THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR RECREATIONAL ELECTRONICS

October 1990 e.00 us

CANADA $4 00

Medium Power Audio Amplifier

Digital Car Engine Lock
400W Lab Power Supply
Microprocessor Telephone PBX
UHF TV Preamplifier
Guitar Tuner

WorldRadioHistory
u

Radio Shack Parts Place"

YOUR SOURCE FOR PROJECT AND REPAIR ELECTRONICS
Try Our Special-Order "Hotline" Battery Special-Order Service
ICs, Crystals, Tubes, Much More

Your Radio Shack store manager can

I
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cessories from our main warehouse. Over 71
2 volt
/
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cuum tubes. ICs, microprocessors, phono
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and computers, even SAMS Photofactse Hundreds of Types Available
manuals. Best of all, there are no handling In addition to our large in-store stock, Radio Shack can now supply almost
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near you and we notify you when it arrives. are sent from our main warehouse to the Radio Shack near you. We notify
Delivery time for most items is about aweek. you when they arrive and there's no postage or handling charge.

Infrared Module Neater Wiring Tantalum Caps "Snap" RFI Choke

(1) /// fumametec5,44,e '
(2)
Complete,
Easy-to-Use
IR Detector High capacitance in atiny size.
III (
3)
MF WVDC Cat. No. Each
(1) Heat-Shrink Tubing. tt6 10 '12" 0.1 35 272-1432 .59
Heart of a remote-control project! sizes. #278-1627 Pkg. of 7/1.79 0.47 35 272-1433 .59
Combines detector, limiter, band- Snap-Together Toroid Cores. Effective
(2) Cable Tie/Markers For cables up to 1.0 35 272-1434 .59 "roadblock" to radio-frequency interfer-
bass, demod, integrator and com- We dia. #278-1648 .. Pkg. of 10/2.49 2.2 35 272-1435 .69 ence. Just wind on AC, phone, computer,
parator in a compact 3-lead (3) Wire Markers. 630 "peel and stick" 10 16 272-1436 .79 coax or audio cable, then snap choke
module. #276-137 3 49 characters #278-1650 Set/1.79 22 16 272-1437 1.19
together. #273-104 Set of 2/7.95

Resistance Items Shielded D-Sub Hoods "Ding -Dong" Chime Rod Antennas
(1) (2) (1) (2)
-t Great •
Entry
Alerter
(3)
For projects or replacing damaged an-
(1) 15-Turn Trimmers. 1k, #271-342. Fig. Description Cat. No. Each This IC and mini-speaker combo tennas on cordless handsets and bases,
has a pleasant chime output and walkie-talkies and radios. We have over
10k, #271-343. 20k #271-340, Each 1.49
adozen styles in stock. For example:
(2) Precision Thermistor. Resistance 1 9-Position Metal 276-1508 2.19 it's ideal for acustomer-entry alert,
changes in proportion to temperature. 25-Position Metal 276-1510 2.79 doorbell or event indicator. Oper- Sections Extended Cat. No. Each
-5010 +110 . C. #271-110 199 2 9-Pos. Metalized 276-1513 1.49 ates from 6to 18 VDC. Produces 80 5 13" 270-1407 2.79
(3) Color-Code Decoder. 25 -Pos. Metalized 276-1536 1.99
dB sound pressure at 12 VDC. 5" 6 17 3/
4" 270-1409 2.59
#271-1210 79e leads #273-071 8 99 4 34 3
4 "
/ 270-1402 379

TNC and Mini-UHF Connectors Solderless IDC-Type Connectors

(1) (2) (
5) (
6) (
7) (1) (2) (4) (
5)
(
3)

I
111111t wow«
1) TNC Twist-On Male for RG-58 Ca- W-4
ble. #278-140 199 (5) Minl-UHF Double-Female. Joins two Fig. Description Cat. No. Each
male mini-UHFs. #278-172 2 49 1 25-Position D-Sub Male 276-1559 3.99
(2) TNC Double-Female. #278-142,1.99
(6) Mini-UHF T Adapter. Female-male- 2 25-Position D-Sub Female 276-1565 3.99
Fig. Accepts Fits TNC Cat. No Each female power divider. #278-173 ... 3.99 3 34-Position Header 276-1525 2.49
3 PL- 259 Female 278-118 3.49 4 36-Position Male Printer Connector 276-1533 4.99
(7) UHF Adapter. Accepts PL-259. Fits
4 BNC Male Female 278-145 4.99 5 34-Position Card-Edge Connector 276-1564 1.99
female Mini-UHF #278-174 3 99

e , Electronic Foldup Autoranging DVM Dual-Power Soldering Iron

Select the function and
Counter this precision Micronta''
meter sets the range. Has
e Module automatic power-off when
shut, detented hinge for
Prewired! Great for a traffic or event counter. best viewing angle. Mea-
Go from 15 to 30 watts with the flick of aswitch.
Counts up to 99,999. Advanced (or reset) by sures to 1000 VDC, 500
Has replaceable tip. 81/4" long. UL listed AC.
external switch cfosure or digital circuit. Ac- VAC, 10A AC/DC. 2 meg-
#64-2055 9 49
cepts count rate up to 7 Hz. Has 1/ 2" liquid ohms resistance. Re-
crystal display. Requires "AA" battery. With quires 2 "AA" batteries. Replacement Tip. 464-2065 119
data. #277-302 16.95 #22-193 69.95 Chisel Tip. 464-2056 119

Since 1921 Radio Shack has been the place to obtain up-to-date electronic parts as well as quality
Raebe /hack®
AMERICA'S
tools, test equipment and accessories. Today, with our big in-store selection and convenient
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TECHNOLOGY
Prices apply at participating Radio Shack stores and dealers. Radio Shack is adivision of Tandy Corporation STORE'

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990

October 1990

CONTENTS Volume 1
Number 1

In our next issue: EDITORIAL

• Preamp for cmos preamp
• PT100 thermometer 11 A Hand Up For Hands-On
• Digital capacitance meter
• Receiver without PSU
AUDIO & HI-FI
• Active cross-over filter for
sub-woofer 54 PROJECT: Medium Power AF Amplifier
• The miser's T/Rloop by T. Giffard
• Smoke detector 58 PROJECT: Dubbing Mixer
• 1-of-N decoder an ELV Design

ELECTROPHONICS
Front cover
Blind people will soon be 22 PROJECT: Guitar Tuner e-controlled telephone exchange
able to' read' or listen to by T. Giffard p. 16
instant digital versions of
daily newspapers if a
new system unveiled at ,GENERAL INTEREST
the Royal Institute for the 14 Negative Resistance
Blind (RNIB) in London is by Dr. Ir. A.H. Boerdijk
successful.
16 PROJECT: Microprocessor Controlled
The Institute's tech- Telephone Exchange
nology department is by A. Rigby
testing asystem that
26 In Quest of Panagram Part 1
gives blind people access by Lee C.F. Sallows
to daily news within 30 PROJECT: Speed Control For 3-Phase AC
hours of publication. At Motors by F.P. Zantis
present they must wait
38 PROJECT: Digital Car Engine Lock/Alarm
for weekly extracts on Guitar tuner -p. 22
by P.U. Mahesh
cassette tape or ask rela-
39 PROJECT: Sound Generator
tives or friends to read an ELV design
the newspaper to them.
In atrial project with
The Guardian, text is INTERMEDIATE PROJECT
transmitted over the tele-
46 Phase Meter
vision network and
by J. Bareford
received in the homes of
blind people with access
through an authorized POWER SUPPLIES
screen decoder card in a
personal computer. This 49 PROJECT: 400W Laboratory Power Supply
allows them to 'read' the by G. Boddington
latest news with the use
of aspeech synthesizer, RADIO & TELEVISION
as shown, or atransient Dubbing mixer -p. 58
braille display. The latter 35 PROJECT: S-VHS/CVBS-to-RGB Converter Pt. 1
option is particularly use- by H. Reelsen
ful to deaf-blind people 44 PROJECT: Tuned UHF TV Preamplifier
whose access to any kind Based On A Design by K. Kraus
of information is very
restricted.
TEST & MEASUREMENT
RNIB, 224 GI Portland
St, London WIN 6AA 41 NEW SERIES: Measurement Techniques
by F.P. Zantis

Copyright ,e 1990 Elektuur BV

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS LISA is publish.
ed II limes ayear at 128 per year; $50 tor two years
by Audio Amateur Publications, loc., 305 Union St, New Products 12; Readers' Forum 62; Advertisers' Index
Peterborough NH 01458 USA. Application to mail al
second class rates pending at Peterborough NH and 66; Readers' Services 61; Terms of Business 62.
an additional mailing office.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Elektor Electronics USA, Gdler Ron 876, Peter-
400-watt laboratory power supply
borough NH 03468-0876. Return Postage Guaranteed.
p. 49
WorldRadioHistory
4

ORDER IN CALIFORNIA 800-521-MARK

MARK V ELECTRONICS, INC. ORDER OUTSIDE CA 800-423-3483

FREE CATALOG & INFORMATION (213)888 -8988
Competitive Pricing *Fast Shipping Since 1985 FAX (213) 888 -6868
A indicates the level of difficulty in the assembling of our Products. A Beginner AA Intermediate AAA Advanced * Fully Assembled
Amplifier TA-3600 TA-477 TA-802 TA-1000A
+ AMPUFIERS AUBIL
Special -Metal Cabinet LG-1925 LG-1925 LG-1924 LG-1924 MODEL DESCRIPTION
Off -r + TA-001 1W Mini-Amplifier A .1 5.87 $ 8.50
Transformer #007 #003 #001 #001 TA-006 6W Mini-Amplitier • .... 7.50 9.85
Kit Set $138.60 $ 115.20 $ 91.75 $ 104.12 TA-007 12W Mini-Amplifier • .12.05 15.30
Assmb. Set $160.20 $ 130.50 $ 104.15 $ 122.92 Transformer Metal Cabinet TA-10 Stereo Pre Amp. w/Magnetic Mic. Amp. • . .. 11.25
Due to this special offer & low price, we can only exchange or repel any of these TA-28MK2 Digital Voice Memo AA .
returned units (TA-3600, TA 477, TA-802 & TA-1000A within 15 days of your receipt. TA-50A /B Multi-Purpose Melody Generator • 12.84 17.20
The above prices are for the complete sets. For separate unit price, please see aside. TA-50C Multi-Purpose Melody Generator A 13.65 18.71
TA.120MK2 35W Class A' Main Power Mono Amp. AA ....... 28.50 39.80
300 W NI-FI POWER AMPUFIER (MONO) TA-3600 AAA 120W MOSFET POWER AMPLIFIER (MONO) TA-477 AAA TA-300 30W Multi-Purpose Single Channel Am* • ....... .. 20.00 29.00
TA-302 60W Stereo Power Booster (w/case)* 70.00
The TA-3600 is an extremely high power amplifier specifically This amplifier is designed specifically for low TIM distortion. It TA-323A 30W X2Stereo Pre-main Amp. • . . 29.50 38.35
designed to reproduce the high dynamic range available on uses parallel MOSFET output transistors. This is avery popular TA-377A Hi-Duality FET Stereo Pre-Amp AAA 5995 75.00
O ,iact discs. kit because of its superior sound reproducing ability and high TA-400 40W Solid Stale Mono Amp • 28.00 34.93
It Las low noise, high stabil- power reserve. BUILD TWO KITS FOR APROFESSIONAL TA-477 120W Mosfet Power Mono Amp. AA . 68.00 85.00
TA-800 80W .80W DC Pre Main &Power Amp. AA ........ 6892 79.20
ity low listortion, extended STEREO AMP! TA-802 80W .80W DC Stereo Main Power Am* AA 4894 59.72
frequency range and high a I SPECIFICATIONS TA-820A 60W .60W OCL DC Pre-Main Stereo Amp. AA 40.39 49.37
efficeincy in a compact T. H D Less Than 0.007% • TA-1000A 100W Dynamic Class 'A' Main Power Mono Amp.•• 59.69 80.58
package.Two of these units Power output' 120 watts into 8 TA-1500 100W X2Class 'A' DC Stereo Pre-Main Amp. AAA* 73.70 95.81
ohms •Frequency response: 8 TA-2200 Pet Super Class 'A' DC Pre-Amp AAA .......... .... ..... 47.70 58.24
with appropriate power Hz to 20KHz..0-0.4 dB •Sen- •TA-2400A Electronic Echo 8, Reverberation Am* * 96.00
supplyand pre-amplifier are sitivity: IV •Power require- •TA-2500 HO Pre-Amp w/10 band graphic equalizer * 68.80
required for stereo repro- Complete kit: $79.00 ments: 55 VDC 0 3 amps. TA-2800 HI-PET IC Pre-Amp w/3 way tone control AA. 48.90 63.57
duction. Assembled 8tested: $103.00 aTA-3000 Stereo Simulator
Transformer: 842.00 Complete Kul $68.00 (For Mono TV or Any Mono Source)à• . 27.00 38.50
SPECIFICATIONS 10,000 off 80V E. Cap: 22.00
Assembled áTested $85.00 TA-3600 300W HO Hi -Fi Power Mono Amp AAA .79.00 10300
Power output 300 vans sine wave into 8ohms. 540 watts music power mt
8 ohms • Frequency response: 10Hz to 20 KHz •Total harmonic 80W 80W PURE OC STEREO MAIN POWER AMPLIFIER PASCELLAMOUS KIT AMMO.
distortion Less than D05% •Intermodulation distortion Less than 005% •TA-802 AAA TV-1A Battery Flourescent Light Driver A i50 9.50
Sensitivity 1Vms at 97K •Power requirements 60 to 75 VOC al 8amp • TV-7 Electronic Touch Switch • 820 10.20
Modern circuit design utilizes full complementary power output and
Dimensions: a* 2'/,' TY-I3 Electronic Lotto • 15 00 21.00
differential cascode input stage. DC coupling provides superb TY11A Multi-Functional Control Switch • .... 6.19 8.79
100W DYNAMIC CLASS AMAIN POWER TA-1000A AAA transient response. Aspecial output circuit guards against short 1V-12h Digital Clock w/Timer • ... 17.95 26.00
This well designed and stable amplifier features DC coupling circuits and overload operation. TV-13 Color Led Audio Level Meter • 20.15 26.20
throughout and afully complementary symmetry circuit topology. TV-14 Electronic Shock • 7.25
SPECIFICATIONS TV-18 High Precision Sound Control Switch • 10.22 14.50
It operates in class Aat low and medium levels and gradually shifts Power output 80 watts per TV-20 VShape Color Led Level Meter •• .. 21.45
to class AB operation at high levels. A pair of these amplifiers channel into 8ohms 0 TY-2313 3Channel Color Light Controller AAA* 65.00
provide 200 watts of suoer high fidelity sound reproduction. Total harmonic distortion: Less TV-25 Stereo Loudspeaker Protector • 19.85
SPECIFICATIONS than 0 at rated power TV-35 FM Wireless Microphone • 10.22
Intermodulation distortion. Less TV-36 AC/DC Quartz Digital Clock • .. . ... 19.00 26.20
Power output 100 watts into 8
than 005 .., at rated power TV-38 Sound /Touch Control Switch • 12.00
ohms. 125 watts into 4 ohms TV-41MK V Infared Remote Control Unit lw/Casel ••• 20.00 35.00
•Frequency response 10Hz to Frequency response. DC to 200
TV-42 Bar/Dot Level Meter AA 24.15 33.81
100 KHz •Total Harmonic Disto- KHz. -0 dB. -3dB. a 1watt
TY-43 3Digital Panel Meter • 29.00 38.00
non: Less than 0008% •Signal to Power requirements. 30 VAC x2 TV-45 20 Steps Bar /Dol Audio Level Display AA 38.45 46.14
noise ratio Better than 80 dB • !
'1 f a 6amp. May use Mark V TV-47 Superior Electronic Roulette AA 19.46 27.24
Sensitivity :1V •Power require' model 001 translormer
O
. SM-222 7Band HI-Fl Graphic Equalizer A A • 26.80 38.80
meats: 35 to 45 VDC 0 3 P.C. Board: 8-1/2' x5' e1-1/8" •SM-328 4Channel Professional Color Light Controller• 139.00
amp. •PCB Dimensions :538 ' Heat sink: 5-1/B e2-5/8' x3' •SM-333 AudioNideo Surround Sound Processor AAA* 62.00 70.00
o3.38 o1.2' •Heal sink: 513' Complete Kit $59.69 Complete Kit $45.94
(Each) Assembled áTested $59.72 SM-666 Dynamic Noise Reduction • 26.00 34.00
x263 3* (Each) Assembled &Tested $80.58 10.000 WI 80V Capacitor Doe-TA-3600: TA-477, TA-10000 Z. TA-802) 22 00
VIDEO/AUDIO SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR
PROFESSIONAL COLOR UGHT CONTROLLER SM-328 *
The SM-328 professional color light controller is keyboard pro- SM-333 AAA* POWER SOMAS MT MEMO.
It has inputs for VCR, Video Disc and Compact Disc and can also be
grammable for ease of use. It allows full control of intensity and TR-100A 0.15V 2A Regulated DC Power Supply (W/Case)•••* 69 50
used with FM tuners, tape decks and LP discs -in fact anything that TR-355A 0-15V 5A Regulated DC Power Simply • 14.55 20.76
flash rate. It has four separate channels with capacity of 1170
can be connected to your preamplifier. TR-3558 0-30V 30 Regulated DC Power Supply • ... 14.55 20.76
watts per channel. Total wattage capability is 4.68 killowatts. This
It also has front panel control of dynamic noise reduction DNR •. TR-503 0-50V 3A Regulated OC Power Supply •• 15.75 22 65
is equivalent to 46 pcs. 100watt ligh bulbs or 936 pcs. 5-watt
surround level, effect and time delay up to 50 milliseconds.
colored bulbs and is sufficient for the largest halls and auditori- ORMIUREMIS MT MEWL
Rear panel outputs for front and rear stereo speaker amplifiers. The
ums. SM-43 3vy Multi-Functional Led D.P.M. (w/ABS plastic casel••... 34.50 43.00
unit may be purchased as akit or fully assembled ready to plug in.
•Independent input signal control SM-48 41
/ Hi-Precision D.P.M.•••
2 38.00 48.00
SPECIFICATIONS SM-48A 41
/ Hi-Precision D.P.M. (w/APB plastic case)••• 41.20 52.00
•Professional styled control panel 2
•4independent outputs Frequency response 20 Hz to SM-49 333 Multi-Functional LCD P.M P. (w/Hold Functioni•• ... 36.00 44.50
•4independent dimmer controls 20KHz •Total harmonic distor- SM-100 150MC Digital Frequency Counter••• ... 79.00 90.130
•Chaser speed controls tion. Front channel: 0.05%, Rear C-10000 1GHz Frequency Counter * 179.00
•Automatic chaser operation
channel: Less than 0.25% •Input
•4preset Chaser programs
signal voltage 0.1 to 3.51/ •Out-
METAL CABINETS wmi ALUMINUM PANEL
•Clockwise chaser control
•Anthclockwise Omer control put Fronl channel: 0.1 to 3.5V • MODEL IraW"xlir MATCHING PRICE
•Match with any step-down Rear channel 6.60• Delay time: 5 LG-1273 3' 12' T TA-2800, TA-377A, TA-2200 322 16
transformer from 12 to 24V Ac. to 50 milliseconds •input imped- LG-1684 e 16* fr TA-323A. TA-377A, TA-2200 26 64
ance 47 K•Power requirments: LG-1924 4' 19' 11 1
/ TA-802, TA-820A, TA-1500,TA120MK 2, TA-800.
2
SPECIFICATIONS 100-120VAC.60Hz•Dimensions: TA-1000A 32 00
Assembled ITO:led:0E1i LG-1925 5' 19' 11.4 TA-477, TA-800. TA-1500. TA-10008. TA-3600 35 00
Input sensitivity (music mode) 14.2' wide. 482' deep, 2.1' high.
100m 1" (music •program) :20 • Now: $139.00 •TM OF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORP.
00-1983 2,19 8' TA-377. TA-2800, TA-2200, TA-120MK 2 28 50
Output power 1170W per channel
MAX. 4680 W total •Power re- POWER TRANSFORMERS
quirements: 105 -120 V. 60 Hz • Complete Kit: $62.00 ,
Dimensions: 14.32' wide. 9' high. MODEL DESCRIPTION MATCHING PRICE
Assembled &Tested: SfflO #001 56VCT. 60//CT 6A TA-800, TA-802. TA-820A, TA-1000A TA 1500 326 00
3.19'deep
Now: $70.00 #002 72VCT 3A TR-503, TA-323A, TA-400. TA-300 21 00
#003 80VCT 6A TA-477 27 00
ELECTRONIC ECM AND REVERBERATION AMPLIFIER TA-2400A * #004 48VCT 6A TA-120 MK 2 21 00
The TA-2400 provides controlled reverberation for special sound effects. It has variable delay and depth. Great for use with tape rocis 52VCT 3A TR-355B 15 00
#006 36VCT SA TR-355A 14 50
recorders, discos, rock bands. Features LED display. #007 112VCT 8A TA-3600 42 00
SPECIFICATIONS
CLOCKS /THERMOMETERS
Sensitivit 150 mV Input impedance: 50K Frequency response :10 Hz to 50 KHz. ±1
48 Total harmonic distortion Less than 05% Maximum input level : 2V MODEL DESCRIPTION PRICE
Signal to noise ratio :
90 dB Reverberation time .010 1.5 sec max. Output level :150 I-1 LCD Thermometer Clock w/ In-Outdoor Sensor $15 40
mV Power requirements 110 V60 Hz, 13 W Dimensions 19'W a2-3/8' Hx8-1/8' D s>4
Assembled drested' T-2 LCD Thermometer Clock mIPS CMeasurement 14 40
Now: $96.00 #8501 Parrot Talking Clock .. .......................................... 12 50
#8504 Mynah Talking Clock .......... .......... ....................... 12 50
D PLEASE SEND ME A COPY OF THE FREE CATALOG
Summer Sale for limited quantities

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ADDRESS

CITY

STATE ZIP

-a o- C. ,vc Cams tio•v r Cry, C--en' COD 0-ce, COD lee .s 55 OC 1.,1 , mom 0,0e , 520 00 •VVe shm oy UPS ground -n;.cie us 53 00 and uros, us Business & Showroom hours: iPacific Time
US Pow,. sa E
, CCID‘r .- e^0•0•0,.. ove- 2os cr•ro•elm woe, •Ai: assernored r.rS nave a30 oays *armory ,Ova•iy or vo...,easco,ioveao , e,00- mc,s, •1,1‘.= com. Mon thru Fn. 9:30 am to 5:00 pill
u -'--. ...... P- uns a-u srro,ecr rocnaeoe ru ,uuO'Or 'erce Were-u! 'rsoo"S n.e 'o- 'yuca' u' . Sat 10 00 am to 500 pm

NIARK V ELECTRONICS, INC. -8019 E. Slauson Ave, Alontebello, CA 906-10 mum rillat

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 111

SELECT 5BOOKS
BEGINNING
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Made Easy

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WorldRadioHistory
 If you had to invent anew
language, where would you begin?
Back when high quality sound reproduction was what has become known as "subjective review-
anew idea and J. Gordon Holt was astaffer at ing" but also the language with which to do it.
High Fidelity magazine, manufacturers and jour- Today. the magazine he founded has become a
nalists alike depended on the simple technical major force in audio quality judgments around the
quality tests which everyone accepted as the yard- world. And almost all the vocabulary definitions
sticks for performance. As the industry grew, are his work.
equipment got better, competition fiercer, and
technical reviewing became more crucial to sales Seldom will you have the opportunity to purchase
managers. Before long. J. Gordon began to realize areference work backed by so much primary
that reviewing was becoming more and more ac- research and experience. Few reviewers have
commodating. and where the reviewers con- spent more time and energy in an honest search
tinued to rely on the standard tests, the measure- for adefined, factual account of what matters in
ment data began to look more and more alike. good sound reproduction techniques. In audio
equipment reviewing. J. Gordon Holt is not only
Finally, in frustration, Holt left Great Barrington apioneer but amaster.
and headed for home in Pennsylvania where he
founded Stereophile magazine in the spare room THE AUDIO GLOSSARY is the first publication
of his mother's house. He became convinced that of not only avocabulary for sound description.
although equipment tests and measurements but also acomprehensive overview of over 1.900
were important, they no longer accounted for the audio terms: technical and subjective. Your copy
differences he could hear. Two devices could is waiting—at your favorite dealer—or order direct

, .„
easily measure the same and yet sound quite using the coupon below.
different.
Holt abhorred the tendency of the larger maga-
zines to depend almost entirely on measurements.

etoibio
which he saw as asafe way to review without

L_ssA er
disturbing the manufacturer with any bad news. DEALER
Not only that, he realized that not one of the US INQUIRIES
INVITED
audio publications was publishing reviews that
were critical of equipment. In fact, in some cases
they were ignoring some flaws.
However, if the reviewer wishes to review how
equipment sounds, he faces asevere problem.
Our sense of hearing has the smallest vocabulary
of any of our five senses. Thus, Gordon faced the
difficulty of describing sound differences with all
too few words with which to do it. He not only
had to invent the techniques and disciplines of

YES! Please send me The Audio Glossary!

TOTAL CKIMO enclosed MC VISA

Softbound BKAA-7/S (a $9.95

NAME
Hardbound wl dust jacket BKAA-711-1 @ $17.95
_Autographed Limited Edition BKAA-71 @ $30 $_ STREET & NO

Please add $1.75 shipping for first book. 50(t each midi $_____ CITY STATE ZIP

TOTAL ORDER $ MCNISA EXP

OLD COLONY SOUND LAB

PO Box 243, Dept. E90
Peterborough, NH 03458-0243 USA

(603) 924-6371 I924-6526 /FAX: (603) 924-9467

Answering machine for credit card orders only: (603) 924-6371 before 9:00 a.m., after 4:00 p.m., and weekends.
Have information plus MC/VISA available.

•also available at your favorite audio dealer •

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990

uPER FHKEL VIN Electronics

INDUSTRIAL
AT DISCOUNTQ PRICES
UALITY
I
BREADBOARDS FOR LESS! PRO 400 The Professionals'Choice SOLDERING EQUIPMENT
DURABLE - MADE OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY with 20MHz FREQUENCY COUNTER excellent for WELLER --
PLASTIC - DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THOUSANDS COMPUTER, TV, VCR REPAIR and ENGINEERING.
OF INSERTION CYCLES
MARKSMAN
YOU CANT SOLDERING GUN Irmm '
L GO WRONG! Model SP23
Featherweight 1-3/4 oz., 25 watts for PC work. Ideal for
t_ MONEY BACK :11»i reaching into those hard to get spots. Replaceable tip.
Stock No. YOUR COST 6+
L e. GUARMTEE! 810002 $8.55 ea $7.95 ea 0%,

i
CI LOGIC TEST et SOLDERING 4 ,
• DIODE CHECK
111' 0 CONTINUITY TESTER II IRON HOLDER
i
t- • 5 FREQUENCY RANGES 1 »...7
.
te.' •
.
-... .
Model PH60
['TRANSISTOR hFE TEST Soldering stand with base, sponge.
e- -. For W6OP. WP25P, WP4OP, and irons with barrel diameters
• 5CAPACITANCE RANGES
Contact YOUR I""..'.. up to 15/32".
CI LED TEST VERIFY
Fin. Stock No. Points COST A .' • • Stock No. Description YOUR COST 6+
•20MHz F R E 0 cousrEs 2_»,». .-.,.‘,.7 81 0041 PH60 Stand $13.78 ea $1 3.09 ea
$ 4.25 ea
. ,
A 680093 500 0
• AC/DC VOLTAGE RANGES f7_.
,.--....
nt7
a Ur' .- 81 0042 Replacement
B 680097 840 $ 5.95 ea zAC/DC CURRENT RANGES (Iti.7r ' :4,;;•;.;1; › 1.89
69 95
Sponge $ ea $ 1.80 ea
C 680098 1380 $11.75 ea qB
Ast-
o t
,(:).±,-* KESTER SOLDER
•
D $15.75 ea
Y Il se
680099 1580 Durable, ,t, V. _ t-
.. , f RESIN CORE SOLDERS 1 LB. ROLL
Back Stand Stock No. 990092 Non -
Corrostve Flux Restn Core
IRE JUMPER KIT «ELVIN PRID.100
Stock No. Inch Dia. GA. Type YOUR COST
i-m rwith Quick test sockets and bus strips PROTECT VE CARRY CASE 580010 1/64" .025 23 63/37 $11.95 ea
.tock No. Description Points YOUR COST Stock No. 990094 $9.95 ea 580005 1/32" .031 21 60/40 $9.95 ea
580001 1/16" .062 16 60/40 $8.95 ea
130290 .. 350 Piece Set $ 7.75 ea. 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! 580011 3/32" .093 13 60/50 $11.75 ea

KELVIN 100
WE STOCK
Stock No. e23 95
990087 A COMPLETE LINE OF FUSES
AC/DC VOLTAGE FAST ACTING -SLO-BLO TYPE -PIGTAIL
DC CURRENT
RESISTANCE
DIODE TEST
BATTERY TEST 3AG FUSE BLOCK
LOW BATTERY Warning Black laminated phenolic. 1/2' wide
ACCURACY .1- 0.5% 17/8' long. For 1/4" x 11/4"
long fuses. Solder lug connections.
KELVIN 150 Stock No. YOUR COST
380030 $ .45 ea
Stock No.
990090 $29 95
KELVIN
FEATURES
BONE DIGIT TRUE HEXADECIMAL
DISPLAY WITH BUILT IN LOGIC
THE AC/DC VOLTAGE
DC CURRENT
FUSE MOUNTING
LD T BLOCK
(MEMORY. DECODER. DRIVERS) RESISTANCE
FULL ALPHA CHARACTERS e T" DIODE di BATTERY TEST
IITWO INDEPENDENT CLOCKS LOW BATTERY Warning Dual fuse block 21/4" x1" long. Black
USER ADJUSTABLE FREQUENCY
& DUTY CYCLES Laptop ACCURACY y.. 0.5%
CONTINUITY TEST
YOU CAN'T
bakelite base. For 1/4' x1ve fuses.
Mounting centers 5/8' (15.8mm).
BBREADBOARD:500 PT PROTO- TRANSISTOR CHECK Stock No. YOUR COST
TYPE AREA W TWO POWER
DISTRIBUTION BUSSES IOW VCCI
Digital KELVIN 200 GO WRONG! 380010 $ .62 ea
Trainer 39
B4 DATA BIT SWITCHES
BMOMENTARY PUSH BUTTON Stock No. $ 95
SWITCH (SPOT)
990091
30 DAY FUSE POST
B4 LED DISPLAYS w IC DRIVERS
BPOWER SUPPLY: WALL PLUG-IN ONLY AC/DC VOLTAGE MONEY BACK TYPE HKP
TYPE. U.L. LISTED
•VOLTAGE REG:.5 VOLTS,
AC/DC CURRENT
RESISTANCE DIODE TEST
GUARANTEE! Bayonet type. 23/16'L for 1/4" x11/4"
fuses. 15 Ampere 250V. Panel hole
SHORT CIR. OVERLOAD PROTECT
WHOOK-UP WIRES
$89 . 95 LOW BATTERY Warning size 1/2' (12.7mm). Complete with
ACCURACY v 0.5% mounting nut.
BCOMPACT CARRYING CAS,ç CONTINUITY TEST/BUZZER CARRYING CASE Stock No. YOUR COST
BINSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR TRANSISTOR CHECKER Stock No. 990093
BEGINNER TO ADVANCED USERS Stock No. 840460 CAPACITANCE CHECKER $4.95 ea 380001 $ .90 ea
MADE WITH PRIDE IN THE USA

TIMER -LM555 LAPEL MICROPHONE KELVIN BRAND

Stock No. 850306 HI-SPEED, HI-QUALITY
Stock No. 600021
YOUR COST $2.95 ea n. PRINTED CIRCUIT ETCHANT
Ready-to-use solution of ferric chloride

20 e ea. (in '00+ QM CADMIUM SELENIDE

printed circuit etchant in plastic container.
Stock No.
440017
SPECIAL BUY
$ 6.25
PHOTO CELL Per gallon
L.E.D. RED (in 100+ Oty) 450 ohms @ 2ft., C minimum dark resistance 225 ohms KELVIN BRAND
Man voltage 170V peak. Peaks at 6900 angstroms. HI-SPEED DRY
Stock No. 260020
No. 260017 YOUR COST $.99 ea PRINTED CIRCUIT ETCHANT
6 ea. SULPHIDE
Clean, safe, economical, indefinite shed life.
4 lbs. will make 2 gallons of recommended
20% etching solution.
PHOTO CELL
Transistors (in100+ Q(y) 1.5K ohms @ 2ft., C minimum dark resistance 75 ohms
Stock No.
440026
YOUR COST
$8.40 ea
NEW PRICE
$ 7.00/ 41b bag

2N2222 18 ¢' ea.

