Project


aem 3500
aem 6500
aem 9500
aem 3010

Page


72
49
61
112
31


42
124
126


92
96
103
104





117

110



15

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
The Listening Post
MOSFET Amp Module
Beat-triggered Strobe
The 'Scantenna'
STAR PROJECT Viatel Conversion for the Microbee!

CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
Starting Out - Components & Codes — how to read the resistor colour codes.
Practicalities - Speaker output from the 555.
BenchBook - Circuits, hints and tips.

PRACTICAL COMPUTING
Apple Graphics - Got an Apple handy? Here's practical advice on 'drawing' on your screen.
SoftTalk - Bill Thomas asks the question — What are these computer things, anyway?
BeeBuzz - Microbee enthusiasts rejoice! Tom Moffat, hacker/ham hextraordinaire will conduct a column!
AEM Computer Review - SCOOP! Amstrad's new CPC664 gets a going over.
Somewhat more than interesting.

COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE
•«-------SAME LENGTH AS HEIGHT-------••
OH UP TO TWICE HEIGHT
Simple Antennas for Suburban Sites ................ 117
The title says it all! Practical advice from someone who has 'been there, done that'.
WIN A SCANNER ................ 110
You could be in the running to win a great handheld scanner worth nearly $450!

FEATURE
Using the Modern Oscilloscope - How to find your way around the front panel of a modern CRO

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
AEM Hi-Fi Review
24
We review Nakamichi's RX-505 auto-reverse cassette deck. A fascinating machine, with a few surprises.
AEM Product Review ................. 36
A burglar alarm that doesn't need wiring? Seems too good to be true! But, it is.

NEWS& GENERAL
SPECIAL OFFER: A DMM UNDER $50! ................. 15
Unbeatable value in a 'pocket' digital multimeter!.
MICROBEE VIATEL KIT OFFER ................. 37
Do-it-yourself Viatel conversion kit at a special price — for AEM readers only!
News Review .................. 9
Who did what, with which and to whom and for how much — in the electronics business.
Consumer Electronics ................. 20
Perth's CE Show set to break records, yet again.
Retail Roundup ................. 45
Where to get the bargains, the bits and the kits.
Bytewide ................. 89
News from the battlements of the computer revolution.
Spectrum ................ 108
Yaesu release a scanner! News from the communications scene.
New Products News
All the latest and greatest in chips, equipment, components and Uncle Tom Cobley et al!
The Last Laugh ................ 130
If you haven't read this page already, then you should do so, right now!
Subscriptions ................. 82
Subscribe now and get a free gift! Go on, admit it — you're curious.

ADVERTISERS INDEX
COVERS
Dick Smith Electronics ... IFC Daneva .... IBC
Parameters OBC
A.W.A. Amstrad ...........8
A.W.A. Mitsubishi.........16
Applied Technology.......6-7
Active Electronic..........81
All Electronic
Components............125
Ashpoint Industries.......116
Bell Instruments.........19
Brian Can..............125
Consumer Electronics
Show...................29
Convoy .................21
Cooper Tools ............42
C&K Electronics..........48
Dick Smith
Electronics .... 2, 38-39, 46-47 88, 95
Emona...............40-41
Ellistronics...............60
Elmeasco................11
Electronic Facilities ......125
Fairchild . . 76-77
Ferguson Transformers 94 GFS Electronic
Imports ................109
Hypec Electronics......70-71
J.R.T. Software..........106
Jaycar..........52-53, 64-65
Microtrix.................91
Promark................127
Scan Audio..............23
Scientific Devices.........22
Scope ..................30
Tech Rentals............120
Total Electronics..........32
Wireless Institute
of Australia.............109
Geoff Wood Electronics___44
Zap Electronics..........123

Project


aem 1500
aem 6102

Page


36
42
103
56

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
Simple Metronome
2-way Loudspeakers
70 cm Coaxial Collinear Antenna
STAR PROJECT Twin-range mains power meter


CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
VALUE(uF)
TOLERANCE
O.J7+10X
200V
VOLT AGE
For 'starters'
63
How to read the capacitor marking codes.
Practicalities
.................119
Clippers, compressors and other non-linear amps.
BenchBook
................126
More circuits, hint and tips for the hobbyist, experimenter or engineer.
Using the Modern Oscilloscope, Part 2
.................113
Concluding part of our first issue feature on finding your way around the modern CRO.
AEM Data Sheets
................124
Data on the Vifa tweeter and bass driver specified for the 2-ways speakers this issue.
Product Review
.68
The Kikusui COS6100A 100 MHz dual-trace CRO.
Errata
100



PRACTICAL COMPUTING
More Apple Graphics
.................76
Neil Duncan continues his discourse on the creation and manipulation of graphics on the Apple. All practical stuff.
AEM Computer Review .................83
F/>sf review of the Mitsubishi 'MSX' computer — the ML-F80. Will the Japanese carve a niche in this market?
BeeBuzz
................90
For Microbee
enthusiasts. A column, conducted by Tom Moffatt.
SoftTalk
.92
Bill Thomas gets into bits and bytes and gates and latches this month — getting inside the microprocessor.


COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
WIN A SCANNER
................106
Your second opportunity to win this great little Microcomm handheld scanner worth nearly $450.
Two-metre Auroral Propagation Experiments duing the Project Blizzard Voyage to Antarctica, 1984-85
................107
Don Richards, VK2BXM, skippered the Dick Smith Explorer to Antarctic pioneer, Mawson's Hut last summer
. He didn't miss the opportunity to try an experiment.




FEATURE
Getting the Measure of Digital Oscilloscopes 8
Just when you thought it was safe to venture back into the workshop, they launched the digital CRO.


CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
The Care and Feeding of Compact Discs .................20
.
AEM H-Fi Review
22
Chrome (Type II) tapes — a performance survey.
We tested 19 tapes from 14 suppliers and came up with a few surprises.


NEWS& GENERAL
PORTABLE SOLAR POWER PACK/BATTERY CHARGER — unique
°ffer'............. 15
A portable solar battery charger or power pack at an unearthly price. HOBBYIST TOOLKIT
°FFER...........129
A great hobbyists' toolkit, including drill, saw, sander, grinder etc.
Pocket DMM Offer .................16
A Parameters 3 Vz-digit, 15-range DMM for $49.75!
Microbee Viatel Kit Offer
32
News Review
Electronics to aid the America's Cup challenge. Consumer Electronics
RCA lead US video counterattack
Retail Roundup
17
35
Where to get the bargains, the bits and the kits. Bytewide ................ 73
The computer revolution rolls along. Spectrum
................ 101
Sporadic-E propagation forecasting to come? New Products News
................ 111
The latest and greatest instruments and components.
Subscriptions .................82
Cooper Tools Crossword competition .................123
The Last Laugh
130


ADVERTISERS INDEX
COVERS:
Dick Smith Electronics IFC
Emona . OBC
Daneva . . IBC
INSIDE:
AWA Thorn *
Applied Technology.... 10,30-31
Active Electronics ..........69
All Electronic Components ... 77
Audio Telex ...............81
Ashpoint Industries 105
C&K Electronics 10
Colex ...81
Dick Smith Electronics . . . 48-49, 54-55. 88-89
Emona Instruments 70
Emona Computers 71
Electronic Facilities 72
Elmeasco . .... 11
Emtronics . . .102
GFS Electronic Imports.....100
Hewlett Packard.........14-15
Hypec Electronics........52-53
Jaycar......40-41, 58-59, 66-67
J.R.T. Software ............87
Microtrix 79
Philips Scientific
& Industrial 13
Scan Audio................18
Scientific Devices .........110
Geoff Wood Electronics .....62
Wireless Institute..........100
Zap Electronics..........100

Project


aem 5501
aem 6501
aem 4500

Page


41
47
70


















0

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
AEM5501 Experimenters' Neg. Ion Generator
AEM6501 Four-input MixerPreamp
AEM4500 The Microtrainer

CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
Soldering for non-solderers
................16
Another in our 'Electronics For Starters' series.
AEM Data Sheet
................55
This month we bring you a new 1C from National Semiconductor — the LMC835,
a versatile graphic equaliser device.
Getting the Measure of Digital 'Scopes Part 2
...............106
The concluding part — where they're at and where they're going.
BenchBook
...............111
Circuits, hints and tips for the hobbyist.


PRACTICAL COMPUTING
Apple: Commodore Conversions
................65
Practical advice on converting programs, plus further tips on Apple Graphics programming.
Commodore 128 Review
................84
Mark Lingane looks at Commodore's latest and concludes — it just has to be a success!
SoftTalk
................75
Bill Thomas shows how to find your way around inside our Microtrainer.
BeeBuzz
................82
RF-Muffle your Microbee! Get rid of those 'Bee 'birdies' in your receiver — it's simple!


COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
IBtfC DELAY BETMCEM OMONAL TRANSWTTID PULSE AMD THI HCFUCTED PUlSf MASUMO
/
Radio
Communicators' Guide to the Ionosphere
Part 1 of our major new series.
Here is an introductionto the subject and a brief history of the discovery and study of the ionosphere.
Yaesu's FRG-9600 Scanner Reviewed
................98
A good first effort in this sphere from Yaesu.
WIN A SCANNER
...............101
Last Chance at winning this great little Microcomm handheld scanner worth nearly $450.



FEATURE
The Tsukaba Expo: Sensory Overload ................10
How Richard Pakalnis came to love W?e world's largest TV, and other wonders.



CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Negative Ion Generators ................26
Health help, or health hazard?
Digital Audio on Computer Disks ................33
Could be the wildcard in hi-fi.
Philips Three-Way Motional Feedback Loudspeakers
................34
An ingenious concept and beautifully constructed, but




NEWS & ^ GENERAL
SUPER OFFER: KIKUSUI 'SCOPES
................13
here's a fabulous chance to purchase either a 60 MHz/3-ch. analogue CRO or a 20MHz digital storage CRO
| at fantastic savings.
News Review
.................9
CSIRO has good news for the industry.
Consumer Electronics ................23
CD — were the 'golden ears' right? Retail Roundup ................39
Printer Price Plunge!
Bytewide
................61
A voice for the
speechless.
Spectrum
................89
Million dollar defence contract for local firm.
New Product News ...............103
Kikusui launches 'personal' logic analyser.
Subscriptions
................67
Cooper Tools X-word Comp.
...............102
The Last Laugh ...............114
Hobbyist Toolkit Special Offer
...............113
Pocket DMM Offer
................32
Microbee Viatel Conversion Kit Offer ................32
Listening Post Software
. 66

ADVERTISERS INDEX

:COVERS
3ick Smith Electronics IFC
oper Tools IBC
ona OBC
INSIDE
Applied Technology 6-7. 83
Active Electronics 110
Avtek Electronics 81
Amtex 109
All Electronic Components 77
Ashpomt Industries 88
Captain Communications 29 Dick Smith Electronics 25, 63 Elmeasco 86. 95, 109
ctronic Facilities 40
Energy Control . 86
Ferguson Transformers 88
GFS Electronic Imports 3-j
Geoff Wood Electronics j4 Jaycar 14-15, 78-79
Microtrix 60
Parameters 112
Philips Consumer Products 8 Philips Scientific
& Industrial 105
Promark 47
RF Devices 88
Scope 21
Scan Audio 22
Telectran 86 Wireless Institute
of Australia 95

Project


aem 6010
aem 6502
aem 4501

Page


44
63

58




















































0

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
LL Ultra-fidelity Preamp
The 'Bandbox' ................. 63
An 8-Channel Computer Relay Interface
STAR PROJECT IR Remote Control Repeater
.
CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
Practicalities
................114
A look inside ultrasonic pest resellers.
*
-M-
The Standard Circuit Symbols
................110
For 'Starters', the first step to understanding a circuit is recognising the standard circuit symbols used.

AEM Data sheet #1
.................89
The 74LS259 8-bit addressable latch — heart of the AEM4501 Computer Relay Interface.
AEM Data Sheet #2
................117
The XR2211 phase-locked loop chip — heart of our popular AEM3500 Listening Post from the July issue.
Benchbook
................127
Monthly collection of hints, tips and circuits for the hobbyist.

PRACTICAL COMPUTING
Computing Halley's Comet
.................76
Here's a simple, practical way to locate Halley's comet.
The software may be readily adapted for a variety of popular computers.
AEM Software Review — Flashprint!!
.................80
Here's a beaut software package for Wordstar owners.
AEM Computer Review — Amstrad's new 128K machine
..................90
Another scoop! Amstrad's new computer sure looks like creating a stir.
BeeBuzz
.................94
Banish the bad load blues.

COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
Radio Communicators' Guide to the Ionosphere, Part 2 .................99
The quiet sun, its characteristics and influences on the earth and the ionosphere.

FEATURE
Introduction to Surface Mount Device Technology
21
How surface mounted components are revolutionising electronics construction.


CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Getting the Best TV Reception
A practical guide to TV reception. Part 1 of a 'collection' on the topic. This month — the antenna system.
Tracks & Trends from the Perth Electronics Show .................32
Satellite TV terminals arrive, CD goes ghetto blaster and 8 mm video is here.
0.00001% Distortion! Really? But Mine Sounds Better!! .................36
Bob Fitzell explains how measurements and listening tests complement one another.


