Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
DECEMBER
Holiday
Light Sequencer
Make your home the envy of the neighborhood!
Sliding -Bar
Antique Radio
Reconstruct a relic from yesteryear!
SCR/Triac Tester
Easy -to- build, easier to use!
Nikola Tesla:
Interplanetary
Communicator?
have
Did Tesla's experiments
an unexpected audience?
Piezoelectric Gener -
$2.95 CANADA
FactCards
This Issue GERNSBACK
0 71896 48784 8
Radio Ihaek Parti Place
HOLIDAY VALUES FOR BUILDERS AND FIXERS!
Save With "Hotline" Order Service Get Your Novice Ham License Y
mgr
I>
II
%
is
sd
Your Radio Shack store man-
vager can pecial -or er a wide
variety of parts and accesso -
1995
f
O.
^ e
ries from the Radio Shack
warehouse- tubes, ICs,
phono styli, diodes, crystals,
Take Advantage of the
New Voice Privileges
t( Sams PHOTOFACTS' and
more. No postage charges, no Radio Shack's Novice Exam Study Package will help you pass the
t minimum order. One -week test. It includes two cassettes for self -paced Morse code learning
...o..... service on most items. plus practice questions and answers. Get on the air! #62 -2402
C- 4995
mum
...
=I Switches Up to Four
Devices Automatically
(1) IC Inserter / Extractor Set. #276 -1581 6 95 Allows one component to switch up to four other devices. Also protects against damaging
(2) IC Pin Straightener. #276 -1594 2 99 power -line spikes. Use with a remote -control VCR. TV or stereo to switch on /off entire
(3) Static - Draining Wrist Strap. #276 -2399 audio /video system. Or. use with a VCR or clock radio to switch other components
2 79
automatically at preset times. Has one sensed, four switched and one unswitched
(4) Conductive Foam Mat. 5 x 5" #276-2400 894 outlets. heavy -duty spike protector. noise filter, circuit breaker. UL listed AC #61 -2781
Solder Anywhere
atiffEll
Small Bargains
A
(2)
i
Gold- Plated Plugs
(1) (2) (3) ii
Computer Helpers
/ V
(3)
ir-1 }
(2)
- Connect With the Best!
2995 Super Gift! (1) NEW! Small -Value Ceramic Capaci-
tors. #272 -806 Pkg. of 5012.99 O1 Phono Plug. 9 x274-850 2 49 (1) Snap - Together Toroid Choke
Cores. Easy -to- install RFI /EMI /line-
Our gas - powered iron provides up (2) NEW! 12V Microlamps. Ti- size. with (2) 2-Conductor'/." Phone Plug. noise filters #273-104 Pkg. of 2/6.95
leads. #272 -1092 #274-855 3 49
to 60 minutes of continuous solder- Pkg. of 2/1.39
(2) "Business Machine" Cord. CEE-
ing. Refills in seconds like a butane (3) Thermistor. #271 -110. 1.99 3 -Cond. ' /." Plug.
g #274 -856 .. 3.99 style connector. 6 it. #278 -1257 3.99
cigarette lighter. Adjustable tern- (4) NEW! Micro -Hook 18'h" Test Leads. (3) 2 -Cond. '/s" Plug. #274 -857 2.79 (3) RS -232 Spike Protector. Installs in-
perature. #64 -2160 Banana plugs #278 -018 Pair /3.49 3 -Cond. ' /s" Plug. #274 -858 3.49 line D sub 25 #276.1402 16.95
49 95 , .1. .v.
19 95 16 PSobe
Our best analog multitester! Features single- Our best! This 2'/4 x 6'/2" b -board is mounted on a Logic Probe. Color -coded LEDs and tone outputs indi-
knob range control, audible continuity tester and "stay -put" steel base with rubber feet. Has 240 cate logic states. For TTL, LS and CMOS. #22 -303
handy 10 -amp DC range. Includes probes and plug -in points which accept DIPs, discretes and up Pulser. Teammate for the probe. Produces a single 5 is
illustrated manual. Batteries extra. #22 -220 to 22 -gauge wire. Three binding posts. #276 -169 pulse or a continuous pulse train #22 -304
Over 1000 items in stock! Binding Posts, Books, Breadboards, Buzzers, Capacitors, Chokes,
Clips, Coax, Connectors, Fuses, Hardware, ICs, Jacks, Knobs, Lamps, Multitesters, PC Boards,
Plugs. Rectifiers, Resistors, Switches, Tools, Transformers, Transistors, Wire, Zeners, More!
Radie ihaek
The Technology StoreeM
Prices apply at participating Radio Shack stores and dealers
.n. ,.r, ,r a ., , nua,ta-
CONSTRUCTION
29 Holiday Light Sequencer-the light control circuit for the holiday season
and all year 'round
39 Build a Sliding Bar "Antique" Radio -return to yesteryear, and take Audiovox Car Alarrr-page 27
some solid -state with you
58 Build the Slave Flash Trigger -a
low cost circuit that will trigger that slave
in a flash
60 Build Your Own SCR Tester -make useful this tester a part of your tool kit
FEATURES i-
33 All About Piezoelectric Generators-they produce voltage from pressure Holiday Light SeQJeroer-page 29
43 Those Indestructible Novice Transmitters -built strong to last long
62 Nikola Tesla: Interplanetary Communicator ? -a man ahead of his time
67 All About Microphones -all mikes are not created equal...learn which
works best under what conditions
{
7C Isolate Yourself and Stay Alive -think safety first when working with AC
circuits
Sliding Bar Radio-page 39
74 E -Z Math -more on network analysis
HANDS-ON REPORTS
23 Audiovox Car Alarm -an auto security system you can install yourself
SPECIAL COLUMNS
24 Think Tank -the ubiquitous 555
82 Circuit Circus -you can power simple circuits using a diode detector SCR Tester -page 60
1
L
I.
i etrL)J)i s
Larry Steckler, EHE. CET
Editor -in -Chief & Publisher
Art Kleiman, editorial director
Julian S. Martin, KA2GUN, editor
Carl Laron, WB2SLR, managing editor
Robert A. Young, associate editor
Herb Friedman, W2ZLF. associate editor
John J. Yacono, associate editor
Brian C. Fenton, associate editor
Popular Electronics is in our blood Byron G. Wels, K2AVB, associate editor
Teri Scaduto. assistant editor
After reading last month's Editorial, a few readers called to tell Kathryn Campbell, editorial assistant
the staff how excited they were that Popular Electronics was Ruby M. Yee, production director
coming back. They cautioned, however, not to claim that we are Karen S. Tucker, production manager
the old Popular Electronics just because of past associations Robert A. W. Lowndes, editorial
associate
with that magazine.
Marcella Amoroso, production assistant
They are right! We are not the old Popular Electronics; rather, Andre Duzant, technical illustrator
we are the new Popular Electronics. a magazine that is under- Injae Lee, assistant illustrator
going a change for the better. Look at the type style we are now Jacqueline P. Cheeseboro, circulation director
using. It is up -to -date and easy to read. To allow us to bring you Nancy Estrada, manager. HOE Bookstore
ins $21 95. Canada $26 95. all other countnes $29 45 Sic
ton orders payable in U S. funds only. International PIstal M,,.. .
2
:)
.,.
TROUBLESHOOT
hOW TO
& REPAIR
CIRCUIT
SELECT 5 BOOKS SIMPLIFI! I1
ELECTRMIC
DesototYWrselte
's practical prcbl
riny Rurddo hone
electron
for only $3. 95
. e. (values to $132.70)
and get a Free Gift! 2' $1495
2885 516.95
:D
FIBEROPTICS (*SIGN ANU
NLILn
A REVOLUTION
I N ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATIONS
HANUBI)I)IC INSTRUMENTATION
rtl
1218P $16.95
ELECTRONIC I,.,.r,..
TABLES & FORMULAS
DIT ION
l
BEGINNER'S .1111 I 2766 528.95 519.95
2660P
Counts as 2
TV REPAIR IS
l l l uk 11
11 \ It l
I l
1625P $16.95
101
SC)LDERLESS
BREADBOARDING
PROJECTS
Electronics projects ... ideas ... the latest technology
`, MVP all at up to 501' off publishers' prices
017,
`COOKBOOK
Membership Benefits Big Savings. In addition to this introductory
offer, you keep saving substantially with members' prices of up to 50% off the
`__z_.
publishers' prices. Bonus Books. Starting immediately, you will be eligible for
our Bonus Book Plan, with savings of up to 80% off publishers' prices. Club
2895 $24.95 1199P $18.95
News Bulletins. 14 times per year you will receive the Book Club News, describ-
ing all the current selections- mains, alternates, extras -plus bonus offers and
special sales, with hundreds of titles to choose from. Automatic Order. If you
READING want the Main Selection, do nothing and it will be sent to you automatically. If
SCHEMATICS
you prefer another selection, or no book at all, simply indicate your choice on the
reply form provided. As a member, you agree to purchase at least 3 books within
the next 12 months and may resign at any time thereafter. Ironclad No -Risk
Guarantee. If not satisfied with your books, return them within 10 days without
44 obligation! Exceptional Quality. All books are quality publishers' editions
Power Supplies
Dec t ron"c PrJeces especially selected by our Editorial Board.
All books are hardcover unless numbers are followed by a "P" for paperback. (Publishers Paces Shown)
1988 ELECTRONICS BOOK CLUB. Blue Ridge Summa, PA 17294-0810
1536P S8.95 2922P 515 95 2960 $26.95
2965 524 95
1939P 519.95
tronics know -how.
2970 523.95
r 2910 024.95
EECTg: CCS BOOK ELM.
r DES/401% RI II NV. I
TES1111,101811111
Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294 -0810
StUf81STE9
snen. Please accept my membership in the Electronics Book Club ' and send the 5 volumes listed
below, plus my FREE copy of Delton T. Horn's All -Time Favorite Electronic Projects (3105P),
billing me $3.95 plus shipping and handling charges. If not satisfied, may return the books
I
within ten days without obligation and have my membership canceled. I agree to purchase
at least 3 books at regular Club prices (plus shipping and handling) during the next 12 months
and may resign any time thereafter.
2900 $36.95
1964P 512.95 2885 524.95 1370P 518.35
Counts as 2
OSCILLOSCOPE
City _ _
State /Zip _ _ Phone
Signature
Valid for new members only. Foreign applicants will receive special ordering instructions
Canada must remit in U S currency. This order subject to acceptance by the Electronics
Book Club' Signature of parent or guardian required tor all new members under 18 RESP -1288
2853 523.95 2831 522 95 2617 517.95 2992 524.95
3
Electronics, as teaching aids at the univer- ever read. More importantly, the series al-
sity where was a consultant. How 'bout that? lows one to progress as far into electronics
ar
I
I'll bet you didn't know that those magazines as even the most avid hobbyist might dare
are used in areas where up -to -date texts are to venture.
very hard to come by! Although the maga- The books /courses are outlined in meticu-
zines were anywhere from one- to three - lous detail in the Heathkit Catalogs. would
I
months late by the time they reached there, recommend trying the Soldering Course
the information was still more current than (EI- 3133), followed by the "Concepts of
that in the usual texts. Electronics Course" (El- 3140 -A). The latter
Again, the fewer articles on computers, requires an "Analog Trainer" (E1- 3600), but
pair a calculator, or a VCR, or even a child's READER RECOMMENDATIONS items anywhere. Can you please tell me
toy these days? Does that mean that we where might be able to get them'?
For all the electronic tips, tricks, fun, and I
of Delray Beach, FL asked for a recommen- If you can't find Fahnstock clips at your lo-
Almost all the electronics courses I took re-
dation of a good book on basic electronics. cal supplier, just about any other type of
quired the use of a computer at some point.
Computers and electronics are inseparable
your magazine would be shortchanging its read-
- As a fellow, Hands -on Electronics /Popular
Electronics reader and electronics enthusi-
terminal or binding post can be used.
SK and ECG part numbers are RCA and
ast, I'd like to recommend Getting Started Sylvania, respectively, industry -standard sub-
ers if it pretended that computers don't exist.
in Electronics by Forrest M. Mims Ill. Basic stitute part numbers. Those are used and
I'm also writing to ask if you know where
electronic theory cannot be made any sim- recognized by the vast majority of major
I can get a low -cost device for bending soft
pler. The book contains 128 hand -written and component distributors. We provide those
metals, such as aluminum; I like to make
hand -illustrated pages, has experiments that when the original part may be hard to lo-
my own boxes for the circuits build. Thanks
I
work, and costs only $2.49. The book, as cate. The GE -59 used in the projects falls
very much.
well as any of the parts needed for the ex-
P.J.C.
periments, can be purchased at any Radio
Louisville, OH
Shack store.
... AND CONS Don't be turned off by the childish -looking
nature of the book's method of teaching. You'll
As an avid and highly appreciative reader
be relieved by its simplicity, and how well it
of Hands -on Electronics /Popular Electron-
gets the message across. I might not be work-
ics, completely agree with the views on includ-
I
4
into that category. Hence, we provided the
substitute. If you still have difficulty finding
the part, here's a suggestion: Try making
friends at your local TV and radio repair shop.
CABLE -TV
The owner may be willing to order the part
for you, or put you in touch with a local dis-
tributor that carries it.
Ozone Park. NY
..
.. ,
, ,
.. .._ n
g4,
n
,
tween the schematic and the printed- circuit FOR OUR RECORDS
board. believe the board is in error; am
I I
DECLARATION OF AUTHORIZED USE I. the undersigned
that all products purchased, now and in the future. will only
- do hereby declare under penalty of perjury
be used on cable TV systems with proper
correct? authorization from local officials or cable company officials in accordance with all applicable federal and
state laws FEDERAL AND VARIOUS STATE LAWS PROVIDE FOR SUBSTANTIAL CRIMINAL AND CIVIL
E. P
PENALTIES FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE.
Las Vega, NV
Dated - -- -_ Signed
were a couple of prob-
Yes, you are. There
lems with the board. There is a trace miss-
ing in the foil pattern. To correct that, add
Pacific Cable Company, Inc.
a jumper between the cathode of Dl and 73251/2 RESEDA BLVD., DEPT. # RESEDA, CA 91335
H -12
pin 3 of U1. Next, eliminate the connection
to J1 pin 8 and add a connection to J1 pin
(818) 716 -5914 No Collect Calls (818) 716 -5140
6 at the anode end of D1. Finally, reverse IMPORTANT: WHEN CALLING FOR INFORMATION
the NORM and AUTO labels on switch SI. Please have the make and model # of the equipment used in your area. Thank You
5
413 JDR Microdevic',s 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL PRODUCTS TOLL -FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT
HM6116 -4 204858 200,15 4 95 7M544+6 1638454 150115 8 55 2764 -250 8192:8 250ns 12.5V 3 69 80387.25 25 MHz 999 9 ,
HM61t6 -3 204858 150n5 5 95 41128150 13107251 150ns 5.95 2764-200 8192x8 200ns 12.5V 4.25
HM6116-2
HM6116LP -4
14M61161P -3
204858
204858
204858
120P5
20Ons
150,15
645
595
6.45
7M4464.15
7M54464.12
41256 -150
65536x4
65536x4
26214451
150n5
120n5
150,1s
1095
11.95
12.45
MCM68766
27128
2712815200
819258
16384x8
1638458
350,1,1
250n5
200ns
21V 1595
12.5V 4.95
12.5V 5.95 Fri
Intel
HM6116LP-2 204858 120ns 695 41256 -120 26214451 120n5 1295 27C756 3276858 250115 12.5V 7.95 sr
HM6264LP-15 819258 150ns 995 41156100 2624/a IOOns 13A 27256 3276858 250,1s 12.5V 5.95 5
MM6764L P -12 8197x8 20,1V 10 95 41256.80 26714451 80ns 13.95 27256 -200 3276858 200ns 12 5V 7.95
HM43256LP -15 3276858 150ns 1295 HM51258100 26214451 100,15 1395 27512 6553658 250,1s 25V t.95 YEAR
HM43256LP -12 3776858 120,1,1 14 95 1 MB-120 104857651 120,1,1 34.95 27C517 6553658 250ns 12.5V 1295 WARRANTY
HM432561P -10 3276856 +00n5 1995 1 MB 100 104857651 100n 3795 27C101.20 13107288 200ns 12.5V 34.95
22.95
75 8251
8251A
1 29
1.69 280B-S10
95
2
2 12 95
5
8T97
1
59 AY5-3600
ICL8038 3 85
7415107 34 7415221 59 261531 I 9
`68000 9 95 8253 1 59 Z8671 BASIC 9 95 ,DP8304 2 29 PRE' " 1CM7207A 5 95 74L5109 36 7415240 69 261532 1 95
L
r TL071
LINEAR COMPONENTS
.69 LM380 89 XR2206 395 74HC00
HIGH SPEED CMOS LOGIC
21 74HC244 85 74HCT138 35
7400 SERIES LOGIC
7400 74121 .29 74F240 1.29
71072 1.09 LM383 1 95 0R221t 795 74HC04 25 74HC245 85 74HCT139 55 7400 19 74123 49 74500 .29
TL074 195 LM386 89 LM2917 1.95 14HC08 25 74HC273 69 74HCT157 59 7402 19 74125 45 74502 .29
T1081 59 LM393 .45 CA3046 89 '4HC14 35 74HC367 69 74HC1161 79 7404 19 74150 1 35 74SO4 .29
11082 99 LM394H 5.95 CA3146 129 '4HC32 35 74HC373 69 74HC T240 89 7406 29 74151 .55 74508 35
TL084 149 LM399H 5.95 MC3373 129 74HC74 35 74HC390 79 74HCT244 89 7407 29 74153 55 74510 29
LM301 34 TL494 4.20 MC3470 195 '4HC138 45 74HC374 69 74HCT245 99 7408 24 74154 149 74532 .35
LM309K 1.25 71497 3 25 MC3480 8 95 74HC139 45 74HC4040 89 74HCT273 99 7410 19 74157 .55 74574 49
LM310 1.75 NE555 29 MC3487 295 74HC154 109 74HC TOO 25 74HCT373 99 7411 25 74159 185 74586 35
LM311 59 NE556 .09 LM3900 49 '4HC157 55 74HCT04 27 74HCT374 99 7414 49 74161 .69 745117 50
LM311H 89 NE558 79 LM3909 96 14HC161 65 74HCT08 25 74HCT393 .99 7416 25 74164 85 745124 2 75
LM311K 3 49 NE564 1 95 LM3911 2 25 74HC164 65 74HCT32 .27 74HCT4040 99 7017 25 74166 1.00 745138 79
LM312H 1.75 LM565 15 LM3914 189 ,'4141'175 59 74HCT74 45 74HCT4060 1.494 7420 19 74175 .89 745153 79
745157
LM3171
1.81318
LM319
69
1.49
1.25
LM566
LM567
NE570
109
215
79
LM3915
MC4024
MC4044
189
3
3
49
99
I STANDARD CMOS LOGIC
7430
7432
7438
19
29
29
74367
74f7746
.65
745158
745163 1.29
79
95
LM323K 3 49 NE590 2 50 RC4136 25 4001 19 4078 65 4069 19 7442 49 14F00 .35 745175 .79
LM324 34 NE592 98 RC4558 69 4011 19 4040 69 4070 29 7445 69 74F02 35 745195 1.49
LM331 395 LM723 49 1M1360 49 4013 35 4042 59 4081 22 7447 89 74F04 .35 745240 1.49
LM334 119 LM733 as 75107 49 4015 29 4044 69 4093 49 7473 34 74F08 .35 745241 1.09
LM335 1.79 LM741 .29 75108 49 4816 29 4046 69 14411 995 7474 33 74F10 35 745244 1.49
LM336 175 LM747 69 75110 95 4017 49 4047 69 14433 1495 7475 45 74F32 35 745280 1.95
LM338K 449 MC1330 1.69 75150 95 4018 69 4049 29 14497 675 7476 35 74F64 55 745287 1.69
LM339 59 MC1350 1.19 75154 95 4020 59 4050 29 4503 49 7483 50 74F74 39 745288 189
LF347 2.19 LM1458 .35 75188 25 4021 69 4051 69 4511 69 7485 59 74F86 55 745299 295
1F353 59 LM1488 .49 75189 25 4021 25 4052 69 4518 85 7586 35 74F138 79 745373 189
11356 99 LM1489 .49 75451 39 4024 49 4053 69 4528 79 7489 2 15 74E139 79 745374 1.69
1F357 99 LM1496 85 75452 39 4025 25 4060 69 4538 95 7490 39 74F253 89 745471 4.95
,LM358 59 UL N2003 79 75477 129 ,4077 39 4066 29 4702 995A 7493 35 74E157 89 745571 2.95
JOB MICRODEVICES ANO THE JDR MICRODEVICES LOGO ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF JOR MICRODEVICES IBM. AT PS/2 ARE TRADEMARKS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES.
20.0 1.95 6.8 15V .42 tpf 50V 14 JDR -PRIG 1688 WITH O DECODING LAYOUT
I 34.95
22.1184 1.95 10 15V .45 4.7 50V 11 JDR-PRIOPK PARTS KIT FOR JDR -PR10 ABOVE 12.95
OSCILLATORS 22
1.0(1 1
15V
35V
.99
.45
10
47
50V
35V
11
13
ON EVERY PRODUCT! FOR XT
1.0MHz 5.95 IBM -PRl WI-H .5V AND GROUND PLANE 27.95
2.2 35V .19 100 16V 15
1.8432 5.95 IBM -PR2 AS ABOVE WITH O DECODING LAYOUT 29.95
I
I \ "SNAPABLE"
MI RATE BY PASS CAPACITORS DISK CONTROLLERS RS-232
01xa CERAMIC DISC 100 5.00 HEADERS
LI
GENERATORS
01x MONOLITHIC 100 10 00 1771 4.95 2797 29.95 CAN BE SNAPPED APART
BREAKOUT BOX
MC14411 9.95 CERAMIC DISC 100 6 50 1791 9.95 8272 4.39 TO MAKE ANY SIZE HEADER, FOR TROUBLESHOOTING
BR1941 4.95 a MONOLITHIC 100 12 50 1793 9.95 UPD765 4.39
ORDER BY CONTACTS
DESCRIPTION
30 . 20 . 26 . 34 . 40 . 50
SOLDER HEADER DHxxS 82 .1.29. 158. 220. 258. 3.24
RIGHT ANGLE SOLDER HEADER DHuSR .85 1.35 1.76. 2.31 2.72. 3.39
. . .
DES:RIPTION ORDER BY
CONTACTS
PE -240T YES 12 9.600 $189
51995
9 15 19 25 37 50
SOLDER CUP
MALE DBP .45 .59 69 .69 1.35 1.85
FEMALE DBxxS .49 .69 .75 .75 '1.39.2.29
RIGHT ANGLE MALE DBxaPR .49 .69 OATARASE 834.95
PC SC LDH1 FEMALE DBxxSR .55 .75
IRASES 2 EPROMS IN 10 MINUTES
MALE DBx1(PWW 1.69 2.56
WIREWRAP VERY COMPACT, NO DRAWER
FEMALE OBxxSWW 2.76 4.27
METAL SHUTTER PREVENTS
IDC RIBBON C ABLE MALE IDBaxP 1.31 1.99 Irr T I ROM ESCAPING
I
TERMS MINIMUM ORDER 510 00 FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING INCLUDE 52.50 FOR UPS
GROUND AND 53 50 UPS AIR ORDERS OVER LE AND FOREIGN ORDERS MAY REQUIRE
1
JDR MICRODEVICES. 110 KNOWLES DRIVE. LOS GATOS. CA 95030 ADDITIONAL SHIPPING CHARGES -PLEASE CON -ACT THE SALES DEPARTMENT FOR THE
AMOUNT. CA RESIDENTS MUST INCLUDE APPLICABLE SALES TAX PRICES ARE SUBJECT
LOCAL (408) 866 -6200 FAX (408) 378 -8927 TELEX 171 -110 TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE WE ARE NOT RESzONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL
ERRORS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES AND TO SUBSTITUTE
RETAIL STORE: 1256 SOUTH BASCOM AVE., SAN JOSE, CA (408) 947 -8881 MANUFACTURER. ALL MERCHANDISE SUBJECT TD PRIOR SALE A FULL COPY OF OUR
TERMS IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. ITEMS PIC -URED MAY ONLY BE REPRESENTATIVE
M-f !-5
OlROER TOLL FREE 800-538-5000
HOURS: 10-7 SAT. SUN. 12-4
about radio DXing and how the offer of information for modifying the Ra- the transistors. Obviously, if the circuit is wired
you can get into this fas-
dio Shack PRO -2004 scanner to receive the
up that way, no operating current would be
cinating hobby area. delivered to the high -voltage circuit, and
cellular mobile -telephone frequencies. When
hence it would not work.
I saw the original mention in the April issue
I assumed there would be little Interest. But,
M.M.
/p..Mlwtr obviously, there are a number of people who Atlanta, GA
Neils tilw...
BP155 -INTL RADIO Or
wish to eavesdrop on phone calls. Of course, you are correct. For proper op-
STATIONS GUIDE .... Icomment as the owner of three scanners eration, reroute the connection to the emit-
$6.95. New edition lists sta-
and a cellular phone. believe in the right
I
ters from the bottom of C3 to the top of that
tion site, country. frequency,
ERP provides for thou- of the individual to listen to general communica- capacitor. All should now work fine.
sands of short wave radio tions -and, indeed, feel that our police, fire,
stations. Nine sections REPLACEMENT PARTS
cover a variety of broadcast and government agencies may be kept on
services their toes knowing that countless listeners I enjoy reading your magazine, and I've no-
are out there. Those transmissions -as well ticed your emphasis on readers helping each
BP105- ANTENNA
PROJECTS.... $5.50. as those of marine and aircraft radios, and other. This letter is in response to L.J.'s ques-
Practical antenna designs old -style, high -power car phones -were never tion in the September "Letter Box."
including active, loop, and
ferrite types that are simple intended to be picked up by only one re- The U1 op -amp (MC3401) for the "Wind
and inexpensive to build. ceiver. Their users are aware that others are Witcher" project (February 1988) can be re-
yet perform well Also in-
listening in on those shared frequencies. placed by an LM3900N. That's what used,
cluded are antenna ac- I
cessories The cellular -phone system, on the other and it turned out great.
hand, was designed for private, individual By the way, pin 7 is repeated twice in the
28 >sirrol.
M..ur Band phone calls. There is no reason for, or value schematic. The correct pin 7 should go to
.rrn. in, anyone else listening. The near- micro- ground.
.. $5.50. Shows how to wave frequencies, very low power, near-by R.F.S.
build 25 antennas starting reuse of channels, frequent channel changes Sun City. AZ
with a simple dipole and
working on up to beam, tri- as a vehicle moves, and lack of recogniz-
angle and even a mini rho- able identification eliminate the likelihood of MINIMUM ORDERS
mbic
DX; the conversations taking place should
We just received our first copy of Hands-on
have no interest to anyone who does not
Electronics (the August 1988 issue) here
4 8P132 -25 SHORT- have a sick mind. On a recent visit to a local
WAVE BROADCAST AN- at work. and was really impressed with the
I
TENNAS ...
$5.50. Good
parts store that carries scanners found two
I
article "Low- Battery Alarm. It presented a
antennas can be inexpen- customers engrossed in listening to one side solution to a problem I'd been working on.
sive. Here's 25 different
ones ranging from a simple
of a conversation in which a woman was jumped right in and called Jameco. as
describing -in graphic detail-her child's ill-
I
tions to ban scanners from receiving those no one sells or can order one or me.
BP136 -25 INDOOR frequencies. Articles like yours simply add Is this a new chip, or hard to get? Do you
AND WINDOW ANTEN- fuel to the fire. Any such ban, once enacted,
NAS.... $5.50. If you have a cross -reference to ECG or others?
is likely to lead to other bans of police and
can't put up a conventional
antenna because of where government reception. Aside from those pos- A.S.
you live. one of these 25 de- Addison, NY
sible ramifications, one must consider our
signs is likely to solve your
problem and deliver great continuing loss of privacy, and the immoral- Mimimum orders are a problem for hobby-
reception ity of unnecessarily furthering that loss.
ists, but unfortunately there are few ways
How would Mr. Saxon feel if his home -
around them. There are relatively few well -
phone conversations were being picked up
MAIL TO Electronic Technology Today Inc. stocked mail-order parts distributors left, and
PO. Box 240
inductively by his next -door neighbor? Would just about all have a minimum order or a
Massapequa Park. NY 11762-0240 he defend his neighbor's right to do so?
service charge for orders be.'ow a certain
Think about it. The manufacturers who
SHIPPING CHARGES IN USA AND CANADA amount. That comes about because of the
have deleted the cellular band deserve praise
cost of doing business by mail. Unless the
$0.01 to $5.00 ...$1.25 $30.01 to $40.00 .$5.00 and support for doing so. not criticism and
$5.01 to 10.00 ... $2.00 $40.01 to $50.00 $6.00
order exceeds a certain amount, retailers
.
8
5 sure steps to a fast start
as a high -paid
computer service technician
1 Choose training iiOMPUTE
-SERVIC
computer while giving you lightning -quick data access
By getting inside this powerful computer, you
that's right for today's -JOBS, get the confidence-building, real-world experience
you need to work with, troubleshoot, and service
good jobs today's most widely used computer systems.
Jobs for computer service technicians
will almost double in the next 10 years,
according to the latest Department of
Labor projections. For you, that means
unlimited opportunities for advance-
ment. a new career, or even a com-
puter service business of your own. 1989 2000
But to succeed in computer service today, you need training -
complete, practical training that gives you the confidence to service any
brand of computer. You need NRI training.
Only NRI -the leader in career-building, at -home electronics training
for 75 years-gives you practical knowledge, hands-on skill, and real - 4. Make sure you've always got
world experience with a powerful XT-compatible computer you keep.
Only NRI starts you with the basics, then builds your knowledge step by
someone to turn to for help
step until you have everything you need for a fast start as a high -paid Throughout your NRI
computer service technician. training, you've got the
full support of your
personal NRI instructor
2 beyond
Go
"book learning"
and the entire NRI
technical staff. Always
ready to answer your
questions and help you if
you should hit a snag,
to get true hands- your instructors will
on experience make you feel as if
you're in a classroom of
NRI knows you learn better by tale.. yt al ;IS much time and personal attention as you need.
doing. So NRI training works
overtime to give you that
invaluable practical experience.
You first read about the subject,
studying diagrams, schematics, and photos that make the subject even
5. Step into a bright new future in
clearer. Then you do. You build, examine, remove, test, repair, replace. computer service -start by sending for
You discover for yourself the feel of the real thing, the confidence gained
only with experience.
your FREE catalog today!