Max voltage 170V peak. Peaks at 5500 angstroms.
No. 260018 YOUR COST $.99 ea KELVIN BRAND COPPER CLAD BOARD

PN2222 .08 a
NEMA grade FR-2 1/16' thick, unpunched clad on one side
r ea. SUB-MINIATURE Stock No. Size YOUR COST
MOMENTARY 440002 41/2" x6" $1.55 ea
Project BUZZER PUSH SWITCH
440003
440015
5" x7"
81/2 x12 1/2"
$2.40 ea
$4.90 ea
Silent action red push button molded housing.
6-9V DC, 80 dB Requires 1/4" panel hole. Overall length including solder lugs is I.
Stock No. 680089 Rated 115 VAC, 1AMP. ETCH RESIST INK PENS
Stock No. Color YOUR COST 100.
$1.59 ea $1.39/10+ ea. 990002 Red $.35 ea $ 28 ea
Black fell tip pen for making resist circuits directly on PC boards.

9V Battery Snap & Holder DC MOTOR Dries instantly for neat, easy application.
Can be removed with PC Board Stripping Solution.
1.5 to 6VDC Stock No. Model Description YOUR COST
Snap .15 ea. .10eano+ Stock No. YOUR COST 20. 440115 22-220 Draws 1/32" wide $1.48 ea
Holder .20 ea .10eamoo+ 852211 $.50 ea $.45 ea 440116 22-222 Draws 1/64" wide $1.85 ea

,1 5KEL
Call: 1(800) 645-9212
1 Electronics 1(516) 349-7620
7 Fairchild Ave. Plainview, NY 11803 FAX: 1(516) 349-7830
WorldRadioHistory
8

BOOKS from Old Colony Sound Lab

BUILDER'S GUIDES, general BUILDER'S GUIDES, specific (cookbooks)

BKAA-4 KILLER CAR STEREO ON A BUDGET $19.95 S-9 REGULATED POWER SUPPLIES $21.95
MH-2 HOW TO MAKE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS . $8.90 S-10 IC OP AMP COOKBOOK $21.95
S-25 ELECTRONIC PROTOTYPE CONSTRUCTION $17.95 S-13 AUDIO IC OP AMP APPLICATIONS $19.95
S-27 DESIGN OF OP AMP CIRCUITS $12.95 S-14 ACTIVE FILTER COOKBOOK $15.95
S-32 HOW TO READ SCHEMATICS $14.95 S-17 IC TIMER COOKBOOK $17.95
T-8 ENHANCED SOUND-22 Electronics Projects S-18 TI1 COOKBOOK $14.95
for the Audiophile $11.95 S-26 CMOS COOKBOOK $18.95
T-10 ACOUSTIC TECHNIQUES FOR HOME
AND STUDIO
$18 '
95 TUTORIAL
BKAA-3/1 AUDIO ANTHOLOGY (Vol. 1) $16.95
SOUND ENGINEERING, REFERENCE WORKS BKAA-3/2 AUDIO ANTHOLOGY (Vol. 2) $16.95
BKAA-3/3 AUDIO ANTHOLOGY (Vol. 3) $16.95
B-1 LOUDSPEAKER AND HEADPHONE BKAA-3/S AUDIO ANTHOLOGY (Vols. 1-3) $42.00
HANDBOOK $110.00 BKAA-5 LOUDSPEAKERS: The Why & How of
MH-1 HANDBOOK FOR ELECTRONICS Good Reproduction $6.95
ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS (2nd Ed.) . .$49.95 BKAA-6 THE WILLIAMSON AMPLIFIER $4.95
MH-4 AUDIO ENGINEERING HANDBOOK $86.95 D-3 MUSIC, PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING $8.95
NE-1 NEW EARS: A Guide to Education and P-8 INTRODUCING MUSIC $5.95
the Recording Sciences $11.95 S-4 UNDERSTANDING IC OPERATIONAL
PH-1 HANDBOOK OF SIMPLIFIED SOLID-STATE AMPLIFIERS $12.95
CIRCUIT DESIGN $39.95 S-29 PRINCIPLES OF DIGITAL AUDIO $29.95
RR-1 1990 ARRL HANDBOOK FOR THE T-7 BASIC ELECTRONICS COURSE $17.95
RADIO AMATEUR $23.00 T-11 UNDERSTANDING ELECTRONICS (3rd Ed.) .. $11.95
S-19 SOUND SYSTEM ENGINEERING $49.95
S-28 HANDBOOK FOR SOUND ENGINEERS: The New
Audio Cyclopedia $79.95
LOUDSPEAKERS (see also sound engineering)
X-1 PERCEPTION OF REPRODUCED SOUND $35.00 AUDIO AMATEUR LOUDSPEAKER PROJECTS .$20.00
BKAA-1
BKAA-2 THE LOUDSPEAKER DESIGN COOKBOOK .... $19.95
S-11 HOW TO BUILD SPEAKER ENCLOSURES $6.95
GUIDEBOOKS AND DATABOOKS T-12 DESIGNING, BUILDING AND TESTING YOUR
OWN SPEAKER SYSTEM-WITH PROJECTS .$16.95
N-6 GENERAL PURPOSE LIN DEVICES (LIN DBK 1) $16.95 W-1 HIGH PERFORMANCE LOUDSPEAKERS $38.95
N-7 DATA ACQUIS LIN DEVICES ... .(LIN DBK 2) $10.95
N-8 SPECIAL PURPOSE LIN DEVICES .(LIN DBK 3) $10.95
N-678 LINEAR DATA BOOKS (3-volume set) $35.00 DICTIONARIES
N-9 LINEAR APPLICATIONS HANDBOOK $16.95
P-1A THE PENGUIN GUIDE TO COMPACT DISCS, BKAA-7/S THE AUDIO GLOSSARY (Softbound) $9.95
CASSETTES AND LPs $19.95 BKAA-7/H THE AUDIO GLOSSARY (Hardbound) $17.95
BKAA-7/L THE AUDIO GLOSSARY (Limited Edition) $30.00
S-22 MODERN DICTIONARY OF ELECTRONICS .. $39.95
T-9 THE ILLUSTRATED DICTIONARY OF
SPECIAL! ELECTRONICS $24.95
BKL/K: BKAA-2 ($19.95) plus BKAA-4 ($19.95) for $30 ($2 S/H) P-2 DICTIONARY OF ELECTRONICS $8.95
P-3 A NEW DICTIONARY OF MUSIC $8.95

NOTE: BOOKS ARE NOT RETURNABLE FOR EXCHANGE OR CREDIT. Prices

are subject to change without notice. Please print in clear block capitals quantity
needed, book number and price. Total the amounts and REMIT IN US $ONLY by
MCI VISA, check or money order. Charge card orders under $10, please include an
additional $2.
POSTAGE & HANDLING: In US, please add $1.75 for first book and 504 each ad-
ditional book. In Canada, please add $4.50. Overseas, please include 20% of total
order for shipping.
DEALER INOUIIRES INVITED
NAME MACK NO.
BOOk NO. Prke
STREET INO.

ory STATE ZIP

MC/VISA EXP.

OLD COLONY SOUND LAB

PO Box 243. Dept. E90, Peterborough, New Hampshire 03458 USA
(603) 924-6371 /924-6526 IFAX: (603) 924-9467
Answering machine for credit card orders only: (603) 924-6371
Postage S before 9:00 a.m., after 400 p.m. and weekends.
D mc E VISA CK/MO TOTAL $ Have information plus MC/VISA available.

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 9

No other training in school, on the job,

anywhere—shows you how to troubleshoot and
service computers like NRI
HARD DISK NEWIAT-COMPATIBLE COMPUTER
20 megabyte hard disk drive you install High-speed 80286 CPU (12 MHz clock, 0watt
DIGITAL MULTIMETER internally for greater data storage states), 1meg RAM, 1.2 meg, 51
/
4 high-
capacity and data au, speed. GensIty floppy disk drive
Professional test Instrument for
quick and easy measurements.
MONITOR
High-resolution, non-glare, 12 in
LESSONS monochrome monitor with tilt and
Clearcut, illustrated texts build swivel base.
your understanding of computers
step by step.
TECHNICAL MANUALS
With professional programs
and complete specs on
your computer.
1
-«* `'‘ 00:
*es
0 0101 1
0.
-
I Pe.
8

irte! -
DIGITAL LOGIC
.0» PROBE
Simplifies analyz-
ing digital circuit
operation.

SOFTWARE DISCOVERY LAB

Including MS-DOS, GW BASIC, word Complete breadboarding
system to let you design and
mu:ebbing, database and spreadsheet
programs- modify circuits, diagnose and
repair faults.

Only NRI walks you through the moving from the fundamentals to
step-by-step assembly of apowerful sophisticated computer servicing
AT-compatible computer system you techniques. Step by easy step, you
keep—giving you the hands-on ex- get the kind of practical hands-on
perience you need to work with, experience that makes you unique-
troubleshoot, and service all of today's ly prepared to take advantage of
every opportunity in today's top-
most widely used computer systems. You get
growth field of computer service.
all it takes to start amoney-making career, even
What's more—you learn at
abusiness of your own in computer service. your own pace in your own home.
No doubt about it: The best way to learn to service computers is to actually No classroom pressures, no night
build astate-of-the-art computer from the keyboard on up. As you put the school, no need to quit your pre-
machine together, performing key tests and demonstrations at each stage of sent job until you're ready to make your move. And all throughout your training,
assembly, you see for yourself how each part of it works, what can go wrong, you have the full support of your personal NRI instructor and the NRI technical staff
and how you can fix it. always ready to answer your questions and give you help whenever you need it.
Only NRI—the leader in career-building, at-home electronics training for more Your FREE NRI catalog tells more
than 75 years—gives you such practical, real-world computer servicing experience.
Indeed, no other training—in school, on the job, anywhere— shows you how to Send today for your free full-color catalog describing every aspect of NRI's innovative
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You get in-demand computer servicing skills as you growing high-tech career fields.
train with your own AT-compatible system—now If the coupon is missing, write to NRI School of Electronics, McGraw-Hill
with 20 meg hard drive Continuing Education Center, 4401 Connecticut Avenue, V/ashington, DC 20008.
With NRI's exclusive hands-on training, you actually build and keep the powerful AT is 2 registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation
new AT-compatible West Coast 1010 ES computer, complete with 1meg RAM and
20 meg hard disk drive.
You start by assembling and testing the 101-key "intelligent" keyboard, move

41V.W7 Electronics
on to test the circuitry on the main logic board, install the power supply and 1.2 meg School of
51
/"floppy disk drive, then interface your high-resolution monitor. But that's not all.
4 For career courses
approved under GI hill
Only NRI gives you atop-rated micro with complete McGraw-Hill Continuing Education Center
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Ill Computers and Microprocessors D Security Electronics
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Having fully assembled your West Coast 1010 ES, you take it through acomplete D TV/Video/Audio Servicing D Basic Electronics

series of diagnostic tests, mastering professional computer servicing techniques as you D Computer Programming E Telecommunications
take command of the full power of your computer's high-speed 80286 microprocessor.
In no time at all, you have the confidence and the know-how to work with,
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You need no previous expuience in computers or electronics to succeed with NRI. Accredited Member, National Home Study Council 0000-00J
You start with the basics, following easy-to-read instructions and diagrams, quickly

WorldRadioHistory
10

CROSSOVERS

KITS
...OLD COLONY
KC-4A: ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER, KIT A. 12:721 Single channel, two-way. All
parts including C-4 board and LF351 ICs. Choose frequency of 60, 120, 240, 480,
960, 1920, 5k or 10k. KE-5 or KF-3 supplies are suitable.
KC-4B: ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER, KIT B. [2:721 Single channel, three-way. All
$14

parts including C-4 board & LF351 ICs. Choose two frequencies of 60, 120, 240,
480, 960, 1920, 5k or 10k. $18
KK-6L: WALDRON TUBE CROSSOVER LOW PASS. Single channel, 18dB/oc-
Post Office Box 243•Peterborough, NH 03458-0243 tave, Butterworth [3:791, includes three-gang pot. Choose 1: 19-210; 43-465;
88-960; 190-2100; 430-4650; 880-9600; 1900-21,000 hertz. $60
ORDERING INFORMATION: Postpaid in US; in Canada, please add 10% of total
order; overseas, add 20%. Shipment is via UPS—please provide street address. KK-6H: WALDRON TUBE CROSSOVER HIGH PASS: Single channel, 18dB/oc-
If you cannot receive UPS delivery, please include an additional $2 for insurance tave, Butterworth [3:791, includes three-gang pot. Please specify 1of the frequen-
service via parcel post. We cannot accept responsibility for safety or delivery of cies in KK-6L. No other can be supplied. $62
uninsured parcel post. UPS next and second day air are available to some areas
upon request. REMIT IN US ONLY by MC/VISA, check or money order. Ab- KK-7: WALDRON TUBE CROSSOVER POWER SUPPLY. (3:79) Includes board,
solutely no CODs. transformer, fuse, semiconductors, line cord, capacitors to power four tube
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE crossover boards (8 tubes), 1stereo bi-amped circuit. $110
(603) 924-6371 /924-6526 FAX: (603) 924-9467 SBK-Al: LINKWITZ CROSSOVER/FILTER. 1SB 4:801 Three-way crossover/filter/
Answering machine for credit card orders only: (603) 924-6371 before 9:00 a.m., delay. 24dB/octave at 100Hz and 1.51cHz and 12dB/octave below 30Hz, with
after 4:00 p.m. and weekends. Have all information plus MC/VISA available. delayed woofer turn-on. Use the Suher supply KL-4A with KL-4B or KL-4C.
Per channel $75 Two channels $140 SBK board only $25.50
SBK-C1A: ELECTRONIC TWO-WAY CROSSOVER. 1SB 3:821 30Hz filter with
WJ-3 board &4136 IC adapted as one channel crossover. Can be 6, 12 or 18dB/oc-
SPEAKER SAVER, FILTER tave. Choose frequency of 60, 120, 250, 500, 1
k, 2k, 5k or 10k. The KL-4A/KL-4B
or KW-3 are suitable supplies. $32
KH-2: SPEAKER SAVER AND OUTPUT FAULT DETECTOR. 13:771 This basic
two-channel kit includes board and all board-mounted components for control SBK-C1B: THREE-WAY, SINGLE CHANNEL CROSSOVER. 1SB 3:821 Contains 2
circuitry and power supply. It features turn-on and -off protection and fast opto- each SBK-C1A. Choose high & low frequency. $60
coupler circuitry that prevents transients from damaging your system. The out-
put fault detector has additional board-mounted components for speaker protec-
tion in case of amplifier failure. $65
SYSTEM ACCESSORIES
KF-6: 30Hz RUMBLE FILTER. 14:751This kit implements a1975 design for alow CDDA. Reusable soft vinyl Disc Ade CD damper from Apature. $18.95
frequency garbage filter. The filter knee is set to 30Hz. Roll-off below that knee HDTT. Mod Squad Tiptoes decouple system components from surface beneath,
is the 18dB/octave characteristic of its three pole design. Gain for the filter is providing greater sound resolution. Special alloy cones, 1
2 "
/ high, 112 "
/ in diam., are
unity (OdB) but can be simply adjusted for up to 12dB of gain. The reprint of the placed point down under speakers, CD players, turntables, to optimize stabiliza-
article explores the use of the filter with other components in crossovers (see kits tion. 3per component recommended. $6 ea. 3/$17
SBK-C1A, dB). It shows how to obtain slopes of 6, 12 or 18dB in high and low KW-3: BORBELY IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY. 11:871 This single channel, low
pass filters. The kit contains all parts for building atwo channel HPF including impedance supply was designed for the exacting requirements of Emo Borbely's
aboard (3" x3"), quad op amp IC, precision resistors and capacitors. Requires moving-coil preamp 12:86, 1:871. The design utilizes polypropylene caps and 1%
abipolar supply of ±15V—the KE-5 is suitable. $30 metal film resistors. LM317/337s are used in the preregulator and Signetics
NE5534 in the op amp regulator. The kit includes alow profile 24V toroidal

AIDS 8t TEST EQUIPMENT transformer, 4W' x 5½" circuit board and all board-mounted components.
Chassis and heatsink are not included. $135 Two or more, $128
K(-3: THE WARBLER OSCILLATOR.11:791This unit will produce aswept signal KE-5: OLD COLONY POWER SUPPLY. Unregulated, ±18V @ 55mA. $20
covering any 1 2 -octave between 16Hz and 20kHz. The total harmonic distortion
/ KF-3: GATELY REGULATED SUPPLY. ±18V or ±15V 0 100mA. $52
at the output is less than 1.5%. The output voltage is adjustable from° to 1V. When
used with amicrophone it is as effective as apink noise source in evaluating speaker KL-4A: SULZER POWER SUPPLY REGULATOR. $40
system performance. It also reveals the listening environment's effect on sound KL-4B: SULZER DC RAW SUPPLY. ±20V @ 300mA. $60
through reflection and absorption. The sweep rate is set at about 5Hz. The kit in- KL-4C: SULZER DC SUPPLY w/ toroidal transformer. $85
cludes 34"x33/ 8" circuit board, transformer, all parts and article reprint. $70
KH-8: MORREY SUPER BUFFER. 14:771 All parts, 1% metal film resistors, NE531
KH-7: GLOECKLER PRECISION 101dB ATTENUATOR. 14:771 All switches, 1% ICs, and PC board for two-channel output buffer. $22
metal film and 5% carbon film resistors to build prototype. Chassis, input/output
jacks are not included. $65 SBK-E2: NEWCOMB NEW PEAK POWER INDICATOR. [SB 2:841 All parts &
board, new multicolor bar graph display; red, green &yellow LEDs for one channel.
KC-5: GLOECKLER 23-POSITION LEVEL CONTROL 12:721 All metal film No power supply needed. $14 Two for $22
resistors, shorting rotary switch and two boards for atwo-channel, 2dB per step at-
KL-2: WHITE DYNAMIC RANGE & CLIPPING INDICATOR. [1:801 One chan-
tenuator. Choose 10k or 250k0. $48
nel, including board, with 12 indicators for preamp or crossover output indicators.
KL-6: MASTEL TIMERLESS TONE BURST GENERATOR. 12:801 All parts with Requires ±15V power supply @ 63 mils.
circuit board. No power supply. $24 Single channel $58 Two channels $110 Four channels $198
KP-2: TWO TONE INTERMODULATION TEST FILTER. (1:82) This filter is KW-1: MAGNAVOX CD PLAYER MODIFICATION. Improves frequency re-
designed to isolate the two high frequency tones at an amplifier's input from low sponse. Includes two Signetics NE5535s, two Panasonic HF series 330µF capacitors
frequency intermodulation products present at the output. The high pass filter cor- and four 3.92k, 1% metal film resistors. $12
ners at 21cHz and rolls off at 24dB/octave. A51d-lz signal at the low pass input will KW-2: MAGNAVOX CD PLAYER MODIFICATION. As above, but with two
be down at the output by 80dB. An article reprint detailing design and use is AD-712 op amps in addition to the NE5535s. $16
included with the kit. All parts are supplied, including quad op amp IC, circuit
KX-1A: DISC STABILIZER. Set of 3Sorbothane feet, 3Tiptoes and Mod Squad's
board and precision resistors and capacitors. $26
Disc Damper with 15 centering rings. $70
SBK-D2: WITTENBREDER AUDIO PULSE GENERATOR. [SB 2:831 All parts,
KY-1: BEERS' BUDGET CD MOD. (1:89) Kit provides POOGE-4 improvements
board, pots, power cord, switches and power supply included. $80
without additional wiring or circuit boards. Complete parts for assembling
SBK-E4: MULLER PINK NOISE GENERATOR. 1SB 4:841 All parts, board, 1% MF amplifier modules and replacing DAC components. Article reprint included.
resistors, capacitors, ICs, toggle switches included. No battery or enclosure. $35 Soldering skills required: not recommended for beginners. $95

What's Included? Kits include all the parts needed to make afunctioning circuit, such as circuit boards, semiconductors, resistors and capacitors. Power supplies are
not included in most cases. Unlike kits by Heath, Dyna and others, the enclosure, faceplate, knobs, hookup wire, line cord, patch cords and similar parts are not included.
Step-by-step instructions usually are not included, but the articles in TAA and SB are helpful guides. Article reprints are included with the kits. Our aim is to get you
started with the basic parts—some of which are often difficult to find—and let you have the satisfaction and pride of finishing your unit in your own way.

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990

A HAND UP FOR HANDS-ON

If the 1990s are distinguished for nothing else, they may at and relished the pleasure of seeing adesign become apro-
least be regarded by future historians as the decade when totype, are sitting behind desks today, shuffling papers and
do-it-yourself was reborn in the United States. For some time doing something called "administration." The creative urge
now, asea-change about doing it yourself has been evident to solve aproblem, wrestle with the impossibilities, and see
in both print and electronic media. the right set of compromises succeed is sorely missed by the
Time-Warner is eager to sell you manuals for repairing or majority of those Italk with. Building aproject fulfills their
remodeling your house. PBS fills larger and larger portions unique need.
of prime time with programs on both house refurbishing, Building adevice is the acid test of its viability. And we
cooking, art, and learning the basics about your car—and how seldom acquire afull understanding of the device until we
to make awise decision in buying your next one. build it. One of the primary definitions of our uniqueness
During the mid-sixties magazine managements began to as humans is our ability to fashion tools, which, happily for
drop do-it-yourself articles, with the exception of afew clearly our humility, we share with some of the higher animals. But
committed to hands-on technology such as Popular Mechanics if we leave the making of things to asmaller and smaller pro-
and others. portion of the race, we will inevitably impoverish ourselves,
Such articles began to disappear from some of the most individually and collectively.
popular and largest of the electronics magazines. When Bill- Our company is very proud to add Elektor Electronics USA
board, Inc. bought Audiocraft it effectively killed the latter to its roster of publications. For more than 20 years we have
whose electronic construction articles disappeared without been committed to the value and the pleasure of recreational
atrace within two issues of High Fidelity. Audio magazine, electronics. In my view, this North American edition of a
which had begun life as almost exclusively an audio construc- distinguished European publication is another step in the
tion journal, evolved in the seventies into apredominantly same direction we have been headed since 1970.
consumer-type publication. Ibelieve every publication functions as an information in-
Ziff-Davis dropped Electronics World in the early seventies. terchange point rather than merely aone-way conduit for
Popular Electronics announced in the early seventies they knowledge. Therefore, Iwelcome your correspondence and
would no longer publish construction articles—but relented commentary on what we publish. Iwelcome your personal
later due to reader outcry. In time, they turned to computer involvement with the magazine in the matter of letters and
technology, attempted to turn the magazine into afull-blown classified ads which we are happy to publish. And although
computer journal and were promptly deserted by their adver- Elektor Electronics USA is primarily areader-supported pub-
tisers. Gernsback recently purchased and resurrected the lication, we cannot build good equipment for ourselves with-
Popular Electronics title. out good suppliers who make easily accessible the com-
But times have changed. Americans have become more ponents and tools we need.
than alittlé disenchanted with manufactured products. Older We also welcome your suggestions about ways in which
technologies and crafts have resurfaced. Elegant articles, this edition of Elektor can better serve your needs. Although
hand-made in small quantities, have become collector's items ahigh percentage of the articles are written by European staff
with prices to match. Americans are once again rediscover- writers, authors who wish to write for Elektor are welcome
ing their own hands and finding, to their surprise, that they to submit aprecis of the proposed article and request our
are not, as the magazines attempted to convince them, "in- outline of style and procedure.
ept klutzes" whose work would inevitably be inferior to what We welcome you to this first issue of Elektor Electronics
aprofessional company could manufacture for them. USA and look forward to along and mutually satisfying rela-
We have also seen the electronics industry reach the point tionship.
where many engineers, who began their careers as designers

Published by Audio Amateur Publications, Inc European Offices: INDIA SPAIN

Elektuur BV Elektor Electronics PVT Ltd Resistor Electronics Aplicada
Editor/publisher Edward T. Dell, Jr. Postbus 75 Chhotani Building Calle Maudes 15 Entio C.
Editorial Offices: 6190 AB BEEK 52C, Proctor Road, Grant Road (E) 28003 MADRID
305 Union St., P.O. Box 876 The Netherlands BOMBAY 400 007 Editor: Agustin Gonzales Buelta
Peterborough, NH 03458-0876 USA Telephone: 011 31 4490 89444 Editor: Surendra lyer SWEDEN
Telex: 58617 (elekt nI) ISRAEL Electronic Press AB
Telephone: 603-924-9464 (National FAX: 011 31 4490 70161 Elektorcal Box 5505
or +1 (603) 924-9484 (International) Managing Director: M.M.J. Landman P 0 Box 41096 14105 HUDDINGE
FAX: (603) 924-9487 (National) TEL AVIV 61410 Editor: Bill Cedrum
or +1 (803) 924-9467 (International) Overseas Editions: Publisher: M. Avraham UNITED KINGDOM
Advertising: Rally Dennis FRANCE NETHERLANDS Down House
Telephone: (803) 924-9750 Elektor sad Elektuur BV Broomhill Road
FAX: (603) 924-9467 Les Trois Tilleuis Peter Treckpoelstraat 2-4 LONDON SW18 4J0
Subscriptions: Katharine Gadwah B.P. 59; 59850 NIEPPE 6191 VK BEEK England UK
Elektor Electronics USA Editors: D.R.S. Meyer Editor: P.E.L. Kersemakers EditorlPublisher Len Seymour
Post Office Box 876, G.C.P. Raedersdorf PAKISTAN
Peterborough, New Hampsire 03458 GERMANY Electro-shop
Subscriptions to Elektor Electronics USA are Elektor Verlag GmbH 35 Naseem Plaza
available ONLY in the fifty United States, Susterfeld Stresse 25 Lasbella Chawk
Canada, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and 5100 AACHEN KARACHI 5
those Pacific territories adminstered by the Editor: E.J.A. Krempelsauer Editor: Zain Ahmed
United States of America. GREECE PORTUGAL
Elektor EPE Ferreira & Bento Lda.
Kariskaki 14 R.D. Estef-83-ni, 32-1° Printed in the United States of America.
16673 Voula—Athena 1000 LISBOA
Editor: E. Xanthoulis Editor: Jeremias Sequeira ISSN: 1051-5890
WorldRadioHistory
 readout, tilt stand for bench use, test leads,

ELECTRONICS SCENE and component insertion sockets.

The B&K-Precision parts tester has num-
erous applications in electronic and appli-
ance service, industry, and education, and
is suited for the hobbyist as well. The 815

I 2-WATT PORTABLES
FROM MIDLAND LMR
is available at local B&K-Precision distribu-
tors at a suggested price of $99.
Midland LMR has released two-channel
Contact B&K-Precision, Division of Max-
portable radios. These crystal-controlled,
tec International Corp., 6470 W. Cortland
FM, two-way radios are available in either
St., Chicago, IL 60635. Telephone: (312)
VHF (model 70-132) or UHF (model 70-232)
889-9087.
and feature pre-set automatic noise squelch
and optional CTCSS (tone-coded squelch).
The new Midland portables meet or ex-
ceed MIL SPEC 810C/D specifications for
shock and vibration. Size and weight have
I DIGITAL SIGNAL
PROCESSING BOARD
Dalanco Spry has developed the Model 250
been reduced through micro-circuit technol-
Digital Signal Processing Board with analog

I BATTERY-POWERED ogy and the small new high-energy batteries.

and digital I/O for the PC/AT, and bus com-
DIRECTIONAL WATTMETER They weigh less than 12 ounces, including
patible microcomputers. Typical applica-
Bird Electronic Corp. is offering the Model battery pack, and provide about eight hours
tions of this product include instrumenta-
4410A portable, battery-powered THRU- service per battery charge.
tion, machine control, data acquisition, and
LINE ® RF directional wattmeter with seven The portables offer belt-clip backs, and ac-
digital audio.
power ranges per element. Accurate meas- cessories include external speaker/micro-
The Model 250 is based upon the 40MHz
urement of signal power is available within phone, battery chargers, and screw-on stubby
Texas Instruments TMS320C25 DSP, and
+5% of reading. Standard elements provide helical antennas.
can accommodate the faster TMS320C25-50,
frequency ranges from 0.2-2,300MHz and For more information, contact Midland
the EPROM based TMS320E25, and the
power ranges from 0.002-10,000W. Special LMR, Marketing Department, 1690 N. Top-
newer TMS320C26. It may be operated in
elements provide measurements at frequen- ping, Kansas City, MO 64120, or call 800/
stand-alone mode in embedded systems
cies as low as 50kHz. MIDLAND (800-643-5263), Ext. 1690.
when equipped with the TMS320E25 DSP.
It's ideal for field-service work, labora-

I
The model provides data acquisition for
tories where high accuracies and low power
FIELD SERVICE PARTS TESTER eight single-ended channels at 12-bit resolu-
levels are required, and any application
B&K-Precision is offering anew hand-held tion and amaximum 300kHz sampling rate.
where accurate measurements at milliwatts,
parts tester with digital readout, designed for Two analog output channels are provided,
watts or kilowatts must be performed sim-
field service or general industrial applica- as are abuffered digital I/O expansion con-
ply, quickly, and economically. The 4410A
tions. Model 815 tests capacitance and re- nector, and the serial (codec) interface of the
includes a standard 9V alkaline battery.
sistance in avariety of components, as well TI DSP.
Other versions are available: Model 4411,
as transistors, SCRs, diodes, LEDs and bat- The board may be populated with up to
battery-powered portable or 115/230V AC
teries in 26 ranges. 64K words of 0wait state Program RAM and
(50/60Hz) operation; Model 4412, recharge-
Designed to withstand afive-foot drop, the 128K words of 1wait state Data RAM. The
able Nicad battery or 115/230V AC (50/60Hz)
815 is also water and overload resistant. Its Data RAM is simultaneously available to the
operation; and for fixed location use, Model
case seals out grease, dirt and other con- PC and to the TMS320 DSP through an on-
4410P, 19" rack panel-mounted configura-
taminants. board memory controller.
tion with battery or 115/230V AC (50/60Hz)
The Model 815 tests capacitance from The following software is bundled with the
operation.
0.1pF to 20µF in capacitors, cables, switches, Model 250: Assembler, Debugger, FFTs, Sig-
The 4410A contains an amplifier employ-
and other components, with accuracies rang- nal Spectrum Display, Digital Filter Exam-
ing aself-balancing measurement technique.
ing from 0.75% to 1.5%, resistance measure- ples, Record and Playback to/from Disk, and
Its patented bridge circuit has four legs di-
ment spans from 0.111 to 20m0. Transistors a Waveform Editor.
vided between the base and each of the pro-
are tested by measuring hFE values (gain) The Model 250 is priced from $1,095.
prietary plug-in elements. The bridge circuit
and icE o (leakage). SCRs, diodes, and LEDs (40MHz TMS320C25, 4K words of Program
allows optimum reading accuracies, with a
are tested for forward junction voltage. Bat- RAM, 32K words of Data RAM). For addi-
5,000-to-1 dynamic element range. It is unaf-
teries are tested under load for voltage out- tional information, contact David Langmann
fected by temperature extremes.
put. at (716) 473-3610, or write Dalanco Spry, 89
Elements for the 4410A plug into the ele-
Other features include a31
2 digit 0.8" LCD
/ Westland Ave., Rochester, NY 14618.
ment socket and rotate for forward or re-
flected measurements. The seven overlap-
ping power levels provided by each element
cover 0.002-10W, 0.02-100W, 0.2-1,000W
or 2-10,000W. The desired range is instantly
selectable by turning arotary switch on the
wattmeter cover. A battery test position is
located on the switch.
For information, contact Bird Electronic
Corp., 30303 Aurora Rd., Cleveland, OH
WorldRadioHistory
44139, or call (216) 248-1200.
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 IM1

The unit mounts in asingle 134" standard

ELECTRONICS SCENE rack space, and requires a +12-15V, 200mA

power supply.
The Hyperflange and Chorus kit includes
printed circuit board, all components, con-
PCXI specifications allow for awide range
trols and hardware and, an illustrated step-
of test system configurations, such as one
by-step assembly and user's manual for
consisting of apower supply, CPU, and video
$139.95, plus $2 shipping. An optional black
modules, plus up to eight modules contain-
anodized front panel with printed control
ing instrumentation cards.
designations is sold separately at $15.95, plus

