Volume 2 Issue 9

September 2000
Copyright © 1999 Wimborne Publishing Ltd and EPE Online, Febuary 1999 - www.epemag.com - XXX
Maxfield & Montrose Interactive Inc
 Copyright  1999, Wimborne Publishing Ltd
and Maxfield & Montrose Interactive Inc.,
PO Box 857, Madison, Alabama 35758, USA
All rights reserved.

WARNING!
The materials and works contained within EPE Online — which are made available
by Wimborne Publishing Ltd and Maxfield & Montrose Interactive Inc — are
copyrighted. You are permitted to download locally these materials and works and to
make one (1) hard copy of such materials and works for your personal use. International
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and works, or any republication of any kind.

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best efforts in preparing these materials and works. However, Maxfield & Montrose
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Copyright © 2000 Wimborne Publishing Ltd and

Maxfield & Montrose Interactive Inc
 ISSN 0262 3617
PROJECTS . . . THEORY . . . NEWS . . .
COMMENTS . . . POPULAR FEATURES . . .

VOL. 29. No. 9 SEPTEMBER 2000

Cover illustration by Jonathan Robertson
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk

Projects and Circuits

STEEPLECHASE GAME by Owen Bishop 652
Another Top-Tenner design – how well can your horse jump the fences?
ACTIVE FERRITE LOOP AERIAL by Raymond Haigh 672
Superbly designed vertically and horizontally rotating reception optimiser
INGENUITY UNLIMITED hosted by Alan Winstanley 678
PIC UPS; Loudener; Radio Sleep Timer; ’Scope Synchroniser
EPE MOODLOOP POWER SUPPLY by Andy Flind 682
Stably power your Moodloop and other 13.2V or 12V 1A designs
REMOTE CONTROL IR DECODER by Roger Thomas 698
Allows PIC programming enthusiasts to remotely control their designs

Series and Features

NEW TECHNOLOGY UPDATE by Ian Poole 660
Micromagnetic isolation enhances high speed data transfer
TEACH-IN 2000 – 11. Voltage Regulation, Integration, Differentiation
by John Becker 662
Essential info for the electronics novice, with breadboard experiments
and interactive computer simulations.
CIRCUIT SURGERY by Alan Winstanley and Ian Bell 686
Common Ground; Beginner’s Questions; Shocking Stuff; Ferric Disposal;
Assault and Ni-Cad Battery; Gas Gauge Chips; Down with Heavy Metal; RAM
your Batteries
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING by Robert Penfold 694
A novice’s guide to project building
NET WORK – THE INTERNET PAGE surfed by Alan Winstanley 702
Check the Google box

Regulars and Services

EDITORIAL 651
NEWS – Barry Fox highlights technology’s leading edge 655
Plus everyday news from the world of electronics
READOUT John Becker addresses general points arising 658
ELECTRONICS MANUALS 670
Essential reference works for hobbyists, students and service engineers.
Plus digital multimeter special offer
SHOPTALK with David Barrington 688
The essential guide to component buying for EPE projects
ELECTRONICS VIDEOS Our range of educational videos 690
CD-ROMS FOR ELECTRONICS 692
Filters; Digital Works 3.0; Parts Gallery + Electronic Circuits and
Components; Digital Electronics; Analogue Electronics; PICtutor; Modular
NOTE NEW PUBLISHING DATE Circuit Design; Electronic Components Photos; see also Direct Book
See Editorial page 651 for Service pages
full details. BACK ISSUES Did you miss these? 696
DIRECT BOOK SERVICE 704
© Wimborne Publishing Ltd 2000. Copyright in all A wide range of technical books available by mail order, plus more CD-ROMs
drawings, photographs and articles published in PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD AND SOFTWARE SERVICE 709
EVERYDAY PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS is fully pro- PCBs for EPE projects. Plus EPE software
tected, and reproduction or imitations in whole or in
part are expressly forbidden. ADVERTISERS INDEX 712
Our October 2000 issue will be published on Thursday,
7 September 2000. See page 643 for details
Readers Services ) Editorial and Advertisement Departments 651

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 641

 NEXT MONTH
PIC VIRTUAL SCOPE
A dual-channel virtual oscilloscope for monitoring audio
frequency waveforms via a PIC microcontrolled interface and
your computer. Performance sits mid-range between the simple
scope interface of the current Teach-In 2000 series, and the
versatile EPE Virtual Scope of 1998. Provides waveform display
of two signals simultaneously at rates much higher than the TI
design offers, although lower than V-Scope. With care, even
less-experienced hobbyists should stand an excellent chance of
constructing it successfully.
It requires a PC-compatible computer capable of running
QBasic or QuickBASIC and for it to “read’’ mouse controls via
those programming dialects. The controlling program allows you
to check on both points before purchasing any components.
The author has run the prototype under Windows 3.1, 95 and
98.
Many of the functions offered by this design are closely
similar to those provided by V-Scope, including output of
waveform data to disk and printer. Frequency counting and
waveform amplitude measurement are also included.

p
To er
Ten
n WIND-UP TORCH
A common problem with small torches is the short life-span both
FRIDGE/FREEZER of the batteries and the bulb. The batteries of a small “penlite” torch
will commonly last only two to three hours, and many bulb
ALARM filaments burn no more than a few weeks before fusing.
With new l.e.d. technology, it is now possible to build a torch that
Many people have a sizeable amount of capital quite adequately lights the way five to ten metres in front of one. In
tied up in their deep-freeze. A long power cut or a fact, since power consumption is so small, it is possible to power
failure of the freezer itself can lead to significant the light for a considerable length of time from a few turns of a
financial loss, not to mention the prospect of losing small generator and a capacitor “reservoir” – the sole source of
the delicious smoked trout from last summer’s power for this torch (no batteries). In addition to this, the white l.e.d.
fishing holiday. The disaster is not discovered until used in this circuit has a life expectancy of years, not weeks as in
later, when it’s too late to do anything about it. the case of a standard filament bulb.
Similar remarks apply to the contents of a While the light output of the Wind-up Torch is modest in
refrigerator, though it may be more a matter of comparison with some modern torches, it matches several
disappointment than loss when somebody (who candlepower at medium power, and is thus quite serviceable. It will
was it?) leaves the door ajar and the chilled provide ample light around a camp table, for walking on a footpath,
lemonade warms up on a summer’s day. or for reading. The light output of the torch is continuously variable,
This circuit sits in the freezer and simply waits and its expected service from each full wind (about a
for the temperature to rise above a preset limit. 30-second wind) is as follows: as a book-light – 1½ hours; as a
Then it turns on a loud buzzer, one that is loud medium-power beam – 40 minutes; as a beam for walking –
enough to be heard with the freezer door shut. 15 minutes.

NOTE NEW PUBLISHING DATE

NO ONE DOES IT BETTER

DON'T MISS AN
ISSUE – PLACE YOUR
ORDER NOW!
Demand is bound to be high

OCTOBER ISSUE ON SALE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 643
 Established 1990
QUASAR ELECTRONICS
Unit 14 Sunningdale, BISHOPS STORTFORD, Herts. CM23 2PA
SURVEILLANCE
High performance surveillance bugs. Room transmitters supplied with sensitive electret microphone & battery holder/clip. All trans-
TEL: 01279 306504 FAX: 0870 7064222 mitters can be received on an ordinary VHF/FM radio between 88-108MHz. Available in Kit Form (KT) or Assembled & Tested (AS).

ADD £2.00 P&P to all orders (or 1st Class Recorded £4, Next day ROOM SURVEILLANCE TELEPHONE SURVEILLANCE
* MTX - MINIATURE 3V TRANSMITTER * MTTX - MINIATURE TELEPHONE TRANSMITTER
(Insured £250) £7, Europe £4.00, Rest of World £6.00). We accept all Easy to build & guaranteed to transmit 300m @ 3V. Long bat- Attaches anywhere to phone line. Transmits only when phone
major credit cards. Make cheques/PO's payable to Quasar Electronics. tery life. 3-5V operation. Only 45x18mm. * 3007KT £5.95 is used! Tune-in your radio and hear both parties. 300m range.
Prices include 17.5% VAT. MAIL ORDER ONLY AS3007 £10.95 Uses line as aerial & power source. 20x45mm. 3016KT £7.95
FREE CATALOGUE with order or send 2 x 1st class stamps MRTX - MINIATURE 9V TRANSMITTER AS3016 £13.95
(refundable) for details of over 150 kits & publications. Our best selling bug. Super sensitive, high power - 500m range * TRI - TELEPHONE RECORDING INTERFACE
@ 9V (over 1km with 18V supply and better aerial). 45x19mm. Automatically record all conversations. Connects between
3018KT £6.95 AS3018 £11.95 phone line & tape recorder (not supplied). Operates recorders
PROJECT KITS
Our electronic kits are supplied complete with all components, high quality PCBs
HPTX - HIGH POWER TRANSMITTER
High performance, 2 stage
transmitter gives greater
with 1.5-12V battery systems. Powered from line. 50x33mm.
3033KT £7.95 AS3033 £16.95
* TPA - TELEPHONE PICK-UP AMPLIFIER/WIRELESS
stability & higher quality PHONE BUG
(NOT cheap Tripad strip board!) and detailed assembly/operating instructions reception. 1000m range 6- Place pick-up coil on the phone line or near phone earpiece
12V DC operation. Size and hear both sides of the conversation. 3055KT £10.95
* 2 x 25W CAR BOOSTER AMPLIFIER Connects to * ANIMAL SOUNDS Cat, dog, chicken & cow. Ideal 70x15mm. 3032KT £8.95 AS3055 £19.95
the output of an existing car stereo cassette player, for kids farmyard toys & schools. SG10M £5.50 AS3032 £17.95 * 1 WATT FM TRANSMITTER Easy to construct. Delivers a
CD player or radio. Heatsinks provided. PCB * 3 1/2 DIGIT LED PANEL METER Use for basic * MMTX - MICRO-MINIATURE 9V TRANSMITTER crisp, clear signal. Two-stage circuit. Kit includes microphone
76x75mm. 1046KT. £24.95 voltage/current displays or customise to measure The ultimate bug for its size, performance and price. Just and requires a simple open dipole aerial. 8-30VDC. PCB
* 3-CHANNEL WIRELESS LIGHT MODULATOR temperature, light, weight, movement, sound lev- 15x25mm. 500m range @ 9V. Good stability. 6-18V operation. 42x45mm. 1009KT £14.95
No electrical connection with amplifier. Light modu- els, etc. with appropriate sensors (not supplied). 3051KT £7.95 AS3051 £13.95 * 4 WATT FM TRANSMITTER Comprises three RF
lation achieved via a sensitive electret microphone. Various input circuit designs provided. 3061KT * VTX - VOICE ACTIVATED TRANSMITTER stages and an audio preamplifier stage. Piezoelectric
Separate sensitivity control per channel. Power £12.95 Operates only when sounds detected. Low standby current. microphone supplied or you can use a separate pream-
handing 400W/channel. PCB 54x112mm. Mains * IR REMOTE TOGGLE SWITCH Use any TV/VCR Variable trigger sensitivity. 500m range. Peaking circuit sup- plifier circuit. Antenna can be an open dipole or Ground
powered. Box provided. 6014KT £24.90 remote control unit to switch onboard 12V/1A relay plied for maximum RF output. On/off switch. 6V operation. Only Plane. Ideal project for those who wish to get started in
* 12 RUNNING LIGHT EFFECT Exciting 12 LED on/off. 3058KT £9.95 63x38mm. 3028KT £9.95 AS3028 £22.95 the fascinating world of FM broadcasting and want a
HARD-WIRED BUG/TWO STATION INTERCOM good basic circuit to experiment with. 12-18VDC. PCB
light effect ideal for parties, discos, shop-windows & SPEED CONTROLLER for any common DC motor up
Each station has its own amplifier, speaker and mic. Can be 44x146mm. 1028KT. £23.95
eye-catching signs. PCB design allows replacement to 100V/5A. Pulse width modulation gives maximum
set up as either a hard-wired bug or two-station intercom. 10m * 15 WATT FM TRANSMITTER (PRE-ASSEMBLED &
of LEDs with 220V bulbs by inserting 3 TRIACs. torque at all speeds. 5-15VDC. Box provided. 3067KT x 2-core cable supplied. 9V operation. 3021KT £13.95 (kit TESTED) Four transistor based stages with Philips BLY
Adjustable rotation speed & direction. PCB £14.95 form only) 88 in final stage. 15 Watts RF power on the air. 88-
54x112mm. 1026KT £16.95; BOX (for mains opera- * 3 x 8 CHANNEL IR RELAY BOARD Control eight 12V/1A * TRVS - TAPE RECORDER VOX SWITCH 108MHz. Accepts open dipole, Ground Plane, 5/8, J, or
tion) 2026KT £8.50 relays by Infra Red (IR) remote control over a 20m range in Used to automatically operate a tape recorder (not supplied) YAGI configuration antennas. 12-18VDC. PCB
* DISCO STROBE LIGHT Probably the most excit- sunlight. 6 relays turn on only, the other 2 toggle on/off. 3 oper- via its REMOTE socket when sounds are detected. All conver- 70x220mm. SWS meter needed for alignment. 1021KT
ing of all light effects. Very bright strobe tube. ation ranges determined by jumpers. Transmitter case & all sations recorded. Adjustable sensitivity & turn-off delay. £69.95
Adjustable strobe frequency: 1-60Hz. Mains powered. components provided. Receiver PCB 76x89mm. 3072KT 115x19mm. 3013KT £7.95 AS3013 £19.95 * SIMILAR TO ABOVE BUT 25W Output. 1031KT £79.95
PCB: 60x68mm. Box provided. 6037KT £29.90 £44.95

* LIQUID LEVEL SENSOR/RAIN ALARM Will indi- * STABILISED POWER SUPPLY 3-30V/2.5A
PRODUCT FEATURE cate fluid levels or simply the presence of fluid. Relay
output to control a pump to add/remove water when it
Ideal for hobbyist & professional laboratory. Very
reliable & versatile design at an extremely reason-
reaches a certain level. 1080KT £6.95 able price. Short circuit protection. Variable DC
4 WATT FM TRANSMITTER * STEREO VU METER shows peak music power voltages (3-30V). Rated output 2.5 Amps. Large
using 2 rows of 10 LED’s (mixed green & red) heatsink supplied. You just supply a 24VAC/3A
Small but powerful 4 Watt 88-108MHz FM trans- moving bar display. 0-30db. 3089KT £10.95 transformer. PCB 55x112mm. Mains operation.
mitter with an audio preamplifier stage and 3 RF * AM RADIO KIT 1 Tuned Radio Frequency front- 1007KT £17.50. Custom Designed Box 2007
stages. Accepts a wide variety of input sources end, single chip AM radio IC & 2 stages of audio £34.95
– the electret microphone supplied, a tape amplification. All components inc. speaker provid- * STABILISED POWER SUPPLY 2-30V/5A As kit
ed. PCB 32x102mm. 3063KT £9.95 1007 above but rated at 5Amp. Requires a
player or for more professional results, a sepa- * DRILL SPEED CONTROLLER Adjust the speed 24VAC/5A transformer. 1096KT £29.95. Custom
rate audio mixer (like our 3-Input Mono Mixer kit of your electric drill according to the job at hand. Designed Box 2096 £34.95
1052). Can be used with an open dipole or Suitable for 240V AC mains powered drills up to * MOTORBIKE ALARM Uses a reliable vibration
700W power. PCB: 48mm x 65mm. Box provided. sensor (adjustable sensitivity) to detect movement
ground plane antenna. Supply: 12-15V DC/0·5A. 6074KT £17.90 of the bike to trigger the alarm & switch the output
PCB: 45 x 145mm. * 3 INPUT MONO MIXER Independent level con- relay to which a siren, bikes horn, indicators or
trol for each input and separate bass/treble controls. other warning device can be attached. Auto-reset.
ORDERING INFO: Kit 1028KT £23.95. Input sensitivity: 240mV. 18V DC. PCB: 60mm x 6-12VDC. PCB 57x64mm. 1011KT £11.95 Box
OPTIONAL EXTRAS: 3-Input Mono Mixer Kit 1052KT £17.95. 185mm 1052KT £16.95 £5.95
* NEGATIVE\POSITIVE ION GENERATOR * CAR ALARM SYSTEM Protect your car from
Standard Cockcroft-Walton multiplier circuit. Mains theft. Features vibration sensor, courtesy/boot light
* SOUND EFFECTS GENERATOR Easy to build. * PC CONTROLLED RELAY BOARD voltage experience required. 3057KT £9.95 voltage drop sensor and bonnet/boot earth switch
Create an almost infinite variety of interesting/unusu- Convert any 286 upward PC into a dedicated * LED DICE Classic intro to electronics & circuit sensor. Entry/exit delays, auto-reset and adjustable
al sound effects from birds chirping to sirens. 9VDC. automatic controller to independently turn on/off analysis. 7 LED’s simulate dice roll, slow down & land alarm duration. 6-12V DC. PCB: 47mm x 55mm
PCB 54x85mm. 1045KT £8.95 up to eight lights, motors & other devices around on a number at random. 555 IC circuit. 3003KT £8.95 1019KT £11.95 Box £6.50
* ROBOT VOICE EFFECT Make your voice the home, office, laboratory or factory using 8 * STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN Tests hand-eye co-ordination. * PIEZO SCREAMER 110dB of ear piercing
sound similar to a robot or Darlek. Great fun for 240VAC/12A onboard relays. DOS utilities, sample Press switch when green segment of LED lights to climb noise. Fits in box with 2 x 35mm piezo elements
discos, school plays, theatre productions, radio test program, full-featured Windows utility & all the stairway - miss & start again! Good intro to several built into their own resonant cavity. Use as an
stations & playing jokes on your friends when components (except cable) provided. 12VDC. PCB basic circuits. 3005KT £8.95 alarm siren or just for fun! 6-9VDC. 3015KT £9.95
answering the phone! PCB 42x71mm. 1131KT 70x200mm. 3074KT £29.95 * ROULETTE LED ‘Ball’ spins round the wheel, * COMBINATION LOCK Versatile electronic lock
£8.95 * 2 CHANNEL UHF RELAY SWITCH Contains the slows down & drops into a slot. 10 LED’s. Good intro comprising main circuit & separate keypad for
* AUDIO TO LIGHT MODULATOR Controls intensi- same transmitter/receiver pair as 30A15 below plus to CMOS decade counters & Op-Amps. 3006KT remote opening of lock. Relay supplied. 3029KT
ty of one or more lights in response to an audio input. the components and PCB to control two £10.95 £9.95
Safe, modern opto-coupler design. Mains voltage 240VAC/10A relays (also supplied). Ultra bright * 9V XENON TUBE FLASHER Transformer circuit * ULTRASONIC MOVEMENT DETECTOR Crystal
experience required. 3012KT £7.95 LEDs used to indicate relay status. 3082KT £27.95 steps up 9V battery to flash a 25mm Xenon tube. locked detector frequency for stability & reliability. PCB
* MUSIC BOX Activated by light. Plays 8 Christmas * TRANSMITTER RECEIVER PAIR 2-button keyfob Adjustable flash rate (0·25-2 Sec’s). 3022KT £10.95 75x40mm houses all components. 4-7m range.
songs and 5 other tunes. 3104KT £6.95 style 300-375MHz Tx with 30m range. Receiver * LED FLASHER 1 5 ultra bright red LED’s flash in Adjustable sensitivity. Output will drive external
* 20 SECOND VOICE RECORDER Uses non- encoder module with matched decoder IC. 7 selectable patterns. 3037MKT £4.95 relay/circuits. 9VDC. 3049KT £12.95
volatile memory - no battery backup needed. Components must be built into a circuit like kit 3082 * LED FLASHER 2 Similar to above but flash in PIR DETECTOR MODULE 3-lead assembled unit
Record/replay messages over & over. Playback as above. 30A15 £13.95 sequence or randomly. Ideal for model railways. just 25x35mm as used in commercial burglar alarm
required to greet customers etc. Volume control & * PC DATA ACQUISITION/CONTROL UNIT Use your 3052MKT £4.95 systems. 3076KT £8.95
built-in mic. 6VDC. PCB 50x73mm. PC to monitor physical variables (e.g. pressure, tem- * INTRODUCTION TO PIC PROGRAMMING. * INFRARED SECURITY BEAM When the invisi-
3131KT £11.95 perature, light, weight, switch state, movement, relays, Learn programming from scratch. Programming ble IR beam is broken a relay is tripped that can be
* TRAIN SOUNDS 4 selectable sounds : whistle etc.), process the information & use results to control hardware, a P16F84 chip and a two-part, practical, used to sound a bell or alarm. 25 metre range.
blowing, level crossing bell, ‘clickety-clack’ & 4 in physical devices like motors, sirens, relays, servo & hands-on tutorial series are provided. 3081KT Mains rated relays provided. 12VDC operation.
sequence. SG01M £5.95 stepper motors. Inputs: 16 digital & 11 analogue. £21.95 3130KT £11.95
Outputs: 8 digital & 1 analogue. Plastic case with print- * SERIAL PIC PROGRAMMER for all 8/18/28/40 * SQUARE WAVE OSCILLATOR Generates
ed front/rear panels, software utilities, programming pin DIP serial programmed PICs. Shareware soft- square waves at 6 preset frequencies in factors of
examples & all components (except sensors & cable) ware supplied limited to programming 256 bytes 10 from 1Hz-100KHz. Visual output indicator. 5-
FACTOR
X PUBLICATIONS
provided. 12VDC. 3093KT £89.95
* PIC 16C71 FOUR SERVO MOTOR DRIVER
Simultaneously control up to 4 servo motors. Software &
all components (except servos/control pots) supplied.
(registration costs £14.95). 3096KT £14.95
* ‘PICALL’ SERIAL & PARALLEL PIC PRO-
GRAMMER for all 8/18/28/40 pin DIP parallel AND
serial PICs. Includes fully functional & registered
18VDC. Box provided. 3111KT £8.95
* PC DRIVEN POCKET SAMPLER/DATA LOG-
GER Analogue voltage sampler records voltages
up to 2V or 20V over periods from milli-seconds to
THE EXPERTS IN RARE & 5VDC. PCB 50x70mm. 3102KT £14.95 software (DOS, W3.1, W95/8). 3117KT £59.95
* ATMEL 89Cx051 PROGRAMMER Simple-to-
months. Can also be used as a simple digital
* PC SERIAL PORT ISOLATED I/O BOARD scope to examine audio & other signals up to
UNUSUAL INFORMATION! Provides eight 240VAC/10A relay outputs & 4 opti- use yet powerful programmer for the Atmel about 5KHz. Software & D-shell case provided.
Full details of all X-FACTOR PUBLICATIONS can be found in cally isolated inputs. Designed for use in various con- 89C1051, 89C2051 & 89C4051 uC’s. Programmer 3112KT £19.95
our catalogue. N.B. Minimum order charge for reports and trol & sensing applications e.g. load switching, exter- does NOT require special software other than a * 20 MHz FUNCTION GENERATOR Square, tri-
plans is £5.00 PLUS normal P.&P. nal switch input sensing, contact closure & external terminal emulator program (built into Windows). angular and sine waveform up to 20MHz over 3
* SUPER-EAR LISTENING DEVICE Complete plans to voltage sensing. Controlled via serial port & a termi- Can be used with ANY computer/operating sys- ranges using ‘coarse’ and ‘fine’ frequency adjust-
build your own parabolic dish microphone. Listen to distant nal emulator program (built into Windows). Can be tem. 3121KT £34.95 ment controls. Adjustable output from 0-2V p-p. A
voices and sounds through open windows and even walls! used with ANY computer/operating system. Plastic * 3V/1·5V TO 9V BATTERY CONVERTER Replace TTL output is also provided for connection to a
Made from readily available parts. R002 £3.50 case with printed front/rear panels & all components expensive 9V batteries with economic 1.5V batter- frequency meter. Uses MAX038 IC. Plastic case
* TELEPHONE BUG PLANS Build you own micro-beetle (except cable) provided. 3108KT £49.95 ies. IC based circuit steps up 1 or 2 ‘AA’ batteries to with printed front/rear panels & all components
telephone bug. Suitable for any phone. Transmits over 250 * UNIPOLAR STEPPER MOTOR DRIVER for any give 9V/18mA. 3035KT £4.95 provided. 7-12VAC. 3101KT £54.95
metres - more with good receiver. Made from easy to 5/6/8 lead motor. Fast/slow & single step rates.
obtain, cheap components. R006 £2.50 Direction control & on/off switch. Wave, 2-phase &
* LOCKS - How they work and how to pick them. This fact
filled report will teach you more about locks and the art of
lock picking than many books we have seen at 4 times the
price. Packed with information and illustrations. R008 £3.50
* RADIO & TV JOKER PLANS
half-wave step modes. 4 LED indicators. PCB
50x65mm. 3109KT £14.95
* PC CONTROLLED STEPPER MOTOR DRIVER
Control two unipolar stepper motors (3A max. each)
GAIN
BARUY!!
30-in-ONE
We show you how to build three different circuits for dis-
rupting TV picture and sound plus FM radio! May upset
via PC printer port. Wave, 2-phase & half-wave step
modes. Software accepts 4 digital inputs from exter- B Electronic Projects Lab
your neighbours & the authorities!! DISCRETION nal switches & will single step motors. PCB fits in D- Great introduction to electronics. Ideal for the budding elec-
REQUIRED. R017 £3.50 shell case provided. 3113KT £17.95 tronics expert! Build a radio, burglar alarm, water detector,
* INFINITY TRANSMITTER PLANS Complete plans for * 12-BIT PC DATA ACQUISITION/CONTROL UNIT morse code practice circuit, simple computer circuits, and
building the famous Infinity Transmitter. Once installed on Similar to kit 3093 above but uses a 12 bit Analogue-
the target phone, device acts like a room bug. Just call the much more! NO soldering, tools or previous electronics
to-Digital Converter (ADC) with internal analogue
target phone & activate the unit to hear all room sounds. multiplexor. Reads 8 single ended channels or 4 dif- knowledge required. Circuits can be built and unassembled
Great for home/office security! R019 £3.50 ferential inputs or a mixture of both. Analogue inputs repeatedly. Comprehensive 68-page manual with explana-
* THE ETHER BOX CALL INTERCEPTOR PLANS Grabs
telephone calls out of thin air! No need to wire-in a phone read 0-4V. Four TTL/CMOS compatible digital tions, schematics and assembly diagrams. Suitable for age
bug. Simply place this device near the phone lines to hear input/outputs. ADC conversion time <10uS. Software 10+. Excellent for schools. Requires 2 x AA batteries.
the conversations taking place! R025 £3.00 (C, QB & Win), extended D shell case & all compo- ONLY £17.95 (phone for bulk discounts).
* CASH CREATOR BUSINESS REPORTS Need ideas nents (except sensors & cable) provided. 3118KT
for making some cash? Well this could be just what you £49.95
need! You get 40 reports (approx. 800 pages) on floppy
disk that give you information on setting up different busi-
nesses. You also get valuable reproduction and duplication WEB: http://www.QuasarElectronics.com Secure Online Ordering Facilities
Full Kit Listing, Descriptions & Photos
rights so that you can sell the manuals as you like. R030
£7.50 email: epesales@QuasarElectronics.com Kit Documentation & Software Downloads

644 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 T E L N E T
8 CAVANS WAY, Hewlett Packard 3784A – Digital Transmission Analyser.......................................................... £5000
Hewlett Packard 3785A – Jitter Generator+Receiver................................................................ £1250
Hewlett Packard 37900D – Signalling Test Set (No. 7 and ISDN)............................................. £4250
BINLEY INDUSTRIAL Hewlett Packard P382A – Variable Attenuator.............................................................................. £250
Hewlett Packard 4192A – LF Impedance Analyser..................................................................... £6500
ESTATE, Hewlett Packard 4262A – Digital LCR Meter................................................................................. £950
Hewlett Packard 4342A – ‘Q’ Meter............................................................................................... £600
Hewlett Packard 435A or B Power Meter (with 8481A/8484A)........................................... from £400
COVENTRY CV3 2SF Hewlett Packard 436A and 437B – Power Meter and Sensor............................................. from £900
Hewlett Packard 4948A – (TIMS) Transmission Impairment M/Set.......................................... £1000
Tel: 01203 650702 Hewlett Packard 4972A – Lan Protocol Analyser....................................................................... £1250
Hewlett Packard 5183 – Waveform Recorder.............................................................................. £1250

Fax: 01203 650773 Hewlett Packard 5238A – Frequency Counter 100MHz................................................................ £250
Hewlett Packard 5314A – (NEW) 100MHz Universal Counter...................................................... £250
Hewlett Packard 5316A – Universal Counter (IEEE)..................................................................... £400
Mobile: 0860 400683 Hewlett Packard 5335A – 200MHz High Performance Systems Counter................................... £600
Hewlett Packard 5324A – Microwave Frequency Counter (500MHz–18GHz) Opts 1+3............ £800
Hewlett Packard 5359A – High Resolution Time Synthesiser................................................... £2950
Hewlett Packard 5370B – Universal Timer/Counter.................................................................... £2000
(Premises situated close to Eastern-by-pass in Coventry with easy Hewlett Packard 5384A – 225MHz Frequency Counter................................................................ £500
access to M1, M6, M40, M45 and M69) Hewlett Packard 5385A – Frequency Counter – 1GHz – (HP1B) with OPTS 001/003/004/005...... £750
Hewlett Packard 6033A – Power Supply Autoranging (20V – 30A)............................................. £750
Hewlett Packard 6253A – Power Supply 20V – 3A Twin............................................................... £200
Hewlett Packard 6255A – Power Supply 40V – 1·5A Twin............................................................ £200
OSCILLOSCOPES
HEWLETT PACKARD 6261B
Beckman 9020 – 20MHz – Dual Channel....................................................................................... £150 Power Supply 20V – 50A £350 Discount for Quantities
Gould OS 245A/250/255/300/3000/3351/4000...................................................................... from £125
Hewlett Packard 180A/180C/181A/182C.............................................................................. from £150 Hewlett Packard 6264B – Power Supply (0–20V, 0–25A)............................................................. £300
Hewlett Packard 1740A, 1741A, 1744A 100MHz Dual Channel.......................................... from £300 Hewlett Packard 6266B – Power Supply 40V – 5A........................................................................ £220
Hewlett Packard 54100D – 1 GHz Digitizing................................................................................ £1250 Hewlett Packard 6271B – Power Supply 60V – 3A........................................................................ £225
Hewlett Packard 54200A – 50 MHz Digitizing............................................................................... £500 Hewlett Packard 6624A – Quad Power Supply........................................................................... £2000
Hewlett Packard 54201A – 300MHz Digitizing............................................................................ £1450 Hewlett Packard 6632A – Power Supply (20V – 5A)..................................................................... £800
Hewlett Packard 54512B – 300MHz – 1GS/s 4-Channel............................................................. £2250 Hewlett Packard 6652A – 20V – 25A System P.S.U.. .................................................................... £750
Hewlett Packard 54501A – 100MHz – 100Ms/s 4-Channel......................................................... £1250 Hewlett Packard 7475A – 6 Pen Plotter......................................................................................... £250
Hitachi V152F/V302B/V302F/V353F/V550B/V650F............................................................... from £105 Hewlett Packard 7550A – 8 Pen Plotter......................................................................................... £350
Hitachi V650F – 60MHz Dual Channel............................................................................................ £200 Hewlett Packard 778D – Coax Dual Directional Coupler.............................................................. £600
Hitachi V1100A – 100MHz 4–Channel............................................................................................. £900 Hewlett Packard 8015A – 50MHz Pulse Generator....................................................................... £500
Intron 2020 – 20MHz Digital Storage (NEW)................................................................................. £450 Hewlett Packard 8165A – 50MHz Programmable Signal Source............................................... £1250
Iwatsu SS5710/SS5702 – 20MHz........................................................................................... from £125 Hewlett Packard 8180A – Data Generator................................................................................... £1500
Meguro – MSO 1270A – 20 MHz Digital Storage (NEW)............................................................... £450 Hewlett Packard 8182A – Data Analyser..................................................................................... £1500
Lecroy 9304 AM – 200MHz – 100 Ms/s 4–Channel...................................................................... £3000 Hewlett Packard 8350B – Sweep Oscillator Mainframe (various plug–in options available).... £2500
Lecroy 9450A – 300MHz/400 Ms/s D.S.O. 2–Channel................................................................. £2250 Hewlett Packard 83554A – Wave Source Module 26·5 to 40GHz.............................................. £3500
Philips PM 3055 – 50MHz Dual Timebase..................................................................................... £450 Hewlett Packard 83555A – Millimeter – Wave Source Module 33–50GHz................................ £4250
Philips PM 3211/PM 3212/PM 3214/PM 3217/PM 3234/PM3240/PM 3243/ Hewlett Packard 8405A – Vector Voltmeter................................................................................... £350
PM 3244/PM 3261/PM 3262/PM 3263/PM 3540................................................................ from £125 Hewlett Packard 8620C – Sweep Oscillator Mainframe...................................................... from £250
Philips PM 3295A – 400MHz Dual Channel................................................................................. £1600 Hewlett Packard 8640B – Signal Generator (512MHz+1024MHz)...................................... from £850
Philips PM 3335 – 50MHz/20 Ms/s D.S.O. 2–Channel................................................................... £950 Hewlett Packard 8642A – Signal Generator (0·01 to 1050MHz) High Performance Synthesiser.. £6500
Tektronix 455 – 50MHz Dual Channel............................................................................................ £200 Hewlett Packard 8656A – Synthesised Signal Generator (990MHz)........................................... £850
Tektronix 464/466 – 100MHz Analogue Storage............................................................... ...from £300 Hewlett Packard 8656B – Synthesised Signal Generator.......................................................... £1450
Tektronix 465/465B – 100MHz Dual Channel........................................................................ from £300 Hewlett Packard 8657A – Signal Generator (100kHz–1040MHz)............................................... £1900
Tektronix 468 – 100MHz D.S.O. .................................................................................................... £500 Hewlett Packard 8660D – Synthesised Signal Generator (10kHz–2600MHz)........................... £3250
Tektronix TAS 475 – 100MHz – 4–Channell................................................................................... £995 Hewlett Packard 8750A – Storage Normaliser.............................................................................. £295
Tektronix 475/475A – 200MHz/250MHz Dual Channel......................................................... from £400 Hewlett Packard 8756A – Scalar Network Analyser................................................................... £1500
Tektronix 485 – 350MHz – 2–Channel............................................................................................ £750 Hewlett Packard 8757A – Scalar Network Analyser................................................................... £2250
Tektronix 2211 – Digital Storage – 50MHz..................................................................................... £800 Hewlett Packard 8901A – Modulation Analyser.......................................................................... £1000
Tektronix 2213 – 60MHz Dual Channel.......................................................................................... £350 Hewlett Packard 8901B – Modulation Analyser.......................................................................... £2000
Tektronix 2215 – 60MHz Dual Trace............................................................................................... £375 Hewlett Packard 8903E – Distortion Analyser............................................................................ £1600
Tektronix 2220 – 60MHz Dual Channel D.S.O............................................................................... £950 Hewlett Packard 8903B – Distortion Analyser (Mint)................................................................. £1500
Tektronix 2221 – 60MHz Digital Storage 2–Channel..................................................................... £950 Hewlett Packard 8920A – R/F Comms Test Set.......................................................................... £2500
Tektronix 2225 – 50MHz Dual Channel.......................................................................................... £350 Hewlett Packard 8922B/G/H – Radio Comms Test Sets (G.S.M.)..................................... from £8000
Tektronix 2235 – 100MHz Dual trace............................................................................................. £600 Hewlett Packard 8958A – Cellular Radio Interface..................................................................... £1000
Tektronix 2335 – Dual Trace 100MHz (portable).......................................................................... £600 Keytek MZ–15/EC – Minizap 15kV Hand–Held ESD Simulator................................................... £1750
Tektronix 2440 – 300MHz/500 Ms/s D.S.O. 2–Channel............................................................... £2500 Krohn–Hite 2200 – Lin/Log Sweep Generator............................................................................... £995
Tektronix 2445 – 150MHz – 4–Channel+DMM............................................................................... £900 Krohn–Hite 4024A – Oscillator........................................................................................................ £250
Tektronix 2445A – 100MHz – 4–Channel........................................................................................ £900 Krohn–Hite 5200 – Sweep, Function Generator............................................................................ £350
Tektronix 2476B – 400MHz – 4–Channel...................................................................................... £6500 Krohn–Hite 6500 – Phase Meter..................................................................................................... £250
Tektronix 5403 – 60MHz – 2 or 4–Channel............................................................................ from £150 Leader LDM–170 – Distortion Meter.............................................................................................. £350
Tektronix 7313, 7603, 7623, 7633 – 100MHz 4–Channel...................................................... from £225 Leader 3216 – Signal Generator (100kHz–140kHz) AM/FM/CW with built–in FM
Tektronix 7704 – 250MHz 4–Channel.................................................................................... from £350 stereo modulator (mint).............................................................................................................. £995
Tektronix 7904 – 500MHz....................................................................................................... from £400 Marconi 1066B – Demultiplexer and Frame Alignment Monitor (new)...................................... £POA
Trio CS–1022 – 20MHz – Dual Channell......................................................................................... £125 Marconi 2019 – 80kHz–1040MHz Synthesised Signal Generator................................................ £750
Other scopes available too Marconi 2019A – 80kHz–1040MHz Synthesised Signal Generator............................................ £1000
Marconi 2111 – UHF Synthesiser (new)....................................................................................... £POA
SPECIAL OFFER Marconi 2185 – 1·5GHz Programmable Attenuator (new).......................................................... £POA
HITACHI V212 – 20MHz DUAL TRACE....................................................................... £160 Marconi 2305 – Modulation Meter................................................................................................ £1750
HITACHI V222 – 20MHz DUAL TRACE+ALTERNATE MAGNIFY.............................. £180 Marconi 2337A – Automatic Distortion Meter............................................................................... £150
Marconi 2610 – True RMS Voltmeter............................................................................................. £700
Marconi 2871 – Data Comms Analyser.......................................................................................... £500
Marconi 2955 – Radio Comms Test Set....................................................................................... £2000
Marconi 6310 – Sweep Generator – Programmable – new (2–20GHz)...................................... £3500
SPECTRUM ANALYSERS Marconi 6950/6960 – Power Meter & Sensor....................................................................... from £500
Marconi 6960 – Power Meter & Sensor................................................................................ from £950
Ando AC8211 – Spectrum Analyser 1·7GHz................................................................................ £1995 Marconi 893 – A/F Power Meter..................................................................................................... £250
Anritsu MS62B – 10kHz–1700MHz............................................................................................... £1995 Philips PM5167 MHz Function Generator...................................................................................... £400
Anritsu MS3401A+MS3401B – (10Hz–30MHz)............................................................... £3500+£3995 Philips 5190 – L.F. Synthesiser (G.P.I.B.)...................................................................................... £800
Anritsu MS610B – 10kHz–2GHz – (Mint)...................................................................................... £4500 Philips 5518 – Synthesised Function Generator......................................................................... £1500
Anritsu MS710F – 100kHz–23GHz Spectrum Analyser............................................................... £5500 Philips PM5519 – TV Pattern Generator........................................................................................ £350
Avcom PSA65S – 1000MHz – portable........................................................................................... £850 Philips PM5716 – 50MHz Pulse Generator.................................................................................... £525
Hameg 8028/8038 – Spectrum Analyser/Tracking Gen+100MHz Oscilloscope...................... £1000 Prema 4000 – 6 Digit Multimeter (NEW)...................................................................................... £350
Hewlett Packard 182R with 8559A (10MHz–21GHz)................................................................... £2750 Quartzlock 2A – Off–Air Frequency Standard............................................................................... £200
Hewlett Packard 182T+88558B – 0·1 to 1500MHz........................................................................ £1250 Racal 1992 – 1·3GHz Frequency Counter...................................................................................... £700
Hewlett Packard 853A+8 8558B – 0·1 to 1500MHz........................................................................ £2250 Racal 6111/6151 – GSM Radio Comms Test Set......................................................................... £POA
Hewlett Packard 3562A – Dual Channel Dynamic Sig. Analyser............................................... £5750 Racal Dana 9081/9082 – Synthesised Signal Generator 520MHz....................................... from £400
Hewlett Packard 3580A – 5Hz–50kHz............................................................................................ £800 Racal Dana 9084 – Synthesised Signal Generator 104MHz......................................................... £450
Hewlett Packard 3582A – 0·02Hz–25·6kHz (Dual Channel)........................................................ £2000 Racal 9301A – True RMS R/F Multivoltmeter................................................................................ £300
Hewlett Packard 3585A – 20HZ–40MHz....................................................................................... £4000 Racal Dana 9302A – R/F Multivoltmeter (new version)................................................................ £375
Hewlett Packard 8569B – (0·01 to 22GHz)................................................................................... £4250 Racal Dana 9303 – R/F Level Meter & Head.................................................................................. £650
Hewlett Packard 85046A – ‘S’ Parameter Test Set..................................................................... £2500 Racal Dana 9917 – UHF Frequency Meter 560MHz....................................................................... £175
Hewlett Packard 8753A – Network Analyser .................................................................... from £3000 Rohde & Schwarz LFM2 – 60MHz Group Delay Sweep Generator.............................................. £950
Hewlett Packard 8753B – Network Analyser...................................................................... from £4500 Rohde & Schwarz CMTA 94 – GSM Radio Comms Analyser..................................................... £6995
IFR 7750 – 10kHz–1GHz................................................................................................................ £2000 Schaffner NSG 203A – Line Voltage Variation Simulator............................................................. £750
Meguro MSA 4901 – 1–300GHz (AS NEW)..................................................................................... £750 Schaffner NSG 222A – Interference Simulator.............................................................................. £700
Meguro MSA 4912 – 1–1GHz (AS NEW)....................................................................................... £1000 Schaffner NSG 223 – Interference Generator............................................................................... £700
Rohde & Schwarz – SWOB 5 Polyskop 0·1–1300MHz................................................................ £1500 Schlumberger 2720 – 1250MHz Frequency Counter.................................................................... £400
Takeda Riken 4132 – 1·0GHz Spectrum Analyser....................................................................... £2100 Schlumberger 4031 – 1GHz Radio Comms Test Set.................................................................. £4995
Tektronix 7L18 with mainframe (1·5–60Ghz with external mixers)........................................... £2000 Schlumberger Stabilock 4040 – Radio Comms Test Set........................................................... £1995
Tektronix 495P – 100Hz–1·8GHz programmable......................................................................... £4500 Schlumberger 7060/7065/7075 – Multimeters...................................................................... from £350
Tektronix 496P – 1kHz–1·8GHz Spectrum Analyser................................................................... £4250 Stanford Research DS 340 – 15MHz Synthesised Function (NEW) and Arbitrary
Waveform Generator.................................................................................................................. £1200
Systron Donner 6030 – Microwave Frequency Counter (26-5GHz)........................................... £1995
MISCELLANEOUS Tektronix AM503+TM501+P6302 – Current Probe Amplifier...................................................... £995
Tektronix PG506+TG501+SG503+TM503 – Oscilloscope Calibrator....................................... £1995
Adret 740A – 100kHz–1120MHz Synthesised Signal Generatorr................................................. £800 Tektronix 577 – Curve Tracer....................................................................................................... £1150
Anritsu MG 3601A Signal Generator 0·1–1040MHz.................................................................... £1250 Tektronix 1240 – Logic Analyser.................................................................................................... £500
Anritsu ME 462B DF/3 Transmission Analyserr.......................................................................... £2500 Tektronix 141A – PAL Test Signal Generator................................................................................ £250
Anritsu MG 645B Signal Generator 0·05–1050MHz...................................................................... £750 Tektronix AA5001 & TM5006 M/F – Programmable Distortion Analyser.................................. £1995
Boonton 92C R/F Millivoltmeter..................................................................................................... £195 Tektronix TM5003+AFG 5101 – Arbitrary Function Generator.................................................. £1500
Boonton 93A True RMS Voltmeter................................................................................................. £195 Tektronix – Plug–ins – many available such as SC504, SW503, SG502,
Dranetz 626 – AC/DC – Multifunction Analyser............................................................................. £500 PG508, FG504, FG503, TG501, TR503+many more................................................................. £POA
EIP 331 – Frequency Counter 18GHz............................................................................................. £450 Time 9811 – Programmable Resistance........................................................................................ £400
EIP 545 – Frequency Counter 18GHz........................................................................................... £1250 Time 9814 – Voltage Calibrator...................................................................................................... £550
EIP 575 – Frequency Counter 18GHz........................................................................................... £1450 Valhalla Scientific – 2724 Programmable Resistance Standard................................................ £POA
Eltek SMPS – Power Supply 60V–30V............................................................................................£350 Wandel & Goltermann PFJ–8 – Error/Jitter Test Set................................................................ £11500
Farnell TSV–70 MKII Power Supply (70V – 5A or 35V – 10A)....................................................... £200 Wandel & Goltermann PCM4 (+options)..................................................................................... £9950
Farnell DSG–1 Synthesised Signal Generator.............................................................................. £125 Wandel & Goltermann MU30 – Test Point Scanner.................................................................... £1500
Farnell AP 30250A Power Supply 3V – 250A............................................................................... £1750 Wayne Kerr 4225 – LCR Bridge...................................................................................................... £600
Feedback PFG 605 Power Function Generator............................................................................. £150 Wavetek 171 – Synthesised Function Generator.......................................................................... £250
Fluke 5100A – Calibrator............................................................................................................... £1950 Wavetek 172B – Programmable Signal Source (0·0001Hz–13MHz)........................................... £POA
GN ELMI EPR31 PCM Signalling Recorder................................................................................. £2000 Wavetek 184 – Sweep Generator – 5MHz...................................................................................... £250
Guildline 9152 – T12 Battery Standard Cell................................................................................... £550 Wavetek 3010 – 1–1GHz Signal Generator.................................................................................. £1250
Hewlett Packard 1630D – Logic Analyser (43 Channels)............................................................. £500 Wiltron 6409 – RF Analysers (1MHz–2GHz)................................................................................. £POA
Hewlett Packard 16500A/B and C – Fitted with 16510A/1651A/161530A/16531A Wiltron 6620S – Programmable Sweep Generator (3·6GHz–6·5GHz).......................................... £650
– Logic Analyser............................................................................................................... from £2000 Wiltron 6747–20 – Swept Frequency Synthesiser (10MHz–20GHz)........................................... £3950
Hewlett Packard 331A – Distortion Analyser................................................................................ £300 Yokogowa 3655 – Analysing Recorder......................................................................................... £POA
Hewlett Packard 333A – Distortion Analyser................................................................................ £300
Hewlett Packard 334A – Distortion Analyser................................................................................ £300
Hewlett Packard 3325A – 21MHz Synthesiser/Function Generator............................................ £900
Hewlett Packard 3335A – Synthesised Signal Generator (200Hz–81MHz)............................... £2750 MANY MORE ITEMS AVAILABLE –
Hewlett Packard 3336C – Synthesised Signal Generator (10Hz–21MHz)................................... £800
Hewlett Packard 3455A – 6½ Digit Multimeter (Autocal)............................................................. £500 SEND LARGE SAE FOR LIST OF EQUIPMENT
Hewlett Packard 3456A – Digital Voltmeter................................................................................... £600
Hewlett Packard 3488A – HP – 1B Switch Control Unit (various Plug–ins available)................ £550
ALL EQUIPMENT IS USED –
Hewlett Packard 35600A – Dual Channel Dynamic Signal Analyser......................................... £3750 WITH 30 DAYS GUARANTEE.
Hewlett Packard 3586A – Selective Level Meter.......................................................................... £800
Hewlett Packard 3711A/3712A/3791B/3793B – Microwave Link Analyser................................ £1500 PLEASE CHECK FOR AVAILABILITY BEFORE ORDERING –
Hewlett Packard 3746A – Selective Measuring Set...................................................................... £500 CARRIAGE & VAT TO BE ADDED TO ALL GOODS
Hewlett Packard 3776A – PCM Terminal Test Set...................................................................... £1000
Hewlett Packard 3779A/3779C – Primary Mux Analyser.................................................... from £400