Discover for yourself how easy NRI makes it to suc-
ceed in computer service. Send today for NRI's big.
3
1(K) -page, full-color catalog describing every
aspect of NRI's one-of-a-kind computer training,
Get inside as well as training in robotics. TV /video /audio
servicing, electronic music technology, security
a powerful corn - electronics, and other growing high-tech
puter system career fields.
rw.
to get inside a state-of4he-art IBM ma registered trademark to International livates Machines ('twit
computer system. That's
why NRI includes the
powerful new Packard S 01 For career courses
Bell VX88 computer as :NChio,s approved under (,I Bill
check for details.
the centerpiece of your McGraw -Hill Continuing Education Center
hands-on training. 1 3939 Wisconsin Avenue Washington, DC 2(016
As you build this
fully IBM PC XT- 44444 t1i/i4 Wrs CHECK ONE CATALOG ONLY Security Electronics
compatible micro
+,iNi
*./. .0 411 /,I4rti
V i4Niillta
I Computers and Microprocessors ' Electronic Music Technology
from the keyboard up,
performing key tests
demonstrations at each gage of assembly, you actually see for
1
1
I
.7 Robotics
TV /Video /Audio Servicing
O Communications Electronics
i Digital Electronics Servicing
Data Communications
Basic Electronics
yourself how every section of your computer works.
You assemble and test your computer's "intelligent" keyboard, IName
install the power supply and 51/4" floppy disk drive, then interface the IAddress
high-resolution monitor. But that's not all.
You go on to install a powerful 20 megabyte hard disk I City State _ 7ip
drive-today's most -wanted computer peripheral- included in your Accredited by the National Hone Study Council 18 12Y
training to dramatically increase the data storage capacity of your
11
automatic flowing of text over columns and
pages and around graphics.
The reader will learn how to create bro-
chures, newsletters, financial reports. forms,
catalogs. and announcements. The book
explains how to use PageMaker with other
software. including WordPerfect. Microsoft
Word, and MultiMate for word processing:
and Micrografx Clip Art Collection, -2 -3,
1
....., K CnMPI F Ti 1
r 1PTIONY
. u ANTI Atif I
and applications.
OPTION =1 - TO MAKE IT AN ALARM CLOCK 52.95
OPTION o2 TO MAKE IT A D.0 12V CLOCK 54 95
CLOCK CASE - Reg 5650 Clock Case - When Bought wah Crash Course in Microcomputers (Sec-
Clock Ka (ONLY) S4 50
12 VOLT A C ADAPTOR - Reg. 54.95 - When Bought with
ond Edition) is available for $21.95 from
Clock Kn (ONLY) 52.95 Howard W. Sams & Company, 4300 West
60HZ TIME BASE Complete 54 95
62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268; Tel. 800-
.
OUTPUT Fil TER KEEPING CO-CHANNEL INTERFER- CIRCLE 95 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
ENCE AT A MINIMt IM COMES COMPLETE LESS CASE
l'HIVER SLIPP; Y AND HARDWARE
NOTE: CASE POWF H S11PP1 Y AND HARDWARE
ENCI OSE 51295 E.tra
.
ANI 1.
MISCELLANEOUS
OAK: ECONO -3V Mini -Code s89.95
14
BUILD YOUR OWN LASER, that is capable of illuminating low -level tor's License, the Marine Radio Operator
PHASER, ION RAY GUN & OTHER clouds and can be used for special effects, Permit, and the Radar Endorsement ex-
WORKING SPACE -AGE PROJECTS light shows, long -range sighting, and ho- aminations. The tenth edition includes the
lography. The magnetic -field distortion de- 1984 FCC rules and regulations, and criti-
by Robert E. lannini cal information needed to pass the techni-
tector lets you listen to, measure, and re-
If you've been wanting to get involved with cord solar activity, aircraft. UFO's. and other cian- certification tests given by various non -
tomorrow's technologies, the do- it- yourself objects by sensing the slightest change in government certifying organizations. Some
guidance offered in this book will prove in- Earth's magnetic -force field. of the new topics covered are digital -logic
valuable. It demonstrates how to build an Detailed building instructions for each pro- circuits. op -amps, phase - locked loops, mo-
array of practical and just- for -fun projects ject are reinforced by plenty of illustrations bile -radio equipment, receiver sensitivity.
using workable lasers, along with ion - and complete parts lists. Listings of parts field- effect transistors. RF interference,
producing devices, ultra- high- frequency suppliers for all the materials needed to modulators and mixers, and more.
construct the high -tech devices are also Typical FCC -type questions are pre-
- Will UMW, included. sented for each element of the examina-
LAtikR, RI AtiER.
l ION RAY 1,17s
t711F11 11p11iIV: tiPAl1 .WI PIMNII Iti Build Your Own Laser, Phaser, Ion Ray
Gun and Other Working Space -Age Pro-
tions. a clear answer follows every ques-
tion. In most cases, a short discussion
designed to give the reader a thorough knowl-
-
jects costs $16.95. It is available from Tab
edge of the specific topic-is also included.
Books Inc., Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-
Each section concludes with an FCC -style
0850; Tel. 1- 800 -233 -1128.
practice test. and the correct answers are
CIRCLE 98 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD provided at the end of the book. An exten-
sive section on troubleshooting offers prac-
tice examples in solving the kinds of prob-
RADIO OPERATOR'S LICENSE O &A lems that appear on the actual exams.
MANUAL
(Tenth Edition)
Radio Operator's License Q &A Manual
(Tenth Edition) is available for $16.95 from
power supplies, Tesla coils, and security by Milton Kaufman Hayden Books, A Division of Howard W.
devices such as infrared viewers and a Sams. 4300 West 62nd St., Indianapolis,
This study guide contains all the informa-
voice-operated, wireless phone transmitter. IN 46268.
tion necessary for the successful comple-
You'll learn how to build a hand -held,
tion of the General Radiotelephone Opera- CIRCLE 95 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
battery -operated. visible laser -light source
CENTER: A
ELECTRONIC WORK make work
cmlete efficient a ndomanageable!
atreasmore gently, but
Circuit Board Holder to 12" wide
PCB's up
firmly. holds
Base (moves in
PANAVISE:Our most Add ohr Standard Mount (with
STANDARD 'tray Base
PanaVise three planes).
popular vise, the Standard useful parts wells), and Solder Station (sett--
versatile, and holds iron perfect
is an extremely a full centers wire
workbench tool. Jaws open a), n a
the patented "split
ball" angle) for
2.25,' and #321 S5 L9S
turns and rotates through
WORK CENTER: hase tilts.planes. One convenient control
MULTI -PURPOSE Wide Opening three any position!
Self -Centering Extra "split hall' knob locks work into mini -Vise
to 9" ). famous durable, all -purpose
Head (opens three planes), This and will de- Sri: cour I'" du. trout, upplicr is ..gnu. t
Long Beach.
rach.
parts wells) handle #-i01. 533.95.
#350. 552.95.
items with ease! Model
FISHER.
CIRCLE 23 ON FREE INFORMATION CARI)
^
Looks so Good your Friends for those with no previous digital- storage
won t Believe you Built It!' scope experience. Once it's connected to __
the analog oscilloscope-with a simple three -
lead hookup -that scope can be used to
capture single -shot events. to store and mag-
nify waveforms for analysis, and to view battery, and quick- reference guide.
pre -trigger information at zero. 50 . or The 80i -kW has a suggested list price
100%. of $395.00. For more information, contact
rns Great It provides digital- storage memory of John Fluke Mfg. Co.. Inc., P.O. Box C9090,
power supply is a must for every
Elctronrc Enthusiast and Electronic Student Use it to 2048 -8. The vertical resolution is 8 -bit, Everett, WA 98206: Tel. 800 -443 -5353,
power and test circuits and 1000 other uses Very easy I), ext 77.
build - even the beginner constructor should have no and sampling is 10 megasamples per sec-
trouble - Just follow the plain English step by step ond to 2.5 samples per second.
instructions CIRCLE 75 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
FEATURES: Output variable between 3 and 30 Volts The Model 2501 Digital Storage Adapter
Short circuit Protection Full Amp output over entire
1
has a suggested list price of $795.00. For
voltage range Load switching Current limiting fully
'variable -twin selectable ranges Dual Scale Meter additional information. contact B&K- Preci- SWEEP FUNCTION GENERATOR
Separate earth terminal provided Housed in
Deluxe 'ABS` instrument case sion, Division of Maxtec International Cor-
SPECIFICATIONS: Output Voltage - 3 to 30 Volts B &K Precision's Model 3017 sweep func-
poration, 6470 West Cortland St., Chicago,
Output Current - O to Amp (fully variable) Load tion generator provides a full range of ca-
-
1
!
, , 1
A 20 -dB -step attenuator extends the range The low -mass, high- rigidity cones offer megohm. An audible continuity beeper is
from zero to 40 dB. 80 -watts continuous power handling with also featured.
KEEP IN TOUCH:
Stay in touch with the technology that is affecting our
everyday lives. Four new books, easy -to- understand
for the reader who wants to learn and remain up -to -date
with products impacted by new technology.
Save On
Need help in deciding on telephone services? Using Video in Your Home provides knowledge and under-
Telephone Services for Home and Business provides standing of the latest video products and what functions they
the answers. It discusses what services are provided by provide TV receivers, monitors, VCRs, video players, video
local and long distance telephone companies, and tells you
how to choose and manage these services. Learn about the
present nationwide telephone companies different 512.95
even a troubleshooting guide -
cameras and camcorders, video systems interconnections and
in clear
everyday language. 176 Pages, Softcover.
networks.168 Pages, Softcover. VOa! $995
"V.
1 QUANTITIES
Mail check or money order to: Master Publishing, Inc., 14 Canyon Creek Village, MS 31,
1
400 -32 Electronic Lite -Style Or $14.95 Richardson, Texas 75080. Orders in Continental U.S. shipped prepaid. Foreign orders:
400 -31 Save On Telephone Services irr $9.95 Prepay in U.S funds, include shipping costs. Prices subject to change without notice.
L' Master Publishing. Inc 'Texas residents add slate and local sales lax on subtotal HE 128 1
learning aid for children 6 years and older, fits into either of two screw -down Pana-
is designed to look like a laptop computer Positioner base components, a 33 4 -inch
The AR- 180T, including test leads, car-
rying case, operator's manual, battery. with a pop -up screen and built -in carrying high -profile base ( #676127) or a 2'/2 -inch
handle. It incorporates 16 learning act-
spare fuse, and a one -year warranty. sells
for a suggested retail price of $249.95. For
ivities that are designed to be fun and
further information, contact American Reli- educational.
INTEG, Inc's JC speaks instructions in
ance Inc.. 9241 East Valley Blvd., Rose-
a clear, easily understood voice. Two op-
mead, CA 91770.
tional, plug -in learning cartridges are avail-
CIRCLE 78 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD able. The ROM Activity Cartridge comes
with a story book for learning additional
spelling and vocabulary. The RAM Cartridge
TWO-WAY RADIO
lets users create and store animations and
T-Berry Electronics' Communicator, a crys- music.
tal- controlled. two-way radio, is an easy -to-
use communications system. Weighing only
20 ounces, it fits easily in the palm of one's
hand.
Available in VHF or UHF, the Communi-
cator produces up to 5 watts on its six avail-
able channels, giving it a range of several
miles. It is encased in a rigid, die -cast metal ,ow- profile base ( #3826305). Another op-
chassis, ensuring years of reliable perform- tion is a vacuum base ( #676154) that ad-
ance. The radio's easy- access controls in- heres to almost any smooth surface.
clude a Hi /Low Power switch for conserv- All components are die -cast from rug-
ing energy, and a Tone OniOff switch for ged zinc- and -aluminum alloy, and reinforced
optional tone -coded privacy. Indicator lights with steel for extra strength.
are provided for Channel -Busy verification (Continued on page 22)
and Transmit'Low Battery warnings.
.
JC's touch -sensitive keyboard contains
76 keys: it has 36 alphabet and number
keys, a 12 -key cursor -control keyboard, and
18 function keys. The unit, which runs on
i'
four C -size alkaline batteries, turns itself _
ELECTRONICS
EDUCATION
OF
TOMORROW
ai
TODAY
mom
IRON
The CIE Microprocessor Trainer heir s you to learn how circuits with
microprocessors function in comput?rs.
START WITH CIE. the handy reply coupon or card below to:
Cleveland Institute of Electronics,
Microprocessor Technology. Satellite Communications. 1776 East 17th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
Robotics. Wherever you want to go in electronics...
start first with CIE.
Why CIE? Because we're the leader in teaching
electronics through independent study. Consider this.
CIE World Headquarters
Cleveland Institute of Electronics, Inc.
AHO101
We teach over 25,000 students from all over the 1776 East 171h Street Cleveland, Chio 44114
United States and in over 70 foreign countries. And Please send your independent study catalog.
we've been doing it for over 50 years, helping
thousands of men and women get started in
electronics careers.
contact you -
For your convenience, CIE will try to have a representative
there is no obligation.
Print Name
We offer flexible training to meet your needs.
You can start at the beginner level or, if you already Address Apt
know something about electronics, you may want to
City state Zip
start at a higher level. But wherever you start, you
can go as far as you like. You can even earn your Age Area Code/Phone No.
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Electronics.
Check box for G.I. Bill bulletin on Educational Benefits
Let us get you started today. Just call toll -free MAIL TODAY!
Veteran Active Duty
1- 800-321.2155 (in Ohio, 1- 800 -362 -2105) or mail in
Just call toll -free 1-800 -321 -2155 (in Ohio, 1- 800 -362-2105)
CIRCLE 7 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
21
NEW PRODUCTS curreny capability and superior sound at changes to match each of the three sources.
a relatively low cost. A palm -size wireless- remote control also
(Continued from page 18)
By using output devices with an extra accesses the main functions of all three
The standard PanaVise costs $35.95. The margin of safety, the TA -1A is able to de- sources.
two nylon jaws cost $4.25 each, and the liver peak currents of 10 -amps per channel Each source has its own illuminated func-
steel jaw costs $4.95. The high -profile, low - into low- impedance loads. It provides ex- tion legends. When a new source is acti-
profile, and vacuum PanaPositioners cost ceptionally good performance with "difficult" vated. the user hears a beep to confirm it.
$16.50. $16.95, and $26.95, respectively. speakers. Its unusually high voltage gain and a corresponding marker lights in the
For more information, contact Jensen Tools, enables the tone controls to be incorpo- corner of the switch area.
7815 South 46th St., Phoenix, AZ 85044. rated into the output stage itself. That elimi- There is another audio -control setting dis-
nates the need for a separate tone -control play for volume. balance, bass, treble. and
CIRCLE 81 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD fader. Those adjustments are confirmed by
amplifier and provides a more direct signal
path through the amplifier. indicators on the edge of the panel. The
CQ -R9550 audio head unit also features
PORTABLE LASER POINTER
muting, loudness. two-step dimmer, and il-
Laser Photonics' THE POINT is a hand- luminated power switches, and an auto-
held laser device designed to replace the matic antenna lead.
standard wooden pointer in classrooms and
at sales conferences and business meet-
I
ti
ings. Its operating range of up to 100 feet
permits the speaker to "work the room;" it
is no longer necessary to stand next to the -)4...41..41104 . 1i
display board to point out specific details.
The attention -getting device is a port-
The tone controls are designed to per- ( :
mit alterations in bass and treble response
able, rechargeable, battery -powered laser without midrange coloration. They provide
pointer that weighs less than one pound a maximum boost or cut of ' 10 dB at the
and measures only 7' 2 x 3''4 1' 2 inches.
'k
frequency extremes, without changing the
The built -in receiver has 24- station pre-
With it, the presenter can stand anywhere response in the two -octave midrange band
in the room and aim a steady, powerful,
sets (12 FM and 12 AM) and preset scan;
(300 Hz to 1200 Hz). The TA -1A's defeat -
it can be tuned manually or by scanning.
thin (1 -mm) beam of bright red light at the able "Loudness Contour" compensates for
It will automatically preset 12 stations when
object of attention. loss in hearing sensitivity at low listening
traveling out of range of the local preset
levels by increasing in effect as volume is
stations. A dynamic -range controller avoids
reduced.
sudden fluctuations in volume, and an FM-
Nakamichi's "Isolated- Ground To-
optimizer circuit controls stereo separation,
pology"-whereby the positive and nega-
treble, and muting. Multipath distortion is
tive supplies are regulated by passing cur-
suppressed automatically.
rent between the two supplies instead of
The cassette player features tape -pro-
between each supply and ground-prevents
gram search, allowing the user to skip to
power -supply current from flowing in the
the start of any song up to nine songs ahead
ground system. The audible result is im-
or eight songs behind the current position.
proved signal -to -noise ratio and musical defi-
It also has tape -scan. repeat. and blank -
nition, and stable imaging.
skip features. To prevent damage. the CO-
The TA -1 A's quartz -synthesized tuner pro-
R9550 automatically disengages the pinch
vides manual or auto -seek tuning and 10
roller when it is switched to the CD or radio
THE POINT can be operated continu- station presets. In addition to its CD and
mode. Play resumes immediately upon re-
ously or intermittently for an hour before tape- monitor inputs, it features a third line -
turn to the tape mode. The tape player has
requiring recharging, or can be used con- level input to switch the audio feed from
a double -cut narrow -gap head to optimize
tinuously with a 110 -volt wall adapter. (Re- a video source. A subsonic filter, built into
head -to -head contact. a Dolby Noise Re-
charging time is 12 to 14 hours; it has built - the phono preamp, prevents tape and
duction system, a metal -tape selector. and
in overcharge protection.) The unit fully com- speaker overload when recording or play-
more.
plies with the Bureau of Radiological Stan- ing a warped record.
The Technics CX-DP 11, an optional trunk -
dards' 21CFR 1040.10. The TA -1A high- definition tuner ampli-
mounted, 12 -disc CD changer. can also be
The laser pointer, complete with AC wall fier has a suggested retail price of $329.00.
controlled with the CO-R9550. CD func-
charger and shatterproof carrying case, For further information, contact Nakamichi
America Corporation, 19701 South Vermont
tions- accessible from both the touch -
costs $339.00, including shipping. In quan-
sensitive front panel and the remote con-
tities of five or more, THE POINT costs Avenue, Torrance, CA 90502.
trol- include 35 -step random -access pro-
$239.00. For further information, contact CIRCLE 83 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD gramming, skip, intro -scan memory scan,
Laser Photonics Inc., 12351 Research Park-
and random play.
way, Orlando, FL 32826; 1- 800 -624 -3628.
The CQ -R9550 also has a built -in stereo
CAR RECEIVER CASSETTE PLAYER
CIRCLE 82 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD amplifier. A preamp output and a built-in
With Technic's CQ -R9550 audio head unit, fader permit almost unlimited system ex-
the user can control the functions of its pansion.
HIGH -DEFINITION TUNER AMPLIFIER The suggested retail price for the CO-
quartz -digital receiver. its full -logic cassette
Nakamichi's TA -1A high -definition tuner player, or an optional CD changer by sim- R9550 is $750.00. For further information,
amplifier is a 35- watts -per -channel AM, FM ply tapping a touch -sensitive face on the contact Technics, One Panasonic Way, Se-
stereo receiver. Its custom -designed dis- front panel. That LCD face serves as the caucus. NJ 07094.
crete- output circuitry provides high peak- control and display panel; it actually CIRCLE 84 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
22
AUDIOVOX
AUTOMOBILE
ALARM
Install your own auto burglar alarm system,
save a few bucks, and give the perpetrator an earful!
Imagine you've parked and left your. after all you've been through, to make Alarm System features an ultrasonic
car in an unfamiliar neighborhood, a rock cry out in pain. sensor that bathes the interior of the
only to find upon your return that the Let's face it, a whole lot of sweat vehicle with high- frequency sound
car is held suspended in the air by four went into the purchase of your modest waves, which, when disrupted, trigger
milk crates (the tires are long gone), carriage. And you can ill afford to let the alarm. Protection is also provided
the windows have been knocked out some "night crawler" slither in and mis- for doors, hood, and trunk. The system
and the sound system is missing. To top appropriate your goods. Fortunately, also features a 12- second entry /60-
it off, a few key parts (such as half of the one firm (seeing the plight of those on second exit delay, automatic reset,
components that make up the engine a tight budget) has provided the an- module- mounted valet /panic switch,
compartment) have mysteriously van- swer; install the Audiovox Security and a high -power siren. An optional
ished from beneath the hood. And you AA -9135 Ultrasonic Passive Alarm Sys- motion detector is also available.
know what, no one saw or heard a tem yourself and cut your cost to less The Audiovox AA-9135 system is easy
to install. First disconnect both nega-
thing. How's that for a mystery?
You vow to go out and have the best
than half of what you'd expect to pay
for an alarm system with professional
he's done it a few times more than
- tive and positive battery terminals.
Then decide where the siren is to be
auto burglar -alarm system that money
can buy installed in your (now re- you -installation. Sound interesting? mounted; under the hood in the en-
stored) prized possession, only to be Read on. The best is yet to come! gine compartment is probably the
dissuaded from your mission by the best location. It will be necessary to
nemesis of the common man-a big System Installation. The Audiovox drill four small mounting holes at the
price tag, but little money. It's enough, Security AA -9135 Ultrasonic Passive site chosen for the siren.
Mount the Alarm System VALET/PANIC
switch, out of sight, perhaps under-
neath the dashboard in the passenger
compartment, but in a place where it
can easily be reached in case of an
emergency. Run the interconnecting
four -conductor color -coded wire har-
ness provided (terminating in a four -
conductor plug) from the valet;panic
switch to the siren in the engine corn -
partment, and connect it to the
matching four -conductor socket.
(There is only one that matches.)
Mount the ultrasonic sensor in the
passenger compartment as did. If I
Inn
VCC
have four years experience
and pass a rigid examination
on general electronics and a
TEST specific area of expertise such
PROBES as audio or radio-TV.
{ Many consumers look for a
Certified Electronic Techni-
cian in the shop when they
need any electronic item re-
paired.
Free Consumer Checklist
A consumer checklist for
selecting a service shop is av-
MCM
ELECTRONICS
The all -new MCM Electronics Catalog is like having
your own reserved, front -row seat to the best
,j 1 aott
Di
electronics parts and components show in town!
With nearly 11,000 items (most of them in-stock and
Fig. 2. The Contircit.v Tester feeds a Modern electronic equip-
voltage through the positive probe to the ment such as digital TVs ready for shipment in 24 hours), you'll be able to
or stereos should be re-
circuit -under -test, while the negative paired by specially trained spend less time looking for the products you need
probe serves as the return line. Voltage people. and more time watching your profits and customer
returning to the Tester through the nega- ailable free by sending a satisfaction grow! So, order your FREE copy today
tive probe triggers the circuit, giving stamped. self- addressed en- and discover why MCM gets nothing but standing
un audible indication of continuity. velope to: Checklist. 1SCET,
2708 West Berry, Fort Worth. ovations from our customers!
TX 76109. The list reminds
SHORTWAVE Di
1N4001
- -1
RADIO R2
10052 '
R1
560K
11
INTERIOR
LIGHT
B6il(S
4
2
INTERIOR
C3
U1 SWITCH
100
555
6
R3 L_ --J
15012
S1 \ S2
C2 Cl 01
DOOR 0.1 '447 2N3053
SWITCHES
CHASSIS
$ = _ /GROUND
Fig 3. The Courteous Courtesy Light circuit -built around a 555 (configured
as monostable multis'ihrator) that's controlled by the auto's door switches-
Discover keeps the courtesy light on for 30 seconds after the door is closed.
one of most
incredible bons of
electricity and electron- cuit. The 555 is arranged in a connected in its equal mark /space
ics books to come along
in years. You'll find scores monostable mode, and is triggered by mode. The frequency is controlled by
of high quality new books the door switches. The output drives Q1, potentiometer R2 and capacitor C1.
and reprints of rare old
books on building and which is connected across the interior Resistor R3 controls the output level
collecting old time radios light switch. The interior light is turned with the output AC coupled through
including spark -gap
transmitters, crystal sets. on for 30 seconds after the door is C3.
regenerative and other
,- .. antique receivers, early opened. If the door(s) are held open To prevent stray radiation from get-
telephony and television. for longer than 30 seconds, it will not ting into the circuit, it should be housed
> and more! reset until after the doors are closed. In in a metal box and the output fed
i.
Tesla Coils! that case, the lights go out imme- through a length of coaxial cable.
Build Tesla cuils, induction coils. Winishurst diately. Since the current drain is small, the unit
and other lightning bolt generators! Rewind One additional advantage also be- should run for months (depending on
and repair motors! Design and build electri-
cal generators! Get high power from auto al- comes apparent. Door switches often use) with a nine -volt transistor-radio
ternators! You'll find quality books on these
topics and much more! fail because of dirt, which can cause battery.
You'll find plans and info on all types of the lights to go dim or flicker. This circuit -Frank Pierce, Sioux Falls, SD
unusual equipment from lasers to century-
old induction coils! Build equipment your needs only the shortest momentary
friends haven't even heard o0 Thanks to you, Frank. This is exactly
contact to operate, meaning that it the sort of thing we're looking for. Sim-
Fringe works even with dirty door switches.
And with a bit of careful designing, the
ple, short, and sweet -and useful.
Science! circuit can be made small enough to
You'll even discover a
strange collection of fit inside most interior car -light fixtures. Si
books on 'Fringe Sci-
ence lost continents, -Fred Mullins, Madison, WI '4.'0'. Vcc 19V)
FREQUENCY
perpetual motion, un-
usual phenomena recorded throughout the Good thinking Fred! Keep on the
centuries, and much more. Explore the lookout for your copy of the Fips book.
strange world that lies between fact & fiction!
It's on the way.
New CataloaI
Write for your copy bf C3
Lindsay's new Electrical Signal Injector. In the early days of 1
I
jPO Box 12 -WF2, Bradley IL 60915
I Name
Enclosed is $1.00. Send m^ a copy of
Lindsay's Electrical Books catalog via first
class mail!
IAddress
'
i
The unit is great for checking ampli-
fiers of all sorts. It provides a square -
wave output that is rich in harmonic
content. The circuit's output frequency
can be varied from 50 Hz to 15 kHz. The
Fig. 4. The Signal Injector, although
rather basic in design, is one of the
most useful troubleshooting aids. When
used in conjunction with an voltmeter
or oscilloscope, it makes short work
of troubleshooting circuits down to
City St Zip heart of the circuit is a 555 astable the component level.
26
5V Coin Tosser. Sure, you could sit there
t R1
4.7 K
LEDI
HEADS ()TAILS
LED2
flicking a coin into the air then catch-
ing it and slapping it on your wrist -
that's the traditional way. But this is an
R2 S R4 05 age where we live on the cuffing edge
14
1K 47052 47052 of technology. The box in which the
U1
-{
7
R3
40
3
4 U2
circuit is built has a pair of LED's la-
belled HEADS and TAILS. There's also a
555 1K 7474 push- button switch (see Fig. 5) la-
---
6
6 belled TOSS. When you press the Toss
button, one of the two lights randomly
lights, indicating heads or tails.
Integrated U1 is a 555 configured as
a free -running oscillator. The oscillator
TOSS S1 is enabled or inhibited by S1, the Toss
CI C2
NC switch, which is connected to the reset
GND terminal of Ut at pin 4. The frequency is
0 T.0033 set for about 100 kHz, so that in the 0.5
DI
second that the button may be
SK3444 pressed, about 50,000 pulses are pro-
duced.
Those pulses are fed to U2, a 7474 J-
K master -slave flip -flop, with comple-
mentary outputs. Connected as
shown, it becomes a divide -by-two
counter, so one and only one of its out-
puts will be at binary 1; the other at
binary 0. Which output is at binary 1
Fig. 5-The Coin Tosser consists of a 555 oscillator /timer feeding a 7474 dual depends on whether the number of
J-K master! slave flip flop that's configured as a divide -he -two counter. (Continued from page 103)
S CORP.
f1LL ELECTRONICS
SEND FOR ITT PUSH PIEZO WARNING
FREE BUTTON DEVICE
CATALOG ITT MDPL series. 3/4" X
Murata Erie O PKBB -4A0
Mrnecr p Sm 2" gray rectangular key
cap S.P.S.T.N.0. Push to
High pitched audible alarm
Operates on
r close.
3 20 Vdc @ 20 ma
6
I.`
,.:.. ' i. Rated: 0.1 amp
-
J : i. Rated: n g. .
1" high x 7/8" dia.
P C board mount.
' 0 25 amp carry CATO PBZ -84 $1 75 each
current. P C. mount.
. CATO PB -8 65c each XENON TUBE
-I. . '0 'or $6 00
RADIO'S FIRST
TWO DE:CAI/ES
1AF
SPI73-- COMMPUTER BP239- GETTING
MUSIC PROJECTS ..... THE MOST FROM YOUR
001..1.0 BP146-THE PRE- MUTLIMETE R..... 55.95.
$6.95. Shows how Io use
A. home COmpuler 10 Covers bascs 01 analog
and dgnal meters
cau0e Pectron0 m usic BP175 -TV DXING PCP103-PRACTICAL BP19 A hook on the BASIC
Methods of component
I
any arcuts Mostly ter FOR THE ENTHUSE INTRODUCTION TO programming for those
MIDI HANDBOOK testing (includes
Jon tree AST.... $7.95. Pfadtal, RFTD -RADIOS PCP102- SATELLITE TV..... $9.95_ who have not yet 0ougni
S9 95 Explains what transistors pynstoes
authanatrve intro lo Ihrs IHIRODUICIING A dollnleve InlrOducton to a computer as welt as
MIDI Ilse Mustcal FIRST TWO DECADES resrstas capacitors and
usual aspect oI eher .. 53.50. This story d DIGITAL AUDIO .... the SubleCt written for the 11105e w110 have trouble
Donal 101.1.01 can do Other active and passive
irrOnos 611 11 in
and low you can put it radios early days $9.95. CD. DAT and professional engineer leamrng how to program
sampling 1M115 electronics enthusiast or devices
111 PO to wok Covers makes for fasciiynnating
valved In te dgaal others who want to know
mac neS. sequencers ansmners KOKAs part of audio signals more before they buy 8
meena. 004400 and beginnings and much Pnncrplas and practices 10 in
campsite, MOW more of dgltal audo
technrque5
A I111111 1 ::;
IR
1;e
ti
meinl
L/
jl
BP144- FURTHER
BP179 -ELEC-
BP135- SECRETS BP143 -INTRO TO BP146- COMPUTER BP152-INTRO TO BP106-ANTENNA BP196 -AN INTRO -
PRACTICAL ELECTRONICS
TRONIC CIRCUITS FOR
OF THE COMMODORE PROGRAMMING THE TECHNOLOGY EX- Z-10 MACHINE CODE PROJECTS.... $5.50. DUCTION TO ANTENNA THE COMPUTER CON-
54 ..... S5.75. Masses d ATARI 606100 XL ..... PLANNED ..... 55.50. ....$5.05. Speed up your Practical rado antenna THEORY $6.95 CALCULATIONS AND
rselul No and program S5.95. Perfect conple- E Kamm.. lar canpN- programs They may be designs Mat deliver good Baso concepts relevant to S7 50 Data and arcurp
-rung tips not found In menl to the Alan USes e, terms Olten harder to wnie but lls performance and are rei- receiving and transmitting Companion volume to lar Interfaceg are corn.
any Users manual manual shows how encountered A diC ovary worth IeamI g how atively simple and antennas BPS) Book carriers on puler to the robot 's
to aEven ed graphics lar computer Mogo Sons demo programs inexpensive 10 hold with data not found motas and sensors
are included in eare
earlier 450 pegan. BP134-EASY ADD
BMW-MICRO IN-
B P131 -MICRO IN.