I DIGITAL ENCODER-DECODER
PCXI encloses the cards in EMI/RFI
shielded modules. The benefits include
$2 shipping. Both are available from PAIA
Electronics, 3200 Teakwood Lane, Edmond,
A microminiature digital coded squelch en- greater reliability, and increased immunity
OK 73013, (405) 340-6300.
coder-decoder is now available from Com- to noise and crosstalk between modules. k
munications Specialists, Inc. The DCS-23 With PCXI, instrumentation cards can share
is the latest in a line of add-on tone signal- and collect data based on measurements
ing products. It is compatible with all DCS from several instruments. The modules are
systems such as: Digital Private Line, Digital fully upgradeable, and interchangeable.
Channel Guard, Digital Call Guard, among Applications include: OEM systems, cali-
others. The new board uses surface mounted bration lab, ATE systems, field service data
technology and measures 1.36" x 1.18" x acquisition, vibration analysis, educational
0.25" which permits installation in all mobile lab, portable test systems, rack mount test
and most portable radios. systems, factory automation, and data col-
All industry standard digital codes are field
programmable using simple PCB jumpers.
lection.
For more information contact Rapid Sys- I DUAL VIDEO-SPEED OP AMP
DRIVES HIGH CAPACITIVE LOADS
The board's design uses acrystal controlled tems, Inc., 433 N. 34th St., Seattle, WA 98103, A general purpose dual 50MHz unity-gain
CMOS microprocessor, which permits oper- or call (206) 547-8311. bandwidth op amp, the AD827, from Ana-
ation on low 6 to 20V DC at 8mA. All con- log Devices, Inc., is stable driving any ca-
nections are made with color-coded jumper pacitive load and features 85dB channel
wires connected to a microminiature plug
and socket. The DCS-23 price is $59.95, and
I WIRELESS APPLICATIONS
WHITE PAPER
Vega, the leading manufacturer of high-end
separation. Well-suited for multi-channel
video applications, differential phase and
is covered by aone-year warranty. Same day gain errors are typically 0.19° and 0.04°,
wireless systems, is offering awhite paper
delivery is available from local stock. An il- respectively, measured according to PAL and
discussing wireless microphone application
lustrated brochure and instruction sheet are NTSC standards.
techniques.
available at no cost. Similar high-speed, low-power applica-
The paper, written by Vega president Gary
For more information and acomplete prod- tions can benefit from the device's 300V/eLs
Stanfill, presents wireless system informa-
uct list contact: Communications Specialists, slew rate, 120ns settling time to within 0.1%
tion, and also offers solutions to many com-
Inc., 426 West Taft Ave., Orange, CA 92665- for +5V swings,and 100mW power dissipa-
mon wireless problems. Topics covered in
4296, or call (800) 854-0547 or (714) 998-3021. tion. In 1,000s, 8-pin plastic mini-DIP and
the 20-pages include frequency selection, in-
24-hour FAX (714) 974-3420. 16-pin SOIC-packaged devices cost $4.50.
terference control, antenna systems, to name
The AD827's DC performance is suitable
a few.
for buffering fast 8- and 10-bit analog-to-
For afree copy of the Vega Wireless Micro-
digital converters. With +5V supplies, the
phone Application Techniques white paper
AD827 has 2mV of maximum offset voltage
call (800) 827-6701.
(guaranteed) and typical open-loop gain of
Vega is amanufacturer of wireless systems
3.5V/mV (50012 load). Gain is maintained at
to professional markets worldwide and a
1.6V/mV even into loads as low as 15012.
subsidiary of Mark IV Industries. For infor-
With + 15V supplies, open-loop gain in-
mation contact Vega, 9900 Baldwin Pl., El
creases to 5.5V/mV (1k12), with only 4mV
Monte, CA 91731-2204, or call (818) 442-
maximum input offset voltage. From either
0782, or (800) 877-1771.
supply, the output can drive current in ex-
cess of 30mA (minimum).
PAIA REINTRODUCES The monolithic AD827 incorporates apair
A CLASSIC EFFECT of AD827 high-speed op amps,and joins a
111 PCXI: The resurgence of interest in analog sound family of high-performance op amps de-
NEW MODULAR INDUSTRIAL PC processing has prompted PAIA Electronics signed and built with Analog Devices' pro-
Rapid Systems has developed a modular to again offer its popular Hyperflange and prietary complementary bipolar (CB) proc-
PC designed for industry. PCXI makes the Chorus Unit in its line of sound processing ess. Package options include 8-pin plastic
PC a tool for demanding test instrumenta- kits. mini-DIP and cerdip, and a 16-pin small-
tion. It accepts any PC instrumentation, data Designed by Craig Anderton, the Hyper- outline integrated circuit (SOIC). Operating
acquisition, or control cards manufactured flange and Chorus is useful in the studio and temperatures range from 0 to +70°C, -40
to the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). for live processing. A hyper triangular con- to +85°C, and -55 to + 125°C. Prices in
These cards are mounted in metal shielded trol oscillator allows linear time sweeps, and 1,000s begin at $4.50. Contact Analog
modules, which plug into a passive back- the exponential time sweeps the human ear Devices, Inc., 181 Ballardvale St., Wilming-
plane. prefers, both over a range of 71:1. ton, MA 01887, (617) 937-1428.
WorldRadioHistory
14

NEGATIVE RESISTANCE
by Dr. Ir. A.H. Boerdijk

A portion of the current-voltage characteristic of certain devices, such as

the thyristor, the tunnel diode and the magnetron, has a negative slope, that
is, the current decreases with increasing applied voltage or the voltage
drops when the current increases. This behaviour is, of course, opposite to
that of an ohmic resistance. Whereas an ohmic (positive) resistance
consumes power, a negative resistance appears to supply power. Negative
resistance may be simulated electronically as described in this article.

From apure arithmetic point of view, nega- that is, aperfect insulator. Fig. 4, where it exists between A and B. Ter-
tive resistance remains resistance with the To confuse you further, in Fig. 3a10-V minal A is connected to avariable voltage
only difference that it is preceded by aminus potential is connected across aseries com- source between terminals C and B that gen-
sign. Figure 1shows aconventional ohmic bination of apositive resistance of 1001 kS2 erates avoltage UO3 =2UAB . If the potential
resistance and anegative resistance with an and anegative resistance of 1000 ka at A is positive with respect to B, the voltage
identical voltage applied across them. The at C is so, too. A current, I= 1.1c AIR flows
difference in behaviour of the two is clear: through R in the direction indicated, that is,
the currents through them flow in opposite from B (—) to A (+). In other words, the re-
directions. sistance between terminals A and B is neg-
ative.
b When considering the operation of this
+ + network, it is important to pay attention only
Fig. 3. to terminals A and B: the circuitry hidden

110 10
behind them is of no consequence here.
The total resistance in the loop, ignoring the
internal resistance of the voltage source, is In practice
- - 1ka The current flowing in the loop is
-R therefore 10 mA, and this causes adrop of The circuit in Fig. 5is constructed from an
900101 -11 10.01 kV (!) across the 1001 kf2 resistance. opamp and three resistors, while anegative
This does not indicate anew way of gen- resistance of-1 kL-2is simulated between ter-
Fig. 1. erating very high voltages, of course, as a minals A and B. The operation may be
quick consideration of the power distribu- checked by connecting a4.7 kû resistor in
When apositive and anegative resistance tion shows. series with terminals A and B. l'he total re-
are connected in series or parallel as shown In Fig. la, the positive resistance dissi-
in Fig. 2, the results are very interesting. The pates apower P=PR or P=U2IR, whereas
in Fig. lb the negative resistance delivers
power to the voltage source. This means that
negative resistance is not just apassive com-
ponent and also that it can not exist by itself
(since the power delivered to the voltage
source must come from somewhere).
In fact, anegative resistance may be sim-
ulated by an electronic network as shown in

Fig. 5.
Fig. 2.

sistance measured with astandard ohmme-

series combination (Fig. 2a) yields ashort ter is 3.7 Ica which shows that the effect of
circuit: anegative resistance can be measured. The
value of it depends on the value of the output
Rs =R +(—R)= 0. resistor used in the simulation circuit and the
ratio of the other two resistors. Replacing the
The parallel network (Fig. 2b) yields fixed 1ka resistor by avariable type enables
awide range of negative resistance values
R =—R 2 I[R + (—R)] =—R 2/0 =—00, to be obtained.
P Fig. 4.
WorldRadioHistory Another fairly simple method is to con-
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990

nect aconventional resistor in series with course, also possible to use an opamp that is low, because it is heavily affected by the
the negative resistance. In this example, this handles larger currents. (loss) resistance of the inductor. It may be
resistor should have avalue not exceeding improved considerably by adding avariable
1ki-2to prevent the negative resistance from negative resistance in parallel with the cir-
disappearing. Applications
cuit. This is accomplished as shown: the
If a resistor (fixed or variable) greater In practical electronics, negative resistance fixed negative resistance is connected be-
than 11(0 is connected in parallel with ter- is used to compensate (ohmic) losses. A typ- tween A and B, and the potentiometer en-
minals A and B, the negative resistance in- ical example is an LC circuit as shown in ables the losses caused by the resistance of
creases (becomes more negative). The cir- Fig. 6. The resonant frequency of this is 800 the inductor to be compensated.
cuit in Fig. 5is very suitable for experiment- Hz and the Q-factor is 5.4. The value of Q It is even possible to set the circuit into
ing with negative resistance. oscillation by making the negative resis-
When the circuit of Fig. 5 is translated tance sufficiently large, that is, by reducing
into apractical design, acertain load, Rv, the value of the parallel resistance. The fre-
will exist between terminals A and B. This quency range of the circuit will then be re-
load has an effect on the operation of the cir- stricted, however, by the bandwidth of the
cuit and its value must therefore be higher simulation circuit.
than the absolute value of —R, that is, in this Another application is the improvement
circuit greater than 1ka of the control range of small d.c. motors. The
If the load across terminals A and B is rotating speed of such motors, especially at
always smaller than —R, the circuit is still us- the low end of the range, is heavily depen-
Fig. 6.
able, but the connections to the inputs of the dent on the load moment. In fact, at agiven
opamp must be reversed (this maintains point the motor just stops abruptly.
the required feedback). This behaviour may be improved
Although the circuit in principle be- greatly with the aid of the circuit in Fig. 7,
comes unstable only when the numeri- which contains not only avariable neg-
cal values of Rv and —R are identical, it ative resistance but also avariable supply
will be found in practice that it does not for the motor. Potentiometer P1 controls
function satisfactorily when the values the rotating speed of the motor, while P2
are close oanother. sets the value of the negative resistance.
It will have become clear that the Experiments with asmall d.c. motor
maximum potential drop across the showed that the deviation of the moment
negative resistance is highly dependent vs speed characteristic from the ideal
on the voltage source used for the sim- could be improved by afactor of 2.7.
ulation circuit. This also explains why A final application is the use of a3-n
the circuit of Fig. 3does not generate a negative resistance to charge abattery.
very high voltage, although it works Connected to a 12-V battery, the charg-
satisfactorily: the supply voltage is not ing current is 4 A; connected to a6-V
high enough. battery, the charging current is 2A.
The output characteristic of the Such anegative-resistance charger has
opamp determines the maximum cur- some peculiar properties: the connec-
rent that can flow through the negative tions to the battery terminals may be re-
resistance. If larger currents are wanted, versed with impunity and the short-cir-
the output of the opamp must be pro- cuit current amounts to nought. •
vided with an additional stage. It is, of Fig. 7.

IN QUEST OF APANGRAM Continued from page 29

o's,' for instance, implied arange running number-words) indicating their starting occur at least once; the range cannot ex-
from nine up to eighteen (or perhaps ten and finishing totals. Within these ranges tend below one (see Fig. 2.).
up to nineteen). The values actually set- fall the hand-produced near-solution sums
tled *upon—on the basis of pencil-and- tracing out ahistogram silhouette. In most The second part of this article, repro-
paper trials with near-autograms—may be cases these are, by definition, situated duced by kind permission of Springer-
seen in Fig. 2. Ranges for each of the six- roughly in the middle of the range. For the Verlag, Heidelberg and New York, will
teen critical letters are represented as ver- low totals I, g, and u, however, this is im- apear in the September issue of Elektor
tical scales with numbers (standing for possible: in a pangram all letters must Electronics.

WorldRadioHistory
16

MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED
TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
The telephone exchange presented here allows up to eight
pulse-dialling telephone sets to be connected, and has an option for
connecting calls to or from an external (trunk) telephone line. The
unit is controlled by the popular 8052-based BASIC computer we
introduced afew years ago.

A. Rigby

MAIN FEATURES

• 8 internal lines

• 1external line

• memory for 10 numbers

• internal through connections

• versatile computer control

• • e • * A/ t› •4•Z .4
.7 -• • e • automatic hold for external line

• simple-to-extend

• can be interfaced to a PC

• selective external call acceptance

• shortcut dial codes for external

number

• works with pulse-dialling telephone

sets
• one optional relay for extra switch-
ing function

phone. The telephone extensions connected

to the network receive their supply voltage
Since the telephone exchange is controlled by cases, this standard control program will from the local telephone exchange. All sets
a computer, it is relatively easy to add or provide all the necessary functions users of are connected to two lines and operate free
change certain features simply by extending atelephone exchange for asmall network in from the earth line. The use of balanced lines
or changing the control program. The nice the home or small office or workshop have is asimple, yet effective, way, to eliminate
thing about the 8052-based computer used come to expect. noise in the network. Since any noise in-
here (Refs. 1and 2) is that it can be pro- duced on the network is, in principle,
grammed in BASIC, a computer language equally strong and of equal phase on the 'a'
Telephone: the basics
familiar to many. In the present application, and 'h' lines, it is effectively inaudible.
the BASIC computer runs its application pro- Before discussing the operation of the tele-
gram from an on-board EPROM. All that is phone exchange, it is useful to look at the Outgoing calls
required to modify this program is aterminal basic operation of the telephone system. In The timing diagrams in Fig. 2 show the
or aPC running acommunications program, the following discussion, it is assumed that switching sequences during atelephone call.
and athree-wire link to the BASIC computer. pulse-dialling telephone sets are used. The Again, only the 'a' and 'b' lines are involved
With these tools, the user is at liberty to edit operation of tone-dialling (DTMF) is not in establishing the call. Normally, avoltage
and extend the existing control program in covered. Details on this system may be found of 50 to 60 V exists between these lines. The
order to 'customize' the telephone exchange. in Ref. 3. exchange detects that a receiver is lifted
The terminal or PC is no longer required once Figure 1shows the general lay-out of a when the line voltage drops to about 10 V,
the control program has been tested and telephone connection. When the receiver is and amicrophone current of about 20 mA is
found to work all right. If you have no inten- on the hook, the bell inside the telephone set established. Next, the exchange sends the
tion to change the 'standard' control pro- is connected to the telephone line. When the dial tone to the calling extension to indicate
gram, or lack the ability to program in receiver is lifted, the voice circuit of the set is that anumber may be dialled. In the pulse-
BASIC, simply use the ready-programmed connected to the telephone network, and a dialling system, the current loop is inter-
EPROM available for this project. In most direct current WorldRadioHistory
flows through the micro- rupted repetitively. The pulse rate usually
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 Ite

lies between 9and 11 pulses per second. The

'break' period is called 'pulse', and the 'con-
nect' period is called 'pause'. The pulse
length is generally defined as 61.5% ±.3% of
the period. Assuming that the period is 100-
ms, the current is interrupted for periods of
58.5 to 64.5 ms. The pause allowed between
successive numbers is 0.7 to 1s.
The local exchange starts to call up the
wanted extension with the aid of aringing
signal after the complete number has been
received from the calling extension. When
the call is answered, the exchange starts to
put acost count signal on the 'a' and 'b' lines.
This signal is asine-wave burst with an am-
plitude of about 50 V. Since it is the same on
the 'a' and 'b' line, it is inaudible to the calling
as well as to the called party. A cost counter,
however, is connected asymmetrically to the
network to allow it to detect the pulses. Fig. 1. Illustrating the basic operation of the two-wire telephone system.
When either party rings off (puts the receiver
down), the voltage between the 'a' and 11 the called party lifts the receiver before the WAIT line or to the VOICE line. Extensions
line reverts to the 'standby' level of 50 to last ring, the previously mentioned direct used for atelephone conversation are always
60 V. current flow is established, enabling the ex- connected to the VOICE line, which provides
change to detect that the call is answered. The the necessary supply voltage. Extensions not
Incoming calls telephone conversation can begin! involved in the conversation are connected
The operation of the telephone system in the to the WAIT line, and produce the 'engaged'
case of incoming calls is illustrated in Fig. 3. tone when the receiver is lifted. A number
Electronics at work
An incoming call is detected by the ringing can only be dialled when the exchange is
signal produced by the telephone set. The ex- The signal sequences shown in Figs. 2a and back in the wait state with all extensions con-
change calls up the extension by putting an 2b are generated and processed by the inter- nected to the VOICE line.
alternating voltage of about 50 Vpp on the 'a' face board of the telephone exchange, while The interface board is linked to the BASIC
and lines. The fact that the signals on 'a' the control functions are carried out by the computer via connector K14, which carries
and 'b' are in anti-phase allows the telephone BASIC computer. The function of the inter- all the necessary signals for proper com-
to detect the ring signal and actuate a face board, of which the circuit diagram is munication between these units. The Y7 sig-
sounder device (usually asmall bell or buzz- shown in Fig. 3, is to convert the digital sig- nal supplied by the address decoder on the
er). The ringing continues until the called nals supplied by the computer board to tele- BASIC computer board is used to select the
party lifts the receiver to answer the call. If phone network signals, and vice versa. logic on the interface board. The line is actu-
the call is not answered after a predeter- The eight interfaces that establish the ated in the address range between E000H and
mined number of rings, the connection is connections with the telephone extensions 1.1-141-. H,
which is split into three parts with the
broken (in the exchange discussed here, the are shown at the top of the circuit diagram. aid of address lines A10, All and Al2, giv-
maximum number of rings is set to 13). When The extensions are connected either to the ing buffer devices IC15, 106 and 107 their

Fig. 2. Waveform sequences on the telephone lines, showing the call charge pulses (Fig. 2a) and the ring signal (Fig. 2b).
WorldRadioHistory
18

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Fig. 3. Circuit diagram of the telephone exchange. This circuit is connected to the 8052-based BASIC computer via connector K14.

proper location in the memory map. The INT read and write signals, and the supply volt- tween the VOICE and the WAIT line. The three
signal supplied by the interface board serves age. least-significant datalines on IC 16 switch re-
to wake up the BASIC processor from its Circuits ICts and IC16 are latches that lays Re', Reto and Rett. The first, Reo, is used
stand-by state when aringing signal is de- function as additional I/O registers for the to generate the ringing signal. In the stand-
tected on the external line. The 8052 proces- control of the switching functions available by state, transistor Ti is connected to the
sor generates the 'engaged' tone on the PWM in the exchange. Relays are used for the ac- VOICE line, and provides all telephone sets
line. A dial tone is not generated—the net- tual switching actions. Eight-bit register IC15 with their supply voltage via the VOICE line.
work is free for dialling an extension when controls relays Ret-Res via the power dri- The gyrator configuration of the transistor
the receiver is silent upon being lifted. The vers contained in IC18. These relays are used prevents the supply short-circuiting voice
remaining lines on K14 carry data signals, to switch the associated telephone sets be-
WorldRadioHistory
signals front being superimposed on the di-
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 19

rect voltage. When Re9 is switched, the full

transformer voltage is applied to the VOICE
line. As aresult, the bell in the extension con-
nected to the VOICE line starts to ring. The
calling party hears the ringing signal as a
series of buzzing tones.
Relay Reto is intended for optional exten-
sions, such as a telephone-controlled door
opener, and can be controlled by appropriate
modifications to the BASIC control program.
Relay Rel .'is used to transfer acall re-
ceived on the external line to another exten-
sion in the network. By switching Ret 1, the
external line is terminated at the required
impedance. As aresult, the line is held while
the exchange is being used for internal calls.

Making a call
When the receiver on any of the extensions
is lifted to make acall, acurrent starts to flow
that causes the LED in the associated opto-
coupler to light. This results in the relevant
INP line being pulled low. The processor
identifies the calling extension by reading the Fig. 4. Ready for use: completed BASIC computer and telephone exhange boards.
logic 0it produces in 1C17 at address EFFF H.
Next, awrite command is issued to 105 and low. Only those extensions allowed to accept that theready-made board is used, the actual
106 (at addresses FBFFH and 1-'/H- H respec- calls from the external line remain on the construction is unlikely to present problems
tively) to connect all other extensions to the VOICE line; all others are connected to the if carried out with the necessary care. Accur-
WAIT line. These extensions are effectively wArr line. A ringing signal is placed on the ate soldering is amust, though, to prevent
disabled and produce the 'engaged' tone VOICE line with the aid of Re9. A total of 13 short-circuits.
when the receiver is lifted. rings with 2.5-second pauses is allowed. The The two transformers are fitted as exter-
The processor counts the dialling pulses first extension that answers the call is con- nal parts on separate pieces of veroboard or
produced by the calling extensions via 107. nected to the external line. Once again the stripboard to keep the overall size (and with
The dialled number determines what hap- telephone conversation can begin! it the cost) of the interface board as small as
pens next. When a0is dialled, relay Re12 is After it has been answered, the external possible. Be sure to observe the necessary
actuated, and the external line is selected to call can be transferred to another internal ex- safety precautions because of the presence of
establish aconnection to another telephone tension. To do this, the active extension puts the mains voltage on the mains transformer
network or another exchange. The line trans- the receiver down and dials the number of board. The BASIC computer is powered by
former, Tr2, is connected to the external line, the wanted extension. The external line is not aseparate, regulated, 5-V supply.
and all dialling pulses that follow the 0are disconnected until any receiver has been on The telephone sets and the transformers
fed to the external line by Re12 being actuated the hook for more than five seconds. While are connected to plastic or ceramic terminal
in their rhythm. The relay contact switches the external caller is on hold, the answering blocks fitted on the PCB. The contacts of (op-
between alow impedance (the line transfor- extension dials another extension. The exter- tional) relay Reto are available on connector
mer) and ahigh impedance (the ring pulse nal line is connected to whichever extension K9 for experimental purposes.
detector). The dialling pulses are fed out of remains on the line when the other puts the The construction and operation of the
the exchange via IC11, 102, 103 and 104, receiver down. If the wanted extension does BASIC computer is not covered here—for
after the right OR gate (IC12a—IC12d or not answer the call, another one may be details, please consult Refs. 1and 2. A small
IC13a—IC13d) has been enabled via IC2o. Gate tried. In all cases, however, the total time the modification must be made to the existing
IC11d ensures that dialling pulses produced receiver is down must not exceed five sec- circuit in regard of signals PWM, Y7 and
by one of the internal extensions are not onds. If none of the other extensions INT1, which are not available on the expan-
passed to the external line while this is on answers, the external caller may be con- sion connector of the computer board. Three
hold. This is an important feature when an nected again by dialling your own number. wire links are fitted to overcome this prob-
call received via the external line is being lem: connect pin 3 of K2 (INT1 signal) to
transferred to another extension served by pin 10 of Kt. Next, connect pin 4of K2 (PWM
Construction
the exchange. signal) to pin 15 of Kt. Finally, connect pin 8
Figure 5 shows the track lay-outs and the of K2 (W signal) to pin 7of IC3 (74HCT138).
component mounting plan of the double- Since these wires go to previously unused
Receiving external calls
sided, through-plated printed circuit board pins of K2, they do not affect the normal
Calls that reach the exchange via the external for the telephone exchange. The board has operation of the BASIC computer.
line are detected by the ring pulse detector been designed to form a compact unit The two boards are connected via ashort
based around D23, D24, D25, R12, 01 and IC9. together with the BASIC computer. The length of flatcable fitted with IDC sockets
When aringing pulse is detected, IC9 pulls greater part of the board space is reserved for that connect to K2 at the BASIC computer
the INT1 line of the BASIC processor logic the relays and the opto-couplers. Assuming side and K14 at the interface board side. After
WorldRadioHistory
20

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O

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é 0 6 é 0 0 0 0 é 0 è O0
(30 00k O01 e0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O0 0 0 0

î
O

OCR Ogg gag Reg Ogg lieg Ogg 0

t, a „...ej
e t 19 2
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000000000
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888 /

00 004 00 •00 •004 el

'1366 666 686 686 669 666 666

4_0
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0 0 4 00 4 Iie
:c 0
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re000e

r c>k- ? ?o 2
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. gi 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. •o o

Lo
0 0 0

Fig. 5a. Track layouts of the double-sided, through-plated printed-circuit board.

fitting the system EPROM into its socket on the operation. As already stated, the pro- while possible problems with the communi-
the BASIC computer board, and resetting the gram is supplied in the form of an EPROM. cation between the terminal or PC and the
system, the exchange is ready for use. Those of you who want to change it may get BASIC computer are tackled in Refs. 1and 2.
out their terminal or PC, connect it to the A short description is given of the func-
BASIC computer, and suspend the program tion of the main routines in the control pro-
Control software
by typing control-C. Next, LIST the program, gram:
Software is essential for any microprocessor- and edit it as required. RUN the program to
based system. The control program for the check that it does what you want. The syntax the internal numbers start with a'1', i.e.,
telephone exchange is written in BASIC with requirements of the 8052 BASIC interpreter the extensions in the network have num-
plenty of comment in the listing to explain are covered in the relevant Intel manual, bers 11 up and including 18.
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 Eu

Fig. 5b. Component mounting plan.

COMPONENTS LIST

Resistors: Semiconductors: computer. Order code ESS 5941.

8 33012 R1—R8 10 CNY17 IC1-1C10
2 10kil R9;R15 3 74HCT32 1C11;1C12;IC13 Miscellaneous:
1 68kfl R10 1 74HCT30 IC14 12 2-way PCB terminal block Ki —K8;
1 11(12 R12 2 74HCT377 IC15;1C16 K10—K13
1 68012 R13 1 74HCT245 IC17 1 3-way PCB terminal block K9
1 47012 R14 2 ULN2803 IC18;1C19 1 40-way PCB-mount plug K14
1 4k7 R16 1 74HCT138 1020 with eject headers
1 SIL array 8x10k.12 R17 1 7815 IC21 12 5-V SPDT PCB-mount Rel—Re12
1 BC517 Ti relay, Siemens type
Capacitors: V23127-60001-A101
1 BC547B T2
9 100nF Cl—C8;C14 21 1N4148 Dl—D20;D25 1 24V 3.3VA mains transformer Tri
1 10µF 16V C9 1 1N4001 021 1 telephone line transformer Tr2
type VLL3715T
1 10OµF 25V C10 1 10V 0.4W zener diode D22
1 printed-circuit board 900081
1 220nF C11 2 27V 0.4W zener diode D23;D24
1 2µ2 100V C12 2 6V8 0.4W zener diode D26;D27
1 22nF C13 1 EPROM with control program for BASIC

atotal of ten shortcut codes is allowed for '5'. This can be undone by dialling '6'. Elektor Electronics September 1990.
external numbers. These codes start with 3. Dual-tone multi-frequency (DTMF)
a'2', i.e., 20 up to and including 29 are The function of dial numbers 4, 7, 8 and decoder. Elektor Electronics May 1989.
available. '9' is not fixed, although the software has
the codes used for shortcut dialling are built-in routines to intercept them. Number
stored by first dialling '3'. Next, dial the '8', for instance, could be used to switch on LETTER WRITERS AHOY ...
code (0-9), followed by the number of relay Rem, and number '9', to switch it off We need your cooperation in the matter of your
welcome letters to authors and other readers.
the external connection. The processor again. To be able to do this, you have to in- Please enclose a stamped and addressed
stores the shortcut code and the associ- clude the appropriate write command in the envelope if you expect areply. If the author/
ated number when the receiver is put number interception subroutine, test the op- reader lives outside the USA, please include two
International Postal Reply coupons (available
down. All codes are available to all ex- tion, and program anew EPROM. at your post office) instead of stamps on your
tensions in the network served by the ex- envelope.
change, and they may be changed at any References: In questioning authors, please leave room in
your letter for replies which should relate to
time by any extension. 1. BASIC computer. Elektor Electronics No-
the article, be framed clearly, and written
aparticular extension can be disabled vember 1987. legibly. Please do not ask for design advice or
from receiving external calls by dialling 2. ROM-copy for 8052-BASIC computer. for equipment evaluations.
WorldRadioHistory
 GUITAR TUNER
by T. Giffard

A guitar is one of those instruments that needs to be tuned daily.

The number of tuning aids on the market indicate that many play-
ers do not find this tuning all that easy. The electronic tuner pre-
sented here will make tuning easier for the beginner as well as for
the advanced player.

For almost three centuries guitarists have

used atuning-fork (invented in 1711 by John
Shore) or apitch-pipe (which appeared later
that century) as an aid to tuning their instru-
ment. Between the two world wars, electrical
aids to tuning became popular. Typical of
these is the resonoscope, introduced almost
simultaneously in the USA and the UK in
1936, which gives avisual indication at the
correct tuning pitch. Some drawbacks of
them are that they are not easily made and
that beginners never learn how to tune the
guitar properly. The tuning-fork and pitch-
pipe (also known as flue) are not ideal either.
The tone of atuning-fork is barely audible
and lasts but for afew moments. The pitch-
pipe has abetter volume and lasts for as long
as the breath of the tuner allows, but its accu-
racy often leaves much to be desired
(depending on its quality, of course).
The present tuner may be considered as a
very accurate electronic pitch-pipe. Accu-
racy of pitch is ensured by aquartz crystal,
since even amediocre crystal does not devi-
ate from its nominal frequency by more than
100 p.p.m. (0.01%). Fig. 1. General view of the electronic guitar tuner.
The six tones (US: notes)* required for
tuning aguitar are obtained by dividing the close approximation to natural tuning); and distant on alogarithmic frequency scale, that
crystal frequency with apresettable divider. to equal temperament (in which musical is, each tone has a frequency that is 21/12
Once the divider settings have been estab- intervals are moved away from the natural (=1.05946) times greater than the preceding
lished, the six tones are always correct with scale to fit them for practical performance). one. The advantage of this is that the instru-
respect to one another. Tuning is further sim- In equal temperament tuning, each semi- ment may be played in virtually any key. The
plified by the tone being apure sine wave at tone is made an equal interval. In other disadvantage, however, is that the tones do
constant loudness level. And, of course, the words, the twelve tones in an octave are equi- not sound 'natural', which is especially
best acoustic measuring instrument avail-
able is used: the human ear. This has the addi- Table 1
tional advantage that the tuner's ear becomes Harmonic Equal temp.
trained in distinguishing between different tuning tuning
tones: practice makes perfect. 4/E2 =VA2 =330.00 Hz ... 1E2 = 82.50 Hz 82.41 Hz
4fA2 =3fDi =440.00 Hz ... f
A2 = 110.00 Hz 110.00 Hz
4fDi =3fGi =586.67 Hz .'• tin = 146.67 Hz 146.83 Hz
Methods of tuning
41m= 3fg i = 782.22 Hz :. /
GI = 195.56 Hz 196.00 Hz
Instruments may be tuned to the 'natural 4/E i=3fA2 =990.00 Hz ... [Bi = 247.50 Hz 246.94 Hz
scale' (which is deducible by physical laws); 4/E2 = fE = 330.00 Hz 329.63 Hz
to mean-tone temperament (which gives a

*In the United Kingdom, and most other English-speaking countries outside North America, a tone means a "musical sound
consisting of a'pure' note". In the USA, this is called anote. Similarly, "a single sound of given pitch and duration" is called anote
in the UK and atone in the USA. WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 al

noticeable when concords are played.

In general, most guitarists prefer to tune
their instrument to flageolet-notes, which
no. of harmonic 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 means harmonics. The name derives from
the supposed resemblance of these thin-
length of string vibrating entire 1 1 1 1
. 1 1 1 1 sounding notes to those of the flageolet, an
2 U i U U 7 73 U
obsolete 6-holed wind instrument.
The name 'harmonic' is an abbreviation
e0 0 171
til for 'harmonic tone', that is, one of the so-
tFL a»
0 called harmonic series. The lowest of such
tones, the 'fundamental', is called the 'first
harmonic', the next lowest, the 'second har-
octave perfect major aug-
perfect fourth major third minor mented major monic', and so on. However, 'playing on har-
fifth third third second second
monics' on aguitar really means 'harmonics
900020-12
without the first', since the fundamental is
the 'normal' sound.
It is fairly simple to make the strings of a
Fig. 2. Relation between harmonic frequencies and the length of string that is vibrating.