646 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 SQUIRES
MODEL & CRAFT TOOLS
Fluorescent Bench Magnifier.
· With 22W circular daylight simulation tube.
· 5" dia. glass lens, x1.75 magnification.
· Spring balanced arms for universal positioning.
· Multi-angle table clamp.
Get your magazine “instantly” anywhere
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Code LA100 - Price £49.95 Post Free to UK addresses. in the world – buy from the web.
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ELECTRONICS SURPLUS CLEARANCE SALE

SCOOP PURCHASE:
FLUKE HAND HELD DIGITAL MULTIMETER, MODEL 8024B
Cancelled export order 750V AC/DC 2 amp AC/DC Resistance 20Megohm plus
Siemens range. Also measures temperature –20°C to +1265°C. Temp. probe
not included. Calibrated for K-type thermocouple. Peak hold facility. Supplied
brand new and boxed but with original purchasing organisation’s small identify-
ing mark on case. Test leads and handbook included.
Offered at a fraction of original price: £47.50, p&p £6.50

Post, Telephone or Fax your orders to:- THE ELECTRONICS SURPLUS TRADER – This is a listing of new first class com-
Squires, 100 London Road, Bognor Regis, ponents and electronic items at below trade prices. Includes manufacturers’ surplus
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Fax 01243 842525 (Dept E) CHEVET SUPPLIES LTD
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BFR BFS BFT BFX BFY BLY BLX BS BR BRX BRY BS
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Connect S.L.M. (Model) Engineers Ltd

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Cheltenham Telephone 01242 525488
Cricklewood Electronics Ltd GL52 5JQ Fax 01242 226288
40-42 Cricklewood Broadway London NW2 3ET
Tel: 0181 452 0161 Fax: 0181 208 1441

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 647

 EE217 135 Hunter Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs. DE14 2ST
Tel 01283 565435 Fax 546932
http://www.magenta2000.co.uk
E-mail: sales@magenta2000.co.uk
All Prices include V.A.T. ADD £3.00 PER ORDER P&P. £6.99 next day
MAIL ORDER ONLY ) CALLERS BY APPOINTMENT
PIC PIPE DESCALER
EPE MICROCONTROLLER
P.I. TREASURE HUNTER
The latest MAGENTA DESIGN – highly
)SIMPLE TO BUILD
)HIGH POWER OUTPUT
)SWEPT
FREQUENCY
EPE
stable & sensitive – with I.C. control of all
timing functions and advanced pulse
separation techniques.
)AUDIO & VISUAL MONITORING
An affordable circuit which sweeps
the incoming water supply with
TEACH-IN
) High stability
drift cancelling
) Easy to build
& use
variable frequency electromagnetic
signals. May reduce scale formation,
dissolve existing scale and improve
lathering ability by altering the way
2000
) No ground salts in the water behave. Full set of top quality NEW
effect, works Kit includes case, P.C.B., coupling components for this educa-
in seawater coil and all components. tional series. All parts as
High coil current ensures maximum specified by EPE. Kit includes
effect. L.E.D. monitor.
breadboard, wire, croc clips,
KIT 868 ....... £22.95 POWER UNIT......£3.99 pins and all components for
experiments, as listed in
) Detects gold,
silver, ferrous & MICRO PEsT introduction to Part 1.
*Batteries and tools not included.
non-ferrous
metals
SCARER
Our latest design – The ultimate TEACH-IN 2000 -
) Efficient quartz controlled scarer for the garden. Uses
microcontroller pulse generation. special microchip to give random KIT 879 £44.95
) Full kit with headphones & all delay and pulse time. Easy to
hardware build reliable circuit. Keeps pets/
pests away from newly sown areas,
MULTIMETER £14.45
KIT 847 . . . . . . . . .£63.95 play areas, etc. uses power source
from 9 to 24 volts.

EE
)RANDOM PULSES SPACEWRITER

PP
RO
NOM C
PORTABLE ULTRASONIC )HIGH POWER An innovative and exciting project.

W HIP
Wave the wand through the air and

W &
PEsT SCARER ) DUAL OPTION Plug-in power supply £4.99

IT S
H O
your message appears. Programmable

PI FT
A powerful 23kHz ultrasound generator in a to hold any message up to 16 digits long.

C1 W
KIT 867. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£19.99

6C AR
compact hand-held case. MOSFET output drives Comes pre-loaded with “MERRY XMAS”. Kit

84 E
a special sealed transducer with intense pulses includes PCB, all components & tube plus
KIT + SLAVE UNIT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£32.50

DI
via a special tuned transformer. Sweeping instructions for message loading.

SK
frequency output is designed to give maximum
WINDICATOR KIT 849 . . . . . . . . . . . .£16.99
output without any special setting up.
A novel wind speed indicator with LED readout. Kit comes
KIT 842......................£22.56 complete with sensor cups, and weatherproof sensing head.
Mains power unit £5.99 extra. 12V EPROM ERASER
A safe low cost eraser for up to 4 EPROMS at a
KIT 856. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£28.00 time in less than 20 minutes. Operates from a
12V supply (400mA). Used extensively for mobile

0 TENS UNIT 0 work - updating equipment in the field etc. Also in

educational situations where mains supplies are
not allowed. Safety interlock prevents contact
with UV.

PIC REAL TIME IN-CIRCUIT DUAL OUTPUT TENS UNIT Set of KIT 790 . . . . . . . . . . . .£29.90
EMULATOR – SEE PAGE 669 As featured in March ‘97 issue. 4 spare
electrodes
Magenta have prepared a FULL KIT for this.
excellent new project. All components, PCB,
£6.50 SUPER BAT
DC Motor/Gearboxes hardware and electrodes are included.
Designed for simple assembly and testing and
DETECTOR
Our Popular and Versatile DC
motor/Gearbox sets. providing high level dual output drive. 1 WATT O/P, BUILT IN
Ideal for Models, Robots,
KIT 866. . Full kit including four electrodes £32.90 SPEAKER, COMPACT CASE
Buggies etc. 1·5V to 4·5V 20kHz-140kHz
Multi ratio gearbox
NEW DESIGN WITH 40kHz MIC.
gives wide range of speeds. 1000V & 500V INSULATION A new circuit using a
LARGE TYPE – MGL £6.95
SMALL – MGS – £4.77 TESTER ‘full-bridge’ audio
amplifier i.c., internal
Superb new design. Regulated speaker, and
headphone/tape socket.
Stepping Motors output, efficient circuit. Dual-scale The latest sensitive
meter, compact case. Reads up to transducer, and ‘double
MD38...Mini 48 step...£8.65 200 Megohms. balanced mixer’ give a
Kit includes wound coil, cut-out stable, high perfor-
MD35...Std 48 step...£9.99 mance superheterodyne design.
case, meter scale, PCB & ALL
MD200...200 step...£12.99 components. KIT 861 . . . . . . . . . . .£24.99
MD24...Large 200 step...£22.95 KIT 848. . . . . . . . . . . . £32.95 ALSO AVAILABLE Built & Tested. . . £39.99

ULTRASONIC PEsT SCARER

MOSFET MkII VARIABLE BENCH EPE Keep pets/pests away from newly
POWER SUPPLY 0-25V 2·5A sown areas, fruit, vegetable and
Based on our Mk1 design and
preserving all the features, but
PROJECT flower beds, children’s play areas,
patios etc. This project produces
now with switching pre-
regulator for much higher effi- PICS intense pulses of ultrasound which
deter visiting animals.
ciency. Panel meters indicate Programmed PICs for
Volts and Amps. Fully variable all* EPE Projects ) KIT INCLUDES ALL
down to zero. Toroidal mains COMPONENTS, PCB & CASE
transformer. Kit includes 16C84/18F84/16C71 ) EFFICIENT 100V ) UP TO 4 METRES
punched and printed case and All £5.90 each TRANSDUCER OUTPUT RANGE
all parts. As featured in April PIC16F877 now in stock ) COMPLETELY INAUDIBLE ) LOW CURRENT
1994 EPE. An essential piece £10 inc. VAT & postage TO HUMANS DRAIN
of equipment.
Kit No. 845 . . . . . . . .£64.95 (*some projects are copyright) KIT 812. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £15.00

648 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 SIMPLE PIC PROGRAMMER EPE PIC Tutorial
INCREDIBLE LOW PRICE! Kit 857 £12.99 At last! A Real, Practical, Hands-On Series
Power Supply £3.99 ) Learn Programming from scrach using PIC16F84
INCLUDES 1-PIC16F84 CHIP
) Start by lighting l.e.d.s and do 30 tutorials to
SOFTWARE DISK, LEAD EXTRA CHIPS: Sound Generation, Data Display, and a Security
CONNECTOR, PROFESSIONAL
PIC 16F84 £4.84 System.
PC BOARD & INSTRUCTIONS
) PIC TUTOR Board with Switches, l.e.d.s, and on
Based on February ’96 EPE. Magenta designed PCB and kit. PCB board programmer
with ‘Reset’ switch, Program switch, 5V regulator and test L.E.D.s,
and connection points for access to all A and B port pins. PIC TUTOR BOARD KIT
Includes: PIC16F84 Chip, TOP Quality PCB printed with
PIC 16C84 DISPLAY DRIVER Component Layout and all components* (*not ZIF Socket or
Displays). Included with the Magenta Kit is a disk with Test
and Demonstration routines.
INCLUDES 1-PIC16F84 WITH Kit 860 £19.99 KIT 870 .... £27.95, Built & Tested .... £42.95
DEMO PROGRAM SOFTWARE Power Supply £3.99 Optional: Power Supply – £3.99, ZIF Socket – £9.99
DISK, PCB, INSTRUCTIONS LCD Display ........... £7.99 LED Display ............ £6.99
AND 16-CHARACTER 2-LINE FULL PROGRAM SOURCE
Reprints Mar/Apr/May 98 – £3.00 set 3
LCD DISPLAY CODE SUPPLIED – DEVELOP
YOUR OWN APPLICATION!

Another super PIC project from Magenta. Supplied with PCB, industry PIC TOOLKIT V2
standard 2-LINE × 16-character display, data, all components, and ) SUPER UPGRADE FROM V1 )18, 28 AND 40-PIN CHIPS
software to include in your own programs. Ideal development base for ) READ, WRITE, ASSEMBLE & DISASSEMBLE PICS
meters, terminals, calculators, counters, timers – Just waiting for your ) SIMPLE POWER SUPPLY OPTIONS 5V-20V
application! ) ALL SWITCHING UNDER SOFTWARE CONTROL
) MAGENTA DESIGNED PCB HAS TERMINAL PINS AND
PIC 16F84 MAINS POWER 4-CHANNEL OSCILLATOR CONNECTIONS FOR ALL CHIPS
) INCLUDES SOFTWARE AND PIC CHIP
CONTROLLER & LIGHT CHASER KIT 878 . . . £22.99 with 16F84 . . . £29.99 with 16F877
) WITH PROGRAMMED 16F84 AND DISK WITH
SOURCE CODE IN MPASM
) ZERO VOLT SWITCHING Now features full 4-channel
chaser software on DISK and
SUPER PIC PROGRAMMER
MULTIPLE CHASE PATTERNS
) OPTO ISOLATED
pre-programmed PIC16F84 ) READS, PROGRAMS, AND VERIFIES
chip. Easily re-programmed
5 AMP OUTPUTS for your own applications. ) WINDOWSK SOFTWARE
) 12 KEYPAD CONTROL Software source code is fully ) PIC16C6X, 7X, AND 8X
) SPEED/DIMMING POT. ‘commented’ so that it can be
followed easily.
) USES ANY PC PARALLEL PORT
) HARD-FIRED TRIACS ) USES STANDARD MICROCHIP )HEX FILES
Kit 855 £39.95 LOTS OF OTHER APPLICATIONS ) OPTIONAL DISASSEMBLER SOFTWARE (EXTRA)
) PCB, LEAD, ALL COMPONENTS, TURNED-PIN
SOCKETS FOR 18, 28, AND 40 PIN ICs
PIC TOOLKIT V1
) PROGRAMS PIC16C84 and 16F84 ) ACCEPTS TASM AND MPASM CODE
Full kit includes PIC16F84 chip, top quality p.c.b. printed with component
) SEND FOR DETAILED Kit 862 £29.99
INFORMATION – A
layout, turned-pin PIC socket, all components and software* SUPERB PRODUCT AT Power Supply £3.99
*Needs QBASIC or QUICKBASIC AN UNBEATABLE LOW DISASSEMBLER
KIT 871 . . . £13.99 Built and tested £21.99 PRICE. SOFTWARE £11.75

PhizzyB ALL PARTS FOR SERIES INCLUDING PCBs,

PROGRAMMED CHIP, CD-ROM AND DISPLAYS
PIC STEPPING MOTOR DRIVER
MAIN BOARD – FULL KIT £131.95 BUILT.............. £149.95 INCLUDES PCB, Kit 863 £18.99
I/O PORT KIT.................... £16.99 BUILT.............. £24.99 PIC16F84 WITH
DEMO PROGRAM,
L.C.D................................. £12.49 POWER SUPPLY £3.99 SOFTWARE DISC, FULL SOURCE CODE SUPPLIED
8-BIT SWITCH/LATCH..... £7.95 INT. MODULE. £10.45 INSTRUCTIONS ALSO USE FOR DRIVING OTHER
AND MOTOR. POWER DEVICES e.g. SOLENOIDS

68000 DEVELOPMENT AND

TRAINING KIT KIT 621 Another NEW Magenta PIC project. Drives any 4-phase unipolar motor – up
to 24V and 1A. Kit includes all components and 48 step motor. Chip is
) NEW PCB DESIGN £99.95 pre-programmed with demo software, then write your own, and re-program
the same chip! Circuit accepts inputs from switches etc and drives motor in
) 8MHz 68000 16-BIT BUS ) ON BOARD response. Also runs standard demo sequence from memory.
) MANUAL AND SOFTWARE 5V REGULATOR
) 2 SERIAL PORTS ) PSU £6.99
) PIT AND I/O PORT OPTIONS
) 12C PORT OPTIONS
) SERIAL LEAD £3.99 8-CHANNEL DATA LOGGER
As featured in Aug./Sept. ’99 EPE. Full kit with Magenta NE
redesigned PCB – LCD fits directly on board. Use as Data W
!
Mini-Lab & Micro Lab Logger or as a test bed for many other 16F877 projects. Kit
includes programmed chip, 8 EEPROMs, PCB, case and all components.
Electronics Teach-In 7 KIT 877 £49.95 inc. 8 × 256K EEPROMS
As featured in EPE and now
published as Teach-In 7.
All parts are supplied
by Magenta.
Teach-In 7 is £3.95 from us
or EPE
Full Mini Lab Kit – £119.95 –
Power supply extra – £22.55
Full Micro Lab Kit – £155.95
Built Micro Lab – £189.95
All prices include VAT. Add £3.00 p&p. Next day £6.99
Tel: 01283 565435 Fax: 01283 546932 E-mail: sales@magenta2000.co.uk
Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 649
 Editorial Offices:
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DORSET BH21 1PF
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Editor: MIKE KENWARD

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You cannot please all of the people all of the time! Technical Editor: JOHN BECKER
I keep a close eye on all the p.c.b. orders that come into the office, so I can On-Line Editor: ALAN WINSTANLEY
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morning I received a letter from a reader asking if we could include some simple
projects, “a lot of the projects are of an advanced nature”, he said, “perhaps just a Advertisement Manager:
PETER J. MEW, Frinton (01255) 861161
few beginners pages and projects.”
Advertisement Copy Controller:
But, I thought, we have been publishing Teach-In 2000 for the last eleven PETER SHERIDAN, Wimborne (01202) 882299
months and our Starter Projects since the June ’99 issue, altogether about 10 or
more pages in each issue dedicated to beginners. Now we have the Top Tenner READERS’ ENQUIRIES
series of projects, each of which can be built for around £10. All in all, I believe E-mail: techdept@epemag.wimborne.co.uk
We are unable to offer any advice on the use,
we cater for the beginner as well as more experienced constructors, but do tell me purchase, repair or modification of commercial
if I’ve got it wrong. equipment or the incorporation or modification
The interesting thing is that it is rarely these simple projects that are the most of designs published in the magazine. We
regret that we cannot provide data or answer
popular; top of the popularity list last year – by a country mile – was PIC Toolkit queries on articles or projects that are more
Mk2 from the May ’99 issue. than five years old. Letters requiring a personal
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COMPONENT SUPPLIES
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still available before commencing any project
in a back-dated issue.

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Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 651

Top Tenners
STEEPLECHASE
GAME
OWEN BISHOP Project 2
This short collection of projects, some useful, some instructive and some amusing, can be
made for around the ten pounds mark. The estimated cost does not include an enclosure, for
many of them work just as well as an open board.
All of the projects are built on stripboard, and have been designed to fit on to boards of stan-
dard dimensions. All of the projects are battery-powered, so are safe to build. In a few cases in
which, by its nature, the project is to be run for long periods, power may be provided by an
inexpensive mains adaptor. Again, the cost of such a unit is not included because most spares
boxes contain a few of these, possibly pensioned off from obsolete electronic gadgets.

T FIRST glance, this is a very simple differs from an ordinary binary counter so they each go high in turn, pro-

A game. There is a row of seven l.e.d.s

across the top edge of the circuit
board, all of them red except for the one on
divider/counter because only one output is
high at a time. The counter is incremented
as the input from the timer IC1 rises from
ducing the travelling display referred to
earlier. There is a gap of three counts
between “runs’’ because there are no
the right, which is green. A timer drives a logic low (0V) to logic high (+6V). The l.e.d.s for stages 7, 8 and 9.
counter that turns on the l.e.d.s one at a time, output that is currently high goes low and The aim of the player is to press the
starting from the left, in order. the next output in order goes high. pushbutton switch (S1) while the seventh
The travelling display represents a horse There are seven l.e.d.s driven by the l.e.d. is lit, but more about that later.
approaching a jump, which is the green
l.e.d. If the player presses the white button
(switch S1) at the exact moment when the
green l.e.d. is lit, this counts as perfect tim-
ing and a “clear jump’’ is scored. There is
an eighth l.e.d. close to the white button to
indicate when this happens. However,
there is no time to gloat over a successful
jump because the horse is already pound-
ing toward the next fence. Ω
The travelling display repeats regularly,
with only short pauses between. µ
Now comes the catch! Although this is a
digital game, which one might expect to
run as regularly as clockwork (a digital
clock, we suppose), there is an element of
uncertainty that taxes the skill of the play-
er. Like most horses, the steeplechaser
µ µ
may accelerate or hang back as it Ω
approaches and takes the jump. The player
must take this into account if the horse is
not to jump too soon or too late, and fall at
the fence.
This game can be played by one person
Ω
just for fun, but also makes a game for two
or more opponents. You can make your
own rules about this but, as a suggestion, a
player may attempt ten jumps in succes-
sion, and count the number of clear jumps
scored. The turn then passes to the next
contestant until all have played.
The winner is the player with the high-
est score out of ten. A tie results in a jump
off. Players take jumps alternately and
drop out if they do not achieve a clear
jump.

HOW IT WORKS
Referring to the Steeplechase Game
circuit diagram in Fig.1, IC2 is a decade
counter that has 1-of-10 outputs. This Fig.1. Complete circuit diagram for the Steeplechase Game.

652 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 The counter could be driven by a single
7555 timer integrated circuit (i.c.) but this
circuit uses the 7556 dual timer instead,
shown as IC1. The counter is driven by the
timer on the right of IC1, call it Timer 2.
From the values allotted to the compo-
nents (R3, R4, VR2 and C2), we can cal-
culate that the clock runs at a frequency of
between 7Hz and 14Hz, depending on the
setting of preset VR2. This allows the
players to adjust the skill level of the
game.
These frequencies are modified by the
action of the other timer in IC1 (Timer 1).
The values of R1, R2, VR1 and C1 show
that the frequency of this clock can range
between 0·74Hz and 0·37Hz.

CONTROLLING TIME
To understand how one timer can influ-
ence another we need to look more close-
ly at the connections. In Fig.1 there is a
connection between the positive plate of
capacitor C1 and pin 11 of IC1. Pin 11 is
the control voltage (CV) input of Timer 2.
In the more familiar single 7555 timer,
the control voltage input is at pin 5, and we
normally ignore it. Either we connect a
low-value capacitor between it and the 0V
line, or we simply leave it unconnected. In
this circuit, it is doing something useful Steeplechase prototype circuit board.
just for a change.
will then reset the timer when the capaci-
tor charge reaches a voltage other than
two-thirds of the supply voltage. It resets
earlier or later than usual.
COMPONENTS
If the timer is running as an astable, as Resistors
in this circuit, the effect is to alter its R1 100k
See
frequency.
In this circuit, the source of the control
R2 47k SHOP
R3, R7, R8 10k (3 off)
voltage is the voltage across the capacitor R4, R10
R5
220W (2 off)
330W
TALK
of Timer 1. This is a sawtooth waveform, page
frequency around 0·6Hz, ramping up from R6 1k
one-third of the 6V supply (2V) to two- R9 4k7
All 0·25W 5% carbon film or better.
thirds of the supply (4V) as the capacitor
charges, and falling sharply back to one- Potentiometers
third of the supply in each cycle as the VR1 100k min. preset, horiz.
capacitor is discharged. VR2 4k7 min. preset, horiz.
This is a good example of frequency
modulation. The counter is being driven Capacitors
Fig.2. Part of the internal circuit of the by a square-wave oscillator at around C1, C2 10m radial elect. 10V
timer. 10Hz, which is frequency modulated by a (2 off)
0·6Hz sawtooth. The depth of modulation C3 10m axial elect. 10V
C4 10n polyester
Part of the internal circuit of the 7556 is fairly high, producing a noticeable effect
timer is shown in Fig.2. This is the part on the frequency applied to the counter. In Semiconductors
that is concerned with detecting when the terms of the horse, its rate of approach to D1 to D6, 5mm l.e.d., red
voltage across the timing capacitor has the fence is tantalizingly erratic. It is not D8 (7 off)
reached two-thirds of the supply voltage actually unpredictable, but a player needs D7 5mm l.e.d., green
(Vcc, or +VE). The resistor chain has three to get the feel of the timing to be success- IC1 7556 CMOS dual timer
equal value resistors and, since they are all ful in jumping the fence. IC2 74HC4017 CMOS
decade counter
manufactured on the same chip, these are
very closely matched. This explains why JUMP CIRCUIT IC3 4001 CMOS quad
2-input NOR gate
the timer i.c. has such good accuracy. The “clear jump’’ l.e.d. (D8) is IC4 4011 CMOS quad
A comparator detects when the switched by transistor TR1, which is fed 2-input NAND gate
threshold voltage (the voltage across the from the output of a set-reset flip-flop. TR1 BC548 npn transistor
capacitor) has risen to be exactly equal to This is built from two NAND gates,
two-thirds of the supply. At this point, the IC4b and IC4c, and is triggered by a low Miscellaneous
comparator changes state and resets the input pulse at pin 9, supplied by NAND S1, S2 min. push-to-make
timer. Its output goes low. gate IC4a. It is reset by a low pulse to switch (2 off, black,
the other input, pin 6, produced by white)
The circuit in Fig.2 shows why it is
unnecessary to connect anything to the pressing Reset switch S2. Stripboard, 29 strips x 39 holes; 6V
control voltage input when using the timer The flip-flop can be set only if both battery and connector clip; 1mm termi-
in the normal way. In the absence of any inputs of IC4a are high at exactly the same nal pins (2 off); 14-pin d.i.l. socket (3 off),
connection, that point on the resistor chain time, one supplied by counter IC2 from 16-pin d.i.l. socket; connecting wire;
sits at two-thirds of Vcc. output Q6, the other generated by the solder, etc.
However, if an external voltage is con- player through IC3b. With the clock run-
nected to the resistor chain through the
control voltage input, it is possible to pull
the voltage at that point higher or lower
ning at (say) 10Hz, each output of IC2 is
high for 0·05s. The player has to produce a
trigger pulse to occur within that period
Approx. Cost
Guidance Only £10
than two-thirds of supply. The comparator when only output Q6 is high.
Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 653
 The trigger pulse is generated by the
two NOR gates IC3a and IC3b, connected
to produce a high output pulse on a falling
edge occurring at input pin 2. In other
words, the pulse is generated when the
player releases pushbutton switch S1.
Note that it is not possible for the player to
cheat by pressing and holding the switch
while the horse canters up to the fence.
The pulse is generated when the switch
is first released. It lasts a little less than
one time constant, or 10ms, as determined
by the time constant set by R6 and C4. If
the switch is released an instant too soon,
the pulse is finished before the Q6 output
from IC2 goes high. Thus, it is essential to
release the switch within the 0·05s that the
output is high.
The circuit should be powered by a 6V
battery (do not use any other supply
voltage).

CONSTRUCTION
The Steeplechase Game is constructed
on a piece of stripboard, 39 holes wide
by 29 holes (strips) down. The layout
details are shown in Fig.3. Dual-in-line
(d.i.l.) sockets should be used for all
i.c.s. Note that some resistors are
mounted vertically.
There are a lot of wire links on the
board, preferably use sleeving on them to
prevent accidental short circuits between
them. Note that two links have one end
beneath VR1 and VR2. Ensure that the
i.c.s., l.e.d.s and electrolytic capacitors are
inserted the correct way round. Also
ensure that all the required track cuts are
made in the correct positions.
Begin construction with IC3 and IC4.
Note that only two of the four gates of IC3
are used, and only three of the four gates
of IC4. In the layout shown, the inputs to
unused gates are connected to 0V or +6V.
When assembling this part of the circuit,
solder in the lead connecting IC4 to IC2.
This is the wire link from N21 to S21 in
Fig.3. Solder the end at S21 but leave the
other end free.
To test this section of the circuit, con-
nect the free end of the link to 0V.
Pressing S1 should have no effect, l.e.d.
D8 remaining unlit. Then connect the wire Fig.3. Steeplechase Game stripboard component layout and details of breaks
link to +6V. Now, pressing S1 should required in the underside copper tracks. Note the wire links under the two presets
cause D8 to light, and then pressing S2 (VR1, VR2).
turns it off.
If this part does not work correctly, flying lead connected to 0V and touch it that you have cut the copper strips at the
check all the connecting wires and also against the individual pin sockets in the correct points. Insert IC1 and IC2.
check that the copper strips have been cut socket for IC2. The l.e.d.s should come on When the circuit is complete, test the
at the correct points. one at a time as the appropriate pin is effects of altering the setting of VR1 and
Next install the socket for IC2, l.e.d.s D1 grounded (see Fig.1 to check which l.e.d. VR2. The overall speed of the horse is
to D7 and resistor R5, but do not put IC2 in should light.) controlled by VR2. The amount by which
its socket yet. Check the wiring by connect- Finally, assemble the timing circuits its speed varies is controlled by VR1.
ing the terminal pin at F1 to +6V. Take a based on IC1. Again, check very carefully May the best horse win! $

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654 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

News . . . A roundup of the latest Everyday
News from the world of
electronics

CAN E-MAILS CARRY VIRUSES?

Following on from recent headline-hitting virus attacks, Barry Fox
asks an all-important question.
that most people and companies Windows should also give the option to which then E-mailed short SMS messages
N OW
(except some PR folk!) are waking up
to the risks of sending binary files as E-
disable all Macros, in a way that does not
let viruses turn the option back on.
to random phone numbers. So it only
caused irritation. A side effect of the PC
mail attachments, the question most com- Outlook should by default send only LoveBug virus was to make a PC send
monly asked is – can a virus hide inside an ASCII – currently it may reply in HTML some of its code to any SMS address in the
E-mail sent as plain ASCII text, or in the if it receives HTML. Outlook address book. But it could not
rich text format that wordprocessors like Cluley suggests that as a temporary safe- spread itself that way because current cell-
Word provide as a save option. guard users can remove the Windows phones do not have the processing power
Graham Cluley of anti-virus company Scripting Host from Windows and disable or memory capacity to harbour viruses.
Sophos has tried to clear the air for us. At Active X. This will stop VBS batch files There have been no viruses yet for
the same time he makes positive sugges- running and will probably make no differ- Windows Pocket CE and Palm devices,
tions and warnings. ence whatsoever to normal operation of which do not support Macros.
the computer. But the user has to know “Virus writers want to infect the world’’,
Text and RTF Safe how to burrow around inside the Windows says Cluley. “They will not waste time
Plain ASCII text is 100 per cent safe; but Settings Panel to Add/Remove programs, infecting devices that cannot spread infec-
if someone sends an HTML Web page and alter the Security Settings inside tion’’. But this may change as higher speed
written in plain text, and the PC uses an Internet Explorer. mobile devices work hand in hand with PCs.
Internet Browser to view it, this could let The Internet should be getting easier and Terrestrial digital broadcaster On Digital
Active X (the Microsoft system which safer to use, not more risky and complicated. will soon provide Internet connection via
allows programs to run inside Web pages) The simple solution, says Cluley, is for an add-one module and phone line. Will
release a hidden virus. Microsoft to sell Windows in a default this leave digital receivers open to infec-
This can happen if the file is deliber- state that is safe from viruses, and then let tion that, for instance, re-flashes their
ately re-named. The original version of users to change risky settings if they know operating system chips?
Microsoft Outlook allowed this to hap- how and dare. “It all depends on the kind of digital sig-
pen automatically, it saw HTML and nature they use’’ says Cluley. “The box
took over to display it as a Web page. WAP Phone Viruses must ignore any update that arrives with-
Viruses Bubble Boy and Cakworm work Interestingly, Cluley believes that risk of out the correct digital signature; it could be
this way. A free software patch for WAP cellphone viruses has been greatly PGP or Verisign, with private and public
Outlook can be downloaded from the over-exaggerated. The Spanish virus key. But the general rule is simple – the
Microsoft site to prevent this. But the PC Timofonica connected to a Web site, more bits the better.’’
owner must be literate and be able to
handle download upgrades.
In its present form Outlook does not
automatically open attachments. “That’s
TOOLS SITE
why any system of active E-mail would be
horrendous’’, says Cluley.
RTF in native form is safe too, because it
is plain text with a little fancy formatting.
It does not support macros. But there is
now a sneaky new virus, called Cap, which
waits until you try and save a Word docu-
ment as RTF, silently intrudes to save it as
a virus-infected Word file, and sticks the
letters RTF at the end so that it looks safe
to open. Because Windows treats a Word
file as a Word file, whatever the letters on
the end, the virus springs to life when the
file opens.

Advice to Microsoft
Cluley says Microsoft should change
Windows so that it checks the file exten- SHESTO Ltd, specialist suppliers of tools and equipment for technicians and crafts-
sion against the embedded file identifier, men, have opened their web-site. They describe it as “an ideal way to locate hard-to-
and only open a file if the extension and find and innovative tools’’.
identifier match. Currently Windows Over 900 products can be viewed and selected via this “easy to use and navigate’’
ignores file extensions and relies on the web site. It also features the latest news on exhibitions and events of interest to model
embedded identifier. “If they don’t match’’ makers, electronics, hobby and DIY enthusiasts.
says Cluley “this should tell Windows Each month special offers will be available at very advantageous prices, as well as
there is something wrong’’. features on interesting new products that have come on the market. The site uses the
Cluley says Windows should also stop latest web security systems so you can order on-line with complete confidence.
hiding file extensions which helps virus The site is at www.shesto.com. Other contacts with Shesto Ltd can be made with
writers get away with double extensions, them at Unit 2, Sapcote Trading Centre, 374 High Road, Willesden, London NW10
like File.jpg.exe. 2DH. Tel: 020 8451 6188. Fax: 020 8451 5450. E-mail: sales@shesto.co.uk.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 655

 YEDA 2000 Oldham RAE
Course
OLDHAM Amateur Radio Club tell us
that they will be starting a new RAE
course, beginning on 17 September 2000,
The course runs until May 2001, ready for
the examination. Enrolment commences
on 12 September at 8pm at the Moorside
Conservative Club, Ripponden Road,
Moorside, Oldham.
The Club is a registered City & Guilds
Examination Centre, able to host the RAE
and Novice exams, and welcomes external
candidates.
For more details contact the Oldham
Amateur Radio Club, 196 Middleton
Road, Hopwood, Heywood OL10 2LH.
Alternatively, telephone/fax the Club
Secretary, Mike Crossley (M1CVL), on
01706 367454. Mention EPE when
responding.

