system and these must be treated as 2-stroke engines as far isplay refresh, our as this tachometer is, concerned. Unfortu- nately the alternating useful and wasted sparks vary greatly in strength due to the differing pressures in the engine cylinder and this makes it more difficult to obtain aconsistent trigger signal. An optical sensor or one deriving its signal from a bat- tery charging coil in the enginomay give botterrosultsif tho unit is fitted permanently to a specific engine, ‘Switch St selects either 2- or 4-stroke operation. Switch S2 is used to reset the total engine run time counter to zero. To perform this reset, it is necessary to switch on the tachometer after S2 has been sot to the closed position. As soon as the run time roads 00000, move $2 back to the open position. Tho unit works by counting and recording the arrival time of positive-going edges at the RBO/INT input (pin 6) of PIG microcontrol ler 1C2 during a 508.416ms gating period. Over the remainder of each operating cycle, which lasts almost 4s, the micro’s program calculates and displays the RPM reading and the session and total run times. ‘The source code forthe PIC micro is available for download from the SILICON Citip website. ‘Alexander Radford, Putney, NSW. 72 SiicoN Grup siliconehip.com.auoro10104 (avr tsa : Telelink Communications What are you locking for in wireless date comms? Cheap and nasty imports that will probably let you down when you can least afford it ity, world-renowned wireless product's thet can not only be reilled Sh but have the technical backup and stock guarantees that you need. have been in the Wireless business since 1980 and are now proud to distribute world-famous Srodacts (from Jepen) throughout Australia. We offer full technical support Mad Backup ~and are happy to advise YOU on the best wireless solution for your particular problem. Full ran eT NT ; TSS VAS Ee f adiately ave + 64 channels programmable within the 433MHz ISM band + Has standalone ful data * Stand by mode in TX module ater functionality, built in. * 4 operation modes in RX ht range in i ‘age and consumption cm Teleink tested — current Japan excess 0 Sey seo ww cotzt.comproducts/ * Compact body , x Todemimut/muia8.asp —_ * MSK madem equipped |! Low curent consumption * Long range contra Aus istributors Australasian Distributors ; Plelini mu! it S PO Box 5457, North Rockhampton, Qld 4702 Phone (07) 4934 0413 Fax (07) 49340311 Web: wxow.tololink.com.au__emall: sales@telolink. com. au TAKE YOUR PIC Pleaxe.com.@U DISTRIBUTOR: MicreZed.coma.au Developed for students, & professional performance makes PICAXE the most easy-to-use micro ever: PHONE 1300 735 420 PICAXE “programmer” is two resistors and a 4.5V battery! FAX 1300 735 421 24 Hours siliconchip.com.au FEBRUARY 200773Le 27% Ame 1k 20k eT KEYCHAN FUG. Picaxe-controlled MP3 doorbell Here's how to add custom doorbell music and sound effects to your home using an old Philips USB-stick MP3 player (KEY006) or similar, In this design, multiple sound clips can be uploaded to the stick and replayed with the aid ofa PICAXE microcontroller. To keop costs low, the audio output from the player is amplified by a discarded cassette deck, which feeds several s about the house, including one at the front porch. Whon a visitor presses the doorbell switch, the PICAXE micro powers up the deck and “presses” the play button on the MP3 player. The left channel plays onthe inside speakers and the right channel plays on the outside speaker. When the sample has finished playing, the PICAXE fast-forwards the player to thenoxt track and pauses it ready for the next push of the doorbell. In more detail, five pushbutton switches (S2-$6) give control over the MP3 player's basic functions (pause/ play, fast-forward, rewind, volume up & volume down) with the aid ofa simple resistive laddor, The end of the ladder (labeled "CONTROL" is wired to the player via one contact of a 4-way jack. Mosfets (Q2 & Q3) in parallel with two of the switches allow PICAXE IC1 to control the pause/play and fast- forward functions via two port outputs (P2 &P4). A third ‘output (PO) controls Mosfet Q1, which in turn controls a relay (RLY1) to switch power to the cassette deck, Op amp [C1 buffors the audio signal