TERFACING ON PROJECTS FOR
ua ity aper ac s
CIRCUITS -BOOK 1 ....
TERFACING BP125 -25 SIMPLE COMMODORE 64.
CIRCUITS -BOOK 2 ..... AMATEUR BAND AN-
555 75. Practical add-ans VIC -20, BBC MICRO 6
$5.75. Interlacing sound TENNAS 55.50. All ACORN ELECTRON.....
sanslortn and speech generators
contraor measure kinds of antennas lar all 56.95. Picture drgrllzer
temperature and optical kinds a amateur radio
ment equipment kght pen model control
sensos motor control- tercet/Ion ter and mee
lers and more
New Oa Dr.. mom Now ke
94x.1. ana Malin o.eee.r a. .w.a...r.. ..
Yet. aveu PCs OW.
ws. Cawaasaa .yme..a
SIGN ELECTRONIC
BPI10 -HOW TO
GET YOUR ELEC
BP121- DESIGN 6
MAKE YOUR OWN PC
640
BP56 -ELEC-
TRONI. SECURITY
0065 -INT ERNA-
TIONAL TRANSISTOR
r d A
ELECTRONIC BUILD
1
or a
BP104-ELEC- BP92- CRYSTAL PROCESSING PROGRAMS RUNNING
e Prices
TRONIC SCIENCE SET CONSTRUCTION SYSTEMS AND CIR-
PROJECTS .... 15.75. ..... S5.50. A variety of CUITS .... S5.95. Gurte wnnen your own pm-
Srrrple to complex a crystal radio receivers IOr to the elements of mean. am only to find that
group or protects wnh a the experimenter and processing systems nay do rol work, This
strongly screntdc flavor hobbyist Teaches all the lurda- book sly0ws you how to
menials find errors
So.0.211. Ice coal 6o.A same. v.,av.I..
Om
a. a...MM. CMOSK
homer. eyz.` Caswh kwea.
AraN..
car weld ELECTRONICS
BUILD AND
LEARN
IA1` ONs
t._J
BP121-2K PRO-
GRAMS FOR THE ZX
BP I
LJ
06- MODE RN
OP-AMP PROJECTS ...
BPSO-SECOND
BOOK FOR CMOS IC
SPUN-MIDI PROJ-
ECTS ..... $6.95. Details
'
C=1
BP65-SINGLE
PROJECTS
IC
55.75.
BP49- POPULAR
ELECTRONIC PROJ-
SP97 -IC PROD-
ECTS FOR BEGINNERS
of BMW-POPULAR
ELECTRONIC CIA -
SPECTRUM 6 16K ZX61 $5.00. Includes a Slde PROJECTS .... 5550. of haw lo Interlace many All protects In this book ECTS 55 95. A
. ..... 55.50 Written es CUITS. Book 55.951
.115.75 All programs Toler Ay Signal Gen Munrvlblators. ampnars popular home computers are based on one IC and colleciOn d a war. range socially lar the less Mom curls lar hog
un on both machines Mere Pre-amp Scratch triggers 6 gates special wrath MIDI musc systems are simple IO construct of electronic moots and experienced exilen twistsclo. rado res
include flaw charts and treer and much more devices including rear Graal way Io gel started metuns lar the nape.. mente Complete pans muso householo and
Info on how to modify to ton timer smote with Cs ntar layouts and wining di more
-on on Otter computers tronic. organ and agrams
B P165 -ELEC- ello
BP96 -- POPULAR
IRONIC SYNTHESISER BP101 -INTO THE ELECTRONIC CIA -
PCP104- OL ARCHIVE .... $4 95 CUITS. Book 2 ....
CONSTRUCTION
ELECTRONICS BUILD
AND LEARN $9.95: starts
In with construction details
56.95. Shows how Io
W. a monoph c .c syn
..
H 12-88
$20.01
S30.01
$40.01
to $30.00
to $40.00
to $50.00
$50.01 and above .
$4 00
$5 00
$6.00
$7.50
Shipping (see chart)
All payments must
be in U.S. funds
-
Total Enclosed
$
IL
28
Give
A Friend
Hands -On
Electronics
this
Christmas!
OA
Only
$18.95
for each
one -year
gift!
You save
$11.05
off the
cover cost!
PLUS ...
Use the
Gift Order
Form and
Postage -Free
Reply Envelope
Bound Into
this Issue.
Give
A Friend
Hands -On
Electronics
this
Christmas!
Only
$18.95
for each
one -year
gift!
You save
$11.05
off the
cover cost!
PLUS ...
Use the
Gift Order
Form and
Postage -Free
Reply Envelope
Bound Into
this Issue.
HOLIDAY LIGHT
SEQUENCER
BY DANIEL P. RAY
PLI
= NE1
6.3V
Cl
1000
F1
/m 6A )1+
EARTH
GROUND
R1
22K
7
U1
3
555
OSC/TIMER C3
6 5 3.3
R
`
1
16
100K +
C2
R2 = 6
U2
22K
74C175 14 A
2
O TYPE 1
5
FLIP -FLOP 4
o7S2
11 15
O
7 13 8
12 10
U3
MOC3010
6
U4
6
L U5
6
U6
5 MOC3010 5 2 MOC3010 5 MOC3010 5
OPTO OPTO
OPTO OPTO
COUPLER 4 3 COUPLER 4 COUPLER 4
COUPLER 4
R7 R8 IR9
18052 7 18052 1802
S R3 R4 R5
?? 1.8K .T 1.BK 1.8K
TR2 TR3
MT2 MT2
6A 6A
400V 400V
MT1 MT1
SO2 S03
TO METAL ENCLOSURE
Fig. I--The Holiday Light Sequencer circuit consists of a 555 oscillatoritimer (configured as a pulse generator). feeding
a 74C/75 quad D -ope flip flop. The finer flip - /lops. in turn, drive four MO(30 /0 optoisolatorlcouplers which are used to
trigger four triacs to provide power to the four strings of lamps.
Information on the D input of each and others where the sequence of Interface. Each output of the se-
flip -flop is transferred to the Q (and Q) events is difficult to determine. quencing circuit is connected to an
outputs on the leading edge of each However, if S2 is switched to position M003010 optoisolatoncoupler (U3-
clock pulse. Switch S2 allows you to B while all outputs are high or all are U6), which contains an infrared -emit-
invert the information on the D input of low, which seldom occurs, the se- ting diode with an infrared -sensitive
the first flip -flop at any time during the quence stops and the outputs remain diac (triac driver or trigger) in close
cycle. That allows you to create a either all on or all off. If that happens, proximity. (See Fig 3.) The diac is used
number of different sequences, which you only need to switch back to posi- as a trigger for the triac, which carries
are determined by the state of the CO tion A for at least one pulse duration, the 117 -volts AC.
output at the time of the switching. and then back to position B again. Each time the infrared -emitting di-
Some of the possible sequences Likewise, S2 should be in position A ode receives a logic 1, it turns on, caus-
are: (pin 4 connected to pin 14) each time ing the diac to conduct. With the
1 through 4 on, through 4 off;
1 the power is turned on. That's because optoisolator /coupler's internal diac
1 of 4 on sequence; the data on pin 4 must be a logic in 1 conducting, the triac turns on, and
1 of 4 off sequence; order to start a sequence; otherwise all power is supplied to whatever load is
2 of 4 on sequence; outputs remain at logic 0 regardless of plugged into the corresponding AC
1 and 3 on to 2 and 4 off; the clock pulses. socket. So the sequencing circuit and
30
tant. The lamps are kept in their proper
positions by wire ties or electrical tape
around the wires.
D a D D D D The plugs should be marked with the
S2 letters A, B, C, and D so that they can
1/4 74C175 1/4 74C175 1/4 74C175 1/4 74C175 be plugged into the corresponding
O
14 sockets on the Holiday Light Se-
CK O CK CK CK D
quencer. 1f your lights are the "flashing"
type, locate the flasher bulb and re-
place it with an ordinary one.
Ji
CLOCK
Warning. Always keep in mind that
household current (117 -volts AC) can
be lethal! Never turn on the power un-
Fig. 2 -Shown here is a ju nctional diagram illustrating the actual configuration
of the four flip - /lops in the Holiday Light Sequencer circuit.
MOC3010
4
L
Fig. 3 -TI is block diagram shun s the
inner workings o/the MOC3010 opto-
is'olatorlcoupler. Its output element
is a iliac or triac driver.
O OO 1117 SO
the 117 -volt AC outputs are "optically
coupled" and are effectively isolated
from each other.
Power for the sequencing circuit is
provided by a 6.3 -volt miniature trans-
former. The output of the transformer is
rectified by a four -diode bridge cir-
cuit, the output of which is filtered by Cl
(a 1000 -F electrolytic capacitor). Ca-
4 INCHES
pacitor C3 is added at the supply pin
of U2 to suppress transients. F
Fig. 4-Shown here is a full -.si:e foil pattern for the Holiday Light Sequencer's printed-
Construction. of all, you abso-
First circuit hoard.
lutely must break off the links between nents, using Fig. 5 as a guide. Note less the circuit is completely enclosed.
the terminals on the duplex sockets from the diagram that R2 is not Never try to make repairs or modifica-
(SO1 -SO4), so that each socket can be mounted on the PC board, but is sol- tions to the circuit without first unplug-
controlled 'ndividually. That is very im- dered directly to potentiometer R11. ging the unit. The AC fuse must not be
portant! Do it before anything else so Use #18 insulated wire (or heavier) for omitted from the circuit. The fuse as-
you can't forget later. Next, mark the all 117 -volt AC connections. Use a cop- sures that the project won't be
locations of all the components that per or aluminum heat sink for the four damaged in the event of a wiring error.
are to be mounted to the front and rear triacs if you plan on using high -wat- The Holiday Light Sequencer is in-
panels of the enclosure. tage lamps. Mount the circuit board tended for indoor use only. Do not use it
Drill and cut holes in the metal en- on insulating spacers, making sure that outdoors, unless you can completely
closure for the panel- mounted corn - none of the connections on the foil side shield it from all forms of precipitation.
ponents. The holes for the sockets are a touch the metal case. Make sure that
little hard to make. However, you can the AC ground is connected to the ap- Troubleshooting. After checking
use a wall plate (socket cover) as a propriate terminal on all the sockets your wiring several times, put the cover
template to mark the holes, and then and to the metal enclosure. Secure the on, plug in the Holiday Light Se-
drill with the largest size bit available power cord with a suitable connector quencer, and plug the four sets of lights
(without going oversize). The socket or strain relief. into the corresponding sockets. (You
holes can Then be shaped and /or en- should check all the lights beforehand
larged as needed with a small file or The Lights. For the Holiday Light Se- by plugging them into a household
grinding wheel. quencer to produce the aforemen- wall socket).
The author's prototype was built on tioned sequences, the lights must be With 1211 set at mid -position and S2 to
printed- circuit board, the foil pattern arranged in sequence also. Figure 6 position A, flip on the power switch, S1. If
for which is shown in Fig. 4. Once the shows how that's done. No wires are nothing happens after several sec-
board is etched and drilled, begin in- shown in the diagram because it is the onds, you should set S2 to the other
stalling the board -mounted compo- positioning of the lights that is impor- position. If the lights now start to se-
31
S2 PARTS LIST FOR THE
PLI R11
HOLIDAY LIGHT SEQUENCER
SEMICONDUCTORS
UI -555 oscillator /timer, integrated
F 1
circuit
U2- 74C175 or 40175B quad D -type
NEI 1111F- flip -flop, integrated circuit
U3 U6- MOC3010 optoisolator /coupler
(Radio Shack 276 -134 or similar).
integrated circuit
TRI TR4 -6 -amp, 400 -volt triac (Radio
Shack 276 -1000 or similar)
S1
DI D4-- IN40)1 (or similar) I -amp. 50-
Ply, silicon rectifier diode
RESISTORS
(All resistors are 1/44-watt, 5c4 units,
unless otherwise noted.)
RI, R2- 22,000 -ohm
R3 -R6-1800-ohm
R7 -R I0- 180 -ohnm
RI1- 100,000 -ohm potentiometer
CAPACITORS
CI- 1000 -1F, 16-WVDC (or better)
electrolytic
16 -WVDC (or better).
TO METAL
U ENCLOSURE Tantalum or radial -lead electrolytic
C3- 3.3-F. I6 -WVDC (or better)
m Tantalum or radial -lead electrolytic
big. 5 -Shown here is the parts -placement diagram fur the Holiday Light Sequencer. When
ADDITIONAL PARTS AND MATERIALS
installing the parts, pay strict attention to the orientation of the components.
TI-117-volt primary. 6.3 -volt secondary,
Also it is a good idea to use sockets for the six ICs.
miniature power transformer
TR1-TR4 Fl-6-amp fuse 3AG
SOI-SO4 SI- Single -pole, single -throw, rocker
switch
S2- Single -pole, double -throw,
miniature toggle or slide switch
NEI- 117 -volt snap-in neon lamp
PLI -117 -volt AC molded 3- conductor
plug with power cord
SOI SO4 -117 -volt AC sockets
Printed circuit or perfboard materials.
metal enclosure (Radio Shack 270-272
or similar). IC sockets, fuse holder,
hookup wire, solder, hardware, etc.
32
here is a complex, crystalline, sili-
cate mineral called tourmaline
that, when heated, attracts small bits
FUN WITH
of various materials. The powers of
tourmaline have been known in Eu-
rope since the early 18th century. That's
when the crystals were first brought
PIEZOELECTRIC
over from Ceylon by Dutch merchants,
and thus the name "Ceylon magnet."
An electrical characteristic of tour-
maline was established in 1756 by
GENERATORS
Franz Ulrich Theodor Aepinus (1724 --
Learn about the
1802). Aepinus found that hot tour-
maline crystals become polarized
negative at one end and positive at
- piezoelectric
the other. That polarization was ob-
served in other crystalline substances effect, ex-
and, in 1824, received the general
designation pyroelectricity-literally, pertinent
electricity from fire.
Pyroelectricity should not be con- with it,
fused with thermoelectricity, which re-
fers to a voltage created by the and build
difference in thermal energy between
dissimilar metals joined together in a an interest-
circuit.
The modern understanding of the ing conversa-
pyroelectric effect, and its relevance
to crystal physics, can be traced to tion piece, too.
Pierre Curie (1859 -1906). The structure of
crystals persuaded Pierre Curie, along
with his brother Paul- Jacques
(1855- 1941), to explain pyroelectricity in
mechanical terms. They decided that
the pyroelectric effect was due not,
strictly speaking, to heat, but to ther-
mal stress caused by the heat. That led
to the discovery in 1880 of what we now
call piezoelectricity, literally, elec- BY STAN CZARNIK
tricity from squeezing or pressing.
The Curie brothers found that many
sorts of crystals exhibit the
piezoelectric effect, including sodium
chlorate, calamine, topaz, tartaric
acid, Rochelle salts, quartz, and even
cane sugar.
33
flashes brightly. The experiment works
best in a darkened room.
That simple set -up allows you to
show that the piezoelectric disc will not
only generate a voltage when pres-
sure is applied, but also when pressure
is removed. Place the disc on a hard
surface, and depress the center of the
disc firmly with your finger and watch
the lamp closely. The neon gas around
one electrode will glow. When the
pressure is released, the neon around
the other electrode will glow. That hap-
pens because the two voltages are
moving in opposite directions from
one another. Current flows only when
the pressure is changing.
Here are a couple of piezoelectric discs from Jerr Co Inc. mounted in plastic frames. Two Note: The preceding works best with
types of the discs are available, one with and one without wire leads. piezoelectric discs that come
mounted in a plastic frame. If you pur-
order of $10.00 and there is a flat $3.00 chase the unmounted variety, you may
fee for shipping and handling. In addi- need to support the edges of the disc
tion, Illinois residents must add 7% on a couple of wooden matchsticks or
sales tax. something similar. That way, the disc is
The piezoelectric disc is about 11/4 free to bend.
inch in diameter and, in most cases, Another way of illustrating the
comes mounted in a plastic frame that piezoelectric action of the discs be-
measures about 2 by 2//a inches. It's gins with connecting two of them to-
available with or without wire leads.
Without leads, the piezoelectric discs
are $2.25 for a package of three (cat-
This piezoelectric spark button. r ;nlr alog number 6793). With 6 -inch wire
31/2-inches long. ,generates enough leads, the discs are $3.00 for a pack-
electricity to throw a small spark The
age of two (catalog number 6790).
spark button conies complete with a
plastic nut for mounting.
I recommend ordering discs corn -
plete with wire leads. Soldering your
trode. That happens, of course, be- own hook -up wire to the discs can be
cause opposite charges are attracted difficult. Also, you may want to order
to each other. As the orientation of the several discs. The piezoelectric ce-
ions changes, so does the shape of the ramic material is fairly brittle and that This piezoelectric disc has been
crystal. means it can break. connected to an NE2 neon lamp. Rap the
The reverse effect, which happens The high -voltage sparker is a black - disc, and the lamp will flush.
to be the original piezoelectric effect, plastic cylindrical object about 3Y2-
can be understood in the same -erms. inches long. It has a red button on one
If the barium -titanate crystal is sub- end, a high -voltage terminal on the
jected to mechanical stress. it be- other end, and a grounding tab in the
comes electrically charged. In cther middle. One spark button costs $3.75
words, pressure on the crystal means a (catalog number 3261). The sparker is
displacement of ions which. in turn, meant to be the ignition device for
means that opposite faces of the crys- gas -fired barbecues; in fact, it may be
tal take on opposite electrical possible to pick one up locally at
charges. larger hardware /houseware stores.
Piezoelectric Parts. You don't need The Disc. A quick, sharp rap on the
crystals of tourmaline or barium tita- piezoelectric disc with your finger pro-
nate to experiment with piezoe ec- duces an abrupt electrical transient,
tricity. A couple of terrific piezoelectric otherwise known as a spike. The best
The circuit can be used to demonstrate
devices can be ordered from a sci- way to examine that spike is with an
the reversal of piezoelectric polarity.
ence surplus house called Jei yCo, oscilloscope. But not everybody has Press the piezoelectric disc slowly, but
Inc. (601 Linden Place, Evanston, II an oscilloscope. There are at least a firmly, and only one neon electrode will
60202). Among them are a couple of alternatives. glow. Release the pressure. and the same
piezoelectric disc and a high voltage
- One alternative involves attaching a will occur al the other electrode. That
piezoelectric spark button. Note that piezoelectric disc to an NE2 neon happens because the two voltages are of
the company requires a minimum lamp. When the disc is hit, the lamp the opposite sign.
34
Just as the inverter excited the glow
strips, it can also excite your
piezoelectric discs. Connect a MATERIALS LIST
piezoelectric disc to the output of the
inverter, apply 6 -volts DC to the input, Automobile battery clip
and your efforts will be rewarded with Binding post (or functional equivalent)
Decorative neon flame lamp (see text)
a moderately loud high -pitched buzz.
NE2 neon lamp (Radio Shack 272 -1102
or equivalent)
The Spark Button. Without any al- piezoelectric discs (3 or more)
terations whatsoever, the piezoelectric piezoelectric spark button
spark button is already an interesting Porcelain lamp socket
and entertaining device. Every press Project box (31/2 or 4- inches deep, sec
off the button delivers a weak, but text)
clearly visible Y4 -inch spark. Hardware, hook-up wire, solder,
Hold the spark button in your fist so soldering lugs, etc.
that your little finger touches the
grounding tab in the middle of the cyl-
inder. With your other hand, bring chine that operates without batteries
some small metal object (such as a cr house current.
nail) close to the high-voltage end of Apart from the sparker, the major
the sparker. Press the button and a thin components are a project box, a por-
spark will jump between the two me- celain lamp socket, and a decorative
tallic points. If you are holding both the neon flame bulb. The project box
nail and the grounding tab firmly, you should be at least 3Y2 or 4 inches deep
will feel only a very slight shock. to accommodate the length of the
Clearly, that high -voltage gener- piezoelectric device. It should also be
This might be called a pie_oelectric ator, like any high -voltage device, fair y strong. Thin plastic or thin wood
communicator. Hold one disc close to your can be misused. You will want to exer- tends to bend when the spark button is
ear and tap the other gently against a
cise good judgment and a lot of good pressed. Other than that, the size and
table top. The electrical impulses
taste. Above all, keep the spark button shape of the box are not too important.
generated in one disc will he converted
back to mechanical vibrations in the
away from small children who may not Any kind of lamp socket may be
other disc. If you happen to have a small understand the power of such a small used. like the kind that fits flush against
I
tuning fork, the system will pick up and and unfamiliar object. e surface with the electrical connec-
transmit the musical tone. tions made through the hardware for
A High-Voltage Neon Ionizer. The mounting. A socket of that type con-
gether. Two or three feet of flexible high -voltage potential of the tributes to a neat, uncluttered ap-
hook -up wire between the two discs piezoelectric spark button makes it pearance when the project is com-
makes that arrangement more inter- possible to build an ionization ma- plete.
esting. Hold one of the discs to your ear
or have a friend do the same. Then
scratch the other disc with your finger-
nail or knock it gently against the side
of a table. The noises you hear are
created by the electrical impulses
from the first disc being converted into
mechanical vibrations in the second
disc. That illustrates what is sometimes
called the converse or reciprocal
piezoelectric effect.
A small warning: If you happen to
hold the second disc too close to your
ear, you are liable to receive a tiny
electric shock, so be careful.
Getting a continuous tone from the
piezoelectric discs seems to require a
fairly strong high -frequency signal. If
you happen to have he elec-
troluminescent glow strip textured in
the August 1988 issue of Wands -on
Electronics, you already ;possess a
device capable of producing the
necessary waveform. That device is
the voltage inverter, the output of Soldering lugs attached to terminals on the spark button and lamp socket makes
which is about 140 volts at 400 Hz. wiring a lot easier. Keep all wires as short as possible.
35
I have been unable to find out for
certain whether large neon -flame
lamps are still being manufactured.
The one used is about 4 inches in
I
of your hand is visible through the glass Blue Ridge Summit, PA) and Crystals
This is the grounding system. The large
automobile buttery clip permits bulb. Press The spark button with your and Crystal Growing, written by Alan
connection to large grounded objects, other hand. A quick, sharp, firm push of Holden and Phylis Singer, (published
like water pipes. the button seems to work best. The by Anchor Books, Garden City, NY).
36
The Sliding -Bar Crystal Radio is stock (called the main bar)
is placed
nothing new to real old timers, who above the coils and between the
started building those radio sets after wooden supports for the tuning coil
World War Despite Their antiquity, a
1.
Take a trip into the past (see photos). The two pointers (cut from
sliding -bar assembly helps to sepa- the 1/4-inch stock) slide upon it to tune
rate and tune in The broadcast band with our sliding -bar the coils.
well. The receiver contains two coils When you are cutting a piece, it is
that can be adjusted by moving point- best to have it secured in a vise rather
ers (brushes) back and forth along an radio, and bring some than just holding it. Be careful not to
exposed portion of their surfaces. By squeeze the piece out of shape when
tuning the radio in that fashion, even using a vise. Start by cutting a 7 -1 -inch
strong local stations can be sepa- solid state with you for section of 3if6-inch stock for use as the
rated. main bar (see Fig. 1). Drill holes in the
ends for mounting screws used later.
Sliding -Bar Construction. The slid- an up -to -date twist! Cut two pieces -1/2- inches long from
1
ing-bar assembly is made from square the 1/4-inch stock. Those pieces (sliders)
tubes found at most popular hobby will actually ride back and forth on the
stores. The small square brass tubes sell main bar. They will carry the pointers,
for about 99 -cents each. You will need which actually make contact with the
two different stocks (sizes): 3/46-inch BY HOMER L. DAVIDSON coils.
square and 1/4-inch square. The 3/46 To make the pointers you must cut
square tubes fit snuggly into 1/4,-inch two 3/4-inch pieces from the larger
square tubes. A long section of 3A6-inch stock to form sleeves, and two 3/4-inch
39
TURNED ning with a pair of holes close to one
38
OVER LIP end, thread some of the wire for LI
SHORTING
through one hole, back out the other,
LIP and loop it back through the first hole
T leaving about 6 inches of wire inside
f
I3/4
TWO REQUIRED
3/4
j-
TWO REQUIRED
6.11~
SMALL
SQUARE
i/4
the pipe. All coil ends are to be pre-
pared that way with some portion of
the wire left inside the tube until they
SQUARE
ASSEMBLED are to be wired. Now wind 65 turns
without gaps between the strands
(close wound). Slip a piece of cel-
14
r-i v2--1 TWO SLIDING
lophane or masking tape over the coil
winding to keep it from unwinding as
BARS REQUIRED
you terminate the coil, in the same way
it began, at the next set of holes.
Now begin the main coil, L2, at the
ALL DIMENSIONS IN INCHES holes Y4-inch from the end of L1, and
wind 145 turns of No. 22 or 24 enam-
Fig. I. The .sliding bar is made up of the larger- 1/4 ira lh .stock so the slider bars will eled wire, but leave a 10 -inch piece
ride or float outside the larger piece. A brush is. firmed on the end of the pointer inside. If your fingers get cramped or
r---31/2--Pi
1/4
L1
mounting hole to be used to pass the top to hold the coils in position. Be
some hookup wires through. sure that the pieces you use are small
Connect one terminal from each enough to fit inside the tube. Drill two
coil together and solder them to a holes in each board at a slant to be
piece of hookup wire. That wire will be used to attach the center panel (see
used to connect the coils to ground, so photo). Be mindful of the clearance
you may tuck the three leads back into needed for the coils when determining
the tube. Allow the wire to stick out of the angle and elevation of the board
the small hole on the side of the coil you desire.
where L3 is located. Connect the other Cut the center (slanted) piece 7 -'/2-
terminals of L2 and L3 together and inches long x 3- inches wide. Drill two
solder them to a piece of hookup wire, 3/a -inch holes in the slanted panel for
which will be used to connect them to mounting the volume control and vari-
the tuning capacitor. Thread the wire able capacitor. Drill a Y4 -inch hole in This is a close up of how the oak
through one of the prepared holes at the board to mount the earphone jack. supports are tied to the panel.
either end. Take the remaining lead 7 1/2
from L1 and solder it to some hookup The Amplifier Board. The circuit itself
wire also. Since the wire will be running
to the antenna, it should run out the
r-71 ".'MIDDLE SUPPORT
41
J2
ANTENNA between the ground terminal and the
o brass sliding bar.
l Connect capacitor C2 across the
LI two far terminals of R1. Connect the
65T
01 wiper terminal to the hookup wire from
r
1N34 pin 3 on the perfboard. Solder one of
R1
the ground wires coming off the circuit
4 3 2
L2 Cl C2 10K
11
board to one of the outside terminals
14'5T 365pf .001
C
U1
+1 C3
of R1.
10
LM3lB
Connect the black lead of the bat-
5
tery clip to S1 (the switch on R1), and the
J1
other terminal of S1 to one of the
V) ground -hookup wires from the circuit
C5
.047 C6 board. Run a wire from that same ter-
10
L3 EARPHONE minal to the ground binding post.
45T
R2 JACK Connect the remaining terminal
1052 from the coil (the one attached to L3
B1 and L2) to the stator of C1. Connect the
9V
other side of CI to the grounded termi-
91
= C4
nal on R1. Mount R1 and CI in the panel
oJ3
T
220 and connect D1 between the stator of
CI and the ungrounded side of RI.
GNO Connect the wire from C6 to the ear-
Fig. 4. In this schematic diagram of the Sliding -Bar Receiver, the section marked A is phone jack, and the remaining termi-
actually the sliding-bar tuning -coil assembly itself. The section marked C is the hookup nal from the jack to the grounded side
wire from the coil assembly, and section B is the diode. of C1. Install the jack and attach the
perfboard to the underside of the pan-
AC coupled to the earphone jack for el. Your unit is ready for testing.
PARTS LIST FOR THE
listening.
SLIDING -BAR RECEIVER
To start circuit -board construction, Testing. Connect an antenna wire to
CAPACITORS
cut off a Y2 x 2-Y2-inch piece of perf- C1- 365 -pF, variable the antenna terminal, and a cold-
board from a larger piece. Mount the C2- .001 F, 50 -WVDC, ceramic -disc water ground to the ground post. Plug
IC socket in the center of the board. C3, C6 -l0
-R 35 -WVDC, electrolytic in the earphones, and turn the switch
Place C4 close to socket pin 6 and C4- 220 -F. 35 -WVDC, electrolytic on. You should hear some sound in the
solder its positive lead to that pin. Wire CS- .047 -F, 50 -WVDC, ceramic -disc earphones. Rotate the tuning capaci-
C3 across pins and 8. 1 tor to tune in local broadcast stations.