Organ Society
NEWISH readers of EPE who do not yet
THE 2000 Young Electronic Designer Awards ceremony took place in London on 6 July. know that the Electronic Organ
HRH The Duke of York presented the awards at the Millennium Dome during a cele- Constructors Society exists and would like
bration dinner attended by 200 guests including parents, teachers, local dignitaries and to become involved in such a society, are
members of the business community. invited to contact Peter Cox, the EOCS
The Awards, now in their 15th year, recognise the creativity and initiative of young Membership Secretary, 10 Victoria Street,
people using modern technology. They are open to students between the ages of 12 to Reading, Berks RG1 4NQ for more
25 in secondary schools, colleges and universities. The competition challenges young details. Tel: 0118 957 3865.
designers to invent and produce a novel electronic device that meets an everyday need. The Society has been in existence for sev-
The overall objective is for contestants to have fun putting their ideas into practice and eral decades, holding periodic meetings in
in so doing to discover the exciting opportunities which a career in the electronics, the London, South Essex and South Coast
communications and IT industries can offer. regions, although anyone from any part of
Awards were made in three categories, The Duke of York’s Award for the most imag-
the world can join. The Electronic Organ
inative concept, a prize for the most commercially viable project and the IEE Award to
the best new entrant to YEDA. There were also three special prizes, one each for the
Magazine is the quarterly journal of the
Senior, Intermediate and Junior categories. EOCS and includes articles from members
The Duke of York’s Award went to Martin Rosinski (pictured above) of Ponteland (and others). The latest issue has recently
Community High School, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne. Martin, 15 years old, invent- been received at EPE HQ, and as usual cov-
ed Smartlink, the world’s smallest data logger developed for stress measurement in dif- ers a diverse range of subjects including con-
ficult industrial applications where existing systems cannot be used. His efforts were structional features, letters, details of Society
rewarded with a magnificent crystal trophy, which he can keep for a year, a special cer- meetings and other pertinent matters.
tificate signed by the Duke, £1000 and an IBM Thinkpad, courtesy of IBM. It is interesting to note that an EOCS
Information on the other award winners, and details of the annual Awards scheme, web site is being constructed (but not yet
can be obtained from The YEDA Trust, 60 Lower Street, Pulborough, W. Sussex RH20 accessible) and one of its features will be a
2BW. Tel: 01798 875559. Fax: 01798 873550. E-mail: yeda@cix.co.uk. discussion forum of the type provided by
ourselves. News about the EOCS site
progress can be accessed through EOCS
PICO CATALOGUE member Martin Bates’ site, www.bate-
suk.freeserve.co.uk. Martin says to “then
PICO Technology’s latest catalogue has For more product information contact click on the supermarket trolley, then the
been received. Renowned for the excel- Pico Technology Ltd., Dept EPE, The Mill Wersi logo’’.
lence and variety of their PC-based Test House, Cambridge Street, St Neots PE19
and Measurement equipment, Pico’s cata- 1QB. Tel: 01480 396395. Fax: 01480
logue is well worth obtaining if you are
looking to upgrade your workshop
396296. E-mail: post@picotech.com.
Web: www.picotech.com.
Summery
facilities. Greenweld!
The PC-based equipment ranges include “SUMMER’S here at last’’. proclaims
oscilloscopes, spectrum analysers and
meters, data acquisition, temperature and
Mobiles and Masts Greenweld’s Summer 2000 catalogue. Well,
THE National Radiological Protection maybe as the named seasons go, but weath-
humidity, environment monitoring, and Board (NRPB) has published a report on er-wise – what do you think? Anyway, irre-
signal conditioning. A range of related exposure to radio waves near to mobile spective of meteorology (but Greenweld say
accessories is offered as well. phone base stations (a matter which is fre- that at least they are “full of sunshine’’),
Pico, of course, will also be well known quently in the news and the subject of pub- here’s a summery of what’s in their cat:
to you for their kind sponsorship of our lic controversy). Tools galore, multimeters (one under a
Ingenuity Unlimited pages. To find out The NRPB made measurements at mast tenner), new hot melt guns and Antex sol-
how you too could be a winner of a Pico sites in the vicinity of where people lived, dering irons, photographic films and
PC-based scope, see this month’s IU worked or had frequent access. In all cases equipment, electronic components includ-
pages. the total exposures were a small fraction of ing digital i.c.s, audio/visual gear, motors,
This latest catalogue includes three new national and international guidelines. project and computer books, and more
product ranges, a high resolution version Typical average exposures were 0·002 per (including “surplus’’)!
of the ADC-11, an EnviroMon logger with cent of the guidelines. The measurements To get your copy of this 32-page bumper
rechargeable battery pack and a vast were frequently comparable to those from value cat, contact Greenweld Ltd (Dept
memory, and the DrDAQ data logger with TV, FM radio and other transmitters. EPE), PO Box 144, Hoddesdon EN11 0ZG.
built in sensors for light, sound and See web sites www.nrpb.org.uk and Tel: 01277 811042. Fax: 01277 812419.
temperature. www.iegmp.org.uk. E-mail: service@greenweld.co.uk.
656 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000
 WIN A DIGITAL
READOUT MULTIMETER
A 31/2 digit pocket-sized l.c.d. multime-
ter which measures a.c. and d.c. volt-
John Becker addresses some age, d.c. current and resistance. It can
of the general points readers also test diodes and bipolar transistors.
have raised. Have you anything Every month we will give a Digital
interesting to say? Multimeter to the author of the best
Drop us a line! Readout letter.

XLR SOLDERING
0 LETTER OF THE MONTH 0 Dear EPE,
I work for Doyle Technology Consultants in
BETTER BIN-DEC CONVERSION ADJLOOP: ADDWF INDF,F Redmond, Washington, USA and I’m putting
Dear EPE, BTFSS INDF,3 together a training manual for our new employ-
I see you have been using your old binary to SUBWF INDF,F ees on connector soldering techniques and would
decimal routine again, this time in PIC-Gen INCF FSR,F like any information you could send my way on
(July ’00). I hate it, please accept mine. It is neat DECFSZ COUNTER2,F where I could find clear photos or drawings of
and fast and 24-bit but easily modified to 16 or GOTO ADJLOOP soldering techniques on XLR and RCA and TRS
32-bit. Execution time is constant and so can be SHIFT1: CALL SLCNT connectors.
used where timing is critical. I hope that some SLDEC: MOVLW DIGIT1 Bradley J. Luther, via the Net
readers will make use of it, I do like to see good MOVWF FSR
programming techniques. MOVLW 8 The query was sent to our On-line Editor,
I got the idea from the way some processors MOVWF COUNTER2 Alan, who replied:
execute a decimal adjust instruction in hard- SLDLOOP:
ware, so did a bit of simple arithmetic and some RLF INDF,F I really don’t know of anywhere at the
lateral thinking. The version I sent you is my BTFSC INDF,4 moment. This is similar to something I’ve been
generic one, no real need for the subroutines BSF STATUS,C asked for in the past and is something I could
unless they are called from elsewhere. In the 16- BCF INDF,4 maybe attempt to photograph in the future.
bit version I expanded the two inner loops, the INCF FSR,F Techs often develop their own technique so
resulting code is hardly any bigger, executes DECFSZ COUNTER2,F I’m not sure there is a totally right way of sol-
faster, uses only one loop counter and does not GOTO SLDLOOP dering connectors. I need to do some research in
use the FSR. Great for the smaller PICs. DECFSZ COUNTER1,F this respect to get a consensus.
Peter Hemsley, via the Net GOTO ADJBCD However, I anticipated photographing the sol-
RETURN dering of D-type connects etc. using a reflow
To go back in time for a moment, in my PIC- SLCNT: RLF COUNT0,F soldering technique. (Also, jack plugs,
Agoras bike computer (April ’97, and which I RLF COUNT1,F RCA/phono plugs and so on.)
still use), numerous calls to multiplication and RLF COUNT2,F My biggest concern is that my own preferred
division routines were required. The PIC16x84, RETURN way of soldering these items may not be seen as
as used in that design, does not have division or CLRDIG: CLRF DIGIT1 the preferred way by others, but hopefully there
multiplication commands (nor does the CLRF DIGIT2 will be enough common ground to produce a
PIC16F87x family) and I wrote special routines CLRF DIGIT3 definitive resource. It would also be handy if
for these functions. CLRF DIGIT4 someone like Cannon gave me some expensive
Being short of program space, the binary-to- CLRF DIGIT5 XLRs to play with!
decimal conversion was performed by the same CLRF DIGIT6 You may be interested to know that I have
division routine. Since then, a modified CLRF DIGIT7 recently released my first CD-ROM of 200+
“library’’ version has been used in all my PIC CLRF DIGIT8 colour photos of electronic components which
programs needing it for bin-dec conversion to RETURN can be used as an educational/training resource.
suit l.c.d. readout. The images are royalty-free for printed projects.
I tried Peter’s bin-dec routine and was Peter’s routine will have its first EPE outing More on my home page at http://home
impressed, it works beautifully. Thank you Peter. with my forthcoming PIC Monitored Power pages.tcp.co.uk/~alanwin.
This is the listing: Supply (Nov or Dec ’00), in which Peter’s Alan Winstanley
“remmed’’ comments will also be listed.
BINDEC: CALL CLRDIG Note that on entry, variables COUNT0-2 ICEBREAKER DISPLAY
MOVLW 24 already hold the number to be decimalised Dear EPE,
MOVWF COUNTER1 and the answer goes into variables DIGIT1-8. I recently purchased the kit for Mark Stuart’s
GOTO SHIFT1 When outputting the conversion data to an ICEbreaker (Mar ’00). It is an excellent way to
ADJBCD: MOVLW DIGIT1 l.c.d., the decimal values held in the eight get started with PICs. However, the example pro-
MOVWF FSR DIGIT variables must be I0Red with decimal gram sent with it to introduce the l.c.d. module
MOVLW 7 48 to convert them to ASCII. In my Power has thrown up a slight problem.
MOVWF COUNTER2 Supply software an additional routine blanks I have found that the R/W pin on the l.c.d.
MOVLW 3 leading zeros as appropriate. needs to be held low whilst writing to the mod-
ule otherwise spurious errors occur with the dis-
play, garbage being written to the screen. I
As things turn out, you are indeed correct. I corrected this by hardwiring the R/W pin to 0V
SPAM! – obviously it would be better to code it in – and
Dear EPE, eventually found a manufacturer’s reference to
the product, which originally started life as this corrected the problem.
I hesitate to suggest that Alan Winstanley David Perks, Head of Electronics,
could ever stand correction, but possibly not for Hormel’s Spiced Ham. Production started in
1937. Apparently a competition was held with Graveney School, London, via the Net
long enough. I have always understood that
SPAM (see Network July ’00) is a contraction of customers to find a new name, and the winner
SPiced hAM. I was told this in the forties, and was Spam. Thanks for pointing out the We forwarded David’s query to Mark Stuart,
have heard it repeated over the years. mistake. who replied:
In the early seventies I was given some tins of Alan Winstanley
Chinese made pork luncheon meat by a friend Have you fitted R1? It is a pull-down resistor
who had done some work for a Chinese super- I too recall Spam gracing my childhood plate, for the display R/W line and is shown in Fig.4. It
market. The taste took me straight back to the usually fried in batter. Half a memory also tells is underneath the l.c.d. I think it will solve your
original Spam, and it did the same for him. me there was a TV program some moons ago problem. It is necessary to pull down this pin –
Michael Elphick, via the Net which featured a conglomerate of Spam addicts but unless you need to read from the display
who had formed a club to celebrate its virtues! memory there is no need to have it connected to
Alan dropped below warp speed for half a mo And who can forget the infamous Monty Python a port pin.
and replied: sketch? Mark Stuart

658 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

QBASIC AND MICROSOFT MORE QBASIC FOUND WEB DATA SHEETS
Dear EPE, Dear EPE, Dear EPE,
I would like to say that, in my opinion, QBasic As requested in Readout pages – this is just to Following your information in Readout May
is probably the best choice for electronic pro- confirm that I have found QBasic on the ’00, I have in vain tried to access data sheets for
jects. Its ease of use, wide availability and back- Windows 98 second edition CD. I’ve done a file Harris Semiconductors HA12017 and also the
ward compatibility, make it my first choice for compare with the version that came with SSM2166P used in your Versatile Mic/Audio
most programming problems. It can be run on Windows 3.1 and they’re identical. The trouble is Preamplifier (May ’00).
very old computers, and I find this very useful that it’s in a folder called D:\Tools\oldmsdos. Please advise how it is possible to access a site
because I use an 80386 for electronic work. The oldmsdos bit worries me because I’ve been with data sheets that I can print off as appropri-
I suggest that while QBasic does what you told that DOS disappears entirely with Win2000 ate to the specific chip concerned.
want, use it. If some more advanced features are so although everybody may have it now, that Roger Nightingale, via the Net
required, then another language would have to be may not be true next year (month? week?). Note
used, but this would put projects out of the range that the oldmsdos folder also has the old fc.exe Our webmaster Alan received this query, and
of some readers who do not want to, or cannot which I used to compare. gave Roger the following reply:
(as is my case) upgrade. Getting new commer- Roger Warrington, via the Net
cial software can cost a lot of money, and can put Links are stored on our Net Work A-Z web
development and adaptation of code out of reach. Thanks Roger, and to all others who have page, which also has a Google search engine.
If you must change language, at least use one kindly told us that QBasic is on their Windows Entering “Harris Semiconductor’’ into the
that is free! 95/98 CDs. Would anyone with Win2000 care to Google search engine (see Net Work May ’00)
Another point is that in QuickBASIC, not comment on QBasic’s availability with that? brought up their address instantly
QBasic, you can compile the files into stand- (www.semi.harris.com). It says that Harris
alone executables, then if the target people do Semiconductor was taken over by Intersil. You
not have QBasic, they can run the software any- APPRECIATION could try searching www.intersil.com which is
way. My point is, we should stick with QBasic Dear EPE, where Harris’s web site will now send you.
for now, and until such time as we can see what Can I through your Readout column, express Similarly, by typing “Analog Devices’’ into
is going to happen, or not, it is probably the best my appreciation of the many contributions made the Google search engine, the URL is immedi-
language. by Messrs R.A. Penfold and Robert Penfold to ately revealed (www.analog.com). Save any
It is also worth asking: if Microsoft is bro- your magazine. Adobe Acrobat PDF files by right-clicking over
ken up, what will happen about their software? I am a radio man myself, and have built every the file name, choose Save Target As . . . and
Will it be continued under other names, or will set in the three paperbacks that R. A. Penfold save to your hard disk. If you haven’t got it, you
just some of it be sold off and Microsoft con- produced from the 1976 edition to the January then need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be
tinue to exist in a smaller form? Please 1991 edition. I ran out of space to house these downloaded free from www.adobe.com.
enlighten me! many years ago. Every one of them lacks one Alan Winstanley
Will we still be able to find a “standard’’ oper- attribute, however, that of frequency readout. I
ating system? As well as my MS-DOS system. I have tried numerous suggestions for this but PIC F84 OR C84?
have another 80386 running Linux perfectly hap- without success. Dear EPE,
pily. There are many other flavours of UNIX and Can I through your good offices ask that these Keep up the wonderful work, especially with
Linux, and this could cause compatibility prob- two knowledgeable gentlemen produce a program PICs. Could you tell me if the code for the Multi-
lems if Microsoft goes under. and simple interface which I can attach to my channel Transmission System (May/June ’00)
Another point about Microsoft software is that radios that will show on my computer (’486 run- will fit/work on a PIC16C84 rather than the rec-
it is becoming too “helpful’’. If a new version of ning Windows 95) screen where I am in the spec- ommended PIC16F84, as I have a tube of
Visual Basic does come about, will it try to for- trum up to 30MHz. This would make my day. 16C84s!
mat the screen, or put in bits and pieces the way Peter McBeath, Gareth Evans, via the Net
it wants, just like Word 2000? I find this the most Morpeth, Northumberland
annoying feature of Microsoft: it thinks it knows In this instance the code will function just as
what you want to do, and then treats you like an In fact, Robert and R. A. Penfold are one and well on either device.
idiot. It defeats its own object. If the idea of it is the same, although with so many designs, arti- As a reminder to you all, code written for a
to help a new user, which I think it is, it makes cles and books to his credit, anyone could be for- PIC16C84 will always work on a PIC16F84.
things even more complicated. given for wondering how just one person could In many cases the reverse is also true, but not
I have been reading EPE for four years now, be so prolific. My own familiarity with Robert’s always. The ’F84 has more registers and EEP-
and have loved every issue. It has been, and still work must date back to at least the early ’70s. ROM capacity than the ’C84 which some
will be, the best place from which to learn elec- Over the years he has taught many electronics authors (including myself) have sometimes
tronics. Incidentally, I could not find an E-mail enthusiasts about how to get the best out of their taken advantage of. In such instances, only the
address for Readout, so I sent this letter to hobby and we greatly respect his abilities and ’F84 is suitable. Gareth was quite right to
Editorial. Some guide would have been nice (not knowledge. check with us.
meant nastily!). We are pleased to know that Robert’s designs
Ian Liverton (16), have inspired you as well, and have passed your KIND THANKS
Sidcup, Kent, via the Net letter to him. Dear EPE,
Thank you for the prompt response and the
Thank you for contributing to the QB debate. accurate diagnosis of the cure for Error Number
Regarding Microsoft, it is concerning how its LAPTOP AND TEACH-IN 76 when running PIC Toolkit Mk2. I have now
breakup might affect standardisation. I have wel- Dear EPE, created the C:\ASMCNV directory and my
comed what the company appears to have done I’ve been trying to test the parallel port on my Toolkit Mk2 is assembling and disassembling
to standardise so much in the way of software laptop (Pentium II) running Windows 98 and I code just fine.
functionality. When I first began program writing do not get any responses from the parallel port I have been collecting EPE since June 1996
in the late ’70s, there were many systems vying when testing it with Teach-In 2000’s Parallel and would like to make use of this opportunity to
for acceptance and none that I swapped between Port Data Display/Set routine. thank you all for the many informative articles
during the next few years were compatible with I’ve built the interface and checked it thor- which you publish at regular intervals. The
each other. Names like Commodore, Apple, oughly and the outputs stay at 0V regardless of recent Technology Timelines series was great.
Sinclair, Tangerine, Dragon, Amstrad and so on what I select from the state shown on the Output A special word of thanks for the free software
come to mind. Byte box on the computer screen. I have tried all that you give away for your PIC and other pro-
I do not know the ins and outs of the legal three addresses for the printer port all unsuccess- jects as well. Some of your competitors could
arguments or why in this instance the existence ful. I checked the Readout column on some take a leaf from your book.
of a large organisation and its alleged monopoly issues of EPE to see if anyone had encountered Many thanks from darkest Africa.
status should be regarded as contrary to public this problem but could not find any. Any help Graham Jacobsen, Zambia, via the Net
interest, yet in other instances it should not. Why would be appreciated.
for example, should Cisco Systems be exempt Alejandro Fubini, via the Net
We are glad to be of service! Best wishes from
from criticism? If I understand their TV ads cor- Historic Wimborne (at least 1000 years old – the
rectly they carry the majority of the World’s I suggested to Alejandro that he should read location, not us personally!).
Internet traffic – is that not a near-monopolistic Panel 9.5 of Teach-In Part 9, July ’00, asking
situation? him to let me know the outcome.
Like Ian, I too would like enlightenment. He responded:
Knowledgeable readers are invited to comment.
WRITEOUT
On Ian’s final point, Readout does not have a If you have something to say which
Thanks for your help, I can now get on with
separate E-mail address, just write to editori- continuing the Tutorial, which is the best might interest other readers and is
al@epemag.wimborne.co.uk. Any correspon- refresher I’ve had since completing my electron- loosely related to electronics, drop us
dence that comes in via E-mail or snail-mail is ics engineering degree six years ago. It’s amaz- a line, or send an e-mail or fax –
considered for Readout suitability. ing what you forget in that timespan. addresses on the Editorial page.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 659

New Technology
Update Micromagnetic techniques offer better circuit
isolation for high speed data transfer.
Ian Poole reports

sections of circuitry can be a electronic and mechanical or electro-

Itions.
SOLATING
very important function in some applica-
A variety of techniques and compo-
Micromachined Magnetic mechanical features.
The µmIsolation device consists of two
nents can be used to achieve this. Which Isolators CMOS die assembled into a common
one is chosen depends on a variety of fac- Another approach is to use a magnetic package. Wires then provide the connec-
tors, and each technique has its own advan- isolator. These are typically based around tions to the coil on the output of the CMOS
tages and disadvantages. transformers and for digital solutions it is circuitry. This coil has a high Q and is fab-
With increasing demands for high speed possible to integrate the driver and ricated on the top of the receiver die. A
data transmission, one of the major receiver circuitry together with the trans- second coil is also fabricated with an insu-
requirements of an isolator is to maintain a former onto the same die, making a very lating oxide layer between it and the first
very high speed path. Speeds of many compact solution. The driver encodes the coil so that inductive coupling between the
megabits per second are often required, input signal into a suitable a.c. waveform two coils enables the signals to be trans-
and designers of these systems often find that is fed into the transformer. This is mitted across the insulating layer. The cir-
that the isolator limits the performance of very tightly coupled so that stray effects cuitry connected to the second coil, again
the whole system. are minimised and the resilience to elec- fabricated using CMOS technology, recon-
As a result, companies are investigating trostatic and other transient effects is stitutes the signal in its original form.
new methods of providing cost-effective minimised. The output circuitry then The coil, insulation and circuitry are all
isolators. Typically these are integrated cir- receives the signal from the transformer contained within the same monolithic
cuit solutions because they are able to pro- and reconstructs it into the digital wave- assembly. The design of the chip is such
vide the required speeds. form required at the output. that there is sufficient isolation for
operation up to 2500 volts
Opto-isolators r.m.s.
Opto-isolators have provided
an ideal solution in many Advantages
respects and many suitable The new µmIsolation inte-
devices have been available for grated circuits offer many
some years. Being based advantages to the electronics
around an l.e.d. and an optical designer requiring high-
detector (photo-detector) very speed data transmission over
high levels of isolation can be an isolated link. Not only is
obtained, because there is no it possible to use a single
feedback from the output to chip to perform this function,
the input, and the isolation but the fact that the coils are
depends upon the material that tightly coupled means that
separates the l.e.d. and the there are no cross talk and
detector. However, one of the interference concerns. This
drawbacks of these systems is aspect can be developed
that they may not have a suffi- MEMS devices offer circuit isloation using high speed to allow several isolator
ciently high bandwidth. magnetic techniques. (Illustration courtesy Analogue Devices) channels to be incorporated
When a digital “one” is within the same package,
received by the opto-isolator’s allowing a large number of
l.e.d., it emits light. This is data lines to be coupled. This
received by the photo-detector that converts As these magnetic digital isolators are provides further size and cost savings
the incoming light into free electrons and fabricated using CMOS techniques they when it is compared to other opto-
holes, thereby allowing current to flow in the have short propagation delays coupled coupler implementations.
detector. However, when the l.e.d. is extin- with high speeds of operation. In this way A further advantage is that because they
guished the photo-detector stops converting they are able to provide much higher data do not require l.e.d.s, the magnetic solution
the light into electrons but it takes finite time rates than their opto equivalents. Currently consumes considerably less power. This
for the charge to be dissipated. This is these devices are able to provide data rates can be of considerable importance in some
particularly so because the detector is gener- of 100Mbps. applications.
ally operating into a relatively high imped-
ance circuit and this slows down the rate at µmIntegration Further Developments
which data can be transferred. A new process called µmIntegration has The same basic technology has also been
recently been announced by Analog used to provide a solid state relay, the
Static Corruption Devices. This represents their latest µmRelay, which provides another attrac-
A further problem is that photo-detectors approach to integrating MEMS tive option for some applications. Again
are particularly sensitive to electrostatic (Microelectromechanical Systems) and cost, size and power consumption are
fields. Unfortunately, when driving large semiconductor technology. It allows lower than the mechanical counterparts,
machines, these are often present. Often elec- MEMS structures to be built on top of whilst reliability and performance are
trostatic transients appear and these manifest standard semiconductor wafers. By pro- claimed to be better.
themselves as additional spikes on the output viding interconnections between the Further details about these devices can
of the coupler. The resulting spikes can cor- MEMS structure and the electronic device be found on the Analog Devices website at
rupt the data being transferred, providing an underneath they are able to provide very www.analog.com/industry/umic/isola-
additional problem for the system designer. high-density circuits that incorporate both tiontech.html

660 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

EPE/ETI Tutorial Series

TEACH-IN 2000
Part Eleven – Voltage Regulation,
Integration, Differentiation
JOHN BECKER
Transformers and rectifiers were the subject of the We now take the subject a step further by discussing how
Tutorial in Part 10 last month, introducing you to the con- d.c. voltages can be regulated so that they maintain a
cept of safely obtaining power from the a.c. mains supply stable level even though the source voltage may
and converting it to a d.c. voltage suitable for use with fluctuate. We look, too, at how capacitor values can be
electronic circuits. We illustrated the discussion with optimised in order modify waveform shapes in this and
examples of the waveforms produced at various stages other applications. We also describe a simple mains
of the process, and how capacitors form an integral part operated 5V d.c. power supply that you can safely
of the final conversion to d.c. assemble on your breadboard.

Part 10 we made the point that the become common usage, however, for any * The maximum current that can be
I
N
voltage of the a.c. mains supply and that reference diode to be referred to as a Zener drawn by the load circuit it powers.
of a transformer’s secondary windings diode.
can vary unpredictably, resulting in unsta- Commonly encountered circuit diagram * The maximum current which is per-
ble rectified d.c. voltages. You will have symbols for Zener diodes were shown in mitted to flow through the diode when the
also found that the voltage supplied by your Part 4 Fig.4.4. A symbol is also shown in load circuit is drawing least current.
(nominally) 6V battery has been progres- the screen display accessible via the Zener
sively dropping since you started using it Diode option of the main program menu. * A Zener diode requires a minimum
some months ago (you may even have had Select and run this option, and also see current flow for the reverse voltage break-
to buy a new one since then). Photo 11.1. down to occur at the correct voltage level.
The answer you must be itch-
ing to know is how we ensure that The first factor depends entirely
d.c. supplies do maintain consis- on the load circuit (R2), as we
tent voltage levels. have discussed in previous parts.
One answer lies in the use of The other two factors are normal-
Zener diodes, which were men- ly quoted in the Zener diode’s data
tioned in Part 4. Let’s examine sheet, but also see later.
them next.
ZENER DIODE
ZENER DIODE CHARACTERISTICS
In Part 4 Panel 4.1 it is stated Unlike “ordinary’’ diodes,
that all diodes have a maximum Zener diodes are used in a circuit
reverse breakdown voltage limit. with their cathodes (k) facing the
In other words you normally only most positive voltage so that they
exceed that limit at the diode’s only conduct when the supply
peril. voltage is above their stated refer-
The reverse breakdown volt- ence value.
age, however, is not always disas- Zener diodes are commonly
trous and there are ways in which available having reference values
it can be put to good use. Zener from 2·4V to 75V, although for
(or reference) diodes have their specialist applications diodes
construction modified during Photo 11.1. Interactive demo screen which illustrates volt- exist which provide much higher
manufacture so that the reverse age control using a Zener diode. reference voltages. As with many
current flow commences at a spe- other types of component, Zener
cific voltage. voltage values have a tolerance factor,
Provided that the current flow is limited, Reverse current flow through the Zener typically ±5%.
this breakdown voltage can be used as a (D1) and to the load circuit (represented The current which a Zener diode can
reference voltage. As such, a Zener diode by R2) is normally limited by a ballast conduct in its “normal’’ (voltage limiting)
can be used to restrict power supply volt- resistor (R1) in series between them and direction is not usually quoted as such.
ages to a known maximum level. the power supply (Vin). The ballast resis- Zeners are normally specified by wattage
As an aside, the term Zener really only tor is not included in the Zener package, values which reflect the amount of power
applies to certain reference diodes which but needs to be connected as a separate that the diode can safely dissipate.
exhibit the so-called Zener effect (beyond item and having a value which depends on Typical values range from 400mW to
our scope to define this here). It has three factors: 20W or more.

662 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

ZENER DIODE PROGRAM Finding out likely
minimum and maxi-
To explore what happens with a typical
Zener diode circuit, you can experiment by mum load currents is
changing various values through the Zener less straightforward.
demo program. One way is to calcu-
From the left-hand box you can change late them (not always
the values for R1, R2, D1 and the primary easy – as we have said
d.c. powering voltage (Vin), using the con- on previous occa-
trol keys stated on screen. The results pro- sions). Another is to
duced by the different values you select are first power the circuit
given in the right-hand box. from a variable power
To use the program in a meaningful way, supply set to the
set the Vin voltage level available from a required reference
theoretical power supply and the value of (Zener) voltage and to
D1 for the fixed (reference) voltage output measure the currents.
required. The Zener values selectable are However, it is not
those normally available through major likely that you will nor-
component suppliers, ranging from 2·4V to mally need to use
10V. Note both voltage values. Zeners in circuits that
With R1 at the minimum value that can draw particularly high
be set (1W), i.e. as good as nil resistance, currents, or currents Photo 11.2. The power supply Miscellany screen. Auto-
adjust the value for R2 (the load) until the that fluctuate signifi- transformers were described in Part 10.
right-hand box shows the estimated maxi- cantly. There are better
mum current that will flow through it (more components (voltage regulators) to use in Note the use of capacitors C1 and C2 to
on this presently – choose an arbitrary such circumstances. smooth any slight fluctuations (caused by
value for the moment). Zeners are more likely to be used to set a circuit noise, such as minor power line rip-
Next increase the value for R1 (ballast fixed reference voltage to a low power ple, for example) in the supply to the base,
resistor) until the current flow through the circuit rather than to control high power. and the supply taken by the load. Typical
Zener is at or just above 10mA. Make a The following section offers a midway values are 100nF for C1 and between about
note of the value for R1. option. 1mF and 22mF for C2.
Other values may be used if circum-
Now estimate the minimum current that
is likely to flow through the load circuit. AMPLIFIED stances require greater smoothing. Be
Adjust the value of R2 until this current is ZENER CURRENT aware, though, that when power is first
applied, C2 is fully discharged and thus the
shown in the Results box. You will see that From much of the foregoing, it will be
the current now estimated to flow through obvious that using a Zener is not necessar- transistor initially sees a short circuit
D1 will have increased. ily too easy when the characteristics of the between the voltage on its collector and 0V
From the Results box, read off the power load circuit may not be fully known for any at its emitter. This short circuit is only brief
that R1 and D1 are likely to consume when instant of time. The choice of ballast resis- while the capacitor charges up to the full
the load circuit of R2 is drawing the mini- tor and Zener wattage value can be critical Zener controlled level, but for the first part
mum current. in cases where higher currents are demand- of that charging the current might be
ed by the load. greater than the transistor can safely han-
WATTAGE VALUES There is a simple way of improving the dle. This will especially apply if C2 has a
large value.
As you discovered in Part 1, resistors are Zener control, by using a transistor to
manufactured to handle specific maximum amplify the current available through the If C2 needs a large value, it can be pru-
power values, e.g. 0·25W, 0·5W etc. Zener’s ballast resistor, and then to power dent to insert a small value resistor between
Similarly with Zener diodes, whose typi- the load circuit using that amplified the full d.c. positive supply line (Vdc IN)
cally available power ratings are stated near current. and the collector, say a value of 10W, just
the top of the screen, e.g. 400mW, 500mW, In Part 9 we demonstrated how a transis- enough to reduce the switch-on current
1W, etc. (but other values exist). tor could amplify current. That technique is flow through the transistor, but not so high
In a real life situation, from these avail- used in the Zener buffer circuit shown at as to significantly restrict current being
able values you would select wattage val- the left of Photo 11.2. Remember that the supplied to the load.
ues for R1 and D1 so that they can
withstand the power that they are expected
transistor connection letters of c, b and e
are abbreviations for collector, base and ZENER AND
to handle. Choose power handling values emitter. OP.AMP BUFFER
that are well above the maximum at which The Zener diode is chosen to have a ref- A similar current buffering technique
the component is likely to be operated, at erence value of 0·7V above the load’s sup- can be achieved using any normal op.amp,
least 50%, and preferably more. ply voltage required from the emitter of such as the LM358, or a type 741 (a single
Be aware that if the load circuit con- transistor TR1. This is to compensate for op.amp as opposed to a dual).
sumes more current than allowed for by the the 0·7V (or so, as discussed in Part 9) volt- In Fig.11.1, the circuit is arranged so that
resistance value of R1, the Vout value may age drop between the (silicon) transistor’s the Zener regulated voltage is fed into the
drop below the Zener voltage and inade- base and emitter. non-inverting input of the op.amp, which is
quate stability of the powered circuit may The current which is required to flow connected in unity gain buffer mode (dis-
result. through resistor R1 now only needs to be a cussed in Part 7).
Note also that the example minimum fraction of that required by the load. In fact, The op.amp thus outputs the same volt-
current requirement through D1 may be it is typically chosen to be about the value age as provided by the Zener, but with
higher or lower than 10mA in some Zener of the load current divided by the gain of
diodes – consult their data sheets for the the transistor, allowing a bit of margin in +VE
recommended minimum current flow. Note case somewhat greater currents than antici-
that some Zener diodes are specifically pated are drawn by the load, and in case the
manufactured to have a very low minimum gain is not necessarily known precisely R1
current requirement. (remember that there is a spread of values IC1 V REF.
OUTPUT
that it can be for any individual transistor). +
OTHER VALUES The minimum Zener current must also be k
To establish the same value results with- taken into account. D1 C1
a
out using the demo program, all the calcu- Naturally, the transistor type (an npn
lations can be done in simple stages using device) must be chosen so that it can safely 0V

your knowledge of resistors in series (Part supply the current that is required by the load,
1) and Ohm’s Law (Part 3), tracing the and that it can handle the heat generated (its Fig.11.1. Zener and op.amp reference
steps we have just described. wattage value) when that current flows. voltage buffer.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 663

much greater current available, although the voltage differential is large (it’s the current controlling resistor is repeatedly
usually less than can be provided via a tran- P = VA situation again). changing its value, i.e. it has been a wave-
sistor. There is also the security of knowing The 1A (and greater) devices have metal form of some sort. In such situations, the
that the op.amp is unlikely to die if too tabs to help radiate/convect/conduct heat capacitor does not necessarily attain its
much current is drawn from it, unlike the away from them. The tabs can be bolted to fully charged or discharged condition. This
transistor. heatsinks to aid cooling (a subject beyond is especially so when the capacitor is used
this series, but simply bolting the devices to as the smoothing or reservoir component in
VOLTAGE REGULATORS the metal case containing the circuit can a power supply.
For situations where voltage regulation often provide a satisfactory cooling As a result, the waveform which appears at
is required for the supply that powers one solution). the C-R junction may not retain the shape of
or more circuits, rather than just a sub-cir- Note that the tab is usually electrically con- the waveform applied to the resistor and, of
cuit, then a voltage regulator should used. nected to the Common (0V) pin so they may course, in a power supply you do not want
These are devices that contain circuitry need to be insulated from the heatsink. any waveform to remain. You have already
which very accurately regulates their out- Suitable mica (or similar) washers are some- seen a good example of waveform modifica-
put voltage at a fixed level below the sup- times supplied with the device, although they tion when examining the waveforms generat-
ply voltage being input to it. Various types may have to be purchased separately. ed by the oscillator (and its variants) first
offer output currents typically from about The basic circuit for using a fixed volt- discussed in Part 4, Fig.4.2.
100mA up to several amps. age regulator is also shown in the centre of In the oscillator, the waveform feeding
Furthermore, within quite broad limits Photo 11.2. The input voltage (Vdc) enters into its resistance path is a square wave
many types are practically indestructible. If one pin and the regulated voltage (Vout) alternating between 0V and 6V (as sup-
more power is drawn from them than they exits another, while a 0V connection is plied by the output of IC1a pin 2), yet the
are designed for, they start to overheat, made to a third. That’s all – just three pins waveform at the junction of the resistance
their internal circuitry senses this and they to connect to provide an extremely well- and the capacitor is approximately triangu-
shut down! Once they have cooled suffi- regulated fixed d.c. voltage supply. lar and having an amplitude swing of much
ciently, they start to function again. Obviously, such devices automatically less than this.
Typical fixed voltage regulators you will remove the power supply ripple voltage With this oscillator, of course, as soon as
come across are, for example, the types referred to earlier, as long as the minimum the voltage on the capacitor reaches certain
78L05 and 7805. The 78 prefix indicates ripple voltage does not drop below the mini- thresholds, so the inverting gate’s output
that they are positive voltage regulators. mum 2V (nominal) input/output differential. changes its logic state.
The final two digits (05 in this case) then However, such regulators are not totally
indicate that they regulate the output volt- immune to power line noise and other SLOPING OFF
age at +5V. The 7805 is designed to supply minor voltage fluctuations. It is advisable Let’s examine what happens if the oscil-
current up to 1A (some manufacturers to precede their inputs and follow their out- lator gate’s output is also fed into two sep-
allow 1·5A for their 7805). The 78L05 can puts with non-electrolytic capacitors. arate resistance-capacitance circuits.
output up to 100mA. Typical values are between about 100nF Modify the oscillator circuit on your bread-
Negative voltage regulators are also and 330nF for the input, and 100nF for the board so that it matches the layout in
available, typically prefixed 79 (as opposed output. The input capacitor here is in addi- Fig.11.3. The equivalent circuit diagrams
to 78), as with the 79L05 and 7905. These tion to the power supply’s electrolytic and component values are given in Fig.11.4
are the negative equivalents of the 78L05 smoothing capacitor. and Fig.11.5 (later). It is the circuit of
and 7805, both supplying –5V, again at Fig.11.4 that we shall discuss first.
100mA and 1A, respectively. OTHER REGULATORS Connect the junction of C2 and VR2 (V
A list of 78/79 series regulators is shown Other voltage regulators exist for a vari- Out Integrate) to the input of the ADC (IC2
in the centre of Photo 11.2. Pinouts for the ety of purposes. Some allow the output pin 2) as indicated. Set the wiper of VR2
devices are shown in Fig.11.2. voltage to be varied by other component fully clockwise (minimum resistance).
values, for example. There are also low Adjust VR1 until the oscillator l.e.d. flash-
drop-out regulators which operate with a es at about once per second.
TAB voltage differential of less than 2V. Run the Analogue Input Waveform
Still others consume less control current Display program and observe the wave-
2
xxxxx IDENTITY than the standard devices. There are also form displayed.
SIDE
xxxxx sophisticated switch-mode devices which At this time, there is no (significant)
3 1
TOP VIEW
regulate power supplies by other techniques. resistance between IC1a pin 2 and capaci-
tor C2 and the waveform seen will be the
SMOOTHING CAPACITORS same square wave as output from IC1a.
1 2 3 Capacitors were
SIDE VIEW first discussed in Part
TAB 2. We demonstrated VOUT DIFFERENTIATE
how they could be +VE (IC2 PIN 2)

1 2 3 1 2 3 charged and dis-

TOP VIEW PIN VIEW charged at different R
rates depending on 3
10

12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
11
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

VR3
PIN 78xx 79xx PIN 78Lxx 79Lxx their capacitance
J

1 INPUT COMMON 1 INPUT OUTPUT value and the value of R1

F G H I

2 COMMON INPUT 2 COMMON INPUT the resistor in series C3

+
3 OUTPUT OUTPUT 3 OUTPUT COMMON
with them, in other
words, on the CR R
value of the circuit. VR1 IC1 IC3 4
Fig.11.2. Pinouts for the 78/79 series
In both cases, it was
A B C D E

of voltage regulators.
assumed that the C1 R2 C2
capacitor started off + +
k a
These particular devices require that the either fully charged or
D1 VR2
input voltage is about 2V greater than the fully discharged and
10

12
13
14

16
17
18

21
22
23
24

26

28
11
1
2
3

5
6
7
8
9

output voltage required. The maximum we quoted the formu-

input voltage is about 35V (see data sheets lae used to calculate
or suppliers’ catalogues). the associated rate of
VOUT INTEGRATE
Note, though, that the greater the differ- voltage change. 0V (IC2 PIN 2)
ential between input and output voltages, Since then you have
the greater the power that is dissipated by been using capacitors
the device. In other words, it will get hotter in circuits where the Fig.11.3. Breadboard layout for the waveform modification
more quickly for a given current drawn if voltage applied to the experiment circuits in Fig.11.4 and Fig.11.5.

664 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 been doing), to changing waveform shapes outputs, and at first sight the sine wave
+VE (as you’ve just done), removing higher fre- input and output shapes appear similar.
VR1 R1
100k 100Ω quency signals whilst retaining those at Note, though, how the relationship between
lower frequencies (as in an audio tone con- the peaks and troughs shifts with various
VOUT INTEGRATE
trol, for example) and smoothing a rectified CR values. In other words, a phase shift
14
IC1a (ADC IC2 PIN2) power supply voltage, of course, although occurs (see Photo 11.5).
74HC14 VR2
1 2 500k this is a special case since the discharge The program allows control over the R,
resistance is that of the load circuit and the C and F (frequency) values represented by
7 R2
470Ω
charging resistance is virtually nil. the circuit. The Scale option changes the
There is a term given to this simple cir- frequency range covered by option F and
+ a + cuit configuration, it is known as an inte- amends the C and R values appropriately in
C1 D1 C2
220µ
k
22µ grator, and its action is known as order to retain waveform shapes between
0V integration. The term is not to be confused, range changes.
however, with the term integrated when Positive or negative d.c. bias (not speci-
Fig.11.4. circuit diagram for the capac- applied to a semiconductor integrated cir- fied as a particular voltage, just a number)
itor charge/discharge experiment cuit (i.c.) – in this latter case the term loose- can be given to the input waveform and to
(integration). ly means “combined’’. the voltage level to which capacitor C is
terminated (shown as 0V on entry to the
Note that the waveform may be a bit dis- INTEGRATION DEMO program). The CR time constant in respect
torted because of being connected to a We can demonstrate further examples of of the C and R values is also quoted.
capacitor without a resistor in between. waveform shaping using an integrator Experiment with the various options,
Now slowly adjust VR2’s wiper anti- through program menu option Capacitors – particularly C, R and F, and see how the Vc
clockwise to increase the resistance Integration. Select and run it (and also see waveform is affected. You will see how the
between IC1a pin 2 and C2, observing the Photo 11.4). square wave input results in a Vc waveform
waveform display as you do so. Note how On entry to the screen display a square that closely matches what you observed on
the waveform gradually loses its square wave is shown as the changing voltage your breadboard earlier.
shape, becoming more triangular and being input via Vin to resistor R (see the
reducing in amplitude until it leaves an circuit diagram at bottom right). With the FORMULATION
almost straight line in its place on the CR and frequency values as shown at top We have repeatedly referred to the wave-
screen, roughly midway between the maxi- right, the second screen waveform, repre- form at IC1a pin 1 of the oscillator as being
mum and minimum points that the wave- senting that at the R-C junction (Vc), is “triangular’’ (or nearly so). If you were to
form reached while still a square wave. shown as having a somewhat triangular actually look at the waveform on an oscil-
What is happening as you increase VR2’s shape. loscope, you would see that its shape con-
resistance is that the CR ratio is progressive- Press key <W> a few times and observe sisted of curved slopes, more like the Vc
ly increasing and the capacitor has less and how the input waveform shape changes waveform you observed when you first
less time to charge or discharge between between square, sine
each change of voltage from IC1a pin 2. and triangle, and how
Set VR2’s wiper to a midway position. the Vc output wave-
Now vary the setting of VR1, to change the form also changes.
frequency being generated. Again observe Note that the pro-
the screen while you do so. gram has set the Vin
You will see that the waveform regains square wave varying
some of its amplitude at lower frequencies, between 0V and a pos-
but loses it as the frequency rises. Again its itive (unspecified)
all to do with the CR ratio of VR2 and C2, voltage, whereas the
this time in respect of the rate of change of Vin sine and triangle
the controlling square wave. waveforms are evenly
Try the same tests with different capacitor swinging above and
values, e.g. C1 at 22mF and C2 at 2·2mF, so below 0V.
setting other CR ratios and frequency ranges. At certain CR val-
There are many varied applications in ues, you will see that
which this simple resistance-capacitance the square and triangle
(VR2/C2) configuration can be used, from inputs can both result
setting an oscillator’s frequency (as you’ve in similarly shaped

Photo 11.4. Interactive integration demo screen illustrating

how a square wave input is modified by a CR ratio.