from the player’s STEREO OUT 10 CASSETTE beck ‘@i.02: 2N7000 > 8 PUSHBUTTON FUNCTIONS $8: PAUSE/FLAY & ASTEWD Se REWIND 55: VOUME UP $6: VOLUME DOWN 2, 9: N4o04 =a « rosie) THEN ray PALS) loft signal output and in conjunction with trimpot VR1 acts as an adjustable voltage comparator, Its output is peak detected by D1 and a 22uF capacitor and the result fed into one of the microcontroller’s two inputs (P1) This arrangement is used to detect when a track has finished playing and to ensure that it operates reli- 74 SILICON ChuP sliconchip.com.au'HP3 Door cynbo pseply =4 symbol putt =i symbol tora sy pain sano pore stl wouter = sl eure = symp =b8 symbol REYDOWAMS = 200 symbol KEYUPMS = 1000 stat ‘npatpestbuton int pedi low pause Tow fastorvard lon pawecout use 2000, ‘tain 62a “ld pus bron down for sever scans to sta, owen igh pase pause 3000 Tow posepay pause 3000 Pres fstorvard thn pase epi ined cdvancetack igh fastirward pause KEYDOWINMS lo fastorward pause KEYUPMS high pause use ¥EYDOWANS low pauseplay pause 2000 "Wi for user ip, pres fasta very 205 "to prevent auto powercown ably, an inaudible, low-level 20Hz tone can be superimposed over all recordings, ‘The micro's second input (P3) is wired to the doorbell switch ($1) via a low-pass filter. While waiting for the doorbell switch tobe pressed, the micro “pushes” the fast-forward but- ton every 20s to prevent the playor from automatically powering down, = see the accompanying program flow chart for details. Power can be provided by a 9V DC plugpack. Diode D1 affords ‘ato of att push ‘dul ofte deta ater ation push takai tcc up nt owt igh eon pause KEVDOWNNS Tow estorward pause KEYUPNS oust * Popout amp unpase eats ping "hen est yt. lata high poerout righ pasepay * an a foc norslnu If sece ast for saands pause KEVDOWNS law pela for wouter 95100 ‘eae pean, paler ipeaen> Otenplytecitared aes st wouter "No ani dete, so the mp pers probaly of = ost. goto stat slashed "Alon op payin units! so continoes see. worse for weounters 10100 tea peed, peda i pean > Otenwatorsiene pause nent ona Powerdowntheonpt amp reset track, low poet uta atrancack reverse polarity protection. A 7805 srminal regulator (REG1) reduces the input to +5V to power the major- ity of the circuit as well as the MP3 player, which is hooked up via a USB receptacle. ‘All the tracks on the MP3 player have the left channel recorded with the intemal doorbell sound plus 20Hz control tone, while the right channel carries the sound heard by the visitor. As it turns out, pausing MP3-formattod files chops arandom amount off the front of the sample (up to 2s), which was judged unac- ceptable. Fortunately, there was no such problem when using WMA files About 40 doorbell soundsare used on the prototype from steam trains and fanfares through to Darth Vader and Monty Python. Changing them is a simple mattor of unplugging the MP3 player, connecting it to the PC and downloading the correctly formatted WMA files. Richard van Wegen, Adelaide, S.A. ($50) siliconchip.com.au Peonuany 200775PRODUCT SHOWCASE Yokogawa’s “bulletproof” 734/02 true RMS DMM A few weeks ago, as we were assembling the prizes for Mater Maria College as part of their win in the SiLicow Cet? Awards for Excel lence in Education Techology, we had a visit from asales rep from Yokogawa Australia, ex- tolling the virtues of their new 734/02 DMM. 1 was recounting to him a story of my days in early high school (just a few hundred short months ago) when I knew even less about eloc- tricity and electronics than I do now. I knew that there were 240 volts in a power point but I wanted to know how many Ohms. So pushed in the multimeter probes and turned the power on. ‘Ummm lots! Certainly more than enough to wrap the pointer around the stop on the 200H and also let lots of smoke out ‘The guy from Yokogawa laughed and said “here, watch this.” He proceeded to switch the DMM onto its Ohms range and plug the probes into a nearby (live!) power outlet.The multimeter didn’t even blow a fuse. Oranything else. In fact, it didn't ‘much react at al “Those things are bulletproof,” he said. “They're perfect for schools and colleges where you don’t know what they're going to be subjected to, also for apprentices and juniors who tako great