NEWS& GENERAL
Courses & Careers In Electronics and Computing
.................18
Guide to employment prospects and tertiary courses.
Unique Offer on an A3 Plotter!
.................75
Here's your chance to get a 6-pen, A3 plotter at less than half price.
News Review
................. 7
AUSSAT's away!
Consumer Electronics
.................31
Sony debuts 8 mm tape technology.
Retail Roundup
.................43
Vou got to fan it!
Spectrum
.................97
A new propagation mode?
New Product News
................113
Toroid takeover?
Letters ................128
The Last Laugh ................130
Kikusui CRO Offer .................13
Pocket DMM Offer .................16
Solar Charger Offer .................16
Subscriptions .................35
Toolkit Offer ................109
Admarket
. 128


ADVERTISERS INDEX

COVERS
Dick Smith Electronics .....IFC
Daneva . IBC
Emona OBC
INSIDE
AWA-Thorr 6
All Electronic Components . . .19 Audiocraft 128
Applied Technology......14-15
Bell Instruments 123
Call Me Communications 128 C&K Electronics 123
Captain Communications 8, 128 Dick Smith
Electronics......17, 107, 116
Electronic Facilities.........57
Electronic World 42
Emtronics 98
Energy Control . 42
GFS Electronic Imports......96
Hypec Electronics.......70-71
Jaycar ...........46-47, 64-65
Jemal 115
Marist Bros 30
Microtrix . .83
Northern Digital 128
Philips Elcoma .29
Prolog 26
Promark 42,111
Geoff Wood Electronics 109 Wireless Institute
of Australia 96
Zap Electronics 129

Project


aem 8500
aem 6010
aem 4502

Page


35
38
55





























































0

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
AEM8500 Vehicle Courtesy Light Extender
AEM6010 Ultra-fidelity Preamp
AEM4502 Real Time Clock for the Microbee
ALTRONIC * PUBLIC ADDRESS Al
STAR PROJECT - 30 Watt Public Address Amplifier ..................48

CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
AEM Product Review — digital LC meter
..................62
A look at the Emtek DLC-400 handheld digital inductance-capacitance meter.
AEM Data Sheet ..................94
The 58174 real time clock chip — heart of the AEM4502 Microbee RTC this month.
FOR 'STARTERS' Numbers Big & Small .................111
Scientific number notation explained.
Benchbook .................112
Our monthly collection of hints, tips and circuits for the hobbyist.

PRACTICAL COMPUTING
NEW!
Commodore Codex ..................94
Neil Duncan kicks off our column for Commodore computer owners with a discourse on VIC-20 graphics.
BeeBuzz
A look at something different.
.98

COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
A Keyboard in the Hamshack
.68
Neil Duncan VK3AVK goes into the trials, tribulations and rewards of getting a computer on-air.
1 03 B* 2*0 iSfS
Radio Communicators Guide to the Ionosphere, Part 3
Introduction to the ionosphere.
.73
CONTEST
Win a Yaesu Scanner
from Dick Smith!
Here's your chance to own a top-line scanner, courtesy of Dick Smith Electronics.
.78

FEATURE
The Ins & Outs of RS232
Clear up the confusion and get those devices talking to one another!
.87

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
CONTEST! Win A Robot! ..................21
Enter this great contest and you could win a great little robot that walks and talks!
V8 — The new 8 mm Video Tape Technology ..................22
This new tape standard looks set to revolutionise both the video and audio scenes.

NEWS& GENERAL
ourses & Careers in Electronics and Computing, Part 2 ...................8
Guide to employment prospects and tertiary courses.
News Review ...................7
Tax dropped on satellite receivers.
Consumer Electronics ..................19
Compact disc club to reduce hassles?
Retail Roundup ..................33
Kit & component buyers' guide.
Bytewide
..................82
IBM launch JX.
Spectrum ..................64
New RF power capacitors.
New Product News .................101
HP technical workstations.
Admarket .................28
Subscriptions ..................34
Last month's X-word answers .................102
Letters .................113
The Last Laugh
..114

OFFERS
Kikusui CROs ..................13
6-Pen, A3 Plotter ................ 92
Pocket DMM FOR $49.50 .32
Solar Charger/Supply
..............32

ADVERTISERS INDEX
COVERS
Dick Smith Electronics .....IFC
Philips...................IBC
Emona. . OBC
INSIDE
Applied Technology .. .14-15, 99
Avtek.....................85
Audiocratt................109
I All Electronic Components 33
I Altronics..................54
Dick Smith Electronics 24-25, 83,100
Electronic Facilities.........66
Elmeasco...........63, 65, 75
Emona ................... 6
Energy Control.............75
GFS Electronic Imports......65
Geoff Wood Electronics .....91
Hypec Electronics........76-77
Hi-Com Programs .........109
Jaycar ...........30-31, 70-71
JRT Software..............93
Koloona..................103
Parameters................28
Promark...............67, 75
Queensland Stereo Visual . . 109
Scope....................16
Sheridan Electronics........29
Scan Audio................20
Wireless Institute of Aust 65 Zap Electronics...........109