ADDITIONAL PARTS AND MATERIALS
Solder a piece of bare hookup wire Dl -1N34 crystal diode Stations at the lower end of the dial will
on pin 2, loop it around pin 3 and sol- .I-Earphone jack tune in with the slider towards the
der it to pin 4. It will be used as the 12, 13-Binding posts grounded end of L2. Slide the antenna
ground wire for the board, so make the Rl- 10,000-ohm potentiometer with tuner, LI, to separate close stations. By
loop large enough for several other SPST switch using the two sliders and the tuning
components to be connected to it. Sol- R2 -10 -ohm, 1/4-watt resistor capacitor, most stations can be sepa-
der the minus side of C4 to the ground Sl -SPST switch (part of RI) rated.
wire, and solder C5 and the positive Ul -LM386 audio -amplifier integrated
If nothing is received, check the
circuit
side of C6 to pin 5. Connect R2 be- small amplifier circuit. If a VOM or
tween C5 and the ground wire. 2" OD x 7 -1/2" PVC -plastic pipe; 8- to DMM is handy, check the circuit volt-
Solder a 6 -inch piece of hookup 38 -ohm earphone or equivalent ages, in particular those at pins 5 and
wire to pin 3 to be used to connect the headphone; 9-volt battery; 9 -volt 6 of O. If there's little voltage at pin 6
resistor -wiper connection. Bring an- battery clip; number 22 or 24 wire,
instead of the near 9 -volts and the bat-
and number 26 enameled wires for
other 5 -inch piece of wire from the tery and switch check out okay, then
coils; oak -, walnut-, or pine -wood
minus side of C6 to be used to connect pieces for chassis and supports; test for excessive current by inserting
it to the earphone jack. Connect a 6- hookup wire; IC socket; solder, wood the milliampere meter between one
inch hookup wire to pin 6 for connec- screws, etc. battery terminal and the clip. Suspect
tion to B +. Run three wires from the a leaky IC or improper connections if
ground wire to connect it to the VOLUME the main bar so that the brushes are the current is above 20 milliamps.
control, switch S1, and the tuning ca- directly over the sanded area of the If pin 6 is fine, but pin 5 has no output,
pacitor. coils, and secure it to the supports with measure the diode for possible leak-
screws through the holes made in the age with a low- resistance measure-
Final Assembly. Slide the pointers bar. Remove the tape. Each slider ment and reversed test leads. If that
onto the main bar and push the springs should be placed over either L1 or L2. A fails to turn up anything, recheck the
and brushes into their sleeves. Tape drop of solder should be placed on circuit for poor wiring connections.
them in place for now. Place the slid- the square bar near the ends of L1 and Once everything is working, you are
ing -bar assembly over the coil and rest L2 so that the pointers can not slide off ready to have some old- fashioned fun,
its ends on the side supports. Position the coil's useful area. Connect a wire with a modem twist. Happy listening.
42
ack in 1951 the Federal Communi-
catiors Commission had a neat
idea: let people who wanted to be-
come ham radio operators get on the
air after passing minimal tests in morse
code and theory, and learn by doing.
The idea was a great one and the
Those
fifties was a period of rapid growth for
ham radio. Manufacturers responded
with transmitters for the new novices
that were easy to operate and would
stand the abuse of the inexperienced
new hams-in short, they were just
about indestructable.
Transmitters
have been reinstated for novices, this
time allowing for single sideband on 10
meters, but more on that later.
Let's take a look at some of the fa-
mous "rigs" of the fifties. Many are still in
use, others are gathering dust but
could do a good job for a new gener- BY LARRY LISLE, K9KZT
ation of novices, if they knew about
them and how they worked.
43
..
;-7.- -
''gdeat/itil
SIRS'
__,_
r.._=x5
=
AMATEUR TRANSMITTER
_
(Not quite the unit to casually drop on
your card table.)
I've found the DX -100 to be one of the
best rigs for novices to use, simply be-
cause I've never found another
novice -class transmitter that's as effec-
tive for making contacts using Morse
Code. Maybe it's my imagination, but
network" output circuit. That was a car-
ry-over from the DX -100, and an im-
provement on the AT -1. The pi- network
had two great advantages. First it
helped suppress harmonics and elimi-
nate TVI (TV interference). Second, it
meant that dam -near anything could
be used as an antenna. People used
when the DX-100 speaks, people do to kid about loading up a brass door-
tend to listen. Maybe you could call it knob, and they weren't far from right.
a novice rig after all. The DX -40 is my favorite "loaner" trans-
By the way, bought my DX -100 a few
I mitter for new novices because it will
years ago for $25, which is the most I give good service on 40 meters with
2estal COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVER OIT'
paid for any of the transmitters men- just 25 feet of wire strung around a
tioned here. They are still terrific bar- room as an antenna, if nothing better
--u_ gains today. can be set up. It's also extremely rug-
.2.5" March, 1956 saw the introduction of ged electrically. You really have to
HEATH COMPANY the DX-35 at a cost of $56.95. The work at it to damage a DX-35 or DX-40.
DX -35, and the improved DX -40, In December of 1956 Heath re-
The Heath Company really started
something in 1953 with the AT-I. A which replaced it in 1957, were "in -be- placed the AT -1 with the code -only
.sell - contained, banc/ -switching tween" transmitters. They would run 65- DX -20. The DX -20 retained the
transmitter Jar only $29.50, it helped a watts input for code transmission and simplicity and ease of construction of
lot of notices get on the air. the AT -1, but boosted the output with
more-efficient circuitry and a pi -net-
The Heath Company. By the early work output. At $35.95 it was a real buy.
1950's the Heath Company of Benton The output element was a television
Harbor, Michigan, had already been "sweep" tube, a 6DQ6A, which wasn't
making electronic kits for years, and quite as resistant to off-resonance op-
was well regarded in the ham ranks for eration as the 6L6 or the 614's used in
their test equipment. But it was a red - the DX -100, DX -35 and DX -40, but was
letter day in July,1953 when Heath an- much cheaper to replace if it became
nounced its first ham transmitter: the necessary.
famous AT-1. The last of the Heath DX series was
If the word classic means "often imi- The DX -100 was a big transmitter, but the DX-60, introduced in November,
tated" the AT -1 certainly deserves the it put out a signal to match. The "100" 1960 as a replacement for the DX -40.
title. The AT -1's tube line up of a 5U4G refers to its weight! Not a unit to The circuitry of the two was similar, but
casually drop on your card table. the DX -60 had a smaller cabinet and
rectifier, a 6AG7 oscillator-multiplier,
and a 6L6 final amplifier was typical of updated styling. It had a pi- network,
the period -with the 6L6 being known had a built -in modulator for voice output but, reflecting a trend that has
for its ruggedness and tolerance for work. The modulator was of the "con- continued until the present (unfortu-
the inexperienced. The great things trolled- carrier" type, which was not nate, think), it was only set up to
I
about the AT-1 were that it was easy to nearly as effective as plate modula- match 50- or 75 -ohm antennas.
build, easy to use, was entirely con- tion, but it was a lot cheaper and it The Heath Company is still very ac-
tained within an attractive cabinet, didn't require a heavy modulation tive in the amateur arena and has
could change bands with the flip of a transformer. plans for a dramatically expanded
switch, and, best of all, sold for just One of the important features of the product line in the near future. First up
$29.50! That was considerably less DX -35 and DX -40 was the use of a "pi- will be a new high- frequency, all-
than the cost of the parts if purchased
separately!
A year later, Heath introduced the
VF -1 VFO kit for only $19.50. Even allow-
ing for the greater purchasing power
of the dollar in those days, that was a
pretty inexpensive way for a new ham
to get on the air.
The next transmitter, introduced by
Heath in May, 1955 was at the other
end of the scale; the DX-100. Though
not really intended for novices (featur-
ing 200 -watts input, plate modulation,
and a built in VFO for $189.50), the
DX-100 was a heck of a transmitter. The Two more popular Heath transmitters, the DX -20 for code only and the DX -40
'100," by the way, refers to its weight! for code or voice. Both had a pi- network output circuit.
44
The last of the Heath DX series was the
DX -60. It rias essentially the DX -40 in a
stylish cabinet with basic frills.
The Ranger had practically broadcast- quality modulation, an output circuit that could quality sound.
load up a brass doorknob as an antenna, and many other features. It ssas priced to match There was a "clamp" tube to protect
its performance. the final amplifier, and three separate
45
would really churn out the watts. It was
a great buy for $49.95 as a kit or $64.95
wired. Sadly, World Radio Laborato-
ries has ceased operations.
There were many other novice trans-
mitters manufactured during the fifties:
Knight made a ton of them, as did
Eico, Hallicrafters, and others, and
many hams built their own. The ones
presented here were very popular,
and, in the case of the Johnson units, at
least, among the most sought after.
The Johnson Navigator and the Ranger weren t novice transmitters. but we The question might be asked,
all Hunted thein. The Ranger Nus one of the best medium -power voice operation "Weren't you under a terrific handicap
transmitters ever. while the Navigator was a code -only model. back in the fifties, having to use crystal
control and less than 75 -watts input ?"
The answer is no. Crystal control
wasn't a problem because all novices
were "rock bound" so when someone
called "CQ" (a general call to any sta-
tion) they would tune around and listen
for a reply up and down the band from
another crystal -controlled station.
Even today it's not difficult to make
contacts if you have a few crystals.
Likewise, everybody was limited to
75 -watts input, so there was no need
for higher power.
The top of the line models, such as
World Radio Laboratories sold a ton of novice transmitters. The code -only the Collins 75A -4, the Hammarlund
Globe Chief and the code or voice Globe Scout were very popular rigs in the fifties. HQ -170, and the Hallicrafters SX -101 will
compare favorably with those in use
power supplies. In addition, each and was the brainchild of Leo I. Meyerson, today, but most of us couldn't afford
every lead out of the transmitter -even WFGQ. Shortly after the war WRL be- them and had to make do with medi-
those to pilot lights or the accessory gan building ham transmitters, includ- um- or low- priced units with little selec-
socket -was bypassed and filtered to ing the famous Globe Scout. The Scout tivity or stability.
prevent TVI. went through a number of changes You can find a good novice -type
In short, Johnson simply set out to through the late forties and fifties with- transmitter at almost any hamfest for a
build the best medium -power trans- out a change in name (so be sure your very low price if you'd care to try one.
mitter they possibly could, and they instruction book matches your trans- Instruction books for practically all of
built it with style. The Ranger has to be mitter.) them can be had from HI Manuals, P.O.
one of the best -looking ham transmit- The best seller was probably the Box 802, Council Bluffs, IA 51502; their
ters ever manufactured. Globe Scout 680 from 1957. It con- catalog is $2.
Of course the Johnson people ex- tained a 6V6 oscillator- multiplier driv- If you do decide to try one on the air,
pected to be paid for their efforts. ing a 6146 final amplifier to output on remember that tube sets used volt-
When brought on the market in June, all bands from 80 to 6 meters. That was ages that can be lethal. Be careful if
1954, the Ranger could be had for great for technician -class operators you're used to low-voltage transistor
$179.50 as a kit and $258.00 wired and who could use six -meter voice opera- circuitry. Don't touch anything under
tested. The wired price was well over tion. The Scout was plate modulated the chassis or behind the panel when
$300 before the end of the decade. I by a 6L6GB (though not quite to 100 %) the transmitter is plugged in, and short
bought the one in the photo for $25 at and the audio amplifier used a couple out the filter capacitors after you've
a hamfest. of small printed circuits -a
fore- unplugged it. Also, put the key in a
The Navigator was a code -only ver- shadowing of what was to come. plastic bag when operating. Some
sion of the Ranger and was priced at The price of the Scout was $89.95 as transmitters had a lot of voltage across
$149.50 per kit, or $199.50 wired, in a kit or $99.95 wired. the key terminals. Finally, be sure to
November, 1957. It was a good rig, and in addition to protect the input of a solid -state re-
The E.F. Johnson Company is still very the usual pi- network, it had an "L" net- ceiver, if you use one.
much in business, but hasn't manufac- work that could be switched in. The If any of those safety tips aren't clear,
tured ham gear for many years. While Scout would load "any reasonable an- please ask an experienced ham to
they did though, they set a high stan- tenna," and a lot of unreasonable help you. Old rigs are safe, easy, and
dard for others to aim at. ones too! fun to use if you're careful. But then
The Globe Chief was announced in again, grew up with them. Don't be
I
World Radio Laboratories. World Ra- August of 1956. A CW -only transmitter, it afraid to ask for help in getting one on
dio Laboratories of Council Bluffs, Iowa had a pair of 807s in the final that the air.
46
DECEMBER 1988 CONSUMER ENCOUNTERS OF THE ELECTRONIC KIND VOLUME 1, NUMBER 10
Coin Telephone P9 5
Key 'N Keyless Lock System ... pg 6
PhotoTouch Telephone ....... pg 6
GIZMO Page 1 47
use an array of gears. axles, chains. reflec- the Capsela circuitry (simple enough in were sometimes difficult for the non -elee
tors, and wires. There are also lights and itself) beyond his skills and grasp. He only tronic brain to understand.
audio (the "laser lite" and "sonic sound - completed the set with the help of a friend The Capsela's ideal playmates would
er "). The resulting constructions are won - more conversant with circuity than he was. probably be a knowledgeable adult and an
derfully off-beat, looking like a combina- The profusion of parts also gave him eager and curious kid. The grown -up
tion of the electronic future and the pause, particularly as he tried (and some- could negotiate the intricacies of the con-
mechanical past. Completed and running. times failed) to recognize each one in the struction system's circuitry and mechan-
any of those sets would be a wonderful diagrams and illustrations in the Capsela ical linkage, at least at first, while the
spur to the imagination with which kids instruction booklet. Still, his finished youngster could use his or her imagination
are equipped. Capsela figure was a sight to behold, a to design the final assembly. After a feu
But completed and running can present wonderfully complicated collection of sessions, the junior partner would proba-
a problem. The Capsela kits are intricate components in motion, lights, and action. bly pick up on what he or she has seen dad
enough that we liave to wonder about the Learning to program the "command or mom do, learning in the most painless
age guidelines Play Jour provides. "Eight keyboard" of the remote added at least way possible. Handing a child a Capsella
wears old and up" seems a judgement another dimension of learning, and some- kit with the instructions and expecting him
that's overly optimistic about the ability of times frustration. The remote transmits or her to master it is a little like teaching a
youngsters to deal with the tedium of con - commands for execution to the system's youngster to swim by throwing the kid into
struction, carefully following instructions "computer," or it can send "instant de- the deep end of the pool. In both cases, the
and connecting wire "A" to component mand" commands, skipping the memory child is more likely to be overwhelmed
"C-I." storage stage. But as with grown -up com- than entranced. Science and mechanics
An adult we know, not particularly me- puters, the "Selectronic Computer's" can be fun, and fun to learn, but not if the
chanically or electrically inclined, found command programming and responses student is in over his head.
48 Page 2 GIZMO
hooked the PV- M2028 to the cable con- end time) while retaining the convenience already noted, includes three play speeds,
nection and the picture was immediately of single -touch recording. If, for example, pause and still picture (although with the
sharp and clear. An electronic component a viewer just misses capturing some key video noise that's typical of two -head
that works right out of the box is always moment in a televised sports event, stand- units), and the usual forward -and- reverse
impressive. At least some of the credit for by keeps the one -touch record function at picture search.
the immediate picture belongs to Pan- the ready while waiting for the inevitable For consumers with limited space, the
asonic's "colorpilot control," an automat- instant replay. Panasonic Combination VCR might be an
ic system that monitors and controls color Another useful convenience is the TV ideal product. Likewise, as an unobtrusive
and tint. "Sharpness," "bright," and set's automatic tuning. The PV -M2028 second VCR in a bedroom or small den,
manual color and tint controls are mounted tuner fine tunes and sequentially orders all the PV -M2028 would fill the bill in many
below the TV screen, along with the "col - available channels, with unused frequen- households.
orpilot" button. Panasonic also includes a cies automatically deleted. If a new station Neither the TV's or the VCR's perfor-
"Panabrite control," which the instruc- comes on -line, a press of the "auto -set" mance appears to have been compromised
tions say "adjusts the intensity of the pic- button adds it to the set's memory in the by this marriage of consumer con-
ture by adjusting contrast and color level in correct numerical order. Anyone who's venience, while the neatness factor (one
the proper balance." gone through the hunt -and -peck of manual less component, one less set of connec-
The unit's "one-touch" recording fea- station presetting should appreciate that tions and cords) will likely win some con-
ture includes a standby function that ex- feature. sumers over to the combo alternative. In
pands the flexibility of that popular ca- The VCR half of the PV-M2028 is also this, the age of the couch potato and the
pability. The button labeled "standby" clearly no stripped -down recorder. It has video lifestyle, a VCR/TV combination
allows the viewer to delay recording start the features and capabilities of a stand- makes a heck of a lot more sense than the
time (or continue recording past a preset alone VCR which, in addition to those old TV /hi -fi console ever did.
Double Entry
TOSHIBA STEREO RADIO CAS-
SETTE RECORDER (RT- 7066). Man-
ufactured by: Toshiba America. Inc..
82 Totowa Rd.. Wayne. NJ 07470).
Price: $189.95.
The unsung genius who dreamed up the
boom box deserves a medal, from both the
audio industry and the consumer. Those
portable, comparatively low- priced units
have put quality audio (again, com-
paratively) within reach of an extremely
broad market. And thanks to those porta-
ble audio systems, securing a music
source is no longer a consumer decision CIRCLE 42 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
fraught with the kind of peril associated
with buying a car or taking out a mort-
gage. The versatile tape decks were our favorite noted that the unit is outfitted with a power
There are, of course, trade -offs. But at aspect of the unit. Besides allowing re- indicator light.
this stage of boom box development, what cording from other sources (the back of the The radio's electronic- tuning system,
you see is usually what you hear. The unit includes stereo inputs for connection which includes station pre-set and auto -
speakers furnished with most of those to an another component), the dual system tuning capabilities, was fast, and despite
units won't be mistaken for those in a can be set for continuous play, and a dub- limitations, did a usually adequate job
concert-hall sound system, but the way bing function allows either normal or pulling in the strongest signal (even if the
most boom -boxes are used, detailed sound high -speed tape duplication. display didn't always exactly correspond
would be beside the point. Throughout, the combination of to the station's frequency). The LCD digits
All of that, and more, occurs to us after RT-7066 features made it a pleasure to use. are large enough to be easily read, al-
having tried out a Toshiba Stereo Radio Outside, for example, we didn't have to though the display can be difficult to see
Cassette Recorder (RT-7066). As lifelong annoy others with our selection of music. under some lighting situations. Also, the
music listeners, we had gotten by with the The unit includes a front -panel input for only way to check the progress of a cas-
usual home stereo system. Boom boxes, headphone listening. sette behind the unit's doors is with a flash-
we half figured, were for kids. Besides, Power is supplied via the standard AC/ light. The combination of slightly tinted
their sound reproduction couldn't be very DC system. A removable cord allows the plastic, and the cassette's own casing
good, at least if a couple of generations of unit to be powered from a wall outlet, and 8 makes for near zero visibility.
stereo sales people were to be believed. "D" batteries are used to power the unit At the top of the front panel is the
Where were the oiled mahogany cases for for fully portable use. Because of the RT-7066's elaborate radio tuning system.
the speakers? RT- 7066's radio -station memory func- Band (FM /AM) selection, function selec-
What we found is that even around the tions, two "AA "batteries are also required tion, volume, and speaker balance are
house, the RT-7066 added a new for "memory back -up." According to grouped at either side of the unit's five -
portability to listening. And away from the Toshiba, those should last about a year. band graphic equalizer. Dubbing speed,
house, its dual cassette system put an hour The instructions don't venture a figure for "FM mode," and "AM Sensor" all share
of uninterrupted music at our disposal. the life of the main -power batteries. hut we the same control. "FM mode" selects he-
GIZMO Page 3 49
tween stereo and mono, while the AM graphic equalizer works on the monitor share of abuse. Further, the tape deck's
system offers "DX" ( "for normal AM se- tone in recording, but does not affect the rather flimsy push -down controls (though
lection") or "local," to be used when "re- content of recording." If automatic con- no flimsier than those used in many com-
ception is very strong and the sound tends trol is good enough for recording-fidelity peting models) seem like breakage waiting
to be distorted." purposes, it's probably good enough for to happen. And the design of various other
Much of this, however, is subverted by listening. Besides, "tone" and "bass" controls also are not a tribute to durability.
the unit's telescoping antenna. In an urban controls take up less space than the equal- The combination dub- speed /reception-
environment, radio reception depends as izer's sliders and indicators do; that's an mode control and FM /AM selector seem
much on the strength of the signal received important consideration. especially vulnerable to early destruction.
as on the RT- 7066's reception system. Taping directly from the unit's own ra- But, we suppose that it is better that cost
Which is to say, some stations came in dio produced cassettes of exceptional clar- cutting take place in the cosmetics and
splendidly, while others were a lost cause. ity (provided, of course, the signal was casing of the unit than in its electronic and
The same performance we'd expect from a clear and strong). Recording from records audio components.
budget -priced clock radio. Although man- or even CDs, at least using our beat -up Although grown -up enough in its audio
ufacturers probably know more about how office stereo, produced tapes of slightly performance, the boom box remains a
those units are used than we do, it still less fidelity. The least satisfactory copies, younger (and more fragile) sibling to
seems that giving some extended attention although certainly listenable, were dubs of home and auto stereo. While portable,
to the problem of radio reception would tapes. We could not detect any flutter (tape their cases tend to be less than fortified.
give some brand an advantage over its speed variation) in our test unit (which was Likewise, being on the move can shake up
competitors. brand new from the Toshiba warehouse). and potentially damage the tape system
Although the graphic equalizer clearly Cheaper systems, especially those with and various other features and functions.
made a difference in how music sounded considerable mileage on them, often suf- But if the consumer is aware of their lim-
via the RT-7066, we still have to wonder fer from that problem. its, portable audio systems can fulfill a real
about that feature. Pretensions to audio With proper care, the RT -7066 would function. But given the near ubiquity of
engineering aside, when it comes to re- give years of use. Of course, portable units these systems today, that's something cam
cording the instructions reveal, "the are often subjected to more than their fair sumers realized long ago.
Vacuum
Acumen
SHARP VACUUM CLEANER
(EC- 8530). Manufacturer: Sharp
Electronics, Inc., Sharp Plaza, Mah-
wah, NJ 07430. Price: $369.95.
The parallels between two otherwise
unrelated industries, automobiles and vac-
uum cleaners, are kind of curious. Both
became "consumer products" at about the
same time-the turn-of-the- century -and
both industries were soon dominated by a
few well -known manufacturers. Over the
years, car makers and vacuum moguls
came to depend as much on salesmanship
as product innovation and the vacuum
cleaner and the car is each a symbol of
American consumerism.
In recent years the parallels have con-
tinued: After years of having the market
very much to themselves, American vac-
uum manufacturers suddenly were con-
fronted with overseas competition estab-
lishing itself in the U.S. The newcomers
changed the rules, both in design and mar-
keting, and a general scramble ensued
among makers of that humble home ap-
pliance.
Among the newer brand names in the
field is Sharp Electronics and the top of its
50 Page 4 GIZMO
vacuum -cleaner line is the EC -8530. visibility in dark corners and under the thing out of a Defense Department testing
Among its electronic refinements is reg- furniture." A rocker switch adjusts the laboratory.
ulation of suction power and a sensor that head for floor or carpet cleaning. Set for But it does work. and in our month -long
automatically registers when the ma- rugs, an agitation brush rolls, pulling the test it worked quite well. In terms of its
chine's disposable dust bag is full. suction head along at a brisk clip. It also electronic dust sensor, too well. After our
A canister-style cleaner. the unit fea- means that the operator is fighting the first week or so of use, the sensor light
tures a powered "suction nozzle" at the power action if the familiar back-and -forth would come on, indicating a full bag. any
end of the usual hose and two metal tubes. motion of pre- electronic vacuum cleaning time we had the machine adjusted to max-
Our first impression of the EC -8530 out of is used. Again, it helps to have a large imum suction power. Turning the machine
the box was that from the tip of its suction enough room that the machine can turn off, opening the dust -bag chamber, and
nozzle to the built -in tool compartment in and double back. A spinning gauge (actu- shaking the bag would usually disengage
the rear of the wheeled canister. this was ally that's simply the end of the agitation the sensor for a time, and putting the unit
truly a Cadillac of vacuum cleaners. roller, which has been marked barber pole - on low power would keep the warning light
Unfortunately. it also seemed to be style) indicates if for some reason the off. Even installing a new dust bag
about as long as a Volkswagen. Even its power roller isn't spinning. wouldn't alleviate the constant (and there-
"180 degree" hose swivel didn't allow for The power-suction nozzle assembly in- fore useless) electronic- sensor warning.
much maneuverability in smaller rooms or cludes a cord that clips to the underside of In contrast to some other home ap-
alcoves. This is definitely the machine for the connecting tubes and hose, plugging pliances made from plastic. the EC -8530
people with acres of carpet and floor to into the handle and the canister mounted seems a sturdy enough unit. although the
keep manicured. motor ( "a thousand watts of cleaning plastic housing likely demands more
The cleaner's "auto power -control" power, "Sharp says). With the suction head maintenance to keep it clean than the met-
LED turned out to be something like a removed, the cleaner's attachments can be al vacuum-cleaner bodies of the past. On
graphic equalizer. Red indicator lights fitted onto the end of the metal tubing. the plus side, it doesn't weigh as much as
trace the upward curve of suction power They stow neatly, and for once, logically, those behemoths of yore; just a trim II
over a graph -like wedge. A trio of "varia- in the built -in tool compartment. The pounds in the case of the canister. The
ble- power switches" offers "high," unit's power cord is spring loaded, so it too electronics of the cleaner seem rather sec-
"low," and automatic power-levels. The disappears for storage. ondary to its strengths. although we can't
last leaves judgement of cleaning condi- Getting down to the nitty- gritty, the say we didn't enjoy the control panel effect
tions and appropriate power to the vacuum EC -8530 displayed superior suction power of the LED "power display."
cleaner's sensors, which is at least one less under a variety of cleaning conditions. Using the vacuum was something like
thing the home -cleaning engineer guiding Enormous amounts of unseen dust and dirt taking a high-powered automobile for a
the EC -8530 will have to worry about. were pulled in by the machine. Although test spin. While appreciating its virtues,
Because, as they say, there's more. the chamber housing the paper dust bag we doubted it would fit in our garage, and
They weren't kidding about the suction was dirtied up in the course of cleaning, smaller Sharp vacuum cleaners do not of-
head being powered. Fabricated of plastic leakage from the EC -8530 was not detec- fer the allure of electronics. If Sharp really
and metal, the business end of the table. A "triple micron filter system" in- wants to revolutionize the vacuum cleaner
EC -8530 features a wrap -around headlight cludes an "electrostatically -charged mi- field electronically, it ought to develop a
that would do many smaller cars proud. cron filter" and a second filter located in remote -control model. That would mark a
Powerful enough to read the instruction the motor exhaust. An illustration of that really new era in the 20th Century saga ,,t
booklet by. Sharp promises "increased used by Sharp makes it look like some- vacuum cleanine.
Coin Telephone
This may be just what parents of teen -agers have been looking for, the TY -006
Coin Telephone. Besides accepting only quarters, the unit is outfitted with a
lockable coin box and will make calls only locally. It can limit call time, either 3
or 9 minutes, or can offer limitless calling and can be converted to a regular phone
with a special "owner's key." It will also accept incoming calls and allow coinless
calls to emergency numbers and the operator. Its distributor, Data & Voice
Communications Plus, Ltd. (219 -03 Northern Blvd.. New York, NY 11361) also
offers the instrument in other service configurations (long -distance call capability
for example) and in a second, slightly more expensive model that allows calls to
two area codes. Price: $349.95.
CIRCLE 45 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Coin Telephone
GIZMO/Page 5 51
Gizmo/Bytes
PhotoTouch Telephone
A new telephone offered by Northwest Bell Phones (9394 W. Dodge Rd.. Suite
100, Omaha, NE 68144) isn't hard to picture. Dubbed the PhotoTouch Telephone,
the instrument features a flat, large -key dialing pad that "doubles as a photo
collage." Users can insert photos of friends or relatives into the "window memory
keys" and then insert their respective phone numbers into the nine -entry, two -step
memory. Instead of photos. symbol cards for numbers like police, fire, or
emergency services can be used with the appropriate telephone number pro-
grammed into the PhotoTouch memory. Northwest Bell Phones says that other
big -number telephones tend to be bulky. this one features a "slim, streamlined
design" for use at home or office, either mounted on the wall or sitting on a
surface. Other features include last -number redial, adjustable ringer volume, a 14-
foot line cord, a 10 -foot spring-coiled handset cord, and tone /pulse switchability.
The instrument is sold with a set of symbol cards and is hearing -aid compatible.
Price: $69.99.
CIRCLE 46 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
PhotoTouch Telephone
52 Page 6 GIZMO
Gizmo/Bytes
Sonance In -Wall Speaker
Built -in stereo systems are kind of the ultimate in home listening, at least if, like
so many consumers, you resent the miles of cords and wires surrounding most
home entertainment systems. Sonance (32992 Calle Perfecto, San Juan Cap-
istrano, CA 92675) which calls itself "the world's largest manufacturer of in -wall
high -fidelity speaker systems" has just introduced the firm's "smallest two -way
speaker system" ever for built -in installation. The In-Wall Speaker (M -30) uses a
4 -inch woofer and a I -inch "proprietary polycarbonate tweeter." The company
calls the product ideal for locations such as bathrooms, saunas, showers, and
kitchens. The M -30 is sold with either retrofit or new construction brackets and the
speaker can be oriented either vertically or horizontally and installed "in less than
15 minutes from the time a hole is cut." Speakers are available with either a cloth
or metal grill. Price (per pair): $300--$400.
CIRCLE 50 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
GIZMO/Page 7 53
Gizmo/Bytes
Color TV with On- Screen Graphics
On -screen "programming" as a television feature sort of came in through the
back door with the video recorder. Now the capability is being offered as one of the
features of a "moderately priced set" from SSangvong (USA) Inc. (601 16th St..
Carlstadt, NJ 07072). The tabletop cable-ready Color TV with On- Screen Graph-
ics (CT- 1940R) is a I9 -inch screen model with remote control. The screen displa
shows the television's functions when they're engaged; volume level, mute.
channel indicator, clock, sleep and on/off timer, TV /CATV, and TV /video. The
sleep timer allows the somnambulant viewer to set the tube to go off. Similarly, the
on /off timer assures that a favorite TV program (provided you have one) need never
be missed again. The 22 -key remote allows reception of up to 139 channels. Other
features include audio/video input terminals, auto fine -tuning, a quick -start pic-
ture tube, peak automatic gain control, and a dot -matrix screen. A companion
model, the CT-1340R offers the same features with a 13 inch screen. Price: $399.
CIRCLE 54 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
Color TV with On- Screen Graphics
54 Page 8 GIZMO
ProGolf Electronic Golf
I)un think that the ProGolf Electronic Golf game
t is just any ordinary elec-
tronic amusement device. According to Hammacher Schlemmer (147 E. 57th St..