delight in blowing up test gearin the hope that they'll get a day off work. They’re's also safety-shutter ed so you can't try to measure current when on any other sottings and vice-v That sold us. W school prize list! OK, 50 lot's have a closer look at this quite remarkable instrument Is a 5 -digit (50000 maximum reading) instrument with both digital and bargraph readouts and boasting a very wide soloction of automatic measurement functions. As you would added some Yokogawa moters to the (with optional probe) (-50° to 800°C range); apacitance (5nF to 50uF ranges); continuity (buzzer) to 50002); diode check and even duty cycle (10-90%). Unlike most modern meters, it will also handle an AC voltage with DG component (or vvice versa!); Decibels; relative values from the reference measurement; minimum, maximum ‘and averago values; thore are buttons for range, data, peak and auto hold and you can also save a value to memory. The meter users A modulation for A/D conversion, which enables fast and more accurate measurement, The display updates three times per second and accuracy is out- standing: on the 50 to 100V DG ranges, for ‘example, it's 0.03% +2. Accuracy of the AC voltage ranges depends on frequency but from 20Hz to 10kHz it's 0.4% +30. With an optional commu- nications pack (with or without RS-232C cable) you can also download measurement data to mnal computer or printer. You can also get a carrying case, UL-listed fuses, spare test leads, etc. Physically, i$ 85 x 191 x 40mm and weighs in at about 450g, The meter is housed in what appears to be a tough ABS case (itself rated at §.5kV insulation). The pack includes a sot of quality shrouded probes and a age manual which not only gives full operating instruc tions but also a detailed calibration procedure, ifand when required. ‘And the price? ‘At $403 +GST (RRP), this is not a cheap p quality, features, versatility and ruggedness it offers, you couldn't expect it to be, But with that quality, features, expect those cover vllsand amps De and AG (o00V Cat II ard [Gontact 1000V Cat II), and resistance, Yokogawa Aust Tike many modem moter i wall lao handle frequency (az Pty Ltd Tower A, 112-118 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113. Tel: (02) 8870-1100 Fax: (02) 9888-1844 | Website: www.yokogawa.com.all versatility and ruggedness, it's great value for money. Put it this way: buy the Yokogawa 734/02 and you'll probably nevor have to buy an: other DMM again! (RT) 99.9kHz ranges); temperature Final reminder: Central Coast Field Day is on this month Just in ase you missed lst month, here's a reminder the Central Coast Field Day, AUS tral’ largest Amateur Raho exhibition, is on again atte Wyong Race Course on Sunday, February 18th There ar alvays bargains tobe hada the {lea market whee, along with individuals trad- 76 ing theirtreasures, many suppliers unload excess stocks, samples and other goodies at prices you will never find in ther retal stores. You can also view exhibits by amateur and ‘communications clubs and groups with interests ranging from vintage radio through to satelite communications ~and everything in between, Wyong Race Course is a one-hour drive north of Sydney (witha good tran servcetoot) and gates open at 8.30am. Ii anything like previous years, therewillbea queue atthe gate wating to rush in and bag the best bargains! For more information contact (02) 4340 2500 or via their website, waww.ccar ora. au siliconchip.com.auThe $1099 Velleman PGSU1000 from Wavecom is an innovative end space-saving portable 1000Ms/s Oscilloscope which plugs into your computer's USB port. The stylish vertical design meas- ures just 205 x 55 x 175mm, There is no noed for external power (it's also supplied by the USB port) and the software features zoom screens and long recording times for data logging, A DLL is supplied to Horn relays with fuses Now available from all Jaycar Electronics store, resellers and online are these SPST horn relays with integral spade fuses. As well a8 for hors, they're ideal fora wide range of automotive and other low voltage projects. Both have 12V coils and offer ether 15A contacts (Cat SY4076 @ $8.95) or 30A (Cat ‘SY4077 @ $12.95) contacts. (Contact: \Jaycar Electronics /PO Box 6424, Silverwater