Project


aem 4600
aem 6010
aem 5502
aem 2500

Page


80
51
44
36


98
110

Index

PROJECTS TO BUILD
Dual-Speed Modem
AEM6010 Ultra-Fidelity Preamp — Part 3
AEM5502 Microwave Oven Leak Detector
AEM2500 Simple Sine/Square Audio Signal Generator

CIRCUITS & TECHNICAL
AEM Data Sheet - 7910 FSK modem 1C
Benchbook - Christmas tree lights with a difference!

PRACTICAL COMPUTING
Listening Post Software ..................69
Disk or tape software for the Microbee and Commodore 64.
FULL HANDSHAKE
The Ins & Outs of RS232 - Part 2
87
Here we get to the hookups, troubleshooting and your check list. In a mess with the old RS?
Here's how to sort it out.
BESET BOOTSTRAP PROGRAM JUMP
INTERRUPTPOINTEK FOR TYPE 255
INTERRUPT POINTER FOR TYPE I
INTERRUPT POINTER
FOR TYPE 0
SoftTalk — the good ol' 88 ..................90
Bill Thomas gets into the Intel 8088 microprocessor — heart of the IBM PC, its many 'compatibles' and 'clones'.
Set Forth
77
Here's a plain language introduction to what is described as "the programmer's power tool".
BeeBuzz
— Tom Moffat, after a marathon with the Listening Post this month, returns in January.

COMMUNICATIONS SCENE
Follow-Up to the AEM3500 Listening Post ..................66
Here's what you've been waiting for! —
Commodore 64 software and interface details, plus hints and tips on receivers, etc.
A Variable Speed CW Memory ..................60
Here's a great little weekend project that finds that elusive DX for you. VK3AMK gives away his 'secret'.
CONTEST
Win a Yaesu Scanner from Dick Smith! ..................64
Here's your chance to own a top-line scanner, courtesy of Dick Smith Electronics.
Radio Communicators Guide to the Ionosphere
- Part 4 has been held over due to lack of space.

FEATURE
Video Today and Tomorrow — the View From Japan ..................13

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Review of Nakamichi's OMS-7 Compact Disc Player
23
Now, was the test disc testing the player or the player testing the test disc? Employing four-times oversampling,
the OMS-7 delivers stunning results.
But we have a few questions to resolve.
CONTEST Win A Robot! ..................16
Enter this great contest and you could win a great little robot that walks and talks!
Getting the Best TV Reception ..................17
Cables, their haunts and habits. There's more to them than meets the eye.

NEWS& GENERAL
AEM PRODUCT REVIEW — Meet Elami Jr, Your Robot Friend ..................33
Here's a remarkably sophisticated product with a special appeal.
News Review ...................9
History demolished!
Consumer Electronics
21
B&W launch new monitors.
Retail Roundup .................. 35
Toolkit gives more scope.
Project Buyers Guide .................. 35
Where to get kits, boards and components for this month 's projects.
Bytewide ..................
Avtek M Iti Modem II features expansion bus.
Spectrum
57
Fantastic February Field Day.
New Product News
97
Light reflections on the time domain.
Admarket
113
Readers' free adverts. Subscriptions
Printed Circuit Boards Crossword
98 50 96
Last Month's X-word Answers
Letters
The Last Laugh
. 20 112 114

OFFERS
Kikusui CROs ..................30
Pocket DMM For $49.50 ..................22

ADVERTISERS INDEX
COVERS
Dick Smith Electronics.....IFC
Emona..................OBC
Parameters...............IBC
INSIDE
Audiocraft ................65
All Electronic Components 20
Captain Communications .... 31
Convoy International........12
Dick Smith Electronics 19, 56 48-49. 108-109
Electronic Facilities 58-59
Elmeasco 63, 65, 75
Emona...................75
Energy Control............113
Electronic World..........113
Falk Electrosound..........29
GFS Electronic Imports......63
Geoff Wood Electronics.....34
HiCom Unitronics...........47
Hypec....................95
Jaycar...........40-41. 52-53
Jemal....................70
JRT Software..............75
Microbee Systems 6-7
Philips...................11
Promark...............50, 65
Old Audio.................65
Standard Communications 20
Scan Audio................20
Scope.....................8
Wireless Institute of Australia 63