New York. NY 1002) the device can "actually sharpen your golfing instincts." A
computer-animated I8 -hole course offers fairways, doglegs, water hazards, and
sand traps, with the unit's "large liquid crystal screen vividly simulating the
terrain and action of real golf." The player has a selection of a dozen clubs to chose
from against an audio backdrop of "realistic sound effects." As the club nears the
ball on screen, the user presses a button at the moment of impact. Press the button
too late and it's a hook shot, press too soon and the golfer slices. After each shot or
putt. ProGolf displays the distance remaining and the screen changes to show the
new position of the ball. An electronic scorecard automatically keeps score for a
single player, two -player stroke games, and two -player match games. The unit is
pocket -size and will run for approximately 200 hours on two calculator batteries
(included). Fore! Price: $69.
CIRCLE 58 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
Automotive CD Changer
Listening to music in the car has become part of the American "automotive
experience," and now Kenwood U.S.A. Corp. (160 Newport Center Dr., Suite 21,
Newport Beach. CA 92660) has a new product custom tailored for the long -
distance driver. It's the company's first Automotive CD Changer (KDC- C100).
With a 10 -disc capacity, the KDC-C100 is equipped with the obligatory anti -theft
design and has several features specifically tailored for vehicular use. A system
called "Optimum Servo Control" is said to eliminate the "common skipping and Cascade LoLdspeaker System
repeating caused by dust, fingerprints, and scratches," surprising problems for
those who recall CDs being introduced as virtually indestructible only a few years
ago. Further, Kenwood's "Multi -Point Mechanism Insulator" anti -vibration sys-
tem blocks "any chance of laser mis- tracking under severe road conditions. " In its
changing functions, the KDC -C100 offers random shuffle play, program play
(selection of up to ten tracks from any of the changer-loaded discs) and the usual
music search. Large volume controls are controlled electronically and their
positions indicated by the unit's LED. There's also a mute button as well as stereo -
balance, speaker- fader, and separate bass and treble controls. Price: $1.199.
CIRCLE 61 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD Automotive CD Changer
GIZMO Page9 55
izmo/Bytes 88 Milano Executive Tool Kit
Weren't sleek, uncluttered surfaces the design rule among the executive desk -
set not too many seasons ago? That would appear to be decor history if Plus
U.S.A. Corp. (10 Reuten Dr., Closter, NJ 07624) has anything to do with it. The
firm's newest product introduction is the 88 Milano Executive Tool Kit. Looking
like a shiny red sports car, the 88 Milano holds a complete set of writing, drawing,
and drafting tools inside various compartments that pop up, eject, or flip open.
There's also a built -in flashlight, which does double duty as the car's headlamp.
Drawing and drafting tools include magnifying glass, lead sharpener, eight mini
templates for numbers, letters, circles, and other shapes, an eraser, ruler, ballpoint
pen, and mechanical pencil. The 88 Milano uses two "AA" batteries. Price:
$29.95.
CIRCLE 62 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
Video Telephone
telephone videography marches forward: Panasonic Co. (One Panasonic Way,
Secaucus, NJ 07094) is bringing to market its new Video Telephone (KX- TVIO).
That unit features a four-inch diagonal screen and integrated telephone featuring
speakerphone function, speed dialing, and last- number redial. The KX -TVIO
video components include a black- and -white CCD camera outfitted with a 2.8-
mm lens. Still- picture transmission is at two rates, 5.7 seconds and 9.4 seconds.
The slower time "offers a more vivid picture. " The KX -TV IO's companion model
is a monitor (WG -R2), minus the handset, which plugs directly into a standard
telephone. It retails for a hundred dollars less than the more elaborate KX -TV IO.
Price: $499.95
Video Telephone CIRCLE 66 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
56 Page10 GIZMO
Gizmo/Bytes
Eight Cell Battery Charger
Been feeling that your household is in what Panasonic Industrial Co. (Two
Panasonic Way, Secaucus. NJ 07094) calls the "heavy -use, heavy -drain catego-
ry?" That would be owners of portable stereos, radios, toys, photo flashes.
telephones, and calculators, all of which eat up batteries at a sometimes alarming
rate. Panasonic Industrial researched the situation thoroughly and says it dis-
covered that "young people and married couples with children" are among the
nation's heaviest battery consumers. All of which was in preparation for the
introduction of a new Eight -Cell Battery Charger (BQ -88). The unit will re-
vitalize up to eight "AA," "AAA." "C," or "D" batteries, and as many as four 9-
volt batteries without the use of any adaptors. There's also an LED indicator to
show when recharging is taking place. Price: $23.99.
CIRCLE 67 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
Eight Cell Battery Charger
('an't hear the bass as you bop around wearing your miniaturized music
playback system? Sharp Electronics Corp. (Sharp Plaza, Mahwah. NJ 07430) has
- ,-
designed a new Personal Headphone Stereo (JC -KISG/ to address just that audio
problem. Special circuitry compensates for the small headphones and low wattage
of those small units. The auto- reverse cassette player incorporates Dolby-B noise
reduction, metal -tape capability, and an LED power-on indicator. Power is sup-
plied by two "AA" batteries and the unit is sold with a pair of lightweight inner-
ear headphones. Finally, the unit is incased in "Durasilk." which Sharp says is a Portable Printing Calculator
"smooth, smudge -proof surface." available in black. blue. or gray. Price:
$129.95.
CIRCLE 69 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
GIZMO Page 11 57
Build Your Own
FLASH TRIGGER
You own one of those fully auto- may be prevented from positioning
matic cameras with built -in a flash gun exactly where you want
automatic focus, strobe, automatic it because the cable isn't long
film loader, clock, LCD program enough. Cables are also a nui-
display, and a host of other good- sance-they're easy to trip over,
ies; yet your indoor flash pictures they get in the way, and they're
leave much to be desired: Close - often unreliable.
up faces are washed out with too A far better method is to use an
much light because the back- electronic slave -flash trigger such
ground is too dark. Group shots are as the unit described in this article.
ruined because of unsightly shad- That device automatically triggers
ows. Wedding photos are disap- a slave flash -gun whenever it de-
pointing because the camera's tects high -intensity light from the pri-
flash buries the subtle lighting mary flash -gun. That eliminates
effects stained -glass windows pro- trailing cords, which means that
vide. you can place the slave flash gun
Most of those problems come anywhere you want.
about because the scene is illumi- Commercial slave -flash triggers
nated by only a single source -your are expensive, so you can save
flash gun. While a single flash gun money if you build one yourself. As
may be adequate in some situa- you'll see from the Parts List, only a
tions, often photographs suffer from handful of parts are required to as-
harsh shadows. Alternatively the semble the Slave -Flash Trigger',
photograph can appear to lack and the unit will only take an hour or
contrast and depth, particularly if so to put together. The performance
all the light is coming directly from of our "homebrew" unit is on a par
the front. with expensive commercial units; it
The best way around those prob- has excellent sensitivity and will not
lems is to use a second flash gun. By false trigger.
correctly positioning and aiming
that second flash, you can fill in How it Works. Take a look now at Fig.
any shadows that would other- 1.The circuit is really very simple. It uses
wise be created and greatly a phototransistor (01), an SCR
improve the "depth" of your (C106D1), three resistors, and a 9 -volt
photographs. You can also use battery.
a second (or even a third or The SCR takes the place of the cam-
fourth) flash to light the back- era contacts and is wired across the
ground scenery behind a sub- trigger circuit of the flash gun. Nor-
ject. mally, the SCR is off, so the flash gun is
Of course, for that to work the multi- able to charge to its trigger voltage.
ple flash units must be made to fire at Phototransistor Qt is used to monitor
the same time. That can be done by the light level. When a high- intensity
simply connecting them in parallel flash occurs, Q1 briefly conducts and
with the camera's flash socket via a When triggered properly, a supplies gate current to the SCR. That
multi -way adapter cable. Although slave flash can give your causes the SCR to turn on, which then
that technique generally works okay, triggers the slave flash -gun via the hot -
cable- connected flash guns do have photographs a professional shoe adapter terminals. Once the flash
their limitations. For example you gun has triggered, the SCR quickly
look. turns off again. That happens because
This story first appeared in Silicon Chip
Australia (Apri11988); reprinted with permis the current in circuit quickly falls below
Sion. BY JOHN CLARKE AND GREG SNAIN the SCR's holding current.
58
R1
410K Box 677, Thief River Falls, MN 56701)
and others.
The hot -shoe adaptor is a pho-
tographic accessory that is available
from most photographic supply stores.
VIEWED FROM
BELOW
of the Slave-Flash Trigger-one on a
small printed- circuit board and the
other on Veroboard-a pre- etched,
pre -punched board that is quite
tV
E
HOT SHOE
handy. The Veroboard layout, shown in
Fig. 2, can also be used by those read- of!oct,
D1
ADAPTOR
ers who wish to use ordinary perforated
construction board and point -to-point
wiring. Figure 3 shows the template for
Imo 04
Si
K B1 POWER the printed -circuit board, while the Fig. 3. Here is the full -.size
A
G
EMI 9V
- 1 ce printed- circuit layout is shown in Fig. 4. template fur the printed- circuit
SCR1 When building the printed- circuit version of the project.
Fig. I. The circuit uses u photo - version, mount Q1 upright, about Ys- TO
transistor (QI). u .silicon con - inch above the surface of the board. 9V
BATTERY
trolled rectifier (SCRI). and u few The body of the SCR should be
resistors. When a high -intensity mounted flat against the board, with
flash occursfrom u nearby strobe the leads bent 90 to mate with the
or flashbulb, QI conducts and appropriate holes.
turns on SCRI. which triggers The assembly details of the Ver-
the slat, e flashgun ria the hot -
oboard version are similar. You can
shoe adapter terminals.
make the required cuts in copper
SCR
BY ALBERT R. COVINGTON
60
current to hold (latch) the SCR on; sistor R3 limits the current through the
PARTS LIST that's important, since a key test for LED to about 20 mA, which, with the
FOR THE SCR TESTER determining the condition of an SCR is current through R2, results in a latching
that the unit should remain latched un- current of about 110 mA.
BI -9 -volt transistor-radio battery til the latching current is interrupted. The LED is used to monitor the latch-
LEDI -Jumbo red LED, (Radio Shack In many cases, SCRs require a latch- ing current. If the DUT is good, once the
276 -068A or equivalent)
ing current of 50 to 100 mA; generally, gate is triggered with S1 the LED will
RI, R2 -100 -ohm resistors
the larger the SCR (that is, the greater remain lit, indicating that the device is
R3 -390-ohm resistor
SI -SPST, momentary- contact, normally
its current -carrying capacity), the conducting. To end the test, turn off the
open switch, (Radio Shack 215 -1547 more latch current required. Our SCR device by interrupting the latching -
or equivalent) tester supplies enough latch and gate current flow using switch S2. The LED
S2 -SPST, momentary -contact, current to test most SCRs and Triacs should turn off and remain off.
normally closed switch, (Radio Shack used in consumer -electronics circuits. The preceding procedure will work
215 -1548 or equivalent) with SCRs and Triacs. To check LED's
Experimenters box (Radio Shack and other diodes, connect the anode
270 -230 or equivalent), battery holder The Circuit. The schematic diagram and cathode leads to the anode and
(Radio Shack 270 -236 or equivalent), of the SCR tester is shown in Fig. 1. As
battery clip, insulated alligator clips,
cathode of the diode; LED1 should
you can see, the circuit is extremely light. When the leads are reversed, the
wire, solder, lettering for case, etc. simple. The device -under -test's (DUT) LED should remain off.
cathode, anode, and gate are con-
gered. This tester will test only positively nected to the unit's K, A, and G termi- Construction. The tester can be built
triggered SCRs.) nals, respectively. Pressing switch S1 in about an hour and will fit into a 2 x
The difficulty with checking SCRs feeds a gate current to the DUT, which 3-Y8-inch cabinet.
with typical analog or digital ohm- triggers it on. Resistor R1 limits the gate
Begin construction by preparing the
meters is that they don't supply enough current to the appropriate level. Re- box. First, drill three small holes in the
side of the box. The test leads will pass
through those holes when the project is
1/2 assembled. Those holes should be just
small enough for the wire to go
through, but not a strain -relief knot.
Next, drill the holes for the switches and
7/8 the LED. A front -panel template for the
box is shown in Fig. 2. The holes should
19/16 1 9/16 be no farther than Y2 -inch from the edge
of the box so that there will be enough
room inside the box for the battery.
/
Assemble the circuit on the front
panel using Fig. 3 as a rough wiring
guide. About the only critical factor in
assembling the circuit is identifying the
LED leads. Often, but not always, the
short lead is the anode. Be sure which
lead is which before doing the wiring.
3 1/8 We suggest using color -coded wires
for the test leads as indicated in the
ALL DIMENSIONS IN INCHES
figures. Use wire lengths that are long
Fig. 2. The .SCR tester can be assembled within a small e.rperbnenters bat. If you use the
boy specified in the article, use this template when preparing the .front panel. enough to allow for easy use of the
tester. Tie strain -relief knots in each of
the leads and thread them through the
1
R2
R3
RI
1M three side holes. Terminate each lead
with an insulated alligator clip. To
VN keep the battery from bouncing
around, use a 9 -volt battery holder
and secure the holder to the bottom of
the box using screws or glue. Place the
wired front panel on the box, insert and
tighten the screws, and you are done.
Well, almost. It's a good idea to la-
bel the switch and lead functions using
press-type or any other technique that
suits you. Not only does that give the
tester a more finished or "professional
Fig. 3. The circuit is simple enough to be pct together using point -w -point wiring. We appearance," but it can save some
.suggest using color -coded wires for the test leads. as .c /unrn here. to avoid conlusia,. head scratching later on.
61
And this is the picture of Mars at
mid century: a small planet
which three- fourths is cold des-
ert, viith the rest covered with a sort of
plant life (most likely lichen) That our
biological knowledge cannot encom-
pass...Mars is not the dead planet...but
neither can it be inhabited by the kind
of intelligent beings that many people
dreamed of in 1900" (The Exploration
of Mars by Werner von Braun, Willy Ley
and C. Bonestell, 1956).
Interplanetary
U
noticed. He was an FBI agent assigned
to continue the growing file on the
cc!,
enigmatic Serbo. Croatian inventor,
zw
0
0
Communicator? Nikola Tesla. The Interplanetary Ses-
sions Newsletter from which the pre-
ceding information was taken came
from the Tesla FBI file released to me
through the Freedom of Information
BY MARC J. SEIFER Act.
62
From his same dossier it is clear that Schemes and apparatus for an in- industrial realities and he was her -
Tesla had been watched in his waning terplanetary communicator for the oc- o'ded the time for his brilliance. Re-
years by J. Edgar Hoover, who wrote, togenarian, however, were anything rember that when you see a jewel -lit
on January 21, 1943, during the height but new. For instance, in a 1907 New city and surrounding network of il-
of World War II, "A review of the Bureau York Times editorial, Tesla said "My umed suburbia some night, it is a
files reveals considerable information magnifying transmitter...can easily T onumert to the Serbian Aladdin who
concerning Nikola Tesla and his inven- bridge the gulf which separates us oelieved n interplanetary communi-
tions." It was just two weeks after the from Mars." Many years later (1Q21), oation.
inventor's death, and Hoover feared Tesla published a short article h the After changing the course of history
that Tesla's creations, including his well Electrical World entitled "Interplane- 'rom a future envisioned by Edison
publicized "death ray," could get into tary Communication." There, he re- backers. which would have required a
the hands of "the Axis Powers" or the stated that he had received impulses power station every square mile across
Soviet Union as Tesla's nephew, Sava stemming from Mars in 189Q anc that the civ lizec continents, to one con-
Kosanovibh, ambassador to the newly since that time had developed "nu- ic ping just a small number of mighty
created Communist country of merous designs...(fcr) thoroughly prac- transmitting sources, Tesla decided to
Yugoslavia was demanding that his tical apparatus." go one better. In 1893 he pieced the
Jncle's estate oe shipped to a mu- wireless puzzle together from his own
seum that was being erected there in Tesla: Cosmic Star of the Gilded experiments in cordless vacuum
nis honor. Hoover wrote that Age. Kings of Belgium and Serbia, lamps and from research by Sir
'Kcsanovich might possibly make cer- and upper eche.ons in England, William Crookes, Sir Oliver Lodge,
tain material available to the enemy." France, Germany. Austro- Hungary, Heinreicr Hertz, and Sir William
Italy, and Russia knew the eleclrkal F'reece. Tesla discovered that the Earth
The Testascope. Margaret Storm's genius intimately. Tesla was an interna- i'self could be used to transmit energy.
opposition that Tesla was born from tional figure wno moved among the Thus, the need for constructing hun-
another planet to give our world such very pinnacle of social circ,es. At the dreds al thousands of miles of transmis-
devices as the induction motor, fluo- turn of the century, his American son lines was unnecessary, for proper
rescent and neon lights, remote con - friends, enerr ies, and associates in- apparatus could transport huge
t-ol, robots, the radio, and also our cluded: Col. John Jacob Astor, per- amounts o' energy from one point on
entire electric -power distribution sys- haps the greatest landowner in IVew the- globe to another without any wires.
tem, stemmed from a colorful history of York City and builder of the Wa dorf The inventor's scheme was actually
the inventor's ties to the group -fantasy Astoria, Tesla's lodg ng for over a de- cute simple. Tesla realized that this
that life on Mars was a virtual certainty. cade; industrialists George West- Giant elect-omagnet called Earth has
Storm was also influenced by the times inghouse and John Hays Hammond: resonart f-equencies (which today
(e g., the mid- 1950's interest in UFO's; financiers Henry Clcy Frick, builder of are known as telluric currents). By
the general state of paranoia fueled the Frick Museum, Equitable Insurance building giant broadcasting towers to
by the fear of communist infiltration, director Thomas Forune Rycn, J. Pier - pump large voltages into the earth
i.e., the McCarthy period), her read- pont Morgan, invesor in many Tesla and ambient medium, and by build-
ings in Theosophical literature which products and schemes and most ing identically designed receiving sta-
linked Testa to the so- called sixth -root powerful economic `orce on the plan- tions, both in exact mathematical
race, (the new species of human that et, and banker Jacob Schiff; editors relationships to the size of the Earth
was evolving on the planet), and also Robert Underwood Johnson of The and its period of frequency, terrestrial
to her frierdship with Arthur Matthews, Century, T.C. Martin of Electrical W,-Id carrier waves would abolish the need
o bizarre electrician, who as far as I who was the compiler of the first Tesla for -ransmission lines. Once power was
know is still alive and still contends that collected works and a biocraphd of "jumped" that way from, say, a water-
he and his employer, Tesla, had trav- Edison, and Joseph 2ollier of Collier's fall to a distant city (i.e., from tower to
eled many times to nearby planets Magazine; artists such as composer tower) and converted to more useable
aboard a Venusan spacecraft. Dvorak and writers Rudyard Kip ing frequencies, energy could be trans -
Storm's choice of 1938 as the date for and Mark Twain; and. of course, inven- ported .ccally by means of con-
th:e invention of the interplanetary tors such as O:iver Lodge, Guglielmo ventiona wre transmission lines or via
communicator appears to be a year Marconi, Elihu Tnomson. ana Thomas resonant receiving devices such as re-
off. On Tesla's 81st birthday, he an- Edison- Tesla's employer from mote controlled clocks, telephones,
nounced -he invention of what has 1884-85 and arch -enemy/competitor te+etyoe, and lighting fixtures. At the
come to be called the "teslascope." for the next 35 'dears. scme time, Tesla reasoned, even
An article in the July t1,1937 New York Tesla's invention of the irduction greater charges set up in such a way
Times quo-ed Tesla: "I have devoted motor and alternating-current poly- as io amplify the naturally flowing
much of my time during the last year to phase system, sold to Westing louse as Earth currert could transmit a signifi-
the perfecting of a new small and a 40- patent package for $85,000, plus cant Empuls from this planet to an-
compact apparatus by which energy royalties, in 1883. chcnged the couse other.
in considerable amounts can now be of history in a dramctic and intima-e
flashed through interstellar space to way. The elect-ical genius had con- Interplanetary Communication. To
any distance without the slightest dis- ceived a mears of sending e ectricity prove his wi-eless scheme and begin
persion." more than one mile. plans for inauguration of his World
Tne article went on to describe "a Before Tesla, that was abort the ex- Te egraphy System, in 1899, Tesla
new form of tube" able to produce tent of the budding electric -utility h- moved his operations to Colorado
potentials in excess of 18 million volts. "It dustry's ability to transport energy, and Sp"ings where he constructed a labo-
is of ideal s mplicity...lt will carry heavy then only to illuminate lightbubs. Ater ratory and 230 foot transmission tower
currents, transform any amount of en- Tesla, power to run factories could be with plans of circumscribing the globe
ergy within practical limits, and per- transported hurdreds of miles- for e<- with eectrical impulses. One summer
mits easy control and regulation of the ample, from Niagara Falis to New Yolk night, wh le in his wireless laboratory
same." City. Tesla made impossible dreams high in the Rockies, Tesla was en-
63
(No Yodel.) 4 8IIeete-BDeot the idea that he may have intercepted
s.
N. TESLA. a mere earthly message from such
ELEOTRIOAL TRANSMISSION OF POWER. wireless colleagues as Professor Mar-
ble in Connecticut, Dr. Riccia in
No. 382,280. Patented May 1, 1888. France, Professor D'Azar in Rome, or
rival Guglielmo Marconi who two
years later sent "3 fairy taps" across the
Atlantic Ocean to capture the imag-
ination of the world with the first trans-
atlantic wireless message.
During the very months Tesla was
perfecting long -range wireless trans-
mission and radar tracking devices,
Marconi was experimenting with pi-
rated Tesla oscillators in broadcasting
the Morse code for the letter S (i.e., dot -
dot -dot) over hundreds of miles in Eu-
rope and across the English Channel.
Modifying the extraterrestrial encoun-
ter, recent biographers such as Hunt
and Draper, and Cheney, have sug-
gested that Tesla may have picked up
the vibrations from a stellar quasar. In
either case, however, Tesla was per-
ceived as returning to New York City
and his home at the Waldorf, having
F/y /4 received messages from outer space.
A few years later, the awful truth
At
Fig /.5- dawned upon Tesla: he had received
the electromagnetic echo of Mar -
coni's experiments; however, that real-
ization was too painful and Tesla
defended vehemently against it in a
classic psychoanalytic way: he ra-
tionalized by seeking alternative hy-
potheses and regressing to a more -
primitive belief structure. In a 1921 arti-
cle, Tesla admitted as much but dis-
guises it as a denial:
"I was naturally very much interested
in reports given out about two years
ago that...these supposed planetary
signals were nothing else than interfer-
ing undertones of wireless transmitters,
and since announced that fact other
I
64
Three years later when he arrived in
Colorado, after announcing to the re-
i""'
=3`1.
:Y,
s,-. ,>r
.
.-,..-- .
i?.
porters once again that he could sig-
nal Mars, Tesla fulfilled his own oft -
stated boast by being the first human
to hear from the space people. Rather
than accept the more likely hypoth-
esis, that deep within himself he prob-
ably /possibly knew was the correct
one (i.e., undertone receptions from
Marconi), Tesla opted for the more ex-
otic scenario of space communica-
tions. With each succeeding year, the
event became slightly more exagger-
ated as it took on more and more sym-
bolic importance.
The reclusive Balkan inventor clung
to the extraterrestrial motif throughout
his life, repeating the speculation pub- Tesla's experimental
licly on many occasions such as in 1931 laboratory in Colorado
for a Time Magazine cover story cele- Springs, Colorado.
brating his 75 birthday: Here, while working on
"Nothing can be more important his theory of
than interplanetary communication. It worldwide power
will certainly come some day, and the transmission, he
certitude that there are other human received "three finny
beings in the universe working, suffer- raps" he felt were
ing like ourselves will produce a magic sent by intelligent
effect on mankind and will form the life on Mars or Venus.
foundation of a universal brotherhood
that will last as long as humanity itself." Speilberg's movie "ET" earned over ilarity to the Earth in size and position,
In no way was Tesla alone in his be- $300,000,000, and the phrase "ET but also because of the dynamic and
lief in the existence of extraterrestrial phone home" became embraced by changeable nature of its surface as
intelligence. The theme of space the public, Lucian of Samoa, a con- seen by the astronomers. For instance,
beings wishing to communicate with temporary of the Greek philosopher Mars has ice caps that grow and di-
Earthlings can be traced to biblical Plutarch, wrote The True History, a fable minish with the seasons.
tales of burning bushes, aerial wheels about a sailing ship that was hurled to The first attempts to create a map of
of electrum, cosmic commandments, the moon by a whirlwind. That theme Mars and delineate those lines can be
and bright stars traversing the sky to of planetary travel was also echoed traced back to Bernard de Fontana,
point out the birth of Christ; or to the by Bishop Goodwin in 1638 when he Christain Huyghens, and Mr. Cassini in
mythological gods of ancient Rome or authored a story about a man who the mid- 1600's. More detailed draw-
Greece such as Zeus, Thor, Hermes, was towed on a sleigh to the same ings were done by the discoverer of
Venus, and Apollo. However, it was heavenly body, and by Cyrano de- Uranus, the well -known astronomer Sir
modern "scientific" and literary fiction Bergerac 20 years later in his books John Herschel in 1830 and by numerous
that inspired the more apparent basis Empires of the Sun and Voyage to the other scientists such as Mr. Schmidt
for Tesla's suppositions. Moon. (1862), R.A. Proctor (1867) and Camille
In 1835, Richard Adams Locke, of the Flammarion (1873).
The Plurality of Worlds. As anyone New York Sun created a series of front The year 1877 was a watershed for
who has stared at the star-lit night sky page articles on astronomer Sir John Martian influence on Earthlings. During
knows, the belief that we are not alone Hershel and his alleged discovery of a particularly close pass to our planet
is a very plausible hypothesis. With mil- advanced life forms on the moon. that year, two fabulous discoveries
lions of galaxies each containing bil- Locke's hoax, which spread around were made: Mars had its own moons
lions of stars, there are virtually an the world before it was exposed, was and its surface was adorned with a
infinite number of potential star sys- predicated on the fact that Herschel matrix of symmetrical furrows.
tems with satellites similar to our own was in South Africa at the time, and The first discovery by Professor
probably capable of sustaining life. therefore out of contact with the press. Asaph Hall confirmed Kepler's sup-
This idea, called the plurality -of- worlds Hershel's supposed discoveries of uni- position of 1610 that two small satellites
hypothesis, is a concept that through corn-like animals and winged human- circled the "Planet of War." That find
the ages has counted numerous scien- oids were made via a marvelous (and was of particular importance be-
tists among its ranks. Early astronomers fictitious) telescope that weighed cause it also supported claims for two
such as Brano, Kepler, Newton, 15,000 pounds, was 150 feet long,
and Martian moons put forward by novel-
Laplace, and Herschel took that posi- could magnify the heavens 42,000 ists Voltaire and Johnathan Swift, the
tion, along with such modern-day as- times. former in a philosophical treatise on
trophysicists as Willy Ley, Werner von In 1865, Jules Verne reawakened the the Solar System and the latter in his
Braun and Carl Sagan. idea of journeying to the moon, but by classic tale Gulliver's Travels. In the De-
Naturally, at the same time, numer- the late 1870's, focus shifted to Mars. cember 1887 issue of Comhill Maga-
ous artists and authors also have That planet became the most likely zine, Astronomer Hall wrote dramat-
seized that notion and fashioned tales candidate for the home of higher ically that the path of one of the moons
of extraterrestrial travel and intrigue. beings for fiction writers and astrono- across the zodiac: "passes...the feet of
Two thousand years before Steven mers alike, not only because of its sim- the Herdsman, the body of the Ser-
65
pent...over the Bow of the Archer...the Bostonian Lowell family and brother of and destroy the Earth. George Lathrop,
head of the Crane, and along the the president of Harvard University, Per- son -in -law of gothic writer Nathaniel
Southern fish...Thence the Martian cival captured the front page of the Hawthorne, combatted the Red Plan-
moon passes athwart the Sea Monster New York Times with "Mars Inhabi- et's warriors on the pages of The New
and the River Eridanus...(and) very fated" headlines on a number of oc- York Journal in 1895 with disintegrating
near the celestial equator of the Mar- casions as he published the results death rays invented by the Wizard of
tian heavens." based upon his detailed Martian Menlo Park, Tom Edison.
The widely read monthly concluded maps in the prestigious science jour- Other scientists such as Lord Kelvin
that "Martian moonlight is but small in nals such as Nature, and in a magnifi- suggested that the light from New York
amount, and certainly can not go far cent text published by Macmillian City created a clear signal of progress
to compensate the Martians -as entitled The Canals of Mars: "Sug- to the Martians; Elihu Thomson of Gen-
compared with us terrestrials." How- gestive of a spider's web seen against eral Electric brought his telescope to
ever, no real evidence regarding the the grass of a spring morning, a mesh his factories in order to show his workers
prevailing theory of the plurality of of fine reticulated lines over - the canals of Mars with their own eyes!
worlds was obtained. spreads...the globe from one pole to
That theory was championed by the another...That Mars is inhabited by Tesla and the extraterrestrials.
flamboyant French astronomer and beings of some sort or other we may Quite naturally, Tesla, who like the
psychical researcher Camille Flam- consider as certain as it is uncertain others, had followed the interplane-
marion in his classic works The Plurality tary developments for decades, did
of Worlds and Mars and Its Inhabitants. not want to be eclipsed by such com-
Both "scientific treatises" were written petitors as Thomson or Edison. There-
after his more mystical tale, entitled fore, he proclaimed boldly that the
Stories of Infinity, about a conversation time finally arrived: communication
the author had with a comet named with our extraterrestrial neighbors had
Lumen was published. (probably) begun.