NSW 1811. el: 1800 022 888 Fax: (02) 9741 8500 | Website: www.lavcal.com.au Projecting the right image 1000Ms/s USB scope from Wavecom tallow you to create your own applica- tions It offers two input channels (with probes supplied) one external trigger, ‘a bandwidth of DC to 60MHz (13dB) and input coupling is either DC, AC or GND. With sampling at 1000Ms/s, the PCSU 1000 provides fast, accurate readings and measuremonts and suits ‘most process applications and general electronics. Contact: |Wavecom Instruments 275A Grange Rd, Findon, SA 5023 Tel: (08)8243 3500 Fax: (08) 8243 3501 Website: www.wavecom.com.au New ISM-band modules from TeleLink ‘TeleLink Communications, agents in Australia for renowned Japanese company Circuit Design, Inc, will shortly have available the CD?-1 02F-R transmitter and CDP-RX-02F- receiver as upgrades of the CDP-02 series industrial use radio modules. Both are R&TTE and RoHS compli- ant The CDP-02 series channel selecta- Se With home theatre taking off in a huge way, ugly mounting brackets often [> ltract fram otherwise great systems. Just released is arange of projector mounts from Skunkworks, one of Aus- tralia's leading fat screen mount manufacturers. The Fellini"M’ series projector | ‘mounts are designed for use in professional and high quality installations. They are used in many home theatres, boardrooms, conference centres, hotels and other areas where flexibility and aesthetics are a prionty. They are ight weight aluminium with exceptional tensile strength. A ‘universal’ type flexible mounting head is fited toa hexagonal-shaped base and a lever enables quick adjustment. ble TX and RX modulos are used in the most popular 434MEiz ISM band {or short rango devices. "There are wo types of the 128-chan- nel model. One uses the DIP switches for changing channels, while the other is externally controlled through con- noctor pins. Increasing the usable channels from 92 in the earlier model to 128 allows the operation of more nodes within the same area, ‘Thoy offer improved frequency temporaturo characteristics, from -20 to +60°C. RF output of TX complies with the Buropean ISM band RF power limit and you can select between 10mW and imW, Selecting 1mW enables continuous transmission in all 128 channels, ions IPO Box 5457, Nth Rockhampton, Qld 4702 JTel; (07) 4934 0413 Fax: (07) 4934 0311 |Website: www.telelink.com.au STEPDOWN TRANSFORMERS OVA to SKVA encased toroids “There are three models: the compact Fellini 1391-M, which has a short pole measuring ‘a neat 15cm and two models with poles that can be telescopically extended. The Fellini +1992-M has an extension range of 70 -130 crn and the Fellini 1393-M with an unusually long extension of 110 ~200em. They all have a weight rating of 25kg and are highly flexible. Te Mt’ series enable the projector to be tilted 60° and rotated 360°. They ae finished in aEuro-style siver sheen and are supplied with mounting hardware and accessories. siliconchip.com.au (Contact: |The Novita Group |PO Box 1239, South Perth WA 6951 Tel: (08) $313 4667 Fax: (08) 9313 4887 |Website: www.skunkworks,com.au Harbuch Electronics py. 9/40 Leighton Pl. HORNSBY 2077 Ph (02) 9476-5854 Fx (02) 9476-3231 7 Pepruany 2007More words of wisdom from STAN SWAN Electronics is just as much about adaptation as it is invention. Here Stan takes a cheap bike computer and turns it into a digital amp- hour meter with the aid of his No.1 favourite chip, the mighty Picaxe! Jhe white-hot rate of change in I technology may leave many gasping but one spin-off is that “leading edge” soon becomes “old hat", often begging for enterprising use in other fields. ‘Well, I've yet to soe any MP3 play- ers being used as audible fishing lures but it's rapidly becoming “suck it and see” when it comes to persuading even last year’s hi-tech to work with “engines” such as the ever-appealing Picaxe family. Iwas reminded of this when over hearing a competitive mountain bike rider saying “Magnetic pickup bike computers are so 1990s. . His handlebars were so festooned with electronic devices, including a mapping GPS, that he looked more like a low-flying jumbo jet pilot. Prob- ably even the average pedestrian now sports more computing power than the entire western world had 