eti scoop

rOort on
this

new
techoology

555

CIRCUIT

SDESCRIBED
BY R. M. MARSTON

Sti.rln
QVtMODULES FOR
COST-CONSCIOUS
CONSTRUCTORS

SS.140

STIRLING SOUND QV Modules are our own designs

manufactured in our own Essex factory. Production
standards are carefully controlled and you, the constructor,
benefit directly from our many years of experience in
meeting demand for components as well as by buying direct

Heavy duty power amplier giving 40 watts

R.M.S. into 4 ohms using
45V. With output capacitor. Good for small disco
or P.A.
11

from us.

3.95*

PRE -AMPS & CONTROL MODULES

Unit One

TODAY'S BEST VALUE IN

Combined pre -amp with active tone-control circuits. 200rnV

output for 50mV in. Runs on 10 to 16V supply. treble 1 5dB at
10KHz, bass Tt5dB at 30Hz. Stereo bal., vol., treble & bass
controls.

POWER SUPPLY

7.80

ss.100

SS.102 STEREO PRE -AMP

R.I.A. A.

1.60

Active tone control, bass & treble.

corrected for mag. p/ups, tape, radio, etc.

2.65
SS.101

Pre -amp for ceramic cartridges, etc., passive tone control circuit
shown in data supplied.

POWER AMPLIFIERS
1.60 SS.103

ALL AT 8% VAT

UNITS
with 13-15V
take-off
points

A 3 watt amplifier using single I.C. type SL

short circuit protection

SS.103-3. Stereo version (2 I.C.$)

60745 with built-in

1.75
of above
3.25

SS.105
5 watts R.M.S. into 4 ohms using 12V supply.
in -car entertainment. Size: 89 x 51 x 19mm

ss.110

Ideal for use in

SS.120

Using a 34 volt supply, such as SS.334, this amplifier will

deliver 20 watts into a 4 ohm load: Same dimensions as above

3.25

SS.110
There are suitable

Stirling Sound power supplies for all the above.

FM TUNING
SS.201
FM Front End with geared slow motion tuning and A.F.C.

88-108MHZ

facility

5.00

SS.202
1

amp A meter and/or A.F.C. can be connected (size

2"). For use with SS.201

3"

2.65

SS.203
SS 202
DECODER

MODELS TO
CHOOSE FROM

'

Similar in size and design to SS.105, this QV module delivers 10

watts R.M.S. into 4 ohms using a 24V supply, e.g. SS.324. Of
great use in domestic applications
2.75

POWER AMP

2.25

Stereo decoder (illustrated). For use with Stirling Sound modules

or with any other good mono FM' tuning section. A LED beacon
can be added (Price t8p) to indicate when a stereo signal is
tuned in (3" x 2")
3.85

Compare these guaranteed power packs for power and

price. Not only do these excellent power packs stand up
unflinchingly to hard work, inclusion of a take-off point
at around 13-15V adds to their usefulness.

SS.312
SS.318
SS.324
SS.334
SS.345
SS.350

12V/1,A

18V/ A
1

24V/1A
34V/2A
45V/2A
50V/2A

3.75*
4.15*
4.60*
5.20*
6.25*
6.75*

SS.300. Add-on power supply stabilising unit.

Short-circuit protected. Ensures stabilised output
variable from 12V/2A to 50V max. at 8A. Ideal for
workbench and experimenting. 3.25' !P&P 35p).

SS.310/350

tTFIE BUILT-IN QV. FACTOR

means Stirling Sound's guarantee of quality and value which gives you today's best
buys all round. That's why you'll do better with QV Modules!

VARIABLE OUTPUT
STABILISED SUPPLY
With continuous variable
output at 2A from 10 to 50
V.D.C. With built-in protection against shorting and
fully adequate heat sink.
Guaranteed. Superb value
at

member of the BI-PRE-PAK Group

220-224 WEST ROAD, WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA, ESSEX SSO 9DF

Phone: Southend (0702) 46344.
PERSONAL CALLERS WELCOME

WHEN ORDERING

11.95'.

Add 35p to your order for P&P for mail orders. VAT add
121/2% to total value of order unless shown' then the rate is
8%. Make cheques, etc., payable to BI-PRE-PAK LTD. Every
effort is made to ensure correctness of information at time of
going to press. Prices subject to change without notice.

e ec i'onics o

international

JANUARY 1977

VOL 6

No.1

Features
15

VCT
An ET! scoop on the best thing since chip (logic of course) butties!

BIORHYTHM CALCULATOR

18

A machine that knows when you're depressed before you do!

PAGING BY NUMBERS

25

Saving lung power with electronic contacting methods

28

NORTH SEA OIL ELECTRONICS

A well detailed dive in the subject to sea what goes on!

38

MICROFILE PART 11
Programming and news

38 555 CIRCUITS

41

An ET! supplement with many brand new uses for this ubiquitous chip

ELECTRONICS

2000 PART TWO

53

What changes will electronics bring to our lives by the year 2000

IS THAT YOU?
Computer signature recognition

- at

distance

- means

58
no more overdrafts!

COMPONENTS PART 6

62

Resistors considered in detail

ELECTRONICS

- IT'S

70

EASY

Continuing our introductory series

TECH -TIPS
Three pages of readers' experimental circuits

81

FIVE WATT STEREO AMP

10

An ideal amp for the teenager or the flat dweller (or both!)

20

REACTION TESTER
Let's see how quick off the mark you really are!

33
34
36

SHORT CIRCUITS: PATCH DETECTOR

HEADS OR TAILS
SCR TESTER

Data Sheet
MC1312/15/14

SG LOGIC SYSTEM

MC14543C LCD DISPLAY DRIVER

NEWS DIGEST
ELECTRONICS TOMORROW

..

66
68

77

Information
TRANSDUCERS IN MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL
T-SHIRTS
ETI WATCH OFFER
DOWN IN PRICE!

ETI CLOCK OFFER

SPECIALS FROM ETI
,
FEBRUARY'S ETI

...

SUBSCRIPTIONS
BINDERS
BOOK SERVICE

ADVERTISER'S INDEX
READER SERVICES

14
17
27
27
32
52
60

60
75
89
90

Special Offer
ETI BLOB -BOARD OFFER
Over 30% savings on these new P.C.B. aids

57

SEMICONDUCTORS - COMPONENTS
CARBON POTENTI OMETERS

TRIACS
Volts

100
200
400

TR12A/100

TR12A/200
TR12A/400

6
Vohs p

100

200
400

Volts

Pri

0 3c1

1066 Case
No.

TR16A/100
TR16A/200
TR16A/400

100
200

0.51
0.71

400

No.

Price

TR110A/100
TR110A/200
7R1108/400

0.77
0.92
1.12

10220 Caes

10 Amp

hice
0.51
0.81

Volts

No.

400

TR110A/400P

DIACS

0.77

SINGLE GANG with wire end terminators. 6mm x 50mmip lastic shaft l Omm bushes supplied with
20% of resistance
shake -proof washer and nut. Tolerance

1048 CNN

10 Amp.

TO5 arm

Z Amp

BR100 0.23

Prise

1.12

032 0.23

SUPER UNTESTED PAKS

PAK

050
U51

U52
U53
U54

U55
U56
U57
U58
U59

U60
U61

062
063
064
U65
U66
U67
U68

U69
U70

Order No. Price

No.
100 Germ Gold hooded 0A47 Brode
150 Germ. 0870/81 diode
100 Silicon Diodes 200mA 04200
150drodes 75mA 194148
50 Sil Rect Top Hat 750mA
20 SII React Stud Type 3 Amp
50 400mW Zeners 007 Case
30 NPN Trans BC107/8 Plastic
30 PNP Trans 8C177/ 178 Plastic
25 NPN T039 2N697/ 2N1711 5d.
25 PNP TO59 2N2905 sillcon
30 NPN TO18 2N706 silicon
25 NPN BFY50/51
30 NPN Plastic 293906 silicon
30 PNP Plastic 293905 silicon
30 Germ 0071 PNP
15 Plaste Power 2N3055 NPN
10 TO3 Metal 2N3055 NPN
20 Uniiunction trans IIS43
10 amp SCR TO39
83 amp SCRTO66 case

16130
16131

16132
16133
16134
16135
16136
16137
16138
16139
16140
16141

16142
16143
16144
16145
16146
16147
16148
16149
16150

0.80.
0.60
0.80
0.60
0.60
0.80
0.60
0.60'
0.60'
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.60
0.80'
0.60'
0.60
1.20
1.20
0.80
1.20
1.20

of device in
Code Nos mentioned above are given as a guide to the type
the pak. The devices themselves are normally unmarked.

No.

Value
1K

1831

2K2

1M

1832
1833
1834
1835
1836
1837
1838
1839
1840

2M2

1841

4K7
10K
22K
47K
100K
220K
470K

C2

150

C3

50

C4

80

C5
C6

Cl
C8
C9

CIO
C11

5
2
1

10
3 Micro switches
15 Assoned pots
5 Metal lack sockets 3

C12

30

C13
C14

20

C7 5

C16
Cl 7

20

C18

15
4

C19

,C20
C21

C22

weight)
Capacitors mixed value approx. (Count
by weight)
Precision resistors. Mixed values
Yoh W Resistors mixed preferred
values
Pieces assorted letrite rods
Tuning goegs, MW/1W VHF
Pack wire 50 metres assorted Colours
single strand
Reed swdches

3.5mm.