Flammarion's belief that Mars Perhaps due in part to a friendly
housed life stemmed not only from his sparring match of spectacular arti-
daily studies with his own telescope of cles, the brother -in -law of George
the mountains and craters of the plan- Lathrop, Philadelphia North American
et, but also from the more detailed columnist Julian Hawthorne came to
observation supplied by Italian star- Tesla's aid and authored a series of
gazer Giovanni Schiaparelli, who an- rather detailed treatises on the inven-
nounced to the world that the Red tor's philosophy, laboratory, and fabu-
Planet was etched with geometrical lous electronic experiments...and also
and parallel trails which he named his work in interplanetary communica-
"canali." Renamed "canals," instead tion.
of the more literal translation of "chan- In an article entitled, "And How Will
nel," Flammarion boldly suggested Tesla Reply To Those Signals From
that: "these canals may be natural...or Mars ?" Hawthorne wrote: "Mars, for ex-
they may be grooves excavated by ample, is several millions years older
the inhabitants for the distribution of than this little dot of an Earth of
water..." ours...How we stare at the Neanderthal
After discussing the size of the Located in Shoreham, NY, this tower was skull and try in vain to reconstruct for
oceans, (which were no larger than built by Tesla for experiments in world- ourselves a mode of existence the
the Mediterranean), the changing cli- wide telegraph). and power transmission. date of which in contrast with the supe-
mates, and a snowfall photographed The tower never became operational. riority in age of Mars over us, is but as
by Professor Pickering of Harvard in yesterday...Think what prophecies we
1890, Flammarion concluded "it is ob- what those beings may be...Girdling are hazarding as to the miracles we
vious...that the world of Mars is...vig- their globe and stretching from pole to will achieve before the year
orously alive." He also suggested that pole, the Martian canal system not 2000...Measuring against that stan-
due to the lightness of the atmosphere: only embraces their whole world, but it dard, then, to what height shall we
"the inhabitants of this planet may is an organized entity...the first thing have attained this day in a million
have received the privilege of flight... that is forced on us in conclusion is the years?...
May they not rather be like dragon- necessarily intelligent and non- belli- "The other day, there happened to
flies fluttering in the air above the lakes cose character of the community Mr. Tesla the most momentous experi-
and the canals ?" which could act as a unit throughout its ence that has ever visited a human
Influenced rather dramatically by globe." being on this Earth. Three soft impulses
those bold words and scientific obser- Not to be undone, novelists and travelling with the speed of light were
vations, which appeared in Review of newspaper columnists embraced this received by Tesla in Colorado from
Reviews and North American Review, group fantasy with ardor, In 1896, some Tesla on the planet Mars!
the Time Magazine and Saturday Eve- George duMaurier, grandfather of "...No thoughtful man can have
ning Posts of the Gay Nineties, the hy- Daphne, wrote the novel The Martian much doubt then, that little as we are
pothesis that Mars was inhabited by in which he described the telepathic aware of it, we must for many ages
an advanced civilization was given winged beings 'that descends from have been subjected to the direct in-
further observational corroboration by no monkey," but are able to excavate, spection and familiar approach of the
Percival Lowell, discoverer (30 years adorn with marble statues, and irri- men of Mars and of the other older
later) of the planet Pluto, and builder gate the entire planet. H.G. Wells went planets. They visit us and look us
of a magnificent telescope in one better with in his serialized 1897 over...year after year; and report at
Flagstaff, Arizona. horror story War of the Worlds, when he home: They're not ready yet! But at
A descendant of the prestigious had terrible extraterrestrials invade (Continued on page 102)
66
o matter how many times you
have watched the news on TV,
you may never have noticed the small
microphone clipped to the tie or lapel
of the newscaster. Those microphones
are about the diameter of a pencil,
and are less than an inch long. Often,
two of the tiny microphones are worn
All
About
side by side in case one fails during a
broadcast. Fifty years ago, if you were
even able to fit two high -quality micro-
phones on your lapels the odds are
that they would have ripped the lapels
off your suit Over the years, research
has reduced the size and increased
the performance of microphones, but
the principles for converting sound
waves to electrical signals have re-
mained the same.
You can use the sound waves striking
a thin diaphragm to alter inductance,
capacitance, or resistance, or com-
press a crystal to accomplish that con-
version. Further, there are enclosure -
design modifications that will make
the microphone directional or non -
directional. And there are micro-
phones with a variety of output
impedances and output levels. With-
out getting bogged down in the tech-
nical aspects of all the variations, let's
look at some of the basic methods
used to convert sound waves into elec-
trical signals.
67
COIL WOUND ON
INSULATING
TUBING
DIAPHRAM DIAPHRAM
CARBON GRANULES
SOUND
WAVES
AUDIO
0. SIGNAL
_?'a0 o e
17;
c F-~ AUDIO
ci D
SOUND WAVES SIGNAL
Q
Fig. 3. A dynamic microphone works by
inducing a current in a vibrating coil
around a stationary magnet.
68
aphragm has a thickness of .0025 to
.005 inches. A gold conductive sur-
face around 200 -angstroms thick is
evaporated onto one side of the plas-
tic film. An angstrom is one -hundred
1:22
millionths of a centimeter, and a cen-
timeter is .3937 of an inch. It is obvious
that the metallic coating is very thin.
The plastic film is then sandwiched
between two metal plates charged
II with high voltage. Those plates are
heated to a temperature just less than
the melting temperature of the plastic
and then cooled. When the plastic is
cooled, the molecules in the plastic
are permanently rearranged so that
the plastic film retains a static charge.
That makes a polarizing high voltage
CORRUGATED
ALUMINUM becomes unnecessary.
RIBBON In operation, the capacitive
Fig. 4. Velocity microphones are rather interesting devices that are somewhat changes are introduced between the
similar to dynamic microphones. However, the voltage is induced in a vibrating charged film and a field -effect tran-
corrugated strip of aluminum instead of the windings of a moving coil. sistor gate (see Fig. 7) just as they are in
the conventional condenser micro-
moved and the element connected phone. The output is taken from the top
DIAPHRAM
as one of the resonant LC components of a source resistor. That configuration
of an oscillator circuit (see Fig. 6). That lowers the high impedance of the ca-
AUDIO
SIGNAL
type of circuit will produce a frequen- pacitor element to a usable value de-
cy- modulated output that will deviate termined by the value of the source
with the sound wave input. When used
SOUND /IVA in such a configuration, frequency drift
resistance. The diaphragm can be
made quite small in diameter and the
WAVES N
must be minimized to prevent FET can be an intricate part of the ele-
100MEG changes in sensitivity.
DIAPHRAM
69
Isolate Yourself
andStay Alive!
Few people see line gets to a point
electronics as a close to your home it
potentially dan- is connected to a
gerous hobby on a step -down trans-
par with, say, motor- former (called a
cycle racing or "pole pig ") with a
watching a British so- center- tapped sec-
ccer match; but ondary that pro-
there is danger ap- duces about 240
lenty for the the un- VAC across the two
aware or careless extreme ends, and
hobbyist. The 110 -volt 117VAC between the
alternating current grounded center -
from an AC -power tap and either ex-
socket can wrench treme end. That is
70
many major electronic -parts suppliers.
SERVICE BOX
They can also be bought from elec-
POLE PIG
HOT 1 tronics- surplus outlets, or local elec-
tronics parts stores. bought an
I
73
NORTON'S
THEOREM and
CURRENT
SOURCES
By Louis E. Frenzel
There are lots of different ways to rent sources that will supply a single With low output impedance, varying
analyze electronic circuits. In the current to a wide range of loads with load resistance has little or no effect on
past two issues, we have shown you little deviation. the output voltage.
how to use Thevenin's theorem and the Most electronic circuits are de- There are some applications in elec-
superposition theorem to convert cir- signed to be voltage sources. As you tronics that require a constant current
cuits into equivalent voltage sources. may recall from the last two articles of rather than a constant voltage. That is
Any complex circuit can be rear- the series, we defined a voltage where current sources become useful.
ranged so that it can be represented source as a generator that produces a With a constant output current, varying
by an equivalent voltage source in se- constant output voltage regardless of load resistances have little or no effect
ries with an internal resistance and the the load impedance. In order to on the output current.
load. With the circuit in that simplified achieve that kind of performance, a A current source is usually repre-
form, calculations regarding output voltage source must have zero internal sented by the symbol shown in Fig. 1A.
voltage and current for different load resistance. Such perfect voltage The arrow points in the direction of cur-
values can be quickly and easily per- sources do not exist, but many do have rent flow. If we were to observe elec-
formed. extremely low internal resistances, and tron flow (and we will for our
But not all circuits respond to such so closely approximate a perfect volt- discussion), the arrow points in the di-
treatment. Some circuits contain cur- age source. Batteries and electronic rection of the electron flow. If con-
rent sources rather than voltage power supplies are excellent voltage ventional current flow (the movement
sources. For those, other techniques sources. Any electronic circuit with a of holes) is assumed, the arrow would
must be used. For example, Norton's low output impedance (low internal point in the direction of that flow.
theorem can be used to convert a cir- resistance) is a good voltage source. Just as practical voltage sources
cuit into a simple parallel network con - have a finite internal resistance, so do
taining a current source and a current sources. A practical current
2 parallel -internal resistance. source is shunted by an internal resis-
p In this month's installment we are go- tance, designated R in Fig.1B. In a cur-
cc
ing to introduce you to Norton's the-
() A
LL.1 orem and a method of circuit analysis INTERNAL RESISTANCE
w using it. Later, we will discuss practical CURRENT SOURCE
74
rent source, the internal resistance R1 R3 connected.) That is the Norton's-equiv-
12052 30052 A
appears in parallel with the source. A alent resistance, RN.
perfect current source will have an infi- A 7. Connect a current generator, IN, in
nite value of R. The internal resistance parallel with RN to form the complete
LOAD
in a practical current source will not be Norton's equivalent.
R1
infinite, but will instead be some finite 5052
8. Reconnect the load and make any
but usually high value. The higher the additional calculations.
internal resistance, the better the cur- Let's apply those steps to the circuit
rent source. in Fig. 3A. First, we remove the load
You can see why that is by simply RI R3 between terminals A and B. Then, we
looking at the current source in Fig. 2. If 12012 30052 A short terminals A and B. It is through that
it generates a fixed current, I, some of short that the Norton's-equivalent cur-
that current will pass through the inter- LOAD rent will flow. See Fig. 3B. The Norton's-
nal resistance, R. The current supplied REMOVED equivalent current, IN, then is the cur-
AND
to the load, IL, will be less than the REPLACED
B
rent through R3 and the short. We can
current produced by the generator. In WITH A use Ohm's and Kirchhoff's laws in de-
SHORT
Fig. 2: termining that current value.
To do that, we must first calculate the
II. = I - R1 R3 total circuit resistance. That is the par-
where IL is the load current, is the con-
I
12052 30052
allel combination of R2 and R3 in se-
stant current produced by the gener- ries with R1:
ator, and I; Is the current through the
internal resistance. A high value of in-
VOLTAGE R-1-=RI+R2R3/(R2+R3)
SOURCE R2
ternal resistance compared to the REPLACED 20052
C
R-= 120+2(0(30)021X1+3(X)1
BY A R-c_ = I'_0 + 60.(X)0/5(X)
load resistance, will only shunt away a SHORT
R.1-= 120 + 120=240 ohms
small amount of current so that most of
the current produced by the generator The total current drawn from the volt-
will pass through the load.
Fig. 3. The steps in calculating the age source is:
When no load is connected to the Norton's equivalent of a circuit (A)
current source, then all of the current -1 = Vs /R -= 24/240= . I amp
are reviewed diagramatically here.
produced by the generator will flow Drawing R displays the load replaced by That current produces a voltage
through the internal resistance. When a a short, and C .shows the source across R1 of:
load is connected, the current will be replaced by a short.
divided between the internal resis- V1= I.1R1= .1(120)=12 volts
tance and the load. There are two steps to determining Now, according to Kirchhoff's law, that
The primary reason for working with the Norton's equivalent of a circuit. The leaves:
a current source rather than a voltage first step is to calculate the Norton's-
source is because it is sometimes easi- equivalent current, IN. That is usually 24 -12=12 volts
er to analyze a network in terms of cur- referred to as the short- circuit current. across R2 and R3. The current in R3 is
rent. That is particularly true when the That is the amount of current that will the Norton's equivalent, which we can
circuit you are working with contains flow if the load is replaced with a short calculate by Ohm's law:
many parallel branches. If the circuit is circuit. It is also the current that a load
1N =12/300= .04 amp
primarily series, then it is usually better will see when connected to the Nor-
to use a voltage source and Thevenin's ton's- equivalent generator. Next we need to compute the Nor-
theorem for analysis. The other part of the calculation is to ton's- equivalent resistance, RN. To do
compute the equivalent internal resis- that, we remove the short from be-
Norton's Theorem. Norton's theorem tance, RN. That is the total resistance tween terminals A and B. Then we re-
states that any linear circuit can be appearing across the load terminals. place the battery with a short circuit.
replaced by an equivalent circuit con- Now, let's take a look at the pro- We can now compute the total resis-
sisting of a current source and its paral- cedures you use to calculate the Nor- tance of the network between termi-
lel internal resistance connected to the ton's- equivalent generator. nals A and B as shown in Fig. 3C. That is
load. Norton's theorem defines the The rules for determining the Nor- the resistance of R1 and R2 in parallel
mathematical procedures used to ton's- equivalent circuit can be sum- connected in series with R3. The resis-
compute the Norton's -equivalent cir- marized as follows: tance calculations are as follows:
cuit. The process is best illustrated with 1. Disconnect the load from the output.
RN= RI(R2) /(RI +R2) +R3
an example. 2. Short across the output (load) termi-
RN= 120(200)/(120 + 200)+3(X)
Refer to Fig. 3A. That network consists nals.
RN = 24,000/320 + 3(X)
of a battery plus a resistive network 3. Calculate the current in the short.
RN= 75 +3(x) =375 ohms
connected to a load. Our job is to con- That is the Norton's -equivalent current,
vert that circuit into its Norton's equiv- IN. Now, the total Norton's equivalent
alent. The battery plus the circuit 4. Remove short from output terminals. can be drawn. It is a current source
consisting of R1 through R3 will be trans- 5. Replace voltage source with a short. with a value of .04 Amp in parallel with
lated into an equivalent current source 6. Calculate resistance between the the Norton's- equivalent resistance, RN,
with its internal resistance. output terminals (with the load still dis- of 375 ohms. When the load is recon-
75
convert between the Thevenin's and a component in a linear circuit is the
Norton's equivalents. Let's consider algebraic sum of the currents (or volt-
how to do that. ages) produced by each current (or
In the previous example, we con- voltage) source acting indepen-
50S verted the circuit in Fig. 3A into its Nor- dently."
ton's equivalent shown in Fig. 4. To use the superposition theorem,
Suppose we want the Thevenin's you disable all but one source, then
B equivalent instead. We could go back calculate the various currents and
Fig. 4. Finally you will arrive at this to the original circuit and apply the voltages. Then, you repeat that with
Norton's equivalent of the circuit in Thevenin's conversion steps, but that is the other sources. Finally, you add up
Fig. 3 after you follow the steps. too time consuming. It's easier to use
some simple conversion formulas.
nected, the value IN will flow in the To convert the Norton's equivalent to RTh
31512
load. See Fig. 4. The load voltage, VL, the Thevenin's equivalent, first remove
A
make analysis and design faster and circuit in Fig. 4 is given in Fig. 6. RTh
10052
easier. You can also go the other way. As-
RL
sume the Thevenin's equivalent in Fig. VTh=7.5V
50012
7A. To get the Norton's equivalent, you
Exercise Problem. Now try the pro-
cedure yourself.
1.Convert the circuit in Fig. 5 into its
use these formulas:
IN= V.m /RT.h
i B
Norton's equivalent.
12.n, = RN J
Applying them with the values in Fig.
7A, we get: r-
R2
1K A IN = VT iRTh = 7.5/100 = .075 amp
... _ R.l.h = RN = 100 ohms
with a current source. You can also Sources. In the previous article, dis- I
take a circuit with a current source and cussed the superposition theorem. It is VTh= 36V 4.:
RL
with a voltage source. It all depends with two or more voltage sources. It
on the circuit and the kinds of calcula- can also be used on circuits with two or B
tions you want to make. You may wish more current sources.
to convert back and forth to make the The superposition theorem states Fig. 8. Use the handy formulas in the
optimum calculations on a given cir- that: text to convert this Thevenin's
cuit. The easiest way to do that is to "The current Through (or voltage across equivalent into a Norton's equivalent.
76
the currents and voltages to get their posite directions in R2, they oppose current -source resistance should be at
combined effect. Let's see how to do one another. So, the total current is the least 10,000 ohms. In the example, we
that in a circuit with two current difference between the two currents, use an internal resistance of 1
R1
find the voltage drop with Ohm's law: Because k
is so much lower than Rs,
252 V, =1K,x R2 = .15 x 50= 7.5 volts
we can virtually ignore its effect. There-
fore, the current supplied is very nearly
equal to:
Exercise Problem. See how easy the IL= Vs /Rs =15/1,000,000
5s2 A process is by doing it yourself. =15 microamperes
4. Find the current in R3 in the circuit in
we should increase the load resis-
If
Fig. 10.
tance from 100 ohms up to 10,000
ohms, suddenly the load resistance
now becomes a much larger portion
R2 R4
1052 552 of the total- circuit resistance. There-
fore, its effect must be taken into con-
sideration. The total-circuit resistance
in that case is:
R2 B
J112=.35A = 7A
'5052
1,000,000+10,000=1,010,000 ohms
.35_Aj We can calculate the load current as
before with Ohm's law:
R1
FiA. 10. Milk, use o s tperposition 1, =15/1,010,000 =14.85 microamperes
2552
when anuly_ bug this circuit. As you can see, the current in the
load is less than the desired 15 micro-
use dite superposition theorem and realize with everyday electronic com-
ignore It (as in B) first and I, ponents. Therefore, we settle for a less 99 -100% of the constant current value,
(as in Cl second und sum due results. than ideal current source which, in simply be sure that the load resistance
is less than one-hundredth of the inter-
most cases, will do the job if we restrict
solve the problem, we first disable
To the range of loads over which the cur- nal resistance of the source. In Fig. 11,
disable a current source, you re- 1- megohm source, the max-
with a
I,. To rent source must work. In practical ap-
move it from the circuit and you leave plications, that is usually not a imum value of load resistance is
the circuit open at that point. That's like problem. With that in mind, we can 1,000,000/100= 10,000 ohms or 10,000
replacing the current source with an now take a look at some of the ways
infinite resistance. When working with that real -world current sources are im-
voltage sources, you disable them plemented.
RS
1MEG
with a short. You disable a current _A
Fig. 9B. Note that R1 is removed since it source is to connect a very large value I
Vs=15V
R
is effectively not in the circuit. So the of resistance in series with a voltage 10052
current in R2 is .35 Amp. source as shown in Fig. 11. The value of
Now, we put I, and R1 back, and
disable 12. The resulting circuit is in Fig.
9C. The current in R2 then is .2 Amp, but
the resistance is made very high com-
pared to the load resistance. In order T
for the circuit to act like a current
in the opposite direction. source, the internal resistance, Rs, Fig. II. If the load is restricted to
The composite current in R2 is then should be at least one hundred times a certain range, a swhage source with
simply the algebraic sum of the two the load resistance. If we assume a a resistor can he used as a simple
currents. Since the currents flow in op- load resistance of 100 ohms, then the constant- current source.
77
ohms. For values of load between zero The way to set up a constant-current current gain. Because the circuit uses
and 10,000 ohms, the current will be source is simply to choose the voltage - heavy negative feedback by way of
within the 99 -100% of the constant cur- divider resistors R1 and R2 to provide the emitter resistor, the circuit charac-
rent value. the correct value of VB and select a teristics are strictly a function of the ex-
When designing a current source of value of emitter resistance that will ternal applied voltages and resistor
that type, the job is to select supply give the desired constant current with values.
voltages and series resistances that VE. The nice thing about designing The circuit in Fig. 12A acts as a cur-
will provide the desired amount of cur- constant- current sources like that, is rent source over a relatively wide
rent in the load. When very high values that you don't have to fool around with range of load- resistance values. In the
of current are required with high im- all of the transistor parameters such as circuit, the load can be any value from
pedance, it is often necessary to use zero up to approximately 4,000 ohms.
very high voltage values. That is usually By referring to the circuit, you can see
impractical since most solid -state cir- why that is so.
cuits use low -voltage power supplies. When current flows through the cir-
You can get the desired current by cuit, 5 volts is dropped across the emit-
using a lower value of resistance, but ter resistor, some voltage is dropped
often that resistance will be too low in across the emitter- collector connec-
value compared to the load to pro- tion of the transistor, while the remain-
vide the constant -current effect. When ing voltage is dropped across the
that happens, some other form of con- load. The total of the three voltages
stant- current source must be used. must add up to 15 volts to satisfy
Kirchhoff's law. As RE is made higher
Ic= 2.5mA
Bipolar-Transistor Current Source. and higher, the voltage redistributes
The simplest way to make a current itself and soon the relationship no lon-
source is to use a bipolar transistor as ger holds true. For example, if the load
shown in Fig. 12A. A voltage divider resistance is made 10,000 ohms, the
made up of R1 and R2 applies a volt- transistor would ordinarily try to force
age, VB, to the base of the transistor. 2.5 milliamperes through it. That, of
That forward biases the emitter-base B course, would produce a voltage of
junction causing the transistor to con- 25 volts across RE. Since the supply volt-
duct. Emitter current flows through re- age is limited to only 15 volts, naturally
sistor RE. The amount of voltage across the circuit won't work. So even though
the emitter resistor is VE. The value of VE you are limited to a narrow range of
is equal to the base voltage less the load- resistance values, again that is
voltage drop across the emitter -base usually not a problem in most elec-
junction, VBE. Since VBE is typically 0.7 tronic circuits.
volt in most silicon transistors, then VE One of the problems with the circuit
can be computed as follows: in Fig. 12A is that the load is floating.
That is, one end is connected to the
V1,= V -0.7 collector and the other end is con-
As an example, suppose voltage di- c nected to the positive terminal of the
vider R1 /R2 produces a base voltage supply voltage, Vcc. In many applica-
of 5.7 volts. The voltage across the tions, the load must be grounded. The
emitter resistor then is: problem can be corrected by simply
rearranging power supplies and
V1.= 5.7 -0.7 =5 volts
grounds in the circuit.
Now assume that the emitter- resistor A different version of the circuit is
+Vcc
value is 2000 ohms. The emitter current shown in Fig. 12B. Here, nothing has
then is: changed except that we have switch-
1, = Vi; /R1. = 5/2.000=2.5 mA
ed from a positive supply voltage to a
negative supply voltage connected to
The emitter current flows into the D
the emitter. The resistor values and the
emitter of the transistor, through the constant -current amplitude are the
base, and into the collector. It then same.
flows through the load resistance, RE, If you need a grounded load, but
to the supply. Remember in a high - the current must flow through the load
gain transistor, the collector current is Fig. /2. The current source in A leaves
in the opposite direction to that shown
the load floating. If the loud must he
very nearly equal to the emitter cur- in Fig. 12B, you can use the alternate
grounded, the circuit in B can he
rent. In most cases, the base current circuit shown in Fig. 12C. That circuit
used. If you also need the current to
that it uses up is extremely small and flow through the load in the opposite uses a PNP transistor, but otherwise all
can be ignored. So, the collector cur- direction you can use the circuit in the resistor values are the same. With
rent, being equal to the emitter cur- C. An improved current source with u that arrangement, current now flows
rent, provides a constant load current Zeiler diode is shown in D. The diode through the load in the opposite direc-
of 2.5 mA. sets the hase voltage. tion.
78
An improved current source is shown
in Fig. 12D. That circuit is similar to that
shown in Fig. 12B, but a Zener diode,
D1, is used to set the base voltage. Re-
loss
sistor R1 sets the bias level through the
Fig. 14. Constant -current FET diodes
diode. In critical applications requir-
VDD A
are depicted in either of the two ttuys
ing a very constant current, a Zener shown hefe. They are treated as diodes.
diode provides a stabilized voltage at
the base of the transistor. That ensures
that the output current remains con-
stant despite circuit variations. In tern -
I
perature- critical circuits, one or more
A
standard silicon diodes are usually
connected in series with the Zener di- loss
ode to provide temperature compen-
sation for both the Zener and the
emitter-base junction of the transistor.
B
plied through the load is equal to the Fig. 13. FET current sources are sers amplifier circuit. Ordinarily an input
IDSS current value of the FET. Most FET's common now. Shown are the floating load voltage, V;, is applied to the non- inver-
have an loss value in the zero to 10 mA type (A), grounded load type (B). and a ting ( + ) input and the output is taken
range. By selecting an FET whose IDSs circuit that can he set depending on R. from the op -amp output and is desig-
value is the desired constant current, nated Vo. That circuit can be used as
then the simple circuit in Fig. 13A can Pre-packaged FET current sources a current source simply by connecting
be used. are also available. Those two- terminal the load resistance, RL, between the
Again, the circuit in Fig.13A contains devices are often referred to as con- output and the inverting ( - ) input as
a floating load. You can rearrange stant current diodes or current -reg- shown in Fig. 15A. Since the op-amp
that circuit as shown in Fig. 13B so that ulator diodes. They consist of an N- inputs draw little or no current, then the
the load is grounded. The gate and channel or P- channel junction FET with current through the load resistance is
source are still shorted together, but a the gate and source connected to- equal to the current through the input
negative -source supply, Vss, is used in- gether and /or with an appropriate resistor R1. Because of the feedback
stead of the positive-drain supply as in source resistor. They are available in a provided from the output of the op-
Fig. 13A. By using P- channel FET's and wide range of current values. Such a amp back to the inverting input by RL,
making other changes in the power component provides a convenient Vo in the Fig. 15A is a virtual' ground.
supplies, the direction of current flow means of obtaining a constant -current That means the voltage across R1 is
through the load can generally be source in a single two -lead package. essentially equal to V. Because of that,
anything desired. The schematic symbols often used to you can now calculate the amount of
Levels of constant current different represent constant current diodes are current supplied to the load. That is:
from the IDSS FET value can be ob- illustrated in Fig. 14. Simply connect
tained by connecting a resistance in one of the diodes in series with the load 1= Vi /RI
series with the source as shown in Fig. to the voltage source to provide the For example, if V; is 6 volts and R1 is
13C. With the resistor Rs inserted, the desired constant -current value. 4700 ohms, then the constant current
constant current supplied to the load through R1 is:
will be some value less than loss de- Op-amp Current Sources. You can
pending upon the value of Rs se- also use an IC op-amp as a current 1=6/4700=1.28 mA
lected. The higher the value of Rs, the source as shown in Fig. 15A. That con- That current will also flow through the
lower the constant current in the load. figuration is the familiar non -inverting load.
In that circuit, the load is floating. the transistor turns on and acts as a +VCC
is to use a transistor switch as shown in input voltages multiplied by the gain. Fig. differential amplifier such
17. A
Fig. 16A. Whenever a positive voltage A typical differential amplifier is shown as the one in A, can be improved if it
is applied to the base of the transistor, in Fig. 17A. Bias is provided to the emit- receives constant current from the
ter -base junctions by way of the emit- source. The circuit added to it in B
ter resistor, RE, and the emitter supply provides it with constant current.
+vcc
voltage, - VEE.
In order for that circuit to perform
correctly, the current supplied by - VEE
and RE must be equally divided be-
tween transistors 671 and Q2. The cur-
rents are not always equal because of
differences between the emitter -base
voltage drops, transistor current gains,
and the driving impedances of the in-
puts V, and V2. Further, the input im- THIS PART OF CURVE
' IS FAIRLY LINEAR
pedances of V, and V2 should be
+vcc made as high as possible. They are
dependent on the value of the emitter TIME
80
Give a Friend A "Hands -On"
Experience for Christmas.. .
Does fighting the crowds at Christmas short -circuit SAVE MONEY ... A great gift to receive, Hands -
your holiday fun? Don't blow a fuse this year ...
for On Electronics is also a great gift for you to give! The
electronics -
the friend who shares your love of project-oriented
or a youngster who may need only a
spark to ignite a life -long interest- give a gift
Special Holiday Rate saves you $11.00 off the
newsstand price on each gift. You can save another
$11.00 when you start or extend your own
subscription to Hands -On Electronics! subscription at the same time. It's our "thank -you"
for sharing the Hands -On experience with a friend
this Christmas.
... Because when you give him Hands -On Electronics,
you're giving him valuable "Hands -On" experience:
-
month after month of challenging construction projects
including complete plans for testing equipment,
electronic worksavers for home and car, add -ons and
Send no money, unless you prefer. We'll be glad to bill
you in January, Next Year. Just take a brief moment to
modifications for hi -fi, computers, radio and TV. go over your gift list and make sure you haven't
forgotten anyone who might appreciate the "Hands -On"
experience. Then write the names on the attached Gift
He'll get all the how -to he needs to build exciting, Certificate and mail it back in the postage -paid reply
useful projects like these ... a touch light dimmer .. . envelope ... we'll take it from there!
a traveler's theft alarm ... an economy NiCd battery
charger ... a voice synthesizer... a wave form
generator ... the ultimate burglar alarm ...a stereo Your friends will receive a handsome gift announcement
graphic equalizer ... and many, many more! card signed with your name just before Christmas. And
all through the new year they'll remember and
appreciate your thoughtful gift of "Hands -On"
PLUS ... testbench tips and techniques ...
circuit experience!
design ... electronics fundamentals ...
book reviews
and new product news including our new 12 -page
"Gizmo" section ... regular columns on computers,
scanners, dx'ing, ham and antique radio ...
the list So don't blow a fuse ...
take it easy and enjoy the
goes on and on! holidays. Give Christmas gifts of Hands -On Electronics!
81
solid -state replacement used in our
Circuit circuits.
Note: The circuit shown in Figs.1 and
2 are not designed for radio reception,
but instead are designed to serve as
could be adventurous to enter a spe- and 2 are designed to take advan- (SEE TEXT)
cial "time machine" and apply our tage of that abundance of free power.
present day know -how to a popular The circuit in Fig.1 is nothing more than
subject of yesterday. As a youth, when a modern -day version of a vintage
the cold winds of winter howled out- crystal set with the tedious cat's -whis-
side, could really enjoy settling down
I ker detector, of Grandpa's day re- Fig. 2 -The single power cell of Fig. /
to building the latest -published AM- placed with a modern 1N34A ger- can be connected in .series. u.s shown
broadcast receiver (BC) circuit and manium diode. If you have ever tried here. to increase the output voltage. A
stay up all hours of the night to see how to keep a cat's whisker detector in ad- higher current can he obtained by con -
well it would pull in those distant sta- justment, you're sure to appreciate the necting two cells in parallel.
tions. 50 TURNS
NO. 18 ENAMELED
Of course, now you can purchase a
COPPER WIRE
super- sensitive AM /FM radio for less 10 TURNS
than a "Hamilton" and pick up Cuba NO. 18 ENAMELED
ANT. COPPER WIRE
and Canada almost any night. But,
even in today's fast -paced world,
there's still an- itch -that can only be
D1
scratched by the performance of a 1 N34
1
self-made project.