Fig. 3. Circuit diagram of the guitar tuner. Tuning frequencies are determined by the diode matrix D1-081.
WorldRadioHistory
24

guitar vibrate at the second, third and fourth

harmonic. This is done by setting the string
vibrate not as awhole length but in fractional
parts of its length. To obtain the second har-
monic, the string is vibrated over half its
length, for the third harmonic over athird of
its length, and so on (see Fig. 2).
On a correctly tuned guitar, equal har-
monic frequencies can be found on two dif-
ferent strings. For instance, the fourth har-
monic of the lower E-string has the same fre-
quency as the third harmonic of the A-string.
In technical terms, 4fE2 = 3fA2 .Relations
between harmonics on other strings are
shown in Table 1; if these are as shown, the
guitar is tuned correctly. The frequencies are
based on the International Concert Pitch, A
=440 Hz, whose second lower harmonic is
A 2 = 110 Hz. From this, the other frequencies
can be calculated. Note that the subscript or
exponent of the tone following the string
name indicates the number of octaves the
tone is above or below Middle Crespectively.
The number 0is traditionally omitted.
For completeness' sake, the table also
shows the frequencies when the guitar is
tuned to equal temperament. The choice is
yours! Equal temperament is normally pre-
ferred for playing in agroup, but for solo
playing most guitarists choose harmonic
tuning because that gives a 'smoother'
sound. See also Table 2.

The tuner
The design of the tuner is far simpler than
the theory behind the tuning. Its circuit, see
diagram in Fig. 3, may be divided into four,
excluding the power supply: acrystal oscil-
lator, IC4a; apresettable frequency divider,
IC3; asine-wave shaper, IC2a -
IC1a; and asix-
stage RC output filter.
The oscillator is (and must be) an Fig. 4. The printed-circuit board for the tuner is single-sided to allow the diode matrix and the pull-up
unbuffered inverter, and IC4a is therefore an resistors to be mounted upright.
HCU type. If you have afrequency counter,
adjust C21 to give an oscillator frequency of
exactly 12 MHz; otherwise, just set the trim-
mer to the centre of its travel. The oscillator 08, C12 =2n2 IC1 =TLC272
Resistors:
is coupled to the clock (al() input of the R1, R8 = 220 k C9 =27 n 102 = 74HC164
divider. R2. R7 = 68 k C10 =2n7 IC3 =74 HC164
The divider has four groups of four BCD R3, R6, R39, R45 =47 k C13 = 10 n IC4 = 74HCUO4
R4, R5 =39 k C14 = 1n IC5 = 78L05
(binary-coded decimal) inputs, J1 —J16, with
R9, R14 = 10 k C15 = 12 n
each of which one digit of the divisor, k, is set
R1O—R13, R15 =4k7 C16 = 1n2 Miscellaneous:
(max. 9999). Group J1 —J4 sets the units; J5—J8 R16—R36 = 1M C17 =2µ2, 10 V, axial Si = single-pole switch
the tens; J9 -112 the hundreds; and J13—J16 the R37, R41, R43, R47 =27 k C18 =27 p S2 =2-pole, 6-position rotary
thousands. The setting is accomplished with R38, R42, R44, R48 =270 k C19 =22 p switch for PCB mounting
R40, R46 =470 k C20 = 100 p X1 = 12 MHz quartz crystal
the aid of adiode matrix, 131—D96 (not all of
R49 = 100 12 021 =trimmer, 60 p Bt1 =9-V (PP3) battery and
which are required). C22 = 100 pF, 16 V, radial associated clip.
The presence or absence of diodes deter- Capacitors: C23 = 10 µF, 10 V, axial Enclosure, preferably ABS,
mines the divisor for each of the six tones C1,—C3, C24—C26 = 100 n 190x100x28 mm(approx.)
selected with S2. The presence of a diode C4 =200 n Semiconductors: PCB Type 900020
C5 =47 n Dl—D96 = 1N4148 (number
causes alogic 1, and the absence alogic 0, at
C6 =4n7 required depends on tuning -
the relevant J-input of IC3. See also Table 2.
C7, C11 =22 n
WorldRadioHistory see Table 2)
The output signal of the divider has afre-
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990

quency that is 16 times higher than required. that has been arranged to accept logic 1s the divider and then eight Is.
Clocked by this signal, the sine-wave shaper when OH is low and logic Os when QH is high. The logic levels at the output of IC2 are
produces apure sinusoidal signal at the right A reset at switch-on, provided by R15-C4, en- translated into aresistance that, in conjunc-
frequency at the output, pin 1, of ICia. sures that at the onset of operation always tion with R15, determines the gain of IC1a.
Circuit IC2a is an eight-bit shift register eight Os are input first to the QA—QH inputs of The shape of the output of ICla is nearly
sinusoidal, mainly because of Ci in the feed-
back loop. Nevertheless, the 15th and 17th
Table 2 harmonics are still fairly strong but, since
these are, in frequency, agood way from the
S2 posn. Tone Frequency Diodes to be used Divisor
fundamental, asimple second-order RC filter
is sufficient to suppress them. However, the
(Equal temperament tuning)
distance (in frequency) between the funda-
mental and these harmonics is not so large
1 fE2 82.41 Hz 1; 9; 13; 16 9101
as to make one filter suffice for all six tones:
2 .ÍA2 110.00 Hz 20; 21; 28; 30; 31 6818
each of the tones requires aseparate filter.
3 fDi 146.83 Hz 36; 41; 45; 47 5108
The six filters are switched into circuit by
4 foi 196.00 Hz 49; 50; 51; 54; 60; 61; 62 3827
S2b. The waveform at the pole of this switch
5 fi 246.94 Hz 65; 66; 67; 69; 70; 77; 78 3037
is agood sine wave that has less than 0.04%
6 h 329.63 Hz 81; 83; 85; 86; 87; 90; 94 2275
harmonic distortion. Even so, the signal is
still buffered by Leib. The cut-off frequency
(Harmonic tuning)
of the filters is about 60% of the frequency at
the —3 dB point.
1 fE2 82.50 Hz 5; 8; 13; 16 9090
The output of the tuner, which is protect-
2 .fit2 110.00 Hz 20; 21; 28; 30; 31 6818
ed against short-circuits by R49, is suitable for
3 fDi 146.70 Hz 33; 34; 37; 41; 45; 47 5113
connecting to avariety of amplifiers. Its level
4 foi 195.60 Hz 49; 51; 53; 54; 60; 61; 62 3835
depends to some degree on the frequency
5 fi 247.50 Hz 69; 70; 77; 78 3030
and lies between 450 mV and 600 mV r.m.s.
6 fE 330.00 Hz 81; 82; 85; 86; 87; 90; 94 2273
Because of this dependency on frequency, the
loudness appears to remain more constant
than when the output level is kept constant.

Construction and setting up

The tuner is best built on the printed-circuit
board shown in Fig. 4and then fitted in asuit-
able enclosure of about 190x100x28 mm.
Mount all pull-down resistors and the
required diodes (34 for equal temperament
tuning and 33 for harmonic tuning — see
Table 2) upright as shown in Fig. 5.
The divisors are obtained as briefly
explained earlier. For instance, the divisor, k,
for frequency k i (equal temperament tun-
ing) is obtained by placing diodes D49, Da)
and D51 on to Ji, J2, and j3 respectively and
no diode to j4 to give binary number 0111 =
Fig. 5. All diodes used and the pull-up resistors must be mounted upright between the board and abridge
decimal 7; diode D54 on to j6 and no diodes
of stout circuit wire.
to J5, J7 and J5 to give binary number 0010 =
decimal 2; diode D60 on to J12 and no diodes
to J9, J10 and Jli to give binary number 1000
=decimal 8; and diodes D61 and D62 onto J13
and J14, and no diodes tolls and j16 to give
binary number 0011 =decimal 3. The divisor
is thus 3827.
The divisor may be calculated from
k=12x10 6 /16f. If frequencies different from
those in this article are used, bear in mind
that the filters must be adapted accordingly.
The most practical power supply is a9-V
(PP3) battery. The average operational cur-
rent drain is 12 mA. The battery will last a
long time as shown by the prototype still
working satisfactorily when the battery volt-
Fig. 6. Suggested front panel layout for the tuner. WorldRadioHistory age had dropped to 4V.
 IN QUEST OF A PANGRAM
by Lee C.F. Sallows

The pangram problem repeated, trials and error leading to succes- the listed items. In looking at the above
sively closer approximations. This open- case, for example, only afool will fail to
Some years ago, aDutch newspaper, the ing soon shades into the middle game. By spot instances where style has been com-
Nieuwe Rotterdamse Courant, carried an now all of the putative totals ought to have promised in deference to arithmetic. Short
astonishing translation of arather tongue- been corrected to within two or three of of a miracle, it is only the flexibility
in-cheek sentence of mine that had previ- the true sums. There are, say, nine f's in granted through choice of alternative
ously appeared in one of Douglas Hofs- fact but only seven being claimed, and 27 forms of expression that would seem to
tadter's Scientific American columns real t's where twenty-nine are declared. offer any chance of escape from such a
("Metamagical Themas", January 1982). labyrinth of mirrors.
Both the translation and an article describ- This is what made Kousbroek's transla-
ing its genesis were by Rudy Kousbroek, a tion of my sentence so stunning. Number-
well-known writer and journalist in Hol- An English explorer's words excepted, his rendering not only ad-
land. Here is the original sentence: self-referent account of hered closely to the original in meaning, it
was simultaneously an autogram in Dutch!
Only the fool would take trouble to verify that
his hybrid machine for Or at least, so it appeared at first sight.
his sentence was composed of ten a's, three b's, solving a challenging Counting up, Iwas amused to find that
four c's, four cfs, forty-six es, sixteen f's, four three of the sums quoted in his sentence
word puzzle.
g's, thirteen h's, fifteen i's, two k's, nine i's, four did not in fact tally with the real totals. So
m's, twenty-five n's, twenty-four o's, five p's, Iwrote to the author pointing out these
sixteen r's, forty-one s's, thirty-seven i's, ten discrepancies. This resulted amonth later
u's, eight vs, eight w's, four x's, eleven y's, Switching seven with the nine in twenty- in asecond article in the same newspaper.
twenty-seven commas, twenty-three apostro- nine to produce nine f's and twenty-seven Kousbroek wrote of his surprise and dis-
phes, seven hyphens and, last but not least, a t's corrects both totals at asingle stroke. may in being caught out by the author of
single! Introducing further cautious changes the original sentence, "specially come
among the number-words with aview to over from America, it seems, to put me
Complete verification is atedious task: bringing off this sort of mutual cancella- right." The disparities Ihad pointed to,
unsceptical readers may like to take my tion of errors should eventually carry one however, were nothing new to him. A sin-
word for it that the number of letters and through to the final phase. gle flaw had been spotted in the suppos-
signs used in the sentence do indeed corre- The end game is reached when the edly finished translation on the very morn-
spond with the listed totals. A text that in- number of discrepancies has been brought ing of submitting his manuscript. But a
ventories its own typography in this fash- down to about four or less. The goal is in happy flash revealed away to rectify the
ion is what Icall an autogram (auto = self, sight but, as in amaze, proximity is an un- error in the nick of time. Later, a more
gramma = letter). Strict definition is un- reliable guide. Suppose, for instance, a careful check revealed that this 'brain-
necessary, different conventions giving few days' painstaking labour have at last wave' had in fact introduced even more
rise to variant forms; it is the use of cardi- yielded anear-perfect specimen: only the errors elsewhere. He'd been awaiting 'the
nal number-words written out in full that x's are wrong. Instead of the five claimed, dreaded letter with its merciless arith-
is the essential feature. Below we shall be in reality there are six. Writing six in place metic' ever since. The account went on to
looking at some in which the self-enumer- of five will not merely invalidate the totals tell of his titanic struggle in getting the
ation restricts itself to the letters employed for e, f, s, and v, the x in six means that translation straight. The new version was
and ignores the punctuation. their number has now become seven. Yet, included; it is aspectacular achievement.
Composing autograms can be an exact- replacing six by seven will only return the The tail concealed asubtle sting, how-
ing task, to say the least. The process has total to six. What now? ever. At the end of his story, Kousbroek
points in common with playing adiaboli- Paradoxical situations of this kind are a threw out anew (letter-only) autogram of
cally conceived game of patience. How commonplace of autogram construction. his own:
does one begin? My approach is to decide Interlocking feedback loops magnify tiny
first what the sentence is going to say and displacement into far-reaching upheavals; Dit pangram bevat vijf a's, twee h's. twee c's.
then make aflying guess at the number of harmless truths cannot be stated without drie d's, zesenveertig c's. vijff 's, vier g's. twee
occurrences of each sign. Writing out this disconfirming themselves. Clearly, the h's, vijftien i's, vier j's. een k. twee I's. twee
provisional version, the real totals can be only hope of dehydrating this Hydra and Ws, zeventien n's, een o. twee p's. een q. zeven
counted up and the initial guess updated getting every snake-head to eat its own tail r's, vierentwintig s's, zestien een u. elf v's.
into an improved estimate. The process is lies in doctoring the text accompanying acht w's, een x. een yen zes

Lee Sallows is an English electronics engineer employed at the Psychology Laboratory of the University of Nijmegen. Besides the design and con-
struction of electronic instruments associated with psychological experiments, he does agood deal of translation work, mostly of scientific and tech-
nical papers. A self-confessed dilettante, his interests have included ham radio, psychoanalysis, classical guitar. recreational mathematics and linguis-
tics, impossible figures, logical paradoxes. Sherlockian studies, runology, mountain walking, and writing.
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 DI

The automatic number-word selector boa .dtha': transformed the original pangram machine into the Mark II version. On the ieft, 18 window-detector chips
determine the number of g s, I's, x's, and ys. At right ,
four more integ;ated circuits and 24 transistors switch in the appropriate PROFILES on the resistor-
bearing cards above.

A finer specimen of logological ele- would count letters and provide continu- many as eight discrepant totals might be
gance is scarcely conceivable. The sen- ous feedback on the results of keyboard- perfected through replacing asingle num-
tence is written in flawless Dutch and mediated surgery performed on asentence ber-word. If hand-composition is obliged
couldn't possibly be expressed in acrisper displayed on screen. Later Ibegan to won- to rely on amixture of guesswork, word-
or more natural form. In ordinary transla- der what would happen with aprogram chopping, prayer, and luck, how can a
tion, it says, "This pangram contains five that cycled through the list of number- more intelligent strategy be incorporated
a's, two b's, two c's ... one y, and six z's." words, checking each against its corre- into aprogram?
[A pangram, it is necessary to explain, is sponding real total and making automatic I was pondering this impasse when
simply a phrase or sentence containing replacements where necessary. Could au- Rudy Kousbroek's challenge presented it-
every letter of the alphabet at least once tograms be evolved through arepetitive self, distracted my attention, and sent me
(pan = all, gramma = letter). This article is process of selection and mutation? Several off on adifferent tack. The sheer hopeless-
about self-enumerating pangrams, that is, such LISP programs were in fact written ness of the undertaking caught my imagi-
pangrams that are simultaneously auto- and tested: the results were not unpre- nation. But was it actually impossible?
grams. In such pangrams, some letters will dictable. In every case, processing would What a comeback if it could really be
occur only at the point where they them- soon become trapped in an endless loop of pulled off! The task was to complete alet-
selves are listed (look at k, o, q, u, x, y).] repeated exchanges. Increasing refine- ter-only autogram beginning, "This pan-
Following this pangram came adevilish ments in the criteria to be satisfied before gram contains ...". A solution, were it dis-
quip in my direction: "Lee Sallows will anumber-word was replaced would win coverable, must in a sense already exist
doubtless find little difficulty in producing only temporary respite from these vicious 'out there' in the abstract realm of logo-
a magic English translation of this sen- circles. logical space. It was like seeking anumber
tence," wrote Kousbroek. What seemed to be needed was apro- that has to satisfy certain predetermined
Needless to say, Ididn't manage to find gram that could look ahead to examine the mathematical conditions. And nobody—
any errors in this sentence of his! ramifications of replacing nineteen by least of all Kousbroek—knew whether it
twenty, say, before actually doing so. But existed or not. The thought of finding it
how is such aprogram to evaluate or rank was atantalizing possibility. Reckless of
Autograms by computer
prospective substitutions? Goal-directed long odds, I put aside programs and
Rudy's playful taunt came along at atime problem solving converges on asolution launched into a resolute attempt to dis-
when Ihad already been looking into the by using differences between intermediate cover it by hand-trial.
possibility of computer-aided autogram results and the final objective so as to steer It was afoolhardy quest, asearch for a
construction. Anyone who has tried his processing in the direction of minimizing needle in ahaystack without even the reas-
hand at composition will know the them. The reflexive character of auto- surance of knowing that aneedle had been
drudgery of keeping careful track of letter grams frustrates this approach. As we have concealed there in the first place. Two
totals. One small undetected slip in count- seen, proximity is afalse index. 'Near-per- weeks' intermittent effort won only the
ing can later result in days of wasted work. fect' solutions may be anything but near in consolation prize of anear-perfect solu-
At first Ihad envisaged no more than an terms of the number of changes needed to tion: all totals correct save one; there were
aid to hand-composition: aprogram that correct them, while a sentence with as 21 t's instead of the 29 claimed. With a
WorldRadioHistory
 The SUMPROFILE

LABEL PROFILE NUMBER-WORD LETTER

efghi In or s tuvwxy

27 ( 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 1) twenty-seven E

6 ( 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ) six

3 ( 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 ) three G

5 ( 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 ) five H

11 ( 3 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0) eleven

2 ( 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0) two

20 ( 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1) twenty N

14 ( 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0) fourteen
O
6 ( 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 ) six

28 ( 2 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 1) twenty-eight

29 ( 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 1) twenty-nine

3 ( 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 ) three U

6 ( 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0) six V

10 ( 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 ) ten VN,/

4 ( 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 ) four X

5 ( 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 ) five Y

( 7 2 2 2 4 1 10 11 2 24 7 1 2 5 1 1) INITIAL TEXT CONSTANTS

(27 6 3 5 11 2 20 14 6 28 21 3 6 10 4 5) SUMPROFILE

Fig. 1. Astack of PROFILES and initial text constants are added to produce aSUMPROFILE. The example shown is the hand-produced near-perfect pangram. All
SUMPROFILES and label numbers coincide except that for T.

small fudge, it could even be brought to a through neighbouring combinations of Profiles

shaky sort of resolution: number-words? Each of the near-solution
totals could be seen as centred in ashort It isn't actually necessary to deal with all
ttttt range of consecutive possibilities within twenty-six totals. In English there are just
which the perfect total was likely to fall. ten letters of the alphabet that never occur
The number of f's, say, would probably in any number-word between :era and
this pangram contains five a's, one b, two c's, turn out to lie somewhere between two hundred, the one too low and the other too
two d's, twenty-seven e's, six f's, three g's, five and ten, aband of nine candidates clus- high to appear in the pangram. These are
h's, eleven i's, one j, one k, two i's, two m's, tered about 'six'. With these ranges de- a, h, e, d, j, k, nt, p, q, and The totals for
twenty n's, fourteen o's, two p's, one q, six r's, fined, aprogram could be written to gen- these letters can thus be determined from
twenty-eight s's, twenty-nine t's, three u's, six erate and test every combination of the initial text and filled in directly:
v's, ten w's, four x's, five y's, and one z. twenty-six number-words constructible by
taking one from each. The test would con- This pangram contains five a's, one b. two c's.
To the purist in me, that single imper- sist in comparing these sets of potential to- two d's, ?es, ?fs. ?g's. ?h's. ?i's. one j. one k.?
fection was ahideous fracture in an other- tals with the computed letter frequencies I's. two ?n's.? (is, two p's. one (I. ?r's.? s's.
wise flawless crystal. Luckily, however, a they gave rise to, until an exact match was ?t's.? u's,? i's. ? ? ?yes. and one
promising new idea now suggested itself. found, or until all cases had been exam-
The totals in the near-solution must repre- ined. Blind searching might succeed This leaves exactly sixteen critical to-
sent a pretty realistic approach to what where cunning was defeated. tals. Counting up shows that there are al-
they would be in the perfect solution, as- ready 7és. 2f's, 2g's, 2h's. 4 i's. II. 10
suming it existed. Why not use it as the n's, II o's. 2 r's. 24 s's, 7 i's, Irt. 2 v's. 5
basis for a systematic computer search w's, Is, and Iy: sixteen constants that
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 29

32- 10- 10- 10- 15- 10 - 24T 18- 10 33 - 25- 10 - 10 - 15 - 10 10

6 11 20 14 6 21 6

27 5 28 10 5

4
_ -I-

3 3

23- 1 1- 1- 6- 1-'• 15- 9- 1- 24 - 16 - 1- 1- 6- 1 1-

E F G H I L N 0 R S T U V W X Y

Fig. 2. The range of frequency values to be considered for each letter that appears in number-words.

must be added to those letters occurring in from the 16 pre-defined ranges. We shall way to single-minded intensity as the
the trial list of sixteen number-words. return to these shortly. Each set of tables problem wormed its way under my skin.
Though straightforward in principle, would be used to call up the associated set Neither was I working entirely alone.
the program Ithen set out to write carried of PROFILES. These 16 PROFILES would be Word of the pangram puzzle had spread
its practical complications. Number-words added together element for element, and among colleagues, discussion sprang up
lack the regularity of numerals (in what- the resulting sums in turn added to the and contending design philosophies were
ever base notation), still less the harmony above-mentioned constants so as to form a urged. At one stage, complaint of "exces-
of the numbers both stand for. An obvious SUMPROFILE—See Fig. I. The SUMPROFILE sive cm-time devoted to word games"
step was to replace number-words by PRO- would thus contain the true letter frequen- came in from the University of Nijmegen
FILES: alphabetically ordered sixteen-ele- cies for the presently activated sentence Computing Centre, whose facilities had
ment lists representing their letter content. (the 16 number-words represented by the been shamelessly pressed into service.
The PROFILE for twenty-seven, for instance, current combination of labels plus residual This was when rival programs were run-
would be: text). All that remained was for the pro- ning simultaneously. It was bad enough to
gram to check whether the numbers in the be in search of aHoly Grail that might not
e fghi Inor stuvwxy SUMPROFILE coincided with the present set even exist; the thought of someone else
(3 00000200 120 110 1) of PROFILE labels. If so, the candidate com- finding it first added asticky sense of ur-
bination of number-words agreed with the gency to the hunt.
The letters above the list are for guid- real totals and the pangram had been The question of determining the exact
ance only, and form no part of the PROFILE found. If not, generate the next combina- ranges of number-words to be examined
itself. A special case was the PROFILE for tions and try again.... seemed to me an essentially trivial one,
one, which provided for the disappearance The simplicity of this design conveys and Iput it off until last. The important
of plural sCone x, two x's') by including no hint of the uncounted alternatives re- thing was to get the program running. For
-1 in the sposition. PROFILES for all num- connoitered before reaching it. The 'obvi- the time being it was enough to decide
ber-words up to fifty (anything higher than ous' PROFILES were not quite so conspicu- what the lowest combination was going to
forty was unlikely ever to be needed) were ous as suggested, being in fact alater im- be, and to let the algorithm generate all
stored in memory, and alabel associated provement over aprevious look-up table. possibilities up to. say, ten higher for each
with each. These labels were chosen to co- Weeks were spent in exploring aquite dif- number-word. In terms of software it was
incide with the number represented. The ferent approach that sought to exploit the convenient for ranges to be of equal
label for the PROFILE of twenty-seven, for mutual-cancelling technique formerly used length; ten might be unnecessarily high,
example, would be the decimal number in hand-composition. By the time the final but better the net be too large than that the
27. version of the program had come into fish should escape. Since the totals in the
Starting with the lowest, asimple algo- focus, half adozen prototypes lay behind near-solution were to define the midpoint
rithm could now generate successive com- and several months had slipped by. In the of these ranges. their lower limits would
binations of labels, that is, numbers, drawn mean time, cheerful enthusiasm had given commence at about five less. Fourteen
WorldRadioHistory
Continued on page 15
30

SPEED CONTROL FOR 3-PHASE MOTORS

by F. P. Zantis

Three-phase motors, particularly asynchronous types, are very

reliable and consequently popular prime movers. A drawback of
these engines is, however, their fixed speed of rotation which
depends on the frequency of the applied voltage. This article
describes means of varying that frequency and thus controlling
the speed of the motor over awide range.

Until not so long ago, the only way of vary- very useful in standby and emergency power frequency changer is shown (greatly simpli-
ing the frequency of the voltage driving a supplies and in the control circuit of oscil- fied) in Fig.3.
three-phase motor was the use of a rotary lators. In these applications, the widely vary- The rectifier is normally aconventional
converter. However, the advent of power ing direct output voltage of abattery is con- bridge type. The voltage source is loaded by
semiconductors has made possible the de- verted to an alternating voltage of steady the required current only, independent of the
velopment of static frequency changers that level and frequency. motor rating. That results in agood power
convert an alternating voltage of agiven fre- A frequency changer to control the speed factor which is virtually constant (typically,
quency into one of a different frequency. of athree-phase motor must have an output cos (1) =0.97) over the entire load and speed
These devices may also change the number voltage whose level and frequency are both ranges.
of phases, for instance, single-phase current variable. A proportional change in the level The smoothing circuit is normally an
into three-phase current. and frequency of the voltage applied to the LC low-pass filter, whose inductance pro-
Apart from their application with prime motor enables the speed of rotation of the tects the mains against transients. The large
movers, such frequency changers are also motor to be varied at constant moment as is values of capacitance required with high
shown schematically in Fig. I. loads are obtained by series and parallel con-
Speed control offers many advantages, nection of anumber of high-voltage elec-
such as asaving in energy, reduced mainte- trolytic capacitors as shown in Fig. 4.
nance costs, and optimalization or greater Matched resistors ensure correct division of
flexibility of operation. the voltage.
The inverter consists of three pairs of
transistors that are arranged in astar config-
Frequency changers
uration. The three motor phases are con-
All frequency changers work on the same nected cyclically at 120° intervals to, respec-
principle: the drive voltage (normally 240 V tively, the positive and negative terminal of
or 415 V, 50 Hz mains) is rectified, smoothed the smoothing filter, which results in aro-
(filtered) and applied to the motor via an in- tating field being induced in the motor. Ap-
verter (= dc-to-ac converter) as shown propriate control of the inverter enables the
schematically in Fig. 2. smooth, precise control of the output fre-
Fig. 1. Schematic representation of how a3-phase The construction of the various sections quency. In general, three-phase motors may
motor may be operated from asingle-phase sup- depends on the type of frequency changer. be operated at up to twice their rated speed.
ply under the control of afrequency changer. For instance, the power section of asmall This means that, for example, a four-pole

Fig. 2. Block diagram of abasic frequency changer. Fig. 3. Basic circuit of the power section of asmall frequency changer.
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 111

three-phase motor may be operated at up to This results in areduction of the magnetic AND gate obviates any unacceptable state,
3000 rev/min. Such control can not, how- flux and thus of the moment. Operation but has no other effect on the operation of
ever, be achieved by varying only the fre- above the rated frequency is thus not possi- the phase advancer.
quency. ble at the rated moment. For arotating field frequency of 50 Hz,
To obtain aconstant moment, the mag- The basic relation between supply fre- the clock of both designs must be 300 Hz.
netic flux in the stator of the motor must be quency,fs,the ratio of actual motor speed to Some semiconductor manufacturers pro-
related to the set frequency. To that end, the rated motor speed, nIn r,and the ratio of the vide special ICs for the generation of the ro-
motor voltage must be increased or reduced, actual motor voltage to the rated motor volt- tating field, but in state-of-the-art frequency
as the case may be, in direct proportion to age, U/Ur,is given by the characteristic in changers microprocessors are used for this
the frequency. When the frequency is higher Fig. 5, while the relation between nln, and purpose.
than the rated frequency of the motor the ratio of the actual moment and rated mo- As already stated, the output voltage
(50 Hz), the voltage can not rise, since the ment, M/Mr,is shown in Fig. 6. must rise in direct proportion to the fre-
frequency changer can not generate apoten- The power section of the inverter is pre- quency. There are anumber of ways in which
tial that is higher than the applied voltage. ceded by acontrol stage which, among oth- the output voltage may be varied: the two
ers, contains the electronics for the most important of these, pulse-amplitude
generation of the variable-frequency rotat- modulation—PAM—and pulse-duration
ing field. Two basic circuits for the genera- modulation—PDm—will be described
tion of this field are shown in Fig. 7: both below.
are digital phase advancers.
Figure 7a provides a presettable fre-
quency to control aring counter. The outputs
Pulse-amplitude modulation
of this counter are connected to abinary- In the PAM method of varying the output volt-
coded-decimal (BcD) decoder. The signals age, achopper (electronic switch), follow-
that are shifted by 120° with respect to one ing the smoothing filter, opens and closes at
another, and which are required for driving arate determined by the control stage (see
the power semiconductors, appear at the out- Fig. 8). This results in avariable direct volt-
put of the three bistables. age that is in direct proportion to the duty
Fig. 4. The filter capacitance may consist of series The circuit in Fig. 7b is rather simpler in factor of the control signal.
and parallel arrangements of small capacitors. that it does not include aBCD decoder. The The level of the voltage can be adjusted

M/M rt

M (load =const.)
U = (fn)

0.5

sn frequency I
s

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 [Hz] 0.2 0.4 0.6 0*

.8 1:0 1.2 1.4 1
•6

1 4 4 4
042 0.4 0.6 048 1.0 12 14 146 1
48 4
20 nin —41>
890073 •16
speed n
890073 -15

Fig. 5. Characteristic curve of the motor voltage vs rotational speed vs source Fig. 6. Moment characteristic.
frequency.

Fig. 7. Two possible designs for use with three-phase generators: both generate three signals, the phase of each of which is shifted 120 with respect to the
other two. WorldRadioHistory
in proportion to the frequency in a the voltage across the smoothing fil-
manner which ensures that the ratio ter can then be varied by controlling
of output voltage to output fre- the phase angle. The main drawback
quency remains constant. For a of this method is the feedback on to
400 V motor, this ratio must be the source (mains), which manifests
400 V:50 Hz =- 8V per Hz. itself in apoor power factor and rel-
In the type of frequency changer atively high-level harmonics. These
described here, the output voltage is harmonics must be filtered out, oth-
built up from six pulses per period erwise the user might run into trou-
(see Fig. 9). That voltage is not si- ble with the relevant electricity sup-
nusoidal: it contains, apart from the ply authority.
fundamental frequency component
anumber of harmonics of which the
Fig. 8. Frequency changer using pulse-amplitude modulation. Pulse-duration
5th, 7th, llth and 13th are the most
important. These harmonics cause
modulation
the motor to produce spurious mo- Frequency changers using pulse-du-
ments and result in additional losses ration modulation have no chopper
in energy. or controlled rectifier, so that the
Because of the inductance of the voltage across the smoothing filter
stator, the current through the motor assumes afairly constant value that
is rather more sinusoidal than the is dependent only on the supply volt-
voltage. The waveform becomes age and the load.
better when the voltage is built up The level and shape of the output
from alarger number of pulses per voltage are determined solely by the
period. For instance, when there are width of the output pulses of the in-
18 pulses per period, the output volt- verter.
age and current are shaped as shown The basis of this type of modula-
in Figure 10. The amplitude of the tion is acomparison between atrian-
harmonics is then much smaller so gular and asinusoidal signal. The fre-
that the motor runs rather more quency of the triangular signal is
smoothly. much higher than that of the sine
The PAM frequency changer may wave (see Fig. 12). The resulting
also be designed with acontrolled Fig. 9. Output voltage of aPAM frequency changer built up from 6pulses pulse train is the control instrument.
rectifier instead of a chopper as per period: (a) at maximum source voltage and frequency and (b) at As before, because of the integrat-
shown in Fig. 11. The amplitude of half the maximum source voltage and frequency. ing action of the stator inductance.

Fig. 10. Output voltage of aPAM frequency changer built up from 18 pulses per period (a) and corresponding
current (b).