Photo 11.5. Interactive integration demo screen illustrating

Photo 11.3. Detail of the breadboard layout in Fig.11.3. how CR ratios can cause signal phase shifting.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 665

Photo 11.6 and Photo 11.7. Interactive differentiation screens showing how different CR values can drastically affect the shape
of a square wave.
entered the Integration display screen (as in Return to your breadboard and connect the
IC1a PIN 2
Photo 11.4). You will probably have seen + output of C3 and VR3 (V Out Differentiate)
similar curved slopes under some condi- +VE C3 to IC2 pin 2. It is the differentiation circuit
22µ
tions of using your Analogue Input VOUT DIFFERENTIATE
shown in Fig.11.5 that is now to be moni-
Waveform Display to monitor other bread- R3
100k
(ADC IC2 PIN 2) tored. Once more observe the Analogue Input
8
board waveforms in previous experiments 6 Waveform Display as you experiment with
earlier in the Teach-In series. IC3b 7 VR3 different CR and frequency values.
5 LM358 100k
No doubt you will recognise that the + An important point to note about the cir-
slopes follow the graphs generated when 4 cuit in Fig.11.5 is that we have had to refer-
using the Resistor-Capacitor Charging R4 ence the waveform at C3/VR3 to a midway
Graph displays in Part 2. 100k voltage of 3V (half the 6V battery voltage).
Indeed, the formulae which we pointed out This is provided by potential divider R3 and
to you then basically apply to integration cal- 0V R4 and buffered by op.amp IC3b.
culations as well, but with a few extra factors As discussed in Part 10, if the resistance
taken into account. Again we do not expect Fig.11.5. Circuit diagram for the differ- (VR3) were to be connected to the 0V
you to learn the formulae, but the variants entiation experiment. power line, the voltage at its junction with
used to generate the integration demo dis- coupled circuits are modified by the CR the capacitor (C3) would swing above and
plays are shown at the top of the screen. The values of those circuits. below 0V. The ADC cannot be fed with a
calculations are more complex for a square Use the <W> key to change the input negative-going voltage and so the wave-
wave than for the sine or triangle waveforms. waveform as before, and again observe form is referenced to 3V instead.
With experience at using the Integration how the CR relationship changes the shape As you did with the integrator circuit,
demo screen, you will find that you can use and amplitude of the output for sine and tri- once more experiment with different values
its control options as a reasonable guide to angle waveforms. of capacitance, resistance and frequency
selecting the waveform responses required Again the CR relationship for a desired and observe the waveforms on your com-
for real-life circuit designing. output result is difficult to calculate, but it puter screen.
is also based on the CR formulae used in Additionally, if you feel adventurous,
DIFFERENTIATION Part 2. The variants used for the demo dis- use an op.amp to buffer/amplify the (now-
In integration, as we have just been play are shown at the top of the screen. you-know-it’s-not!) triangular waveform
discussing, the waveform voltage/current This demo display can also be used as a from IC1a pin 1, and then experiment with
flows between its source and the capacitor guide for real-life circuit design value assess- the resulting output connected to the differ-
via a resistor. You have, though, been using ment. In many a.c. coupled circuits, of course, entiator and integrator (in place of the
several circuits over the last few Teach-In you will want to retain the signal shape across square wave output from IC1a pin2).
parts in which the waveform voltage is a particular frequency range, but there are Op.amp IC3a (pins 1, 2 and 3) is currently
applied first to a capacitor and then to a other instances where shape change is unused on your breadboard and you can
resistor. Such a circuit is known as a differ- desirable, such as in pulse generation or low connect it in the fashion described when we
entiator and its action is called differentia- frequency attenuation, for example. discussed op.amps (Parts 7 and 8).
tion. It behaves very differently to an
integrator. Run menu option Capacitors –
Differentiation, and also see Photo 11.6. PANEL 11.1. THEY LEAK A BIT
At the bottom right will be seen a circuit In your various experiments using the There is a type of largish value capaci-
representation of a differentiator, using the oscillator around IC1a, you may have tor, however, which has a much less leaky
same terminology as before. You will also found that large values of capacitance disposition than electrolytics, it is the
see the output waveform created by an input and/or resistance can prevent the oscilla- Tantalum capacitor, see Part 2, Fig.2.7
square wave with R, C and F shown at the tor from functioning. and Table 2.2.
top right. It is certainly not a square wave! It’s now opportune to comment on why You will find Tantalums used in many
In fact, we are not sure it actually has a large values of C and R may inhibit oscil- circuits where lengthy or more accurately
name, but it’s the sort of shape that can be lation. An important thing to know about maintained timing is required. They are
produced if too low a CR value is chosen in electrolytic capacitors is that they are a bit also smaller, value for value, than elec-
respect of a square wave input frequency. “leaky’’ – the charge on one plate tends to trolytic capacitors.
Increase the screen CR value by using leak across to the other, progressively dis- Unfortunately, they are more expensive
the control options available (same as charging the capacitor. than electrolytics, and their maximum
before) and see how the output waveform With large values of R, the rate at capacitance value is significantly lower,
shape improves. which the resistor allows the capacitor to 330mF probably being the highest you’ll
Decrease the CR value and observe how charge up could be slower than the rate at readily find, whereas electrolytics are
spiky the waveform becomes (see Photo which the capacitor self-discharges. commonly available in many hundreds of
11.7). This all confirms what we have Consequently, oscillation can never be thousands of microfarads, even up to 2
said/implied in previous parts, that wave- sustained, and probably not even started. farads (2F).
form shapes when fed through capacitively

666 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 PANEL 11.2. VARIABLE CAPACITORS
Still on capacitors, but another subject Various forms of variable capacitor con- devices whose capacitance value
– we promised in Part 2 that we would struction are used, with dielectrics which are depends on the voltage applied to them,
eventually give information on variable either “solid’’ (plastic film), mica, ceramic and known as Varicap or tuning diodes.
capacitors. Space is running a bit short, material, or air. Variable capacitors are gen- The preset types continue to be used
but here is a brief description. erally very reliable although mechanical for applications such as oscillator fre-
In comparison with their resistive faults can occur with some of the cheaper quency correction.
counterparts (potentiometers), variable solid dielectric types. Air-spaced variable Characteristics of the most commonly
capacitors are much less common. capacitors can also be prone to problems encountered variable capacitors are
Unlike variable resistors, though, the through dust and other contaminants getting shown in Table 11.1.
term variable capacitor really does in between the inter-
mean that the capacitance itself is vari- leaved plates. Table 11.1. Characteristics of commonly encountered
able; you cannot attach a slider to a In earlier days, the variable capacitors.
capacitor to vary a fixed capacitance large air-spaced types Type Air-spaced Ceramic Plastic film
take-off point. were commonly used
Variable capacitors are available in Range (pF) 5 to 500 2 to 200 10 to 750
for tuning the recep-
Tolerance (%) ±10 ±20 ±10
both preset (trimmer) and fully vari- tion frequency of Voltage (d.c.) 250V to 1kV 63V 63V to 150V
able forms, but the values tend to be radios; in many Stability Excellent Fair Good
small (less than 1000pF). Schematic instances, they have Applications Transmitters, Compensation, Radio tuning,
representations were shown in Part 2 been replaced by r.f. signal oscillator oscillator
Fig.2.6. semiconductor generators trimming trimming

TEACH-IN 2000 – Experimental 11

OPTIONAL 5V POWER SUPPLY
POWERFUL ARGUMENTS * 6V a.c. to 9V a.c.
When planning this Teach-In 2000 * 9V d.c. to 12V D1 TO D4 1N4001
TP2
a
series, it was felt that expecting you to d.c. (see later). D1 k D2

experiment with different Zener diode val- - a k + IN OUT

6V a.c. IC1 +5V
SEE TEXT
ues and voltage regulators was unrealistic. The circuit with k
a k
78L05
a
The Zener values you could use with a which either type can D3 k a D4
+ COM.
6V supply are few, and apart from check- be used interchange- C1
220µ TP1
ing with your meter that the Zener does ably is shown in SEE TEXT
VR1
indeed limit voltages to a particular value, Fig.11.6, with its 10k C2
100n
you could not actually put this voltage con- breadboard layout
0V
trol to good use. given in Fig.11.7.
Standard fixed voltage regulator devices You will additional-
are not available below 5V (e.g. 7805 and ly need to obtain the Fig.11.6. Suggested experimental +5V power supply.
78L05). These typically require a mini- following inexpensive
mum input voltage of 7V, and so cannot be components:
used with a 6V battery. POWER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY
Consequently, no actual experiments * Socket into which the adaptor can be Re-arrange the right-hand side of your
with either of these device types are plugged to connect to the breadboard. breadboard to match the layout in Fig.11.7,
offered. We believe, though, that the * 78L05 100mA +5V voltage regulator ensuring that the orientations of IC1, C1
Tutorial and demo programs provide you (IC1). and D1 to D4 are correctly followed. Do
with enough information to understand * 220mF 25V electrolytic capacitor not insert Link X (top right) until we tell
their nature and how you might use them in with radial leads (C1). It is possible you you.
some future designs of your own creation. might already have one amongst the com- Note that the breadboard space available
However (contrary to what we indicated ponents you bought for Part 1. We speci- has prevented the use of a small value non-
earlier in the series), we now offer you the fied that a minimum working voltage of electrolytic capacitor in parallel with C2 (a
option to provide your breadboard with a 10V was required, but your supplier may recommendation discussed in the Tutorial).
mains powered 5V d.c. regulated supply – have provided you with one rated at 25V, You will notice that the computer inter-
read on . . . check your stock (ones rated lower than face resistors R1 to R10 (installed in Part
25V are not suitable – re-read the Tutorial 4) have been removed and the five data
MAINS ADAPTION of Part 10 if you’re not sure why!). inputs (IN0 to IN4) are now linked direct-
It seems likely that many of you will ly to the printer port terminals on the print-
already possess mains adaptors (battery elim- You should already have the 1N4001 ed circuit board. The revised circuit
inators) that are suitable for connecting to a rectifier diodes (D1 to D4), the 100nF diagram is shown in Fig.11.8.
few extra components in order to produce a capacitor (C2) and the 10kW preset (VR1). Because of this direct connection, from
fully regulated and safe 5V d.c. supply that Readers who do not have a suitable hereon your breadboard MUST ONLY be
can be used in place of your 6V battery. mains adaptor (and have no intention of operated at 5V (as supplied by the circuit
Such adaptors are used, for example, getting one) should leave their existing you are now assembling). To use the 6V
with mobile phones, computer modems breadboard assembly unchanged, ignoring battery instead could be damaging to your
and personal audio equipment. The basic the remainder of this Experimental section. computer without those attenuating inter-
requirement is that the adaptor should have Next month’s experiments can be done face resistors in place.
an output which falls into one the two using either the existing breadboard (with It does not matter which way round the
following ranges (other types are not 6V battery) or the modified version about battery adaptor and its socket are connect-
suitable): to be described. ed to the breadboard. The diodes (D1 to

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 667

D4) automatically route the voltage polari-
ty correctly. TP2

Before plugging in the adaptor, ensure

that your 6V battery cannot be connected LINK X
(SEE TEXT)
(remove its crocodile-clip connection pins
from the breadboard). Turn the wiper of
VR1 fully anti-clockwise.

61
41

51
34
35

39

42

52

55

59
36
37
38

40

43
44
45
46

48
49
50

53

62

64
54

56
57
58

60

63
47
With mains power supplied via the adap- DATA OUT DATA IN OUT COM IN IC1
tor, use your multimeter to check that a

J
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 3 2 1 0 GND
voltage of +5V is present at test point TP2

I
+
(within a decimal point or so). A much C1

F G
higher or lower voltage will indicate that C2
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 k k
you have made an assembly error. IC2 D D
OUT VR1 a 2 4 a
If the voltage is correct, Link X can now

C D E
be inserted. This routes the fully regulated
5V supply to the rest of the circuits on the Va.c. INPUT
breadboard. (SEE TEXT)

A
k k
RIPPLE TEST

41

51
42
34
35

44
45
46
47
48
49
50
36
37
38

40

43

58
59
60
61
62
IN IN IN IN IN D D
4 3 2 1 0 1 3
Also connect test point TP1 to the signal a a
input of the ADC, IC2. Carefully rotating
VR1’s wiper clockwise, you can examine SIGNAL INPUT TP1
via your computer screen (Analogue Input
Waveform Display option) whether any
“ripple voltage’’ is present at the junction Fig.11.7. Breadboard layout for the 5V power supply circuit and the revised con-
of diodes D2 and D4. nections to the printer port board.

TB1 SK1
PIN COMPUTER
BLOCK CONNECTOR

OUT 0 D0
2
OUT 1 D1
3
OUT 2 D2
4
OUT 3 D3
5
OUT 4 D4
6
OUT 5 D5
7
OUT 6 D6
8
OUT 7 D7
9
IN 4 BIT 6 (AND 64) ACK
10
IN 3 BIT 7 (AND 128) BUSY
11
IN 2 BIT 5 (AND 32) PAPER
12
IN 1 BIT 4 (AND 16) SELECT
13
IN 0 BIT 3 (AND 8) ERROR
32
0V GND
16, 17,
19 TO 30,
BIT NUMBERS REFER TO PORT INPUT REGISTER BITS
33
THE "AND" VALUE IS THAT NEEDED TO ISOLATE THE BIT IN A PROGRAM
NOTE THAT REGISTER INVERTS BIT 7

Fig.11.8. Revised circuit diagram for the printer port board Photo 11.8. Detail of the breadboard layout in Fig.11.7.
connections.
Do not allow the voltage applied to capacitance values for C2 can be tried of regulator IC1, and the 0V output to the
IC2’s input to exceed 5V (and do not try (providing the capacitor has a working breadboard’s 0V line. You must ensure that
to monitor the output of an a.c. adaptor). voltage of 25V or greater), until a minor this polarity is correct!
amount of ripple is present. Try 22mF in the
If a d.c. adaptor is used (and purely out
of interest), temporarily remove smoothing first instance. Do not totally remove C2 WORKSHOP POWER
capacitor C1 to see if ripple is present. otherwise IC2 will not function correctly SUPPLY UNIT
If an a.c. adaptor is used, lower (because of maximum 0V to 5V ripple In a separate constructional article to be
being present on its published in the November issue, a work-
power line). shop power supply is described. In its full
Don’t forget to rein- form it is only suited for construction by
state C2 as a 220mF experienced hobbyists, but a simplified and
component when shortened version is also described and is a
you’ve finished! supply suited for use by less-experienced
The waveform experimenters. It can provide outputs
monitored on the between 5V and 15V d.c.
author’s test model is Note that the 13·2V supply described
shown in Photo 11.9. elsewhere in this issue is not suited for use
with the Teach-In breadboard circuits.
ANOTHER
OPTION NEXT MONTH
Some of you may In the final part of Teach-In 2000 next
have a 7V d.c. battery month (Part 12) we take a look at 7-segment
charger for your displays, both light emitting diode (l.e.d.)
mobile phone (as has and liquid crystal (l.c.d.), but without actual-
the author). This may ly experimenting with them. We shall also
be used as the power experiment with a digital-to-analogue con-
source if you remove verter. There are a few loose ends yet to be
the diodes D1 to D4 tied up as well, which we shall try to do!
Photo 11.9. Screen dump of the rectified but unsmoothed and connect the posi- In the meantime, may the power be with
voltage at the junction of diodes D2 and D4 (see text). tive output to the input you!

668 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 PIC Real Time
In-Circuit
Emulator
20MHz full speed operation
PC Serial port connection
Use With Microchip MPLAB
Standard MPASM Language
PCB with solder mask & component ID
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The inverters give an audible warning signal when the battery voltage is lower than 10.5V (21V for the 24V version). The inverter
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Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 669

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esm2
Constructional Project
ACTIVE
FERRITE LOOP
AERIAL
RAYMOND HAIGH
Whether you’re a serious Medium Wave A loop of these dimensions, mounted so
that it can tilt and turn, is cumbersome and
listener or just an inveterate band more than a little out-of-place in a domes-
tic setting. However, by increasing the size
browser, this compact loop aerial will be of the ferrite rod, amplifying the output,
and multiplying the Q of the coil, a ferrite
an aid to better reception. loop can be made to outperform its bigger,
air-cored brother.
ARGE loop or frame aerials were a LOOPS AND WIRES
L common part of the 1920s domestic
radio scene, but their popularity
waned during the thirties when an external
Transmitting aerials radiate electrostatic
and electromagnetic fields which coexist
at right angles to one another. Long wire
This approach has been adopted in the
design of the very compact unit which is
described here.
wire became the normal means of signal
pick-up.
and whip aerials, in conjunction with some
form of earthing, are acted upon by the
FERRITE RODS
A decade later, improved receiver sensi- Because of the high permeability of the
electrostatic field. Signal voltages are ferrite, the magnetic field radiated by the
tivity made it possible for small loops to induced in loop aerials by the magnetic
be enclosed within the cabinets of portable transmitter is concentrated in the rod and
field. the signal induced in the coil wound
and table sets. At the close of the fifties, in Signal pick-up by a long (20 metres plus),
the twilight of the valve era, very high per- around it greatly increased.
high (8 metres plus) wire and a decent earth Bigger rods provide more signal pick-
meability ferrites were introduced. Rod- will usually exceed that from even a large
like cores of this material enable a tiny coil up. Some early ferrite loops produced for
loop. A coil wound on a 150mm × 9mm Medium Wave listening had rods more
to pick up signals better than a small, air- diameter ferrite rod will develop signal volt-
cored loop, and ferrite aerials are now than a metre long. This rather defeats the
ages around 18dB below advantage of compactness, and experi-
found in most domestic receivers. those induced in a one ments have shown that bundling the rods
metre square air-cored
TILT AND TURN loop.
together to increase the overall diameter is
When the axis of the loop or coil is as effective as placing them end-to-end to
pointing towards the transmitter, the increase length.
induced signal voltage falls, in theory, to Loops incorporating up to thirty rods
zero. The two nulls, 180 degrees apart, are have been produced. Signal pick-up
extremely sharp. They enable the operator increases with each additional rod, but the
to prevent interference reaching the receiv- rate of improvement seems to fall off after
er, and to separate stations operating on about ten or so. Weight and cost are also
the same frequency. limiting factors, and this design incorpo-
It is this property which encouraged rates seven rods. Fewer or more rods can,
American Raymond S. Moore to re-intro- of course, be used, and guidance on this is
duce the large, air-cored loop, for serious given later.
Medium Wave listening, during the 1940s.
The need to rotate the aerial in a hori- HIGH-Q
zontal plane to optimise reception is evi- Tuned circuits incorporating coils
dent to every owner of a transistor portable wound on ferrite rods have a high Q.
radio. What is not so widely appreciat- This restricts bandwidth and can
ed is the need to tilt it in the vertical if result in side-band cutting which
the deepest possible nulls are to be reduces treble response.
obtained. The application of positive feedback to
Medium frequency radio waves reach the tuned circuit increases Q and signal
the receiver by line-of-sight (direct output. The price paid for this is a further
waves), travel to it around the curvature of reduction in bandwidth. Sideband cutting
the earth (surface waves), and, at night, are becomes severe and treble response heavi-
reflected down from the ionosphere (sky ly attenuated. Moreover, with high levels
waves). The loop must, therefore, tilt as of Q multiplication, loop tuning becomes
well as turn in order to point its axis pre- critical.
cisely at the advancing wave front. High selectivity ahead of a receiver cov-
Another American, Gordon Nelson, was ering a congested and noisy band can be
probably the first designer to incorporate very useful, however. Careful operation
tilting into his Medium Wave loops. can restore the treble response, and

672 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

measures can be taken to overcome the circuitry avoids any loss of efficiency feedback. The gain of TR1, and hence the
problem of critical tuning. because of this. Q multiplication, is controlled by VR4,
Concern is sometimes expressed at the which determines the voltage on gate g2.
GOING ASTRAY possibility of strong signal voltages dis- The stage is decoupled from the supply
The Medium Wave band extends from turbing the diode bias and introducing by preset VR5 and capacitor C5. Making
527kHz to 1620kHz in Europe. In the cross modulation. No problems of this the decoupling resistor variable enables
USA, stations operate up to 1700kHz, and kind have been encountered with the loop the operating conditions to be adjusted to
Australia has low-powered transmitters design described here. suit different dual-gate MOSFETs.
working at 1720kHz. Positive feedback is applied, via source
United Kingdom coverage is from CIRCUIT DETAILS bias resistor R4 and its bypass capacitor
558kHz to 1602kHz, the region beyond The full circuit diagram for the Active C4 to coil winding L2.
1602KHz being taken up by cordless Ferrite Loop Aerial is shown in Fig.1.
’phone channels. In Europe, Dutch, Greek The main components of the circuit are a BUFFER
and Serbian pirate stations invade the seg- dual-gate MOSFET (TR1), a field effect The impedance of the tuned circuit is
ment above 1600kHz. transistor (TR2), a varicap diode (D1) very high at resonance and most communi-
Stray capacitance can be relatively high and, of course, the multi-rod ferrite cations receivers have a low input imped-
with circuits of this kind, and the tuning “loop’’ aerial. ance, typically 50 ohms. Source follower
capacitor should have a swing of at least Sockets SK1, SK2 are provided for stage TR2, with its high input and low out-
10pF to 450pF to ensure coverage from external aerials and SK3 is the common put impedance, matches the loop aerial to
1720kHz down to 527kHz. Air-spaced Earth socket. Switches S1a and S1c permit the receiver. The voltage gain of a source
variables of this value are no longer readi- an instant comparison between loop and follower is slightly less than unity. There is,
ly available and currently listed polythene wire aerials. Another switch, S1b, con- however, a significant power gain.
dielectric types (as used in transistor nects the battery into circuit. Low current Decoupling of the source follower stage
portables) have a lower value, even when l.e.d. D2 with its dropping resistor R7 is provided by resistor R5 and capacitor C7,
two gangs are connected in parallel. forms an economical on/off indicator. and the output is developed across source

4
POLE
5 B

6 S1b
SWITCH POSITIONS:
1) OFF VR5 R5 R7
2) LOOP AERIAL 100k 120Ω 2k7
R2
3) LONG WIRE OR WHIP AERIAL 120k
B1
'Q' a 9V
L1: 1 TURN 28 S.W.G. MULTI D2
L2: 29 TURNS 28 S.W.G. TR1 C5
(2mA)
VR4 BF981 C7 k
10k 100n
g2 d 100n
AERIAL
* SEE TEXT
g1 s TR2
VR1 2N3819 OUTPUT
FERRITE
COARSE 47k C3
d *C8 1
TUNING 100n 10n POLE
RODS 2 A SK4
g

LONG WIRE s
FINE
OR WHIP OUTPUT 3
TUNING S1a
SK1
AERIAL
SOCKET
*SK5/PL1 LEVEL

VR2 R4 VR6
2 C6
7 1k 4k7 1k
POLE S1c C1 10n
C 10n
8 R1
100k
4 L1 C4
R3
9 VR3 1n
L2 2M2
47k R6
COAXIAL D1 k 1k
AERIAL C2
SK2 3 1 KV1236
SOCKET (1/2) 100n

EARTH
SK3
SOCKET

Fig.1. Complete circuit diagram for the Active Ferrite Loop Aerial.

VARICAPS TUNING
Varicap diodes intended for M.W. tuning The loop’s main winding L1 is tuned by
are widely retailed. Although the minimum varicap diode D1, which is connected to it
capacitance of these devices is higher than via d.c. blocking capacitor C1. Tuning bias
that of their mechanical counterparts, they is applied through signal isolating resistor
have a big enough maximum capacitance to R1.
ensure the required coverage. Potentiometer VR1 adjusts the bias volt-
Varicaps exhibit a tuning rate which age and acts as the Coarse, or main tuning
reduces as frequency increases, and this control. Fine tuning is provided by VR2
makes loop adjustment easier. Moreover, which produces a much smaller voltage
the provision of vernier or fine tuning change. Preset potentiometer VR3 sets the
involves no more than an additional poten- minimum bias voltage, fixing the maxi-
tiometer. They are also relatively inexpen- mum capacitance of the varicap and the
sive. Quite apart from the question of low frequency limit of the tuning range.
availability, therefore, electronic tuning Bypass capacitor C2 eliminates any poten-
has much to recommend it. tiometer noise.
These semiconductor devices have a
lower Q than a mechanical capacitor, par- Q-MULTIPLIER
ticularly at low bias settings when the Dual-gate MOSFET TR1 amplifies the
capacitance is close to maximum. signal voltage developed across coil L1 in
However, the inclusion of Q-multiplying order to provide Q enhancing positive

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 673

load resistor R6. Output level control VR6
could be connected as the source load.
COMPONENTS circuit board (p.c.b.), which is available
from the EPE PCB Service, code 274.
Most dual-gate MOSFETs, including
However, the arrangement shown ensures the BF960, BF961, 3SK81, 3SK85, The topside component layout, off-
that the impedance presented to the receiv- MFE201 and 40673 will prove satisfac- board wiring and a full-size underside
er is reasonably constant. Capacitors C6 tory in this circuit. Likewise, most copper foil master pattern are shown in
and C8 block the flow of d.c. j.f.e.t.s, including the BF244, BF245, Fig.2. Note that one lead of capacitor C8
J310, MPF102, TIS14 and 2SK168 will is soldered directly on to one tag of VR6
be suitable for the source follower stage and the other to the solid, centre core, lead

COMPONENTS
TR2. Case styles and leadouts vary and of the coax cable running to pin 2 of the
must be checked if these and other alter- rotary switch section S1a. Provision is not
natives are substituted. made for this component on the p.c.b.
Most varicaps designed for Medium Commence construction by mounting
Resistors the smallest components first, and solder
R1 100k See Wave tuning with a 9V maximum bias
should prove suitable. Plastic pipe for the the semiconductors into circuit last. The
R2
R3
120k
2M2
SHOP coil former for L1/L2 is available from use of tweezers or a crocodile clip as a
DIY outlets, and plastic and metal heat shunt is a wise precaution when sol-
R4
R5
4k7
1209 TALK spindles and bushes for the loop aerial dering the f.e.t.s.
page Solder pins inserted into the board beneath
R6 1k mounting are stocked by model shops.
R7 2k7 the specified MOSFET leads will permit
All 0·25W 5% carbon film CONSTRUCTION TR1 to be mounted on the component side of
Dealing with the control box first. Most the board. Pins inserted at the p.c.b. lead-off
Potentiometers parts are assembled on a small printed points will ease the task of interwiring.
VR1 47k rotary carbon, lin.
VR2 1k rotary carbon, lin.
VR3 47k enclosed carbon
preset, horizontal
VR4 10k rotary carbon
VR5 100k enclosed carbon
'Q' COARSE FINE
preset, horizontal MULTIPLIER TUNING TUNING
VR6 1k rotary carbon (log
law, if obtainable). VR4 POWER VR1 VR2

Capacitors D2
TO OUTPUT
SOCKET VIA S1a/2
C1 10n polycarbonate or
k a
Mylar.
C2, C3, 100n disc ceramic
C5, C7 (4 off) C OUTPUT
8
C4 1n disc ceramic LEVEL
C6, C8 10n disc ceramic
TO B1 VE VR6
Semiconductors
D1 KV1236 dual varicap TO B1 +VE
diode (½ of) VIA S1b/5
R7
D2 3mm or 5mm red l.e.d., R R
VR3
TO EARTH
low current (2mA) 2
VR5
5
SOCKET
TR1 BF981 n-channel SK3
dual-gate MOSFET d d g s
TR2 2N3819 n-channel field C
C5 6 C2
effect transistor TR2
C3 TR1 R6
Miscellaneous g2
s
C C
R
1
a
R D1
L1, L2 ferrite loop aerial, wound 4 4 7 R3
using 28s.w.g. k
4 1/3 2 C1
enamelled copper g1
wire – see text
S1 3-way 4-pole rotary
switch (plastic cased 4 3 2 1
Lorlin) F S F S
SK1, SK3 screw terminal post,
L2 L1
with 4mm socket top
(2 off)
SK2, SK4 coaxial socket, chassis
mounting (2 off)
SK5/PL1 stereo jack socket and
plug, for linking ferrite
aerial to main unit
(optional)

Printed circuit board available from the

EPE PCB Service, code 274; ferrite rod,
9mm dia. at least 150mm long (7-off – see 274 2"/50 8mm
text); instrument case for control unit, size
170mm x 150mm x 50mm; diecast
screening box for p.c.b. (optional), size
120mm x 90mm x 30mm; l.e.d. holder;
plastic control knob (5 off); 9V battery with
connectors and box; single-core screened
cable; multistrand connecting wire; plastic
pipe for aerial coil former; materials for fer-
rite loop aerial housing/mounting; fixing
nuts and bolts; solder tag; solder etc. 3 1"/78 7mm

Approx. Cost
Guidance Only
excl. case and “mechanics”
£35 Fig.2. Printed circuit board topside component layout, off-board wiring and full-size
copper foil underside master. Note capacitor C8 is mounted directly on one outer
tag of VR6 and soldered to the centre core of the output screened lead.

674 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 thirty rods, twenty turns will be about
right.
TO COAXIAL

FERRITE LOOP
1 OUTPUT
C8 2 12
SOCKET
3 11
TO GROUND A
Moving on to the loop assembly, Fig.5,
4 B
C
D 10 S1a,b,c tightly bind the seven ferrite rods together
TO VR6
TO BATTERY B1 +VE 5 9 with masking tape, winding on sufficient
TO GROUND (0V) RAIL
+9V TO P.C.B. 6 8 material to ensure that the plastic coil for-
7
mer is a tight sliding fit.
TO SOCKETS Secure the wire to the former with a
FOR WIRE narrow strip of tape and wind on the spec-
AERIALS
SK1 AND SK2 ified number of turns – 29 turns of
28s.w.g. enamelled copper wire. Don’t try
Fig.3. Wiring to the on/off and aerial selector switch. Pole letters and tag too hard to space the turns, just concen-
numbers match specified switch. trate on getting them on as tightly as pos-
sible: they can be evenly spaced with the
tip of a screwdriver after the other
Use screened cable (ordinary audio type cable will suffice for this end of the winding has been
purpose) between the wire aerial input sockets, the rotary switch, secured.
and the loop output socket. Connect the metal cases of the
potentiometers to ground (0V rail). Details of
the Selector switch wiring are given in Fig.3.
HOUSING THE
CONTROLS
The photographs show how the controls
and p.c.b. are housed in a plastic
instrument case which also
acts as the base of the unit.
The p.c.b. and jack socket
SK5 are screened within a
diecast box which also
strengthens the case beneath
the loop. Screening the p.c.b.
is not essential; the entire
enclosure can be of wood or INITIAL
plastic. TESTING
Before we can get
RODS AND TURNS down to the “nitty gritty’’
Seven ferrite rods represents a good com- of constructing the “turret’’
promise between cost, weight and perfor- assembly, we need to carry out
mance, but fewer or more rods can be used. a few initial spot tests.
The number of turns to give the required inductance First, check the p.c.b. for bridged
(about 160mH) depends, of course, on the number of rods copper tracks and poor soldered joints,
finally used. For a single rod, thirty-seven turns should produce and check the orientation of the semicon-
the required value. (If only one rod is used, it may be necessary to ductors. Wire up the potentiometers and
increase the feedback winding, L2, to two turns). With a bundle of the loop aerial. Set presets VR3 and VR5
at half-travel; set controls VR4 at mini-
mum and VR6 at maximum.
TYPE No. Connect the unit to the receiver by a
D1 g2 TYPE No. short length of coaxial cable, then connect
FLAT Fig.4 (left). a 9V battery. Current consumption should
g1 d Semiconductor be approximately 5mA.
d g s pinout details. Assuming you are using a receiver with
a k
s
a k
(Right) an in-built signal strength meter, proceed
VARICAP TR1 TR2 D2 Completed as follows. With receiver and loop tuned
DIODE
1/2 OF
BF981 2N3819
(UNDERSIDE)
2mA
L.E.D.
ferrite loop to a strong transmission, the receiver’s
KV1236 aerial housed signal strength meter should be driven
in a pivot box. hard over. Turn down Level control VR6
until the signal strength meter reads about
half-scale. Advancing the Q-multiplier
29 SPACED TURNS
OF 28 S.W.G.
7 x 9mm DIA. x 150mm
control VR4 should now drive the pointer
ENAMELLED
COPPER WIRE
95mm FERRITE RODS hard over again.
35mm 40mm
Loop tuning has to be very precise at
high Q levels, and it may be necessary to
35mm DIA.
use Fine tuning control VR2 to bring loop
L1
PLASTIC
L2
and receiver into perfect alignment.
WASTE
PIPE
Check that the loop can be tuned over
the required frequency range, and adjust
3
preset VR3 until the low frequency limit is
1 2 4
START FINISH START FINISH
reached with VR2 at minimum resistance.
1 TURN OF 28 S.W.G. Set preset VR5 so that the loop just glides
ENAMELLED
COPPER WIRE
into oscillation, with Q-control VR4 at
maximum, when tuned to a station near
the low frequency end of the band.
Sliding the coil along the ferrite rods
will change its inductance, and coverage
Fig.5. Ferrite rod (7 off) loop aerial winding details and
can be adjusted in this way. If it has to be
dimensions. The coil former is made from a piece of 35mm
located very close to the end, remove a
outside diameter plastic waste pipe.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 675

 ACTIVE FERRITE LOOP AERIAL

Fig.6. Details of the tilt and turn assembly.

676 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

Underside of the “turret’’ assembly showing four wheels set in the plywood base to
relieve the strain on the jack plug. The wheels are taken from curtain runners and
mounted on spindles cut from a wire coat hanger. The wheels are cushioned on a
disc of thin leather, above right, to allow the turret to glide around freely and silently.

turn. If the lowest frequencies cannot be earth sockets can be used with the loop.
covered even when the coil is central, a (Salvaged car radios often perform
turn or two should be added. extremely well). Connection between the
Active Ferrite Loop Aerial and receiver Rear of the prototype model, showing
LOOP MOUNTING should be by means of a length of coaxial the tilt drive-cord arrangement.
Now for the task of putting everything cable.
together to give a neat finish. Two sugges- This loop is not balanced with respect PERFORMANCE
tions are put forward, one fairly basic and to ground, and the two nulls are not Performance was assessed by compar-
the other almost a professional “work-of- equal or symmetrical. The unit cannot, ing the seven-rod active loop with other
art’’, but not so hard to achieve as it looks. therefore, be used for direction finding. aerials. The receiver used for the test has a
There is one position for maximum sig- large signal strength meter, and its a.g.c.
Simple System nal, and one for the deepest null, not two system was switched out.
The mounting of the aerial section must 180 degrees apart, as is the case with The aerials used were as follows:
allow the loop to rotate and tilt, and read- balanced loops. (1) A long (20 metres), high (10 metres)
ers will have their own ideas for this. The a.g.c. (automatic gain control) sys- wire aerial with impedance matching
It can consist simply of a 25mm square tem of a sensitive radio will tend to mask transformer and screened downlead. The
wooden post, secured by a screw driven the null, but turning loop output well down receiver was earthed when this aerial was
through the top of the control unit case, will usually expose it. Bearing and tilt can in use.
and free to rotate. The bundle of ferrite then be adjusted until the null is as deep as (2) A passive, one metre diameter air-
rods can then be attached with rubber possible. cored loop with a single turn coupling
bands to a cross arm, fixed by a central Null depth will vary from station to winding and no provision for tilting; i.e., a
screw, close to the top of the post and, station and from time to time. Some pro- traditional loop or frame aerial.
again, free to rotate. The coil leads are grammes are transmitted from different (3) A thirty-rod version of the ferrite
taken through a hole in the top of the case. locations on the same frequency, and a loop described here.
Although extremely basic, this arrange- combination of ground and sky waves The test was carried out, during day-
ment works quite well, especially if a few also results in multi-path reception, light, in a room “caged’’ by the usual
washers are used to make the pivots turn making it impossible to achieve deep house-wiring and plumbing (this distorts
smoothly. nulls. nulls). It involved ten stations spread
Notwithstanding this, interference across the Medium Wave band. Loop out-
Prototype System from unwanted stations, and man-made put was set at maximum, and the Q-multi-
A more complicated mounting, and the electrical interference, can always be plier control at zero.
one adopted by the author, is shown in greatly reduced and usually eliminated.
Fig.6 and the photographs. Built up from To have one station completely disap- CONCLUSIONS
ply and wood blocks, the internal angles pear and be replaced by another as the Results were as follows:
are rounded with car body filler and the loop is rotated can be magical. It cer- With the exception of one station, the
unit is finished with “spray-can’’ paints. tainly makes the construction of the unit signal level from the seven-rod loop
The rods are enclosed in a pivoted box very worthwhile. always matched that from the long wire.
and tilt is controlled by a cord drive. A spring Advancing the Q-control (VR4) will The seven-rod Active Ferrite Loop
keeps the cord under constant tension. dramatically increase sensitivity at the Aerial consistently outperformed the air-
The plastic spindle which drives the expense of bandwidth. At high settings the cored passive loop, the signal delivered
cord is extended a little beyond the body audio quality is muffled, and the loop can being from 3dB to 6dB stronger. The tilt
of the unit in order to minimise hand be tuned across the received signal and facility made the nulls with the ferrite loop
capacity effects. This problem is experi- centred on one or other of its sidebands. deeper than those displayed by the air-
enced with all loops when critical null Not only will this restore the treble cored model; in some instances a decent
adjustments are being made. response, it can also shift the tuning to the null could be obtained with the ferrite aer-
A 6mm stereo ’phone jack plug and side of the signal furthest from a source of ial when the null with the traditional loop
socket form the vertical pivot and connects interference. was barely discernible.
the aerial loop leads to the p.c.b. The Selector switch S1 permits an Output from the thirty rod loop was
Coil connections 1 and 3 go to the jack instant comparison between the loop and some 3dB greater than that from the
shank, 2 is wired to the tip, and 4 to the the other aerial available at the listening seven-rod version.
jack’s centre band. This arrangement min- station. Band searching is best carried out The application of a modest amount of
imises stray capacitance. with some form of wire aerial. The loop Q multiplication dramatically increased
can then be switched in for comparison the output of the ferrite loops at the
OPERATING THE LOOP when the station has been located. This expense of bandwidth. For a given output,
Communications receivers and, indeed, avoids the need to keep loop and receiver bandwidth with thirty rods was always
any Medium Wave receiver with aerial and tuning in step. greater than with seven. $

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 677

 I NGENUITY
UNLIMITED
Our regular round-up of readers' own circuits. We pay
between £10 and £50 for all material published, depending
on length and technical merit. We're looking for novel
applications and circuit tips, not simply mechanical or WIN A PICO PC BASED
electrical ideas. Ideas must be the reader's own work and
not have been submitted for publication elsewhere. OSCILLOSCOPE
The circuits shown have NOT been proven by us. Ingenuity ) 50MSPS Dual Channel Storage Oscilloscope
Unlimited is open to ALL abilities, but items for ) 25MHz Spectrum Analyser
) Multimeter ) Frequency Meter
consideration in this column should preferably be typed or )Signal Generator
word-processed, with a brief circuit description (between If you have a novel circuit idea which would be
100 and 500 words maximum) and full circuit diagram of use to other readers then a Pico Technology
showing all relevant component values. Please draw all PC based oscilloscope could be yours.
circuit schematics as clearly as possible. Every six months, Pico Technology will be
Send your circuit ideas to: Alan Winstanley, Ingenuity awarding an ADC200-50 digital storage
Unlimited, Wimborne Publishing Ltd., Allen House, East oscilloscope for the best IU submission. In
Borough, Wimborne, Dorset BS21 1PF. addition, two single channel ADC-40s will be
They could earn you some real cash and a prize! presented to the runners-up.