I'm sure you've noticed fewer things
are free today, and getting something
for nothing legally is a rare occurrence
indeed, but with a smidgen of elec-
L1
(SEE TEXT)
e C2
0.1
OUTPUT 3.1/2
C1
quired no battery power and when Fig. /- Shown Itere modern-day version of a vintage crystal set with the
Is u
operated close to a strong station, rat's- whisker detector replaced by u /N34A germanium diode. The circuit is
they could drive a horn speaker to a designed to serve u.s un RE power cell.
82
ANT HEAD PHONES
(consisting of LI and C1) that's tuned to
the strongest local AM broadcast sta- PARTS LIST FOR THE
tion in the area. RF POWER CELL
DI -IN34A germanium diode 01
The RF energy is converted (or rec-
tified) to DC by DI. Capacitor C2 re-
CI- 365 -pF, variable capacitor D1
1N4001
2N1305
put voltage won't blow your socks off, RF POWER CELL TEXT)
R1 C2
but it can power a variety of con- DI, D2 -IN34A germanium diode 10K 100
the two cells can be connected in par- manium diode for D1, because using a Fig. 3 -The Single- runsi.ctor B(' Radio
allel. If you are a dedicated experi- silicon diode here requires about circuit cun he powered by the RI percer
menter, that's an area where an twice the threshold voltage for forward celle presented in Fig. I. and the
conduction and will produce a lower input ra the receiver connected (via u
unlimited number of circuit arrange-
sonal/ irimnu'r capacitor) to the
ments can be tried to obtain the max- output voltage. Of course, if you live in
antenna that drives the power ce /Lc.
imum power output. a real RF hot spot, just about any type
First, some real hands -on chores of rectifier suitable for RF will produce
must be completed before testing can an output. PARTS LIST FOR THE
begin, such as winding three identical With a good antenna and ground SINGLE -TRANSISTOR BC
coils; see the winding details in Fig. 1B. connected to the cell, hook either a RADIO
As shown, a 4 -inch length of 31/2-inch sensitive ammeter or voltmeter across QI- 2N1305 general- purpose PNP
diameter PVC tubing is used as a coil the output and tune Cl for the greatest germanium transistor
form. About 50 turns of #18 enamel - output. Here's a chance to travel back DI -IN34A germanium diode
coated copper wire is wound (in sole- in time by connecting a high- imped- CI- 365 -pF, variable capacitor
noid fashion) on the form, leaving at ance set of headphones across the
C2- 100 -F, 16-WVDC, electrolytic
capacitor
least six inches of wire at each end. output, and listen to the radio like C3-O.02 -F, ceramic-disc capacitor
Leaving a space of about a quarter Gramps did years ago. RI- 10,000-ohm potentiometer
inch, wind a second coil of about 10 The output of two cells can be tied in L3-See text
turns in the same direction. Leave at paralleled;
series, as shown in Fig. 2, or Printed circuit or periboard materials,
least six inches of wire at each end. whichever configuration best meets enclosure, high -impedance
At the beginning and end of each the load requirement. If only one strong headphones (2000 -ohms or better),
winding, drill two holes slightly larger radio station is available, separate an- wire, solder, hardware, etc
than the wire size to loop the ends tennas can be used with individual
through to keep the winding in place. cells to increase the power output able signal level found at the anten-
Use 100 -grit sandpaper to remove the even more. That's an area that's wide na(s) terminal.
enameled coating from each end of open for experimentation. VHF and Resistor R1 should be adjusted to
the four wires, and then tin the ends. UHF signals are another area where an produce the maximum audio volume,
It's best to start off with a single RF enormous amount of RF energy is just while maintaining the best sound qual-
cell to see how much power is avail- waiting to be tapped. ity. That adjustment controls the tran-
able in your area. The antenna should sistor bias, which is derived from the
be as high and as long as possible to Single Transistor BC Radio. The incoming RF signal. If the receiver of-
pull in the maximum RF signal. A good Single Transistor BC Radio circuit fers ample sensitivity, but falls short in
earth ground should be used to com- shown in Fig. 3 is an ideal test circuit for the selectivity department, try tapping
plete the RF path. the RF cells. The RF cells and the tran- L3 at its mid point and connecting D1 to
Although a 365-pF variable capaci- sistor radio can be built in a nostalgic the tap. That's just another area that's
tor is specified for Cl, almost any sal- fashion on a 12 -inch square piece of ideal for trying various schemes to get
vaged broadcast tuning capacitor wood, or for a more modern ap- the best overall circuit operation.
will do. The exact capacitor value isn't proach use perfboard and pins. In any
too critical, so try what you have on case, the circuit is non -critical, so build SSBC Reciver. Figure 4 shows the
hand. If new tuning capacitors are to suit. schematic diagram of a Super-Sen-
needed, try one of the poly -film RF tun- The antenna input to the transistor sitive BC Receiver, which is built
ing capacitors available from a few of receiver can be connected to the around a Ferranti ZN414 TRF (tuned ra-
the mail order houses for about two same antenna that drives the RF cells dio- frequency) amplifier. With the
bucks each. If you want to be old fash- through a small trimmer capacitor SSBC receiver, you should be able to
ioned and stick with the all -metal vari- (say, about 10 to 50 pF), or operated pull in stations with a three -foot anten-
ables, be ready to spend about 10 from a separate antenna. But the best na just about anywhere in the U.S.
dollars each. method to use depends on the avail- (Continued on page 99)
83
Stacking Up. Obviously, SmartKey is a
software package that remains resi-
dent in the computer, and all would be
nese water torture. complete text paragraphs, such as often need more free RAM than is
For example, every month send out
I those asking for the loan of software or available, and when try to unload I
might be interested in knowing about. pressing ALT-L (L for "letter ") keys in a load is in the middle or at the top of the
Except for the item itself, and maybe two- paragraph request for the loan of memory stack it can't be done-PC-
for a line or two of additional com- software or equipment, while CTRL -L DOS does not allow any holes from the
ments, the letters are identical. If had I keys in the rest of the letter -right top of memory down.
to type each letter individually, would
I through "Yours very truly,"-after key- I
probably be climbing the walls after board -enter the name of software or Titans Clash. Also, started to run into I
disk file.
IN>LR1 ROW
I found what I needed in a PCXT
PMMI
CELL ERASE
keyboard peripheral called an
In The Keys. do my mail by preload -
I 01 /MOW Echobox Smart Keypad (Inmar, Inc.,
ing my keyboard with macros, a mac- 121 1223 Peoples Ave., Troy, NY 12180. Tel.
ro being a string of characters or o1DRW/ No. 518 -271 -6692). Basically, the smart
graphics that is unleashed by pressing keypad is a microcomputer con-
a single key, or a combination of keys, taining enough memory to store 950
such as ALT -1 or CTRL -T. For example, keystrokes. (A model for the PC AT and
some writers for, and all editors at Pop- PS/2 computers stores 650 keystrokes.)
ular Electronics, must include the It has a single cable, with male and
codes for the typesetting computer in female connectors, that connects in
their copy. For example, look at the series between the keyboard and the
Tivehve keysand a double-width shift allow
boldface we use for the name of this 24 individual macros to he programmed computer. The device gets its power
magazine. You see it as Popular Elec- into the Edwina. You can change the from the computer. When the comput-
tronics. write it as "+ bPopular Elec-
I programming even while running an er is off, an internal long -life battery
tronics + r." The + b tells the typesetting applications program. (Continued on page 94)
84
Where can I I
There is a way to get help when you
teed it. The American Home Satellite
Association. An organization created
exclusively to protect and enhance your
Address
86
and your "radio shack" featured in this on this frequency between 0100 and r 1
column -to Jensen on DXing, Popu- 0200 hours UTC with easy listening mu- NEW FROM ETT
lar Electronics, 500 Bi- County Blvd., sic and English language ID as the
Farmingdale, NY 11735. "National Service." [ ] RATCHET
PIECE RACHET TOOL
- ELEVEN-
Our first letter is from Alvin Mirabal, El Salvador-3,470 kHz. Radio Ven-
KIT $10.00. Includes re-
Cupey, Puerto Rico who writes "I found ceremos, a clandestine broadcaster versible ratchet handle, ex-
tension bar, six bits, two
your column quite by accident and directing its Spanish language pro- precision screwdrivers, and
found it very interesting. Because am I gramming to listeners -in has been a cutter. Comes in fitted
case. Get one for your shop.
a very new SWL, I'm reading every- noted here with political talks and brief another for your car an-
thing can on the subject.
I bits of music around 0300 UTC. other for your tool kit.
So far, with my Panasonic RF -2200 Europe- 21,745 kHz. With the in-
receiver, can hear quite a few sta-
I creasing sunspot numbers, look for f!TOOL KIT -NINE-
tions, but most interesting is Radio more and more broadcasters on these PIECE TOOL KIT
59.50. Includes saw, bub-
Tirana in Spanish, from 0130 to 0200 high bands. One to start with is Radio ble level, three screw-
UTC." Free Europe (RFE), which has been drivers, torque multipier,
calipers for inside and out-
Alvin says that this could be of inter- noted on this frequency in Bulgarian at side measurements, nip-
pers, and a tape measure.
est to other SWLs because of "a little 1815 UTC. You can expect some jam-
weirdness" in the programming from ming here.
the Albanian station with its "most par- Germany -7,260 kHz. Sudwestfunk I BP233- ELECTRONIC
HOBBYISTS HANDBOOK
ticular pain; of view." is one of the lesser known shortwave .... 59.95. Provides an inex-
Besides enjoying SWLing, the 34- outlets of Germany, certainly not pensive single source of
easily located data that the
year -old listener also is a hardcore heard as regularly as the external ser- electronics enthusiast is
vice of Deutsche Welle, but still a rea- likely to need in his day-to-
free -diver, spearfisherman, and under- day hobby activiites. 8 Y 10
water photographer. sonably likely catch at around 0630 inches.
Another reader, J.N.M. Legate, says hours UTC. Pop music, plus ads and
Coe,,.
he is 77 -years young and a relatively announcements in German, is the ,.e.,,,e
BP232- CONCISE IN- le Nf DOf
recent immigrant to Newfoundland, broadcast fare. TRODUCTION TO MS-
DOS 55.95. If you are a
Canada, from the United Kingdom. His Guatemala -4,800 kHz. Radio PC user and want to get the
interest in radio began back in the Buenas Nuevas is good news for lis- most out of your computer,
you must learn its MS PC-
1920's as a teenager when he built his teners looking for new SW catches in DOS operating system.
That's what this book shows
own receiving gear. Central America. This new religious you.
"I can remember when 2L0, the Lon- outlet in Guatemala has been logged
don transmitter, started up. And later, recently around 0000 hours (midnight) BP194- MODERN
Belfast was heard when was living in
I UTC. OPTO DEVICE PROJ-
ECTS 56.25. Provides a
Ireland, about 50 miles from that city. I Kampuchea -4,907 kHz. Exotic number of practical designs
that use opto-electronic de-
succeeded in hearing it at times on a sounding Southeast Asian music can vices such as fiber optics.
single -crystal detector and fairly con- be heard from the Voice of the Kam - LEDs. and passive IR de-
sistently after adding a tube audio puchean People (VKP), which has a lectors.
Total Enclosed S
Brouillette, IL; Mitch Sams, KS; Rufus tense Persian -Gulf region, has been re-
Jordan, PA; Peter Dillon, Greece; Tom ported with Afghan music and pro- Name
Lasowski, IN; Richard Eckman, CA; gramming in what is presumed the Address
North American Shortwave Association, Pushto language at around 0200 to City State Zip
Box 45, Levittown, PA 19057. 0300 hours UTC.
87
ed to check all of the voltages at the
us, the "shutter dial" is an ingenious spot- checked them for leakage and
mechanism for displaying only the fre- found no problems.
quency calibrations in use on a multi - In addition, the set was running with
Close-up taken just before installation no trace of hum; another good sign.
band set. of the dial glass shows the action of the
Zenith installed the mechanism in But just to make sure, monitored the
I
movable semicircular shutters that and non -existent on shortwave. plate /screen voltage discrepancies
were linked to the band -change The problem didn't seem to be in the were not important and decided to
switch. The shutters moved with the tubes; everyone of them had given a ignore them.
switch in such a way that only the cal- good account of itself in my very un- The discrepancy in grid -bias volt-
ibration for the selected band was visi- forgiving retired military tester. My age however, seemed a little more se-
ble behind a strategically -placed hunch was that a realignment would rious, since it amounted to a four -
window in the dial. do the trick. But first, as a measure of hundred percent difference. Suspect-
By the close of last month's column, the radio's general condition, decid-
I ing trouble in the automatic volume-
most of the mechanical problems had
been solved. The damaged shutter -
dial assembly had been repaired
(though not yet re- installed on the set);
a replacement for the missing dial belt
had been fashioned from dial cord;
and the set had been given a badly -
needed deep cleaning. But, still had
I
88
Scrounging For Parts. The problem installation. But, as you can see from
of the missing knobs was solved with- the photos, it's definitely not!
out much effort on my part. Soon after If you've been following this series
the original column in this series hit the from the beginning, you know that the
streets, received a post card from
I
shutter-dial set was the victim of a
reader John Cram (Troy, Ohio), who minor furnace explosion- which is why
graciously offered a set of original the last owner was willing to part with it.
Zenith wood knobs. That's the reason for the charred
When they came, they turned out to speaker grille and the rather distressed
be a very close match to my missing condition of the finish.
and broken ones -Zenith logo and all! Let me get something off my chest
Completely restored chassis waiting for
installation in cabinet. They look great on the set, John. right now, fellow antique -radio lovers. I
control circuit, which controls the bias The replacement dial glass was ob- spend hours trying to track down a
to the two tubes in question, checked
I
subtle malfunction in a radio circuit,
it out very thoroughly. But, once again, I
but the fussy detail work involved in
was unable to find anything wrong. creating an acceptable furniture finish
After puzzling over the problem for really drives me nuts.
quite some time, it suddenly exploded However, once having gone through
in my mind that the published value of the trouble of restoring an interesting
minus two volts had to be a mistake. and unusual radio chassis, obviously
I
With that much negative voltage on can't neglect the cabinet. Next month,
the control grids of the tubes in ques- I'll let you know how made out.
I
Rider's manuals for Zenith sets with sim- ing for both the glass and the dial belt.
ilar circuitry. soon found a couple
I Three of the items were carried by
and, sure enough, the published volt- Antique Electronic Supply of Tempe,
ages for the equivalent circuit points Arizona. One of my own readers (Mark
were very close to what had mea-
I Cochenour, Beaver Falls, PA) sent me
sured on my own set. So once again I the same information and enclosed Here Ls another nn.acriou.% Plrilco device
decided that the "discrepancy" was photo copies of the catalog pages, to (see tem. Write me if wru can ulemi /v
meaningless and could be ignored. tlri.s thin,>;unuiji,q.
boot.
Troubleshooting of this kind is par- I have to admit some embarrass- Suppliers of The Month. Last month,
ticularly frustrating. It would obviously ment over that, since Antique Elec- we gave some space to International
be a whole lot easier to deal with a set tronic Supply is a well -known firm (see Components Corp.- dealers in re-
that didn't work at all. In such cases, Suppliers of the Month, below) and an ceiving and industrial tubes. As en- I
you can usually trace the problem to advertiser in this publication. In any counter other suppliers of interest to
some failed component, replace it, case, immediately made a call to
I antique radio hobbyists, I'd like to con-
and congratulate yourself on a job Arizona and found that the A.E.S. peo- tinue the practice So if you sell services
well done. But when faced with more ple had also been following the restor- or parts our readers would like to know
ambiguous "problems," such as the ation and were about to contact me! about, send me a catalog and/or let-
ones had, the trick is to realize when
I
Thanks to the magic of VisaCard, the ter and I'll work you in as space per-
you are trying to fix something that dial glass was shipped to me via UPS mits. Here's this month's installment
"ain't broke" and to stop before ex- the same day -along with a 6F5G Antique Electronic Supply is oper-
pending vast amounts of time and en- tube needed to complete my pro-
I ated by the father -son team of George
ergy. It isn't always an easy decision to gram of substituting original G -type H. and George A. Fathauer. George A.
make! (tall glass) tubes for the three "GT" (the son) writes that he was an antique -
Realigning the IF, RF, and oscillator (short glass) replacements that had radio restorer and collector who
circuits per the manufacturer's pub- been made in the set over the years. "turned pro" in 1982 when he and his
lished instructions finally brought the The dial glass slipped into the old dad bought a collection of 40,000
set back to life. Reception is now quite mountings perfectly, and was the last early vacuum tubes and 300 radios.
satisfactory on all bands, and the tun- piece needed to complete my restor-
I The two Georges used the collection
ing indicator's response is very lively on ation of the set. It's now ready for re- to start a brand -new radio sales, radio
both the broadcast and the shortwave installation in the cabinet. wish the
I repair, and mail -order parts business.
bands. cabinet were also ready for the re- (Continued on page 106)
8s
pipe dream. So let's get our heads out
of the ether and take a look at some
agation charts, or listening to the during the warm months and a lot dur- half that length, while a 5/8- wavelength
higher HF amateur -radio bands? The ing the cooler months, is transcontinen- antenna is 1.125 times that length. Note:
sunspot cycle is on the upswing, and tal and intercontinental in nature. The lengths calculated are approxi-
that means one thing to hams: DX! As During a previous sunspot high, I mates only. We do not live in an "ideal"
the sunspot cycle rises, high- frequency worked (using a 100 -waft transmitter) a world, and the actual length, while
shortwave propagation goes wild. three-way QSO with a missionary doc- very close to the calculated value, is
With the sunspot cycle on the upswing, tor ham -operator in South Africa and a affected by objects near the antenna
it is possible for even very low -power ZL in New Zealand. and its height above ground. So the
stations to work lots of DX. actual length should be adjusted to
This time around, the sunspot cycle is Antennas For 10 Meters. The key to produce minimum VSWR.
not likely to be as good as the one in working 10 meters is the antenna. While Table gives a list of approximate
1
the late 1950's (when a 5 -watt oscillator it is always wonderful to have a six- lengths for various frequencies
and a wet string could earn DXCC). But element, single -band beam towering throughout the 10 -meter band. One
it will be exciting nonetheless...es - 100 -feet in the air, for most of us that's a option open on the 10 -meter band is to
pecially to younger amateurs who
haven't been in the hobby long
enough to remember previous highs in
CAPACITY HAT
the (generally) -year sunspot cycle.
11
90
use a commercially available CB an-
tenna. In fact, if you're a formerly ac- COAX
tive CB operator who still has an old set CONNECTOR
of CB antlers on the roof, then here's a
chance for you to put them back into
service.
There are two types of antennas that
are easily modified, both of which are SLIP
SLIP
ground plane types: the 5A-wave- JOINT ALUMINUM WOOD SUPPORT JOINT
PIPE
length and the 1/4-wavelength anten-
nas. Figurel shows a 5A- wavelength CB
ground -plane antenna fitted with 1/4-
wavelength radials. On the citizen's
band, the dimensions L (length) and R
(radial) are slightly longer than for the COAX 1x2 WOODEN SUPPORT
amateur band. Because the antenna
is fitted with slip joints, most such anten-
nas can be shortened a few inches for
use on the lower end of the 10 -meter PLUMBING FLANGE
band.
MOUNTING
For example, a 1/4-wavelength radial
PIPE
is approximately 8,7 feet at 28,200 kHz
(novice /tech band) and 9.04 feet in Fig. i -Rot table dipole made.from tubing and l x 2 lumber. This antenna can he
the middle of the citizen's band. The rotated with a TV- antenna rotor.
slip joint construction makes it easy to
reduce the length of the antenna with- The charm of the antenna shown in
out butchering it beyond repair with a TABLE 1 FREQUENCY TO Fig. 2 is that it's cheap and dirty, and
hacksaw. WAVELENGTH CONVERSIONS can be built from commonly available
Figure 2 shows a Y4- wavelength FREQ. A/2 X/4 materials. The radiator can be made
ground-plane antenna with drooping kHz
28000 16.71 8.35
of aluminum tubing like that sold at
radials. According to standard 28050 16.68 8.34 many hardware stores, while the radi-
wisdom, such antennas give a lower 28100 16.65 8.32 als are made of regular antenna wire.
angle of radiation than do the type 28150 16.62 8.31
shown in Fig. due to the drooping 28200 16.59 8.29
1
28250 16.56
Construction Schemes. Two meth-
8.28
radials. A low angle of radiation is 28300 16.53 ods of construction can be used: solid
8.26
good for working DX. 28350 16.5 8.25 and slip-joint. The solid -tube method
However, there are other factors that 28400 16.47 8.23 starts with a length of tubing that is
affect radiation angle, so doubt that
I
28450 16.44 8.22 longer than necessary, which is then
"wisdom" holds true in all installations. 28500 16.42 8.21
28550 16.39 8.19
cut to length. When that is done, we
28600 16.36 8.18 need a 10 -foot pipe for frequencies
28650 16.33 8.16 below about 29,275 kHz, and an 8-
28700 16.3 8.15 footer for those above 29,275 kHz. A
28750 16.27 8.13
28800 16.25
disadvantage of that type of con-
8.12
28850 16.22 8.11 struction is that any mistake is fatal to
28900 16.19 8.09 the antenna. If you whack off too much
28950 16.16 8.08 tubing, you'll have to start all over
5/4
29000 16.13 8.06 again. The slip -joint method, on the
29050 16.11 8.05
29100 16.08 8.04
other hand, allows you to set the fre-
29150 16.05 8.02 quency to any point that you like, and
29200 16.02 8.01 tune for minimum VSWR.
29250 16.00 8.00 Now let me tell you an antenna -con-
29300 15.97 7.98
29350
struction secret. Keep it under your hat,
15.94 7.97
29400 15.91 7.95 and drag it out only when you want to
29450 15.89 7.94 impress newcomers: consecutive sizes
29500 15.86 7.93 of aluminum tubing will form a slip joint.
29550 15.83 7.91 In other words, the inside diameter of
29600 15.81 7.9
29650 15.78 7.89 one size is the outside diameter of the
TWO OR MORE RADIALS
29700 15.75 7.87 next smaller size...and it's planned that
way to make slip joints possible.
To make a slip joint, it is merely nec-
Fig. 2- C'hcap and dirty ,ground -plane /or n fact, know that it doesn't; for in-
I essary to have two consecutive sizes of
/0- meters built from aluminum tubing (0.5 stance, a 5A-wavelength radiator gen- tubing for each element. Keep in mind
to 1?5 inch O.1).). und #l4 or #l2 meire erally has a lower angle of radiation that only a few inches of adjustment is
radials (toto or more). than a Y4- wavelength vertical. (Continued on page 94)
91
lent DX band when skip conditions are
right, and the way the sunspot count is
going, it looks as though the next few
years are definitely going to be a
pearance in different tones of gray (+ i -3 kHz deviation 12 -dB SINAD). Its IF- that channel into my own scanner and
and red accents. But the SR -900 is selectivity rating is specified at -55 dB sure enough, within a few days, there
more than just another pretty face. Be- at + / -25 kHz. Not at all a bad pack- was the paging service in Spanish. But
neath that nice look, there's a full -fea- age, we'd say. it didn't take me too long to realize that
tured, gutsy, scanner offering You'll note that the SR -900's what was copying wasn't Lou's sta-
I
coverage that runs from 29 to 54 MHz, coverage includes the 6 -meter ham tion, it was the Madrid Radio Paging
136 to 174 MHz, and 406 to 512 MHz. band (50 to 54 MHz). In the past, when Service, Madrid, Spain!
Fully keyboard programmable, the I've mentioned that, I've received let- That's what meant about skip con-
I
SR -900 (priced at $149.95) has a pri- ters from readers pointing out that all ditions on the upswing. For the next few
ority channel, instant NOAA weather communications on that band are in years, there'll be a whole world out
selection, individual channel lockouts, upper -sideband (USB) mode, and that there waiting to be scanned. The 30- to
automatic 3-second scan delay, 4- because scanners can't receive side - 50 -MHz band should be producing
hour memory protection, 16- channel band, any such coverage is rather coast -to -coast and transoceanic DX
scan memory, direct manual channel meaningless. openings. During the last sunspot DX
access, and a large LED display. Not so, friends. There's FM- simplex cycle a few years ago, we were even
The Cobra SR -900 (from Dynascan activity between 51.10 and 52.00 MHz, hearing Soviet stations popping
Corporation, Cobra Consumer Elec- and FM- repeater activity between through on occasion. That exciting as-
tronics Group, 6500 West Cortland 52.00 and 54.00 MHz. That's an excel- pect of low -band VHF monitoring has
collected a huge and enthusiastic fol-
lowing of DX fanatics. And I'm happy
to admit that I'm one of them.
92
Meet Me in St. Louis. Reader Harry anyone know if those frequencies are especially prone to sudden severe
Brown, of St. Louis, MO, has a question used at all Burger Kings? (Hold the weather conditions (such as tor-
that he's says is a bit of a puzzler. onions.) nadoes), that is a worthwhile frequen-
Harry believes that there is an F -8 cy to keep on tap in the of scanner. It
channel used by his county police for A Rainy Night in Georgia? Danny could well be your first warning that
car-to -car work. The problem is that he Lee Harris, of Atlanta, GA, asks a ques- something is on the way.
doesn't have that frequency listed in tion that's a peach. He says he was We appreciate your letters, ques-
any of his reference sources and he's searching through the VHF aero- tions, and comments. Please send
seeking our help. You came to the right nautical band when the scanner them to Marc Saxon, Saxon on Scan-
place, Harry. stopped on 122.0 MHz. At that point, he ners, Popular Electronics, 500 -B Bi-
Hope we've taken the mystery out of heard a station called "Flight Watch" County Blvd., Farmingdale, NY 11735.
the situation by telling you to toss an giving a severe weather alert to the And we'll be looking forward to being
ear on 154.89 MHz and see if that's the pilot of a small plane. After locating with you again next issue!
hidden channel you're seeking. the frequency, he entered it in his scan-
ner's memory and has heard regular
This One's a Whopper. A few col-
umns back, we ran information sent in
by a reader regarding the McDonald's
communications there, mostly related
to aviation weather. Don't let
drive -up order window.
You're not going to believe this, but
It looks as though he's stumbled onto
the FAA's "Enroute Flight Advisory Ser-
vice," which operates on 122.0 MHz
your lungs
the crew at a McDonalds in south Flori-
da just wrote in to say that the Burger
around the nation from many local
stations between 6AM and 10PM (local
go to pot.
King window frequencies (in their time). Smoking marijuana is a lot more danger-
area) are 467.7875 MHz for headsets Pilots usually use that frequency to ous than you think. And a lot less cool.
t
receive, and 457.5625 MHz for inside report thunderstorms and other haz-
to cars. The CTCSS (PL) code used is ardous weather conditions, and the AMERICAN
#1A (103.5 Hz).
We've heard of Knowing the com-
ground stations send the same type of LUNG
information to pilots when bad ASSOCIATION
petition's irnermost secrets, and sup- I weather appears on their radar. The Christmas S ea People('
eople I
pose that is a perfect example. Does For those who live in areas that are
Space contributed by the publisher as a public service
ys A Jumpers
Made Pioneer Laser Disc Player Cf...p1r, S:e
1-2 mW Helium Neon Laser
in ' Laser Power Supply
USA
2 Front Surface Mirrors
Two 1/2 Voice Coll Actuated
Oscillating Mirrors
One Beam Sputter
$29.95
Two Optical Lenses
One Optical Detector
AC LINEDELTEC
May Gear Reduction
Motor
All Controlling Electronics
Assorted Switches, Fan, CONDITIONER
Solenoid
' Ideal
NER
THESE UNITS ARE for your PC
OEM MODELS AND Eliminates cr Any
REOUIRE A COMPUTER
CONTROLLER AC Line NoiseEquipment
(NOT AVAILABLE FROM
HALTED) THEY Regulates to ano
a Constant
CANNOT BE MANUAL
Y CONTROLLFP,
Reliable Ferroresonant 120 v
AC
CHAP
E
Attractive Transformer
"As -ts" $99.00 Outlets, and
Case with Power
Swann .C, Coil Cord,
TOOLS wr
nre,T +r.
do it again. to represent (you'll see it on the screen, wood for support, and pipe clamps to
because being a keyboard entry it is hold the two radiator elements down,
TO FIND OUT WILY fed into the computer), then set the we can make a decent rotatable di-
call slide switch to RUN. pole antenna.
(310)203.2100 From then on, to enter the macro you A right -angle plumbing flange
or write
simply press the Echobox key. You will serves as a mounting element. There's
RFACT INTERNATIONAL, INC.
242 Cleveland see the macro appear on the screen no reason why you can't simply con-
Wichita, KS 07214 character by character at moderate nect the ends of the coax to the anten-
speed. The macro's characters don't na elements, but if you prefer a little
zip into the computer to avoid getting nicer set -up, use the coaxial connector
ahead of the computer's type -ahead method shown in the inset to Fig. 3. The
buffer, in which case you would lose antenna can be rotated by a simple
many of the characters that came TV antenna rotator. With such a light-
after the buffer filled. So don't think that weight installation there's no need to
the Echobox is feeding characters buy one of the heavy -duty amateur or
You Can Be
ISCET slowly; it's simply ensuring that nothing commercial antenna rotators.
CERTIFIED
gets lost in the computer.
One Of The Naturally, you can reprogram the Conclusion. The 10 -meter amateur
20,000 Technicians Echobox keys. Repeating the pro- band is due to come alive in the next
gramming procedure for a given key few months and years. Although it's
Certified BY ISCET erases the existing macro and records winter now, you can make plans to im-
the new macro. plement one of the above antennas in
The PC /XT model is priced at the springtime. It should last for the next
The International Society Of Certified
Electronics Technicians offers permanent $189.95, though we suggest you check several years until Old Sol cools off and
certification by administering the CET the price with Inmar in case there was makes 10 meters once again a band
exam with the FCC recognized communi-
cations option for $20. A second exam a change. Notice we have stressed that's only good for local chatter. If you
on FCC regulations for a $10 fee is re- PC/XT and not "compatible." We tune up on 10 meters this afternoon and
quired for a Radiotelephone license.
Upon passing, technicians receive both a found the Echobox worked with an IBM hear something exciting, get busy
permanent Radiotelephone Operator Cer-
tificate and a CET Certificate issued by PC /XT, and some, but not all, compati- converting that of CB antenna for 10
ISCET. bles. If you use a compatible we sug- meters.
gest you check with Inmar first. Note: In the next few months, plan
I
94
DM- 3650 -B LARGE LCD 3'.