Fig. 11. The PAM frequency changer with controlled rectifier. Fig. 12. Output voltage of aPDM frequency changer: (a) maximum source volt-
age and
WorldRadioHistory frequency; (b) half the maximum source voltage and frequency.
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 ED

the current is sinusoidal for all practical pur- to turn off the device, the charge carriers pends on the voltage across the motor and
poses. must be removed and this is usually done by the inverter is, therefore, called avoltage in-
The design of the control circuitry is applying areverse voltage across the thyris- verter. The level of the current through the
much simplified by the availability of spe- tor, aprocess known as commutation. The motor depends entirely on the load on the
cial ICs that contain the comparator, sine process wil be described with the aid of the motor.
wave generator and triangular-wave gener- circuit shown in Fig.14, which is part of that It is also possible to base the frequency
ator. Again, the design may also be based on in Fig. 13. changer on the processing of the current, in
the use of microprocessors. which case the load on the motor determines
The frequency of the sinusoidal voltage the voltage across the motor. This type of
determines the output frequency of the fre- frequency changer is called acurrent-based
quency changer and thus the speed of the frequency changer
motor. When the frequency of the triangular The design of the power section of acur-
signal is constant, pulses are generated that rent-based frequency changer is shown,
depend on the output frequency. At low out- greatly simplified, in Fig. 15. Note that the
put frequencies, the number of pulses per smoothing filter does not contain acapaci-
period is relatively high, which results in a tor. The controlled rectifier at the input de-
near-sinusoidal current through the motor. termines the r.m.s. value of the current
When the output frequency is high, the through the smoothing filter. The inductor
waveform of the current deteriorates. smoothes the direct current. Before it is fed
Fig. 14. Simplified commutation circuit (detail of
High-voltage switching transistors may Figure 13). to the stators of the motor, the current
be used in the power section of inverters as through the filter is divided in the inverter
long as the output power does not exceed 50 in amanner to ensure that arotating field is
kVA. Modules are available from some The simplified circuit in Fig. 14 consists induced. The current through, and the volt-
manufacturers that contain all six transistors of two thyristors, acommutation LC net- age across, the motor are shown in Fig. 16.
required for athree-phase bridge circuit. work, which forms aseries resonant circuit, Note that in this type of frequency changer
When the output power exceeds 50 kVA, and two diodes. the current waveform is rectangular,
thyristors must be used. Figure 13 shows one In order to turn off Th 1,Th3 must be whereas the voltage is near-sinusoidal.
phase circuit of the power section of athyris- fired. At first, capacitor C is charged as Because of the controlled rectifier, the
tors-based inverter; the other two circuits are shown (1). This results in asinusoidal cur- power factor at the source end of acurrent-
identical. Since thyristors can not be rent in the LC circuit. The first half period based frequency changer is not constant, but
switched off in asimple manner, some ad- of that current flows through Th3, which varies in accordance with the load. Further-
ditional components are required. then fires. When the current reaches azero more, this type of frequency changer can not
Each phase circuit needs four thyristors, crossing, Th3 is turned off and the polarity be used in parallel operation of motors, be-
of which two, Thl and Th2, switch the cur- of C is reversed (2). The next half period of cause the commutation capacitor in the in-
rent through the motor. The other two, Th3 the current flows through the diode and Thl verter must be adapted to the rating of the
and Th4, are required for the so-called com- or the motor. For abrief instant, the motor motor.
mutation process, which is described below. current flows through the LC circuit: no cur- Since in a current-based frequency
rent then flows through Thl and it turns off. changer the motor is part of the commuta-
The remaining components in Fig. 14 tion network, such afrequency changer, in
Commutation contrast to avoltage-based changer, can not
protect the power semiconductors or are
During forward conduction all the junctions needed to prepare the commutation process. be operated without the motor. On the other
of athyristor are forward biased. To be able The operation of this type of inverter de- hand, the design of the inverter for acurrent-

Fig. 13. Diagram of one phase circuit of afrequency changer based on thyris- Fig. 15. Circuit diagram of the power section of acurrent-based frequency
tors, also called voltage-based frequency changer. changer.
WorldRadioHistory
34

based frequency changer is much then, however, apotential between

simpler than that for avoltage-based the case and earth. BE WARNED
model. Furthermore, the commuta- that in certain circumstances it may
tion process is simply effected by be dangerous to touch the case.
the inverter and the rotating field of The voltage peaks in the inverter
the motor without the need of addi- may reach values that exceed the iso-
tional components. lation breakdown voltage of the test
However, the great advantage of instrument. It is therefore important
acurrent-based frequency changer Fig. 16. Current through, and voltage across, athree-phase motor op- that for each instrument at least the
is not its simpler design, but the pos- erated with the aid of acurrent-based frequency changer. maximum input voltage and the
sibity of feeding back the brake highest permissible voltage with re-
horsepower into the source without spect to earth or to case are known
the need of additional components. and strictly observed. Furthermore,
When the motor thus operates as a in order to judge whether agiven in-
generator, the current through it is strument is suitable for certain mea-
reversed and fed to the controlled surements, its principle of operation
rectifier via the smoothing filter. must be known. This is particularly
The rectifier then functions as an in- so when alternating voltages and
verter, which returns the energy to currents are measured whose wave-
the source. form does not match that with which
the instrument has been calibrated.a

Efficiency
FURTHER READING:
The efficiency of the modern fre-
quency changers discussed in this Power Electronics Handbook
Fig. 17. Typical efficiency curves of avoltage-based frequency changer.
article is pleasantly high: depending by F.F. Mazda
on the design and technology em- ISBN 0408 03004 6
ployed, it lies somewhere between Butterworth Scientific Ltd
93% and 97%. Typical efficiency Westbury House,
curves of avoltage-based frequency Bury Street
changer operating with various GUILDFORD GU2 5BH
loads are given in Fig. 17. England
The overall dissipation includes (Elektor Electronics June 1990)
losses in diodes, thyristors, induc-
tors and control sections. Most of Power Electronics
the dissipation, however, occurs in by M.H. Rashid
the commutation process. The over- ISBN 0 13 686619 0
all dissipation is, therefore, highly Prentice-Hall
dependent on the number of com- 66 Wood End Lane
mutations per unit time. Thus, al- HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HP2 4RG
though high pulse rates reduce the England
harmonic content, they increase the Fig. 18. Output voltage vs frequency characteristic when the voltage is
(Elektor Electronics October 1988)
raised at low frequencies.
dissipation.
At frequencies below 10 Hz, the Electric Machinery
potential drop across the resistance of the been charged can they be connected to the by Peter F. Ryff
motor winding reduces the flux and the mo- input source and even then via asuitable pro- ISBN 0 13 248691 1
ment. In these circumstances, this may be tection circuit. Prentice-Hall
compensated by ahigher than proportional The potential across the smoothing filter Wood End Lane
rise in the output voltage as indicated by the rises to the peak value of the source voltage. HEMEL HEMPSTEAD HP2 4RG
characteristic in Fig. 18. The capacitor(s) will retain alethal charge England
even after the source has been disconnected. (Elektor Electronics January 1989)
The commutation process causes high
Miscellaneous voltage peaks, which should be borne in Solving Problems in Electrical Power and
When adapting your own requirements to mind during test and measurement. Power Electronics
the observations and discussions in this ar- As arule, all components in the power by H.F.G. Gwyther
ticle, bear in mind that anumber of compo- section carry apotential to earth. Only very ISBN 0582 28644 I
nents are shown for very large loads. In no small frequency changers can be isolated Longman Scientific & Technical
circumstances, for instance, must the large from the source (mains) by asuitable trans- Longman House
capacitors shown in the smoothing filters be former. Again, this should be borne in mind Burnt Mill
connected directly across the mains or other during test and measurement. Also, test in- HARLOW CM20 2JE
high-voltage source since at the moment of struments whose 'zero potential' is con- England
first switch-on they form a short circuit. nected to their case (as in anumber of oscil- (Elektor Electronics March 1989)
Such high-value capacitors must be charged loscopes) must be connected to the mains
via asuitable resistor. Only when they have via an isolatingWorldRadioHistory
transformer. There exists
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 ED

S-VHS/CVBS-TO-RGB CONVERTER
PART 1: INTRODUCTION

Although the technical advantages of the Super-VHS video system

are well proven, many owners of an S-VHS video recorder balk at
the expense of acompatible monitor or TV set with separate
luminance and chrominance inputs. This article describes an
obvious missing link in the apparently ever-incompatible field of
video equipment connections. An advanced circuit is discussed
that converts S-VHS or CVBS (composite) video signals into RGB
components. The upshot is that you can use your existing monitor
with an RGB input (i.e., with aSCART or Euro-AV connection) to
benefit from the improved picture resolution offered by an S-VHS
video recorder. This month we discuss the basics of the video
standards involved.

H. Reelsen

The compatibility issue has played asig- equivalent luminance values of all three is The RGB intensity information required
nificant role in the development of both already contained in the Y signal, only to control the respective electron guns in
the NTSC and the PAL TV transmission two further signals, R—Y and B—Y, are the picture tube is obtained from the R—Y,
systems. In both cases, there were two generated by means of adifferential oper- B—Y and Y information with the aid of an
conflicting aspects: on the one hand, exist- ation with the Y signal. R—Y and B—Y are addition operation in amatrix circuit.
ing monochrome TV sets were not to be therefore referred to as the colour dif- A problem that remains to be solved is
affected by colour transmissions; on the ference signals. Before these signals are how to include the colour difference sig-
other hand, existing bandwidths of about transmitted, they are given relative nal in the bandwidth already occupied by
5MHz for the luminance (brightness) sig- brightness factors. The resulting chromin- the Y signal, without causing interference
nal were to be maintained. ance signals may be written as on monochrome TV sets, or reducing the
The compatibility requirement auto- picture sharpness on colour sets. At this
matically dictates that the black-and- U =0.49(B—Y) point, design engineers are in aposition to
white information (luminance or 'Y' V =0.88(R—Y) profit from acharacteristic of human eye,
signal) must also be conveyed in colour namely its reduced ability to resolve col-
transmissions. The Y signal forms the sum and the luminance, Y, as our contours as compared to brightness
of all basic colours, red (R), green (G) and values. This means that the colour infor-
blue (B), but only as far as their relative Y =0.3R +0.59G +OMB'
brightness is concerned. From perception
experiments, the brightness appears to
determine the overall sharpness of the pic-
ture. Hence, the luminance bandwidth
must be as large as possible (up to 5MHz)
for monochrome as well as colour TV sets.
However, this raises the problem of where
to put the colour information.

Colour components and

transmission
Any colour can be reproduced on a pic-
ture tube by actuating in the correct pro-
portion the basic colours it is composed of.
The final colour is obtained by controlling
the intensity at which the RGB pixels at
the inside of the picture tube light up. To
the human eye, the three individual basic
colours in a pixel group appear as one,
composite, colour or hue at a particular
saturation.
The need to convey R, G and B, is,
therefore, obvious. Since the sum of the
WorldRadioHistory
 36

Y = luminance = 0.3R + 0.59G + 0.11B

U = 0.49(B—Y)
V = 0.88(R —Y)
U + V = chrominance
The amplitude of a subcarrier f
c is modulated with

sin 27cfctmodulated with U U sin 2rzfct

and
cos 2rEfctmodulated with V V cos anfct
The complete PAL signal, X,
X =Y + U sin anfct± V cos 2nfct

Fig. 1. Signal waveforms resulting from quadrature modulation of the colour difference signals U. =0.49(B —Y) and Uv =0.88(R —Y). Drawing
'a' shows the quadrature -modulated signal U., while 'b and c' show the modulation signals U. and Uv, which for clarity's sake are formed
by a sinusoidal waveform and a rectangular waveform respectively. Drawings d' and `e' illustrate how these signals are modulated on to
the 90-degrees shifted carriers. The waveform shown in drawing 'a' is the result of adding the signals in d' and 'e'.

mation may be transmitted at arelatively shifts in the transmission path, the phase ance signal, it causes a finely patterned
low bandwidth without significantly de- of the R—Y component is inverted every type of interference known as moiré. Lu-
grading the overall sharpness of the pic- other picture line. Details of this operation minance circuits in all modern TV sets are
ture. In the PAL system, the colour (or peculiar to the PAL system may be found therefore fitted with a'colour trap', which
chrominance) bandwidth is about 1MHz. in Refs. 2and 3. is a relatively simple filter that removes
The colour difference signals are read- The use of amplitude modulation with most of the moiré effects with the excep-
ily embedded in the frequency spectrum suppressed carrier requires aphase- and tion of those occurring at areas with sharp
of the Y signal by making use of the fact frequency-synchronized subcarrier at the colour transitions. Here, large phase
that the spectral lines of the Y signal occur receiver side. In aTV set, the modulated jumps give rise to subcarrier sidebands
at even multiples of the line frequency R—Y and B—Y components are recovered that fall outside the stop band of the 4.43-
(15,625 Hz). Also, the amplitude of these from the chrominance subcarrier with the MHz colour trap. Unfortunately, Ysignals
spectral lines decreases with frequency. aid of a4.433-MHz quartz crystal oscilla- in this stop band are also suppressed,
The colour difference signals modulate tor whose phase and frequency are cor- which results in reduced picture resolu-
asubcarrier of which the frequency, f c,is rected every 64 its by a 2-lis long burst tion because some of the high-frequency
an odd multiple of the line frequency signal slotted into the rear porch in the components disappear. Incidentally, most
divided by four, plus the picture refresh blanking period at the end of every pic- monochrome sets also contain a colour
frequency (see Ref. 1): ture. The burst consists of 8to 11 cycles of trap to eliminate moiré.
the colour subcarrier frequency and fol- The (possible) interference between
f
c = 1135 x(15,625/4) +25 (Hz) lows the line sync pulse as shown in Fig. 2. chrominance and luminance also works
A phase comparator is used to keep the the other way around: since the lumin-
This causes the spectral lines of the colour crystal oscillator synchronized to the re-
difference signal to be slotted in between ceived burst, which also contains the PAL
those of the Y signal. The colour subcar- switch signal for the line-by-line R—Y
rier frequency is set at 4.43361875 MHz, phase reversal. This arrangement ensures
and the colour difference signals are that the R—Y signal in the receiver is in-
quadrature-amplitude modulated verted in synchronism with that at the
(QAM). The B—Y and R—Y components transmitter side to ensure that the de-
modulate the amplitude of the colour sub- modulation operation can work correctly.
carriers of 0 degrees and 90 degrees re-
spectively (see Figs. id and le). The
carrier itself is suppressed, so that it has
Pitfalls...
an amplitude of nought in the absence of In practice, the 'packaging' of the lumin-
acolour difference signal. This is done to ance and the chrominance information
keep the picture free from interference into a single CVBS (chrominance-video-
caused by the otherwise continuously blanking-synchronisation) signal is not
present subcarrier. without problems. Since the colour sub- Fig. 2. Structure and timing of a compo
In order to eliminate the risk of phase carrier falls in the spectrum of the lumin-
WorldRadioHistory site video signal (PAL standard).
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 IM

ance band includes the frequency range

for the colour subcarrier, high-frequency
Y signals can cause interference in the fre-
quency range around 4.43 MHz. The re-
sult is aquasi-random type of patterning
and colouring in and around picture areas
of fine detail. Notorious examples of this
happening can be seen virtually every
evening in jackets, shirts or ties of people
on television.

Standard VHS video

recorders
Some 15 years ago, during the develop-
ment of the VHS video system, a lumin-
ance bandwidth of 3 MHz was deemed
satisfactory for VCRs considering the
technical limitations imposed by the
drum head speed and the tape consump-
tion. In the original VHS system, the col-
our subcarrier is mixed down to 627 kHz
to keep it well way from the lower end of
the spectrum of the Y information, which
is recorded as a frequency-modulated
(FM) signal (see Fig. 3)
The FM recording improves the signal- Fig. 3. Typical standard-VHS and S-VHS spectra. In both cases, the quadrature -modulated
to-noise ratio of the Y signal and makes it colour signal is recorded with the aid of a carrier which is mixed down to 627 kHz, while the
largely independent of amplitude vari- luminance signal (Y) is recorded in FM. S-VHS recorders use a luminance carrier frequency
ations of the tape signal. The frequency of 5.4 MHz and a frequency sweep of 1.6 MHz. This offers a bandwidth of 5 MHz for the Y
signal, as opposed to about 3 MHz for the standard-VHS video recorder.
sweep ranges from 3.8 MHz to 4.8 MHz.
Returning to the colour information,
this is recorded as an analogue signal in sweep of the Y signal is shifted up to a most of the advantages of better picture
'helical scan' mode (Ref. 3). The different band from 5.4 MHz to 7.0 MHz to give a reproduction offered by the new video
frequencies used allow ready separation much higher noise margin. At the same system.
of the two signals. However, the band- time, the frequency of the FM subcarrier Considering the cost of an S-VHS com-
width of the colour information is inevit- allows the luminance signal to be re- patible monitor, the only way to benefit
ably reduced to about 500 kHz. The result corded at its full bandwidth of about from the separate chrominance and lu-
is noticed as 'smeared' colour transitions, 5MHz. minance signals supplied by S-VHS re-
to which the reduced (3-MHz) luminance In most standard VHS video recorders, corders and other video sources is to
bandwidth adds an impression that the the chrominance and luminance signals convert these to RGB signals that can be
picture is blurred. are processed separately until they are applied to the existing monitor or TV set
These imperfections of the original combined to give aCVBS signal with all via its SCART input. Next month's second
VHS system were soon recognized by the previously mentioned risks of running instalment of this article discusses a cir-
VCR manufacturers. Their answer, the into trouble with interference. cuit to accomplish this. In addition, the
HQ video recorder, was based on small By contrast, the S-VHS system is based circuit provides a colour transition im-
improvements to the recording method on separate chrominance and luminance provement (CTI) function, and is capable
and abetter edge definition of the Y sig- signals right up to the two associated out- of converting CVBS to RGB.
nal. The resultant picture quality im- puts on the VCR. Evidently, this separ-
provement was marginal and not really a ation is not perfect when, for instance, a
From composite to RGB
step forward. It was, however, the best TV programme is recorded, since then the
that could be achieved given the need for chrominance and luminance components Although most standard video recorders
continued compatibility. Clearly, real im- must be extracted from the composite sig- have aSCART socket, this rarely supplies
provements to the picture quality offered nal before they can be recorded, played RGB signals. Likewise, most set-top TV
by VCRs could be achieved only by chang- back and fed separately to amonitor. The tuners and indoor units for satellite TV
ing some of the standards. process of extracting the components has reception supply a CVBS (composite
pitfalls as described before. Not so, how- video) signal only. A problem arises when
ever, with video sources that do supply this equipment is to be connected to a
The Super-VHS system the components separately. Examples in- high-resolution colour monitor with anal-
The bandwidth of the recorded video sig- clude S-VHS cameras, some prerecorded ogue RGB inputs, or a TV set with a
nal was increased significantly (at the S-VHS video tapes and MAC decoders. SCART (Euro-AV) input. In both cases,
existing relative speed of 4.85 m/s be- the converter to be described next month
tween the tape and the head) by virtue of can link this equipment and ensure opti-
Connection problems mum picture quality.
two technological developments. First,
new metallurgic techniques allowed the So far, so good. A look at the rear panel of
size of the air gap of the video head to be the TV set, however, reveals that there is References:
reduced. Second, tapes with a very high at best a SCART connector, which does 1. Chrominance-locked clock generator.
magnetic particle density became avail- not allow luminance and chrominance Elektor Electronics July/August 1988.
able. signals to be taken in separately. The TV 2. Video line selector. Elektor Electronics
To maintain compatibility with older set is, therefore, not S-VHS compatible. April 1990.
VHS recorders, the S-VHS system is based This unfortunate discovery forces owners 3. Video Handbook (second edition). by R.
on the same method of colour recording of S-VHS recorders to connect the monitor van Wezel. Published by Heineman New-
(see Fig. 3). However, the frequency and the recorder via aCVBS link, forgoing
WorldRadioHistory
nes, ISBN 0434 92189 0.

aalltdaidlilaidee,•.^
 DIGITAL CAR ENGINE LOCK WITH
ALARM
The circuit described here is acar theft deterrent that locks the
starting motor until apre-programmed code is recognized.

P.U. Mahesh

The code fed into the memory of the car (Si) —> (Si) —> (S2, Si) --> (Si) --> (S4, igni- At the same time, the low level at W of the
engine lock is retained in amemory until tion)—> start multiplexer turns off Ti so that Thi is fired
it is intentionally cleared by the rightful via Rio.
owner of the car. Here, (S2, Si) means that S2 is pressed, Si When the wrong code is keyed in, out-
The operation of the circuit is relatively is pressed, Si is released, and Sz is released puts W and Y of the multiplexer are high
simple. Bistable ICIA-IC1B forms a de- in that order. Note that pull-up resistor R3 and low respectively. Upon turning the
bounce circuit for the clock pulses gener- ensures that a '1' is loaded when only Si ignition key, Th2 is fired, and the horn
ated by Si while the code is keyed in. The is actuated. The least-significant bit (LSB), sounds to alert passers-by and the owner
preset code is latched in memory IC2 and which is keyed in first, is not used in IC4, of the car that someone is attempting to
the code entered is decoded by IC3. If the so that the data is actually 010. Assuming steal the vehicle.
preset code matches the code entered, and that dataline D4 of IC3 is logic high be- Upon leaving the car, the owner must
the ignition key is switched on, thyristor cause the associated switch in S5 is closed, actuate the lock and the alarm by pressing
Thi is provided with gate current, and the preset code matches the code entered. S3. A standard 5 V regulator is incorpor-
fires so that the starting motor is powered. When the START switch, S4, is pressed ated into the circuit. LED Ds lights when
When no code or awrong code is keyed in while output QD of IC2 is high, multi- the associated fuse, Fi, blows as aresult of
with the ignition switch on, Th2 fires and plexer IC3 is enabled via its G input by a ashort circuit.
actuates the horn. low level supplied by NAND gate ICic. The complete circuit is easily built on a
The operation of the circuit may be Since the code is right, the Y output (pin 5) piece of veroboard. It is recommended to
illustrated by assuming that code 0101 goes high, and the W output goes low. A check the operation of the digital circuity
(example) is to be entered. The sequence green LED, D3, lights to indicate that the before connecting the transistors and the
in which the switches are pressed is as correct code has been entered. Transistor thyristors.
follows: Ti conducts and keeps the gate of Th2 low.

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 39

SOUND
GENERATOR
The sound generator
described here, designed
and marketed as a kit by
ELV, is capable of
producing up 256 different
siren-like sounds, including the popular Kojak-, FBI-, and Hawaii-Five-0 types. Compact,
easy-to-build and suitable for use in conjunction with alarm systems in and on premises
as well as on vehicles, the unit is compete with an on-board 20-watt amplifier.

The type of sound is selected with four speaker is either disconnected ('off'), con- parallel with Rz, so that the input of buffer
slide switches on the front panel of the nected direct to the collector of Ti (volume opamp ICz receives asawtooth signal. In
sound generator. Since each slide switch level 3), or connected via series resistors the other extreme position, i.e., when S2 is
has four positions, atotal number of 256 Ris or R16 (volume levels 2and 1). set to the top position, R3 is not connected
(4x4x4x4) different sounds are available. Evidently, a single oscillator does not so that a triangular waveform is pro-
An output stage is included in the circuit make asiren, let alone one capable of pro- duced. The two centre positions of the
to provide asolid 20 watts of audio power ducing up to 256 different sounds. Circuit switch produce a rectangular waveform
at a supply voltage of 12 V to 15 V. The ICI'', is, therefore, frequency-modulated and acombined rectangular/logarithmic
slide switch at the extreme left on the front by applying asignal to its control voltage waveform (as shown inset in Fig. 1). The
panel functions as a three-level volume input, pin 11. This modulation signal is latter is obtained with the aid of compo-
control and as an on/off control. supplied by asecond oscillator, formed by nents C6, R7 and R3.
the parts to the left in the circuit diagram. Opamp ICz forms abuffer between the
The second multivibrator in the circuit, modulation waveform generator, ICla,
Circuit description ICia, operates at amuch lower frequency and the tone generator, ICib. The level of
Circuit ICI, a Type NE556, contains two than ICib. The oscillation frequency is the modulation signal fed to ICib is deter-
multivibrators. One of these, ICib, gener- determined by one of four capacitors Cl - mined by the position of switch S3, which
ates the basic siren sound. Switch S4 C4 connected to Leta via the 'frequency' connects one of four series resistors R&-
allows four different basic sounds to be switch, Si. The other frequency-determin- Ru between the output of ICza and pin 11
generated by selecting one of four timing ing parts are Ri and R2, which set the of ICib. Switch S3 thus determines the
capacitors C7-Cio. The output of ICib, charge and discharge periods respective- modulation intensity.
pin 9, drives the power output transistor, ly. Summarizing the above, the functions
Ti, direct via resistor R14. Depending on When Sz is set to the position shown in of the slide switches in the circuit are as
the position of volume switch S5, the loud- the circuit diagram, R3 is connected in follows (front panel marks in brackets):

Modulation
ST1

93
1k 1 o Siren type
— 0— on/off

10
14
oo
2 T1
13 914
5 94
—1 OK
IC2A 100 1
51tatt
1_6358
IC1A IC1B 00250C
8
I'csé 96556
6
66556

Volume
2 7 12 4
e,
0 o.

;16.11_6_6 o -o.
S4 1
0 o o à
12V e, 0.•
basic sound
C5
3 2 10‘T
' 9 ulm 31211101_

407 -- ST3
L14358
772775 21
4

CI
10110,e;g, 514
C7 CB C9 C10 GOO 012
C2 C3 C4

MIMI 909510 -11

Fig. 1. Circuit diagram of the sound generator.

WorldRadioHistory
 40

COMPONENTS LIST

content of kit supplied by ELV France

Resistors:
1 6.812 5W R15
1 1012 R8
1 2212 5W R16
1 10012 5W R14
2 1k R3;139
2 2k2 R7;Rio
1 6k8 Ru
1 9k1 R4
3 10k R4;R5;R6
2 100k Rt;R2
1 330k R13
1 680k R12

Capacitors:
1 1nF C9
1 1n5 C10
1 2n2 C8
2 4n7 C5;C7
1 22nF C11
1 1i.t.F 16V Cef
1 2µ2 16V C3
1 4µ7 16V C2
1 10µF 16V C1
1 2211F 16V C6

Semiconductors:
1 NE556 ICI
1 TLC271 IC2
1 BD250C Ti
1 1N4001 D3
2 1N4148 D1,D2

Miscellaneous:
5 2-pole 4-way slide switch St--S5
Fig. 2. Track lay-out and component mounting plan of the PCB for the sound generator. 4 solder pin
1 printed-circuit board
• Si (frequency): modulation frequency the board indicates the position of the 1 enclosure
• S2 (siren type): modulation waveform parts mentioned in the parts list.
• S3 (modulation): modulation intensity To assist in their cooling, the 5-W
• S4 (basic sound): fundamental siren fre- power resistors are mounted at a small used in aswitched circuit, e.g., as ahorn,
quency distance above the printed-circuit board. the sound generator may be powered via
• Ss (volume): sound level and on/off con- The use of a relatively flat enclosure a push-button or a relay with a suitable
trol makes it necessary to bend the power contact current rating. Use as a horn is
transistor, Tt, towards the PCB surface as possible because the siren starts to sound
The four switches St—S4 allow 44=256 dif- shown in the photograph of the com- the moment is it powered. It should be
ferent sounds to be generated at three vol- pleted board. By virtue of its low internal noted, however, that in many countries
ume levels. resistance, and the fact that it is driven at the use of asiren as asound actuator de-
For the highest possible sound level afairly high level, Ti dissipates relatively vice in or on vehicles, and in some cases
(particularly in alarm systems), it is rec- little heat, even at full output power. Con- in or on premises as well, is restricted to
ommended to use a pressure-chamber sequently, the transistor does not require emergency services. The use of asiren in
type loudspeaker with asufficiently high aheat-sink. general may also be subject to special
power rating (≥20 W). For other applica- After acareful visual check of the com- licenses, rules or regulations as regards
tions, standard loudspeakers may be used pleted board, this may be fitted into the on-time, sound type and sound level. MI
with good results. The minimum loud- enclosure supplied with the kit. Connect
speaker impedance is 4Q. the supply voltage to PCB terminals ST1
(+12 V to +15 V) and ST2 (ground). Con- A complete kit of parts for the sound
nect the loudspeaker to terminals ST3 and generator is available from the de-
Construction signers' exclusive worldwide distribu-
ST4. Drill holes in the enclosure to pass the
The sound generator is arelatively simple supply wires and the loudspeaker wires. tors:
circuit which should not present difficul- Make knots in the wires at the inside of the
ties in assembling. Moreover, the unit is enclosure to provide strain reliefs. Finally, ELV France
supplied in kit form, which obviates prob- fit the top half of the enclosure and secure B.P. 40
lems with obtaining certain components. it with the screws supplied. F-57480 Sierck-les-Bains
Start the construction by fitting and FRANCE
soldering the low-profile parts, followed Telephone: +33 82837213
by the higher parts, on the single-sided
Practical use Fax: +33 82838180
printed circuit board shown in Fig. 2. The When a442 loudspeaker is used, the unit
overlay printed on the component side of draws apeak current of up to 4A. When
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 41

MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES (1)

By F.P. Zantis

There are many electronics/electrical practitioners who have

implicit faith in their measuring instruments and believe anything
displayed on the these, particularly if the display is digital. There is
more to measuring electrical quantities, however, such as
knowledge of the instrument being used and the purpose of the
measurement. With those in mind, it is possible to select the most
suitable instrument for agiven measurement. Judging and
interpreting the measurements are the next important steps.
Basically, each and every measuring instrument produces errors.
The magnitude of such errors and how to arrive at meaningful
results is the object of this new series of articles.