16165
16166

....

5 amp.
15 Assoned fuses
50 Metres PVC sleeving assorted sue and

Catir

1/ watt resistors muted preferred values

C23

60

C24
C25

25 Presets assorted type and value

30 Metres stranded were assorted colours

51

S2
S3

54
S5

56

Slider potentiometers. mixed values

470 ohms
6 Slider potentiometers, all 10k lin.
6 Slider pylenriometers, all 22k lin
6 Slider potentiometers. all 47k he.
6 Slider potentiometers, all 47k log.
6 Slider potentiometers, all

No.
1851
1852
1853
1854

4K7
10K

22K
47K

1855
1856
1857
1858
1859

IOOK

220K
470K
1M

2M2

16170

0.80

16171
16172

16173

'60.90
'20.80
'60.60

16174

10.80

16175
16176

'60.60

16177
16178
16179
16180
16182

'60.60
'60.80
0.80
'60.60
'60.60.
'60.60

1618316184

60.80
0.80

16185

0.60

16188
1618
16187

10.80

4K7
10K
22K

47K

'60.60
'20.60

'E0.48

1871
1872

10.48

'E0.48

1873
1874
1875
1876
1877
1878

'60.48

.1

Price

10.48

'60.48
'20.48
'60.48
'60.48

ORDERING
Please word your orders

exactly as printed, not

forgetting to include our
part number,

10.68

'0.68
'60.68
'60.88
'0.68
'60.88

1861

1862
1863
1864
1865
1866
1867
1868

470K
1M

2M2

60.68

'60.68
'60.68

FIERS
8 Assorted types. SL403 76013, 76003, Etc.
Data supplied with pale
ORDER Na. 16228 Price '61.00

74 SERIES PAKS
Manufacturer's 'Fall Outs' which include

Functional and part-Functional Units These are

classed as out-of-spec from the maker s very rigid
specifications, but are ideal for learning about
I.C.'s and experimental work
740 100 Gates assorted 7400-01-04-10-50-60,
1.20
etc. Order No 16224

74F

FIipFlops

50

7470-7273-7476104109,
Order No. 16225
74M 30 MSI Assorted Types.
Etc Order No. 16226

Price

No.
1879
1880

Value
4K7
10K
22K

'20.60
20.60'

16190 '60.60
16191
'60.80
16192 '60.60
16193 '60.60
16194 '20.60
16195 r'E0.80

'60.48
'60.48
'60.48
'20.48
'60.48

1882
1883
1884
1885
1886
1887

47K
IOOK

220K
470K
1M

22

60.80

16161

'0.80

820p1.

'0.60

of each

25"x17"
375"x5"
375"x375"
3.75"

17"

4.75"x 179"
2.5"

1"

(pack of live)

V.A.T.
Add 121/2% 'to prices
marked * Add 81/2% to
others excepting those
marked f these are
Zero.

various sixes. all

Approx. 30 sq ins
mania. Order No. 16199
VB1

various

V82 Approx. 30 sq. ins

matrix. Order No 16200

'60.48
'20.48

eraes

1"

0.60
15"
0.80

ELECTROLYTIC PAKS
EC1

2203
2204
2205
2206
2207
2208

Price
20.46
0.39
1.42
0.52
0.46
1.82
E2.34

0.07

Sise

2.5"
2 5"

Price
1.13
0.42
0.31
1.51
0.57

No.

2209

17"

2210
2211
25"e3.75"
2212
3 75" x 17"
2213
.3 75- s 62254
3 75" a 3.75"
(pack of fivel 2216
2 5" x 1"
x

5"

0.42
0.52

No.

Sias

3.75" x 17"
3 75" x 2 5"
5" x 3.75"

17
227822

2279

Price

61.78
60.26
60.42

Size

25"o17"
3

75"

5"

VERO SPOT -FACE CUTTER

Order No 2231 Price 20.68

Ne.
2221

Pelee

20.78
61.00
60.26
0.21
0.36

2222
2223
2224
2225

17"

3.75"

PLUGS AND SOCKETS

PI

DIN/LSP 2 -pm speaker

DIN ?.pin
DIN
DIN
DIN
DIN
DIN

P7
P8
P9

4 -pin
5-pre 180'
5 -pin 240
6 pin

7pin

Jack Plug
Jack Plug
Jack Plug
Jack Plug
Jack Plug
Jack Plug stereo screened
Phono
Car aerial

P10
Pi i
P12
P13
P14
P15
P16
P17
P18
P19
P20

'20.08
'60.12
1691. '20.16
1692 '0.14
1693 'E0.15

1694
1695
2.5mm screened 1696
1697
3 5mm plastic
3 5mm screened 1698
1699
mono plastic
mono screened 16100

Coax free TV

Right angle jack

plastic
Jack 2
Jack stereo plastic
Phono free. screened

5m

P22 D C. 2 5mpmu plug

P23 2 -pin AC plug U S type
P24 AM aerial
P25 Cassese mains plug
P26 FM 300 ohms plug

16101

10.20

'60.20
'20.12
'60.10

10.15

'0.14
10-28
'60.32
'60.10
'0.16
'20.16
'60.12

16102
16103
16104
16105
16106 10.12
16107 '60.20
16108 '60.14
16109 '0.12

oie speakei

DIN/LS5

102
IS?

DIN 3
..
DIN 5-pin 180
DIN 5-p" 240
Jack infime 2 5mm
Jack mline 3 5mm
Jack 'a" mono plastic

ISS
S6
S?
S8
S9

Jack 'la" mono Chrome

Jack stereo plastic
510 Jack stereo Chrome
Phono screened
SI
512 Car aerial
513 Coax television
S14 Coax back -back
S16 2 -pin AC connector US
S 17 Phono plastic
S18 Back to back phono
1

CS

No.

DIN 'LS 2.pin loudspeaker

CS2
CS?
CS4
CS5

CS6
CS7
CS8
CS9
CS1O

CS1I
CS12
CS13
CS14
C515
CS16
CS 17

'60.60

'1.20

These paks contain a range of Carbon Resistors.

assorted into the following groupsR1
60 rooted Yaw 100ohms-820ohms
Order Na. 16213 '60.60

R5

Kohms0. 2Kohms
Order No. 16214 '60.60
60 mixed hw 10Kohms-82Kohms
Order No. 16215 '60.60
60 mixed Yaw 100Kohms820Kohms
Order No. 16216 '60.60
40 mixed Yzw 100ohms-820ohms

06

40 mixed

R2
R3

1652
1653
DIN 3
1654
DIN 5 -pin 180
1655
DIN 5 -pin 240'
1656
Jack 2 5mm
1657
Jack 3 5mm
1658
Jack Mono switched
1659
Jack Stereo switched
1660
Phono single
1661
Phono double
1662
Coax surface
1663
flush
Coax
1664
Jack switched. Mono
Jack socket OPDT switch 1665
1666
Car aerial
1667
AC mains US type
1668
Phono 4 -way
1669
power
D
1670
AC switched

CS18
CS19
CS20 Phono 8 -way

1671

60 mized rAw

Order No. 16217

Order No 16218 '40.60

mixed '/zw 10Kohres82Kohms
Order No. 16219 '60.60

40

08

40 mixed

'60.08
'0.10

R9

60 mixed

View

R10 40 mixed

Yaw

'20.12
'0.06
'0.06
'0.15
'0.18
'60.08
'20.10
'60.21
'60.25
'60.20
'60.32
'60.10
'60.16
'0.16
'60.18
'60.32
'60.32

10.60

'/w 1Kohms-8.2Kohms

R7

10.10

100Kohms.820Kohms
'60.60

1/2w

Order No 16220

Meg-10Megohms
'0.60
Meg-lOMegohms
Order No 16231 '60.80
1

Order No. 16230

1

WORLD SCOOP!

JUMBO
SEMICONDUCTOR PACK
Transistors - Germ and Silicon Rectifiers - Diodes
Treats - Thyristors I.C:s and Zeners ALI NEW
ANO COOED. Approx 100 Pieces Offering the
arnateur a fantastic bargain PAK and an
enormous saving. Identification and data sheet in
every pak
-

ORDER NO

16222

62.25

16110 '60.12
16111

'0.18

16112 '60.13
16113 '60.15
16114 '0.13

No.
1672
1673
1674
1675
1676
1677

1678
1679
1680
1681

1682
1683
1684
1685
1686
1687
1688

Just a selection from

our huge stocks!

P&P

SEE OUR

1977 CATALOGUE

INLINE SOCKETS
1St

Price

f0mF0

C280 CAPACITOR PAK

75 Mullard C280 capacitors, mixed

values
es ranging from 01uF to
complete with identification
Order No. 16204
sheet

Price

CHASSIS SOCKETS
No.
1689
1690

to

1OmFD to liOmFD
Order Ne,16202 '20.60
EC3 Values from 100mFD to 680mPD
Order No.16203 '60.60

R4

PLUGS

47mF0

Order No.16201

CARBON RESISTOR PAKS

.15 Pitch

Pitch

electrolyrics.

from

Values

'

DRILLED PLAIN P.C.B.

.1

IS4

'60.60

1.20
744147-90.154,
1.20

10.48

.15 Pitch

No.
2201
2202

-16160

assorted

Etc.