DIGIT MULTIMETER WITH CARRYING
E -Z MATH CASE AND BAR GRAPH
(Continued from page 80) The voltage across a capacitor is THE BEST AT THE LOWEST
PRICE UNDER $106.00
directly proportional to the charging
op -amps and other linear devices use current (I) and the length of time (t) that 0.3 READING HAS A C
& D.0 CURRENT
constant -current sources. AND VOLTAGE HAS RESISTANCE,
the charging takes place, and is inver- CAPACITANCE AND FREQUENCY MAX
sely proportional to the value of the DISPLAY 3999 COUNTS W AUTO POL IND
Ramp Generation. Another common capacitor (C). Expressed mathe- 20 AMP CURRENT RANGE
application for a constant -current matically, we find that the capacitor DM -80 LARGE LCD 3t, AUTO
source is in the generation of a linear voltage, Vc, is: HAN(CE- DIGITAL MULTIMETER
(straight line) voltage ramp. A voltage TOP QUALITY AT THE LOWEST PRICE
ramp is required whenever it is neces- V(. It.('
A.0 & D.C. CURRENT AND VOLTAGE 0.5
sary to generate a sawtooth or tri- For a fixed value of capacitance ACCURACY RESISTANCE AND
angular waveform. Such signals are and a constant current, I, you can see FREQUENCY MAX DISPLAY 3999 COUNTS
WITH AUTO POL IND. OVERRANGE
usually produced by charging (or dis- that the capacitor voltage will rise lin- INDICATOR W CASE AND LEADS AND
charging) a capacitor through a large early with respect to time. BATTERY 20 AMP CURRENT SCALE
resistance. A typical charge curve is PRICE UNDER $90.00
For example, if a .2 F capacitor is
shown in Fig. 18. Because of the expo- allowed to charge for 30 milliseconds DM-3900-TD
D LARGE LCD 3t:
nential shape of the capacitor charge with a current of mA, the output volt
.1 DIGIT AUTO ANALYZER W DMM W CASE
curve, the output is naturally not linear. age will be: AC & DC VOLTAGE AND CURRENT 0.3'
One way to overcome that problem is RESISTANCE, HIGH TACH. LOW TACH,
simply to use only a narrow portion of V(.-- .1x10'(30x10') /.2xIi) DWELL 4.5.6. AND 8 CYL
15 volts 1999 COUNTS AUTO POLARITY IND
the charge curve as shown in Fig. 18. -
20 AMP CURRENT SCALE
The lower part of the curve is relatively With that arrangement, the voltage PRICE UNDER $100.00
linear but that restricts the output -volt- across the capacitor will rise in a ALL UNITS EQUIPPED WITH HIGH IMPACT YELLOW.'
CABINET AND WARRANTED FOR ONE YEAR
age swing. Improved swings can be straight line from 0 to 15 volts. AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL
obtained by using very high DC volt- The key to making that relationship ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTOR
ages and very large values of charg- 1VHI I E 11H FREE CATAI Ui;
work is a constant current to charge
L
EMCO ELECTRONICS
ing resistance. However, that is often the capacitor. A typical circuit for P.O BOX 327 PLAINVIEW. N Y 11803
impractical in solid state circuits. The doing that is illustrated in Fig. 19A. Here WE HAVE 37 UNITS IN OUR LINE
way to overcome that problem is to the PNP transistor Q1 provides a linear
UDING SCOPES POWER SUPPLIES FTC
charge the capacitor with a constant - charging current for the capacitor. The CIRCLE 22 ON FREE INFORMATION CARD
current source. (Continued on page 100)
+Vcc
Be an FCC
LICENSED
ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN!
.< " c.A.
oO0
..i.
SQUARE WAVE
, Learn at home in spare time
No previous experience needed!
95
AUTOMOBILE ALARM parts on a car that the metal you con-
(Continued from page 23) nect to may be insulated from the
chassis ground. Splice the yellow wire
from the sensor is then brought out to to an existing wire in the vehicle that's
the engine compartment and mated only alive when the ignition is turned
with its matching connector. on, perhaps an accessory like the ra-
Using the brackets provided, mount dio. Finally, reconnect the auto's bat-
the normally closed hood and trunk tery cables and check out the system's
pin switches (optional). The switches operation.
must be mounted so that when the
hood or trunk is closed, its respective System Checkout. After completing
switch is depressed, causing its con- the installation, it is necessary to test
tacts to open. Note: When installed, the Alarm System for proper operation.
the bodies of the pin switches must be Any failures can be cleared up by re-
grounded. Solder a bullet connector ferring to the applicable installation
to the blue wire of the harness, and procedure. Close the hood and trunk,
another to one end of the extra blue enter the car and make sure that all Mount the Alarm ,Ss.stern sv.lTIJ'A,vtc
wire. Connect the hood pin switch to the doors are closed. Switch on the sn itc Ir out of .sight. perhaps under-
the blue wire of the four -conductor ignition, and check that the red LED on neath the dashboard in the passenger
wire harness by pushing the bullet con- the VALET /PANIC switch lights. If so, de- compartment. bru where it can easily
nector into the bottom of the pin press the green valet button, and the be reached in case of an emergency.
switch. An additional blue lead is then light should go out, indicating that the
spliced into the blue wire of the har- Alarm is activated. trunk pin switches should instantly trig-
ness, run from that point to the trunk, Turn off the ignition, exit the vehicle, ger the siren. If all checks perform as
and is connected to that pin switch. and close the door within 60 seconds. expected, the next step is to adjust the
The last part of the installation con- Wait at least two minutes (from the sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor.
sists of connecting the power -supply time that the engine was turned off) Enter the vehicle and turn the ignition
system. First locate the auto's fuse box and then open a door. The siren should to the on position. Using a small screw-
and connect the fused, red wire to a sound after twelve seconds -just driver, adjust the control on the ultra-
constant-on, 12 -volt source. If neces- enough time for a driver to insert the sonic sensor to about the mid position.
sary, connect it to the posit ve battery key into the ignition and turn the key to Open a window enough to allow you
terminal itself. Connect the black wire the accessories position. To stop the to place your arm inside. Exit the vehi-
to chassis ground. Be sure that the siren, enter the car and turn the key. cle (within 60 seconds). After 60 sec-
point you connect to is indeed Repeat the same procedure to check onds place your arm through the open
ground -there are so many plastic
r
all covered entry points, The hood and window and move it around. Check to
see if the red LED on the ultrasonic sen-
sor flickers as you move your arm
around the interior of the car. If it does,
the siren should sound in about 12 sec-
onds. If it does not flicker, repeat the
initial adjustment procedure, this time
increasing the sensitivity, and test
again.
Once that phase of the adjustment
procedure is completed, exit the vehi-
cle, and wave your arm about the out-
side of the front and rear windows,
taking note of the sensor's red LED. The
LED on the ultrasonic sensor should not
flicker. If it does, the sensor's sensitivity is
too high and must be adjusted down-
ward. Otherwise, someone merely
passing the vehicle may be able to
trigger the siren.
96
CIRCUIT CIRCUS
(Continued from page 83) Modified SSBC Receiver. If you're
located in an area where stations are PARTS LIST FOR THE
The ZN414 designed to operate
is difficult to pick up, you might try the SSBC RECEIVER
from supply voltages of 1.2 to 1.6 volts, Modified SSBC Receiver circuit shown UI -ZN414 tuned radio -frequency
and has a recommended operating in Fig. 5. An FET RF- booster stage is amplifier, integrated circuit
voltage of 1.3. The actual voltage is connected in front of the SSBC receiver QI- 2N2222 NPN general purpose
determined by the ZN414's internal to supercharge the incoming signal. transistor
AGC action, which depends on the Two RF -tuned circuits (consisting of L1 R I- 100,000 -ohm. 1/4-watt resistor
strength of the incoming RF signal. C1 and L2 /C2) are used to add selec-
R2 -470 -ohm, 1/4-watt resistor
Resistor R4, along with Q1, simplifies tivity.
R3- I0,000-ohm, 1 -watt resistor
the job of setting the best operating The booster's gain is controlled by R7
R4- 10,001) -ohm potentiometer
voltage and provides some degree of C1-365 -pF, variable capacitor
and for best results should be kept as C2-.01 -F, ce.armic -disc capacitor
regulation. Always keep the voltage at low as possible so as not to over drive C3-0.1 F ceramic -disc capacitor
the emitter of Q1 below 2 volts, so as not the input circuitry of the ZN414. The C4 -47 -F 16-WVDC, electrolytic
to damage the IC. small trimmer capacitor, C5, provides capacitor
C5-100-AF, 16 -WVDC, electrolytic
R3
10K
capacitor
+9V
LI- See text
Printed-circuit or peel:card materials,
enclosure, IC sockets, pins, short
pull -up antenna. high- impedance
SHORT
ANT
headphones (2.000 -ohm or better), 9-
volt battery and battery holder, wire,
solder, hardware. etc
- hardware, etc
T
C6
b / 3 C9
Note: The ZN414 tuned radio- frequency
R3 E 0.1
0.1 270S2
L3'
C3
(TRF) amplifier is available from DC
E 0 -365pF Electronics, PO Boat 3203, Scottsdale,
AZ 85257, and Circuit Specialists.
EARTH
PO Box 3047, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.
GROUND R6
100K
C8 011 RF coupling between the two tuned
'SEE TEXT 0.01 7.47 input stages to sharper -he selectivity
AUDIO OUT of the booster circuit
Fig. 5 -This is a modified version of the .SSBC Receiver. A booster .stage is con- The receiver can be used to drive an
nected in front of the ZN414 receiver to .supercharge the incoming signal. and external power amplifier or a pair of
Am RE tuner/ circuits are added to increase selectivity. high -impedance headphones
99
E-Z MATH Therefore, b. Current 12 flows through resistor R4,
(Continued from page 95) then divides, with some of the current
I.,; =R2 =12 mA flowing in resistors R1 and R2 and the
voltage across the capacitor will con- d. Remove short between A and B. remainder in resistor R3. Since:
tinue to rise until the power supply lim- e. Short the voltage source. RI +R2 =20 ohms.
itations are exceeded. Usually a f. Calculate resistance between A and
transistor switch Q2 is connected B. That is RN: and
across the capacitor to discharge it RN= R2R31(R2 +R3) R3 = 20 ohms
prior to that point being reached. A RN = 1000(151X)) /(I000 + 15(X)) 12divides equally with 3.5 A in each
square wave used to drive Q (see Fig. RN = 1,500,000/2,500= 6(X1 ohms branch including R3:
19B) produces a sawtooth output
waveform, as shown in Fig. 190. By The Norton's equivalent is shown in Fig. Ik, =3.5 A
using two current sources, one positive 20. c. Replace I,.
and one negative, triangular waves d. Remove 12.
can also be developed. e. I, flows in R1 and through the com-
bination of R2 + R3. The total resistance
L
of the circuit is R1 in parallel with R2 and
Solutions to Exercises 275x2 R3 in series. Resistor R4 is effectively out
1. IN -12 mA. RN 6(H) Ohms. of the circuit, so:
See Fig. 20. R2 +R3= I0 +20 =30 ohms
R.1.= 10(30);(10 +30)
Vg. 21. The Norton's equivalent to = 3(0/40 = 7.5 ohms
problem 3 looks like this.
f.I, produces 4 A in 7.5 ohms. That
ALL YOU NEED to know about electronics electronics? Do it the easy way by studying
from transistor packaging to substitution and the Electronics Fact Cards. Do you travel to
H12-88
FACTCARDS -Facts at your fingertips for
Experimenters and Project Builders!
Please send one copy of FACTCARDS at $3.50. Shipping $1.00 (U.S. and Canada only).
Please send copies of FACTCARDS. Total cost is sum of copy price and First Class
postage and handling cost multiplied by number of card sets ordered. matena. to arrive
Allow b H weeks for the
Please pent
1 oo
ISOLATE YOURSELF
(Continued from page 73)
and a locknut and grounding lug used
to secure the ground leads from the
sockets to the chassis. Use either a pop in
rivet or an aircraft grade or locking nut VAC
12
I SAp.12
MPPE
S\m\\e.
vgE
Pa\`asoG
Moa`4aH, Pd 6
h\9c\de\s P\s koa\ky
PQ `\os \aYba p1 a
p1p\9 assee
ech12hst\0\,
`)
t\c\;ep\9\\a\
A.cyou can see. the tran.c/in'nter is the
\o ee\ coKG 2
i9\a tea\J D
project. Since the cabinet huddles the 0\\
vo\ce ZO
other parts around it. insulate well.
This pro /i's.cionul isolator allows csse\keF\\o\sheCOi- \d
a technician h' .t elect the output
Ga
PHOpE p pN S e r
done for use overseas where 230 VAC
volta,,' ' /or the device tattler test. ao\oma .
is common, or in specific applications cabs \o S\a q
scooec\s\eco\de\
in the USA where 240 VAC is ordinarily RecO\d \\\\ed Z1 Eo
P
sta\e d \aPe hone \S \cc
used. That does require a more power-
g ahe hag oP
ful transformer than the one listed, so
pay attention to the specifications of
the one you select.
ack\d he
<ec0
StoO S V \ne
uS '
Pd\he1
\
.1 .
,
_
SP1 Special Projects #1 (Winter 1980) $6.00 I 1
REPRINT
BOOKSTORE
106 Radio -Electronics back issues (1986) .. $3.75
the morning."
Tesla's attachment to the Martian hy-
pothesis in the short run fueled contro-
versy and notoriety from admirers and
vehement anger from competitors
SP4 Special Projects #4 (Summer 1982) $6.00 Write in issues desired
SP5 Special Projects #5 (Winter 1983) $6.00 L 1 105 Radio- Electronics back issues (1985) .. $4.25 and critics. However, in the long run,
SP6 Special Projects #6 (Spring 1983) $6.00 (Jan. 85 not available) those spectacular claims only served
SP7 Special Projects #7 (Summer 1983) $6.00 Write in issues desired to undermine the inventor's credibility
iJ Radio -Electronics back issues (1984) .. $5.25
SP8 Special Projects #8 (Fall 1983) $6.00 104
and make it more difficult for him to
SP9 Special Projects #9 (Winter 1984) $6.00 (December 1984 issue is not available)
SP10 Special Projects #10 (Spring 1984) $6.00 Write in issues desired raise the necessary capital for his quite
111 Hands -On Electronics #1 $5.00 (1 103 Radio -Electronics back issues (1983)....$5.50 serious inventions in the wireless tele-
112 Hands -On Electronics #2 $5.00 (Jan., Feb.. May are not available) graphy of light, voice, pictures, and
113 Hands -On Electronics #3 $5.00 Write in issues desired
power, a project which even to this
114 Hands -On Electronics #4 $5.00 L7 102 Radio -Electronics back issues (1982) $5.75
date has yet to be realized. Eventually
.
102
SLAVE FLASH TRIGGER strobe, switch it on, and check that the
(Continued from page 59) flash gun fires whenever the primary
PLANS
the plug is positive; it goes to the Finally, here's a rather unusual ap- Build Yourself -
All Parts Available In Stock
LC7- BURNING CUTTING CO LASER 520.00
anode of the SCR. plication for your Slave -Flash Trigger. If RUB4- PORTABLE LASER RAY PISTOL 520.00
TCC1-
Finish up the project by placing rub- you have a motor -drive camera, you 1061-
3 SEPARATE TESLA COIL PLANS TO
ION RAY GUN
1 5 MEV 525.00
510.00
ber feet on the bottom of the case. If will probably find that the unit will trig- GRAl-
EMU-
GRAVITY GENERATOR
ELECTRO MAGNET COIL GUNLAUNCHER
510.00
56.00
you like, you can add decals or press - ger that as well (depends on the motor KITS
type to dress up the unit. drive). That means that you can set a With All Necessary Plans
MFT3I- FM VOICE TRANSMITTER 3 MI RANGE 549.50
motor driven camera up some dis- VWPM7K- TELEPHONE TRANSMITTER 3 MI RANGE 539 50
BTC31.- 250.000 VOLT 1014- SPARK TESLA COIL .5249.50
Firing it up! To test the unit, simply tance away and trigger it by setting off LHC2I- SIMULATED MULTICOLOR LASER $44.50
BLS1K- 100.000 WATT BLASTER DEFENSE DEVICE
connect it to a flash gun or electronic a flash. nu- 100,000 VOLT 20' AFFECTIVE
569 50
ASSEMBLED
With All Necessary Instructions
BTC10- 50.000 VOLT-WORLD'S SMALLEST TESLA COIL S54.50
19h40 -1MW HeNe VISIBLE RED LASER GUN _ - $249 50
T130 -AUTO TELEPHONE RECORDING DEVICE S24 50
GVP10- SEE IN TOTAL DARKNESS IR VIEWER S349.50
LIST10- SNOOPER PHONE INFINITY TRANSMITTER $169 50
IPG70- INVISIBLE PAIN FIELD
GENERATOR MUTLI MODE 574.50
CATALOG CONTAINING DESCRIPTIONS OF ABOVE PLUS
HUNDREDS MORE AVAILABLE FOR $1 00 OR USE OUR
PHONE FOR "ORDERS ONLY 603- 673 -4730
INFORMATION UNLIMITED
P.O. BOX 716 DEPT. HO AMHERST. NH 03031
The board for the Slave -Flush Trigger .should take only u /i'1c minutes to assemble. IF YOU HAVEN T SEEN THE FREE MARK V ELECTRONICS
CATALOG, HURRY UPI YOU'LL FIND EVERYTHING
no natter which version you choose to build. The printed- eircn /t version SUITABLE AND ESSENTIAL FOR FACTORIES, SCHOOLS,
PROFESSIONALS AND ENTHUSIASTIC AMATEURS. OVER
is at the left, und the Verobourd version is shown ut the right. Plro(oirotnsismr 60'S OF ASSEMBLES AND KITS WITH DIFFERENT LEVEL
Ql must be clipped into an LED bezel ut une end nl'the case so it can be e.tposed to light. OF DIFFICULTY FOR KIT ASSEMBLY
ROLLER,BATTERYFLUORESCENTLIGHT
DRIVER, AND MORE.
THINK TANK Electronic Metronome. Last year, I
INTERMEDIATE 4'S D. P M., 0 -50V 3A POWER SUPPLY.
(Continued from page 27) didn't even know what a Stradavarius 120W MOSF ET POWER AMP. AND
MORE
was. Then my young daughter decid- PROFESSIONALS. I.2GH2 FRED. COUNTER, 300W HO
pulses from U1 is odd or even. That, of ed she wanted to learn to play a violin AMP.. 46BOW 4 CHANNEL PRO. COLOR
LIGHT CONTROLLER, AND MORE
course, is randomly generated. so she could join the school orchestra. I
ANYWAY, THE SELECTION IS INCREDIBLE. THE VALUES
The two outputs (heads and tails) think she had her eye on a skinny kid ARE EVEN BETTER. AFTER ALL, ASK FOR YOUR OWN
are driven from the outputs of U2. The who played trumpet. So, being a du-
COPY TODAY AND YOU'LL HAVE MORE THAN A CATALOG.
MORE THAN A REFERENCE.
output LED's are lit when the corre- tiful parent, shelled out the bucks for
I
The circuit is best driven by batteries, Then had to start paying for the
I NAME
and requires a 5 -volt supply. Three 1.5- weekly visits of her violin teacher, ADDRESS
volt cells (the equivalent of 4.5 volts) and-do you know how much a plush - CITY STATE ZIP
will just barely drive the circuit, so you lined violin case costs? gritted my
I
may want to include the voltage reg- teeth and paid, and paid, and paid. MARK V ELECTRONICS, INC.
8019 E. SLAUSON AVE, MONTEBELLO, CA 90640.
ulator offered, to drive the circuit from Last week she demanded a metro- FAX: (213) 888 -1029
a 6- or 9 -volt battery. nome. Instead of a mahogany pyra-
-Bill Quinn, Philadelphia, PA mid with a back -and -forth waving
OFFICE H')UR,;
NON. FRI 930 to500
IU TIME)
SAT 10.00 To5.00 --
Nice circuit; your book is headed baton, built this electronic version. INFORMATION: (213) 888.8988
I
We accept MasterCard and Visa for payment of orders. If you wish to use your credit card to pay for your ad fill
SPEAKERS - Subwoofers. Woofers. Midranges. in the following additional information (Sorry, no telephone orders can be accepted.):
Tweeters for auto, home. MI. Commercial applica-
tions 88 Page color catalog -$2 00. Amplifiers. Mi-
crophones. DJ Equipment. McGEE RADIO, 1901
McGee. Kansas City. MO 64108.
-hardware, Card Number Expiration Date
VIDEOCIPHER II Manuals. Volume 1
104
MANUFACTURE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN
RADAR SPEED GUNS AND SYSTEMS.
YOUR home for the Army, Navy, Air Force and
NASA Will supply plan. Inexpensive easy to build ADVERTISING INDEX
equipment. Government pays $4000. Cost you HANDS -ON ELECTRONICS magazine
$900. PROFIT $3.100. Send $10 to: SUB-
CONTRACT R & D, 136 -31 222 St. Laurelton, NY does not assume any responsibility for
DEP REE 11483. errors that may appear in the index below.
105
ANTIQUE RADIO that should be of interest, including THINK TANK
(Continued from page 89) precision and special-purpose tools, (Continued from page 103)
As the catalog business grew, the polishes, and lubricants. Minimum
radio repair and sales business was order is $15.00.
dropped -and today the Fathauers Recently, received an updated fly-
I
concentrate their efforts solely on lo- er from Don Diers (4276 North 50th St.,
NOTE
cating and producing parts for those Milwaukee, WI 53216- 1313). Don is a B DIRECT
interested in radio restoration. They Hands -on Electronics /Popular COUPLING
now employ seven people and oper- Electronics reader who was stimulat-
ate out of a 4500 square foot office/ ed to enter the electronics -surplus
warehouse facility. business by reading this column. The
The 1988 catalog that A.E.S. en- four-page flier lists a wide array of tube
closed with my order has a beautiful types and interesting "odd -lot" items,
C2
color picture of an Atwater Kent many of them antique. Don's chatty, 0.1
breadboard set on the cover. And the personal catalog descriptions are fun
23 attractively -laid -out pages inside to read. Send him an S.A.S.E. to get a
are filled with items targeted to ap- copy for yourself.
Fig. 8-This Electronic Metrono ne, using
peal to antique -radio restorers and en-
a 555 oscillator/timer, provides IO- to
thusiasts. The catalog lists over 1600 Another Philco Mystery. Last month,
40 -beats per minute.
tube types, as well as parts such as we mentioned some pictures of Larry
transformers, chokes, coils, resistors, Lovell's mysterious Philco gadget and The electronic metronome shown in
capacitors, tube sockets and just asked reader's opinions about what it Fig. 8 provides a suitable click, with the
about any other component you might be. That issue hasn't been pub- 555 serving as an oscillator, providing
could think of. lished yet, so don't have any corn -
I 10- to 40 -beats per minute. The fre-
Certain key parts of wide interest to ments to report. However, thought it
I quency is controlled by R3.
restorers, but unavailable through nor- might be fun to follow up on Larry's If you want to go to the trouble, give
mal channels, are available through Philco mystery with an interesting one the speaker cone a couple of coats of
that company as reproductions-in - of my own (my mystery item is shown in polyurethane varnish. That will improve
cluding power transformers with 2.5- a photo that appears on page 89.) the tone so that it can't be told from a
volt heater windings; dial belts; Zenith The small, highly- chromed device clockwork version. Just don't get any of
dial glasses and pointers; Philco dial bears a prominent Philco logo and the varnish into the coil section.
scales and push buttons; grille cloth; looks to all the world like a miniature -Maxwell Smith, Salem, OR
and other items too numerous to men- speaker for an antique radio. (I've in-
tion. Write or call A.E.S. for a copy of cluded a pencil in the photo for size AUTO ALARM
their useful and interesting catalog reference.) A piece of ordinary rubber (Continued from page 96)
(688 W. First St., Tempe, AZ 85281; Tel. zip -cord comes through a grommet on
602/894- 9503). There is a minimum the back panel, which also bears a all windows) within 60 seconds of turn-
order for mail sales, which is $10.00. slide switch labeled ON and OFF. Inside ing off the ignition. To disarm the sys-
Prior to finding my Zenith dial glass the mystery device is what appears to tem, simply turn on the ignition switch
at A.E.S., was beating the bushes for
I be an ordinary permanent magnet within 12 seconds of opening any cov-
clock -parts suppliers who might have (PM) speaker heavily damped with a ered entry point.
crystals that would fit. In this day of filler that looks like some form of cotton Pressing the green valet button while
disposable battery clocks, such sup- or glass wool. the engine is running allows you to by-
pliers aren't exactly common. But one spotted this device under a table at
I pass the alarm if for some reason more
that did locate suggested that try a
I I a swap meet a couple of years ago, than 60 seconds is needed to exit the
mail -order firm called Timesavers (Box and wondered what it was for quite vehicle or to complete some task. For
469, Algonquin, IL 60102; phone (312) a while-was it an extension speak- example, when removing groceries
658- 2266). Timesavers charges $2.00 er?... tweeter ?... display item ?, etc. from a passenger seat, or perhaps
for their catalog, but it's a browser's However, now know what it really is
I
when adding fluids to the brake or
delight. In my opinion, it is well worth (none of the above). Here's a hint: I transmission reservoirs.
the money even if you don't buy a discovered the answer by accident The red button on the VALET /PANIC
thing. while was thumbing through the Phi-
I switch is the PANIC button, which should
If you need an oddball -size dial lco section of Morgan McMahon's only be depressed when you want to
glass however, you certainly ought to popular book, A Flick of the Switch. I'm summon immediate assistance. The
be able to find it here. About 90 dif- going to let you have the fun of dis- alarm need not be armed at the time
ferent sizes of convex glasses, ranging covering it, too. But even with that hint, of activation. To stop the siren, press
from 2 to 8 -1/2 inches (my Zenith size) in you're going to need sharp eyes! the panic button again. The final stan-
diameter, are listed. And over most of Those who figure out the answer, or dard feature of the system is an auto-
that range, sizes are available in 1/16- even send me a good, creative guess, matic reset function. If the alarm is
inch increments. In addition to an in- will receive full recognition in the col- triggered after having been armed, it
credible array of modern and archaic umn. Write to Marc Ellis, Popular Elec- will automatically reset -turn off the si-
clock parts, the 80 -page (profusely il- tronics, 500 -B Bi-County Blvd., Farm- ren and re -arm itself -after 60 -sec-
lustrated) catalog shows many items ingdale, NY 11735. onds of sounding.
106
___
Cr'CYC it Z G 1- 800 -344 -4539
LC O R P O R A T I O N I /AK, Puerto Run 219691661E Talas 6162791/ FAX :I9 SRI I An TWO 9101506997 DICI KEY CORP /
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
lv. ME 1 AL 0410E FILM RESISTORS
)EM TT. NUM TTL
TO
Poso
......h
EI
.
:m7 f; Eli
140/424
TS
007 22 222
AIM
22 72
2.314
S2 PASS, IO Al :2 122
j: IAMOI
5.5. WIRE WOUND REC. RESISTORS
2066
TO IS
IT A 04
im ....
Igt
7.0
A :a 2160
on 4SIOTT
.41100,
442802. .52 IP NO IS sous WS SO
VocOos
PAMASOMC V UNES
5.7
h )T
206 I, 77
A0101110401001PA Arr..
o
6% METAL MOOS F9W STOMI
13 U
RlYrlse
70 10 Nq 44,0
11,
a2 43.77,7
I AI
Ar
3
CV
rat'
40 co
41.0
0011
44. .sr.w i
EMCMOS O saa
44. 74010
CMS
ono PT
MOW SAO
No Poni
TIIAMMO.IRMRS
n MCA 416
if
um,/ ey. nimm
11001 .4* WOW
MA
0
0
0 OM
0 2A
74474 r~61~
MO o
17036
2 32
PANASOMC S.SERIES
Sm TTL IOWA W
rim rpm trTw.
WO 10
co
MO 0
MAI 00
03
NN p
olo
.100
77 IA QUARTI CRYSTALS
MIASMIC
rr.n..wan
70004
y 0006 ,s moo
y AMA
41: 131006
ai_.._.. 670
1673007
AAA
24
AO
1w5INMv
: 1
wiT.h gt
PANASONIC OPTOELECTRONICS
SOSIN
SPA 33 SI
sog
10 0100 3A
TM
63 tr
MN SIN s
SAM
Ts 7
3360 36 A P030
0113 1 I ASS 233
Sift 10 TS A
TOO TO
VOW SI .(raw
s ap uIK
oTo ors
IheOYt nod, u...orrnlw.rr.u.hwlpwasan9rr..N.es Mawr man elMUS Lee t.n inn l.Larnlwa.Elua vane teamed IMmrnn...
MOIeEO.wqMr.pTrvrb. AlMVarrpsau.oM..IMMrMMRKOOnYlmm.m NSS.neww..
crrli M and
W. pes M`eon4 w. ew.raac. ro mws n Mw U S A. Canada and Memo when IAA p mo.es pm. wunpwrR.unw Dy X.slmrs
.aMSlMwave.Oe.aen. toMnwrdolw . SERVICE CHARGES VOLUME DISCOUNT
Vors y..s^...n.rn..
am
u...m^.LrS QM I 00019999
r
...wr. CwraM. end Manca AaaW a 5 0.01- 11.10 Abe NET
elaMVrwl.,.
wr h.
MN NOEMSI IT NMS. CALL I 9M 744 6579 At 5M III NI 4420. SI NAI SESO VON OSNS TS: MMMT. P.S. IM UT. TAM bow EER.,
l marne. onw MNM CIMSr VISA p C O D OMER(9IIEARA0/N: A ha.eM burn Oy
IOnml a.n.,.r9nMM.a den awnon a....e '1IIIICII/156MCTITECIMM wr7r.cVFaYOORtf.`
r r. Ras pM pos. h.Iw.M.n ou.
MTS5
Al M..IA..n u rode.
S
S
S
N.MIM.N
211.53440.
N.58-MS.N
SSM.MUp
AA55.75
Add
Amr
NRCIr1.
NM I
Ma
1
1
100 00 $249 99
250 00 1499 99
500 00 5999 99
$1000A Up
.
less
les.
I.
Loss
10
IS
ass 20-
75
pion
threatening weather VCRs, computers. test instruments, as well as our
approaches. In addition, tl,e new high -tech audio line.
ID -5001 is the only weather
instrument known which The ID-5001 and all our other fine electronic
automatically averages products can be found in our FREE Heathkit catalog.
wind speed and direction For your copy, call 24 hours a day TOLL FREE:
to FAA /NWS standards
and gives true values for
wind speed and wind
1- 800 -44 -HEATH
Includes precision w mi
sensor assembly. direction. (1-800--1-t-1-328-1)
Heath Company
._