30 years ago and it is becoming increasingly 78 SiON ChIP common to see hikers with handheld GPS units as part of their portable electronics payload But... bike computers? Although some are Hall effect or wireless, these traditionally used a ‘magnet attached to a whoel spoke to trigger a fork-mounted reed switch as the wheel spun, with a display then showing, atleast, speed (both peakand avorage) and distance travelled. The unit's intemal clock, following istance/ calculation for you, No doubt others have pondered adapting these little gadgets in the past for windspeod, water flow, bat- tery drain and the like but with recent attractively lowered prices (we've seen them for around $15) they now appeal for all manner of microcon- troller work, Theiroven-cheaper pedestrian mate, tho near ubiquitous pedometer, offers fower display options but with today’s 10,000 daily stops for health era, it ‘won't be long before they turn up in cornflakes packets. Prior to investigating these devices, it was considered that connection toa Picaxe would need replication of the magnetic make and break circuitry, along with possible de-bouncing and pulse shaping for reliable operation. All manner of classic switching techniques were pondered but to my delight it transpired that the hard work had already been done and that just standard Picaxe High/Pause/l.ow/ Pause generation was adequate, Ladies and gentlemen, it couldn't be easier! Here's sample code for an output at Picaxe-08M pin 4: Bikepeddo: High 4 Pause 200 Low 4 Pause 200 Goto bixepedo siliconchip.com.auAA solar cell charger bei top) and even use one of Jaycar’ sn A paralleled red LED (with drop: ping resistor) allows visual pulse verification as well. Naturally the Pause value could be replaced with a b0, bl, etc variable (perhaps a DS18B20 style Readtemp 1?) that related to the condition being monitored. Direct Picaxe output pin connec tion looked dubious, so after some exploring with dropping resistors it was found thot signals could be sensed iconchip. 1g monitored with Stan's Picaxe ammeter. Y Il wind generators (just visil via just a 100nF capacitor Usefully, this blocks any errant DG — it was noted soveral volts from the inbuilt battery were on the bike com- puter’s sensing leads. Pedometer After unscrewing and removing the small swinging magnet arm, a pair of wires can be simply soldered across the reed switch and run to the Picaxe driving circuit ould also charge small SLA batte ible top right of photo) instead of the solar cells. es (as shown at The minimum pulse duration looked around a quarter of a second (250ms), which is consistent with a very brisk walk. Each time the Picaxe “high” transits “jow” the pedometer counteradvances by one. Hence with an upper display limit of 99,999 if an event provides a high/low transition every 10 seconds then 360 will occur hourly, and the counter can handle 99,999/360 = 277 hours worth (nearly 12 days) Feervany 2007 79cone Cyclo (“bike”) computer The bargain (but well thought of) © Cat Eye Velo 1 bike computer simply Jenanes had its magnetic pickup twin leads ptoo cut and inserted in the Picaxe circuit where the pedometer had previously been. Although wheel diameter can boadjusted, the unit was used straight cout of the box. Incidentally, if you're not familiar with the Velo 1, it’s from the Japanes firm CatBye, the worlds largest bike computer manufacturer (see www. cateye.com). Their products are ‘The circuit for the simple Picaxe Pedometer 3300) available in most bike shops. adaptation, with a photo of the breadboard layout Tve not checked other bike comp- below. Connection to the Pedometer is simply across the” tutors but it's possible that other brands internal reed switch, as shown at the bottom of the page. might be just as easily adapted and driven. Cateye also have the Velo 5 which should be just as easily driven as the budget Velo 1. In fact the Velo 5 apparently reads to 300km/h which will even better suit Ah meter applications. ‘The display, toggled to km/h, showed speeds inversely related tothe High/Low pause length. Hence Pause 1000 (about as long es was possible before the displayed "zoroed”) equated to3,6km/h stroll, while Pause 100 gave 36km/h, and Pauso 40 {about the up- per