VEROBOARD PAKS

10.48

1881

Pitch

2.5"x3.75"

P6

16163

Price

No.
1860

Price

LOG TRACK

No.
1870

Size

10.60

of each

820pf,

'61.50
U764 AUDIO POWER OUTPUT AMPLIORDER No. 16229

A range of paks each containing 18 first quality,

P4
P5

16162

4K7
10K
22K
47K
100K
220K

LINEAR TRACK
Value

220p, 330p & 390pf,r 270p

24 miniature ceramic capacitors, 3
4700. 560pt 680p.
value
1000pf. 1500pl, 2200p & 3300p1
MC4 24 miniature ceramic capacitors 3
470pf 5600, 680pf.
value
1000p1, 1500p, 22000 & 3300p1
MC3

Value

Data

supplied with pak

LOG TRACK
Price

'0.68
'60.68
'20.68
'60.68
'60.88
'60.68
'20.68
'0.68
'0.68

SINGLE GANG SWITCHED. Fitted with double pole on -off switches The switch action is incorporated
within the rotary action of the pot. Switch rating 15 amps at 250V AC.

: 60.60.

Order No. Price

82pm
niature ceramic capacitors, 3 of each
MC2 24
SOpf,
10071, 120p 1500,
value

'60.22
'60.22
'60.22

709741-747748-710588, Etc.
ORDER No. 16227 Price '11.50
U7680 FM STEREO DECODER
5 I.C's 76110 Eqv. to MC1310P-MA767.

'0.60

quality miniature ceramic capacitors

MCI 24 miniature ceramic capacitors. _r of each

22pf, 27pf. 33pf. 39pf, 47p, 68p.
slue

10.22
10.22

U721 30 ASSORTED LINEAR TYPES

EC2 Values from

CERAMIC PAKS
Contammg a range of first
Unrepeatable value.

'60.22

DRILLED COPPER P.C.B.

Order No. Price

1850

0.22

rigid specifications, but are ideal for leammg

about I. C.'s and experimental work.

VEROBOARDS

SLIDER PAKS
Oty.

2M2

Price

'0.22
'0.22

10.22

LINEAR TRACK
Value

P2
P3

Peek
No.

1M

No.
1842
1843
1844
1845
1846
1847
1848
1849

0.00

10.60

16181

10.22

4K7
10K
22K
47K
100K
220K
470K

Outs' which include

Functional and part Functional Units, These are
classed as out-ol.spec' from the maker's very

mixed value minisaure

16167
16168
16169

2 x

standard switch types

Paper condensers preferred types
mixed values
Electrolytics trans. types
Nuts /
Pack assorted hardware
bolts, grommets. etc.
Mains slide switches ass
Assorted tag strips and panels ..
Assorted control knobs
Rotary wave change switches
24V operating
Relays 6
Pak, copper laminate approx. 200 sq

ins..

16164

Value

'0.22
'20.22
'60.22
'0.22
'0.22
'60.22

Peck
Order No. Price
No. Gay.
200 Resistor mixed value approx. (Count by
C
1

Price

'0.22
'20.22
'60.22

DUAL GANG. These high quality pots are fined with wire end terminations, 6mm x 50mm plastic shaft
lOmm bushes supplied with shakeproof washer and nut Track tolerance +'20% but matched fo within
2d8 of each other

100K
220K
470K
1M
2M2

COMPONENT PACKS

LOG TRACK

LINEAR TRACK

LINEAR PAKS
Manufacturer's 'Fall

Price

'60.10
'60.18
'0.17
'20.18
'0.08
'20.08
'60.14
'60.28
'20.20
'0.42
'0.12
'60.22
'0.40
'1,0.21
'0.21

'60.12

10.24

126 pages packed with

valuable information

ORDER NOW
ONLY 50p

Postage and Packing add 25p unless

shown. Add extra for
airmail Minimum order 1 00

otherwise

plus 15p p&p

%P.4/ff

P.O. BOX 6, WARE

HERTS

SHOP 18 BALDOCK ST., WARE, HERTS.

AT OPEN 9 to 5.30 Mon/Sat. Tel: 61593

High quality modules for stereo, mono and

1.1

other audio equ-pment.

PUSH-BUTTON

STEREO

FM TUNER

IOUR PRICE ONLY

Fitted with Phase Lock -loop Decoder

E20.45

The 450 Tuner provides instant program selection at the touch

of a button ensuring accurate tuning of 4 pre -selected stations,
any of which may be altered as often as you choose, by simply
changing the settings of the pre-set controls.
Used with your existing audio equipment or with the BI -KITS
STEREO 30 or the MK60 Kit etc. Alternatively the PS12 can'
be used if no suitable supply is available, together with the

Transformer T538.
The S450 is supplied fully built, tested and aligned. The unit is'
easily installed using the simple instructions supplied.

*
*
*
*
*

Input Stage
VARI -CAP diode tuning
Switched AFC
Multi turn pre-sets
LED Stereo Indicator
FET

Enjoy the quality of a magnetic cartridge with

your existing ceramic equipment using the new
M.P.A. 30, a high quality pre -amplifier enabling
magnetic cartridges to be. used where facilities
exist for the use of ceramic cartridges only.
It is provided with a standard DIN
input socket for ease of connection.
Full instructions supplied.

Typical Specification:

Sensitivity 311 volts

Stereo separation 30db

Supply required 20-30V at
90 Ma max.

POSTAGE &

PACKING

Postage & Packing add

25p unless otherwise
shown. Add extra for
airmail. Min. 1.00

PA100
13.75

top quality stereo pre -amplifier

and tone control unit. The six
push-button selector switch provides a choice of inputs together
with two really effective filters for
high and low frequencies, plus tape
output.
'A

MK. 60 AUDIO KIT: Comprising

819

+ 7 WATTS
R.M.S.

20-30
AMPLIFIER MODULES

AL20 and AL30 units are

similar in their appearance and in
their general specification. However, careful selection of the plastic
power devices has resulted in a
range of output powers from 5 to
10 watts R.M.S.
The versatility of their design
makes them ideal for use in record
players, tape recorders, stereo
amplifiers and cassette and car tridge tape players in the home.

Load

AL20 5w R.M.S. 2.95

AL30 10w R.M.S. 3.25

16.

The

SPECIFICATION:
Harmonic Distortion Po=3 watts f =1KHz 02.5%
Impedance 8-16ohm
Size: 75mm x 63mm x 25mm
Frequency response 3dB Po= 2 watts 50Hz-25Hz
MS
Sensitivity for Rated 0/P Vs=25v. RL=8ohm f =1KHz 75mV.R

postage.

P & P 45p

Au...

Ei.?

COMPLETE AUDIO

Dimensions
x AL60's.
x SPM80.
x
x
89mm
BTM80.
x PA100.
front panel 299mm
35mm
and knobs.
Kit of pans to include
on/off switch, neon indicator,
stereo headphone sockets plus
instruction_ booklet. COMPLETE'
PRICE 29.55 plus 85p postage.
TEAK 60 AUDIO KIT:
COmprising, Teak veneered cabinet
size 1634 x111/2"x33/4",- other
parts include aluminium chassis,
heatsink and front panel
bracket plus back panel
and appropriate sockets
etc'. KIT PRICE 10.70
plus 85p
.2

STEREO 30

Frequency Response + 1dB 20Hz 20KHz Sensitivity of inputs

Tape Input 10OrnV into 100K ohms
2. Radio Tuner 100mV into
t 00K ohms
3
Magnetic PU 3mV into
50K ohms
P U
Input equalises to R1AA curve with,
1dB from 20Hz to 20KHz
Supply
20-35V at 20mA

AL 60

The Stereo 30 comprises a complete stereo

pre -amplifier, power amplifiers and power supply. This,
with only the addition of a transformer or overwind will
produce a high quality audio unit suitable for use with a
wide range of inputs i.e. high quality ceramic pick-up,
stereo tuner, stereo tape deck etc. Simple to install,
capable of producing really first class results, this unit is
supplied with full instructions, black front panel knobs,
main switch, fuse and fuse holder and universal
mounting brackets enabling it to be installed in a record
plinth, cabinets of your own construction or the cabinet
available. Ideal for the beginner or the advanced
constructor who requires Hi-Fi performance with a
minimum of installation difficulty (can be installed in 30.
mins).
TRANSFORMER 2A5 plus 62p p &p
TEAK CASE 5.25 plus 62p p & p.
NEW PA12 Stereo
Pre -Amplifier com-

pletely redesigned ee.

for use with AL
Amplifier Ue
Modules. Features include on/off volume
Balance, Bass and Treble controls. Complete
with tape output..
Frequency Response 2014x -20K Hz '
UU
(-3dB). Bass and Treble range
ffl:
12dB. Input Impedence 1 meg ohm.

25 Watts (RMS)

20/30

Max Heat Sink temp 90C * Frequency response

20Hz to 100KHz * Distortion better than 0.1 at 1KHz *
Supply voltage 15-50v * Thermal Feedback * Latest
Design Improvements
-Load
3,4,8, or 16 ohms * Input Sensitivity 300m V. Supply
Signal to noise ratio 80db * Overall size 63mm. 105mm. requirements 24V .5mA. Size 152mm
x 84mm x 33mm.
13mm.