In all measurements anumber of errors may or workshop and is evidenced by the hori- ment used is not suitable for the measure-
occur that can, however, be avoided or at zontal trace not being exactly parallel with ment to be carried out. For instance, the use
least minimized by aproper knowledge of the horizontal graticule lines. Screening the of an instrument whose internal resistance
them. Such errors fall under four headings. oscilloscope does not help and agood-qual- is comparable to the input resistance of the
1. Systematic errors. ity oscilloscope is therefore provided with a circuit under test.
Systematic errors are in direct proportion to trace rotation control. Also, reading errors are very common,
the quality of the instrument and are the re- particularly when analogue instruments are
sult of inaccuracies in the design, construc- used. Such instruments should always be
tion, final assembly and calibration of the in- read with the eye at right angles to the pointer
strument. The more care the manufacturer to avoid parallax errors. Some instruments
has taken in these areas, the smaller the er- have amirror directly below the meter scale
rors will be (and the higher the price of the to ensure that the pointer is read correctly (it
instrument). should not be seen in the mirror).
2. Environmental errors.
Environmental errors are caused by geo- Errors in practice
graphical position, temperature, humidity,
and electric and magnetic fields. One of the Most measuring instruments are still based
most common is the electro-magnetic field on analogue techniques and have analogue
around a mains transformer (see Fig. 1), Fig. 2. displays. This is so for very good reasons as

The effect of ambient temperature should

also not be underestimated (see Fig. 2.). Test
equipment is normally calibrated at +20 °C.
When the ambient temperature differs from
this by more than ±10 °C, temperature-de-
pendent errors are likely to occur.
With analogue instruments, it may also
be important whether it is used upright or
lying down (see Fig. 3).
3. Human errors.
Human errors occur when the user is not
quite clear about the purpose of the measure-
ment or does not know enough about the test
equipment he is using, or both. Typical are
Fig. 1.
not knowing the input resistance when volt-
which may make a measurement at best age measurements are carried out (error
meaningless and at worst impossible. Even caused by incorrect loading of the voltage
the earth's magnetic field can distort amea- source) and incorrect setting of the instru-
surement: the electron beam in an oscillo- ment. Carelessness in taking or recording
scope, for instance, is deflected by it. The readings is another cause of errors.
degree of deflection is determined by the po- 4. Applicational errors.
sition of the oscilloscope in the laboratory Applicational errors occur when the equip- Fig. 3.
WorldRadioHistory
 42

Matching measurand and Measurand and instrument

measurement range
The measurand may have any one of amul-
The importance of selecting the correct mea- titude of waveforms. Because of that, dif-
surement range will be shown by the follow- ferent instruments, or different methods of
ing example. Assume that an alternating measuring, will give different results when
voltage of about 20 V is to be measured and such quantities are measured. Only when the
under defteellon 1,%
that two measuring instruments are avail- basis of the measurement is known can the
900113 •1.
able. Of these, one has an absolute accuracy reading have any significance. For instance,
of 0.5% and FSD ranges of 1V, 10 V and 100 amoving coil meter without rectifier will
V, while the other has an absolute accuracy show the arithmetic mean of a quantity.
of 1% and FSD ranges of 3V, 30 V and 300 However, the artihmetic mean of apure al-
V. ternating voltage (or current) is 0, so that
The first instrument must be set to the there is no deflection of the pointer (see Fig.
100 V range and the relative error will be 5). If that meter is used to measure acom-
0.5/20x100% = 2.5%. The second instru-
ment is set to its 30 V range, where the rel-
mein delbennon In 96

ative error wil be 0.3/20x100% = 1.5%. It

is thus seen that the less accurate instrument
It 5 in this case gives the more accurate result!
4 This is an important point to bear in mind
when buying an instrument: the ranges
iirminummirMillimeimmir available should be compatible with the ex-
pected measurands. When you are normally
-..aiMIIIIIIMMIIMM111111
engaged in power electronics, you need dif- Fig. 5.
---------- ferent ranges from those required in radio/Tv
MOW defleelko Ins
engineering.
posite voltage (or current), it will only show
the value of the d.c. component Care should
Fig. 4. Digital instruments
be taken, however, because if the level of
In digital instruments, the accuracy is nor- the superimposed alternating voltage (or
will be seen later in the series. mally related to displayed value. Further- current) is high, the meter may be over-
The accuracy of analogue instruments is more, because of the analogue-to-digital loaded in spite of that quantity not affecting
normally given as a percentage (absolute conversion, the accuracy of the final digit the reading.
error) of full-scale deflection (FsD). Note must be added. Normally, the accuracy of To measure an alternating voltage (or
that the a.c. and d.c. ranges of multimeters the displayed value is ±1 digit, although current) with amoving coil meter, arectifier
usually have different accuracies. This there are instruments with an accuracy of ±2 should be connected in series with the meter.
means, for instance, that the pointer of an digits and more. This is the case, for instance, when an ana-
instrument with 1.5% accuracy and set to its The overall accuracy of adigital multi- logue multimeter is set to one of its a.c.
10-V range may at any given reading be off meter is typically ranges. The instrument will then display the
the true value by as much as 150 mV. • for direct voltage measurements: 0.1% mean d.c. value of the rectified quantity (see
If, therefore, a voltage is measured as of measurand ±1 digit; Fig. 6). The arithmetic mean of arectified
1V, the true value may lie between 0.85 V • for alternating voltage measurements: sinusoidal voltage, U, =0.318Um „, and this
and 1.15 V. That represents amaximum rel- 2% of measurand ±7 digits;
ative error of 15%! If, in the same range, a • for direct current measurements: 0.35%
voltage of 9 V is measured, its true value of measurand ±1 digit;
may lie between 8.85 V and 9.15 V. The • for alternating current measurements:
maximum relative error is then 0.9% of measurand ±3 digits.
0.15/ 9x100% = 1.67%. If the measurement of the alternating
From these two examples it is seen that voltage of around 20 V in the earlier exam-
at the lower end of the range measurements ples had been carried out by this digital in-
are guesswork, in the middle of the range strument, the readings would have been
they are merely unreliable, and only at the 20x1.02 +7x0.1 =21.1 V
upper end of the range does the relative error and
compare with the stated accuracy. This 20x1.02 -7x0.1 = 18.9 V
means that for greater accuracy the proper respectively. The relative error would have
range (that is, the one where the greatest de- been
flection is obtained) should be selected. Fig- 1.1/20x100% = 5.5%.
ure 4shows the relative error in per cent for This shows that digital instruments are
three instruments that have absolute errors not necessarily more accurate than analogue
of 0.5%, 1.5% and 5%, respectively, of full- ones as quite afew people believe. Note that
scale deflection. In all cases, note the rapid the graphs in Fig. 4apply to digital instru-
rise of the relative error for small pointer de- ments as well.
flections. WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 43

the r.m.s. value. When atriangular quantity

is measured, the error is negligible: the true
5V
value is then only 0.36% larger than that dis-
played.
to
It might be expected that all this is true 2200
DMM
for digital instruments as well, but unfortu- from
nately that is not always so. Depending on attenuator
500k
the method of test, deviations may occur that 4p7

AD
can not really be foreseen. Some (relatively
636J
expensive) of these instruments can display o
t';
the true r.m.s. value of avoltage or current. 1100n

These instruments compute the r.m.s. value

independently of the waveform. c
o

_
o
Another factor that should be borne in
mind is that, apart from the waveform, the
frequency of a voltage or current plays a j •

role. Most digital multimeters measure al-

ternating quanties correctly only if the fre-
quency is not higher than 400 Hz. Analogue
5V
900113 -17
instruments of about the same price perform
rather better: right into the kHz range.
The r.m.s. measurement in many stan- Fig. 7.
dard d.c. instruments is made possible by a
variety of special circuits. These compute that at least the peak value of avoltage or 2. "True RMS DVM", Elektor Electronics,
the r.m.s. value from the applied alternating current can be determined quickly. Deter- December 1989, p. 40.
voltage and convert it into adirect voltage, mining the r.m.s. value is, however, possible 3. Electronic instruments and measure-
which is read in the usual way. These circuits only if the waveform is regular and the ap- ment techniques" by F.F. Mazda, ISBN
are normally based on special ICs: atypical propriate conversion factor is known. Ill 0521 26873 7, Cambridge University Press
one is shown in Fig. 7(see also Ref. 1and (Elektor Electronics, November 1987)
Ref. 2). Further reading: 4. Modern Electronic Test Equipment, by
When measurements are carried out with Keith Brindley, ISBN 0434 90567 4, Heine-
an oscilloscope, the instantaneous value of 1. "RMS-to-DC converter", Elektor Elec- mann-Newnes (Elektor Electronics, No-
the measurand can be seen at aglance, so tronics, July 1986, p. 38. vember 1986).

FOUR-CHANNEL DIGITAL As aprecision pulse generator, the four The sweep time can be varied from
DELAY /PULSE GENERATOR time intervals define two pulses for appli- 0.5 .1..s/div to 0.5 s/div; amaximum sweep
The Precision Pulse Generator and Digital cations that require precisely controlled speed of 50 ns/div. can be achieved with the
Delay Generator recently announced by pulse widths. The position and width of use of the x10 magnifier.
Fieldtech offers high accuracy and preci- each pulse may be programmed from the Cross-talk is specified as at least-40 dB
sion, awide range and low jitter. front panel or via the GPIB. Front panel BNCS for a1kHz sine wave.
provide fast outputs at rrL, NIM, ECL or con-
tinuously adjustable levels. These pulses
and their complements are available from
separate front panel outputs. The outputs
may be set to drive either 50-ohm or high-
impedance loads.
Fieldtech Heathrow Ltd, Huntavia
House, 420 Bath Road, Longford, WEST
DRAYTON UB7 OLL.

As adigital delay generator, the four out- 20 MHZ OSCILLOSCOPE WITH A useful vertical amplifier signal output
puts of the unit may be programmed for any FULL BANDWIDTH AND (channel 1) is available, which gives an out-
interval between 0 sand 1000 swith 5ps HIGH SENSITIVITY put of 50 mV/div. over a bandwidth of
resolution. The standard timebase provides The Kenwood CS4025 oscilloscope is a 100 Hz to 10 MHz. This enables, for in-
25 ppm accuracy, but 1ppm is available as low-cost 20 MHz model with a80x100 mm stance, afrequency counter to be connected
an optional extra. The jitter of any output is (8x10 div.) screen. Its sensitvity is ad- for accurate measurement of awaveform at
less than 50 ps plus 1part in 108 of the pro- justable between 5 mV/div. and 5 V/div. low frequency.
grammed delay. All outputs return to their over the full bandwidth; high-sensitive po- Thurlby-Thandar Ltd, 2 Glebe Road,
pre-trigger levels about 800 ns after the sitions of 1mV/div. and 2mV/div. are avail- HUNTINGDON PE18 7DX, Telephone
longest delay. able up to 5MHz. (0480) 412451.
WorldRadioHistory
44

TUNED UHF TV PREAMPLIFIER

based on a design by K. Kraus

For the reception of weak UHF-TV signals agood antenna is, of

course, indispensable, but by itself it may not be enough. If that's
the case, the preamplifier described in this article may be just
what the doctor ordered.

TT is fairly straightforward to couple the signals are processed via gate 1only.
.1. antenna to awideband amplifier, but that Technical data
could give troubles if the weak signals to be
Frequency range 400-750 MHz* Power supply
received are close in frequency to strong sig-
nals. Even if the amplifier is agood-quality 400-800 MHzt There are various ways of providing power
type, the most likely result is afair dose of Bandwidth 492-513 MHz to the amplifier. If it is mounted near the
cross modulation and all that goes with it. at f
c =500 MHz
antenna, the supply may be connected via the
This may be prevented by making the ampli- Gain at 500 MHz 15 dB coaxial antenna feeder cable—see Fig. 2.
fier tunable over arelatively narrow range of Max. attenuation outside about 40 dB The direct voltage is applied to voltage
frequencies. Even astrong transmitter in a pass band regulator ICi via inductor L2. The output of
channel adjacent to that of the weak signal Output noise (measured 5.-80 dBm the regulator is fed to the cable via the circuit
can then be suppressed to afair degree, but with An r. ; tit :-. 50 C2) shown in Fig. 2.
the present preamplifier can cope only to If the supply is not via the coaxial cable,
some degree if the wanted weak signal is sur- *Cl, C5 :-. 1.5-5 pF L2 may be omitted and an unregulated volt-
rounded by anumber of strong signals. tC1,C5 =0-5 pF age applied to A.
In case aregulated voltage of 8V is avail-
able, ICI and Cs may be omitted. The wire
The circuit
Network Ri -C2 ensures that gate 2is at bridge between B and C must then be
Basically, the circuit in Fig. 1consists of two ground potential for HF signals, so that these replaced by one between A and B.
tuned circuits and adual-gate MOSFET. The
signal from the antenna is fed to the MOSFET

via atap on the input circuit, which consists

of a30x3.5 mm stripline. This arrangement
ensures that the input impedance is 50-75 Q.
The input circuit is tuned with Cl.

MOSFET Ti is arranged as a grounded-

source amplifier in which C3 forms the
ground connection for HF signals. The drain
impedance is formed by the second tuned
circuit, which also consists of astripline, and
asmall trimming capacitor, Cs. The gain of
T1 is amaximum at the resonant frequency
of the second tuned circuit. Capacitor C4 pre-
vents the Dc supply to the MOSFET being short-
circuited by the tuned circuit. At the same
time, inductor Li prevents the HF signals
being short-circuited by the power supply.
The output of the units is taken from atap
on the second tuned circuit to obtain an out- Fig. 1. Circuit diagram of the tuned UHF-TV preamplifier.
put impedance of 50-75 a.
The oc operating point, determined by
the voltage between gate 1and the source of
Ti, is set by R2. Owing to the spread of param-
eters of the MOSFET, the operating point may
differ from type to type, and it may therefore
be necessary to alter the value of R2 to make
certain that the source current is about
10 mA. In the prototype, a value of 150 0
resulted in asource current of around 12 mA.
The value of R2 will be somewhere between Fig. 2. If power is supplied to the preamplifier via the coaxial antenna feeder, the iv receiver and the
WorldRadioHistory
100 SI and 220 a power supply must be connected as shown.
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 45

PARTS LIST

Resistors:
R1 =22 k
R2 = 150 12 (see text)

Capacitors:
C1, 05 =0-5 pF trimmer
(Murata); 1.5-5 pF is
permissible (see
Technical Data)
C2, C3, C6 = 1ndisk
C4 = 10 p*
07 = 1n*
08, 09 =330 n

Inductors:
Li, L2 = 10 pH

Semiconductors:
D1 = 1N4001
Ti =CF300 (Telefunken)
ICI =7808

Miscellaneous:
PCB Type 904077

*surface mount type

Fig. 3. The printed circuit board for the preamplifier is (or must be) made of epoxy resin. When the board is made, rather than bought ready-made through our
Readers' Services, great care should be taken in the dimensioning of the striplines.

Fig. 4. Selectivity curve of the preamplifier. Horizontal scale

100 MHz/div; vertical scale 10 dB/div.; centre of graph at 500 MHz.

Construct on and alignment Next, solder the remaining components in maximum level and any unwanted ones at
place. Connect R2, Li and wire bridge B-C minimum level; in other words, until the pic-
The preamplifier must be constructed on the (or A-B: see under "Power supply") to the ture on your TV screen and the associated
PCB shown in Fig. 3. Note that the component top terminal of the relevant disk capacitor. sound are at an optimum.
side is also the track side. If you have the Mount capacitor Ci as far away as possible If the preamplifier is mounted near the
board made, make sure that the dimensions from Ti, C2 and C3 to ensure that the antenna, it may still be aligned as discussed,
of the striplines are exactly right. screen—shown by the dashed line—fits since the input and output impedance it
Mount disk capacitors C2, C3 and C6, fol- neatly between them. 'sees' at either end of the feeder cable are
lowed by surface-mount capacitors C4 and Then, solder a45x20 mm screen, made of equal (at least, if everything is all right).
C7. Next, install the mosFEr between C2 and thin tinplate, in the position shown by the Finally, aword about the trimming capac-
C3. Solder gate 2and the source of this tran- dashed line. itors. The parts list shows two possible types:
sistor to the top terminal of C2 and C3 respec- Finally, connect the coaxial cables to the the 1.5-5 pF is an inexpensive type, but its
tively. Solder gate 1 and the drain to the relevant terminals and secure them in place use makes tuning to the higher channels in
tracks underneath them. with cleats as shown in the photograph of the the UHF-TV band impossible. If operation in
Solder Ri between C2 and C3 above the completed prototype board. that part of the band is required, there is no
MOSFET (although Fig. 3shows it alongside The alignment is pretty straightforward: choice but to buy the more expensive 0-5 pF
WorldRadioHistory
the transistor). turn Ci and Cs until the wanted signal is at Murata type.
 46

INTERMEDIATE PROJECT
A series of projects for the not-so-experienced constructor. Although each article
will describe in detail the operation, use, construction and, where relevant, the
underlying theory cf the project, constructors will, none the less, require an
elementary knowledge of electronic engineering. Each project in the series will be
based on inexpensive and commonly available parts.

PHASE METER

Phase, phase difference and

phase shift are commonly
used terms in electronics
theory. Where an
oscilloscope or a
vectorscope are not
available, a special test
instrument is required to
measure phase shift so that it
can be checked against the
calculated value. Such an
instrument is described here.

however, is intended to locate signal changes Phase difference: what it

J. Bareford
that occur in acircuit. Take, for instance, an
does
inverting amplifier. The term 'inverting' im-

T HE term phase is used when describing plies that the input and output signals are In many case, the phase relation between al-
two or more alternating voltages of 180° out of phase. In some cases, it is useful ternating voltages is of little or no import-
which the frequency is equal, while their to be able to check this. ance. There are, however, situations in which
zero-crossings occur at different instants. An Transistors and opamps are not the only the phase relation is all-important. Take the
alternating voltage crosses the zero line components that can cause phase shift. Ca- case of two alternating voltages that are to be
when its instantaneous voltage is nought. An pacitors and inductors introduce a phase added. If they are 180° out of phase, the
example of two alternating voltages of differ- shift of 90° between voltage and current. In summing operation would result in total
ent phase is shown in the oscilloscope photo- the case of the capacitor, the voltage lags the cancellation of the two, i.e., an output of 0V.
graph in Fig. 1. The phase difference is about current by 90° (see Fig. 2). Inductors have the The equalizing current that flows as aresult
one sixth of the period in this case. The dif- opposite behaviour: the current lags the volt- of this operation is wasted.
ference is, however, more commonly ex- age by 90°. In large power plants, phase differences
pressed as an angle because asine-wave is Capacitors and inductors are typically
periodical, so that its period, T, may be de- used in filters. An example is shown in Fig. 3.
scribed as acircle, or 360°. This means that In this circuit, one would expect the output
any part of the period may be expressed in voltage to be in phase with the current
degrees: a period of 0.25T, for instance, through the capacitor, i.e., there exists a
equals 90°, 0.10T equals 36°, etc. The phase phase shift of 90° between the input and the
shift between the two sine-waves in Fig. 1is, output. Unfortunately, this is not so because
therefore, roughly 60°. the phase shift depends on the frequency
(the actual relation is an inverse one). The de-
pendency is caused by the ratio of the capa-
What causes phase shift?
citor's reactance to the resistor value. Since
Since the phase difference between two sep- the reactance, xc,is inversely related to the
arate voltage sources is hardly ever constant frequency, it is large with respect to the
because of small frequency deviations, it (fixed) resistor value at low frequencies.
Fig. 1. Two sine-waves with a phase shift
makes little sense to design atest instrument Hence, the phase difference is roughly 90° at
of about one sixth of the period, or about 60
for this purpose. The meter described here, low frequencies,WorldRadioHistory
and 0° at high frequencies. degrees.
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 47

and the resulting equalizing currents must

be kept to aminimum. Generators are, there-
fore, electrically coupled to maintain syn-
chronicity. Furthermore, many power plants
are linked by aspecial network, which often
extends beyond country borders.
Fortunately, problems with phase dif-
ferences in power plants need not bother us
here, and can be safely left to power elec-
tricity engineers. The stereo equipment in
your living room may, therefore, be abetter
example to illustrate the importance of
steady phase relations. Since any amplifier
in the system is bound to contain afilter of
some kind, it may be expected that there is
some phase shift between the input source,
e.g., aCD player, and the output, the loud-
speaker. Evidently, it is desirable for this
shift to be roughly the same over the full fre-
quency range of the signal. If this is not so,
the sound is not perfect, particularly when
the phase differences between the left and
the right channel is large.
A final example of a circuit in which
phase shift is all-important is the oscillator,
which functions only when the amplified
output signal is fed back to the input at a Fig. 2. The voltage on acapacitor lags the Fig. 3. Phase shift introduced by an R-C
phase shift of 0°. current by 90 degrees. network

Fig. 4. Circuit diagram of the phase meter. The crucial part is XOR gate N3 which produces avoltage as afunction of the phase difference
that exists between the signals applied to the A and B inputs of the meter.
WorldRadioHistory
 Resistors:
2 101012 Rl;R2
2 4k117 R3;R4
2 100ki2 R5:R6
2 1M,U5 R7;R8
2 1OkS2 R9;R10
1 1M1-2 R11
1 2k.122 R12
1 10k12 preset H P1

Capacitors:
6 1OnF Cl — C6
2 47pF C7;C8
2 47µF 63V radial C9;C10
1 1µF C11
1 1nF C12
4 100nF 013 — 016
1 470µF 25V C17
1 11.1.F 10V radial C18

Semiconductors:
8 1N4148 D1 — D8
1 1N4001 09
1 4030B Cl
2 4046B 102:103
1 CA3130 I04
1 7805 105

Miscellaneous:
1 1mA moving-coil meter M1

Fig. 5. Track layout and component mounting plan of the PCB for the phase meter.

The phase meter The circuit diagram of the two-channel Construction and setting up
phase meter is shown in Fig. 4. The capaci-
As illustrated in Fig. 1, atwo-channel oscil- tors at inputs A and Bblock any d.c. compo- The circuit is best constructed on the printed-
loscope is perfect for measuring phase dif- nents in the signals applied to the circuit. circuit board shown in Fig. 5. First, fit the two
ferences. Unfortunately, such an instrument Diodes Di —D4 protect amplifiers Ni and N2 wire links so that they are not forgotten later.
is not available to every one, and this is where against negative or too high voltages. The Pay attention to the orientation of the po-
aspecial phase meter comes in. amplified signals are subsequently fed to JO larized components (diodes, transistors, ICs
and IC3, two phase-locked loops (PLLs) that and electrolytic capacitors). Fit IC sockets for
track the input frequencies and convert them all ICs.
to digital signals with afixed duty factor of To align the meter, first remove IC2 and
0.5 and aswing of 5Vpp. The low-pass filters IC3 from their sockets. Connect pin 3of the
of these PLLs are special types to enable the socket for IC2 to pin 5(ground) via a10 kû
4046s to keep track of fast frequency changes resistor. Next, connect pin 3of the socket for
in the input signals. This important charac- IC3 to pin 16 (+5 V) via a 10 ki-2resistor.
teristic is provided primarilyby the diodes in Switch on and check that pin 1of N3 is at
in the network connectd to pins 13 and 9. about 0V, and pin 2at about +5 V. The out-
The actual phase comparator is formed put of the XOR gate, pin 3, should be at +5 V.
by asingle XOR (exclusive-OR) gate, N3. The Since this represents the maximum phase
output signal of the gate is averaged by inte- shift that can be measured between the two
grator network The larger the phase channels, adjust preset Pi until ameter indi-
difference between the two input signals, the cation of 180° is obtained.
larger the voltage supplied by buffer IC4. Remove the two 10-kû resistors and fit
Moving-coil meter Mi, resistor Ri2 and the two 4046s. At this stage, the circuit is
preset Pi together form ameter that indicates ready for fitting into an enclosure.
the phase shift. Since the voltage indicated Although the indication range of the
by the meter lies between 0V and the posi- meter is, in principle, limited to 180°, it is
tive supply level, the circuit must be possible to measure greater phase shifts. A
powered from aregulated supply. A three- shift of 270°, for instance, is indicated as 90°
terminal fixed voltage regulator Type 7805 is because the meter can not detect which chan-
used here for this purpose. The minimum nel, A or B, was high first.
unregulated or alternating input voltage is
9V.
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 49

400-WATT LABORATORY POWER

SUPPLY

PART 1: CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

Here is an all-purpose d.c. power supply for symmetrical as MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

well as asymmetrical use, and capable of supplying high
• Mode: Single
output currents and voltages. An all-analogue design one adjustable power supply with cur-
based on discrete parts only, this 400-watt PSU deserves a rent and voltage controls.
- Output: 0— 40 V at 0— 5A
prominent place on your work bench. • Mode: Independent
- two identical, electrically separated,
power supplies.
G. Boddington - Outputs: 2 <0—4 0Vat 2x 0— 5A
• Mode: Tracking
two identical, series connected,
The problem with power supplies in an elec- inexpensive, ready-made power supply will power supplies.
tronics laboratory or workshop is that their confidently inform you that the power tran- Outputs: ±0 —± 40 V at 0—5 A
sistors are protected against overloads, this O— 80 V at 0— 5A
application range is often limited because of
Voltage and current of slave follow
their specifications. Any one who has been type of protection has an inherent disadvant-
master.
involved in practical electronics will admit age. True, the supply will happily supply the • Mode: Parallel
that finding asuitable power supply for a maximum output current at the maximum - two identical, parallel connected,
particular test is not at all easy, when none output voltage, but it will typically shut power supplies.
down the moment the voltage is reduced just - Outputs: 0.6 — 39.4 V at 0— 10 A
of the available ones (say ±15 V/2 A, 0-
one volt or so. The reason is clear: the over- • Maximum output
60 V/100 mA and 5V/10 A types) seem to
voltage: 40 V (at full load)
be fully geared to the job. Obviously, what is load protection is actuated because the extra
48 V (no load)
needed is asupply that combines the most dissipation, which is the product of the out-
• Maximum ou -.put current: 5A
frequently used voltage and current ratings, put current and the voltage difference across
• Ripple: 10 mV (no load)
both symmetrical and asymmetrical, while the series transistors, exceeds the cooling ca-
50 mV (at full load)
offering aproperly operating overload pro- pacity of the heat-sink, or the power rating
of the (expensive) series transistors. • Voltage difference in
tection.
tracking mode: 50 mV
Although the user manual with many an The present power supply puts an end to
WorldRadioHistory
 50

these problems. It can be set up to supply

either 2x40 V/2 x0—5A, ±0 —40 V/O —5A,
or 0—80 VIO —5A, and is capable of sup-
plying the maximum output current at low
voltage settings. Special ICs or micro-
processors are not used: just straightforward
analogue electronics based on readily avail-
able components. The result is apower sup-
ply with an excellent price/performance
ratio.

Block diagram
The instrument consists of two identical,
electrically isolated, power supplies, which
may be connected in anumber of ways to
give different operating modes. The block di-
agram in Fig. 1shows relatively many func-
tional blocks, which together form three
partly 'interwoven' regulating circuits. The
first of these, the outer circuit, is atransfor-
mer preregulator that serves to keep the volt-
age drop across the series transistors (T4-Ts)
constant at about 10V, so that the maximum
dissipation remains smaller than 50 W (or
25 W per transistor). The other two regula-
tion circuits are for the output voltage (U)
Fig. 1. Block diagram of the power supply. The design is based on three interactive control
and current (I). These circuits are almost circuits: (1) transformer preregulation, (2) current control and (3) voltage control.
identical, the only difference being that the
current control obtains its control informa-
tion from aseries resistor, and the voltage
control from apotential divider fitted across
the output terminals. In contrast to the trans-
former preregulation, the Uand /control cir-
cuits allow the range of the regulating action
to be adjusted manually. Interestingly, the
series transistors, T4 and Ts, function in all
three regulation circuits.
The block diagram shows a second
power supply, which provides auxiliary
±12 V rails for use in the main circuit. The
ground line of this symmetrical supply is
connected to the positive output terminal of
the main supply. This means that all refer-
ences to '+12 V' and '-12 V' in the following Fig. 2. Basic diagram of the circuit that controls the transformer preregulation.
text, and in the circuit diagram, are actually
'+12 V and —12 V with reference to the posi- tries to maintain a constant drop of 10 V minimum hold current. This happens close
tive output terminal'. The auxiliary power across the series transistors and their emitter to the zero-crossing. The triac remains
supply also functions as avoltage reference. resistors. Transistor T3 is driven via potential blocked until it receives another trigger
Finally, the block marked 'current limit' divider Rts-R16 and network C24-R17. The pulse at aparticular phase angle during the
stands for acircuit that keeps the output cur- network introduces asmall delay to elimi- next half-cycle of the mains voltage. The cur-
rent of each supply below 5A. This circuit nate the effect of noise spikes in the preregu- rent supplied to the load is inversely related
may be fitted with an optional temperature lation. The current through the LED in to the phase angle, i.e., to the delay of the trig-
monitor to prevent overheating. optocoupler ICs is inversely proportional to ger pulse following the zero-crossing. This
the voltage across R15-R16. principle of phase-angle control works as
The power fed to mains-connected ohmic long as voltage and current are in phase, i.e.,
The preregulation circuit
loads is relatively simple to control. Usually, as long as the load is apure resistance.
The basic operation of the preregulation cir- an adjustable R-C network connected across Unfortunately, the mains transformer in
cuit is best explained with reference to Fig. 2. the mains terminals supplies the trigger volt- the power supply forms an inductive rather
The current flows from the positive connec- age for atriac. The timing of the trigger (or than an ohmic load, so that the mains voltage
tion of the bridge rectifier to the positive out- firing-) pulse with respect to the start of the and the load current are out of phase. Hence,
put terminal via two parallel-connected half-cycle is determined by the R-C delay. asimple 'dimmer' with conventional triac
darlington transistors, T4 and Ts, and resis- After being fired, the triac conducts until the control as described above will not do as a
tors R13, R14 and R18. The regulation circuit mains voltage WorldRadioHistory
drops to a level below the preregulation circuit. With an inductive
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 ra

load, it may happen that although the instan-

taneous voltage is high enough to fire the
triac, there is no current to 'hold' the device.
Therefore, the firing may take place only
when the load current is sufficiently high to
keep the triac conductive. However, since
the load current in apower supply is vari-
able, the phase shift between voltage and
current is also variable. This means that the
width of the trigger pulse rather than the po-
sition must be controlled. If the pulse were
simply shifted, the result would be an asym-
metrical output current with ahigh d.c. com-
ponent, causing rapid saturation of the
transformer winding. When the pulse is
stretched, however, due care must be taken
to prevent it from extending over the zero
crossing of the mains voltage.
The circuit section in Fig. 3stretches the
first pulse by means of pulse sequence trig-
gering, an approach which is particularly
suited to applications with load currents that
are prone to variation. The R-C network con-
nected between the live and neutral lines of
the mains serves to delay the trigger instant.
The network consists of Ci, potential divider
R29-PI-R30 (branch 1), series resistor R31 and
bridge rectifier D2O—D23 (branch 2). The com-
bination of the bridge rectifier and the opto-
coupler it powers simply forms an
adjustable resistor for alternating voltages,
so that both branches have the same func- Fig. 3. Circuit diagram of the transformer dimmer. The trigger delay is controlled by the
tion: making the trigger delay, cp, variable circuit in Fig. 2 via an optocoupler, IC5, and an adjustable bridge rectifier, D20—D23.
(see Fig. 4a). The basic delay is determined
by Pi. cuit. Components D12, D13, D14, R27 and R28 set between ground (the positive output ter-
When the power supply is switched on, ensure that Ci discharges during the zero- minal) and -12 V. A second potential
Ci is charged. When the trip voltage of the crossing. Inductor Li serves to eliminate cur- divider, R7-R8, at the output terminals sup-
diac is reached, both Dii and Trii are fired. rent surges and thus prevent HF plies about 20% of the output voltage, i.e.,
When atrigger current flows from Ci to Trii, interference. Network C2-R34 short-circuits about 0to -9 V (with respect to the positive
resistor R32 drops a voltage which is high spikes generated by the switching sequen- output terminal). The voltages supplied by
enough to trigger asmaller triac, Tri2. The re- ces, and so prevents erroneous triggering. the two potential dividers are compared by
sult is that the discharge time is no longer opamp IC4, which, with the aid of T4-T5, will
determined by the two branches, but by attempt to keep the voltage difference be-
Voltage and current control
(R33+R29)0. When Ci can no longer supply tween its two inputs as small as possible.
the hold current for Tri2—which happens The operation of the voltage control circuit is When ahigher output voltage is required,
fairly quickly because of the small resistors illustrated in Fig. 5. Potential divider P3-R9 the wiper of potentiometer P3 is turned to-
R33 and R29—the triac blocks and Ci charges allows areference voltage of 0to -10 V to be wards the -12 V potential. The voltage at the
again. This sequence is repeated until just be-
fore the zero-crossing, when the mains volt-
age can no longer charge Ci (see Fig. 4a). The
waveform across the thyristor is shown as a
dashed line in Fig. 4b. Figure 4c, finally,
shows the waveform of the current shifted
by an angle cp as adashed line, and the wave-
form produced by the dimmer as asolid line.
Asymmetry of the waveform occurs during
the first half-cycle only. The triac conducts
up to instant 'B', when the load current falls
to zero.
The function of the remaining parts in
this section of the circuit is quickly ex-
plained: the zener diodes limit the voltage
across Tri2 to about 66 V whilst providing a
stable reference voltage for the trigger cir-
WorldRadioHistory
non-inverting input of IC4 drops, so that the
output voltage of the opamp rises. Conver-
sely, when alower output voltage is set either
by the user turning P3, or by the actuation of
the voltage limiting circuit, the inverting
input is at ahigher potential than the non-in-
verting input, so that the opamp output volt-
age drops.
The current control circuit (Fig. 6) oper-
ates in asimilar manner. Like IC4, opamp IC3
will attempt to keep its output voltage at 0V.
The main difference with the voltage control
circuit, however, is that the reference voltage
for the opamp (applied to the non-inverting
input) is permanently grounded via Ri,
while the current is measured as the drop
(max. 1.1 V) across series resistor R18. Poten-
tial divider P2-R3 is arranged so that its junc-
tion carries a voltage between —1.1 V and
+1.1 V with respect to the positive output ter-
minal. When no current flows through R18,
the positive side of P2 is at ground potential.
When P2 is advanced to the 5-A position, i.e.,
to its full resistance of 2.2 1(12, the inverting
input of IC3 is at avoltage of —1.1 V. Conse-
quently, the voltage at the opamp output
rises.
When acurrent of 5A flows, R18 supplies
1.1 V. When P2 is turned to the other extreme
position (i.e., aresistance of 012), the voltage
at the inverting input is higher than that at
the non-inverting input, so that the opamp
output voltage drops.
As shown by Figs. 5and 6, and also by the
complete circuit diagram in Fig. 7, the an-
odes of D8 and D24 share acommon connec-
tion, R23, where the opamp outputs of the
current and voltage control circuits are
joined. This means that the opamp that sup- Fig. 4. Illustrating the basic operation of the dimmer for inductive loads, applied here for
the purpose of transformer preregulation. Fig. 4a shows the position of the trigger pulses
plies the lower output voltage determines
with respect to the mains voltage. The voltage across triac Tril as compared to the mains
the base voltage of the current booster, T4-TS. voltage (dashed line) is shown in Fig. 4b. Fig.4c, finnaly, shows the current shifted by an
Resistor R23 serves to hold the bases of T4-T5 amount of cp, without (dashed line) and with (solid line) phase angle control.
at about +11.5 V. Diodes D7 and D9 decouple
the opamp outputs, preventing current from the associated opamp output drops to alevel vant limiter (current or voltage) starts to
flowing between them. One of the series- below 11.5 V minus two diode voltages (D24- operate.
connected LEDs lights when the voltage at D7 or D8-D9). This happens when the rele- During the switching-on sequence the

Fig. 5. Basic voltage control circuit. Fig.

WorldRadioHistory 6. Basic current control circuit.
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 Ell

Fig. 7. Circuit diagram ofthe laboratory power supply. Two of these circuits are required for the parallel, series and symmetrical modes.

circuit around T2 keeps the series transistors provided by the circuit in Fig. 8. As long as
off until the zener voltage of D6 is reached. the pre-regulation circuit operates correctly,
This happens when the negative supply there exists a constant voltage difference
voltage of the opamp is sufficiently high. In across T4-R13 and Ts-R14. In afault condition
this way, the voltage peak at switch-on is of any kind (overcurrent, overvoltage), Ti is
limited to about 2.5 V above the set output switched on via potential divider 1219-R20.
voltage, which is available after afew milli- This reduces the base voltage of the darling-
seconds. Although the switch-on peak is not ton transistors, so that the output current is
likely to cause damage to most equipment limited. To implement a combined cur-
powered by the supply, it is recommended rent/ temperature overload function, replace
to first switch on the PSU and then connect resistor R20 by a100-1d2 NTC (negative tem-
the load. perature coefficient) resistor which is bolted
The current limiting function of the PSU is on to the heat-sink, close to T4-T5. Fig. 8. Basic layout of the current limiter.
WorldRadioHistory
 54

MEDIUM POWER A.F. AMPLIFIER

by T. Giffard

For the many readers who do not need hundreds of watts output
from their audio hi-fi installation here is a modest 60-watt a.f.
amplifier that is a match for even the best quality loudspeakers.
Loads down to 2ohms may be driven without any problem and
with very low distortion. The design is entirely symmetrical and,
apart from an input capacitor, direct coupled.