speed limit) showed 80km/h, Note this clearly meant the product of pause (ms) x speed (km/h) was 3600, s0 Pause 50 related to 72km/h and Pause 200 a slower 18km/h. These values may need calibrating in your own application of course, especially with a more involved pro- gram. Tt was naturally tempting to exploit the bike computer's integration (sum- mation overtime) feature, particularly ‘measuring a solar panel’s DC charging cursent in Amps as spocd and accumu lated amp-hours as distance (distan = speed x time of course). ‘A range of monitoring techniques wore explored (opto-coupling, thermal and Hall Effect, etc) but Picaxo-08M processing delays gave non linearity at higher currents (and thus shorter pauses), somewhat frustrating more elegant circuitry and time consuming on-board look-up tables. Hall-effect sensors, such as the Al legro UGN3503U, offer an. attract bonefitin that they can monitor current both coming (+ve) orgoing(-ve) froma supply. Thereare extensive Fall-effe Picaxable” insights at Glenn's DIY wind site www.thebackshed.com A possible solution is to use TWO fore SERA PORT) 80 SILIGON CHIP siliconchip.com.auPicaxes, with one doing the slow decision making and number crunch- ing while the other (fed by a suitable rrout/Serin) handles the Pauses. Each Picaxe will need separate program- ming, so a very clear head will be in order, Don't try this after a big day out celebrating the cricket wins! Amp and Amp-hour meter Frustration with more enhanced {and costly) current sensing tochniques evontually lead to considering just measuring the voltage drop across @ low value series resistor in the PV supply line ‘This classic technique, well known in automotive electrical work, exploits the fact that when currents are large {such as in a car with tens or even. hundreds of Amps being drawn) a measurable voltage drop will develop across the very-low-resistance battery earthing strap, If, say, 10A passes through a .012 cable then Vacross™ Tpaising X Restuo = 10 x .01 = O.1V = 100mV will be “dropped”, That's a value now easily measured with a DMM (ar Picaxe- see below), As this bike computer has an upper reading of 100km/b, user convenience should ideally give a direct readout of current so that °50" will mean 50mA is passing, If12V solar panels are used this allows use of the abundant 12V AW solar car battery trickle chargers, as ovon in very bright sun their output will be under 100mA. Furthermore, a 1W 10 series resistor being read as a shunt will easily handle the power ‘and develop a bright sun maximum of Vacross = passing * Rvalua = O-1A X 182 = T00mY across it ‘Although the resistor is somewhat wasteful in series with the battery, most 12V solar (photovoltaic) cells deliver outputs up to 18V and therefore its effactwill be negligible. 'NB: larger panels will naturally deliver highor currents and this resistor should be suitably rated for the task, perhaps with agroup in series parallel to present the right resistance buthandlethe higher currents. ‘fen 102 1W resistors in parallel will present 19 but now handle 10W and be adequate for a larger 10W photovoltaic cell. Reading this mV-level voltage Incontrast tothe original Picaxe-08, which had only a 4-bit low-res ADC feature, the Picaxe-08M can read to siliconchip.com.2u Se PIGAXE BIKE COMPUTER ANMETER Extending the id popular Bike Computer we come up with ‘ke ccoMPUTER of the Pedometer circuit on the facing page and using a this Picaxe Ammeter. A breadboard Jayout is shown below (note there are several differences between this and the photo overleal) 45¥ pexsaae Aine] + onaay, a nicd RN) 10 bits as “word” (w} variables. With a BV supply this means 21° = 1024 steps, allowing resolutions to 3V/1024 sm, Although the dropped voltages across our 10 resistor will be very low (pleasingly), this means the Picaxe-08M can read them directly under readadei0 and an otherwise traditional op amp circuit will not be needed, The downside to this simplicity however is that the display accuracy is influenced by the Picaxe supply voltage, although at 4.5V (3 x AA) it was found to be acceptably close to a series ammeter over a wide PV current range. In conjunction with a Zener regulator (3.3V was used here) higher Picaxe supply voltagos showed