Especially designed to a strict specification Only the

finest components have been used and the latest.

solid-state circuitry incorporated in this powerful little

amplifier which should satisfy the most critical A.F
.enthusiast

Stabilised Power Supply Type SPM80

2 of the AL60 Amplifiers,
simultaneously. With the
addition of the Mains Transformer 8MT80, the unit will provide
outputs of up to 1.5Aat 35V. Size: 63mm. 105mm. 30mm.
Incorporating short circuit protection.
Transformer BMT80
2.60 + 62p postage

SPM80

is

especially designed to power

4.35

P512

Power supply for AL20 /30,

PA12, SA450 etc.

OUR
Input voltage 5-20v A.C. Output voltage 22-30v D.0
Output current 800 mA Max. Size 60mm x 43mm x 26mm.
1

Transformer T538 C2.36

up to 15 watts (R.M.S.) per channel

3.15

PRIC

1 3

P.O. BOX 6,

WARE,
HERTS.

SHOP
AT

M'

18 BALDOCK ST., WARE, HERTS

5.30 Mon./Sat. Tel. 61593

OPEN 9 to

G5ti
already on the keys, along with the
usual conversion factors and 8+2
digit display. The price is 49.95
including charger.
For those who don't have to
solve three simultaneous partial
differential equations in five
variables each and every day, but
might have to figure out some
simpler mathematical paradox, the
new X24 might be more

appropriate. This is an unusually

styled, aluminium cased 'Slimline'
device with four function memory
and % key. Batteries are
rechargeable and the price
(non-rechargable) is 1 7.95.
Expect the discount axe to fall on
these prices. Both machines should
be in the shops in time to become
that Xmas present you want but
never get!

Right
now you've stopped
staring at the picture can we
proceed with this month's news.
Thank you. Once again our old
friends CBM have managed to get
in on the act. The above watches
yes watches
represent their
long-awaited entry into the digital
watch market
with the 5,000
series. All three use a common
module, with the casings making
for a price range of

the Navigator N60 and of course

the SR4190R. To add to this herd
now we have a user programmable
machine called, somewhat
appropriately, the PR100.

17.50-21.00.

The watches are five function

with single button control of the
LED display. I2L has been used for
the clever bits, and the whole thing
is put together (and through a
pre -sale hot and cold aging

REELS OF RED TAPE?

Tandberg are engaged in furious
negotiations to open themselves a
behind the red
new factory
drapes of all places. A tape
recorder factory capable of
400,000 units per year is the
objective, with 'know-how'
agreements on Tandberg products
and production equipment.
Tandberg would provide assistance
with the factory, and with

process), in Nice.
CBM are mustering arms and
men to launch a range of LCD wrist
compressors later in the year

(they'd better be quick!) although

details are very sparse at present.
Commodore are undoubtedly
best known though, for the
millions of calculators they turf out
every year, and for the `specialist'
pre-programmed monsters lurking
therein, i.e. the Statistican S61,
'61

BBC 500, WALES 53

On Friday, November 11, Auntie
opened her 500th colour television
transmitter. This is sited in
Montgomery, Wales, and serves
30,000 people. It is the 53rd
transmitter in Wales. The first UHF
transmitter went into service at
Crystal Palace in 1964, and now
the BEEB are opening small relay
stations like Montgomery at the
phenomenal rate of one a week!
500 in 12 years, including 47
major installations some of which
can pour out in excess of 1 MW, is
quite an achievement.
By comparison it took nearly 20
years to install the VHF network of
110 stations. Well done the BBC.

Features include 10
independent addressable
memories, 72 program steps
and 30 mathematical functions

maintaining "compatibility with

Tandberg products and quality
levels."
hope they aren't russian into
anything!
I

IRONING OUT TIPS AND CORDS

Two unusual ways of getting
heated in the right spot.
The first is the Iso-Tip 'Quick
Charge' cordless soldering iron.
This uses nickel -cadmium batteries,
and takes'/s of the time of its preceding
brethren to attain a recharged
state. Tip performance is equivalent
to a 50W iron, and heat -up time

CALCULATING ON A NATIONAL
SCALE

HEARD OVER THE GARDEN

(NAND) GATE?
A new audible logic level checker
has risen to the surface of Litesold
Ltd. The LC1 lets loose a high tone
on a 'I' state and logically, a low
one for "o' state. In the presence
of a pulse train it warbles. Suitable
for TTL or CMOS if can detect
pulses down to 200nS, is claimed
to place no load on the circuit
under test (. .
and comes
complete with Karnaugh Map to
play God Save the Queen?)
Litesold Ltd, 97-99 Gloucester
Road, Croydon, Surrey.

(to 370C) is 5 secs. About 50-70

joints/charge should be possible.

Three new button -boxes from

National Semiconductors emerge
this month. The 852 is a basic
scientific machine with 5+2
display with all the trig and
log functions etc with memory.
It carries a 16.50 RRP after VAT,
before discount. The 4650 and
4660 are increasingly more complex
scientific creations, carrying tags of
39.95 and 59.95 respectively.
The latter boasts 3 memories with
statistical functions such as
and E and has 3 angular
modes available. Chargers are
naturally included in the
RRP's.

BOARDING PARTY
The working base incorporates a
neat light to illuminate
your soldering and the low voltage
is claimed to eliminate leakage and
the need for earthing. A wide
range of accessories is available.
The second black sheep is a
very ingenious temperature

controlled iron which is entirely

self-contained. No control box is
needed, and the working

is adjustable over a
range of 300-425C. A control

temperature

unit is built into the handle which

pulses the current into the element,
and the temperature sensor is
located virtually in the tip. Titled
the Oryx 75 it comes from the
same stable as the Iso Tip namely
Electroplan Ltd, P.O. Box 9,
Orchard Rd, Royston, Herts, SG8
5HH.
1

Full size 91 x 64mm.

This is the PCB track pattern for the Heart -Rate Monitor, ET/
Project Number 544, which was omitted from last month's
article. Copies of the board were sent to our regular PCB supplier
advertisers, and so should be available from them in the usual
manner. See the Mini -Ads section in this issue

cg3c3cLL

emeircicv2
MPU DVM LINK UP
Fluke has introduced the

8500A

digital voltmeter, which is a

bus -oriented, microprocessor
controlled measurement system
capable of registering a.c. and d.c.
votage and current, and resistance,
by the addition of plug-in modules
accommodated in available
locations in the bus structure.

ohms full scale to 100 megohms

full scale, to an accuracy of
0.03%. A.C. and d.c. current
measurement, from 1 nA to 1 .28A
are also included.
With its microprocessor
controller, the 8500A allows for a
calibration memory option, which
will calibrate all ranges of all
functions from the panel by simple

REMEMBER REMEMBER
A 16 -page brochure describing the
full RCA Solid State line of

memory products is now available.

The brochure gives basic
parameters and benefits for six
C-MOS memories (five static RAMs
and one ROM), ranging from 4 x
8s to 512 x 8s; static and dynamic
n-MOS RAMs, both 1K and 4K
types; and three static 1K SOS
RAMs.
Copies of the brochure may be
obtained by writing to RCA Solid
State
Europe, Sunbury - on Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7HW.

D.C. voltage measurement and

d.c. ratio are standard features.
There are five d.c. voltage ranges
from 1V to 1,200V with a basic
accuracy of -0.001%, while a.c.
voltage is measured with one of
two options; the 01, has an
accuracy of 0.05%. An ohms
converter offers 4 -terminal
resistance measurements from 10

one stroke keying of the calibration

offset at each cardinal range point.
Once the range calibration error
is entered, the precise proportion
of correction required from zero to
end scale is automatically added to
or subtracted from the display. All

calibration corrections remain

permanently in non-volatile
memory, unless re -calibrated.

LOGICAL SWITCHING
This little lot represents quite a
versatile range of DIL switches
from Highland Electronics. The
options include 2, 3 or 4
'change -over' packs or 2
double -pole double throw packs
and toggle or rocker operation for
panel or PCB operation. Details
and data sheets from Highland
Electronics Ltd, 33 Dallington
Street, London EC1V OBD.
1

FARADAY STROLLING AROUND

ON WATER

This year's Faraday lecture is to be

given by the R.N. and is entitled
'The Electron Rules The Waves'.
(Doesn't seem so long ago Britain
Ah well)
used to does it?
Keeping to tradition the
accent will be on practical
demonstrations, and the theme will
be the many electronic aspects of
H.M. Navys' ships and warfare
techniques. Venues still to be
covered at date of going to press
.

are:

BRISTOL
Colston Hall, 9/10
December.
BIRMINGHAM
Town Hall,

17/18

January (4 performances).
LONDON
Wembley Conference

Centre, 3 February (3
performances).
SHEFFIELD
City Hall, 10/11
February (3 performances).
MANCHESTER
Free Trade Hall,
28 February/ 1 March (4
performances).
BRADFORD
St George's Hall,
8/9 March.
LEICESTER
De Montfort Hall,
15/16 March.
NEWCASTLE
City Hall, 22
March (2 performances).
EDINBURGH
Usher Hall,

28/29

March.
GLASGOW
City Hall, 31 March
(2 performances).
LIVERPOOL
Philharmonic Hall,
27/28 April (3 performances).
The Guildhall,
SOUTHAMPTON
3/4 May.