PIC UPS – Keep Your The circuit uses a standard full wave mains flows through TR1 to regulator IC1 which
power supply. Diode D5 and resistor R1 pro- provides a 5V output for the PIC microcon-
P I C Powered vide the charging current for battery B1 troller. Following a power failure, as the
HE purpose of the simple UPS which is a standard 8·4 volt Ni-Cad (9V voltage across C1 falls, D6 becomes for-
T (Uninterruptible Power Supply) circuit of
Fig.1 is to provide a near-seamless battery
RX22 style) type. The purpose of D5 is to
prevent the battery from discharging back-
ward-biased and D5 reverse biased, so now
the regulator is powered by the battery
backup power for a PIC-based circuit in the wards following a mains failure. Transistor instead. Should the battery voltage fall
event of a mains failure. It allows the circuit TR1 (BC178 or 2N3702) is a pnp type which below approx. 6·2V (5·6V + 0·6V) as set by
to be powered from the mains under normal combines with R2, R3 and Zener diode D7 to D6 and D7, then the Zener will come out of
operating conditions, whilst charging a back- produce a low voltage cut-off to prevent deep breakdown and turn off TR1, which cuts
up battery at a reasonably constant current. In discharge of B1. power to the regulator until mains power
the event of a power failure the battery takes Under mains power, current flows from returns.
up the load with no spikes or delays as would the mains power supply through D5 and R1 Damien Maguire,
be caused by a relay changing over. which charges the Ni-Cad B1. Current also Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

D5 TR1
L
FS1
250mA 230V
D1 TO D4
1N4001
a k
BC178/2N3702
e c IN IC1 OUT
+5V
INGENUITY
15V
1N4001

R1 R2
COM
7805 OUTPUT
TO
PIC
UNLIMITED
k a b
230V a.c.
MAINS -a k+
1k
k
1k
BE INTERACTIVE
D6
INPUT
a k 1N4001
a
R3
10k IU is your forum where
0V
k a
C3
+ you can offer others
47µ
N
0V C1
+
B1 9V
k
readers the benefit of
E
1000µ
25V
Ni-Cd D7
5V6 a your Ingenuity. Share
C2 ZENER
100n those ideas, earn some
0V
cash and possibly a
Fig.1. Circuit diagram for the uninterruptible PIC Power Supply. prize!

Loudener – Sound-activated Bleeper

HE circuit depicted in Fig.2 is a sound-sen-
T sitive switch which will operate a bleeper
whenever a microphone detects a sound. It R3
could be used in monitoring systems or even 4k7
R1
C2 TR2
as a novel form of doorbell. The input section 43k R2
10n
3
7 R4 2N3903
contains an electret microphone (MIC1) fol- 220k + 1M c
B1
6
IC1 b
9V
lowed by an amplifier circuit around 2 741C
Darlington TR1. The op.amp is configured as TR1 e
a comparator with the reference voltage MPSA14 4 TR3
C1 R5 MPSA14
c
applied to the inverting input (pin 2). The out- 4µ7 100k
c
+

b
put of the op.amp powers a Darlington driver b
which operates an external audible tone gen-
erator. Detected sounds are transformed into e VR1
50k e
a series of beeps or one long beep. Some MIC1 +
PIEZO
ELECTRET
experimentation may be needed as the circuit, SOUNDER
when tested, produced noise with some
op.amps but responded correctly with others.
M.N. Beg, Lenasia,
South Africa. Fig.2. Circuit diagram for the Sound Activated Bleeper

678 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 is switched on by plugging it into the radio,
Radio Sleep Timer – Snooze Time obviating the need for an on-off switch.
The period of timing is set by capacitor C3
and resistor R5. Values of 470nF and 5609
circuit diagram of Fig.3 was designed binary counter/divider IC2, used here effec- give about an hour delay. A rotary switch
T HE
as a Radio Sleep Timer to be attached to a
battery-operated radio. Its existence was
tively as a divide by 16,384 (214) counter.
Having reached that figure, the counter resets
could be used on IC2’s unused outputs to
select variable timing lengths, and the addi-
necessitated by the very poor sound quality of both the latch and itself. The latch, and hence tion of another 4001 NOR gate could give
bedside clock radios, and the realisation that the timer, can be manually reset by switch S2. touch control and a more reliable “ring-of-
“sleep” mode was the only use that the bed- Connection to the radio is achieved by a three” astable.
side clock was getting. 3·5mm stereo socket (SK1). The “collar” or Driver transistor TR1 could be replaced by
The circuit is based around a NOR gate R-S sleeve (A) is connected to the uninterrupted a junction transistor and relay, or could trig-
latch (IC1a and IC1b) which is operated by positive supply. The switched “ring” (B) ger other logic circuitry. If switching any-
pushswitch S1. Its output drives transistor TR1 interrupts the negative supply to the radio thing other than a low power battery radio,
which sinks current and consequently turns on when the plug PL1 is inserted; power to the sturdier connections between the circuit and
the radio. The latch’s inverted output gates an radio is restored when TR1’s drain goes radio will be needed.
astable oscillator made up of IC1c and IC1d. low. Negative power is supplied to the timer Andrew Fisher,
The oscillator provides pulses to the 14-stage via the tip of the stereo plug (C). The circuit Hitchin, Herts.

R3
S1 S2 100k

START RESET A
+IN
IC1a TR1 A PL1 SK1 B
4001B IN
14 BUZ71A
1 B C
N-MOSFET
3 Q d RADIO
2 R4
470k g n.c.
C
s 16
+VE A B C
IC1b IC1c IC1d RST
11
5 4001B
4001B 4001B
4 Q 8 12 IC2
C2 + 6 10 11 10 4020B
47µ R6 PL1
9 CLK B1
16V 1k B1
7 6V
13 6V TO
TO 9V
9V
C1 R1 R2 R5 3
C3 OUT
100n 100k 100k 560k 470n 0V
8

Fig.3. Circuit diagram for the Radio Sleep Timer.

’Scope Synchroniser – Patently a Good Idea separated the 1st harmonic. I managed to
obtain a Russian patent certifying this scheme
as an invention.
harmonics with amplitudes comparable or
Iof Engineering
AM a graduate from the Ryazan Radio
Institute of Russia. The circuit
Fig.4 was invented and tested as an addi-
even higher than those of the 1st harmonic.
The new synchroniser perfectly “stopped’’
The device consists of two peak amplitude
detectors: one for the positive and one for the
negative polarity. Their output voltages are
tional synchroniser for a common oscillo- these signals, and has the additional benefit of reduced by a coefficient of 0.8 after which
scope to synchronise complex shaped signals. not needing any adjustment because it sets they are compared as reference voltages to
These signals could not be “stopped’’ on the the threshold automatically. The design has the input voltage using two comparators. The
screen with the plain (comparator based) syn- also been used successfully as an input device first comparator IC3 gives out a high level if
chroniser because they had 2nd and/or 3rd for a frequency counter because it perfectly the input voltage is higher than the positive

Fig.4. Basic
circuit diagram
for the Scope
Synchroniser. µ

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 679

reference voltage, and the second one (IC4)
gives out a high level if the input is lower than
the negative reference voltage. The outputs of
the comparators are connected to the R and S
pins of the flip-flop IC5 which is a type 4013.
Its Q output pin forms the output “sync’’ ter-
Q
minal of the circuit. Fig.5 shows how a dual
comparator can be used instead.
The operation of the circuit can be Q
explored by simulating it with MicroCAP or
similar packages. Fig. 6 shows the waveforms
generated in such a simulation. One can see
that the device works properly even if the
amplitude of the input signal alters.
To prove that it works properly when the
phases of harmonics alter, the frequencies
were specially selected to be not exactly 2f or
3f, where f is the frequency of the 1st har-
monic. The values of the peak amplitude
detector capacitors C1/C2 shown in Fig.4 are
chosen to provide the lowest working fre-
quency equal to 200Hz. This frequency also
determines how much of the input signal har- Fig.5. Using a dual comparator instead of IC3 and IC4 in Fig.4.
monics can be frequency shifted from their
values of 2f, 3f, etc.
Since this frequency shift is comparable to
the lowest working frequency, a switchable
capacitor is recommended. For example
0.1C, 0.33C, 1C, 3C could be used to
increase the frequency range and to adjust the
device for a certain signal if the frequencies
of the harmonics are not exact multiples of
the frequency.
Without switching the capacitors the work-
ing range is 200Hz to 20kHz when the ampli-
tude of 2nd and 3rd harmonics are both equal
to amplitude of the 1st harmonic, i.e.
THR = 140%.
The upper frequency is approximately 20-
40kHz, but the circuit can be used to syn-
chronise high frequency signals up to 50-
100MHz by replacing the op.amp-based
detectors and using high speed comparators
for IC3 and IC4.
Dmitry Moskalenko,
Ryazan, Russia.

(Our compliments to Mr. Moskalenko and

greetings to our new-found readers in Russia Fig.6. Waveforms generated to simulate the Scope Synchroniser operation using
– ARW). MicroCAP.

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680 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

Constructional Project
EPE MOODLOOP
POWER SUPPLY
ANDY FLIND
A regulated 13·2V 1A supply which may
be modified for 12V output. closer to the peak value, which is about
1·414 times this.
power supply was designed to determined from the product of the output

T
HIS The rectifier also introduces a small
give a constant voltage output with current and the voltage difference between voltage drop, typically about 1·2V for a
sufficient current for the EPE the regulator’s input and output, in watts. silicon bridge rectifier where two diodes
Moodloop project described in last This is why experimenters are sometimes are in series with the output at any point
month’s issue. The Moodloop may be surprised to find regulators overheating or during operation. For a 15V transformer
operated from a supply anywhere between even failing despite not being run at any- with a bridge rectifier and a smoothing
9V and 15V, the only restriction being that where near their full current rating, an capacitor the unregulated d.c. voltage is
the voltage of the supply should not vary. excessive input voltage is often the culprit. likely to exceed 20V with no load.
Although the average supply current
drawn at 12V is about 600mA, the peak
value is closer to 1A and at 15V it will be ON/OFF
T1
15V x 2
even higher. Since the output frequency S1a 20VA IN OUT
IC1 SK1
range of the Moodloop extends down to L
230V
15V 7812 + 13.2V
1Hz, the use of large decoupling capaci- COM
tors to supply these current peaks is 230V
C2 C3
R1
0V 100n 100n
impracticable. Instead, a power supply A.C. - REC1 + 560Ω
MAINS 6A
capable of delivering the peak current con- 15V 100V
a + OUTPUT
tinuously is required. D1 C4
S1b 1N4001
In some cases a suitable regulated supply 0V 0V k
470µ
N a
may already be available, but for Moodloop C1
+ D2
a
D3
constructors without access to a suitable 10000µ 1N4001
k k 0V (GND)
power source this project will fill the need. E SK2
It is compact, simple and relatively inex-
pensive to construct and can also double as
a useful source of d.c. power in the work- Fig.1. Complete circuit diagram for the EPE Moodloop Power Supply.
shop for other applications.
Keeping this to a minimum improves Ripple is usually reckoned to be about
HOTLY COMPROMISED efficiency and reduces the heat output, 700mV peak-to-peak for each 100mA of
The design of a linear regulated power which in turn allows the use of a smaller load current with a 1000mF smoothing
supply usually involves some compro- heatsink or even no heatsink at all in some capacitor, so it should be about the same
mise. Linear voltage regulators generate cases. To minimise heat generation in a for a 1A output if a 10,000mF capacitor is
heat. The amount of this heat can be mains-operated supply, therefore, it is used. These were the basic factors consid-
desirable to keep the voltage difference ered when designing this power supply.
between the unregulated supply from the
rectifier and the regulated output to a CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
minimum. The full circuit of the project is shown
It should be remembered, however, in Fig.1. Transformer T1 is a 20VA type
that the average and “ripple’’ voltage with two 15V outputs which are connect-
of the unregulated side both vary ed in parallel to provide a total current
considerably with load current capacity of about 1.3A. This is full-wave
and it is essential to ensure rectified to d.c. by REC1 and then
that the instantaneous smoothed by the 10,000mF capacitor C1.
voltage does not dip This is used to supply regulator IC1, a
below the minimum standard 12V 1A positive supply regulator.
value required for cor- The output voltage is raised to 13·2V by
rect operation of the the inclusion of the two silicon diodes, D1
regulator. and D2, between the regulator’s common
Typically this is connection and the 0V supply rail. This
about 2V to 3V above serves two purposes as it both increases the
the regulated output output power from the EPE Moodloop and
voltage. Transformer reduces the heat generated in the regulator.
output voltages are usu- Constructors requiring a 12V supply for
ally stated in terms of the workshop use can replace these two diodes
r.m.s. value at full power but rise with a link or even fit a switch to short
when lightly loaded, and the rectified them out in order to make both output
and smoothed d.c. output is in any case voltages available.

682 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 Capacitor C4 provides additional
decoupling for the output of IC1 whilst C2
and C3 provide high frequency decoupling
for IC1’s input and output. The l.e.d. D3,
GROUND A
B
1 5

C2
10
COMPONENTS
+ IN C C4 C3 IN
together with current limiting resistor R1, D
k
COM. TO See
indicate that the unit is operating and the + D2 a IC1

output is present.
+ OUT E
F a D1
OUT

Resistor
SHOP
G k
H R1 560W TALK
UP TO MEASURE 1 5 10 Capacitors
page
A few measurements taken from the H C1 10,000m radial elect,
prototype confirm the design considera- G snap-in, 35V
tions just described. The r.m.s. a.c. voltage F C2, C3 100n ceramic,
of the two parallel connected secondary E
resin-dipped (2-off)
D
windings of T1 was measured at 16·3V C C4 470m radial elect, 35V
with no load and dropped to 15·5V with a B
load of about 1A. The unregulated voltage A Semiconductors
D1, D2 1N4001 rectifier diode
across C1 was found to be 20·9V when (2 off)
unloaded, but dropped to 17·6V with the D3 red l.e.d.,
1A load. panel-mounting
Maximum ripple at this current was Fig.2. Stripboard component layout.
REC1 6A 100V bridge rectifier
about 600mV peak-to-peak, so the lowest IC1 7812 1A +12V regulator
instantaneous voltage, at the bottom of the
Miscellaneous
ripple waveform, was just over 17V. This T1 20VA mains
leaves a minimum “headroom’’ of almost STRIPBOARD transformer, 15V
4V for the regulator when it is delivering INSULATING x 2 secondaries
WASHERS
13·2V, sufficient to ensure correct opera- IC1 S1 d.p.s.t. switch, mains
tion but low enough to minimise heat rated
generation. SK1 4mm socket, red
With a continuous load of 1A, the regu- (see text)
INSULATING ALUMINIUM
lator will therefore produce about four SPACER CASE
SK2 4mm socket, black
(see text)
watts of heat, whilst the rectifier will add a Stripboard, 0·1-inch matrix, 8 strips
further one watt or thereabouts, so a Fig.3. Suggested method of mounting by 11 holes; insulating mounting kit for
heatsink of some kind is required. The the circuit board and regulator on the IC1; aluminium case 152mm x 114mm
transformer was also found to generate an underside of the case cover. x 76mm; heatsink 152mm x 94mm x
appreciable amount of heat at this power 14mm, plain aluminium.
level.
Capacitor C1 is a “snap-in’’ type really
CONSTRUCTION
intended for mounting on a printed circuit
board, but here it is secured with a U-
Approx. Cost
Guidance Only £22
excluding case
The prototype was constructed within shaped bracket made from a scrap of alu-
an inexpensive aluminium box as shown in minium and connections are made with
the photographs. Transformer T1, rectifier soldered leads. the upper section of the box, well away
REC1 and the capacitor C1 were fitted Capacitors C2, C3 and C4 with the two from the transformer and rectifier to dis-
into the bottom section of the box. REC1 diodes D1 and D2 were assembled on a tribute the heat as evenly as possible.
is secured with a single screw and a dab of piece of 0·1-inch pitch stripboard having 8 The mounting tab of regulator IC1 is
heatsink compound, no insulation being strips of 11 holes as shown in Fig.2. This internally connected to the common lead
necessary. and the regulator IC1 were then fitted to so it was fitted to the aluminium sheet
with an insulating washer and some
heatsink compound. The leads were
then bent to allow them to be soldered
directly to their connections on the
stripboard as shown in Fig.3. This keeps
the decoupling capacitors C2 and C3
close to IC1.
A single mounting screw with an insu-
lating spacer provides additional support
for the stripboard. The components are
connected together as shown in Fig.4.
Two 4mm sockets are fitted to the case
for the output, and l.e.d. D3 and R1 are
connected to these as shown. Although a
single-pole switch was used for the mains
input a double-pole type would be prefer-
able for safety reasons so Fig.4 shows
how this should be wired. Enlargement showing the regulator (IC1) bolted to the underside of the aluminium
case cover. It is mounted using an insulating kit and some heatsink compound.

L
S1
N 0V 230V
TO E ON/OFF
230V a.c.
MAINS T1

0V 15V 0V 15V

+ +
C1

REC1

SK2

k GND
D3
a
+ IN IN
OUTPUT COM. IC1
+ OUT OUT
SK1
R1 STRIPBOARD
+

General component layout within the aluminium case. Note the Fig.4. Details of the interwiring between components. The
regulator and small circuit board mounted on the underside of “heavyweight’’ components are mounted on the base of the
the case cover. aluminium box – see facing photograph.

MAINS SAFETY It is essential to earth the metalwork of

the case and it will be seen that the negative
leads are plugged in the correct way round
when using it with the Moodloop as
Where possible, parts of the circuit con- output rail (SK2) is also connected to earth. reversing the supply polarity would dam-
nected to the mains supply, such as the The prototype does not have any built-in age this.
switch and transformer connections, fusing, instead it relies on a 3A fuse in the A later addition to the prototype, which
should be insulated or shrouded. Some mains plug, but constructors wishing to add may be seen in the photographs, was a
heat-shrink sleeving proved useful for fuses to the input or the output for addition- concentric type power socket wired in par-
this. Where live parts are exposed, care al safety may easily do so. allel with the 4mm output sockets. This
MUST be exercised whilst testing or If the unit is to be used as a source of was placed at the rear so that the cable was
working on the unit. Temporary covering power for the workshop a separate switch out of the way when in use.
with insulating tape is often a good idea for the output would be a useful addition The unit is capable of continuous output
when working with such hazards. as capacitor C1 stores a considerable of up to about 1A, in fact most regulators of
amount of power and rapid disconnection this type can actually supply a little more
of this from a circuit on test might occa- than their nominal 1A output for short peri-
sionally be required. It would also help to ods. Momentary short circuiting of the out-
spare the unit from the stress of frequent put should not cause damage as they also
power-up from the mains. generally have internal “fold-back’’ current
limiting protection, although for longevity
COMPONENT LAYOUT prolonged short circuiting and overload of
Apart from keeping the stripboard close the output should obviously be avoided. $
to the regulator, the layout of this unit is in
no way critical. Built as described, it gen-
erates a moderate amount of heat, much of NEXT MONTH
which seems to come from the trans- We present a Magnetic Field
former. To assist with dissipation a large Strength Checker. Ideal for indicat-
heatsink was screwed to the top of the ing the presence (or absence) of
box, and overnight use with the EPE “force fields’’ from the EPE
Moodloop results in it becoming quite Mooodloop relaxation project
warm but not too hot to touch, which is (Aug. ’00) and other sources of
quite acceptable for modern electronic magnetic “radiation’’.
components.
If 4mm sockets are used as shown for ON SALE – 7 Sept
the output, it is essential to ensure the

684 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 RECHARGEABLE 12V JELLY ACID BATTERIES.
£1 BARGAIN PACKS Yuasa 12V 2.3AH. These are 7in. long, 3in. high
SMART HIGH QUALITY ELECTRONIC KITS
CAT. NO. DESCRIPTION PRICE
Selected Items and 1½in. wide with robust terminals protruding
through the top. Price £3.50. Order Ref: 3.5P11. 1005 Touch Switch
£
2.87
CROCODILE CLIPS. Small size, 10 each red and DITTO, but 12V 18AH. This is 7in. long, 7in. high 1010 5-input stereo mixer with monitor output 19.31
and 3in. wide. Brand new with 12 months guaran- 1016 Loudspeaker protection unit 3.22
black. Order Ref: 116.
1023 Dynamic head preamp 2.50
PLASTIC HEADED CABLE CLIPS. Nail in type, tee, price £12.50 or pack of 4 for £48, including
1024 Microphone preamplifier 2.07
several sizes. Pack of 50. Order Ref: 123. VAT and carriage. Order Ref: 12.5P3. 1025 7 watt hi-fi power amplifier 2.53
30A PANEL MOUNTING TOGGLE SWITCH. Note – This battery will start a car and is ideal for 1026 Running lights 4.60
golf trolleys, etc. 1027 NiC.cad battery charger 3.91
Double pole. Order Ref: 166. 1030 Light dimmer 2.53
CHARGER for these batteries and other sealed
SUB MIN TOGGLE SWITCHES. Pack of 3. Order lead acid batteries, £5. Order Ref: 5P269. 1039 Stereo VU meter 4.60
Ref: 214. 1042 AF generator 250Hz-16kHz 1.70
RECHARGEABLE NICAD BATTERIES. AA size, 1043 Loudness stereo unit 3.22
HIGH POWER 3in. SPEAKER (1W 8ohm). Order 25p each, which is a real bargain considering 1047 Sound switch 5.29
Ref: 246. many firms charge as much as £2 each. These are 1048 Electronic thermostat 3.68
MEDIUM WAVE PERMEABILITY TUNER. It’s in packs of 10, coupled together with an output 1050 3-input hi-fi stereo preamplifier 12.42
almost a complete radio with circuit. Order Ref: lead so are a 12V unit but easily divideable into 2 1052 3-input mono mixer 6.21
× 6V or 10 × 1·2V. £2.50 per pack, 10 packs for 1053 Electronic metronome 3.22
247. 1054 4-input instrument mixer 2.76
HEATING ELEMENT. Mains voltage 100W, brass £25 including carriage. Order Ref: 2.5P34.
1059 Telephone amplifier 4.60
encased. Order Ref: 8. ANSWER-PHONE UNIT. Brand new, suitable for 1062 5V 0·5A stabilised supply for TTL 2.30
connection to any BT line, has been currently sold 1064 12V 0·5A stabilised supply 3.22
MAINS MOTOR with gearbox giving 1 rev per 24 for around £25. You can have one at £12. Order 1067 Stereo VU meter with leads 9.20
hours. Order Ref: 89. Ref: 12P38. 1068 18V 0·5A stabilised power supply 2.53
ROUND POINTER KNOBS for flatted ¼in. spin- LIGHT ALARM. A circuit for this appears in the 1070 Hi-fi preamplifier 7.47
dles. Pack of 10. Order Ref: 295. February issue, however, we have a rather less 1071 4-input selector 6.90
1080 Liquid level sensor, rain alarm 2.30
CERAMIC WAVE CHANGE SWITCH. 12-pole, 3- complicated model already made up and in a nice 1082 Car voltmeter with l.e.d.s 7.36
way with ¼in. spindle. Order Ref: 303. case, price only £3. Order Ref: 3P155. 1083 Video signal amplifier 2.76
REVERSING SWITCH. 20A double pole or 40A FOR QUICK HOOK-UPS. 1085 DC converter 12V to 6V or 7·5V or 9V 2.53
single pole. Order Ref: 343. You can’t beat leads with a 1086 Music to light for your car 4.60
croc clip each end. You can 1093 Windscreen wiper controller 3.68
LUMINOUS PUSH-ON PUSH-OFF SWITCHES. 1094 Home alarm system 12.42
have a set of 10 leads, 2
Pack of 3. Order Ref: 373. 1098 Digital thermometer with l.c.d. display 11.50
each of 5 assorted colours
SLIDE SWITCHES. Single pole changeover. Pack 1101 Dollar tester 4.60
with insulated crocodile 1102 Stereo VU meter with 14 l.e.d.s 6.67
of 10. Order Ref: 1053. clips on each end. lead 1106 Thermometer with l.e.d.s 6.90
PAXOLIN PANEL. Approximately 12in. x 12in. length 36cm, £2 per set. 1107 Electronics to help win the pools 3.68
Order Ref: 1033. Order Ref: 2P459. 1112 Loudspeaker protection with delay 4.60
CLOCKWORK MOTOR. Suitable for up to 6 1MA PANEL METER. Approximately 80mm × 1115 Courtesy light delay 2.07
55mm, front engraved 0-100. Price £1.50 each. 1118 Time switch with triac 0-10 mins 4.14
hours. Order Ref: 1038. 1122 Telephone call relay 3.68
TRANSISTOR DRIVER TRANSFORMER. Order Ref: 1/16R2.
1123 Morse code generator 1.84
Maker’s ref. no. LT44, impedance ratio 20k ohm to VERY THIN DRILLS. 12 assorted sizes vary 1126 Microphone preamplifier 4.60
between 0·6mm and 1·6mm. Price £1. Order Ref: 1127 Microphone tone control 4.60
1k ohm, centre tapped, 50p. Order Ref: 1/23R4.
128. 1128a Power flasher 12V d.c. 2.53
HIGH CURRENT RELAY. 12V D.C. or 24V A.C., 1133 Stereo sound to light 5.26
EVEN THINNER DRILLS. 12 that vary between
operates changeover contacts. Order Ref: 1026. 0·1 and 0·5mm. Price £1. Order Ref:129.
2-CORE CURLY LEAD. 5A, 2m. Order Ref: 846. TWIN TELEPHONE PLUG. Enables you to plug 2
3 CHANGEOVER RELAY. 6V A.C., 3V D.C. Order telephones into the one socket for all normal BT BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
Ref: 859. plugs. price £1.50. Order Ref: 1.5P67. ULTRASONIC MOVEMENT DETECTOR. Nicely
cased, free standing, has internal alarm which can be
3 CONTACT MICRO SWITCHES, operated with D.C. MOTOR WITH GEARBOX. Size 60mm long, silenced. Also has connections for external speaker or
slightest touch. Pack of 2. Order Ref: 861. 30mm diameter. Very powerful, operates off any light. Price £10. Order Ref: 10P154.
HIVAC NUMICATOR TUBE. Hivac ref XN3. Order voltage between 6 and 24 D.C. Speed at 6V is 200 CASED POWER SUPPLIES which, with a few small
Ref: 865. rpm, speed controller available. Special price £3 extra components and a bit of modifying, would give
each. Order Ref: 3P108. 12V at 10A. Originally £9.50 each, now 2 for £9.50.
2IN. ROUND LOUDSPEAKERS. 509 coil. Pack of Order Ref: 9.5P4.
FLASHING BEACON. Ideal for putting on a van, a
2. Order Ref: 908. 3-OCTAVE KEYBOARDS with piano size keys, brand
tractor or any vehicle that should always be seen.
5K POT, standard size with DP switch, good Uses a Xenon tube and has an amber coloured new, previous price £9.50, now 2 for the price of one.
length ¼in. spindle, pack of 2. Order Ref: 11R24. dome. Separate fixing base is included so unit can Order Ref: 9.5P5.
13A PLUG, fully legal with insulated legs, pack of be put away if desirable. Price £5. Order Ref:
3. Order Ref: GR19. 5P267. TOROIDAL MAINS TRANSFORMERS
OPTO SWITCH on p.c.b., size 2in. x 1in., pack of MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER. These are suit- All with 220V/240V primary winding
2. Order Ref: GR21. able for D.C. motors for voltage up to 12 and any 24V + 24V at 25VA would give 25V at 1A or 50V at ½A,
power up to 1/6 h.p. They reduce the speed by price £3. Order Ref: 3P245.
COMPONENT MOUNTING PANEL, heavy 0-7V 40VA has a main winding 7V at 5A and a secondary
intermittent full voltage pulses so there should be
Paxolin 10in. x 2in., 32 pairs of brass pillars for sol- no loss of power. In kit form these are £12. Order winding 12V at 1A, price £3. Order Ref: 3P238.
dering binding components. Order Ref: 7RC26. Ref: 12P34. Or made up and tested, £20. Order 35V at 80VA, price £5.
PEA LAMPS, only 4mm but 14V at 0·04A, wire Ref: 20P39. 0-110V + 0-110V at 120VA would give you 110V at just
ended, pack of 4. Order Ref: 7RC28. MOST USEFUL POWER SUPPLY. Rated at 9V over 1A or 220V at ½A, price £8. Order Ref: 8PG3.
HIGH AMP THYRISTOR, normal 2 contacts from 1A, this plugs into a 13A socket, is really nicely 0-35V + 0-35V at 150VA would give 35V at 4A or 70V at
boxed. £2. Order Ref: 2P733. 2A, price £8. Order Ref: 8PG9.
top, heavy threaded fixing underneath, think
0-35V + 0-35V at 220VA would give 35V at 6½A or 70V at
amperage to be at least 25A, pack of 2. Order Ref: BT TELEPHONE EXTENSION WIRE. This is 3¼A, price £10. Order Ref: 10PG4.
7FC43. proper heavy duty cable for running around the
0-110V + 0-110V at 220V would give 110V at 2A or 220V
BRIDGE RECTIFIER, ideal for 12V to 24V charg- skirting board when you want to make a perma- at 1A, price £12. Order Ref: 12PG5.
er at 5A, pack of 2. Order Ref: 1070. nent extension. 4 cores properly colour coded,
0-110V + 0-110V at 500VA would give 110V at 5A or 220V
25m length. Only £1. Order Ref:1067. at nearly 3A, price £25. Order Ref: 25PG8.
TEST PRODS FOR MULTIMETER with 4mm
12V 8A DC POWER SUPPLY. Totally enclosed
sockets. Good length very flexible lead. Order Ref: with its own cooling fan. Normal mains operation.
D86. 1·5-6V MOTOR WITH GEAR-
Price £11. order Ref: 11P6. BOX. Motor is mounted on
LUMINOUS ROCKER SWITCH, approximately TWIN 13A SWITCHED SOCKET. Standard in all the gearbox which has inter-
30mm square, pack of 2. Order Ref: D64. respects and complete with fixing screws. White, changeable gears giving a
MES LAMP HOLDERS, slide onto ¼in. tag, pack standard size and suitable for flush mounting or in range of speeds and motor
a surface box. Price £1.50. Order Ref: 1.5P61. torques. Comes with full
of 10. Order Ref: 1054. instructions for changing
HALL EFFECT DEVICES, mounted on small INSULATION TESTER WITH MULTIMETER. gears and calculating
heatsink, pack of 2. Order Ref: 1022. Internally generates voltages which enable you to speeds, £7. Order Ref: 7P26.
12V POLARISED RELAY, 2 changeover contacts. read insulation directly in megohms. The multi-
meter has four ranges AC/DC volts, 3 ranges DC
Order Ref: 1032. TERMS
milliamps, 3 ranges resistance and 5 amp range.
PROJECT CASE, 95mm x 66mm x 23mm with Ex-British Telecom but in very good condition, Send cash, PO, cheque or quote credit card number –
removable lid held by 4 screws, pack of 2. Order tested and guaranteed, probably cost at least £50 orders under £25 add £3.50 service charge.
Ref: 876. each, yours for only £7.50 with leads, carrying
LARGE MICRO SWITCHES, 20mm x 6mm x case £2 each. Order Ref: 7.5P4.
10mm, changeover contacts, pack of 2. Order Ref: REPAIRABLE METERS. We have some of the
826. above testers but faulty, not working on all ranges,
PIEZO ELECTRIC SOUNDER, also operates effi-
ciently as a microphone. Approximately 30mm
should be repairable, we supply diagrams, £3.
Order Ref: 3P176.
J & N FACTORS
diameter, easily mountable, 2 for £1. Order Ref: BIG 12V TRANSFORMER. It is 55VA so that is Pilgrim Works (Dept.E.E.)
1084. over 4A which is normal working, intermittently it
would be a much higher amperage. Beautiful
Stairbridge Lane, Bolney
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY on p.c.b. with ICs transformer, well made and very well insulated, Sussex RH17 5PA
etc. to drive it to give 2 rows of 8 characters, price terminals are in a plastic frame so can’t be acci-
£1. Order Ref: 1085. dentally touched. Price £3.50. Order Ref: 3.5P20. Telephone: 01444 881965

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 685

Regular Clinic

CIRCUIT
SURGERY
ALAN WINSTANLEY
and IAN BELL
Our surgeons round up a variety of readers’ queries and examine choices for
rechargeable batteries, including the latest Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese
(RAM) and Nickel-Metal Hydride cells.
Common ground is the best way to cut the copper strip? How Lastly, this seems as good a time as any
I’m a beginner in electronics and have do I know which way round to connect to introduce my new Electronic
an idea for a project using a microcon- l.e.d.s? Even under a magnifying glass the Components Photos CD-ROM, which
troller to interface with some components leads look the same all round to me. contains over 200 colour JPG images of
including some pumps. I’ve made a start One of my resistors (a 4,700 one) has got electronic components divided into cate-
by purchasing a PIC Programmer and FIVE stripes – yellow, violet, black, brown, gories. It’s in HTML format and runs
assembler. I need to know how to inte- brown! How do I read it? Is there some- from your web browser, but you don’t
grate a PIC into a circuit which will be where with a good description of the 555 need an Internet connection to view it.
powered by a 12V rail, and also how to timer i.c.? Lastly, what’s a good source of Both thumbnail and high-resolution
switch a 12V pump from the PIC I/O 3V for the circuit? Peter (via the Internet). colour images are included, along with a
Ports. I would like to know how to bring a demo copy of Paint Shop Pro image edit-
12V supply down to 5V (to power the Use a twist drill bit to break the copper ing software.
microcontroller) and also how to switch strips. Something like a 3 or 3·5mm diam- The CD ROM is intended for further
on a 12V device from a 5V output. Thanks, eter, held in a pin vice (a handheld education, presentations, parts cata-
David Nash (by E-mail). “chuck”) is fine, or buy the proper tool logues, handouts, industry training, per-
called a “spot face cutter”. Avoid drilling sonal projects and web sites, and it is
All you need is an ordinary three-termi- right through the board. Much practical available from the publishers of EPE for
nal 5V regulator such as the 7805 to advice for constructors will be found in only £19.99. (See the CD ROM advert
reduce the 12V rail to 5V. The regulator Robert Penfold’s Practically Speaking – elsewhere in this issue.) You’ll find all
has an advantage of being short-circuit Techniques of Actually Doing It column. sorts of photos of resistors, light-emitting
proof, having a thermal shutdown func- Most l.e.d.s. have a flat on the “body” cir- diodes, chips and more, included on the
tion to prevent overheating (caused by cumference to mark the cathode (k) lead. CD ROM. ARW.
inadequate heatsinking for instance). For Sometimes, especially with miniature types,
an example, see the Interior Lamp Delay the l.e.d. leads may be designated only by Shocking Stuff
project in Oct’99 EPE. their length so you’d need to check the con- Fernando Bentes de Jesus in Portugal
You can interface your 5V PIC micro- nection data in a catalogue. Personally, I is a regular reader and enquires about the
controller output to a higher voltage load look inside the l.e.d. body; almost always use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs
by ensuring that the PIC and load circuits the cathode is the reflector cup. or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
both have a common ground as a refer- The resistor: yellow = 4, violet = 7, black (GFCIs) in the States).
ence. Then use say an npn transistor to = 0, brown = × 10, brown = 1%, so it’s a
interface (or buffer) the PIC to the load, 4k7 1% resistor. When you’ve more expe- If it only takes a current of 20mA to
with the emitter connected to 0V. The PIC rience, as soon as you see yellow and vio- cause uncontrollable spasms, perhaps
output drives the transistor through a base let stripes together you’ll know it’s a “47 rendering a person unable to release a
resistor of say 4·7 kilohms (4k7) or so. something” resistor, which will tell you live wire and electrocuting them, how can
One side of the load is connected to the which end to read the colour code from, an RCD offer protection if it typically only
collector but the other side can be but even I have to get the data books out to trips at 30mA? Incidentally, I have a dish-
“returned” to a higher voltage (+12V say). check those bothersome five-band types washer which causes a worrying and tin-
A 1N4001 diode should be connected sometimes! gling electric shock – yet the RCD checks
across the pump, anode on collector, to Data sheets on the 555 timer abound, try out OK and does not trip in use.
prevent back-E.M.F. spikes. downloading one from the National
As long as the PIC circuit and transistor Semiconductor or Texas Instruments web This was prompted by a two part feature
all use the same 0V rail everything will be sites (I commend the National on electricity generation and distribution
fine – you just have to keep an eye on the Semiconductor data CD ROM which I (EPE Aug.’99 to Sept.’99). I haven’t
voltages appearing across which compo- bought on-line for a few dollars). The man- heard of any cases whereby anyone has
nents. Also consider using a MOSFET ufacturer Zetex produces an interesting suffered electrocution before an RCD has
power transistor, which being voltage low-voltage variation of this timer, the managed to trip. The level of leakage cur-
operated will draw next to no current from ZSCT1555 which operates down to 2V. rent flowing through the body is unstable
the PIC. ARW. You can easily obtain 3V d.c. by placing because it depends on so many factors,
two 1·5V cells in series using a suitable including skin moisture and the body’s
Beginner’s Questions battery holder and clip. Or try the idea of contact with the earth.
I’m building an l.e.d. flasher circuit on using a 3V lithium manganese coin cell, Even if a fault current of (say) 20mA
stripboard and have a few questions. What e.g. the CR2450. was received, this is very likely to

686 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

increase and as soon as the RCD threshold Constant trickle-charging coupled with Eveready suggest a maximum tempera-
is reached, the device must trip. There is light use in between times, is a sure way of ture of 45°C when discharging before cut-
no question of someone clinging on to a shortening the working life of a Ni-Cad, ting the load.
live apparatus and suffering a constant which is the main reason why there is a You cannot measure the remaining capac-
20mA shock, because in practice that fig- thriving trade in replacement cordless ity of a Ni-Cad by reading its off-load volt-
ure just couldn’t be constant. If they lose phone batteries. Ni-Cad cells dislike age. If you want a simple method of mea-
muscle control and therefore grip some- repeated shallow discharges, and, of suring when they are nearly flat, you could
thing tighter, the current would rise and course, everyone knows about the so-called maybe measure the voltage at which point a
trip the RCD. A trip time of 40 millisec- “memory effect”, which is defined by particular light bulb filament ceases to glow
onds is typical, far too rapid to allow the Eveready as the “characteristic attributed and, using that as a guide, discharge a bat-
current to cause any real damage, so hope- to nickel-cadmium cells wherein the cell tery pack down to a known voltage that
fully I can put your mind at rest. retains the characteristics of the previous way, or place a load across the battery and
We can’t really cover electrical repairs, cycling. That is, after repeated shallow use a voltmeter. Avoid merely connecting a
but your dishwasher may have developed depth discharges the cell will fail to pro- bulb and letting it run flat.
an insulation fault (perhaps in the wiring vide a satisfactory full depth discharge.” Internet users can fetch a couple of inter-
loom near the door hinge) made worse by Ni-Cads are strange because they enjoy esting old documents from our FTP site
condensation or water leakage. You were being treated somewhat badly, not gently. which describe some of the chemistry
unable to pinpoint the problem, so my Generally, it’s best to let the gadget fully behind the so-called “memory effect”. Go to
advice is to get it looked at by a profes- discharge occasionally (several times a ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/pub/
sional or treat yourself to a new one year), rather than partially discharge the docs.
instead! ARW. Ni-Cad before recharging. Cordless
phone, electric toothbrush, rechargeable Down with heavy metal
Ferric Disposal torch or razor owners should take note. Today my advice would be to choose
If you’re looking to dispose of highly Unfortunately Ni-Cads tend to self-dis- Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) types
corrosive Ferric Chloride etchant safely at charge over an extended time (say 10 to instead, which are a development of the
home, there is a problem. (In some coun- 20 weeks), and they are useless for low- Nickel Cadmium cell. They are more envi-
tries the use of this etchant by the public is drain applications such as clocks or ronmentally friendly, eliminating the use of
banned altogether.) You can’t put it in the L.C.D. calculators. heavy metals (Cadmium). Better still, size-
waste disposal, nor bury it, nor are you If, like me, you use many sets of cells, a for-size NiMH cells have up to 40 per cent
supposed to flush it down drains or toilets good tip is to number your cells in sets extra capacity, though their discharge char-
(and definitely don’t pour it down a sink!). using a Dymo or Brother label maker, so acteristics are broadly the same as Ni-Cd
I’m told that it can be rendered safe by that you know which sets are ready and cells – their terminal voltage runs along a
mixing it with Sodium Hydroxide (caustic which have been discharged. This helps to plateau and then plummets suddenly.
soda). The sodium and chloride will com- ensure that the cells are treated consistent- I find NiMH cells indispensable for
bine to make salt whilst the iron and cop- ly and aren’t mixed up. Also to avoid a heavy loads such as my digital camera and
per will settle, but I haven’t confirmed fire hazard, always store charged batteries flashguns. The elimination of Cadmium
this. Sodium Hydroxide is itself already safely, so that they cannot be shorted out also vastly reduces the cell’s susceptibility
useful as a developer for UV-exposed by metal objects. to memory effect (more correctly called
boards but as a caustic product it has its As for “when is a Ni-Cad considered voltage depression, where the cell cannot
own share of handling hazards. flat” the consensus is when the voltage “return” to the original voltage).
An alternative suggestion is to mix across a cell is approximately 0·9V it is However, it is strongly recommended
Sodium Carbonate (common washing time to recharge. A 3·6V or 7·2V pack has that you never leave a NiMH battery con-
soda crystals) with the Ferric Chloride, three or six cells respectively, so they are nected to a load such that it is allowed to
then mix the result in with cement or “flat” when they have about 2·7V or 5·4V completely discharge the battery, or (as
Plaster-of-Paris, which can then safely be on-load. There is no point continuing with NiCads) it may suffer voltage rever-
thrown away. Comments from chemists beyond that because the Ni-Cad’s capaci- sal. Always remove the load from a NiMH
would be welcomed! ARW. ty has already been spent. You run the battery before it is too late. I find this
additional risk of causing polarity reversal slightly disconcerting as I need to leave a
Assault and Ni-Cad Battery if the cells are discharged too much. set of NiMH cells in my digital camera to
From Mr. D.E. Gardner, of Yateley, keep its clock running in between times,
Hants came a query in respect of the cor- Gas gauge chips but I have not noted any ill effects so far.
rect use of Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) bat- It’s nothing to do with spiralling gaso- The best charging techniques are
teries. The increased use of digital cameras, line prices – knowing how much power designed to avoid overcharging and pos-
camcorders and radio-control means that remains is a big headache for laptop com- sible damage, and they use a three-stage
there are ever more Ni-Cads in circulation. puter and mobile phone manufacturers. In process: a fast recharge to restore up to
Their life will be extended if treated prop- the industry, a variety of so-called “gas 90 per cent capacity, an intermediate
erly, but how do you do that? Let’s look at gauge” chips are available from the likes timed charge completely restores full
rechargeable battery options, including the of Texas Instruments, who recently joined capacity followed by a trickle charge to
latest rechargeable alkaline types. forces with specialist battery controller balance the cells and compensate for
makers Unitrode and Benchmarq self-discharge.
I would like to know how best to treat Microelectronics. If you’re looking for The electronics industry has a lot of
rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries. I guess I data on their current range of battery experience of the fifty-year old Ni-Cd but
must have five different battery systems controller chips, go to www.bench- the newer NiMH cell is now creeping on
for my radio-control models, each battery marq.com. to the consumer market. One wall
needing a specific time for charging. How Radio control models that use 7·2V rac- recharger (the Energiser ACCU Hi Energy
far must a battery discharge before ing packs are notoriously abusive of Charger, from Argos 982/6852 – also see
recharging? There seem to be no proper Nickel-Cadmium cells. Battery packs can the identical-looking/priced Uniross
facilities for discharging these battery become too hot to handle after just a few CHX2 from Maplin, UG31J) will charge
packs, so is there a simple way to do it? minutes of hard driving but elevated tem- four cells of either type or a 9V battery, at
peratures are a potential source of internal the flick of a switch. I must say that the
Whilst queuing in an electronics store, a battery ruin. In racing applications, ensur- first example of this model I purchased
customer walked in with a cordless phone ing that the battery has fully discharged is got alarmingly hot during charging and
which had suddenly stopped working. The not a problem (it usually happens just as failed altogether after a few uses, but its
phone looked like new but it wouldn’t you’re winning!), as the batteries are sub- replacement is going strong.
work at all. Dodgy rechargeable batteries ject to a complete discharge over a 10
were diagnosed, and with a new set minute cycle or so. RAM your batteries
installed, the phone sprang into life. All There is probably less risk of “memory The latest arrival on the battery scene is
the previous two week’s missed calls sud- effect” arising but the high temperatures the Rechargeable Alkaline Manganese
denly came in! (Ahem.) caused by self-heating are of concern. (RAM) cell, in which Rayovac leads the