W HAT should be the power rating of

adomestic hi-fi installation? Twenty
plifiers we have published over the past few
years.
signal-to-noise ratio of not less than 100 dB
at 1W, harmonic distortion of not greater
watt, 50 watt, 200 watt? It is avexed question than 0.006% (8 S2/50 W) and aslew rate of
that will never be answered to the satisfac- 30 V/1.1s.
Symmetrical design
tion of every hi-fi buff. Psychology may play If you imagine ahorizontal line through
a role here, too: the difference in sound Top priority in the design of the amplifier was the centre of the simplified circuit diagram
pressure between a20-watt and a200-watt quality, and this has resulted in aunit with a in Fig. 1, the part above that line is amirror
system is only (!) 10 dB and that image of that below the line
sounds alot less than the differ- (ignoring the DC correction and
ence of 180 watt in output pow- protection circuits).
ers. Be that as it may, acontinu- The active DC correction cir-
ous power of 50-70 watt is more cuit ensures that in no circum-
than adequate for at least 95% of stances will direct voltage
all domestic hi-fi installations. appear at the output, which is
It's far better to have a good- important in view of the direct
quality 50-watt system than a coupling between all stages.
mediocre 200-watt one. Readers The protection circuit pro-
who take music reproduction vides a delay on power-on,
seriously will, no doubt, have monitors whether there is any
found this out themselves a direct voltage at the output, and
long time ago. Having said that, measures the current that is
it is admitted that there are a drawn by the output transistors.
few, and fortunately only afew, A mechanical relay is used,
loudspeakers that need at least because we could not devise an
ahundred watts to come to live. electronic switching method
Go to almost any hi-fi retailer TECHNICAL DATA that would satisfactorily limit
and ask for a good-quality, (Powe rsupply 225 VA; buffer capacitor 20 000 iF per line) the current without audible
medium power (say, 50 W) side-effects.
amplifier and you'll find that Continuous power 60 W into 8Q Although the design cannot
there are not many, if any. Until (THD r. 0.1%) 110 W into 412 be called revolutionary, we feel
recently, the quality of almost all 170 W into 2Q that parts of it are pretty original
proprietary power amplifiers Music power 200 W in to 2Q and combine some of the
was in direct proportion to their (1 kHz; 20 ms on, 80 ms off) advantages of a number of
power rating and that is the rea- Harmonic distortion 50W/8Q 100W/4Q 150W/2 1
-2 other, standard designs.
son that many people buy asys- 100 Hz <0.0006% <0.008% <0.01% The open-loop gain has been
tern with too high apower out- 1kHz <0.006% <0.008% <0.01% kept low, so that the amount of
put for their requirements. 10 kHz <0.015% <0.025% <0.06% feedback can be kept small,
Fortunately, some clever manu- Intermodulation distortion <0.013% (1-50 W into 8Q at 1kHz) which is all to the good of the
facturers have realized this <0.05% (1 W into 4Q at 250 Hz-4 kHz) overall quality. After all, the var-
anomaly and are doing some- Slew rate >30 V/1...ts (with input filter) ious stages then need contribute
thing about it, so that amplifiers Peak output current 15 A a smaller part of the overall
rated at 50-70 watt with agood Signal-to-noise ratio >100 dB at 1W amplification, which helps in
specification are slowly becom- Output impedance <0.02 Q at 100 Hz and 1kHz keeping the distortion in each
ing available. Nevertheless, we <0.04 Q at 10 kHz stage very small.
felt that agood-quality design Input impedance 47 kQ The input is formed by adif-
for the enthusiastic DIY-er would Input sensitivity 1Vr.m.s. ferential amplifier, Ti -Ts, whose
be a welcome addition to the Quiescent current 100 mA (nominal) gain is limited to about 40 dB.
couple of high-quality pream- WorldRadioHistory The input transistors are cou-
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 IM

pled to another pair of differential

The final design
amplifiers, T2 and T6 respectively,
whose gain is about 27 dB. These The input of the amplifier—see
are followed by controlled cur- Fig. 2—is protected against
rent sources T9 and Tio. Setting of direct voltages by capacitors 0
the quiescent current for the out- and C2, which may be omitted if
put stages is provided by avari- the preamplifier to be used
able zener diode consisting of already has acapacitor at its out-
three transistors, which are con- put. Be careful in future when
nected between the collectors of connecting adifferent preampli-
T9 and Tio. fier which may not have acapac-
The output stages consist of itor at its output.
drivers T13 and T17, and two pairs The input capacitors are fol-
of three parallel-connected lowed by alow-pass filter, R1-
power transistors, each forming a C3. This network limits the
super emitter follower. bandwidth of the input signal to
obviate any transient intermod-
ulation distortion (Tim). The cut-
Choice of
off frequency of the filter is
components ability of components. The output transistors about 180 kHz, assuming that the output
In asymmetrical design, equality of the tran- in the present design are atypical example. impedance of the preamplifier is 50
sistors in the input stages is of paramount Although they were listed as standard types Dual transistors Ti and Ts form the sym-
importance. In our first design, self-paired BC in aPhilips catalogue, the ones we ordered metrical input stage, which is controlled by
transistors were tried, but these gave prob- had not been delivered six months later in current sources T3 and T7. The current
lems, particularly with thermal stability. It spite of numerous telephone calls. Perhaps through each of the dual transistors is set at
was therefore decided to use proprietary this explains why Philips has not been doing just above 1mA. The gain of the differential
dual transistors, although these are rather too well of late. In the end, the order was can- input amplifiers is determined by the ratio
more expensive. However, taking into celled and replaced by one for SGS-Thomson of the values of their collector and emitter
account the necessary reliability of reproduc- devices (delivered in afew weeks). These are resistors. Networks R5-C6 and R14-C7 set the
tion of the design, and looking at the near- in most respects as good as the Philips types open-loop bandwidth at 500 Hz.
perfect parallel operation of the dual transis- but lack somewhat in bandwidth, although The second stage consists of dual transis-
tors and their excellent thermal behaviour, in the prototypes that was not noticeable. On tors T2 and T6, which are controlled by cur-
the expense is well worth it. the other hand, the characteristics of the com- rent sources T4 and Ts. This stage not only
Some of the problems adesigner often has plementary n-p-n and p-n-p types are for all provides 27 dB gain, but als impedance
to cope with are concerned with the avail- practical purposes identical. matching between the input stage and the
following current amplifier.
Current sources T4 and Ts use LEDs to
obtain avoltage reference. Bear in mind that
these diodes have apotential drop of about
1.6 V across them.
The quiescent current through current
amplifiers T9 and Tio is some 20 mA. This
level of current is necessary to ensure that
drivers T13 and T17 provide sufficient current
in all circumstances. The amplification of
these amplifiers is determined by the value
of their emitter resistors and the input
impedance of 113 and T17.

The collectors of the current amplifiers

are intercoupled via apresettable 'zener'net-
work, which serves to set the quiescent oper-
ating point of the output stages. This net-
work normally consists of just one transistor,
but it was found that the thermal behaviour
of this was not sufficient to compensate the
thermal conduct of the output stages correct-
ly and quickly enough. The three transistors
finally chosen work almost perfectly and
have the further advantage that they form a
virtually ideal current source which ensures
that current variations through them hardly
affect the zener voltage.
The drivers and associated power tran-
Fig. 1. The simplified circuit diagram of the amp ifier clearly shows the symmetrical design. sistors are, of course, of the same type. Three
WorldRadioHistory
 56

125 C24

k 47p
-----II-'
270n
25V
7 4.
R62

4k7 IC1
_ .2_.

(e...ev)-1
L.F411 661

11

C26

72 5V

Fig. 2. Circuit diagram of the medium-power A.F. amplifier. WorldRadioHistory

 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 ri
t
output transistors instead of one make for stages, which is unavoidable because of dif- is well.
more efficient cooling; moreover, low- power ferences between n-p-n and p-n-p transistors Transistor Tzi monitors the output cur-
transistors normally have better electrical and also in base resistance, it is essential that rent of the amplifier by measuring the poten-
properties than high-power ones. the output voltage of the amplifier is kept at tial drop across the emitter resistors of T16

A Boucherot-type network, R46-C16, at 0V, and this is effected by ICi. and T2o via voltage divider R47-R48. If that
the output ensures that the amplifier remains The output of the amplifier is applied to current exceeds 5A (that is, atotal current
adequately loaded at high frequencies. integrator ICi via low-pass filter R6O-C23. The throught the three output transistors of 15 A),
Inductor Li limits the rise time of the output supply for the integrator is derived from the T21 switches on which results in bistable T24-
signal when the load is capacitive. This main 36-V supply with the aid of resistors T25 toggling after which the relay is deener-
results in slightly less damping at high fre- R63 and R64, and zener diodes Ow and Dn. gized within 5ms.
quencies, but even so the damping factor at The protection circuit is formed by tran- Any direct voltage at the output is mea-
10 kHz and an output impedance of 8 Q sistors T21—T26. When the supply is switched sured via low-pass filter R49-R50-C18-C19. If
remains greater than 100. on, T26 is off, so that bistable T24-T25 is reset, there is adirect voltage at alevel of more than
Feedback is provided via resistors R17 which results in T25 being switched on. 1V, T22 will switch on of the voltage is neg-
and R18, and an important role in this is Transistor T26 cannot conduct until its base- ative and T23 if it is positive. Again, the relay
played by DC correction circuit ICI. Since the emitter voltage is high enough and this does is deenergized via the bistable.
feedback loop does not include coupling not happen until C21 has been charged via When the relay is denergized owing to
capacitors, direct voltages at the input are R58. It is this action that delays the actuation too high acurrent or voltage, it will remain
amplified to the same degree as AC signals. of the amplifier. so until the supply is switched off. When,
Owing to the slightly asymmetric setting of Once T26 is switched on, relay Rei is ener- after afew seconds, the supply is switched
the direct voltages at the differential input gized and diode 137 lights to indicate that all on again, the relay will be energized if the
fault condition has been removed.
The nominal supply voltage is 2x30 V,
which may rise under no-load conditions to
2x37 V. Each amplifier may have its own
power supply, but it is, of course, possible to
power astereo system (two amplifiers) from
one supply only as discussed below.

Power supply
In principle, there are three ways of provid-
ing the amplifier with power: asingle supply
for amonaural amplifier; astereo amplifier
with an independent supply for each ampli-
fier; and astereo amplifier with asingle sup-
ply. The first two obviously provide the best
possible channel separation.
The circuit of a power supply for a
monaural amplifier is shown in Fig. 3a. The
mains transformer specified provides suffi-
cient power to allow the amplifier delivering
continuous power into a4Q load. It was not
thought necessary to specify it for continu-
ous power into 2Q. After all, the nominal
resistance of many loudspeakers is 4 sl,
although there may be dips to 2-3 Q.
However, the electrolytic capacitors have
sufficient capacitance to ensure adequate
current during peaks in music reproduction.
This explains why a total capacitance of
40 000 LiF is specified.
The single supply for astereo amplifier
—see Fig. 3b—has a higher rated mains
transformer. For normal use, a6-A type will
suffice. However, if low-impedance loud-
speakers are used, it is better to use a10-A
type.
The electrolytic buffer capacitors are 50-V
types; if these cannot be obtained, 63-V types
may be used, although these are somewhat
larger.
The construction of the amplifier will be
Fig. 3. Two possible power supplies: the one at the top is for amonaural amplifier, while the one below
is asingle supply intended for astereo amplifier. WorldRadioHistory described in next month's issue. II
 58

DUBBING MIXER EV7000

PART 1: CONNECTION AND CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

This sound mixer, designed and marketed as a kit by ELV, allows a

variety of fading, sound dubbing and voice-over effects to be
realized. The voice channel can override the music channel either
automatically (by voice control) or manually. A total of fourteen
controls and two toggle switches bring out all features of this
easy-to-operate unit.

A
dubbing mixer like the EV7000 is often The dubbing mixer is best connected be- mixer are connected to the inputs of the
used at parties and film or slide pres- tween the preamplifier and the power am- power amplifier. When amono preamplifier
entations, when avoice channel occasionally plifier. The stereo output signal supplied by is used, its output signal is fed to the left
overrides the (background) music to provide the preamplifier is connected to the phono input channel of the dubbing mixer, while
announcements or comment. A smooth tran- (RCA-type) input sockets on the rear panel the right input channel is not used.
sition between the music and the voice chan- of the dubbing mixer. The outputs of the The dubbing mixer has an internal ampli-
nel requires afader such as the one described
here. To prevent different sound qualities on
the music and the voice-over, the EV7000 has
separate tone controls for each channel. In
addition, separate volume and balance con-
trols are provided. -..• 1.--• ,i) 9:

Operation and controls

As shown by the above photograph, all indi-
cators and control elements of the dubbing
mixer are arranged on the front panel. The
input and output connectors are located on -.NM 1111.-4111 4) 9:
the rear panel.
Before it is taken into use, the dubbing
mixer is connected to the power supply and
the available audio equipment. A small
95O8 Il
mains adapter with an output of 12 V at
about 300 mA is connected to the 3.5-mm
adapter socket on the rear panel. The 'Mic
On' and 'Line on' LEDs on the front panel
light to indicate that the mixer is on. Fig. 1. Block diagram of the dubbing mixer.
WorldRadioHistory
 El

0661 HaSOIDO VS1-1SDINOMIDarla 110,DISla

WorldRadioHistory
Circuit diagram of the dubbing mixer. The central parts are two audio signal processing ICs Type TDA1524A (IC2; IC3).
60

fier capable of handling input levels between at maximum level, i.e., the microphone bass and treble settings are controlled by
about 50 mVrms and 1.7 Vrms, so that vir- channel is off. electronic potentiometers in the TDA1524A.
tually any (line-) signal source can be con- • The basic functions are set by the con- These potentiometers, in turn, are controlled
nected. trols in the right-hand area on the front by externally applied direct voltages. The
The stereo output signal of the dubbing panel. The 'Mic gain' potentiometer volume is set via control input pin 1, the bass
mixer has a maximum level of about determines the amplification in the level via pin 9, the treble level via pin 10, and
1.7 Vrms, and can be set to the required vol- microphone channel. It should be set to the balance via pin 16. At asupply voltage of
ume within arange of 100 dB. This allows aposition at which the microphone sig- 10 V, the range of the control voltage is about
the mixer to drive almost any type of power nal is loud enough when the 'Mic level' 0.25 V to 4.0 on all these inputs. The level of
amplifier. control is in the last one-third of its travel. the supply voltage hardly affects the set-
The mixer has two parallel-connected The toggle switch marked 'Mic filter' tings, however, since the potentiometers that
microphone input sockets: one for a3.5-mm allows the low side of the frequency set the sound parameters, R27 -R30, are con-
jack plug and one for aDIN plug. range to be limited to about 200 Hz. This nected to the reference voltage supplied by
The controls on the front panel are ar- mode is particularly suited to the sup- pin 17 of the TDA1524A. Capacitors C28 -
ranged into three areas, marked by white pression of floor noises, rumble and C31 serve to suppress contact noises as the
lines. Much of what follows below on the other low-frequency interference. When potentiometers are turned.
basic operation of the mixer is illustrated by the filter is switched off, the frequency The two volume controls that operate at
the block diagram in Fig. 1. range starts at about 20 Hz, which makes pin 1of IC3 form aspecial configuration, in
• The controls for the microphone channel the microphone channel usable even for which diode 012 is an important component.
are located in the top left-hand area on music signals. The control voltage at the wiper of poten-
the front panel. The LED at the extreme The 'trigger level' control sets the thre- tiometer R25 is fed to pin 1of IC3 via R26 and
left indicates the peak microphone level. shold of the previously mentioned VOX C28. The positive supply voltage for the
The tone and volume controls are only function. Turning this control clockwise potentiometer is provided by the output of
effective for the microphone channel. results in ahigher switching threshold, ICs and potential divider R51-R52. In the 'line'
The toggle switch marked 'function' i.e., ahigher microphone signal level at mode, R25 is supplied with about 4V, which
allows three different modes to be se- which the dubbing mixer switches to allows the full volume range to be covered.
lected: voice-over. The 'trigger level' control is, When the microphone is switched on, the
- 'off' to disable the microphone chan- however, enabled only when the 'func- potentiometer supply voltage drops to about
nel; tion' switch is set to the 'auto' position. 0 V, which would normally result in total
- 'on' to enable the microphone chan- The three timing controls in the lower suppression of the music signal. Diode D12,
nel; right-hand corner allow the speed of the however, keeps the minimum volume con-
- 'auto' to enable the automatic voice fade-in and fade-out effects to be trol voltage at 0.7 V below the level set with
control (VOX) function. When selected, changed to requirement. The 'fade-in' R27, the 'background' level control. The
this function provides an automatic control has arange of 0to about 7sec- operation of the driver circuit around ICs
fade-in when a certain (preset) micro- onds, independent of the time set with will be reverted to in due course.
phone level is exceeded. The micro- the 'fade-out' control. The 'delay' control Electrolytic capacitor C38 forms abuffer
phone is faded out automatically when determines the time between the end of for the internal supply voltage of the
its signal level drops below the preset the voice-over and the start of the music TDA1524A, while 09 filters the supply volt-
level. The state of the VOX is indicated channel fade-in. The range of this control age applied to the circuit.
by the 'Mic on' LED. is 0 to about 5 seconds. Like the VOX The output signals at pin 11 (left) and 8
• The controls for the line channel are level control, the 'delay' control is active (right) of the TDA1524A are fed to the
found in the lower left-hand area on the in the 'auto' mode only. It is intended summing inputs of inverting amplifiers IC4A
front panel. The four LEDs at the left are mainly to prevent the music channel and IC48 via C40-R33 and C41-R34. The summ-
used as level indicators for the two out- being faded in during every short pause ing operation involves the two line signals
put channels. The 'Pe' (peak) LEDs in the voice channel. (left and right) and the microphone signal
should preferably remain off, while the supplied by IC2. Components with values
'OK' LEDs light when the signals are at equal to those used for the line signals take
Circuit description
asufficiently high level. The minimum the microphone signal from output pins 8
recommended signal level is indicated The crucial parts in the circuit diagram in and 11 of IC2 to input pins 2and 6of IC4. The
by the 'OK' LEDs flashing irregularly. Fig. 2 are two audio processor ICs Type two opamps, IC4A and IC48, serve to invert
Like the microphone channel, the line TDA1524A. All signal parameters (volume, and to buffer the signals.
channel has separate tone controls and a balance, and tone) are set by control voltages. The left channel signal reaches the output
level control, marked 'background'. The The left and right line signals are applied socket, BUs, via the output of IC4A, pin 1, and
latter sets the background level of the to sockets BU3 and BU4 respectively and fed R36-C42. Similarly, the right channel signal
music signal while the voice channel is to input pins 4and 15 of the TDA1524A (IC3) arrives at BU2 via pin 7of IC4 and R21-C25.
actuated. When set fully counter-clock- via coupling capacitors C26 and C27. Since all The microphone signals are treated by
wise, the music is totally suppressed active parts are contained in the TDA1524A, IC2 and potentiometers Rn to R14, in aman-
during the voice-over. only ahandful of external capacitors and re- ner similar to that described for the line am-
The 'Line on' LED indicates the fade-in sistors is required to achieve the signal con- plifier, IC3. The supply voltage of the volume
and fade-out actions. The intensity at ditioning functions. The bass level is control potentiometers is provided by pin 7
which the LED lights is arough indica- determined by R31, C32 and C33 for the left of ICsc and potential divider 1146-R-17. The
tion of the background music level dur- channel, and R32, C36 and C37 for the right two inputs of IC2 are driven in parallel by the
ing the voice-over. When the LED lights channel. The treble controls require one ca- output of opamp ICI B. U
at its full intensity, the music channel is pacitor only: 04 (left) and C35 (right). The
WorldRadioHistory (to be continued next m)nth)
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 61

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TECHNICAL QUERIES
EPROMS/PALS/MICROCONTROLLERS DISKETTES PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS-Continued
Although we are always prepared to assist
readers in solving difficulties they may ex- PROJECT No. Price Issue PROJECT No. Price Issue PRODUCT No. Price
perience with projects that have appeared in
Elektor Electronics USA, we regret that these Intelligent time 553 20.00 2/88 Digital model train 109 11,50 2/89- JUNE 1990
cannot, under any circumstances, be dealt with standard (1 x 2764) 4/90 Electronic load
by telephone or FAX. I/O extension card 561 17.50 6-7/88 Logic analyzer for 111 20.00 10/89 simulator 900042 24 00
for IBM Atari ST (b/w only) Mini EPROM viewer 900030 36 00
COMPONENTS (1 x PAL 16L8) Computer-controlled 113 20.00 10/89 Power zener diode UPBS-1 400
Centronics interface 562 17.50 10/88 Teletext decoder
Components for projects appearing in Elektor JULY-AUGUST 1990
for slide fader Plotter Driver 117 11.50 5-6/88
Electronics USA are usually available from ap- Compact 10A power 900045 23.00
(1 x PAL 16R4) FAX interface, IBM 119 14.00 6/90
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H P-controlled radio 564 20.00 7-9/89 PCs
have difficulty finding parts, please send aself- Intermediate projects UPBS-1 4.00
synthesizer RAM extension for 123 10.00 7/89
addressed postcard listing the parts you desire Mini FM transmitter 896118 8.50
(1 x 27C64) BBC-B
and we will attempt to locate a source. If dif- Sound demodulator for 900057 7.50
Portable MIDI 567 20.00 11/88 EPROM simulator 129 11.50 12/89
ficulties in the supply of components are en- satellite-TV receivers
keyboard RS-232 splitter 1411 11.50 4/90
visaged, asource will normally be advised in the Audio power Indicator 904004 7.50
(1 x 2764) Centronics ADC/DAC 1421 11.50 5/90
article. Four-monitor driver 904067 10.50
Pitch control for CD 568 20.00 12/88 Transistor 1431 13 00 5/90
for PCs
players characteristic plot-
:137.1:M1111 (1 x 2764) ting (Atari ST b/w) SEPTEMBER 1990
The following Elektor books are currently avail-
MIDI control unit 570 20.00 6-7/90 ROM-copy for BASIC 1441 13.00 9/90 High current hFE tester 900078 11.00
able from Old Colony Sound:
(1 x 27C64) Infrared remote 904085/86 3.50
301 Circuits $12.50 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS
The digital model 572 20.00 2/89- control
302 Circuits $12.50
(1 x 2764) 3/90 PROJECT No. Price
303 Circuits $15.95 OCTOBER 1990
Darkroom clock 583 18.50 2/90
Data Sheet Book 2 $16.50 Guitar tuner 900078 Nol Avail
(1 x 27128) MARCH 1990
Data Sheet Book 3 $17.95 F P-controlled telephone 900081 36.00
Video Mixer 5861 20.00 1-4/90 Digital model train 87291-1 7.00
(1 x 2764) exchange
IC monitor 896140 15.00
FRONT PANELS Medium power audio 900098 18.00
Four-sensor 5921 20.00 6/90 Power line monitor 900025 9.50
Project No. Price Issue amplifier
sunshine recorder Replacement for
(1 x 27128) Tuned UHF TV preamp f451 anl.
TCA280A 894078 11.00
All Solid-state 700 30.00 3/88 Dubbing mixer EV7000
Slave indication unit Video mixer (3) 87304-3 71.00
preamplifier 890170-F1 33.50 12/89 S-VHS/CVBS-to-RGB 900055 24.50
for I.T.S. (Issue 1-4/90)
890170-F2 18.50 1/90 converter
(1 x 8748H)
LF/HF Signal APRIL 1990 Phase meter 896056 Not avail
EPROM emulator 701 30.00 12/89
tracer 890183-F 18.50 12/89 (1 x 8748H) BBD sound effects unit 900010 15.50
Video Mixer 87304-F 33.00 1-4/90 Micro-controller 702 95.00 5,6- Digital model train 87291-10 8.00
'Available from ELV France, BP-40-F.-57480
0 meter 900031-F 23.00 4/90 driven power supply 9/88 0 meter 900031 12.00
Sierck-les-Bains, France
Budget sweep/ (1 x 8751) RS-232 splitter 900017-1 14.50
tunct. gendr. 900040-F 20.00 5/90 Autonomous I/O 704 95.00 12/88 900017-2 9.00
High Current controller Video line selector 900032 13.00
hFE tester 900078-F Write 9/90 (1 x 8751)
MAY 1990
Acoustic temperature UPBS-1 4.00
monitor
Budget sweep/function 900040 14.00
generator
Centronics ADC/DAC 900037D 30.50
Transistor characteristic 900058 9.50
plotting

WorldRadioHistory
 62

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BOOKS FROM ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA

MICROPROCESSOR DATA BOOK 303 CIRCUITS
This book has come about because of a need by Elektor Electronics Like its predecessors, 303 CIRCUITS offers acomprehensive collection
engineers, technicians, and editorial staff of aready reference work on of practical ideas, concepts, and developments in the gamut of elec-
the most important microprocessors. This implies that it does not only tronics. Unlike its predecessors, the book is arranged in 11 subject sec-
contain information on the latest devices, such as the transputer, but tions to make it easier for the reader to find that long-sought circuit.
also on older, well-established types, such as the Z80 and the 6800. In well over 300 pages, the book offers 32 Audio and Hi -Fi projects;
A general description, hardware block schematic, software structure, 14 circuits for Car and Bicycles; 43 Computer & Microprocessor circuits;
DC characteristics, and instruction sets are given for over 70 micro- 11 Electrophonic projects; 24 HF and VHF circuits; 16 circuits for a
processors. To prevent the block from becoming unwieldy (and to keep number of hobbies and pastimes; 54 projects for Home and Garden;
costs down) timing diagrams and AC characteristics have, however, been 29 Power Supply circuits; 29 circuits for Test and Measurement equip-
omitted. The detailed information on all manufacturers mentioned will, ment; nine TV and Video projects; as well as 42 Design Ideas.
however, enable any additional information to be obtained quite readily. ISBN 0 905705 82 2
Included in the book are, among others: Price $15.90
• the 68000 series
• the 6502 family DATA SHEET BOOK 2
•Z80; 8080; and 8085 Like its predecessor (now out of print), this book offers concise, rele-
• Intel's 8086; 80186; 80188; 80286; 80386 vant, and rapidly accessible information, which is both practical (e.g.,
• the NS32XXX series the pin-out of a device) and informative.
•the INMOS transputers The book contains data on integrated circuits as well as on discrete
ISBN 0 905705 28 9 transistors and diodes. Moreover, it gives an introduction to fast
Price $17.90 (HCMOS) devices and areview of the new symbolic logic as laid down
in British Standard BS3939:Section 21 (IEC Standard 617-12).
302 CIRCUITS The final part of the book deals with a number of computer chips,
The popularity of this book is shown by its having been reprinted no such as memory devices (including programming information for these)
fewer than three times. It offers a selection of the most interesting ar- and I/O circuits. This section also includes data on a number of non-
ticles from the 1982, 1983, 1984 summer issues of Elektor Electronics. digital discrete and integrated devices, such as op amps, as well as on
In it you will find circuits for audio and video; car, cycle, and motorcy- some microprocessor peripherals (e.g., the 6522 VIA, the 6580 ACIA,
cle; home and garden; receivers and aerials; hobbies and games; and the 8355A PPI).
measuring and testing; oscillators and generators; current sources and ISBN 0 905705 27 0
power supplies; microcomputers and music electronics; and amiscellany Price $18.50
of other interesting subjects.
ISBN 0 905705 25 4
Price $12.50

These books are all available direct from Elektor Electronics USA through the Readers Services, from a number of bookshops and electronics
retailers in the US and Canada, and from selected bookshops throughout the world.
WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 63

The world's best loudspeaker

book should be on your shelf A quick, easy, tested method
if you are serious about for upgrading your car's
speaker systems sound

Here in one place are all the definitions for closed Here's an excellent, concrete, hands-on, treat-
or vented boxes, woofers, passive radiators. ment of the cost effective design and installation
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How to build and test your project. "..The best system, the weak link in auto sound. Has an ex-
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Ill, Professor of Applied Math., Miami University. tion and modification options.
Oxford, Ohio: Contributing Editor, Speaker
125pp. spiral bound. $19.95
Builder.

81
2 x 11 format, 82pp., softbound $19.95
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WorldRadioHistory
64

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Old Colony's circuit boards are made of top quality epoxy glags, two ounce copper and reflowed solder-coated material
for ease of constructing projects which have appeared in Audio Amateur, Glass Audio and Speaker Builder magazines.
Many also have the component layout printed right on the board!
The builder needs the original article (indicated by the date in brackets) to construct the project. Articles are not supplied but are available through Audio Amateur Publications.

AUDIO AMATEUR K4: WALDRON TUBE CROSSOVER. (Two needed per 2-way S-U: CURCIO VACUUM TUBE PRE-PREAMP MASTER POWER
A-1: WILLIAMSON TWIN 20 POWER AMPLIFIER. (RW-8) 3x channel.) 2x41
2 "[3:79]
/ Each $12.00 Four $40.00 SUPPLY. 43/
4x34 "(5:84)
/
3 Each $10.35
[1:70] Each $8.35 8-8: DIDDEN FAN CONTROL. 61
/4 x1
2 "(4:84)
/ Each $11.25
K-7: WALDRON TUBE CROSSOVER POWER SUPPLY. 5x55/k" 1

[3:79] Each $12.95 T-1: CURCIO VACUUM TUBE PREAMP/AMP REGULATOR.