TIMELY COMPETITION
WINNERS
Despite the omission of a clue from
our October issue competition,
around 700 of you managed to
unravel it, and come up with the

answers! Alas not all of you got

them right! One person who did
was F. I. WOODWARD, 24 Sands
Way, Benson, Oxon, and we
declare him the winner. The nine
runners-up were: P. C. INGLIS, 14
Arbour Lane, Chelmsford, Essex; K.
N. METCALF, 90 Wayside Green,
Woodcote, Reading, Berks; C. R.
GALE, 23 Military Road, Gosport,
Hants; A. J. DINGLE, 81 Brandreth
Road, Lady Mary Estate, Cyncoed,
Cardiff, Gwent; C. E. UNDER Y, 5
Holywell Court, Trinity Road, Luton,
Beds; D. P. FRANCIS, 22 Finglen
Gardens, Miingavie, Glasgow; P.
WINTER, 29 Keedwell Hill, Long
Ashton, Bristol; K. HARIA, 138
Birch field Road, Northampton,
Northants; C. THOMPSON, 11
Bernadette Crescent, Carfin,
Lanarkshire.

7+7
Z

61

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OS

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3
a016

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a s 102:56
173670 S
,

Vigo
3

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Yn%

EoCj

Ein0

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To all of you who entered and

failed
better luck next time and
thanks for entering.

metac
Welthai
NEW TO METAC

NEW TO METAL

TLC6 TV
LIQUID CRYSTAL
ELECTRONIC

TLC6 B
LIQUID CRYSTAL
ELECTRONIC

WATCH

WATCH

Continuous display with

backlight.

Continuous display with

backlight.
Hours, mins, secs,
date, month. Automatic 28,
30, 31 day calendar. Metal
bracelet in choice of gold or
rhodium. Slimline case.

Hours, mins, secs, date,

month. Automatic 28, 30,
31 day calendar. Metal
bracelet in choice of gold or
stainless steel. Slimline
case.
33.95

No more to pay
2 year guarantee(

TLESEA

TLE5 TV
QUARTZ
CRYSTAL
ELECTRONIC

QUARTZ CRYSTAL
ELECTRONIC
WATCH
functions,
Hours/minutes/day/date/
a.m./p.m. indicators/AutoFade. Available in 18ct.
Gold/Rhodium plated.
Slimline Case.
8 separate

18 95

WATCH
No more to pay
2 year guarantee

No more to pay
2 - year guarantee

A QUALITY WATCH

A GENUINE BARGAIN
You save 17.00 on retail price

You save 15.00 on retail price

BRITAIN'S TOP SELLING

MISTRAL DIGITAL

Bright Planar Gas digit

CLOCK

display. A.M./P.M.
Indicator and flashing
second indicator, 24
hour bleeper alarm, 5
minute repeater. Mains
failure indicator. 5"
across x 31/2" deep.

In kit or built form. Large

4 digit display. Push
button setting. 12-24 hour
read out. Pleasing green
display. Pulsating second
indicator. Build in 1 hour.

p
R
IMPORTANT.

Complete kit

1107incl. V.A.T.

Built Clock

14-95 Inc'. V.A.T.

DIGITAL

ELECTRONIC CLOCK

Attractive white case.

Thousands sold.
Recommended Retail
Price 17 95

Our Price
13.951ncl.V.A.T.1'

YEARS' UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE IS WHAT IT SAYS. A COMMITMENT BY US TO REPAIR OR REPLACE AT

OUR DISCRETION ANY METAC WATCH OR CLOCK FAILING TO GIVE SATISFACTORY SERVICE DURING THE FIRST 2 YEARS
OF LIFE.
THEREAFTER TO SERVICE THE PRODUCT AT A FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE.
2

STOP PRESS

NOW AVAILABLE. AMAZING VALUE LIQUID CRYSTAL ELECTRONIC DIGITAL

WATCH. HOURS, MINS, PULSATING SECS. METAL BRACELET.
24.50 COMPLETE. NO MORE TO PAY

METAC IS EXPANDING
Now you can buy Metac quality watches and
clocks direct from our showrooms at Mail Order
Prices.

Visit:
METAC, ELECTRONICS AND TIME CENTRE
67 HIGH STREET, DAVENTRY, NORTHANTS
and see for yourself the full range of top quality
watches, clocks and other consumer electronic

products.
Watch out for announcements of Metac shops
opening in your area.
Stockists of all types of electronic watch batteries.
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977"

JREMEMBER with every WATCH you get METAC SUPER

COVER. Full 2 years guarantee. Two year replace or repair if faulty.
Free Calibration check 1st, 2nd & 3rd year. Free Technical advice.
To METAC INTERNATIONAL, 67 High Street, Daventry,
Northants. Tel. 03272 76545.
Please supply the following:Name

Address
enclose cheque/Postal Order/Money Order
wish to pay by Barclay Card/Access and my number is
Signature
L
Trade enquiries welcome.
Mail Order Customers.
I
I

r
9

ETI

project 444

FIVE WATT STEflEO

This simply -constructed amplifier gives high quality reproduction for
surprisingly low cost. The five watts per channel output is sufficient for the
average listening room even when inefficient loudspeakers are used.

THIS PROJECT UTILISES A NEW

advance by IC manufacturers. A few
years ago no one would have
believed a complete stereo hi-fi
amplifier could be made from just
two ICs plus a few passive components. Today more and more
components are contained within
the IC so a power amplifier is as
easy to use as an op -amp.
Easy to build
Readers who were

previously

apprehensive

about

building audio power amplifiers

should have no trouble with this
there is little to go wrong.
design
The output is
Adequate Power
unlikely to be found lacking unless
the loudspeakers are very inefficient. Speakers of this type usually
belong to the hifi enthusiast who
spends lots of money on his system;
the inefficiency of the speakers is
compensated for in the amplifier. In
an average set-up it is unlikely that
you would, under normal listening
conditions, be able to tell the
difference between the ET1444 and
a twenty watt amplifier.

lo

MEASURED PERFORMANCE OF PROTOTYPE

ETI 444

POWER OUTPUT
Into 8 ohms

DISTORTION
At 3 watts out
At 4 watts out
At 5 watts out
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
High-level input

SENSITIVITY
Magnetic input
High level input
LOAD IMPEDANCE
!NPUT IMPEDANCE
Magnetic input
High level input
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO
High level input
Phono input (ref 10 mV in)

watts per channel

0.15%
0.5%
3.0%

+10 dB,
-3 dB 4 Hz to 200 kHz
1.5

my

190 mV
8 ohms or higher

approx. 100 k
approx. 10 k

67dB
64 dB unweighted

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

FIVE WATT HI-FI AMPLIFIER

LM379
National Semiconductor
recently supplied ETI with samples
of their new dual five-watt audio
amplifier IC
the LM379. The
circuitry around the IC is very
simple in comparison to most of
those previously available. The gain
is set in a similar way to that for an
operational amplifier: by the ratio of
two resistors in the feedback
network. In addition the IC features
internal stabilization, current limiting and thermal protection.

Preamp
We decided to try the IC
in conjunction with the dual low noise preamplifier IC also from
National Semiconductor
the
LM382. The combination results in
a simple stereo amplifier which
works very well indeed.
Whilst tone control could be
achieved very simply it was decided
that the performance of the amplifier deserved good treatment. So we
use more effective tone controls.
The result is a five -watt stereo
amplifier, ETI444, simple and
inexpensive to build, and with a
surprisingly high performance.

CONSTRUCTION

As with most straightforward projects the use of a printed circuit

board is not only desirable from an
ease of construction point of view,
but it also helps to ensure identical
results to those of our prototype.
The components may be assembled to the board in any order but
we find it preferable to assemble the
low -height components first, ie,
resistors, diodes. Before installing
IC2 make sure that a hole of about 6
mm diameter is drilled in the board
at the end where the heatsink is to

--I1oW it work
THE OUTPUT OF a magnetic cartridge is
normally of the order of 5mV at 1kHz.
However, in the recording process the high
frequencies are recorded at a higher amplitude than the low frequencies (in order to
reduce noise). The curve of amplitude versus -frequency that is used is known as
the RIAA curve. When the record is replayed the reverse characteristic of gain versus -frequency must be applied to restore
a flat frequency response. This process in

the amplifier is known as equalization.

The first stage of the ETI 444 amplifier
uses an LM382 dual low -noise preamplifier
IC. This stage is designed to amplify and to
equalise the output of a magnetic cartridge.
Note that many of the resistors needed to

bias the IC (and to provide equalization)

are provided within the chip and very few
external resistors are reqired to make it
function as an RIAA compensated amplifier.
The second IC is an LM379
a dual
stereo power amplifier which provides
six watts RMS per channel with supply rails
of 13 volts. The IC is unusual amongst
power amplifiers in that it can be used in a
similar fashion to conventional op -amps
(except that it is capable of driving a low
impedance load of 8 ohms).
The gain -versus -frequency response of the
power amplifier is set by the bass and treble
controls. The overall gain is set by the ratio
of +R15/(R17+RV4). The part ofRV4

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

corresponding to a particular amplifier is

that between the wiper and the outside tag
connected to the amplifier. Thus the gain of
the two amplifiers may be varied differentially by varying RV4 (which acts as a
balance control). The level of the input to
the power amplifier is set by RV1 (which
acts as a volume control). Switch SW1
selects the input to the power amplifier
from either the RIAA power amplifier or
from tuner tape or auxiliary inputs as
required
The power supply is simply a bridge
rectifier and centre-tapped transformer
arrangement which provides 12Vdc. With
both channels driven this is adequate to
provide an output of 5W per channel before
clipping.