accoptable readings which actually improved as the batteries aged, but naturally a stable supply (pethaps asing @ 7805 for 5V) and software w2 tweaking should eliminate this drift. Calibration ‘The charging of a wide variety of secondary batteries can bo monitored by this set up, and since the sun (or wind) is an erratic energy source the “fuel gauge” will be particularly revealing of energy actually gathered overa period. Do you suspect your PV hhas seagulls porching on it some days? Dirt and leaves on the panel? Weather cloudy while you were elsewhere? This will tell you! Naturally, indoor (ie, mains-based) charging can enjoy a steady supply. Fearuany 2007 81Here's a photo of the Picaxe/Bike Computer ammeter, albeit with a few components removed for simplicity. With 600mAh Nicad cells readily available from gutted solar garden lamps, its suggested that these be used in the test bed. However, small 12V SLAs could fit the bill ~ just keep in mind that larger batteries will take much longer to charge at low currents. Hence a 7Ah SLA may theoretically take 70 bright sun hours, meaning perhaps a fortnight or more with non ideal solar conditions. A 600mAh Nicad could be charged in a sunny day or two ~ @ particularly attractive bonelit for educators. ‘A simple “known good” sories ammeter in the PV supply line will allow verification of the bike com: puter's roading as charging occurs. If display inconsistencies arise, perhaps due to an unusual solar PV or bike computer, then try altering pause w2 values to suit. Is worth Keeping in mind that 82 SicoN Cine battery charging is rather a black art significant “wastage” arises with battery heating and self-discharge. The mAh rating on many Nicad & NiMH batteries is best viowed as indicative only —just because a NiMH “AA” cell 500mAh it doesn’t mean isbrandedas. this is sacred! Even if correct when new (!) itl decrease with age, storage and use. ‘Traditionally, AA NiCd/NiMHs need to be over-flled anyway, with a 10-hour theoretical charge typically needing 14 hours to ensure full capacity. The winking LED used initially has boon retained in this conversion, since it’s pulsing usefully shows the charging rate at a glance, Extension: ‘This second circuit is again built on breadboard, following the now well establishod Picaxe-08M layout, since it still offers considerable scope for further invostigation, perhaps as of an educational project Enthusiasts are advised to consider unified power supplies at least, since the bike computer “coin cell” will probably not last long if subject to extended use, The option switch built into the computer could probably also be brought out to a more convenient larger type. The Hell Effect approach mentioned earlier potentially offers a more versatile design of course, but this “10” method is certainly cost ef fective and easy to get working! gc BIKEAMPH.BAS code listing (atso sowniostable at www picae.orcon net rabikeamnph.as) “bikeamph.bas for Picaxe-08M driven ‘CATEVE Volot” bike computer conversion. “Suils educational output current monitoring of small 1W PV or wind gene ‘via simple 1W 1 Ohm supply shunt resistor, with voltage readadctO measured. ‘Schematic (draft}=> wurw.picaxe.orcon.net.nz/bikeamph git suits breadboard! “initial soldertess small PV layout =>vrivwpicaxe.orcon.net.nz/bikeamph.ipg “Thanks to Glen's At wind gene site => www.thebackshed.com for intial ideas, “For ‘Silicon Chip’ article Feb. 2007. Via=> [email protected] 23/12/2006 shunt: readade10 1, wi“ approx wt range 1 at SmA to 30 at 100mA thru’ 1 Ohm ‘sertxd (@w1,13,10) ‘useful wi °F8’ check point-comment in/out as need be ifwt <1 then shunt ‘gives bike comp. zero reading on very low | (~~1000ms pause w2 * and upper detection range ~30ms (~100km/h) ‘goto shunt siliconchip.com.auYOUR DETAIL! Your Name, TERE PRN Organisation (if applicable) Address. Postcode. Daytime Phone No.( Email address (if applicable) syment: Cheque/Money Order Visa Card Gi Master Card caro, LLL | LLJLLILIJLit 1 Card expiry date: |_| | Signature, Item Description Order Form/Tax Invoice ‘Silicon Chip Publications Pty Lid ABN 49 003 205 490 PRICE GUIDE: SUBSCRIPTIONS (Note: all subscription prices include P&P). 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