A-2: WILLIAMSON TWIN 20. Power supply board. (RW-9:2)
21
/ x3 [1:70]
2 Each $6.85 K-11: WILLIAMSON 40/40 POWER AMP. One channel. 3x 10 11 /, 8x615 /
i8 "[2:85] Each $36.00
[4:79] Each $7.00 T-1A: CURCIO VACUUM TUBE PREAMP MASTER POWER
B-2: WILLIAMSON-WATLING 4+4 MIXER. Staked terminals.
SUPPLY. 33/
4 x2"1,8" [2:85] Each MOO
(RWAJ/V) 31
2 x5
/ [2:71] Each $10.00 L-1A: BOAK POWER AMP REGULATED SUPPLY. Plus or minus
supply for power. 23/
4 x41/
8"[1:80] Each $8.00 T-2A: BORBELY R1AA-1. 37,4 x31
2 "
/ Each $10.50
B-5: WILLIAMSON TWIN 20 PREAMP. Stereo. (RW-11) 33/
8x8"
L-2: WHITE LED OVERLOAD & PEAK METER. One channel. T-2B: BORBELY R1AA-2. 31
2 x5
/ 2 "
/
1 Each $15.00
[2:71] Each $16.00
3x6" [1:80] Each $18.70 T-2C: BORBELY TAPE BUFFER. 1% x37/
8" Each $5.45
B-7: V.U. METER. (DG-7-A) 13/
4 x3" (3:71 Each WOO
L-4: SULZER OP-AMP PREAMP POWER SUPPLY. ±15V supply T-2D: BORBELY LINE BUFFER. 31
2 x5
/ 2 "
/
1 Each $9.50
C-4: ELECTRONIC CROSSOVER. Board takes 8pin DIPs, ten for preamps. 43/
8x412:80] Each $12.00
T-21 BORBELY PREAMP BOARD SET. Eight boards. [4:85, 1:86]
eyelets for variable components. (DG-13R) 2x 3" [2:72]
L-8: MASTEL TONE BURST GENERATOR. 31
2 x6
/ 5/8"[2:80]
Set $90.00
Each $10.00
Each $15.75 T-2F: BORBELY PREAMP POWER SUPPLY. (Two required.)
C-5: GLOECKLER VOLUME CONTROL. 23 position wafer. (FG-1) 37/
8x4 /"
2
1 Each $12.00
L-9: MASTEL PHASE METER. 65/
8x23/
8"[4:80] $11.25
3x3" [2:72] Each $5.50
V-2: LANG CLASS A MOSFET AMP. 51%046% 8" [2:86]
M-1: MULLER-CARLSTROM. Sweep Generator-Oscillator. (Two Each $21.40
D-1: HERMEYER ELECST AMP II. 41
2 x4
/ 2 "[3:73) Each $12.00
/
1
required.) (CM-2) 25/, 8x5" [2:81] Each $8.50
V-3A: CURCIO AUTO MUTE. 11
2 "x2"
/ Each $8.00
E-2: REGULATED LAB POWER SUPPLY. ±15V. (Ref. 1) 43/
8
Pair $14.00
x314" [4:74] Each WOO W-3: BORBELY IMPROVED POWER SUPPLY. 41/
4 x5/
12"[1:87]
M-2: MULLER-CARLSTROM Log Sweep Board. (CM-4) 2x21/
8"
Each $16.00
[2:81] Each $5.00
F-3: GATELY ±18V POWER SUPPLY. Regulated. (EG-2) 21
/4 x4"
X-3: CHATER 40W MOSFET AMP. Two sided, one channel.
[2:75] Each $8.00 M-3: MULLER-CARLSTROM Sweep Power Supply. (CM-5) 4x63/4"[2, 3:88] Each $26.00
25/
8x3 5/
8"[2:81] Each $6.50
F4: 30Hz FILTER/CROSSOVER. High pass or universal filter or X-3A: CHATER AMP POWER SUPPLY. 31
2 x6" [2, 3:88]
/
crossover. (WJ-3) 3x3" [4:75] Each $10.00 M-4: MULLER-CARLSTROM. Logger Board. (CM-3) 31/
2x4" [3:81] Each $14.00
Each $9.25
X-4A: VIKAN CAR AMPLIFIER. 4x5" [488, 1:89]
G-1: GATELY PEAK DETECTING OVERLOAD INDICATOR. Two
channel. (EG-3) 11
2 x2
/ h" [2,3:76]
1 Each $6.40 M-5: MULLER-CARLSTROM. Logger Power Supply. (DG-12B) Each $23.20
21
/ x23
2 /"[3:81]
4 Each $5.00 X-46: VIKAN PWR SUPPLY. 41
2 x5
/ 2 "[4:88, 1:89]
/
1
H-2: SPEAKER SAVER. (WJ-4) 31/
4 x5/
14"[3:77] Each $13.25
Each $17.00
CARLSTROM IM FILTER. lntermodulation Filter. 2
5/8x34 "
/
3

H-4: GATELY MICROMIXER. Input. 15 pin plug-in gold edge. [1:82] Each $4.50 Y-2: RYAN ADCOM GFA-555 POWER SUPPLY REGULATOR.
(MIC-10S) 83
4 x7 [3:77] Ea. $17.00 Five or more, Each $15.00
/ (One per channel required.) 3x61/
4"[4:89] Each $28.50
P-3: BORBELY 60W POWER AMP. (EB-60) 33/
8 x6 1/
8"[2:82]

H-5: GATELY MICROMIXER. Output. 15 pin plug-in gold edge. Two Each $11.75
SPEAKER BUILDER
channel. (MIC11-005) 12 3/
4 x3' Each $26.20 P-5: SWEEP MARKER ADDER. 31
2 x2
/ 4 "[2:82]
/ Each $8.20
3
SB-Al: LINKWITZ CROSSOVER. 51
2 x8
/ 2 "[4:80]
/
1

H-7: GLOECKLER 101dB ATTENUATOR. (FG-3) 2x [4:77] Each $25.50

P-6: ADVENT MIKE PREAMP UPDATED. (K5) 37/
8x2 3/
8"[3:82]
Each $8.00 Five for $35.00 Each $18.75 SB-D2: WITTENBREDER PULSE GENERATOR. 31/
2 x5" [2:83]

Each $11.85
H-8: MORREY SUPER BUFFER. Two channel. (WM-3) 11
2 x2
/ /
12" R-2: BORISH DIGITAL DELAY. 53
4 x9" [1,2:83] Each $79.80
/
[4:77] Each $8.00 SB-E2: NEWCOMB PEAK PWR INDICATOR. 1x7 [2:84]
R-4: DIDDEN MAIN PWR AMP. 45/
8x63/
8"[4:83] Each $30.00 Each $3.90
DIDDEN AUDIO ACTIVATED POWER SWITCH. (J-4) 3x41
2"
/
S-1: BORBELY SERVO 100 AMP. 411
8x62 "[1:84]
/
1 813-E4: MULLER PINK NOISE GENERATOR. 41
2 x2
/ /
3a "[4:84]
[3:78] Each $7.55
Each $16.00 Each $9.40
J-5: PASS A-40 POWER AMP. One channel. 3x [4:78] 8-3: BORBELY DC 100 AMP. 61
2 x4
/ /
18"[2:84] Each $16.00
Each $8.00 GLASS AUDIO
8-5: KRUEGER MOD FOR MORREY IG-18. 211 /
18 x21/
8"[3:84] GB-1A: CURCIO ST-70 POWER SUPPLY. 5x [1 .89]
J-6: SCHROEDER CAPACITANCE CHECKER (CT-10) (4:78) Each $7.60 Each $27.00
31/
4 x6 Each $9.95
84: CURCIO VACUUM TUBE PRE-PREAMP AMP/REGULATOR. GB-18: CURCIO ST-70 DRIVER BOARD. 31/
4x7" [1:89]

K-3: CRAWFORD WARBLER 31/

4 x3/
38"[1 79] Each $11.20 43/
4 x2 3
4 "[5:84]
/ Each $12.35 Each $17.00

CIRCUIT BOARD ORDER FORM

Please print in clear block capitals quantity needed, board number and price. Total the amounts and REMIT IN US $ONLY by MCNISA, check or
money order. Postpaid in US; in Canada, please add 10%; overseas, add 20%.

QTY PRICE
NAME MAGIC NO
board(s) #

STREET & NO
board(s)

CITY STATE ZIP

board(s)

MC/VISA EXP.
board(s)
FOR CHARGE CARD ORDERS UNDER $10, PLEASE ADD $2.

MC VISA H CK/MO Shipping $

PO Box 243, Dept. E90
Peterborough, NH 03458-0243 CALL OR WRITE FOR YOUR FREE OLD COLONY CATALOG! TOTAL $

(603) 924-6371 /924-6526 /FAX: (603) 924-9467

Answering machine for credit card orders only: (403) 924-4371 before 9:00 a.m., after 4:00 p.m. and weekends.
Have all Information plus MCNISA available.

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 65

aleepto
SPeakerBtdder
THE LOUDSPEAKER JOURNAL

The magazine
that finally deals seriously with
The newest publication from the art and craft of speaker building
the folks who bring you
Audio Amateur and Speaker Builder The Art of building aspeaker is to optimize
that mixture of design and engineering to
Glass Audio features the best vacuum
balance all the parameters for the most
tube designs for audio reproduction—past
beautiful sound possible. The Craft is
and contemporary. The new designs take
knowing how and why. Speaker
advantage of improved components and

Audiadmateur
Builder gives you knowledge—from
control techniques that make the end re-
driver parameters and crossovers to wood-
sults far superior to anything possible dur-
working—to develop and refine your
ing the early days of audio's rebirth after THE JOURNAL FOR AUDIOPHILE CRAFTS
techniques, and to get the most out of your
World War II.
The innovative, independent system.
That's why tubes are having such arenais- audiophile journal for the thoughtful
sance of interest as aperfectionist approach and capable music lover
to good sound. And that's why tubes are
reappearing in original equipment, in high Audio Amateur's articles deal with
end consumer and professional audio how audio equipment works, as well as
systems. how to build or modify it. Construction
Published twice ayear in June and Decem- and modification articles are plentiful, sup-
ber, Glass Audio will inform you about new plying all needed parts, performance and
innovations in the field and about parts assembly details. Exceptionally high qual-
sources. We'll also include modification ity designs.
projects, reviews of technical basics and Audio Amateur offers anumber of features
regular columns such as Tube Troubles, in each issue that abound with useful
Tube Tips and much more. ideas. The Letters column is an open forum
Subscribe today! for problem solving and information in-
Speaker Builder helps you explore new
terchange; Classic Circuitry reprints
designs with how-to construction articles,
schematics of state-of-the-art gear—old
and can show you how to modify your old
and new; Audio Aids relates readers' ex-
speakers and make them sound better than
perience with simple modifications to
ever. Learn from our writers who turn
equipment and construction techniques.
abstract theory into practical approaches,
We also feature many useful and practical
and from the experience of other readers
hi-fi accessories you can build to further
who have been down the road before you.
your audio enjoyment.
Speaker Builder is the best investment
For asmall investment you can make your you can make in your system—six issues
music system sound better—very probably per year filled with stimulating and exciting
alot better. ideas.

GLASS AUDIO AUDIO AMATEUR SPEAKER BUILDER

D Two years, (4 issues) $18 El Two years, (8 issues) $35 Two years, (12 issues) $45
Eli One year, (2 issues) $10 D One year, (4 issues) $20 El One year, (6 issues) $25
Canada add $2 per year postage Canada add $4 per year postage Canada add $4 per year postage

NAME

STREET & NO

CITY STATE ZIP

MC OR VISA NUMBER EXPIRE

AUDIO AMATEUR PUBLICATIONS

PO Box 576, Dept. EEO, Peterborough, NH 03458-0576
(603) 924-9464 FAX: (603) 924-9467
Answering machine for credit card orders only: before 9:00 a.m., after 4:00 p.m. and weekends.
Have all information plus MCNISA available.
WorldRadioHistory
66

r CourUous Service • Discount Prices • Fast Shipping

THE R.F. CONNECTION
III CORP. 213 North Frederick Ave. #11
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
P.O. Box 567 •Van Nuys, CA 91408
ORDERS 1-800-783-2666
''12Vdc5AMP
. POWER $UPPLX FLASHER LEO . INFO 301-840-5477 FAX 301-869-3680
ACDC Electronics' 12145 "THIS LIST REPRESENTS ONLY A
or equiv. Input: 100-240 Vac FRACTION OF OUR HUGE INVENTORY"
(wired for 115 Vac)
r. "Specialist In RF Connectors and Coax"
Output:
T 12 Vdc
X ?hi
@ 5arms. Diffused LED. with Part No. Description Price
X 4 314' gh.
bull in flashing unk. PL-259/USA UHF Male Phenolic, USA made $ 70
Regulated. CAT' PS-125 $37.50 each PL-259/ST UHF Male Silver Teflon USA 150
Pulse Rate: 3Hz 05 Voll/20 ma.
UG-210/U NMale RG-8, 213,214 Delta 325
Unit continually flashes when
210 MFD 330 VOLT .:••••• UG•21B/U NMale AG-I, 213, 214. Kings 500
5Voks Is applied. Operates
...... . •....
.-PHOTOFLASH. CAPACrt ... between 4.5 Volts and E5 Volts.
9913/PIN NMale Pln for 9913,9086, 8214
Fits UG-21 DlU&UG21 B/UN's 150
Rubicon CE photoflash capacitor. T 13/4 s2e. UG-210/9913 N Male for AG-El with 9913 Pin 395
OG.2113/9913 N Male for AG-13 with 9913 Pin 575
0.79' dia. X 1.1' high. These are new
UG.146A/U NMale to SO-239, Teflon USA 600
capacttors that have been prepped-4 CAT'S LED
UG-83B/U N Female to PL-259. Teflon USA 600
with 1.4 - black and red wire leads-4G refEll CAT/ LED
PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING
soldered to the terminals. CATI PPC-210 YELLOW CATO LED-4Y
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
$2.50 eacii •10 for $22.50 •100 for 8200.00 each
$1.00 •1010f 9.50
VISA, MASTERCARD, ADD 4%
Large quantities available. Cal for png. 100 for $90.00
UPS C.O.D. ADD $3.50 PER ORDER

INSTRUMENT ENCLOSURES STEPPING MOTORS

High quality molded In 1988, Madisound Speaker Components processed
ABS Instrument Airpar/ A82743-M4
enclosures. Integrated 12 Vdc 35 ohm -...-4
20,000 orders
PC board standoffs dual col, permanent %me
and two sets of vertical VIFA DYNAUDIO PERFECT LAY
magnet stepper motor.
mounting slots for 7.5 degrees per step. 2.25 die. X .91' thick. FOCAL MB QUART SIDEWINDER
front and rear sub panels. Al enclosures ere 0.25' dia, shaft is 0.6' bong. Two hole
6" wide X 6 1/4' deep. Choice of three hts. mounting flange, 2.625" centers. 6wire PHILIPS AUDAX ELECTROVOICE
Includes non-skid rubber feet and hardware. leads. CATO SUT-5 $10.00 each
EUROPA PEERLESS SLEDGEHAMMER
Avallable in beige. Ivory, black, and blue.
Panel At CATO Airpax" C82711-M1 17 Vdc 23.25 ohm MOREL SOLEN
2 1/4" CATO MB-A $7.50 ea 10 /$65.00 dual col. permanent magnet stepper no-
2 5/8' CAT!, MB-B 87.75 ea 10 /$67.50 KEF ETON
tor. 7.5 degrees per step. 2.25' dia. X .91'
3' CAT'S MB-C $8.00 ea 10 /$70.00 thick. 0.25' dla shalt is 0.6' long. Two hole
Please specify color. mounting on 2.625' centers. 6wire leads. Doesn't your hobby deserve these fine product lines?
CATI SMT-15 $6.00 each •10 for $50.00
PHOTO RESISTOR
100 ohms bright li ght.
Airpax8 C 82710 12 Vdc, 36 ohm dual coil MADISOUND SPEAKER COMPONENTS
16K ohm dark. Lt-permanent magnet stepper motor. 7.5 de-
grees per step. E25" dia. body X 0.93'high. 8608 University Green
0.18? dia. X .g
08'hIgh .0.18' Ion leads.
AT PRE-7 2for 81.00
Mounts on 2.675' centers. 6wire leads. Box 4283, Madison, WI 53711
CATI SUT-7 $7.00 each •10 for $65.00
100 for $45 .00 •1000 for 5400.00
Phone (608) 831-3433 FAX: (608) 831-3771
REFLECTIVE OPTO SENSORS .

These units have an IR emitter and sensor pairpointing In the same direction. Light from
emitter bounces off object to be detected by sensor. Effective range approx. 0.15'.

TRW/ Optron" OPB5447-2 TRW/ Optron• OP8711

Rectandular w/ 28' wire leads • Rectangular with PC pins.
CAT" OSR-4 2for $1.00 CAT/ OSR-2 750 each
TRW/ Option" OPB703A
li Wedge shape with PC pins.
'l CAT* OSR-3 752 eac h

RG 111U 75 OHM VIDEO CABLE INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

Ivory AG 11/U terminated with heavy-duty Fconnectors. Also includes a F-61 splicer All Electronics 66
arid •75 ohm terminator load. New cables manufactured for IBM pc nehvorks.
UL listed. Specs: 75 ohm impedance. Cable jacket 0.D. 0.405'. „..-,..._....--.....,,, Audio Amateur Magazine 65
Dielectric 0.285' dla. Center conductor 0.047" diameter
IBM P/N 1501908 COM/SCOPE. ,Ç 4 / 11, , Electronics Book Club 5
CATI RG-11-1 100 foot roil 815.00 e e irrn---
CAT!, RG-11-2 200 foot rol $27.50
Glass Audio Magazine 65
Kelvin Electronics 7
TOLL FREE ORDER LINES
1-800-826-5432
Madisound Speaker Components 66
Mark V Electronics 4
NRI School of Electronics 9
c4AFfeepppees to Visa MatterCerdor Discover
Old Colony
TERMS: Minimum onder $10.00.Sheing and handing for the 48 continental U. SA $3.50
per order AI others Mcluding AK, HI, PR or Canada must pay Tull sheing. AI orders Audio Glossary/Holt 6
&Mitred in CALIFORNIA must include stale sales tar (6 1/4 V., 6,3/4 %, 7 1/4 X) . Books 8
Chanters Linited NO C. 0.0. Prices subject to change without notice.
Circuit Boards 64
Call Toll Free, or clip this coupon
Killer Car Stereo 63
FREE 60 Page Catalog containing over 4,000 ITEMS
Kits 10
ALL ELECTRONICS CORP.
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P.O. Box 567 •Van Nuys, CA •91408
OPTOelectronics Cover IV
Radio Shack Cover II
14orne
The R. F. Connection 66
Adel., Sescom Cover Ill
Speaker Builder Magazine 65
thy Stab Z>

EE 10/90
/

WorldRadioHistory
 ELEKTOR ELECTRONICS USA OCTOBER 1990 67

SESCOM IN C. THE "FIRST CHOI CE"FOR

PARTS DIVISION
2100 WARD DR.
HENDERSON, NV 89015 -9998
CON STRU CTORS HARDWARE

RAck ChAssis RULPON LETTERS COIMIpONENT PARTS

MODEL O. DESCRIPTION PRICE $
TRANSISTORS:
LT-1 CAPITAL LETTERS HELVETICA 14 pt. 395 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
LT-2 LOWER CASE LETTERS HELVETICA 14 pt. 3.95 2N3904 NPN 1092 .12 .10 .08
LT-3 NUMBERS HELVETICA 14 pt. 3.95 2N3906 PNP1092 .12 .10 .08
LT-4 CAPITAL LETTERS HELVETICA 10 pt. 3.95 2N2102 PNP1039 .80 .67 .54
LT-5 LOWER CASE LETTERS HELVETICA 10 pt. 3.95 2N4037 PNP TO39 .90 .75 .60
(Width xDepth xHeight) PRICE $ LT-6 NUMBERS HELVETICA 10 pt. 3.95 PN2219A NPN 10237 .40 .34 .28
MODEL 4. DESCRIPTION
(482.6 x127 x44.45mm) 28.00 LT-7 CAPITAL LETTERS HELVETICA 6pt. 3.95 PN2905A PNP 10237 .40 .34 .28
1RU5 19 x5x1.75 in.
(482.6 x177 x44.45mm) 30.00 LT-8 LOWER CASE LETTERS HELVETICA 6pt. 3.95
1RU7 19 x7x1.75 in
(482.6 x254 x44.45mm) 32.00 LT-9 NUMBERS HELVETICA 6pt. 4.95
1RU10 19 x10 x1.75 in.
(482.6 x127 x88.9mm) 30.00 LT-10 DIAL MARKING (DOTS) 4.95 DIODES:
2RU5 19 x5x3.50 in.
32.00 LT-11 DIAL MARKING (LINES) 3.95 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
2RU7 19 x7x3.50 in. (482.6 x177.8 x88.9mm)
34.00 LT-12 WORDS (AUDIO) HELVETICA 10 pt. 3.95 1N34A GE DIODE .17 .15 .13
2RU10 19 x10 x3.50 in. (482.6 x254 x88.9mm)
38.00 LT-12 WORDS (AUDIO) HELVETICA CAPS 6pt 3.95 1N4001 SI DIODE .13 .11 .10
3RU5 19 x5x5.25 in. (482.6 x127 x133.35mm)
3RU7 19 x7x5.25 in. (482.6 x177.8 x133.35mm) 40.00 LT-12 WORDS (AUDIO) HELVETICA UPPER 1N4148 SI DIODE 09 .07 .06
AND LOWER CASE 6pt. 395
3RU10 19 x10 x5.25 in. (482.6 x254 x133.35mm) 42.00

The above rack chassis are made of .063 aluminum. LINEAR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS:
The front and rear panels are clear brushed anodized. TERMS AND CONDITIONS PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
All hardware is included. Assembly Required. MINIMUM ORDER: The minimum order is $10.00. LF351N SINGLE OP-AMP 60 54 .48
TERMS: Terms of payment on open accounts are NET 30 days LF353N DUAL OP-AMP 1.05 .95 .84
from date of invoice. NE5534N SINGLE OP-AMP 1.28 1.15 1.02
METAL CAbiNETS C.O.D. ORDERS: Payment must be made in cash, money order NE5534AN LOW NOISE 1.80 1.62 1.44
or certified check. Acompany check will be accepted only if previ-

!M!
SINGLE OP-AMP
ously approved by the factory. NE5532N DUAL OP-AMP 1.85 1.67 1.48
OPEN ACCOUNTS: SESCOM, INC. extendscredit to government
agencies and industrial accounts with agood published rating. Firms
may apply for an open account by requesting acredit application from
the Accounts Receivable department. All orders are shipped C.O.D. ICSOCKETS:
until credit is approved. (Please allow 4to 6weeks to open anew PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
account.) We accept Mastercard and Visa. SOC -8 8PIN TIN .11 .10 09
PRICES: Catalog prices are NET, FOB destination shipped UPS SOC-14 14 PIN TIN .12 .11 .10
ground. UPS BLUE and RED LABEL service availableat an additional SOC-16 16 PIN TIN .13 .12 .11
MODEL 4. DESCRIPTION (Widths Depth xHeight) PRICE $ charge: UPS BLUE is $10.00 and UPS RED is $20.00. PRICES ARE SOC-18 18 PIN TIN .15 .14 .13
MC-1A 4x3x2in. (101.6 x76.2 x50.8mm) 15.00 SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. Orders are invoiced at SOC -20 20 PIN TIN .19 .16 .15
MC-2A 6x3x2in. (152.4 x76.2 x50.8mm) 17.00 prices in eftect at the time of shipment unless specifically quoted oth-
MC-3A 8x3x2in. (203.2 x76.2 x50.8mm) 19.00 erwise. SESCOM. INC. shalladd any existing or future Federal, State,
MC-4A 4x5x3in. (101.6 x127 x76.2mm) 17.00 or Local taxes that may apply. We reserve the right to apply the above CARBON FILM RESISTORS:
MC-5A 6x5x3in. (152.4 x127 x76.2mm) 19.00 if your Tax Exemption Certificate is not on file with our office. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
21.00 SHORTAGE OR DAMAGE: All claims for shortage or shipment CF +VALUE 5% 1/4W 05 02 01
MC-6A 8x5x3in. (203.2 x127 x76.2mm)
error must be made with in 10 days after receipt of the shipment. Our ALL STANDARD VALUES 10OHM THRU 1OM OHM
MC-7A 4x7x4in. (101.6 x177.8 x101.6mm) 19.00
liability is limited to the material value on the invoice.
MC-8A 6x7x4in (152.4 x177.8 x101.6mm) 21.00
MERCHANDISE RETURN: Aprior writt en authorization from
MC-9A 8x7x4in (203.2 x177.8 x101.6mm) 23.00 SESCOM, INC. must be issued before return of any material. Instruc-
tions for returning the material will accompany the authorization. POTENTIOMETERS:
The above cabinets are made of .063 aluminum. PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
The front and rear panels are clear brushed anodized. Material that is returned without authorization or is over 90 days will
carry arestocking fee of aminimum of 25% to amaximum 100% 10KA 10K AUDIO TAPER 200 180 160
Al Ihardware and rubber feet are included. Assembly Required.
Special order items will not be accepted for return.
SUBSTITUTIONS: We reserve the right to substitute higher
PUNC 11 KiTS ANd PUNCLIES quality (but identical part) at our option, unless you specify no sub-
stitution at the time of the order.
CONNECTORS:
PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
Model e. Description Price S XLR FCA 3PIN CABLE FEMALE 3.20 2.88 2.56
HP-2 XX TOOL KIT 129.75 XLR M CA 3PIN CABLE MALE 2.75 2.48 2.20
HP-4 BENCH MOUNT 15.00 SI1EET METAL PUNCI1ES XLR FCH 3PIN CHASSIS FEMALE 3.60 3.24 2.88
PD-30 ROUND 1/16' 9.50 XLR M CH 3PIN CHASSIS MALE 2.60 2.40 2.08
PD-31 ROUND 5/64' 9.50 1/4" ST 1/4 -STERIO JACK .97 .87 .78
PD-32 ROUND 3/32" 9.50 MODEL 4. HOLE SIZE PILOT HOLE PRICE 3.5 ST 3.5mm STERIO JACK .97 .87 .78
PD-33 ROUND 7/64" 9.50 PUNCH 1 3/8' ROUND 3/16' 8.95 RCA RCA PHONO JACK CHASSIS .65 .59 .52
PD-34 ROUND 1/8' 9.50 PUNCH 2 7/16' ROUND 7/16" 8.95
PD-35 ROUND 9/64' 9.50 PUNCH 3 1/2" ROUND 7/32' 8.95
PD-36 ROUND 5/32' 9.50 PUNCH 4 9/16' ROUND 7/32' 11.95 CAPACITORS: Axial Lead Electrolytic
PD-37 ROUND 11/64' 9.50 PUNCH 5 5/8' ROUND 7/32' 11.95 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
PD-38 ROUND 3/16' 9.50
Modele. Description Price $ PD-39 PUNCH 6 11/16' ROUND 7/32' 11.95 AC 1/50 1uf -50V .38 .35 .30
ROUND 13/64' 9.50
HP-1 5JR TOOL KIT 49.00 9.50 PUNCH 7 3/4' ROUND 7/32' 11.95 AC 4.7/25 4.7uf -25V .39 .35 .30
PD-40 ROUND 7/32'
PD-41 ROUND 15/64' 9.50 PUNCH 8 13/16' ROUND 7/32' 11 95 AC 10/25 10uf -25V .39 .35 .30
HP-3 BENCH MOUNT 15.00
PD-42 ROUND 1/4' 9.50 PUNCH 9 7/8' ROUND 7/32' 11 (15 AC 47/25 47uf -25V .46 .42 .37
PD-1 ROUND 1/16' 6.00 PUNCH 10 1' ROUND 5/16' 12 95 AC 100/25 100uf -25V .69 .62 .55
PD-43 RONND 17/64' 9.50
PD-2 ROUND 5/64' 6.00 PD-44 ROUND 9/32 9.50 PUNCH 11 1-1/16" ROUND 5/16' 12.95 AC 220/35 220ut -35V .97 .87 .78
PD-3 ROUND 3/32' 6.00 PD-45 ROUND 19/64' 9.50 PUNCH 12 1-1/8" ROUND 5/16' 12.95 AC 470/35 470uf -35V 1.34 1.21 1.07
PD -4 ROUND 7/64' 6.00 PD-46 ROUND 5/16' 9.50 PUNCH 13 1-3/16" ROUND 5/16' 12.95 AC 1000/35 1000uf -35V 2.22 2.00 178
PD-47 ROUND 21/64' 9.50 PUNCH 14 1-1/4' ROUND 5/16' 13.95
PD-5 ROUND 1/8' 6.00 PD-48 ROUND 11/32' 9.50 PUNCH 15 1-3/8" ROUND 5/16' 13.95
PD-6 ROUND 9/64' 6.00 PD-49 ROUND 23/64' 9.50 PUNCH 16 1-1/2' ROUND 5/16' 15.95 CAPACITORS: Radial Lead Electrolytic
PD-7 ROUND 5/32' 6.00 PD-50 ROUND 3/8" 9.50 PUNCH 17 1-5/8' ROUND 5/16' 20.95 PART NO. DESCRIPTION 1-9 10-99 100 +
PD-51 ROUND 25/64' 9.50 PUNCH 18 1-3/4' ROUND 5/16' 23.95 RC 1/50 1uf -50V .26 24 21
PD -8 ROUND 11/64' 6.00
PD-52 ROUND 13/32' 9.50 PUNCH 19 2-5/8' ROUND 1/2' 59.95 RC 4.7/25 4.7uf -25V
PD -9 ROUND 3/16' 6.00 .28 .26 .23
PD-53 ROUND 27/64' 9.50
PUNCH 20 11/16' SQUARE 1/2' 31.95 RC 10/25 10uf -25V .31 .28 .25
PD -10 ROUND 13/64' 6.00 PD-54 ROUND 7/16' 9.50
PUNCH 21 3/4' SQUARE 1/2" 35.95 RC 47/25 47uf -25V .39 .35 .28
PD-11 ROUND 7/32' 6.00 PD-55 ROUND 29/64' 9.50
PD-56 ROUND 15/32' 9.50 PUNCH 22 1' SQUARE 1/2" 45.95 RC 100/25 100uf -25V .41 .36 .33
PD -12 ROUND 15/64' 6.00 PD-57 ROUND 31/64' PUNCH 23 21/32 x5/16' REC. 1/2' 45.95 RC 220/35 220uf -35V .61 .55 .49
9.50
PD -13 ROUND 1/4' 6.00 PD-58 ROUND 1/2" 6.00 'PUNCH 24 'THURST RACES FOR PUNCHES RC 470/35 470uf -35V 99 .90 .80
PD -14 ROUND 17/64' 6.00 PD-59 ROUND 33/64" 6.00 (FOR EASIER PUNCHING) 1 thru 1-3/4 9.95 RC 1000/35 1000uf -35V 127 115 102
PD-60 ROUND 17/32" 6.00
PD -15 ROUND 9/32 6.00
PD-61 SQUARE 1/8" 66.90 •UPS GROUND SHIPPING IS FREE WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL LIMITS OF THE USA •
PD-16 SQUARE 1/8" 66.90 PD-62 SQUARE 5/32' 66.90
PD-17 SQUARE 5/32' 66.90 PD-63 SQUARE 3/16' 66.90 TOLL FREE ORDERING IN ALL 50 STATES AND CANADA
PD-18 SQUARE 3/16" 66.90 PD-64 REC. 1/8 x3/16' 83.10
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
SESCOM INC.- PARTS DIVISION,
PD-65 REC. 1/8 x1/4' 83.10
PD-19 REC. 1/8 x3/16' 66.90
PD-66 REC. 1/8 x5/16' 83.10 2100 WARD DR., HENDERSON, NV 89015-9998
PD-20 REC. 1/8 x7/32' 66.90 PD-67 REC. 1/8 x3/8" 83.10
PD-21 REC. 1/8 x15/64' 66.90 FOR ORDERS: 1-800-634-3457 •FAX: 1-702-565-4828 •REGULAR BUSINESS: 1-702-565-3400
PD-68 REC. 1/8 x11/32 75.10
BUSINESS HOURS: 8:00 A.M. TO 4:00 P.M. PACIFIC TIME ,MONDAY THRU FRIDAY
WorldRadioHistory
 /11\11111111111

OPTOELECTRONICS
The only, name in
HANDI-COUNTERS
Check These Incredible Features
On The All New UTC3000
•10Hz to 2.4GHz Range.
Simply amazing!
•10 Digit LCD Display.
1Hz resolution to over 150 MHz direct.
Readable in bright sunlight.
•RF Signal Strength Bargraph.
16 Segment, Zero, & Full Scale adjustment.
SEE the input signal!
•Super Sensitivity. <1mV 10-200MHz,
<5mV to 2GHz for efficient antenna pickup.
•6Functions. Frequency, Period, Ratio
Time Interval, Average, & Prescale.
•Hold Button.
"Locks in" your exact Measurement FAST!
•Extruded Aluminum Enclosure.
Designed to fit every hand.
•Priced Right! Only $375.
Includes Nicads, AC Charger/Adapter.
Or Select Our Most Popular
HANDI-COUNTER, the model 2210
that set the standard in handheld
frequency counter technology!
Value Priced at only $239.

Professionals and Hobbyists all over

the world have chosen OE! for 16
years! Shouldn't YOU?

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and your budget! CALL NOW!

Model UTC3000 2600H 2210 1300H/A 2400H CCA CCB

Freq, Period RF
UTC3000 Function Ratio,Interval, Frequency
Avg, Prescale
Frequency Frequency Frequency Frequency Indicator

ins

14085 -.
4 1 :.3 Range 10Hz-
2.4GHz
10MHz-
2.4GHz
10Hz-
2.2GHz
1MHz-
1.3GHz
10MHz-
2.4GHz
10MHz-
550MHz
10MHz-
1.8GHz

10 Digit
Period Average Mode
Display Lei) 10 Digit 8 Digit 8Digit 8 Digit 8Digit
wtFunction LCD LED LED LED LED
eallICI RR« NOVIIIIMMI »IfItNI MUGU fliene At
Annunciators
8.8.8.8.8.8.8 8881 RF Signal 16 Segment 16 Segment LED with 10 Segment
SO RI I“ MI Ile 101151 dit
Strength Adjustable Adjustable Adjustable Adjustable
Indicator Bargraph Bargraph Threshold Bargraph
Display Showing All Annunciators
Price $375. $325. $239. $179. $189. $299. $119.
Sensitivity: alto <10mV typical. Time Base: + 1.ppm.; + .5ppm. add $75 -LED Models; +.2ppm add
$80. -LCD Models. Nicads & AC charger/adapter included. (9v Alkaline -CCB.) Carry Case, Antennas
and Probes extra. One year parts & labor warranty on all products.

OPTOELECTRONICS
5821 NE 14th Avenue •Ft. Lauderdale. FL 33334

Toll Free Order Line:

1-800-327-5912 ---
1111111ffli
FL(305)771-2050 •FAX(305)771-2052 ---- "1000 000
22100000

3000000 .
Visa, MC, COD, Cash, M.0 accepted. Personal
Check allow 3 weeks. 5% Shipping, Handling,
(Maximum $10) U.S. & Canada. 15% outside
continental U.S.A. In FL add 6
,1sales tax.

WorldRadioHistory