11

FIVE WATT STEREO

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Complete circuit diagram

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

mounted (after the IC is

installed). Take care that all polarized components, such as diodes,
ICs, electrolytic capacitors and
integrated circuits, are mounted
with the correct orientation.
Solder 25 to 50 mm lengths of
tinned copper to each of the lugs on,
the potentiometers and then mount
the potentiometers in the appropriate position by threading the
tinned copper wires through the
holes provided in the printed-circuit
board. Pull the wires down so that
the lugs are almost flush with the
board and the potentiometers are all
in line. Then solder the wires.
The heatsink may now be
mounted onto 1C2 using a single
-nut and bolt. Care must be taken to
ensure that the heatsink does not
touch any of the potentiometers as
it is at a potential of -12 volts.
The unit may now be mechanically assembled by securing it to the
front panel by means of the
potentiometer shafts and nuts, and
by fitting two 6.4 mm spacers
between the rear of the board and
the chassis.
Finally wire the unit as shown in
the component overlay diagram.
be

-,r

wz

zW

az
Q

continued overleaf

80

LI

FOLD HERE
I

3.2mm DIA

40

f
o

MATERIAL 1mm ALUMINIUM

ANODISED OR SPRAYED BLACK

NB: Do not paint area of heatsink

that is in contact with the IC.

z
o

x
a
CC

2
F19.3. The heatsink for the LM379.
The
heatsink described will get quite hot
when the amplifier is run at full output.
If it has been blackened by painting it
may smell a little at first but this will
soon pass away. For normal domestic
listening this size heatsink will be found
to be entirely adequate but if the amplifier
is to be run continously at full sinewave

it would be advisable to increase

the size of the heatsink. No damage can
be caused by using the smaller heatsink
however as the IC is thermally protected
and will simply shut down if it gets too
hot.
output

1+1

H
w

Fig.2. PCB overlay and interconnection diagram.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

13

FIVE WATT STEIjEO

Fig.4. PCB Pattern (full size).

-Parts list
Resistors
R1,2
R3,4
R5,6
R7,8

1/4W

100
5k6

5%

C1,2
C3,4

05,6
C7 -C12

27 k

R9,10
R11,12
R13,14
R15,16
R17,18

47

5k6
27 k
10 k

100

Potentiometers
10 k log rotary dual
25 k lin rotary dual
100 k lin rotary dual
500 ohm lin rotary wirewourid

RV1

RV2
RV3
RV4

Switches

Capacitors

C13,14
C15,16
C17,18
C19,20

0.1 F poly
0 33 F poly -

poly/ ceramic
0.0015
10F 16 V
0.002 F poly/ceramic
560 pF ceramic
100 F 16 V
2200 F V'

C21

10F16V

C22

0.033

250

V ac

1000F 16 V will do if 2200 F

is not available.

Semiconductors
D1 -D4
IC1

IC2

1N4001 or similar
LM382
LM379

SW1

SW2

pole 4 position rotary

pole rocker

Miscellaneous
Two pin DIN sockets
Four way phono sockets
4 Rubber feet
2 6.4 mm spacers
5 Knobs
3 Core flex, plug, clamp, grommet
and earth lug
2
2

Panel mounting fuseholder &

250 mA fuse to suit.

Screened cable
Heatsink to Fig. 3.
240V Neon indicator
Transformer 240V to 9-0-9V 1A

444 Ramar, Crofton, Tamtronik, etc. Price from Ramar is 1.50.

Chassis 3 19x190x6Omm (Type A) from H. L. Smith & Co., 289 Edgware Road, LONDON W2 Price is 1 .72.
Case 341x201x85mm (992-779), 3.38, from Doram Electronics Ltd., PO Box TR8, LEEDS LS12 2UF.
LM379, LM382 6.15 the pair from A. Marshall (London) Ltd., 40-42 Cricklewood Broadway, London NW2 3ET
PC board ETI

All quoted prices are inclusive of VAT and postage

A Special Reprint from

ETI

TRANSDUCERS IN
TRANSDUCERS IN
MEASUREMENT

AND CONTROL

by

PETER H SYDENHAM

M.E., Ph.D., M. Inuit. M.C., F.I.I.C.A.

MEASUREMENT

AND CONTROL

This book is rather an unusual reprint from the pages of

ETI. The series appeared a couple of years ago in the
magazine and was so highly thought of by the University
of New England that they have republished the series
splendidly for use as a standard text book.
Written by Peter Sydenham, M.E., Ph.D., M.Inst.
M.C., F.I.I.C.A., this publication covers practically every
type of transducer and deals with equipment and
techniques not covered in any other book.
ETI -UK have obtained a quantity of this fine book and it
is available at present only by mail from us. Send to:
Transducers in Measurement and Control, ETI Specials,
Electronics Today International, 25-27 Oxford Street,
London W1

2.75 inc. postage

14

Enquiries from educational authorities, universities and

colleges for bulk supply of this publication are welcome.
These should be addressed to H. W. Moorshead, Editor.
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Ron Harris

reports on

AN INVENTION
THAT WILL
CHANGE THE FACE
OF ELECTRONICS

SOME MONTHS AGO we ran a short

item about a device totally unknown
in this country at that time - the VCT
or Voltage to Current Transat:tor. Well
now we hope to make it considerably
less unknown. The VCT will get get its
commercial launch from Texas Instruments early in 1977, no doubt accompanied by the usual choir of angels and
200 piece brass band.
So before all the shouting begins
we went to talk to the co -inventor,
Professor W.Gosling of Bath University
where the device was initially developed. If you're sitting comfortably we'll
begin!
The basic op-am,p has been with us
since the days of the valve, and when
semiconductors crept up on us, it was
simply re -designed to use transistors.
This, in the opinion of many designers,
means that the advantages of transistors are not being fully exploited.

BASIC IDEAS
One of the better improvements to
the basic op -amp was the comparator
input designed by Carl S. Brinkler - a
name to which we shall return - and
patented in April 1965. However Mr.
Fig.

1.

Internal circuit of the prototype VCT. The

Brinkler was still dissatisfied with the

op -amp and some years ago began
discussions with Professor Gosling,
with a view to producing a totally new
circuit block. The basic guidelines
were finally set as being that
1. No feedback should be needed to
stabilise the device by limiting the
high frequency response, or to define
the stage gain.
2. Both the input and output ports,
must be totally floating - a true four
terminal device. This leads to much
greater freedom with respect to the
output - it can quite simply be fed into
anywhere!
3. The output should be a constant
current source i.e. very high impedance. Then, should a voltage output be
required at any time, a resistor need
only be inserted across the port.

TEXAS AND THE PROTOTYPES

In 1974 Texas Instruments authorCarl
Brinkler to undertake
research into producing such a device.
Because of the scope and magnitude of
the task, it was to be a joint undertaking with Bath University i.e.
ised

"R"

in the middle is external.

Professor Gosling. In the autumn of

1974 the microcircuit design was
breadboarded up for the first time
with discrete components, and early in
1975 the first I.C.s rolled out of the
ovens. The first vast improvement over
the op -amp to become apparent was
the slewing
rate, up to 20V per
microsecond, as compared to

0.5V/ microsecond

for the 741

The offset on these prototypes was
^10mV due to the layout not being
Production
symmetrical.
totally
models, when they appear, will have a
much much lower offset. Up to this
point in the proceedings, the project
had been running on a shoe -string. But

with the prototypes showing this

incredible potential, Texas whipped
the whole show off to Dallas for development. They feel the VCT is the
greatest advance in circuit design for a
long time, and we have to agree with
them.

ABILITIES IN CIRCUIT
Let's take

look at what the VCT

will do. Figure shows the internal

circuit of the Mark VCT. The thick
1

multiple emitters,
represent
and these provide the current gain.
You may recognise the current mirrors
around the top centre of the circuit.
The agreed syhibol for the VCT is
shown below, the circuit is that used
lines

bias current

BR

The agreed symbol for VCT.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

15

out

VCT differentiator.

the output will be the differential of

V'in

for all linear applications. For a voltage input, we get a pure constant current output. Both input and output

will look like

impedances are very high, around 10s

of Megohms in the production devices.
There is a fixed ratio between Vin
and lo, which is set by one fixed resistor R. i.e. lo = k 1/R Vin. The constant
k can be designed to be any value - it
will be four in the Texas VCTs. A bias
current is applied down BR, and the
device can only output twice as much
current as it draws through BR. Early'
devices will be 20mA output VCTs,
but later marks will be up in the amps
range. A 15V rail is used with the
VCTs, and a 13Vsignal is quite permissable!
Some circuits now, for instance an

connected:

a resistance; value R/k

ohms.
Consider however a device cross

VCT

-R/k

A VCT gyrator.

VCT working as a negative resistance.

What we have now, looking in at the

input terminals, is no less than a negative resistance! i.e.

Vin= -const.10.

Voltage gain = k. RL/R

The simplicity of gain inverting arises
because the output port naturally has
a fixed phase relationship to the input.
Since we get a current out for a voltage in, a VCT connected thus:

Values of Q up to 200 have been

achieved experimentally. This circuit
introduces the concept of using two
VCTs together. Texas are packaging
the VCT in a 16 -pin DI L dual package.
There are more pins to a VCT than a
741, since we have those already mentioned, plus a centre tap on the output
which is not always used, but extends
the versatility.