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 687

way (see photo) although they are widest possible appeal.
not very widely available. Queries from beginners are
Rayovac claim that they have a welcome, and you can rely on
higher initial capacity than either us for practical and responsible
Ni-Cd or NiMH cells, though not advice. We try to help with
as much as an ordinary alkaline general electronics-related
cell, which have a lower internal queries and offer pointers
resistance. Importantly, much bet- where we can, but we cannot
ter self-discharge parameters are design custom circuits to
claimed. order, help with spares or
Choosing a rechargeable battery repairs, nor does this column
is very much like choosing horses deal with microcontroller pro-
for courses – there may be times gramming (sorry).
when a RAM battery would be We know that Circuit
ideal for loads where ordinary Surgery is amongst the maga-
alkaline types are used but have a zine’s most popular columns.
moderate turnover. Cost-effec- There is however an increasing
tiveness is often the most critical dearth of what we would term
factor which determines what “sensible” questions – many
type of cell to use. Rayovac par- intended for Original Equipment queries received are simply
ticularly recommends RAM cells for Manufacturers (OEMs), there is plenty of unanswerable, and some readers hope a
applications needing high capacity and technical data there of interest to the con- complete chapter will be written special-
low self-discharge uses. I would consider structor or engineer. ly for them (and faxed/E-mailed by
them for flashlights or radios. Also have a look at http://data.energiz- return). We welcome queries from edu-
The charging method is complex, and er.com/batteryinfo for the low-down on cation (including further and higher edu-
TI/Benchmarq have developed some chips Ni-Cd and NiMH cells. Both this and the cation) although we cannot always
for recharging RAM batteries. More Rayovac web sites have good technical promise a reply unless we intend to use
advanced systems, including microcon- data and performance curves the publica- it in the magazine.
troller-based chargers, require expert advice. tion of which has been long-awaited, and So if you have a “sensible” question that
I strongly recommend reading you will also find charging and discharg- you think would be of interest to other
Rayovac’s superb on-line battery data, ing advice on-line. ARW. readers, please write to us at the Editorial
available as a PDF file from www.ray- address or ask by E-mail to
ovac.com/busoem/oem/specs/down- Help us to help you alan@epemag.wimborne.co.uk and
load.shtml. This is probably the best Circuit Surgery has always been your we’ll do our best to help through the medi-
resource available, and although it’s column and it tries to maintain the um of this column.

http://rswww.com), their “mail order” outlet. It carries the order

code 805-079.
Any readers who experience difficulty finding a suitable 10,000mF
35V working radial electrolytic capacitor will find one stocked by
Maplin under their HC series, code AU23A. At nearly £4 it seems a
bit on the high side, but capacitors do appear to be more expensive
nowadays. The same company also supplied the “flat type”,
Active Ferrite Loop Aerial undrilled, aluminium heatsink, code FL42V. Most of our components
One or two components needed for the Active Ferrite Loop Aerial advertisers should be able to supply a suitably sized, two-piece alu-
require further comment and could possibly give some readers local minium box.
sourcing problems.
As pointed out by the author, most varicap diodes designed for Remote Control IR Decoder
Medium Wave tuning with a 9V maximum bias should be OK in this We have only been able to trace one source for the IS1U60 sen-
circuit. The one specified in the article is the KV1236 dual type. Our sor used in the Remote Control IR Decoder project.
latest information is that this is to be replaced by the KV1235 type. This is a complete 3-pin infra-red remote control receiver, com-
Both devices will, of course, function in this project. plete with integral lens and EMI shielding, manufactured by Sharp,
The specified varicap and transistors are available from Bonex and was purchased from Electromail (2 01536 204555 or
Ltd (2 01753 549502 or www.bec.co.uk) and JAB Electronic http://rswww.com), code 577-897. It can also be ordered through
Components (2 0121 682 7045). any bona-fide RS Components stockists. The chip also contains
Finding a source for the ferrite rods proved a little more problem- enough processing circuits to convert the incoming modulated sig-
atic as they seem to have been dropped from many components nal to a logic pulse train output.
catalogues. One very good deal we came across was from J&N Unprogrammed PIC16x84s are now quite plentiful and should be
Factors (2 01444 881965) who are offering a pack of two ferrite easy to obtain. However, for those readers unable to program their
rod aerials from their “bargain packs” for just £1, code Ref D53A. At own PICs, a ready-programmed PIC16F84 can be purchased from
that price you can discard the coils and use the rods. Another fer- Magenta Electronics (2 01283 565435 or
rite rod source is Squires Model & Craft Tools (2 011243 www.magenta2000.co.uk) for the inclusive price of £5.90 (over-
842424), code 882-000. This one has a slightly flattened profile, seas readers add £1 for p&p). For those who wish to program their
measures 100mm long, and costs £1 each. own PICs, the software is available from the Editorial Offices on a
If you intend to use the 6·3mm stereo jack socket and plug 3·5in. PC-compatible disk, see PCB Service page. It is also avail-
arrangement to link the top aerial “turret” to the base control unit, the able free via the EPE website: ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.
socket came from Maplin (www.maplin.co.uk), code BW80B. They co.uk/pubs/PICS/IRdecoder. The software is written in MPASM.
also supplied the Lorlin, plastic cased, 3-way 4-pole rotary switch,
code FF76H. Steeplechase Game
The single-side printed circuit board is available from the EPE We do not expect any component buying problems to be encoun-
PCB Service, code 274. tered when shopping for parts for the Steeplechase Game, this
month’s “Top Tenner” project.
EPE Moodloop Power Supply
As far as we can tell the 6A 100V bridge rectifier, called up in the
EPE Moodloop Power Supply component listing, is an International PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Rectifier device and their code for this part is KBPC6-01. This is cur- Experimenter’s Power Supply I/U May ’00
rently listed by Farnell (2 0113 263 6311 or www.farnell.com), Page 343. The two programmable Zener diodes (IC2, IC4)
code 438-029 and Maplin (2 0870 264 6000 or used in this circuit were wrongly identified as Texas TL431C
www.maplin.co.uk), code AR80B. parts. They should be Zetex ZR431C devices.
The 20VA mains transformer, with two independent 15V sec- The Zetex device has a much lower excitation current than its
ondary windings, is an RS product and can be ordered through any Texas counterpart and is essential in this application.
bona-fide RS stockist or through Electromail (2 01536 304555 or

688 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 VIDEOS ON
ELECTRONICS
A range of videos selected by EPE and designed to provide instruc-
tion on electronics theory. Each video gives a sound introduction
and grounding in a specialised area of the subject. The tapes make
learning both easier and more enjoyable than pure textbook or
magazine study. They have proved particularly useful in schools,
colleges, training departments and electronics clubs as well as to
general hobbyists and those following distance learning courses etc

BASICS RADIO
VT201 to VT206 is a basic electronics course VCR MAINTENANCE VT401 61 minutes. A.M. Radio Theory. The
and is designed to be used as a complete VT102 84 minutes: Introduction to VCR
Repair. Warning, not for the beginner. most complete video ever produced on a.m.
series, if required.
Through the use of block diagrams this radio. Begins with the basics of a.m. trans-
VT201 54 minutes. Part One; D.C. Circuits.
video will take you through the various mission and proceeds to the five major stages
This video is an absolute must for the begin-
circuits found in the NTSC VHS system. of a.m. reception. Learn how the signal is
ner. Series circuits, parallel circuits, Ohms
You will follow the signal from the input to detected, converted and reproduced. Also
law, how to use the digital multimeter and
the audio/video heads then from the covers the Motorola C-QUAM a.m. stereo
much more. Order Code VT201
heads back to the output. system. Order Code VT401
VT202 62 minutes. Part Two; A.C. Circuits.
Order Code VT102 VT402 58 minutes. F.M. Radio Part 1. F.M.
This is your next step in understanding the
VT103 35 minutes: A step-by-step easy to basics including the functional blocks of a
basics of electronics. You will learn about how
follow procedure for professionally clean- receiver. Plus r.f. amplifier, mixer oscillator,
coils, transformers, capacitors, etc are used in
ing the tape path and replacing many of i.f. amplifier, limiter and f.m. decoder stages
common circuits. Order Code VT202
the belts in most VHS VCR's. The viewer of a typical f.m. receiver. Order Code VT402
VT203 57 minutes. Part Three; Semicon-
ductors. Gives you an exciting look into the will also become familiar with the various
world of semiconductors. With basic semicon- parts found in the tape path.
ductor theory. Plus 15 different semiconduc- Order Code VT103
tor devices explained.
Order Code VT203
DIGITAL
Now for the digital series of six videos. This
series is designed to provide a good ground-
ing in digital and computer technology.
VT301 54 minutes. Digital One; Gates begins
with the basics as you learn about seven of
the most common gates which are used in
almost every digital circuit, plus Binary VT202
notation. Order Code VT301
VT403 58 minutes. F.M. Radio Part 2. A con-
VT302 55 minutes. Digital Two; Flip Flops
tinuation of f.m. technology from Part 1.
will further enhance your knowledge of digital
Begins with the detector stage output, pro-
basics. You will learn about Octal and
ceeds to the 19kHz amplifier, frequency dou-
Hexadecimal notation groups, flip-flops,
VT201 bler, stereo demultiplexer and audio amplifier
counters, etc. Order Code VT302
stages. Also covers RDS digital data encoding
VT303 54 minutes. Digital Three; Registers
and decoding. Order Code VT403
VT204 56 minutes. Part Four; Power and Displays is your next step in obtaining a
Supplies. Guides you step-by-step through solid understanding of the basic circuits
different sections of a power supply. found in today’s digital designs. Gets into MISCELLANEOUS
Order Code VT204 multiplexers, registers, display devices, etc. VT501 58 minutes. Fibre Optics. From the
VT205 57 minutes. Part Five; Amplifiers. Order Code VT303 fundamentals of fibre optic technology
Shows you how amplifiers work as you have VT304 59 minutes. Digital Four; DAC and through cable manufacture to connectors,
never seen them before. Class A, class B, ADC shows you how the computer is able to transmitters and receivers.
class C, op.amps. etc. Order Code VT205 communicate with the real world. You will Order Code VT501
VT206 54 minutes. Part Six; Oscillators. learn about digital-to-analogue and ana- VT502 57 minutes. Laser Technology A basic
Oscillators are found in both linear and digi- logue-to-digital converter circuits. introduction covering some of the common
tal circuits. Gives a good basic background in Order Code VT304 uses of laser devices, plus the operation of the
oscillator circuits. Order Code VT206 VT305 56 minutes. Digital Five; Memory Ruby Rod laser, HeNe laser, CO2 gas laser
Devices introduces you to the technology and semiconductor laser devices. Also covers
used in many of today’s memory devices. You the basics of CD and bar code scanning.
will learn all about ROM devices and then Order Code VT502
£34.95 each
proceed into PROM, EPROM, EEPROM,
SRAM, DRAM, and MBM devices.
inc. VAT & postage Order Code VT305
VT306 56 minutes. Digital Six; The CPU
Order 8 or more get one extra FREE gives you a thorough understanding in the
Order 16 get two extra FREE basics of the central processing unit and the
input/output circuits used to make the system
work. Order Code VT306

ORDERING: Price includes postage to anywhere in the world.

OVERSEAS ORDERS: We use the VAT portion of the price to pay for airmail postage
and packing, wherever you live in the world. Just send £34.95 per tape. All payments
in £ sterling only (send cheque or money order drawn on a UK bank). Make cheques
payable to Direct Book Service. VT305

Visa and Mastercard orders accepted – please give card number, card expiry date and
cardholder’s address if different from the delivery address. Each video uses a mixture of animated current
flow in circuits plus text, plus cartoon instruc-
Orders are normally sent within seven days but please allow a maximum of 28 days,
longer for overseas orders. tion etc., and a very full commentary to get the
Send your order to: Direct Book Service, Allen House, East Borough, Wimborne, points across. The tapes are imported by us and
Dorset BH21 1PF originate from VCR Educational Products Co,
an American supplier. We are the worldwide
Direct Book Service is a division of Wimborne Publishing Ltd., Publishers of EPE
distributors of the PAL and SECAM versions of
Tel: 01202 881749. Fax: 01202 841692 these tapes. (All videos are to the UK PAL stan-
Due to the cost we cannot reply to overseas orders or queries by Fax. dard on VHS tapes unless you specifically
E-mail: dbs@epemag.wimborne.co.uk request SECAM versions.)

690 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 Bell College
Almada Street
Hamilton
Scotland ML3 0JB
Tel: 01698 283100
Fax: 01698 282131

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phase mod, l.c.d. display, EATON/AILTECH 757 0·001-22GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2500
TEKTRONIX 244SA SINAD MEASUREMENTS ADVANTEST R3261A 9kHz-2·6GHz, synthesised . . . . . . .£4000
for only keyboard entry, etc.,
4-channel, 150MHz, small, lightweight. H.P. 853A (Dig. Frame) with 8559A 100kHz-21GHz . . . . . .£2750
delay sweep, £60 H.P. 8558B with main frame, 100kHz-1500MHz . . . . . . . . .£1250
cursors/readout MARCONI 2382 100Hz-400MHz, high resolution . . . . . . . .£2000
MARCONI 893C £525-£600-£750 B&K 2033R Signal Analyser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1500
AF POWER METER ADVANTEST TR4131 10kHz-3·5GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2750
£750 300m Watts-30 Watts; 20Hz-35kHz MARCONI 2370 30Hz-110MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from £500
2·5 ohm-20 kilohms RADIO COMMUNICATIONS TEST SETS H.P. 141 SYSTEMS
TEKTRONIX 475 MARCONI 893C unused, boxed £100 MARCONI 2955/29958 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2000 8553 1kHz-110MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from £500
MARCONI 893B – to 10 Watts max. MARCONI 2955A/2960 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2500 8554 500kHz-1250MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from £750
Dual trace, 200MHz, NO SINAD £30 8555 10MHz-18GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .from £1000
delay sweep
GOULD J3B MARCONI 2019 Synth AM/FM sig gen, 80kHz-1040MHz . . .£475
H.P. 8657A Synth sig gen, 100kHz-1040MHz . . . . . . . . . . .£2500 UNUSED OSCILLOSCOPES
£400 SINE/SQ. OSCILLATOR TEKTRONIX TDS350 dual trace, 200MHz, 1GS/s . . . . . . . .£1500
H.P. 8656B Synth sig gen, 100kHz-990MHz . . . . . . . . . . . .£1350
H.P. 8656A Synth sig gen, 100kHz-990MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . .£995 TEKTRONIX TAS485 4-channel, 200MHz etc. . . . . . . . . . .£1100
10Hz- H.P. 54600B dual trace, 100MHz, 20MS/s . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1000
100kHz £75- GIGATRONIC 7100 Synth sig gen, 10MHz-20GHz . . . . . . .£5000
OSCILLOSCOPES
Low distortion MARCONI 2017 AM/FM phase-locked sig gen,
AVO 8 MK. 6 MULTI- £125 10kHz-1024MHz, good signal purity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1200 PHILIPS PM3092 2+2-ch., 200MHz, delay, TB etc. . . . . . . . .£950
Balanced metered PHILIPS PM3082 2+2-ch., 100MHz, delay etc. . . . . . . . . . . .£800
METER £80 output. Attenuator H.P. 8640A AM/FM sig gen, 500kHz-1024MHz . . . . . . . . . . .£400
TEKTRONIX TAS465 dual trace, 100MHz, delay etc. . . . . . .£800
H.P. 8640A AM/FM sig gen, 500kHz-512MHz . . . . . . . . . . . .£250
In Ever-Ready Case PHILIPS PM5328 sig gen, 100kHz-180MHz with TEKTRONIX 2645 4-ch., 300MHz, delay sweep cursors . . .£1250
with Leads and Batteries 200MHz, freq. counter, IEEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£650 TEKTRONIX 2430 dual trace, 150MHz, 100MS/s, crsors etc. £800
£95- RACAL 9081 Synth AM/FM sig g en, 5-520MHz . . . . . . . . . .£350 TEKTRONIX 2232 dual trace, 100MHz, 100MS/s, cursors etc.£800
Other AVOs fromm £50 £150 H.P. 3325A Synth function gen, 21MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£600 TEKTRONIX 2212 dual trace, 60MHz, 20MS/s, cursors etc. .£650
MARCONI 6500 Amplitude Analyser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1500 TEKTRONIX 2210 dual trace, 50MHx, 20MS/s . . . . . . . . . . .£450
H.P. 4275A LCR Meter, 10kHz-10MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2750 H.P. 54200A Digitising, 50MHz, 200MS/s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£600
RACAL TRUE RMS VOLTMETERS SOLARTRON 7150
DMM 6½-digit. TRUE R.M.S. High Accuracy IEEE H.P. 8903E Distortion Analyser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£750
WAYNE KERR 3245 Inductance Analyser . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2000 PHILIPS PM3217 – Dual
HIGH QUALITY RACAL COUNTERS H.P. 8112A Pulse Generator, 50MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1250 Trace 50MHz Delay
DATRON AutoCal Multimeter, 5½-7½-digit, 1065/1061A/1071 VERY GOOD
from £300-£600 OSCILLOSCOPE
MARCONI 2400 Frequency Counter, 20GHz . . . . . . . . . . . .£1000 Incl. 2 probes, pouch
H.P. 5350B Frequency Counter, 20GHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2000 & Front cover
9300 5Hz-20MHz usable to 60MHz, 10V-316V £95 H.P. 5342A 10Hz-18GHz Frequency Counter . . . . . . . . . . . .£800
9300B Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£150 FARNELL AP100/30 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1000
9301/9302 RF Version to 1·5GHz .from £200-£300
9904 Universal Timer Counter, 50MHz . . . . . .£50 FARNELL AP70/30 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£800 FROM £250-£300
9916 Counter, 10Hz-520MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . .£75 PHILIPS PM5418TN Colour TV Pattern Generator . . . . . . .£1750
9918 Counter, 10Hz-560MHz, 9-digit . . . . . . .£50 PHILIPS PM5418TX1 Colour TV Pattern Generator . . . . . . .£2000
RACAL/AIM 9343M LCR Databridge. Digital B&K Accelerometer, type 4366 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£300 THIS IS THE BEST
MARCONI 2610 TRUE H.P. 11692D Dual Directional Coupler, 2MHz-18GHz . . . . . .£1600
Auto measurements of R, C, L, Q, D . . . . . .£200 CHEAP SCOPE
HUNTRON TRACKER Model 1000 . . . . . . .£125 RMS VOLTMETER H.P. 11691D Dual Directional Coupler, 2MHz-18GHz . . . . . .£1250 YOU WILL EVER £200
H.P. 5315A Universal Counter, 1GHz, 2-ch . .£80 Digital LCD + TEKTRONIX P6109B Probe, 100MHz readout, unused . . . . . .£60 BUY!!!
FLUKE 8050A DMM 4½ digit 2A True RMS . .£75 Analogue TEKTRONIX P6106A Probe, 250MHz readout, unused . . . . . .£85 GOULD OS1100 – Dual Trace, 30MHz
FLUKE 8010A DMM 3½ digit 10A . . . . . . . . .£50 Meter £195 Delay. Very bright. Supplied with manual and two probes
5Hz to 25MHz + D.C. Autoranging
WELLER EC3100A £125
GOODWILL GFC 8010G MARCONI TF2015 AM/FM sig gen, 10-520MHz . .£175 Temperature controlled Soldering Station
FREQUENCY COUNTER, Range RACAL 9008 Auto Mod Meter, 1·5MHz-2GHz . . . .£200 200°C-450°C. Unused
1Hz-120MHz, 8-Digit Display, 15mV LEVELL TG200DMP RC Oscillator, 1Hz-1MHz . . . .£50
RMS Sensitivity Unused £75 Sine/Sq. Meter, battery operated (batts. not supplied)
FARNELL LF1 Sine/Sq. Oscillator, 10Hz-1MHz . . . .£75
GOODWILL
FARNELL L30/2 Bench Power Supply
FARNELL AMM255
GVT427 DUAL CHANNEL A.C. Automatic Mod Meter, AM/FM,
MILLIVOLTMETER 0-30 Volts; 0-2 Amps.
Constant D.|C. outputs/ ONLY £80 1·5MHz-2GHz, 3·5-digit l.c.d.
TEKTRONIX 400 SERIES
10mV 300V in 12 ranges display. Unused £400
Constant current 468 Digital Storage Dual Trace 100MHz Delay . . . . . . . . . . .£550
Frequency 10Hz-1MHz 466 Analogue Storage Dual Trace 100MHz Delay . . . . . . . . .£250
MANY OTHER POWER SUPPLIES AVAILABLE
Also available: 485 Dual Trace 350MHz Delay Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£750
FARNELL AMM2000 Auto Mod Meter, 10Hz-2·4GHz. Unused . . .£950 475 Dual Trace 200MHz Delay Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£400

STEWART of READING MARCONI 2305 Mod Meter, 500kHz-2GHz . . . . . . . . . .from £750

Used Equipment – GUARANTEED. Manuals supplied

465 Dual Trace 100MHz Delay Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£400

110 WYKEHAM ROAD, READING, BERKS. RG6 1PL

This is a VERY SMALL SAMPLE OF STOCK. SAE or Telephone for lists.
Telephone: (0118) 9268041. Fax: (0118) 9351696 Please check availability before ordering.
Callers welcome 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday (other times by arrangement) CARRIAGE all units £16. VAT to be added to Total of Goods and Carriage

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 691

Everyday Practical Electronics are pleased to be able to offer all readers these

ELECTRONICS CD-ROMS
Analogue Electronics is a complete learning resource
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Digital Electronics builds on the knowledge of logic gates

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS covered in Electronic Circuits & Components (opposite),
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Covers binary and hexadecimal numbering systems, ASCII, basic logic gates
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Filters is a complete course in designing active and

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)Software for simulating digital logic circuits
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)Easy-to-use digital interface
)Animation brings circuits to life
)Vast library of logic macros and 74 series i.c.s with data sheets
Macro screen Counter project )Powerful tool for designing and learning

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 Interested in programming PIC microcontrollers? Learn with PICtutor by John Becker
This highly acclaimed CD-ROM, together with the PICtutor experimental and development board, will teach
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HARDWARE
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ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS PHOTOS

A high quality selection of over 200 JPG images of electronic components. This selection of high resolution photos can be used to enhance projects
and presentations or to help with training and educational material. They are royalty free for use in commercial or personal printed projects, and can
also be used royalty free in books, catalogues, magazine articles as well as worldwide web pages (subject to restrictions – see licence for full details).
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ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS & COMPONENTS MODULAR CIRCUIT DESIGN

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The Parts Gallery will help students to recognise common electronic components and information on construction, fault finding and components, including
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Components Quiz, Symbols, Symbols Quiz, Circuit Technology
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ee50b
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING
Robert Penfold looks at the Techniques of Actually Doing It!
at any rate, summer should Provided you choose simple projects You also need to go at things in a
Izinebe isnearing
N THEORY
its end when this maga-
on the bookstalls, and thoughts
to start with there is an excellent
chance that they will all work. You may
restrained way when mounting compo-
nents on a front panel. Most front panel
should be turning away from outdoor have to sort out one or two simple mis- components are mounted via a thread-
pursuits towards indoor activities such takes, but there should be no major dif- ed bush and a fixing nut. Even with the
as project building. Traditionally, this is ficulties. With larger projects there are larger components that have metal
the time of year when a lot of new more opportunities for things to go bushes, tightening the nuts as if they
recruits enter the hobby, and this fea- wrong, and it can be more difficult to were wheel nuts on a car could cause
ture often offers advice about getting sort things out if problems do occur. damage.
started. Only build a project if you fully under- With the smaller components and
This time we work on the basis that stand its function and use. those that have plastic bushes it would
learning from your mistakes is good, Another good way to get into difficul- certainly produce some sheared
but learning from the mistakes of other ties is to build a project that is not nec- threads. Over-tightening the fixing nuts
people is even better, and we will con- essarily all that complex, but has a on smaller components can even result
sider how not to do it. By avoiding the highly technical or obscure function in the front section breaking off com-
pitfalls mentioned here new recruits that you do not really understand. At pletely. Tighten mounting nuts enough
should find this absorbing hobby rela- one time there was a steady trickle of to fix the components securely in place,
tively frustration-free. letters from readers who were having but do not necessarily go on turning
problems simply because they had them until you cannot force them any
Smart Buying misunderstood the exact function of a further.
When building old projects we project. Thankfully, this type of thing is
always advise checking the availability relatively rare these days. Bit of Advice
of all the components before The EPE web site
buying any of them. (www.epemag.wimborne.
Otherwise you risk purchas- co.uk) is the place to go if you
ing 95 per cent of the parts would like to know how to sol-
only to discover that the other der properly. There you will find
five per cent are no longer a comprehensive and fully illus-
available. trated guide to soldering.
Both manufacturers and There are two common mis-
retailers seem to have ratio- takes that newcomers tend to
nalised their ranges of com- make when they first try their
ponents in recent years, hand at soldering. The obvi-
resulting in many compo- ous way to solder is to first
nents suddenly disappearing. melt the solder on the tip of
Short-lived components that the iron, and to then transfer
failed to “make the grade’’ the molten solder to the sur-
have always been a problem, faces that are to be joined.
but even some of the “golden Unfortunately, in this case the
oldies’’ have suddenly proved obvious method is definitely
to be difficult or impossible to the wrong way of doing things.
obtain in recent years. The type of solder used for
Even with a project pub- electrical work has cores of
lished a few months ago it is Fig 1. A ‘dry’ joint on the left and a good joint on the right. flux which help the solder to
risky to start ordering parts flow over the wires, copper
without first checking that they are all Kid Gloves pads, etc., so that a good electrical
still available. Be particularly careful When I start on some do-it-yourself connection and a physically strong joint
about semiconductors, which seem to jobs around the house it takes a while are produced. The problem with apply-
be the worst sufferers of here today – to adjust to doing things on a larger ing the solder to the bit first and the
gone tomorrow syndrome. scale. I am used to producing and joint second is that the flux tends to
Get as many catalogues and price working on intricate circuit boards, not burn away before the solder reaches
lists as you can. This maximises your dealing with huge sheets of MDF and the joint.
chances of being able to track down drilling large holes through walls. Another problem is that the solder is
any vital but unusual parts that are Many people have the opposite prob- applied to a cold joint, and it tends to
needed to complete a project. Most lem when starting electronic project solidify as soon as it touches any of the
component suppliers now have online construction. Most project cases are cold metal surfaces. This factor, plus
catalogues at their web sites, and you made from thin and relatively soft alu- the lack of flux, results in the solder not
should certainly pay these a visit if you minium, or plastics that are either soft flowing over the surfaces properly, giv-
have Internet access. Ignoring the or brittle. Fibreglass circuit boards are ing a weak and ineffective “dry’’ joint.
Shoptalk feature is a common error. quite tough, but boards made from The left-hand joint in Fig.1 was pro-
This gives at least one source of supply other materials are less durable. Some duced using the transfer method. It has
for any difficult to obtain parts used in makes of stripboard are quite brittle. actually produced a proper electrical
EPE projects. Applying the “hammer and tongs’’ connection, but the lack of solder has
approach to project construction is a given a physically weak joint.
Mega-Projects good way to end up with a collection of To avoid a “dry’’ joint the tip of the
Building a large and exotic project is battered and cracked cases and circuit soldering iron must be applied to the
a good way to impress your family and boards. Always proceed slowly and joint first, and then some solder is fed
friends, but only if it works! It is stating carefully, using no more than moderate onto the bit of the iron. The solder
the obvious to say that beginners pressure. For electronic project work should then flow over the surfaces to
should choose beginners projects, but hand tools or small cordless power produce a strong joint and a good elec-
some succumb to the temptation to go tools are more appropriate than large trical connection, as the right-hand
for something more impressive. power tools. joint of Fig.1.

694 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 Modern components and solders
make soldering much easier than it
used to be, but you may still
encounter a leadout wire or integrat-
ed circuit pin that is clearly covered
with a large amount of dirt or corro-
sion. It is then a good idea to careful-
ly scrape away the contamination with
the blade of a penknife or using wire
wool, rather than hoping that the flux
will be able to deal with it.

Timeout
The second common soldering
problem is simply taking too long over
each joint. With experience you will
be able to complete soldered joints
very rapidly without having to give
each one very much thought. Initially Fig 2. Inexpensive wirecutters/strippers can save a lot of problems and are safe.
things will inevitably be slower and
hesitant, but the bit of the iron must
still be applied to each joint for no expense of an i.c. holder when you Even with the right equipment it can
more than one or two seconds. can solder the components directly be difficult to remove multi-pin com-
Some components are more heat onto the board? ponents. There is a real risk of dam-
resistant than others, but even the As pointed out previously, semicon- aging the component, but of more
more simple components such as ductors are vulnerable to overheat- importance the circuit board can also
resistors and capacitors can be dam- ing, a problem that is made worse if come to grief.
aged by overheating. Semiconductors there are large numbers of pins to
are much less tolerant of heat, and connect. Also bear in mind that many Testing Time
are easily damaged by “leisurely” modern semiconductors are vulnera- When your latest masterpiece is
soldering. ble to damage from static charges. It finished it is tempting to immediately
It is a good idea to buy some resis- is not just large discharges that are switch on and see if it works. It is also
tors and a piece of stripboard and use the problem, and even quite modest a popular mistake that will probably
these to practice soldering before try- voltages can “zap’’ the inputs of some not have dire consequences, but
ing to actually build your first project. devices. costly damage cannot be ruled out.
You will then “get up to speed’’ before Soldering this type of component It is a good idea to spend at least a
you start building in earnest, and any direct to a circuit board increases the few minutes looking for any wiring
“burnt sacrifices’’ you produce initially risk of static damage and is definitely errors, semiconductors fitted the
will be of no consequence. not a good idea. Always heed any wrong way round, swapped over com-
advice about avoiding static damage, ponents, and this sort of thing. Be
Broken Wires including the use of i.c. holders. especially vigilant when looking for
It is tempting for the beginner to Another good reason for using components that are fitted the wrong
improvise when it comes to cutting holders is that the occasional mistake way round, and do not forget to check
wires and stripping insulation from will inevitably occur, with the integrat- the battery clip as well.
them. Homespun methods that ed circuit being fitted the wrong way In the past, semiconductors con-
involve sharp knives have to be round. If the device is fitted in a hold- nected the wrong way round or fed
regarded as decidedly dangerous. er there is no major problem. There with the wrong supply polarity had a
Scissors are a less dangerous option, are special tools for pulling integrated life expectancy of about one
but will soon be ruined if they are circuits from their holders, but it is microsecond. Modern devices are
used to cut wires, and do not provide usually possible to carefully lever one less easily damaged in this way, but
the sort of precision that is required. end free using a small screwdriver, they can still be “zapped’’ by the large
A problem when using anything and to then repeat the process at the supply currents that often flow as a
other than proper wire strippers is other end. The device is then fitted result of incorrect connection.
that the wires are almost invariably the right way around. You are usually left in no doubt
nicked slightly during the stripping If the component seems very reluc- when a semiconductor overheats,
process. This seriously weakens the tant to move, you are probably lever- because it often explodes with a load
wires, which then easily fatigue and ing the socket away from the board “crack’’. Electrolytic capacitors con-
break. Use multi-strand connecting rather than the chip from its holder! nected the wrong way round often
wire rather than the single-core vari- Look carefully at what you are doing suffer the same fate. Always switch
ety that is very prone to this breaking when using low-profile holders. off at once if you detect the charac-
problem. A popular way of damaging inte- teristic smell of hot components com-
A cheap pair of combination wire grated circuits is to pull them from ing from a low power circuit.
cutters and strippers should last their holders using your fingers. If you Ignoring any notes on setting up
many years and will avoid a lot of do manage to pull the devices free it and using a project is a good way of
problems. These have notches in the is virtually certain that one end will ensuring that it fails to perform prop-
cutting blades (see Fig.2) so that they pull clear of the holder well ahead of erly even if it has been built properly.
can be adjusted to cut through the the other end. This produces a lot of Always follow any setting up instruc-
insulation without damaging the wires severely bent pins. tions “to the letter’’, and heed any
within. The pins can usually be prised advice about using projects.
Always set wire strippers for the back into position with the aid of a
largest aperture that enables the screwdriver blade, but there is a real Do It
sleeving to be removed. This minimis- risk of one or more pins breaking off. The biggest mistake of all is to
es the risk of damaging the wires. There is also a strong possibility that always be about to build a project, but
as the chip comes free from the hold- to never actually get around to it.
Holders er it will bury some of its pins into Getting started is the hardest part of
It is tempting to leave out integrat- your finger. any creative hobby, but once under-
ed circuit (i.c.) holders, or d.i.l. (dual Desoldering equipment is needed way you are unlikely to have any
in-line) sockets as they are common- to remove an integrated circuit that is regrets and should be at the start of
ly referred to. Why bother with the soldered direct to the circuit board. countless hours of fun.

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 695

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PIC Programming Project

REMOTE CONTROL
IR DECODER
ROGER THOMAS
the infra-red signal. The final stage is a
Allows PIC programming enthusiasts comparator circuit which gives a clean
TTL output signal. Using this device is
to remotely control their designs. considerably easier (and cheaper) than
building a circuit using a separate infra-red
detector and amplifier. Pinouts are given in
HIS design was created to enable PIC are recognised by the PIC software and

T microcontroller circuits to be
enhanced by the addition of a low
cost infra-red sensor and suitable decoding
used to switch these l.e.d.s on or off.
Resistors R1 and R2 limit the l.e.d. cur-
rent from the PIC. Additional l.e.d.s with
Fig.4.
Data output from the sensor is connect-
ed directly to the PIC at Port B pin RB0.
(It could also be added to an existing PIC
software. The operation of the PIC soft- suitable current limiting resistors can be circuit with minimal additional wiring if a
ware can then be selected via a remote added but note that the PIC can only spare port pin is available.)
control handset. This control option may source a maximum current of 20mA per With no infra-red signal the output of
be preferable to interfacing external port pin, with a maximum current total of the device is 5V (logic 1) and consumes a
switches to the PIC. 100mA for Port B. maximum current of 4·5mA (2·8mA typi-
The circuit and program could also be The circuit can easily be built on strip- cal). The recommended power supply
used just as a simple tester to show that a board and requires a regulated +5V power range is 4·7V to 5·3V.
remote control is working. supply. No constructional details are
offered. Software is available as stated later.
BASIC FUNCTIONS
Referring to Fig.1, the Remote Control SERIAL INTERFACE
Decoder uses an infra-red sensor (IC2) the It can be difficult to predict what com-
demodulated output from which is con- mand code a particular remote control
nected to a PIC16x84 microcontroller handset key will generate. Instead of
(IC1) for decoding. switching on or off l.e.d.s, the value of the
Remote control handsets can use a vari- command code generated by the remote
ety of different protocols. The PIC soft- control handset can also be serially trans-
ware decodes either the RC5 (Philips) or mitted to a PC-compatible computer. Fig.2. 9-pin D-type female serial
SIRC (Sony) transmission protocol as To achieve this, R3 is a series current- connector.
these are most likely to be used to control limiting resistor and connects Port B pin
equipment in the home. These protocols RB3 to pin 2 of a 9-pin D-type serial port

COMPONENTS
are described later so that the decoding socket (SK1 in Fig.2) so that the data from
software can be understood and incorpo- the PIC circuit can be sent direct to the
rated as part of another program for a more PC’s serial port. In serial mode, the PIC
elaborate circuit. software needs to be amended with the
To help demonstrate the decoding l.e.d. output routine replaced by the serial Resistors See
process, and provide programming exam- port emulation software. R1, R2 680W
(2 off)
SHOP
ples, the PIC circuit incorporates two light By running the PC serial link version of
emitting diodes (D1 and D2) connected to the PIC software the command values of
R3 470W
TALK
Port B. Certain remote control key codes different remote control handset keys are page
Capacitors
displayed. The lists C1 10mF elect. 10V
which illustrate vari- C2, C3 33pF ceramic (2 off)
ous command codes
are given later, but can Semiconductors
only be used as a gen- D1, D2 red l.e.d. (2 off)
IC1 PIC16x84
eral guide to what microcontroller,
µ
command code a preprogrammed
Ω
given key on the (see text)
handset may generate. IC2 IS1U60 infra-red sensor

INFRA-RED Miscellaneous
SENSOR
Ω SK1 9-pin D-type serial
connector, female
The IS1U60 X1 4MHz crystal
Ω
remote control infra-
red sensor, IC2, is Stripboard, size to suit; 5V power
manufactured by supply (see text)
Sharp. As can be
seen from the block
diagram in Fig.3, this
device filters, ampli-
Approx. Cost
Guidance Only £8
excluding PSU
Fig.1. Circuit diagram for the Remote Control IR Decoder. fies and demodulates

698 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 Fig.3. Block diagram for the IS1U60 remote control IR sensor.