AMAZING GRACE

What's more, the transfer characteristic is perfectly linear!

VCT as an amplifier.

---.-

VCT

amplifier:
Non -inverting:

Gyrators are by now quite common

place, but what about one which can
reach inductor values of 10s of Henrys
and with a Q of well over 100? Easy!

Applications are literally infinite.

Anything an op -amp can do, so can a
VCT - only usually it does it better!
For instance an integrator:

The application we found initially

most amazing is the VCT's ability to
replace a transformer, better than a
transformer! All transformers exhibit
some power loss, but this circuit has a
selectable loss factor, which naturally
can become a gain if so desired.

V input

ut

R/k

-.

vo,

At point A

fVin dt since the

constant current which
follows the input voltage. If we feed
back this integral to the input so:
output is

VCT as a simple resistor.

16

we have

VCT as a transformer.

Transformer Ratio

(R1/R2)'h.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Choose R such that R2=R1R2 to give

no loss/gain in circuit i.e. a perfect

transformer.
The GPO are looking at this application with a view to replacing all those
messy coils in telephones.

NON-LINEAR
We will consider just one non-linear
application to show it can be done that of a limiter. Since the VCT can
output only 2x bias current with
bias

current

THE PRICE OF A FUTURE

One question remains - how much?
Well, this depends entirely on Texas
Instruments, and the marketing policy
they persue. No doubt the price will
be high at first, falling as the volume
of sales climbs, as it surely must.
Interestingly, the VCT occupies only
half the chip area of a 741 op -amp,
but whether this affects pricing
remains to be seen. We'll keep you informed of developments, as we're convinced you'll be hearing much more of
VCT in the years to come.

BUILD THL

TREASURE
TRACER
MIS III
METAL
LOCATOR

OUR THANKS and congratulations to

Professor W. Gosling of Bristol University,
who provided the information for this
article.
R

we will get

characteristic

VOUT

AS SEEN

BE AN
ETIG(JY

ON BBC -1
& BBC -2

TV

Cnnine'5 silicon transistor bircuit,

does not need a transistor radio to

'operate.
Incorporates unique varicap tuning
for extra stability.
Search head fitted with Faraday

very simply indeed with only two

resistors.

GAINS FROM LESS

It is apparent from the preceeding

circuits that one of the biggest gains
when using VCTs, is in reducing
external component count over a
similar op -amp or discrete circuit. In
industrial applications this will lead to
less P.C.B. design and assembly

complications, with resultant reduction in

costs.
Another gain is the fact that when
used as an inverting amp, no input
resistor is used to drop the signal, as it
is in op -amp circuits. In these circuits,
since the input is usually a virtual
earth, most of the signal is dissipated
in the resistor, with a resultant poor
signal-to-noise ratio upon amplification at the output. With VCTs no
resistor is required, and this gives a
distinct improvement in S/N ratio,
with the attendant gain in dynamic
range.

(OR CAL)
ago
we
A
short time
announced the ETI T-Shirtresponse
has
the
been
enormous. Initially we just
wanted to sell the surplus
but we've had to reorder
Made
in
twice!
cotton
(yellow with black printing)
these are available in three
sizes suitable for both sexes.
Send your cheque and
P.O. for 1.50 (payable
Electronics
to
Today
International)
and
state
Small, Medium or Large.
ETI T-SHIRTS,

25-27 OXFORD STREET,

LONDON W1R 1RF
ALL PAYMENTS MUST
BE IN STERLING

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

screen to eliminate capacitive

effects.
Loudspeaker or earphone operation
(both supplied).
Britain's best selling metal locator,
kit. 4,000 already sold.
Kit can be built in two hours using
only soldering iron, screwdriver,'
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Excellent sensitivity and stability.
Kit absolutely complete including
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Send stamped, self-addressed envelope_for literature.

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6d Cleveland Road, South Woodford,

LONDON E18 2AN

(Mail order only)

17

this

Is

high, low or

out on this

critical day in your life? Find

BIORHYTHM
CALCULATOR
The Casio Biolator is an eight -digit calculator with
built-in 99 year calendar and digital biorhythm

computer.

know of the monthly cycle of hormones in women, but

did you know there are similar cycles in all people, irrespective
of age or sex? At the beginning of this century a German
doctor discovered that the body is regulated according to
three cycles of differing periods. The 23 -day cycle is the one
that describes variations in physical health, strength, endurance,
etc. In the first half of the cycle (days 2 to 11) the stamina
is high and the body is in good shape. In the second half of
the cycle (days 13 to 23) the body is more tired and prone to
We all

illness.
The theory puts special importance
on the crossover days, the days between
the positive and the negative halves of
the cycle. On these days the condition
of the body is undergoing its fastest
rate of change and the likelihood of
an accident or sudden worsening of
an illness is higher than at any other
time of the month. Days 1 and 12 of
the physical cycle are critical days.
The two other cycles concern the
condition of one's mental performance
and this is looked at from two viewpoints
activity in the subconscious
regions of the brain and activity in the
fully -conscious regions.
The theory holds that there is a
28 -day cycle in the activity of the

mind's emotional, or instinctive, proFor the first fourteen days of

the cycle one's intuition is keenest,
the artistic side of your personality
is at its most creative and your natural
charm is at a maximum. However for
the next fourteen days life is more
humdrum and you are advised to
cesses.

careful with your relationships

other people. On the critical
days (1 and 15) your non -rational side
is likely to dominate your normal
restraints, resulting in 'irresponsible'
behaviour, slips of the tongue, quarrels,
etc. On the Casio machine this cycle
is called the sensitivity cycle.
The third rhythm is the intellectual
cycle of 33 -day period. When the
cycle is high, thinking power is at
its greatest; judgement, wit and concentration are at their best. When the
cycle goes low it is the time for mundane
work, for activities low in their demands on concentration. Days 1 and 17
are the critical days when errors are
likely, when the memory might fail,
when accidents might result from silly
mistakes.
These then are the three biorhythms,
the physical (23 -day) the sensitivity
(28 -day), and the intellectual (33 -day).
According to the theory all three
rhythms start their upward half -cycle
on the day you are born. And in the
be

with

Sun
Mort
Tua
V1red

Thu
Fri

Sat
biorhythm graph as printed on the front of the calculator. The P, S, and 1 waveforms represent the body's physical, sensitivity (emotional) and intellectual cycles.
The

18

first 58 years of your life each day will

be under the influence of a
unique
combination of these three variables.

How the Biolator works

The Biolator is based on a 4 -function,
3 -register, 8 -digit, calculator with automatic constant. Readout is on a green
digitron tube display. This section

works just like an ordinary calculator

of this type: algebraic logic is used,
there is an overflow indicator, the
decimal point is fully -floating and
leading zeroes are suppressed.
Now to the interesting bit. This
can be examined from two aspects:
calendar calculation and biorhythm calculation. The calender covers all dates
from 1901 to 1999 inclusive. It is accessed by inputs in the format: 76.10.
21. (for 21st October 1976) where the
three decimal points are lit by pressing
the DATE button after entering each
pair of figures. The calendar then replies
(instantaneously) by displaying 76.10.
21-4, the 4 after the - signifying
that the 21st of October 1976 lands on
a Thursday. By this method the day of
the week for any given date can be
calculated.
If after one date has been entered
the operator presses the
(minus)
button and enters another date, then he
can find the number of days between
these two dates by pressing the =
button. So 76.10.21.-4 minus 73.02.
09.-3 equals 1716 days. This facility
has obvious uses in calculating daily,
weekly, or monthly rates when you

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

THE DESIRABLE AFFINITY CONDITIONS

Physical
High

SPOUSE

LOVER
FRIEND
CO-WORKER
TEACHER
SPORTS MATE
CO -ADMINISTRATOR
CO -RESEARCHER
SECRETARY

know

High
High

Low

resource

two given days.

Biorhythm calculation
To find a person's biorhythms on a given
day you first enter that date and subtract the date of birth of the person
in question (as if you were calculating
their age in days). However, instead of
pressing the equals button after entering
the second date, you press the BIO
button. The biorhythm computer now
replies by displaying -PP.SS.I I-, where
PP gives the status of the physical
rhythm, SS the status of the sensitivity
rhythm, and II the status of the intellect rhythm. These numbers correspond
to the day of the cycle for each rhythm,
they do not show amplitude. To interpret the numbers there is a graph above
the display and a chart on the back of
the calculator.
The product of 23, 28, and 33 is
21252 which means that there are this
many possible permutations of the three
rhythms, and these permutations follow
the same sequence for all people.

The

High
High
Medium
High
High
High

High

specific quantity of

was expended between

Sensitivity
Medium

stei of

ET/ wish

Intellectual
High
High
High
High

Medium
High
High

No matter when you were born

your biorhythms on day 14610 of your
life will be -06.23.25-. The Biolator
works by calculating your position
on its 21252-day biorhythm sequence.

Using the Biolator

In calculating your own biorhythms
you can arrange your diary to avoid
disappointment. Picking a day for
a wedding, for an interview or a drivtest, planning an expedition or
training for .sportsmen, warning your
friends or family in advance of your
'off' days, etc., can be done with a
simple calculation.
ing

The Biolator can be used to calculate

the daily condition of other people, too.
Businessmen can forecast the good days
for their key personnel (or the bad days
of their rivals!), team managers can pick
players as soon as they know fixture
dates, and so on.