Next is the Address (A4 to A0) of the Table 1. Example RC5 device addresses.
equipment that is to respond to the com-
mand transmitted. With five bits there are Address Device
0 TV receiver 1
32 different devices that can be addressed. 1 TV receiver 2
Some of the more common addresses are 2 teletext
given in Table 1. Note that the software of 5 video recorder 1
the decoder described here does not actu- 6 video recorder 2
ally decode the device address but the pro- 7 experimental
gram could be altered to do so. 8 satellite
After the address come the six 16 preamplifier 1
Command code bits (C5 to C0), giving a 17 tuner
18 audio tape recorder 1
total of 64 different commands that can be 19 preamplifier 2
transmitted. Some of the more common 20 CD player
commands are listed in Table 2. 23 audio tape recorder 2
Commands 0 to 17 are used mostly to con-
trol a TV receiver, commands 41 to 46 are
used for teletext, and 47 to 55 used to con- Table 2. RC5 command codes.
trol a video tape recorder. Command Function
0-9 numerals 0 to 9
10 digits
11 select
12 stand-by
13 mute
14 presets
15 display
16 volume +
Fig.4. Pinouts for the IS1U60 sensor. 17 volume –
41 page
42 timer
RC5 PROTOCOL 43
44
large
reveal
The RC5 remote control code protocol
45 cancel
was developed by Philips and is used by 46 subtitle
several other manufacturers. However, it is 47 store
worth noting that not all products manu- 48 pause
factured by Philips use this protocol. 49 erase
An RC5 transmission has a duration µ
50 fast reverse
of approximately 25 milliseconds and 51 fast forward
contains 14 bits of data. A logic 0 is 52 rewind
encoded by a high-to-low transition and Fig.5. RC5 timing of logic 0 and logic 1 53 play
data. 54 stop
a logic 1 by a low-to-high transition. 55 record
This is called bi-phase coding, as illus-
trated in Fig.5.
The arrangement of the 14-bit code is
given in Fig.6. The first two bits (S) of the
RC5 DECODING is read (TIMERVAL) after every interrupt
transmission are Start bits and are always SOFTWARE and the RTCC timer is then set to zero and
transmitted as logic 1. This allows the IR RC5 transmissions are relatively slow in begins to count up again. PIC software
receiver to adjust its automatic gain con- comparison to the operation of the PIC times the IR sensor output from falling
trol to suit the infra-red signal strength. microcontroller. However, due to the bi- edge to falling edge. With a 4MHz crystal
The Control bit (C) toggles whenever a phase encoding, a more complicated clock and prescaler set to 16, the timer is
new key is pressed, or if a key is held downdecoding algorithm is needed than might incremented every 16 microseconds.
and a repeated transmission is made every be expected. As can be seen from the various logic
113 milliseconds. The decoding software works by using combinations in Fig.7, despite the number
the falling edge of of different waveform permutations, the
the RC5 signal to edge-to-edge timing can be one of only
generate an inter- three different values.
rupt. The 8-bit inter- The output from the infra-red sensor is
nal RTCC (Real high and goes low when a signal is
Time Clock received, so on the first interrupt the timer
Fig.6. RC5 code format. Counter) timer value value is not valid. Program variable BITS

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 699

 Observation of the waveform will
show that if the last pulse of an RC5
transmission is zero, then there is no
final falling edge to enable an interrupt
to read the timer. With no interrupts the
RTCC timer will reach 255 (maximum
byte value) and start counting from zero.
This “roll-over’’ sets the timer overflow
flag, which is used to indicate the end of
transmission and the LEDDISPLAY
output routine is called.
RC5 ASSEMBLER
PROGRAM
Once the RC5 assembler listing is pro-
grammed into the PIC the decoding soft-
ware can be tested. If the key marked “1’’
on the remote control is pressed one l.e.d.
(D1) will come on, if the “2’’ key is
pressed then the other l.e.d. (D2) will
come on. If the “3’’ key is pressed then
both l.e.d.s come on.
To change which key alters the l.e.d.,
change the CBINARY comparison
value in the LEDDISPLAY routine.
For example, using a VCR remote con-
trol, change the three comparisons to
D’53’, D’54’, D’55’ (to change from
hexadecimal to decimal notation
replace H’nn’ with D’nnn’ in the assem-
bler program).
On the remote control handset pressing
the VCR Play key should generate com-
mand code 53 and one of the l.e.d.s should
light. Pressing the Stop key should gener-
ate code 54 and light the other l.e.d.
Pressing the Record key should generate
55 and both l.e.d.s should be on.
Fig.7. Example RC5 timing diagram.

is used to ensure that on the first interrupt last bit received. If

(BITS = 1) the program variables are ini- TIMERVAL = 2 and
tialised but the RTCC timer value is not the previous bit was
used. 0 then the result is
On the second interrupt (BITS = 2) the binary 10. Fig.8. SIRC code format.
RTCC timer value of the start bit is The ADDBINARY routine is then
assigned to variable TIMERVAL. This called, which updates the value of the SIRC PROTOCOL
value is used as a reference and all subse- CBINARY (command binary) variable SIRC (Serial Infra-Red Control) proto-
quent timer value calculations use it. using the THISBIT variable value. The col is the name given to Sony’s IR remote
The XVALUE variables are used to set BITS value must be greater than eight so control system. The 12-bit protocol is the
the three different TIMERVAL value that only the command part of the RC5 most common format used with domestic
ranges, this determines the waveform tim- sequence is decoded. products but there are others, including
ing (see Listing 1). Using ranges of values If THISBIT = 1 then the appropriate 15-bit and 20-bit versions. Control-S pro-
rather than direct comparison to the first bit within the CBINARY variable byte is tocol is the hard-wired TTL version of the
reading ensures that any timing discrepan- set to 1. This is done by logic ORing BIT- infra-red SIRC signal.
cy does not affect the operation of the pro- VALUE and CBINARY. Dividing BIT- In most respects these transmissions
gram. Small variations in the RTCC value VALUE by two sets the next bit within are easier to decode than RC5. Several
are inevitable due to PIC interrupt latency this variable to 1. of the routines and variables used in the
and tolerances between different remote Initially the value of BITVALUE is 32 SIRC decoding program are similar to
controls. (binary 100000), so dividing BITVALUE the ones used in the RC5 program. The
Once the TIMERVAL comparison is by two gives 16 (binary 010000). Division command word is made up of 12 bits,
made, the appropriate waveform time can by two is done by shifting the variable to and consists of a 5-bit device code fol-
be determined. If TIMERVAL = 1 then the right by one place using the RRF lowed by a 7-bit command code, see
the result will be the same as the last bit instruction (Rotate Right File). If THIS- Fig.8. This SIRC format uses pulse
(value of variable LASTBIT). If TIMER- BIT = 0, only BITVALUE needs to be width modulation of the infra-red signal
VAL = 1·5 then the result is to invert the altered as the relevant bit within CBINA- to transmit the data.
RY is already zero. The SIRC transmission is preceded by a
An alternative decoding method con- single start bit, unlike the RC5 code. The
LISTING 1. Setting TIMERVAL values. sidered was to use a timer-generated inter- SIRC decoding software waits for this
XVALUE1 = 0.5 x initial TIMERVAL rupt to sample the waveform every 889 start bit of 2·4 milliseconds. When it is
XVALUE2 = 1.25 x initial TIMERVAL microseconds, after detecting the initial correctly received the START variable is
XVALUE3 = 1.75 x initial TIMERVAL waveform edge. However, if the RC5 set to 1 to allow the rest of the transmis-
if (current TIMERVAL > XVALUE1 and transmission is faster or slower due to dif- sion to be decoded.
< XVALUE2) then TIMERVAL = 1 ferences between remote handsets, then Using a unique signal as a start bit helps
if (current TIMERVAL > XVALUE2 and there is a possibility that accumulated tim- prevent the software trying to decode an
< XVALUE3) then TIMERVAL = 1.5 incomplete transmission. The infra-red
if current TIMERVAL > XVALUE3 then ing error would cause either a pulse to be
TIMERVAL = 2 missed or the same pulse to be sampled sensor uses this start pulse to set its auto-
twice. matic gain control.

700 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 The SIRC command sequence is usual-
ly transmitted at least three times and, for Table 3. SIRC device code. PC SOFTWARE
The Windows 95/98 software does not
some reason best known to Sony, the data Command Device decode the IR transmission but displays
is sent in reverse order. There is no equiv- 1 TV receiver
2 video tape recorder 1
the value of the CBINARY variable sent
alent to the control toggle bit as used in the from the PIC. The program also displays,
RC5 protocol. Like the RC5 transmission 4 video tape recorder 2
6 laser disk if available, a text message describing the
there is no additional information trans- key pressed. This text is read from two text
12 surround sound unit
mitted to allow for error detection. 16 cassette deck/tuner files, called RC5.TXT and SIRC.TXT,
The SIRC data consists of either pulses 17 CD player these files must be located in the same
of 0·6ms or 1·2ms duration, meaning logic 18 equaliser directory as the program.
0 and logic 1 respectively. Each pulse is The text can easily be altered using
preceded by a 0·6ms pause. The pulse Notepad to coincide with the intended
length is measured by the falling edge of Table 4. SIRC VCR FUNCTIONS remote control handset. These files store
the waveform generating an interrupt. The the relevant text in ascending order. For
timer value is incremented every 16 Command Function
0-9 numerals 0 to 9 example, the first line is text for CBINA-
microseconds and is read on every 9 10/0 RY = 0, the second line is for CBINARY
interrupt. 20 x2 play = 1, and so on.
To work out the likely timer values, 21 power Operation of the PC software is very sim-
divide the expected pulse width by the 22 eject ple, select the serial communications port
timer “tick’’, illustrated in Fig.9 and 24 stop that the PIC circuit is connected to and then
Fig.11. 25 pause
26 play select the required protocol. The Reload key
27 rewind reloads the text files if they have been
pulse width = start pulse = 2·4ms = 150 28 fast forward changed while the program is active. The
timer 16ms 16ms 29 record relevant protocol l.e.d. should flash when
data is received from the PIC circuit.
Fig.9. SIRC timer formula.
Table 5. SIRC TV FUNCTIONS
Command Function
0-9 numerals 0 to 9
2·4ms = 150 (start) 9 10/0
2·4ms + 0·6ms = 187 (start) 16 channel +
1·2ms + 0·6ms = 112 (logic 1) 17 channel –
0·6ms + 0·6ms = 75 (logic 0) 18 volume +
19 volume –
20 mute
Fig.10. SIRC TIMERVAL for all pulse 21 power
widths. 22 reset
23 audio mode
24 contrast +
25 contrast –
26 colour +
27 colour – Fig.12. Example PC screen display.
30 brightness +
31 brightness – REMOTE CONTROLS
38 balance left A manufacturer using remote control of
39 balance right its equipment can allocate any command
47 power off
Fig.11. SIRC timing details. number to any key. Remote controls are
not required to be compatible or exchange-
able with equipment from another manu-
The program uses the timer value to received correctly. Also, strong sunlight facturer, hence the plethora of remote con-
determine the waveform. For example, if falling on the sensor can generate a signal. trols and protocols found in most homes.
the value is between 90 and 150 then a The author has come across a remote con-
logic 1 is assumed and THISBIT = 1. If SERIAL PORT trol for a portable TV that uses RC5 cod-
the value is between 50 and 90 then a logic The PIC16x84 microcontroller does not ing for some of the keys and another pro-
0 is assumed and THISBIT = 0. The have a built-in serial port but one can be tocol (not SIRC) for the remaining keys.
ADDBINARY routine is called and the implemented in software. Replace the As neither PIC program decodes the
appropriate bit within CBINARY is set to entire routine LEDDISPLAY with the device address then the result is a wider
the value of THISBIT. TXDATA code in the PIC assembler pro- choice of remote controls being available.
gram. Add the two equates to the top of the
SIRC ASSEMBLER assembler program and the BCF
However, if a suitable remote control hand-
set is not available then replacement remote
PROGRAM PORTB,RS232 to the MAIN (SIRC) or controls are readily obtainable with a variety
With the SIRC code running press the START (RC5) procedure. This enables the of functions and key layout. Most of these
Increase Volume key on the Sony remote RB3 port pin to be used as an output. In handsets are programmable and can replace
control and one l.e.d. (D1) will come on routine LOOP replace CALL LEDDIS- many different models; therefore there is an
the other l.e.d. (D2) will be off. Press the PLAY with CALL TXDATA. implied choice of protocol.
Decrease Volume key and the l.e.d.s will The TXDATA routine works by Clearly the IR decoding program could
invert. ANDing each data bit with the relevant bit alter a variable value or the status of a
To change which key controls the in CBINARY. This sets the output bit Boolean flag or control a device attached
l.e.d., select the appropriate value for the (called RS232), then the OP (output) rou- to one of the PIC ports. A number of dif-
key function and use that value in the tine is called and takes the pin RB3 high or ferent functions could be added as the
LEDDISPLAY routine. Note that the low according to the value of bit RS232. assembler code associated with the LED-
remote control may generate different Directly changing RB3 in the TXDATA DISPLAY routine can be increased as
numbers for the same function so that the routine would cause a timing error. necessary. Numeric input to a PIC pro-
Sony equipment can distinguish Once the RB3 output is set, this data gram via a remote control handset can
between, for example, Play for the CD output value has to be held, consequently easily be achieved.
player and Play for the tape recorder. See several NOP commands are required to
Tables 3 to 5. ensure correct timing. There is no hand- RESOURCES
As there is no error detection or data shaking or data transmission from the PC, The software discussed in this article is
verification with either of the IR protocols, therefore the connection from the PIC to available as stated on this month’s
errors can occur if the IR signal is not the serial socket has only two wires. Shoptalk page. $

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 701

SURFING THE INTERNET

NET WORK
ALAN WINSTANLEY
Check the Google box controlled by Yahoo editors who decide what is entered into the
Yahoo database. Yahoo thinks highly of its users and wants them to
previous months I mentioned Google (www.google.com), now have the best search “experience’’, so Yahoo prefers to index
Ia the
N
most talked-about search engine on the Internet. It has become
personal favourite since the end of 1999 and is strongly recom-
reliable and corporate-looking web resources rather than scrappy
personal home pages that might disappear or completely change
mended to EPE readers as their prime search site. Google is a high- content overnight.
ly intelligent and focused database which claims to have indexed This reminds me of an E-mail from an American reader who
over 1000,000,000 web pages to date, a figure which has quadru- informed me that one of the web links listed in my Net Work A-Z
pled since the beginning of the year. Google operates what is prob- listing (www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/netwkaz.htm) had
ably the world’s largest Linux cluster which contains 80TB changed from an electronics-related resource to one showing a
(terrabytes) of disk storage, with a claimed aggregate I/O band- photo of a topless blonde female, not that he was complaining. For
width of 50 gigabytes per second. the same sort of reason, Yahoo is choosy about the sites it enters in
For many serious Internet users, Google is a dream come true its directory, and web designers place considerable importance in
because it has a minimalist front end (a simple box) which belies its the black art of getting a good placing in Yahoo.
tremendously accurate searching and indexing capabilities. There What is less widely known is that apart from its own directory,
are no distracting banner ads or other trimmings associated with Yahoo also uses a second database. You may have seen this in action
typical portal sites such as when Yahoo offers you
Alta Vista, Lycos or Yahoo. “other web page match-
Google also has a handy es’’ in its search results,
trick up its sleeve: if the web especially if it could not
site to which it refers no find anything in its main
longer exists, you may be directory – so if you ever
able to check Google’s own wondered why Yahoo
cached copy to view an ear- offered “no results’’ and
lier copy of the page. then proceeded to offer
All you have to do is type you a whole list of match-
any topic into the search es, the switch to the sec-
field and hit Enter. If your ond database is the
search query is distinctive answer.
rather than broad-based These “other matches’’
(perhaps “maxillo-facial are maintained in a sepa-
surgeons’’ rather than “den- rate search engine which,
tists’’) then you can usually until recently, was the
hit the “I’m feeling lucky’’ Inktomi database
button – the chances are ( w w w. i n k t o m i . c o m ) .
high that Google will list the Inktomi is another
most relevant web pages Internet search resource
straight away. My screen which sells its technology
shot shows what happened to others looking to place
when I searched on just a search box in, say, a por-
“EPE’’ – we were listed as tal web site. In mid June,
No.1. amongst 27,000 results (which took 0·04 seconds) even Yahoo announced that it was to buy its database from Google
though there is an unrelated “EPE Home Page’’. Google is power- instead, and sure enough, some of my search engine queries are
ful and hugely fast. now redirected to google.yahoo.com.
The Google database is a highly prized and marketable resource
which works on the principle that if something is good, you’ll tell Get your own Google box
people about it (just as I’m singing its praise here). If a web site is There are some useful reader resources on the Google site,
cool, hot or whatever, there is a good chance that there are many including a Help page; you are also shown how to add your own
links already pointing to it. However, Google goes further by Google box to your web page if desired. Google searches for exact
analysing the “quality’’ of these links rather than just counting the matches to your query only, but unlike Alta Vista, does not support
sheer number of them, so a link to a site from another high-ranking Boolean expressions. Google will always add a logical “and’’
web site counts for a lot more than a link from somebody’s lowly between all the words in your query.
home page. Because of this, it is very difficult for a web site owner Another option is Google Scout, which will retrieve the most rel-
to influence Google’s search engine results. You can however sub- evant pages (i.e. the sites Google ranks as equal) that relate to a
mit your own URL at www.google.com/addurl.html. search result. This feature highlights Google’s intelligence in index-
ing the web pages stored within its database. Sometimes Google
Yahoogle! may fail to return a result, though, the reason being that there are
Search engines represent a whole industry technology in them- insufficient links to the target web site to enable Google to index it.
selves. If Google doesn’t carry advertising, why is it free? Apart One interesting job for a spare minute is to check all the links that
from the streamlined front end with which many of us are familiar, point to a page – perhaps I’m interested in all the links to the EPE
its database is sold to firms who are looking for a search engine page, so I would enter link: www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk in
perhaps to embed within a portal site. Google (Alta Vista does the same).
Yahoo (www.yahoo.com) is perhaps the best-known on-line You can E-mail me at alan@epemag.demon.co.uk. See you
directory (as distinct from an open search engine). Its contents are next month.

702 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 SURVEILLANCE
Electronic Surveillance Equipment Kits from the UK’s No.1 Supplier
SUMA DESIGNS has been supplying professional quality electronic surveillance equipment kits for over 20 years. Whether your
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circuit diagrams and assembly details. Unless otherwise stated all transmitter kits are tuneable and can be received using an
ordinary VHF FM radio.

UTX Ultra-miniature Room Transmitter PTS7 Automatic Telephone Recording Interface

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transmitter kit in the world! Incredible 10mm x 20mm including recorder. Automatically switches recorder on and off as phone is used.
microphone, 3-12V operation. Range up to 500m . . . . . . . . . .£13.95 Both sides of any conversation recorded. 9V operation, size 20mm x
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Our best selling room transmitter kit. Just 17mm x 17mm including mic. CD400 Pocket Size Bug Detector/Locator
Extremely sensitive. 3-12V operation. Range up to 1000m. . .£14.95 LED and piezo bleeper pulse slowly. Pulse rate and tone pitch increase as
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range. Measures just 22mm x 22mm including mic. 6-12V operation. CD600 Professional Bug Detector/Locator
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trigger sensitivity and on-time with LED trigger indicator. Very low Narrow band FM crystal transmitter for ultimate in privacy. Output
standby current. Size 20mm x 67mm, 9V operation, range up to frequency 173.225 MHz. Designed for use with QRX180 receiver unit. Size
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Connects directly to 240V AC supply. Ideal for long-term monitoring. Size Specifications as per QTX180 but connects onto telephone line to allow
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To increase the security of the transmission the audio is subcarrier Connects onto telephone line, switches on and off as phone is used. Power is
modulated. Receiver now requires the decoder module (SCDM) connected drawn from line. Output frequency 173.225 MHz. Designed for use with
to allow monitoring. Size 20mm x 67mm, 9V operation, up to 1000m QRX180 receiver. Size 32mm x 37mm. Range up to 500m. . . . . . . .£39.95
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UTLX Ultra-miniature Telephone Transmitter Transmits a continuous stream of audio bleeps. Variable pitch and bleep
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Best selling kit. Performance as UTLX but easier to assemble as PCB is 20mm broadcasts your favourite music around house and garden up to 250m.
x 20mm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14.95 Size 27mm x 60mm, 9V operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£22.95
STLX High-performance Telephone Transmitter DLTX/RX Radio Remote Switch System
High-performance transmitter with buffered output for greater stability Two kits, transmitter sends a coded signal (256 selectable codes) when button
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TO ORDER: SEND 2 x 1st CLASS STAMPS FOR OUR 2000 KIT CATALOGUE
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Credit card (Visa or Mastercard), Postal Order, cash (please send registered) or A BUILD-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON ALL OF OUR KITS, DETAILS IN
cheques. Kits despatched same day (cheques need clearing). All orders sent by CATALOGUE. VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.suma-designs.co.uk
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PLEASE TELEPHONE

SUMA Dept. EE, The Workshops, 95 Main Road,

Baxterley, Warwickshire, CV9 2LE, U.K.
TEL/FAX: 01827 714476
(24 HOUR ORDERLINE)
DESIGNS Website: www.suma-designs.co.uk email: sales@suma-designs.co.uk

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 703

 DIRECT BOOK SERVICE
Circuits and Design
ELECTRONICS PROJECTS USING FREE PRACTICAL REMOTE CONTROL PROJECTS
ELECTRONICS WORKBENCH CD-ROM Owen Bishop
plus FREE CD-ROM Provides a wealth of circuits and circuit modules for use in
M. P. Horsey remote control systems of all kinds; ultrasonic, infra-red,
This book offers a wide range of tested circuit modules optical fibre, cable and radio. There are instructions for
which can be used as electronics projects, part of an elec- building fourteen novel and practical remote control pro-
tronics course, or as a hands-on way of getting better jects. But this is not all, as each of these projects provides
acquainted with Electronics Workbench. With circuits rang- a model for building dozens of other related circuits by sim-
ing from ‘bulbs and batteries’ to complex systems using ply modifying parts of the design slightly to suit your own
integrated circuits, the projects will appeal to novices, stu- requirements. This book tells you how.
dents and practitioners alike. Also included are techniques for connecting a PC to a
Electronics Workbench is a highly versatile computer sim- remote control system, the use of a microcontroller in
ulation package which enables the user to design, test and remote control, as exemplified by the BASIC Stamp, and
modify their circuits before building them, and to plan PCB the application of ready-made type-approved 418MHz
ELECTRONICS TEACH-IN No. 7 FREE layouts on-screen. All the circuits in the book are provided as radio transmitter and receiver modules to remote control
ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL SOFTWARE runnable Electronic Workbench files on the enclosed CD- systems.
ELECTRONICS COURSE ROM, and a selection of 15 representative circuits can be 160 pages Order code BP413 £5.99
(published by Everyday Practical Electronics) explored using the free demo version of the application.
Alan Winstanley and Keith Dye B.Eng(Tech)AMIEE Contents: Some basic concepts; Projects with switches, DISCOVERING ELECTRONIC CLOCKS
This highly acclaimed EPE Teach-In series, which includ- LEDs, relays and diodes; Transistors; Power supplies; W. D. Phillips
ed the construction and use of the Mini Lab and Micro Lab Op.amp projects; Further op.amp circuits; Logic gates; This is a whole book about designing and making elec-
test and development units, has been put together in book Real logic circuits; Logic gate multivibrators; The 555 timer; tronic clocks. You start by connecting HIGH and LOW logic
form. Additionally, EPT Educational Software have devel- Flip-flops, counters and shift registers; Adders, compara- signals to logic gates.You find out about and then build and
oped a GCSE Electronics software program to compliment tors and multiplexers; Field effect transistors; Thyristors, tri- test bistables, crystal-controlled astables, counters,
the course and a FREE DISK covering the first two parts acs and diacs; Constructing your circuit; Index. decoders and displays. All of these subsystems are
of the course is included with the book. 227 pages Order code NE29 £14.99 carefully explained, with practical work supported by easy
An interesting and thorough tutorial series aimed specif- to follow prototype board layouts.
ically at the novice or complete beginner in electronics. The A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MODERN ELECTRONIC Full constructional details, including circuit diagrams and
series is designed to support those undertaking either COMPONENTS a printed circuit board pattern, are given for a digital elec-
GCSE Electronics or GCE Advanced Levels, and starts R. A. Penfold tronic clock. The circuit for the First Clock is modified and
with fundamental principles. The purpose of this book is to provide practical information developed to produce additional designs which include a
If you are taking electronics or technology at school or to help the reader sort out the bewildering array of com- Big Digit Clock, Binary Clock, Linear Clock, Andrew’s
college, this book is for you. If you just want to learn the ponents currently on offer. An advanced knowledge of the Clock (with a semi-analogue display), and a Circles Clock.
basics of electronics or technology you must make sure theory of electronics is not needed, and this book is not All of these designs are unusual and distinctive.
you see it. Teach-In No. 7 will be invaluable if you are con- intended to be a course in electronic theory. The main aim This is an ideal resource for project work in GCSE
sidering a career in electronics or even if you are already is to explain the differences between components of the Design and Technology: Electronics Product, and for
training in one. The Mini Lab and software enable the con- same basic type (e.g. carbon, carbon film, metal film, and project work in AS-Level and A-Level Electronics and
struction and testing of both demonstration and develop- wire-wound resistors) so that the right component for a Technology.
ment circuits. These learning aids bring electronics to life in given application can be selected. A wide range of compo-
an enjoyable and interesting way: you will both see and 194 pages, A4 spiral bound Order code DEP1 £16.50
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home constructor. A. L. Brown
those developing microprocessor projects.
This book shows you how, with common sense and basic
160 pages Order code TI7 £3.95 170 pages Order code BP285 £4.99 do-it-yourself skills, you can protect your home. It also
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The books listed have been selected by Everyday Practical illustrated, and contains components that are easy to
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Electronics editorial staff as being of special interest designs themselves have been rigorously put to use on
some of the most
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The designs include all elements, including sensors,
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The practical solutions to real problems shown in this
THE NEXT TWO MONTHS’ ISSUES. cookbook provide the basis to make PIC and 8051 devices
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Computing A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TTL DIGITAL ICs

R. A. Penfold
This book first covers the basics of simple logic circuits in
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If you would like to get up and running, as soon as pos- trollers; Position sensor (optical, Hall effect, etc.); Stepper devices in the “real world’’.
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The book was written with the non-expert, busy person 179 pages Order code BP385 £4.99 ELECTRONIC MODULES AND SYSTEMS FOR
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mize your system’s resources. It presents an overview of John Crisp This book describes over 60 modular electronic circuits,
the Windows 95 environment. If you are, or soon will be, involved in the use of how they work, how to build them, and how to use them. The
Later chapters cover how to work with programs, folders microprocessors, this practical introduction is essential modules may be wired together to make hundreds of differ-
and documents; how to control Windows 95 and use the reading. This book provides a thoroughly readable intro- ent electronic systems, both analogue and digital. To show
many accessories that come with it; how to use DOS duction to microprocessors. assuming no previous knowl- the reader how to begin building systems from modules, a
programs and, if necessary, DOS commands and how to edge of the subject, nor a technical or mathematical back- selection of over 25 electronic systems are described in
communicate with the rest of the electronic world. ground. It is suitable for students, technicians, engineers detail, covering such widely differing applications as timing,
170 pages Order code BP400 £5.95 and hobbyists, and covers the full range of modern home security, measurement, audio (including a simple
microprocessors. radio receiver), games and remote control.
EASY PC INTERFACING After a thorough introduction to the subject, ideas are 200 pages Temporarily out of print
R. A. Penfold developed progressively in a well-structured format. All
Although the internal expansion slots of a PC provide full technical terms are carefully introduced and subjects PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS CALCULATIONS AND
access to the computer’s buses, and are suitable for user which have proved difficult, for example 2’s complement, FORMULAE
add-ons, making your own expansion cards requires a fair are clearly explained. John Crisp covers the complete F. A. Wilson, C.G.I.A., C.Eng., F.I.E.E., F.I.E.R.E.,
amount of expertise and equipment. The built-in ports pro- range of microprocessors from the popular 4-bit and 8-bit F.B.I.M.
vide what is often a much easier and hassle-free way of designs to today’s super-fast 32-bit and 64-bit versions Bridges the gap between complicated technical theory, and
interfacing your own circuits to a PC. In particlar, a PC that power PCs and engine management systems etc. “cut-and-tried’’ methods which may bring success in design
printer port plus a small amount of external hardware Contents: The world changed in 1971; Microprocessors but leave the experimenter unfulfilled. A strong practical bias
provides a surprisingly versatile input/output port. The don’t have ten fingers; More counting; Mathematical – tedious and higher mathematics have been avoided where
PC “games’’ port is less useful for general interfacing micros; It’s all a matter of logic; Registers and memories; possible and many tables have been included.
purposes, but it can be useful in some applications. A microprocessor based system; A typical 8-bit micro- The book is divided into six basic sections: Units and
This book provides a number of useful PC add-on cir- processor; Programming, High level languages; Micros are Constants, Direct-Current Circuits, Passive Components,
cuits including the following: Digital input/output ports; getting bigger and faster; The Pentium; The PowerPC; The Alternating-Current Circuits, Networks and Theorems,
Analogue-to-digital converter; Digital-to-Analogue Alpha 21164 microprocessor; Interfacing; Test equipment Measurements.
Converter; Voltage and Current measurement circuits; and fault finding.
Resistance meter; Capacitance meter; Temperature 222 pages Order code NE31 £16.99 256 pages Order code BP53 £4.99

704 Everyday Practical Electronics, Sepptember 2000

 Theory and Reference
Bebop To The Boolean Boogie Bebop Bytes
By Clive (call me Max)
Maxfield Back
ORDER CODE BEB1 By Clive “Max’’ Maxfield
and Alvin Brown
£24.95
470 pages. Large format ORDER CODE BEB2
Specially imported by EPE –
Excellent value
£29.95
Over 500 pages. Large
An Unconventional Guide to format
Electronics Fundamentals,
Specially imported by
Components and Processes
EPE – Excellent value
This book gives the “big picture’’ of digital
electronics. This indepth, highly readable, up-to-the-minute guide shows you An Unconventional Guide
how electronic devices work and how they’re made. You’ll discover how tran-
sistors operate, how printed circuit boards are fabricated, and what the To Computers
innards of memory ICs look like. You’ll also gain a working knowledge of
Boolean Algebra and Karnaugh Maps, and understand what Reed-Muller
Plus FREE CD-ROM which
FREE
logic is and how it’s used. And there’s much, MUCH more (including a recipe includes: Fully Functional CD-ROM
for a truly great seafood gumbo!). Internet-Ready Virtual
Hundreds of carefully drawn illustrations clearly show the important points Computer with Interactive
of each topic. The author’s tongue-in-cheek British humor makes it a delight Labs
to read, but this is a REAL technical book, extremely detailed and accurate. A
great reference for your own shelf, and also an ideal gift for a friend or family This follow-on to Bebop to the Boolean Boogie is a multimedia extravagan-
member who wants to understand what it is you do all day. . . . za of information about how computers work. It picks up where “Bebop I’’ left
470 pages – large format Order code BEB1 £24.95 off, guiding you through the fascinating world of computer design . . . and you’ll
have a few chuckles, if not belly laughs, along the way. In addition to over 200
DIGITAL ELECTRONICS – A PRACTICAL APPROACH megabytes of mega-cool multimedia, the accompanying CD-ROM (for
FREE Windows 95 machines only) contains a virtual microcomputer, simulating the
With FREE Software: Number One Systems – EASY-PC SOFTWARE
Professional XM and Pulsar (Limited Functionality) motherboard and standard computer peripherals in an extremely realistic
Richard Monk manner. In addition to a wealth of technical information, myriad nuggets of
Covers binary arithmetic, Boolean algebra and logic gates, combination logic, trivia, and hundreds of carefully drawn illustrations, the book contains a set of
sequential logic including the design and construction of asynchronous and lab experiments for the virtual microcomputer that let you recreate the expe-
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tical content plus the additional attraction of its close association with inner workings of computers, then don’t dare to miss this one!
computer-aided design including the FREE software. Over 500 pages – large format Order code BEB2 £29.95
There is a ‘blow-by-blow’ guide to the use of EASY-PC Professional XM (a
schematic drawing and printed circuit board design computer package). The
guide also conducts the reader through logic circuit simulation using Pulsar NEWNES INTERACTIVE ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS CD-ROM CD-ROM
software. Chapters on p.c.b. physics and p.c.b. production techniques make Edited by Owen Bishop
the book unique, and with its host of project ideas make it an ideal companion An expert adviser, an encyclopedia, an analytical tool and a source of real
for the integrative assignment and common skills components required by design data, all in one CD-ROM. Written by leading electronics experts, the
BTEC and the key skills demanded by GNVQ. The principal aim of the book collected wisdom of the electronics world is at your fingertips. The simple and
is to provide a straightforward approach to the understanding of digital attractive Circuits Environment(TM) is designed to allow you to find the circuit
electronics. or advice notes of your choice quickly and easily using the search facility. The
Those who prefer the ‘Teach-In’ approach or would rather experiment with text is written by leading experts as if they were explaining the points to you
some simple circuits should find the book’s final chapters on printed circuit face to face. Over 1,000 circuit diagrams are presented in a standardised
board production and project ideas especially useful. form, and you are given the option to analyse them by clicking on the Action
250 pages Order code NE28 £16.99 icon. The circuit groups covered are: Amplifiers, Oscillators, Power, Sensing,
Signal Processing, Filters, Measurement, Timing, Logic Circuits,
DIGITAL GATES AND FLIP-FLOPS Telecommunications.
Ian R. Sinclair The analysis tool chosen is SpiceAge for Windows, a powerful and intuitive
This book, intended for enthusiasts, students and technicians, seeks to estab- application, a simple version of which automatically bursts into action when
lish a firm foundation in digital electronics by treating the topics of gates and selected.
flip-flops thoroughly and from the beginning. Newnes Interactive Electronic Circuits allows you to: analyse circuits using
Topics such as Boolean algebra and Karnaugh mapping are explainend, top simulation program SpiceAge; test your design skills on a selection of
demonstrated and used extensively, and more attention is paid to the subject problem circuits; clip comments to any page and define bookmarks; modify
of synchronous counters than to the simple but less important ripple counters. component values within the circuits; call up and display useful formulae
No background other than a basic knowledge of electronics is assumed, which remain on screen; look up over 100 electronic terms in the glosary; print
and the more theoretical topics are explained from the beginning, as also are and export netlists.
many working practices. The book concludes with an explanation of micro- System Requirements: PC running Windows 3.x, 95 or NT on a 386 or
processor techniques as applied to digital logic. better processor. 4MB RAM, 8MB disk space.
200 pages Order code PC106 £8.95 CD-ROM Order code NE-CD1 £49.95

Audio and Music

AN INTRODUCTION TO LOUDSPEAKERS AND impedance, high impedance, and crystal). Magnetic car- musician has gone before, rekindle the pioneering spirit, or
ENCLOSURE DESIGN tridge pick-up preamplifiers with R.I.A.A. equalisation. simply have fun building some electronic music gadgets, the
V. Capel Crystal/ceramic pick-up preamplifier. Guitar pick-up pream- designs featured in this book should suit your needs. The
This book explores the various features, good points and plifier. Tape head preamplifier (for use with compact cassette projects are all easy to build, and some are so simple that
snags of speaker designs. It examines the whys and where- systems). even complete beginners at electronic project construction
fores so that the reader can understand the principles Other circuits include: Audio limiter to prevent overloading can tackle them with ease. Stripboard layouts are provided
involved and so make an informed choice of design, or even of power amplifiers. Passive tone controls. Active tone con- for every project, together with a wiring diagram. The
design loudspeaker enclosures for him – or herself. trols. PA filters (highpass and lowpass). Scratch and rumble
Crossover units are also explained, the various types, how filters. Loudness filter. Audio mixers. Volume and balance mechanical side of construction has largely been left to the
they work, the distortions they produce and how to avoid controls. individual constructors to sort out, simply because the vast
them. Finally there is a step-by-step description of the con- Order code BP309 majority of project builders prefer to do their own thing in this
92 pages £3.99
struction of the Kapellmeister loudspeaker enclosure. respect.
148 pages Order code BP256 £3.99 None of the designs requires the use of any test
HIGH POWER AUDIO AMPLIFIER CONSTRUCTION
R. A. Penfold equipment in order to get them set up properly. Where any
Practical construction details of how to build a number of setting up is required, the procedures are very
PREAMPLIFIER AND FILTER CIRCUITS straightforward, and they are described in detail.
R. A. Penfold audio power amplifiers ranging from about 50 to 300/400
watts r.m.s. includes MOSFET and bipolar transistor Projects covered: Simple MIIDI tester, Message grabber,
This book provides circuits and background information for a
range of preamplifiers, plus tone controls, filters, mixers, etc. designs. Byte grabber, THRU box, MIDI auto switcher, Auto/manual
The use of modern low noise operational amplifiers and a 96 pages Order code BP277 £3.99 switcher, Manual switcher, MIDI patchbay, MIDI controlled
specialist high performance audio preamplifier i.c. results in switcher, MIDI lead tester, Program change pedal, Improved
circuits that have excellent performance, but which are still ELECTRONIC MUSIC AND MIDI PROJECTS program change pedal, Basic mixer, Stereo mixer,
quite simple. All the circuits featured can be built at quite low R. A. Penfold Electronic swell pedal, Metronome, Analogue echo unit.
cost (just a few pounds in most cases). The preamplifier cir- Whether you wish to save money, boldly go where no 138 pages Order code PC116 £9.95
cuits featured include: Microphone preamplifiers (low

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 705

 Testing, Theory, Data and Reference
SCROGGIE’S FOUNDATIONS OF WIRELESS PRACTICAL ELECTRONIC FAULT FINDING AND some basic knowledge of electronics. After dealing with
AND ELECTRONICS – ELEVENTH EDITION TROUBLESHOOTING subjects like Fundamentals, Waves and Particles and
S. W. Amos and Roger Amos Robin Pain The Nature of Light such things as Emitters, Detectors
Scroggie’s Foundations is a classic text for anyone working This is not a book of theory. It is a book of practical tips, hints, and Displays are discussed. Chapter 7 details four dif-
with electronics, who needs to know the art and craft of the and rules of thumb, all of which will equip the reader to tack- ferent types of Lasers before concluding with a chapter
subject. It covers both the theory and practical aspects of a le any job. You may be an engineer or technician in search of on Fibre Optics.
huge range of topics from valve and tube technology, and information and guidance, a college student, a hobbyist build- 161 pages Order code BP359 £4.95
the application of cathode ray tubes to radar, to digital tape ing a project from a magazine, or simply a keen self-taught
systems and optical recording techniques. amateur who is interested in electronic fault finding but finds UNDERSTANDING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Since Foundations of Wireless was first published over books on the subject too mathematical or specialized. F. A. Wilson C.G.I.A., C.Eng., F.I.E.E., F.I. Mgt.
60 years ago, it has helped many thousands of readers to The book covers: Basics – Voltage, current and resistance; This book examines what digital technology has to offer
become familiar with the principles of radio and electronics. Capacitance, inductance and impedance; Diodes and tran- and then considers its arithmetic and how it can be
The original author Sowerby was succeeded by Scroggie in sistors; Op-amps and negative feedback; Fault finding – arranged for making decisions in so many processes. It
the 1940s, whose name became synonymous with this Analogue fault finding, Digital fault finding; Memory; Binary then looks at the part digital has to play in the ever expand-
classic primer for practitioners and students alike. Stan and hexadecimal; Addressing; Discrete logic; Microprocessor ing Information Technology, especially in modern transmis-
Amos, one of the fathers of modern electronics and the action; I/O control; CRT control; Dynamic RAM; Fault finding sion systems and television. It avoids getting deeply
author of many well-known books in the area, took over the digital systems; Dual trace oscilloscope; IC replacement. involved in mathematics.
revision of this book in the 1980s and it is he, with his son, 274 pages Order code NE22 £18.99 Various chapters cover: Digital Arithmetic, Electronic
who have produced this latest version. Logic, Conversions between Analogue and Digital
400 pages Order code NE27 £19.99 Structures, Transmission Systems. Several Appendices
AN INTRODUCTION TO LIGHT IN ELECTRONICS explain some of the concepts more fully and a glossary of
ELECTRONICS MADE SIMPLE F. A. Wilson terms is included.
Ian Sinclair This book is not for the expert but neither is it for the
183 pages Order code BP376 £4.95
Assuming no prior knowledge, Electronics Made Simple completely uninitiated. It is assumed the reader has
presents an outline of modern electronics with an empha-
sis on understanding how systems work rather than on
details of circuit diagrams and calculations. It is ideal for
students on a range of courses in electronics, including
GCSE, C&G and GNVQ, and for students of other subjects
Project Building
who will be using electronic instruments and methods. ELECTRONIC PROJECT BUILDING FOR BEGINNERS 30 SIMPLE IC TERMINAL BLOCK PROJECTS
Contents: waves and pulses, passive components, active R. A. Penfold R. Bebbington
components and ICs, linear circuits, block and circuit dia- This book is for complete beginners to electronic project Follow on from BP378 using ICs.
grams, how radio works, disc and tape recording, elements building. It provides a complete introduction to the practical 117 pages Order code BP379 £4.99
of TV and radar, digital signals, gating and logic circuits, side of this fascinating hobby, including:
counting and correcting, microprocessors, calculators and Component identification, and buying the right parts;
resistor colour codes, capacitor value markings, etc; HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR OWN P.C.B.S
computers, miscellaneous systems.
advice on buying the right tools for the job; soldering; mak- R. A. Penfold
199 pages (large format) Order code NE23 £12.99 ing easy work of the hard wiring; construction methods, Deals with the simple methods of copying printed circuit
including stripboard, custom printed circuit boards, plain board designs from magazines and books and covers all
TRANSISTOR DATA TABLES matrix boards, surface mount boards and wire-wrapping; aspects of simple p.c.b. construction including
Hans-Günther Steidle finishing off, and adding panel labels; getting “problem’’
The tables in this book contain information about the pack- photographic methods and designing your own p.c.b.s.
projects to work, including simple methods of fault-finding.
age shape, pin connections and basic electrical data for In fact everything you need to know in order to get 80 pages Order code BP121 £3.99
each of the many thousands of transistors listed. The data started in this absorbing and creative hobby.
includes maximum reverse voltage, forward current and 135 pages Order code BP392 £4.95 IC555 PROJECTS
power dissipation, current gain and forward trans- E. A. Parr
admittance and resistance, cut-off frequency and details of 45 SIMPLE ELECTRONIC TERMINAL BLOCK Every so often a device appears that is so useful that one
applications. PROJECTS wonders how life went on before without it. The 555 timer
A book of this size is of necessity restricted in its scope, R. Bebbington is such a device.It was first manufactured by Signetics, but
and the individual transistor types cannot therefore be Contains 45 easy-to-build electronic projects that can be is now manufactured by almost every semiconductor man-
described in the sort of detail that maybe found in some constructed, by an absolute beginner, on terminal blocks ufacturer in the world and is inexpensive and very easily
larger and considerably more expensive data books. using only a screwdriver and other simple hand tools. No
However, the list of manufacturers’ addresses will make it soldering is needed. obtainable.
easier for the prospective user to obtain further information, Most of the projects can be simply screwed together, by Included in this book are over 70 circuit diagrams and
if necessary. following the layout diagrams, in a matter of minutes and descriptions covering basic and general circuits, motor car
Lists over 8,000 different transistors, including f.e.t.s. readily unscrewed if desired to make new circuits. A and model railway circuits, alarms and noise makers as
200 pages Order code BP401 £5.95 theoretical circuit diagram is also included with each pro- well as a section on 556, 558 and 559 timers. (Note. No
ject to help broaden the constructor’s knowledge. construction details are given.)
The projects included in this book cover a wide range of A reference book of invaluable use to all those who have
ELECTRONIC TEST EQUIPMENT HANDBOOK interests under the chapter headings: Connections and
Steve Money any interest in electronics, be they professional engineers
Components, Sound and Music, Entertainment, Security
The principles of operation of the various types of test or designers, students of hobbyists.
Devices, Communication, Test and Measuring.
instrument are explained in simple terms with a mini-
163 pages Order code BP378 £4.95 167 pages Order code BP44 £3.99
mum of mathematical analysis. The book covers ana-
logue and digital meters, bridges, oscilloscopes, signal
generators, counters, timers and frequency measure-
ment. The practical uses of the instruments are also
examined.
Everything from Oscillators, through R, C & L measure-
BOOK ORDERING DETAILS
ments (and much more) to Waveform Generators and Our postage price is the same no matter how many books you order, just add £1.50 to your
testing Zeners. total order for postage and packing (overseas readers add £3 for countries in the EEC, or add £6
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ited experience of electronics. Chapter 1 covers the basics Books are normally sent within seven days of receipt of order, but please allow 28 days for deliv-
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ious methods of component checking are described,
including tests for transistors, thyristors, resistors, capaci-
tors and diodes. Circuit testing is covered in Chapter 3, with
For a further selection of books see the next two issues of EPE.
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tackle servicing of most electronic projects.
96 pages Order code BP239 £2.95 BOOK ORDER FORM
NEWNES ELECTRONICS TOOLKIT – Full name: ..................................................................................................................................................
SECOND EDITION
Geoff Phillips Address: ....................................................................................................................................................
The author has used his 30 years experience in industry to
draw together the basic information that is constantly ...................................................................................................................................................................
demanded. Facts, formulae, data and charts are presented to
help the engineer when designing, developing, evaluating, ...................................................................................................................................................................
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handy workmate volume: a memory aid, tutor and reference .............................................. Post code: ........................... Telephone No: ...............................................
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students and technicians.
Have you ever wished for a concise and comprehensive  I enclose cheque/PO payable to DIRECT BOOK SERVICE for £ ......................................................
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audio, electronics and music, telephones, electronics in light- ...................................................................................................................................................................
ing, thermal considerations, connections, reference data.
Please continue on separate sheet of paper if necessary
158 pages Order code NE20 £14.99

706 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 Prices fully inclusive
New – The PIC 18Cxxx series
FED PIC C Compiler – Version 3.0 now available
) Designed to ANSI C Standards ) Supports all 14-bit core PICs – 12C67x, 16C55x,
) Complete development environment includes 16C6x, 16C7x, 16C8x, 16C87x, etc.
Editor, assembler, simulator, waveform analyser ) Will produce code for MPLAB
and terminal emulator (see screenshot below)
) Libraries include serial interfaces, I2C, LCD, LEARN to Program PIC’s in C with FED!
keypads, delays, string handling, hardware etc.
Download FREE from our web site
) Simulator runs up to 10 times faster than
MPLAB, allows inputs to be defined, multiple With the FED introductory manual:
breakpoint types, single stepping, step over etc. “Learn to program PIC’s with FED PIC C”
) Suitable for complete beginners to PICs or to
the C programming language
) Leads through example
) Introduces simple C programs, then covers
variables and casting, pointers, structures
and unions, functions, etc.
) All examples will run fully within the simulator,
or on the FED 16F84 and 16F877
development boards
) Covers use of interrupts and programming for
real time applications
) Hints and tips on good programming practice
with the PIC
) Full examples of debugging using FED PIC C
are included
) Included FREE on our PIC C Compiler CD
ROM, or available in paper copy

Prices (reductions for PICDESIM/WIZPIC & our programmer users)

C Compiler with all manuals on CD ROM £60. CD ROM with printed manuals £75.
Buy with PICDESIM/WIZPIC or our Programmer – £45.00 CD-ROM.
“Learn to program PICs with FED PIC C” paper copy – £7.50.

PIC Programmers including 18Cxxx WIZPIC

PIC Serial Programmer
(Left) PIC Visual Development
Handles serially programmed ) Rapid Application Development
PIC devices in a 40-pin multi- for the PIC microcontroller
width ZIF socket. 16C55X, ) Drag and drop your software
http:\\www.fored.co.uk

16C6X, 16C7X, 16C8x, 16F8X, component selections on to

12C508, 12C509, 16C72XPIC
your design
14000, 16F87X, 18Cxxx etc.
Also In-Circuit programming.
) Included components support timers, serial inter-
Operates on PC serial port
faces, I2C, LCD, 7-Seg displays, keypads, switches,
Price : £45/kit
port controls, and many more.
£50/built & tested
) Connect software components to PIC pins by point &
PIC Introductory – Programs 8 & 18 pin devices : 16C505, click using the mouse
16C55X, 16C61, 16C62X, 16C71, 16C71X, 16C8X, 16F8X, ) Set parameters for each component from drop down
12C508/9, 12C671/2 etc. £25/kit. list boxes, check boxes, or text entry
AVR – AVR1200, 2313, 4144, 8515, 8535, 4434 etc. in ZIF. 4·5V ) Links your code automatically into library events (e.g.
battery powered. Price : £40 for the kit or £45 built & tested. Button Pressed, Byte Received etc)
) Up to 10 times faster than MPLAB
) Supports all 14-bit core PIC’s -12C67x, 16C55x,
All our Programmers operate on PC serial interface. No hard to 16C6x, 16C7x, 16C8x, 16C87x etc.
handle parallel cable swapping ! Programmers supplied with
instructions, + Windows 3.1/95/98/NT software. Cost – CD-ROM with Data sheets and application notes –
Upgrade programmers from our web site ! £35.00, Floppy version £30.00.

Forest Electronic Developments 18C452

60 Walkford Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 5QG. New architecture (more instructions
E-mail – info@fored.co.uk, or sales@fored.co.uk + Hardware multiply), 40MHz clock,
Web Site – http://www.fored.co.uk
16K program words, 1536 bytes
01425-274068 (Voice/Fax) RAM. Easy to upgrade from 16F877
Prices are fully inclusive. Add £3.00 for P&P and handling to each order.
Cheques/POs payable to Forest Electronic Developments, or phone with 18C452/JW £20.00
credit card details. 18C452/OTP £8.00

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 707

708 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000
PCB SERVICE
PROJECT TITLE Order Code Cost
Ultrasonic Punture Finder AUG’99 236 £5.00
o8-Channel Analogue Data Logger 237 £8.88
Buffer Amplifier (Oscillators Pt 2) 238 £6.96
Magnetic Field Detective 239 £6.77
Sound Activated Switch 240 £6.53
Printed circuit boards for most recent EPE constructional projects are available from Freezer Alarm (Multi-project PCB) 932 £3.00
the PCB Service, see list. These are fabricated in glass fibre, and are fully drilled and Child Guard SEPT’99 241 £7.51
roller tinned. All prices include VAT and postage and packing. Add £1 per board for Variable Dual Power Supply 242 £7.64
airmail outside of Europe. Remittances should be sent to The PCB Service, Micro Power Supply OCT’99 243 £3.50
Everyday Practical Electronics, Allen House, East Borough, Wimborne, Dorset oInterior Lamp Delay 244 £7.88
BH21 1PF. Tel: 01202 881749; Fax 01202 841692; E-mail: orders@epemag.wim- Mains Cable Locator (Multi-project PCB) 932 £3.00
borne.co.uk. Cheques should be crossed and made payable to Everyday Practical Vibralarm NOV’99 230 £6.93
Electronics (Payment in £ sterling only). Demister One-Shot 245 £6.78
NOTE: While 95% of our boards are held in stock and are dispatched within oGinormous Stopwatch – Part 1 246 £7.82
seven days of receipt of order, please allow a maximum of 28 days for delivery oGinormous Stopwatch – Part 2 DEC’99
– overseas readers allow extra if ordered by surface mail. Giant Display 247 £7.85
Back numbers or photostats of articles are available if required – see the Back Serial Port Converter 248 £3.96
Issues page for details. Loft Guard 249 £4.44
Scratch Blanker JAN’00 250 £4.83
Please check price and availability in the latest issue. Flashing Snowman (Multi-project PCB) 932 £3.00
Boards can only be supplied on a payment with order basis. oVideo Cleaner FEB’00 251 £5.63
Find It 252 £4.20
oTeach-In 2000 – Part 4 253 £4.52
High Performance MAR’00 254, 255
PROJECT TITLE Order Code Cost
Regenerative Receiver 256 Set } £5.49
oEPE Time Machine NOV’97 171 £8.34 oEPE Icebreaker – PCB257, programmed
Auto-Dim Bedlight 172 £6.63 PIC16F877 and floppy disc Set Only £22.99
Portable 12V PSU/Charger 173 £6.61 Parking Warning System 258 £5.08
Safe and Sound (Security Bleeper) DEC’97 179 £7.32 oMicro-PICscope APR’00 259 £4.99
Surface Thermometer JAN’98 174 £7.64 Garage Link
Disco Lights Flasher 178 £8.30
Waa-Waa Pedal (Multi-project PCB) FEB’98 932 £3.00
Transmitter
Receiver
261
262
} Set £5.87
oVirtual Scope – Digital Board 176 £14.49 Versatile Mic/Audio Preamplifier MAY’00 260 £3.33
Analogue Board (per board) 177 £7.34 PIR Light Checker 263 £3.17
oWater Wizard 180 £7.69 oMulti-Channel Transmission System
Kissometer 181 £7.67
oEPE PIC Tutorial
The Handy Thing (Double-Sided)
Lighting-Up Reminder
MAR’98 182
183
184
£7.99
£6.58
£5.90
Transmitter
Receiver
Interface
264
265
266
} Set £6.34

oCanute Tide Predictor JUNE’00 267 £3.05

oAudio System Remote Controller – PSU 185 £7.05 oPIC-Gen Frequency Generator/Counter JULY’00 268 £5.07
Main Board 186 £8.29 g-Meter 269 £4.36
Simple Metal Detector APR’98 oEPE Moodloop AUG’00 271 £5.47
(Multi-project PCB) 932 £3.00 Quiz Game Indicator 272 £4.52
oRC-Meter 188 £7.66 Handy-Amp 273 £4.52
Security Auto-Light MAY’98 189 £8.10 Active Ferrite Loop Aerial SEPT’00 274 £4.67
Stereo Tone Control plus 20W Stereo Amplifier oRemote Control IR Decoder Software only – –
Tone Control 190 £7.78
20W Amplifier 191 £8.58
oDice Lott 192 £8.05
EPE Mood Changer
(AT89C2051/1051 Programmer
JUNE’98 193 £7.75 EPE SOFTWARE
Main Board 194 £8.50
Test Board 195 £8.69 Software programs for EPE projects marked with an asterisk ( are available on 3.5
oReaction Timer Software only – –
inch PC-compatible disks or free from our Internet site. Six disks are available: PIC
oPIC16x84 Toolkit JULY’98 196 £6.96
oGreenhouse Computer Tutorial (Mar-May ‘98 issues); PIC Toolkit Mk2 (May-Jun ‘99 issues); EPE Disk 1
Control Board 197 £9.08 (Apr ‘95-Dec ‘98 issues); EPE Disk 2 (Jan-Dec ‘99). EPE Disk 3 (Jan ‘00 issue to
PSU Board 198 £8.10 current cover date); EPE Teach-In 2000. The disks are obtainable from the EPE
Float Charger AUG’98 199 £6.59 PCB Service at £3.00 each (UK) to cover our admin costs (the software itself is
Lightbulb Saver SE 202 £3.00 free). Overseas (each): £3.50 surface mail, £4.95 each airmail. All files can be
Personal Stereo Amplifier SEPT’98 932 £3.00 downloaded free from our Internet FTP site: ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk.
(Multi-project PCB)
oGreenhouse Radio Link SEPT’98 200 £8.32
oPIC Altimeter 201 £8.15
Voice Processor
oDigiserv R/C Expander
IR Remote Control – Transmitter
OCT’98 203
204
205
£7.18
£7.69
£3.00
EPE PRINTED CIRCUIT
oPIC Tape Measure
– Receiver
NOV’98
206
207
£3.50
£6.82 BOARD SERVICE
Electronic Thermostat – T-Stat 208 £4.00
PhizzyB £14.95 Order Code Project Quantity Price
A – PCB B – CD-ROM C – Prog. Microcontroller Bee (A)(B)(C) each
15-Way IR Remote Control
Switch Matrix 211 £3.00 ..............................................................................
15-Way Rec/Decoder 212 £4.00
Damp Stat
Handheld Function Generator
DEC’98 209
213
£4.50
£4.00
Name ...................................................................
oFading Christmas Lights 215 £5.16
PhizzyB I/O Board (4-section) 216 £3.95 Address ...............................................................
Twinkle Twinkle Reaction Game JAN’99 210 £7.55
oEPE Mind PICkler 214 £6.30
PhizzyB I/O Board (4-section) 216 £3.95 ..............................................................................
Alternative Courtesy Light Controller 217 £6.72
Light Alarm FEB’99 218 £6.78 I enclose payment of £................ (cheque/PO in £ sterling only) to:
oWireless Monitoring System Transmitter 219+a £9.92
Receiver 220+a £8.56
oPIC MIDI Sustain Pedal
oWireless Monitoring System-2
Software only
MAR’99
– –
See
Everyday
F.M. Trans/Rec Adaptors
oTime and Date Generator
219a/220a
221
Feb’99
£7.37 Practical Electronics
Auto Cupboard Light 222 £6.36 MasterCard or Visa No.
Smoke Absorber 223 £5.94
Ironing Board Saver APR’99 224 £5.15 Minimum order for credit cards £5
Voice Record/Playback Module 225 £5.12

6666666666666666
Mechanical Radio (pair) 226A&B £7.40
oVersatile Event Counter 207 £6.82
PIC Toolkit Mk2 MAY’99 227 £8.95
A.M./F.M. Radio Remote Control
Transmitter 228 £3.00
Receiver 229 £3.20 Signature....................................... Card Exp. Date................
oMusical Sundial JUNE’99 231 £9.51 Please supply name and address of cardholder if different from the address shown
PC Audio Frequency Meter 232 £8.79
oEPE Mood PICker JULY’99 233 £6.78 NOTE: You can also order p.c.b.s by phone, Fax, E-mail or via our
12V Battery Tester 234 £6.72 Internet site on a secure server:
Intruder Deterrent 235 £7.10
L.E.D. Stroboscope (Multi-project PCB) 932 £3.00 http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 709

 CLASSIFIED Everyday Practical Electronics reaches twice as
many UK readers as any other UK monthly hobby
electronics magazine, our audited sales figures
prove it. We have been the leading independent
monthly magazine in this market for the last fifteen
years.

If you want your advertisements to be seen by the largest readership at the most economical price our classified and semi-display
pages offer the best value. The prepaid rate for semi-display space is £8 (+VAT) per single column centimetre (minimum 2·5cm).
The prepaid rate for classified adverts is 30p (+VAT) per word (minimum 12 words).
All cheques, postal orders, etc., to be made payable to Everyday Practical Electronics. VAT must be added. Advertisements, together
with remittance, should be sent to Everyday Practical Electronics Advertisements, Mill Lodge, Mill Lane, Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex CO16
0ED. Phone/Fax (01255) 861161.
For rates and information on display and classified advertising please contact our Advertisement Manager, Peter Mew as above.

Valve Output Transformers: Single ended 50mA, £4.50; push/pull

15W, £27; 30W, £32; 50W, £38; 100W, £53. Mains Transformers:
Sec 220V 30mA 6V 1A, £3; 250V 60mA 6V 2A, £5; 250V 80mA
Miscellaneous
6V 2A, £6. High Voltage Caps: 50mF 350V, 68mF 500V, 150mF
385V, 330mF 400V, 470mF 385V, all £3 ea., 32+32mF 450V £5. 100W and 250W SOLID STATE POWER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS – QUICK
Postage extra.
Record Decks and Spares: BSR, Garrard, Goldring, motors, AMPLIFIERS, power supplies, active SERVICE. Prototype and production artwork
arms, wheels, headshells, spindles, etc. Send or phone your crossovers and stepped attenuator p.c.b.s, kits raised from magazines or draft designs at low
want list for quote. cost. PCBs designed from schematics.
or A&T modules. PCBs are professional grade
RADIO COMPONENT SPECIALISTS with solder mask and component location Production assembly, wiring and software
silkscreen. We also supply a wide range of top programming. For details contact Patrick at
337 WHITEHORSE ROAD, CROYDON
SURREY, CR0 2HS. Tel: (020) 8684 1665 quality audiophile active and passive compo- Agar Circuits, Unit 5, East Belfast Enterprise
Lots of transformers, high volt caps, valves, output transformers, speakers, in stock.
Phone or send your wants list for quote.
nents, specialising in the latest high perfor- Park, 308 Albertbridge Road, Belfast, BT5
mance Japanese transistors and UK lateral 4GX. Phone 028 9073 8897, Fax 028 9073
power MOSFETs. Write for a free catalogue. 1802, E-mail agar@argonet.co.uk.
Mail order only. White Noise, 11 Station THE BRITISH AMATEUR ELECTRONICS
Z88 NOW AVAILABLE WITH
128K AND 512K – OZ4 Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 4AW.
Tel: 0141 942 2460.
CLUB trading page at http://members.tripod.com/
~baec/E-trade.htm is a place where electronics hob-
ALSO SPECTRUM BUILDING OR PURCHASING AN AUDIO byists can buy and sell electronics components
AND QL. PARTS MIXING DESK? Specialists in custom built cheaply. Many items are free. Includes PIC FUN
W. N. RICHARDSON & CO. fully modular mixing desks for hospital radio, quality Microcontroller kit – has everything needed
PHONE/FAX 01494 8713196 talking newspapers for the blind, amateur dra- to program the PIC16F84 from your PC, £20 includ-
RAVENSMEAD, CHALFONT ST PETER,
BUCKS, SL9 0NB matic groups, local shoppng centres, theatres ing p&p. Details in ‘Electronic Kits’ section.
etc., to see and read all about our products visit G.C.S.E. ELECTRONIC KITS, at pocket money
our pictorial web site at: http://www.partridge prices. S.A.E. for FREE catalogue. SIR-KIT
electronics.co.uk or phone 01268 793256. Electronics, 52 Severn Road, Clacton, CO15 3RB.
TIS – Midlinbank Farm PROTOTYPE PRINTED CIRCUIT
Ryeland, Strathaven ML10 6RD J Home Automation
X-10J BOARDS one offs and quantities, for details
Manuals on anything electronic L
We put you in controlL send s.a.e. to B. M. Ansbro, 38 Poynings Drive,
Hove, Sussex BN3 8GR, or phone Brighton
Circuits – VCR £8, CTV £6 883871, fax 01273 706670.
Service Manuals from £10 Why tolerate when you can automate? VALVE ENTHUSIASTS: Capacitors and other
Repair Manuals from £5 An extensive range of 230V X-10 products parts in stock. For free advice/lists please ring,
P&P any order £2.50 and starter kits available. Uses proven Power Geoff Davies (Radio), Tel. 01788 574774.
Line Carrier technology, no wires required. WANTED: Circuit diagram of Alba chassis 50,
Write, or ring 01357 440280 for full details
Products Catalogue available Online. circa 1934. T. Thurlow, 5 Danesbury Lane,
of our lending service and FREE quote for Welwyn, Herts, AL6 9SG. Phone 0143 871 4357.
Worldwide delivery.
any data
Philips Pronto Intelligent Remote now available! FREE PROTOTYPE PRINTED CIRCUIT
BOARDS! Free prototype p.c.b. with quantity
Laser Business Systems Ltd. orders. Call Patrick on 028 9073 8897 for details.
E-Mail: info@laser.com Agar Circuits, Unit 5, East Belfast Enterprise Park,
BTEC ELECTRONICS http://www.laser.com 308 Albertbridge Road, Belfast BT5 4GX.
TECHNICIAN TRAINING Tel: (020) 8441 9788 DETECT ATMOSPHERIC ACTIVITY.
GNVQ ADVANCED ENGINEERING Fax: (020) 8449 0430 Unique Designs. Self-addressed envelope: PO Box
(ELECTRONIC) – PART-TIME 694, Saint Helier, JE4 9PZ, Jersey, CI.
HND ELECTRONICS – FULL-TIME
B.Eng FOUNDATION – FULL-TIME
Next course commences
Monday 18th September 2000
EPE NET ADDRESSES
EPE FTP site: ftp://ftp.epemag.wimborne.co.uk
FULL PROSPECTUS FROM Access the FTP site by typing the above into your web browser, or by setting up an FTP session using
appropriate FTP software, then go into quoted sub-directories:
LONDON ELECTRONICS COLLEGE PIC-project source code files: /pub/PICS
(Dept EPE) 20 PENYWERN ROAD PIC projects each have their own folder; navigate to the correct folder and open it, then fetch all the
EARLS COURT, LONDON SW5 9SU files contained within. Do not try to download the folder itself!
TEL: (020) 7373 8721 EPE text files: /pub/docs
Basic Soldering Guide: solder.txt
EPE TENS Unit user advice: tens.doc and tens.txt
Ingenuity Unlimited submission guidance: ing_unlt.txt
THE BRITISH AMATEUR New readers and subscribers info: epe_info.txt
Newsgroups or Usenet users advice: usenet.txt
ELECTRONICS CLUB Ni-Cad discussion: nicadfaq.zip and nicad2.zip
exists to help electronics enthusiasts by Writing for EPE advice: write4us.txt Ensure you set your FTP soft-
personal contact and through a quarterly ware to ASCII transfer when
Newsletter. fetching text files, or they may be
On-line readers! Try the EPE Chat Zone – a virtu- unreadable.
For membership details, write to the
Secretary: ally real-time Internet “discussion board” in a Note that any file which ends in
Mr. M. P. Moses, simple to use web-based forum! .zip needs unzipping before use.
5 Park View, Cwmaman, Unzip utilities can be downloaded
Aberdare CF44 6PP
http://www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk/wwwboard from:
Space donated by Or buy EPE Online: www.epemag.com http://www.winzip.com or
Everyday Practical Electronics http://www.pkware.com

710 Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000

 TRAIN TODAY FOR A BETTER FUTURE VARIABLE VOLTAGE 5 KVA ISOLATION TRANSFORMER
As New. Ex-Equipment, fully shrouded, Line Noise
Suppression, Ultra Isolation Transformer with termi-
Now you can get the skills and qualifications you need for Electrical Contracting & Installation TRANSFORMERS nal covers and knock-out cable entries.Primary
career success with an ICS Home Study Course. Learn in the Electrical Engineering 120V/240V, Secondary 120V/240V, 50/60Hz,
comfort of your own home at the pace and times that suit you. C&G/ICS Basic Electronic Engineering INPUT 220V/240V AC 50/60Hz OUTPUT 0V-260V 0·005pF Capacitance. Size, L 37cm x W 19cmc x H
ICS is the world's largest, most experienced home study C&G/ICS Basic Mechanical Engineering PANEL MOUNTING 16cm, Weight 42 kilos. Price £120 + VAT. Ex-ware-
school. Over the past 100 years ICS have helped nearly 10 TV and Video Servicing Price P&P house. Carriage on request.
Radio and Hi-Fi Servicing 0·5KVA 2·5 amp max £33.00 £6.00 24V DC SIEMENS CONTACTOR
million people to improve their job prospects. Find out how we
(£45.84 inc VAT) Type 3TH8022-0B 2 x NO and 2 x NC 230V AC 10A.
can help YOU. Post or phone today for FREE INFORMATION Refrigeration Heating & Air Conditioning Contacts. Screw or Din Rail fixing. Size H 120mm x
1KVA 5 amp max £45.25 £7.00
on the course of your choice Motorcycle Maintenance W 45mm x D 75mm. Brand New Price £7.63 incl.
(£61.39 inc VAT)
SHROUDED p&p and VAT.
240V AC WESTOOL SOLENOIDS
FREEPHONE 0500 581 557 0·5KVA 2·5 amp max £34.00 £6.00
(£47.00 inc VAT) Model TT2 Max. stroke 16mm, 5lb. pull. Base mount-
ing. Rating 1. Model TT6 Max. stroke 25mm, 15lb.
Or write to: International Correspondence Schools, FREEPOST 882, 8 Elliot Place, 1KVA 5 amp max £46.25 £7.00 pull. Base mounting. Rating 1. Series 400 Max.
Clydeway Skypark, Glasgow, G3 8BR. Tel: 0500 581 557 or Tel/Fax: Dublin 285 2533. (£62.57 inc VAT) stroke 28mm, 15lb. pull. Front mounting. Rating 2.
2KVA 10 amp max £65.00 £8.50 Prices inc. p&p & VAT: TT2 £5.88, TT6 £8.81, Series
Please send me my Free Information on your Electronics Courses. (£86.36 inc VAT) 400 £8.64.
3KVA 15 amp max £86.50 £8.50 AXIAL COOLING FAN
Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss (£111.63 inc VAT) 230V AC 120mm square x 38mm 3 blade 10 watt
(BLOCK CAPITALS PLEASE) Date of Birth / / / 5KVA 25 amp max £150.00 (+ Carriage & VAT) Low Noise fan. Price £7.29 incl. p&p and VAT.
Buy direct from the Importers. Keenest prices in the country. Other voltages and sizes available from stock.
Address Please telephone your enquiries.
500VA ISOLATION TRANSFORMER INSTRUMENT CASE
Postcode Input lead 240V AC. Output via 3-pin 13A socket. 240V AC Brand new. Manufactured by Imhof. L 31cm x H
continuously rated. mounted in fibreglass case with handle. 18cm x 19cm Deep. Removable front and rear panel
Occupation Tel. No. Internally fused.Price £35.00 carriage paid + VAT (£41.13) for easy assembly of your components. Grey tex-
tured finish, complete with case feet. Price £16.45
From time to time, we permit other carefully screened organisations to write to you about Dept. ZEEE 040800 TOROIDAL L.T. TRANSFORMER incl. p&p and VAT. 2 off £28.20 inclusive.
products and services. If you would prefer not to hear from such organisations please tick box 1 Primary 0-240V AC. Secondary 0-30V + 0-30V 600VA. DIECAST ALUMINIUM BOX
Fixing bolt supplied. with internal PCB guides. Internal size 265mm x
Price £25.00 carriage paid + VAT (£29.38) 165mm x 50mm deep. Price £9.93 incl. p&p & VAT. 2
off £17.80 incl.
COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF TRANSFORMERS– 230V AC SYNCHRONOUS GEARED MOTORS
LT– ISOLATION & AUTO Brand new Ovoid Gearbox Crouzet type motors. H
110V-240V Auto transfer either cased with American socket
Professional 88-108MHz FM Broadcasting Kits and mains lead or open frame type. Available for immediate
65mm x W 55mm x D 35mm, 4mm dia. shaft x 10mm
long. 6 RPM anti cw. £9.99 incl. p&p & VAT.
delivery. 20 RPM anti cw. Depth 40mm. £11.16 incl. p&p & VAT.
All Our Kits Include
ULTRA VIOLET BLACK LIGHT BLUE
16 RPM REVERSIBLE Croucet 220V/230V
Detailed Instructions with Schematics FLUORESCENT TUBES
50Hz geared motor with ovoid geared box.
High Quality Screen Printed PCBs 4ft. 40 watt £14.00 (callers only) (£16.45 inc VAT)
4mm dia. shaft. New manuf. surplus. Sold
High Quality Components 2ft 20 watt £9.00 (callers only) (£10.58 inc VAT)
complete with reversing capacitor, connect-
12in 8 watt £4.80 + 75p p&p (£6.52 inc VAT)
ing block and circ. Overall size: h 68mm x w
Our Product Range Includes 9in 6 watt £3.96 + 50p p&p (£5.24 inc VAT)
52mm x 43mm deep
6in 4 watt £3.96 + 50p p&p (£5.24 inc VAT)
Transmitters from 0·05W to 35W PRICE incl. P&P & VAT £9.99
230V AC BALLAST KIT
FM Stereo Coders For either 6in, 9in or 12in tubes £6.05+£1.40 p&p (£8.75 inc VAT)
Audio Compressor Limiters EPROM ERASURE KIT
The above Tubes are 3500/4000 angst. (350-400um) ideal for detecting Build your own EPROM ERASURE for a fraction ot the
Antennas security markings, effects lighting & Chemical applications. price of a made-up unit. Kit of parts less case includes
RF Power Amps Other Wavelengths of UV TUBE available for Germicidal & Photo 12in. 8watt 2537, Angst Tube Ballast unit, pair of bi-pin
Sensitive applications. Please telephone your enquiries. leads, neon indicator, on/off switch, safety microswitch
Our Kits Are Also Available and circuit £15.00+£2.00 p&p. (£19.98 inc VAT)
Fully Assembled And Tested 400 WATT BLACK LIGHT WASHING MACHINE WATER PUMP
BLUE UV LAMP Brand new 240V AC fan cooled. Can be used for a
GES Mercury Vapour lamp suitable for 1
variety of purposes. Inlet 1 /2in., outlet 1in. dia.
1W Professional PLL FM Transmitter for Licenced Use in the UK
use with a 400W P.F. Ballast. Price includes p&p & VAT. £11.20 each or 2 for
Visit our Website at http://www.veronica.co.uk Only £39.95 incl. p&p & VAT £20.50 inclusive.
WE DELIVER WORLD-WIDE AND
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COVERT VIDEO CAMERAS Radio

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with Audio. Cameras in P.I.R., Radios,
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Audio Surveillance Kits and Ready Built enthusiasts
Units, Bug Detector etc. Whether your interest is in domestic radio and TV or in amateur radio, in military, aeronautical
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magazine for you.
Please phone 0181 203 6008 for free catalogue. Radio Bygones covers it all!
Fax 0181 201 5359 The magazine is published six times a year, and is available by postal subscription. It is not
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E-mail: surveillance@btclick.com www.uspy.com tact: Radio Bygones, Allen House, East Borough, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 1PF.
New DTI approved Video Transmitters and Receivers (Wireless) Tel: 01202 881749. Fax 01202 841692. E-mail radiobygones@wimborne.co.uk.
Major credit cards now taken Web sites: www.radiobygones.co.uk www.radiobygones.com

N. R. BARDWELL L TD (EPE)
100 Signal Diodes 1N4148 . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 200 Asstd. disc ceramic capacitors . . . . . . .£1.00
75 Rectifier Diodes 1N4001 . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 50 Asstd. Skel Presets (sm, stand, cermet) £1.00
50 Rectifier Diodes 1N4007 . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 50 Asstd. RF chokes (inductors) . . . . . . . .£1.00
10
10
W01 Bridge Rectifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
555 Timer I.C.s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
50
80
10
Asstd. grommets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
Asstd. solder tags, p/conns, terminals .£1.00
Asstd. crystals – plug in . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
DIGITAL
4 741 Op Amps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
50
12
25
Assorted Zener Diodes 400mW . . . . . .£1.00
Assorted 7-segment Displays . . . . . . . .£1.00
5mm l.e.d.s, red, green or yellow . . . . .£1.00
24
8
20
Asstd. coil formers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
Asstd. dil switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
Miniature slide switches sp/co . . . . . . .£1.00
TEST METER
10 Standard slide switches dp/dt . . . . . . . .£1.00
25 3mm l.e.d.s, red, green or yellow . . . . .£1.00
100 Asstd. beads (ceramic, teflon, fish spine) £1.00 Built-in transistor test socket
50 Axial l.e.d.s, 2mcd red Diode Package .£1.00
25 Asstd. High Brightness l.e.d.s, var cols .£1.00 80 Asstd. small stand offs, l/throughs etc .£1.00 and diode test position.
20 BC182L Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 30 Asstd. dil sockets up to 40 way . . . . . . .£1.00
25 BC212L Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 10 TV coax plugs, plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 DC volts 200mV to 1000V.
30 BC237 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 40 metres very thin connecting wire, red . .£1.00
20 BC327 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 20 1in. glass reed switches . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 AC volts 200V to 750V.
30 BC328 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 20 Magnetic ear pips with lead and plug .£1.00 DC current 200mA to 10A.
30 BC547 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 100 Any one value 1/4W 5% cf resistors range
30 BC548 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 1R to 10M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£0.45 Resistance 200 ohms to
30 BC549 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 10 7812 Voltage Regulators . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
25 BC557 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
2000K ohms.
30 BC558 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
30 BC559 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00 Prices include VAT. Postage £1.45. 44p stamp for Lists
20
100
100
2N3904 Transistors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
1nf 50V wkg Axial Capacitors . . . . . . .£1.00
4N7 50V wkg Axial Capacitors . . . . . .£1.00
288 Abbeydale Road, Sheffield S7 1FL
Phone (0114) 2552886 Fax (0114) 2500689
£6.99 incl. VAT
12 1uf 250V encapsulated radial plastic
cased capacitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1.00
80 Asstd capacitors electrolytic- . . . . . . . .£1.00 E-mail sales@Bardwells.co.uk
80 Asstd. capacitors 1nF to 1mF . . . . . . . .£1.00 Web site: http://www.bardwells.co.uk

Everyday Practical Electronics, September 2000 711

 Watch Slides on TV.
Make videos of your slides. Digitise your slides
Millions of quality components
(using a video capture card) at lowest ever prices!
“Liesgang diatv” automatic slide viewer with built in
high quality colour TV camera. It has a composite
Plus anything from bankruptcy – theft recovery
video output to a phono plug (SCART & BNC adap- – frustrated orders – over productions etc.
tors are available). They are in very good condition
with few signs of use.
Send 54p stamped self-addressed label or
£91.91 + VAT = £108.00 envelope for clearance lists.
Board cameras all with 512 x 582 pixels 8·5mm 1/3 inch sensor and composite video Brian J Reed
out. All need to be housed in your own enclosure and have fragile exposed surface 6 Queensmead Avenue, East Ewell,
mount parts. They all require a power supply of between 10V and 12V DC 150mA. Epsom, Surrey KT17 3EQ
47MIR size 60 x 36 x 27mm with 6 infra red LEDs (gives the same illumination as a
small torch but is not visible to the human eye) £37.00 + VAT = £43.48 Tel: 07775 945386 or 0208 393 9055
30MP size 32 x 32 x 14mm spy camera with a fixed focus pin hole lens for hiding Mail Order UK only.
behind a very small hole £35.00 + VAT = £41.13 Lists are updated and only 40 are sent out every 2 weeks. This
40MC size 39 x 38 x 27mm camera for ‘C’ mount lens these give a much sharper
image than with the smaller lenses £32.00 + VAT = £37.60
normally ensures that orders can be fulfilled where only a few
Economy C mount lenses all fixed focus & fixed iris thousands of an item is available. (Payment is returned if sold out.
VSL1220F 12mm F1.6 12 x 15 degrees viewing angle £15.97 + VAT £18.76 I do not deal in credit notes).
VSL4022F 4mm F1·22 63 x 47 degrees viewing angle £17.65 + VAT £20.74
VSL6022F 6mm F1·22 42 x 32 degrees viewing angle £19.05 + VAT £22.38
VSL8020F 8mm F1·22 32 x 24 degrees viewing angle £19.90 + VAT £23.38
Better quality C Mount lenses
VSL1614F 16mm F1·6 30 x 24 degrees viewing angle £26.43 + VAT £31.06
VWL813M 8mm F1.3 with iris 56 x 42 degrees viewing angle £77.45 + VAT = £91.00
ADVERTISERS INDEX
1206 surface mount resistors E12 values 10 ohm to 1M ohm
100 of 1 value £1.00 + VAT 1000 of 1 value £5.00 + VAT A.L. ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711
866 battery pack originally intended to be
used with an orbitel mobile telephone it con-
ANTEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .661
tains 10 1·6Ah sub C batteries (42 x 22 dia. N. R. BARDWELL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711
the size usually used in cordless screw-
drivers etc.) the pack is new and unused BELL COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691
and can be broken open quite easily B.K. ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . .Cover (iii)/669
£7.46 + VAT = £8.77
BRIAN J. REED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .712
Please add £1.66 + vat = £1.95 postage & packing per order BRUNNING SOFTWARE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .708
JPG Electronics BULL ELECTRICAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover (ii)
276-278 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2BH.
Tel 01246 211202 Fax 01246 550959 CHEVET SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .647
Mastercard/Visa/Switch CRICKLEWOOD ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . .647
Callers welcome 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday
CROWNHILL ASSOCIATES . . . . . . . . . . . . .689
DAVID JOHNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .661
SHERWOOD ELECTRONICS DISPLAY ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 642
EPT EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE . . . .Cover (iv)
Buy 10 x £1 Special Packs and choose another one FREE ESR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS . . . . . . .650
SP1 15 x 5mm Red LEDs SP131 2 x TL071 Op.Amps FOREST ELECTRONIC DEVELOPMENTS . 707
SP2 12 x 5mm Green LEDs SP133 20 x 1N4004 diodes
SP3 12 x 5mm Yellow LEDs SP134 15 x 1N4007 diodes ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711
SP6 15 x 3mm Red LEDs SP135 6 x Min. slide switches
SP7 12 x 3mm Green LEDs SP136 3 x BFY50 transistors J&N FACTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685
SP10
SP11
100 x 1N4148 diodes
30 x 1N4001 diodes
SP137
SP138
4 x W005 1·5A bridge rectifiers
20 x 2·2/63V radial elect. caps.
JPG ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .712
SP12
SP18
30 x 1N4002 diodes
20 x BC182 transistors
SP140
SP142
3 x W04 1·5A bridge rectifiers
2 x CMOS 4017
MAGENTA ELECTRONICS . . . . . . .648/649/669
SP20
SP21
20 x BC184 transistors
20 x BC212 transistors
SP143 5 Pairs min. crocodile clips
(Red & Black)
MICROCHIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .657
SP23
SP24
20 x BC549 transistors
4 x CMOS 4001
SP145
SP146
6 x ZTX300 transistors
10 x 2N3704 transistors
NATIONAL COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY . .691
SP25
SP26
4 x 555 timers
4 x 741 Op.Amps
SP147 5 x Stripboard 9 strips x
25 holes
PEAK ELECTRONIC DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . .681
SP28 4 x CMOS 4011 SP151 4 x 8mm Red LEDs PICO TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .645
SP29 3 x CMOS 4013 SP152 4 x 8mm Green LEDs
SP31 4 x CMOS 4071 SP153 4 x 8mm Yellow LEDs QUASAR ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .644
SP34 20 x 1N914 diodes SP154 15 x BC548 transistors
SP36 25 x 10/25V radial elect. caps. SP156 3 x Stripboard, 14 strips x SERVICE TRADING CO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 711
SP37 15 x 100/35V radial elect. caps. 27 holes
SP39 10 x 470/16V radial elect. caps. SP160 10 x 2N3904 transistors SHERWOOD ELECTRONICS . . . . . . . . . . . .712
SP40 15 x BC237 transistors SP161 10 x 2N3906 transistors
SP41 20 x Mixed transistors SP165 2 x LF351 Op.Amps SLM (MODEL) ENGINEERS . . . . . . . . . . . . .647
SP42 200 x Mixed 0·25W C.F. resistors SP167 6 x BC107 transistors
SP47 5 x Min. PB switches SP168 6 x BC108 transistors SQUIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .647
SP102 20 x 8-pin DIL sockets SP175 20 x 1/63V radial elect. caps.
SP103 15 x 14-pin DIL sockets SP177 10 x 1A 20mm quick blow fuses STEWART OF READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691
SP104 15 x 16-pin DIL sockets SP182 20 x 4·7/63V radial elect. caps.
SP105 4 x 74LS00 SP183 20 x BC547 transistors SUMA DESIGNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .703
SP109
SP112
15 x BC557 transistors
4 x CMOS 4093
SP187
SP191
15 x BC239 transistors
3 x CMOS 4023
TELNET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 646
SP114
SP115
5 x ZTX500 transistors
3 x 10mm Red LEDs
SP192
SP193
3 x CMOS 4066
20 x BC213 transistors
VERONICA KITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .711
SP116 3 x 10mm Green LEDs SP194 8 x OA90 diodes
SP118 2 x CMOS 4047 SP195 3 x 10mm Yellow LEDs
SP120 3 x 74LS93 SP197 6 x 20 pin DIL sockets ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER: PETER J. MEW
SP124 20 x Assorted ceramic disc caps SP198 5 x 24 pin DIL sockets ADVERTISEMENT OFFICES:
SP130 100 x Mixed 0·5W C.F. resistors
2 0 0 0 Catalogue now available £1
EVERYDAY PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS, ADVERTISEMENTS,
inc. P&P or FREE with first order. MILL LODGE, MILL LANE, THORPE-LE-SOKEN,
RESISTOR PACKS – C.Film ESSEX CO16 0ED.
RP3 5 each value – total 365 0·25W £2.85 P&P £1.25 per order. NO VAT
RP7 10 each value – total 730 0·25W £4.10 Orders to: Phone/Fax: (01255) 861161
RP10 1000 popular values 0·25W £5.85 Sherwood Electronics,
RP4 5 each value-total 365 0·5W £3.80
RP8 10 each value-total 730 0·5W £6.45 7 Williamson St., Mansfield, For Editorial address and phone numbers see page 651
RP11 1000 popular values 0·5W £8.15 Notts. NG19 6TD.

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