Interesting conclusions can be drawn

when you consider the biorhythms

all readers a meny Christmas and

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

of two people, with respect to each

other. The time difference between the
individual rhythms of two people will
always remain constant
if two people's
emotional rhythms are in phase they'll
always stay in phase. The difference
between the rhythms can be calculated
easily by finding the condition of the
older person on the day the younger
one was born. This then can be used
to map the affinity of the two people:
High affinity for one cycle is when
the two waveforms are in phase (the
difference numbers are high or low),
low affinity is when the waveforms
are out of phase (difference numbers
around half a period), and medium
affinity corresponds to a phase difference of about ninety degrees. On
the physical biorhythm, for example,
high affinity is shown by difference
numbers like 1 to 5 and 20 to 23, low
affinity is shown by numbers 9 to 16,
and other numbers show medium af-

finity.

To interpret the significance of afabove has been drawn

finity the table

up.

The Biolator comes with an instruct

ion booklet and a simulated leather
case. It is attractively styled in a plastic
case with a brushed aluminium front
panel.

LIKE THE MANUFACTURERS OF

THE BIOLATOR, THIS MAGAZINE
EXPRESSES NO OPINION AS TO THE
VALIDITY OF THE BIORHYTHM
THEORY.

a prosperous New Year

19

ETI project

570

REACTION TESTEI
Measuring the speed of your reactions can be fascinating. Our
project not only allows you to do this to a considerable degree of
accuracy, but allows for competition between two players.
THE MOST NOTICEABLE EFFECT
of a night on the ale, apart from the
revolving universe, is the immediate
slowing up of a person's reaction time.
The project to be described here will
give an indication of that time,
measured to 1/100ths of a second.
There are three possible versions of
the project; which one you build
depending on the usage or abusage you
intend to subject the unit to. The
CMOS version is much more expensive
initially, but draws under half as much
current from the batteries, and will
thus even up its cost over a period.
The 'standard' version if you like, is
the TTL circuit of Fig.1, which can be
run from a battery pack as a

portable unit.

PLAYING THE GAME

The tester provides an intriguing
party game which will cause many an
argument. It is set up as a contest between two people, with indication of
who has won - and the winning time.
It might be an idea to take some readings on the known drinkers at the start
of that party - and when their reactions have slowed to half, pack 'em off
in a taxi!
Playing the game is simple. The
contestants man the switches on the
front panel, and a 'referee' takes the
remote start switch. By pressing this
he lights the 'GO' lamp on the panel,
and starts the timer. Whichever of the
players pushes his button first, lights
his own 'WIN' lamp, and stops the
count at his/her (equality year after
all!) reaction time.

20

CONSTRUCTION
Building up the 'standard' version is
best done by constructing the display
and counter sections first. Check the
former by applying a high level to pins
7, 1, 2, 6, in turn of ICs 3 and 4.
The numbers 1, 2, 4 and 8 will
appear on the display if all is well.
Remove the 'decimal point' pin on
the displays, this will vary from type to
type, ours were DL707s. This aids
location on the P.C.B. The lead from
the hand-held unit to the main unit
must be screened - four -core individual
screen recording lead is ideal - otherwise stray capacitance can 'clock' the
7490 without the switch being operated. Earth one end to pin 2 of the DIN
socket on the unit, and the switch end
to the output earth side.
We used a small Verobox for the

remote button, but this is obviously

not critical. If you are going to use a
mains supply, check the output of this
before applying Vcc to the circuitry.
Too high (>7V) will send the logic to
join its ancestors on that great breadboard in the sky.
Constructing the CMOS unit is
simpler. The display module comes
complete from Sintel (details in parts
list) so all you have to add is the oscillator and switching circuits, as shown
in Fig.3. Once more - be careful with
the CMOS chips: don't handle them if
you can help it.
Possible modifications and additions to the basic unit are legion. We
originally used a 7400 as the oscillator, but settled on the discrete.
circuit for simplicity. No doubt the
logic hounds will return it, but watch
out for resistance values, no higher
than 20k with TTL. The frequency is a
little low for TTL to be entirely at

home in any case.

A 'self -test' facility could be added,

using an 'almost random' start circuit
employing say, a 7413 device. Wire
three of the inputs to the gate high,by
a
potential divider, and the fourth

to the mid -point of a series R -C

combination across the supply. Make
the R variable, then if the C is large
enough, an appreciable time will elapse
until the voltage at the fourth input
rises enough to turn on the gate. When
it does the Schmitt will turn hard on,
goes

and provide a suitable pulse to gate the

output of the oscillator into the counter. Leave the pot uncalibrated, and
there really is no way of knowing

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

DISPLAY

DISPLAY

III

Vcc THROUGH SW3

14

DB2TEL

DISPLAY
MODULE

'

'

Imo'

fgabcde

SW1a CONTACT

If we consider the TTL circuit (the

CMOS version functions in exactly the same

Vcc

161C3
8

11

12

10

6V

OV
151413121110 9
16
7447 IC4

7447

fgabcde

151413121110

Fig 3. Sintel module wiring

14.--_

7490
7

7490 C2
I

106

14
S1a
Press

S3

to
Reset

S2\

LEDI
R15

D1

3k3

R21 39k

S5

On -off

R19 270
R20
270

R22 39k

-r

R23
330

003

6V

04
OC1o6

BC109
S1b

S2b /\

C2 0.1uF

C2I I

0.1 u

IlovV it works-

manner) and begin with the display driver/

counter section, we see that the counting is
done by two cascaded 7490 devices. These
are working as +10 BCD counters, and the
outputs feed two 7447 BCD decoders/
display drivers. The input pulses, 4.2V p.t.p.
square waves, are generated by Ql and Q2
in a multivibrator mode at a frequency of
approximately
100Hz. Greater accuracy
can be obtained by making one of the charging resistors (R16 or R17) variable, and
tuning the oscillator to exactly 100Hz. In
this way the tester will read exact reaction
times, .01 secs.
When the 'Go' button is pressed, green:
LED3 in the front panel lights, and pulses are
fed into the counter chain. When either contestant's switch (Sla, S2a) is pushed, the
link between oscillator and counter is
broken and the counter will `hold' the
number of pulses that have entered i.e. time
in 100ths of a second.
At the same time Slb and/or S2b operate the Windicator' circuit comprising Q3
and Q4. Either one of the LEDs can lock on
turing off the other transistor, and so ensuring only one light can be on at any given
time - that corresponding to the first button
pushed. Diode Dl serves both as a voltage
dropper to bring Vcc down to a logic supply
level (5.4V) and also to prevent damage due
to supply reversal.

Fig. 1: Circuit Diagram of the Tester.

0
Ougazeme

einffla

offlaseffl

0043

rti`

P3 0
Fig. 2: PCB

foil pattern

- full

1:12

size.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

21

REACTION TESTER

Parts List
Resistors
R1-14, 23
R15, 18
R16, 17

R19,20
R21, 22

All 1/4W 5%

330R
3K3
68K
270R
39K

Capacitors

Cl,

0.1 uF minifoil etc.

Transistors

01,

BC109 or similar

Q3, 4
BC108 or similar
Diodes
D1 IN 4001 or equivalent
LED 1, 2 RED 0.2"
LED 3 GREEN 0.2"

Integrated Circuits
IC1, 2
7490
1C 3, 4
7447
NOTE: CMOS version uses Sintel
Module DB2 in place of IC1-4 and
displays. This is available as a complete
kit from Sintel price 10.94 inc. See ad.
in this issue.
Switches
SW1, 2
Double Pole ChangeoverPush On, Push Off.
SW3
Single Pole, Single ThrowPush to Break, non locking.
SW4,
Double Pole Changeovernon locking.
SW5
Single Pole, Single Throwrocker type.
Misc
I.C. sockets
Verobox 75-1413E
Verocase 65-2522K
Battery holder to suit
(Use 4 x HPII Alkaline version)
5 pin DIN 180 chassis skt
5 pin DIN 180 in -line plug
1m 4 core individual screened lead
Board spacers etc.

SW1a

S3.

LED 1 and 2 anode

LED 1 cathode
LED 2 cathode

PIN 3 DIN

Vcc from switch

SKT

SW1 b

contact

SW2b contact

OV

SW1b POLE
SW2b POLE
Fig 4. Component overlay.

PINS 5 and 2 DIN SKT

exactly when the circuit will fire the

LED Anyway we offer the idea for
experiment - no guarantees!
By speeding up the clock oscillator
to 1kHz, and adding a third 7490/
7447 stage, timings can be taken in
1/1000ths of a second, or up to 9.99
seconds, depending on which end you
add it! If anyone takes 9 seconds to
find the button - call the undertaker.
Many more ideas will undoubtedly
occur to the constructor - it is a case
of knowing where to stop, as the
actress

22

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

NEW YEAR VALUES

JiPi]

IP1Ii1E

from

Capacitive discharge

electronic ignition kits

atronics
including

AMATEUR RADIO BULK BUYING GROUP

LOW
COST
V.D.U.
* Smoother running
* Instant all-weather starting
* Continual peak performance
* Longer coil/battery/plug life
* Improved acceleration/top speeds
* Up to 20% better fuel consumption

THE KIT COMPRISES EVERYTHING NEEDED

Ready drilled pressed steel case coated in matt black epoxy resin, ready
drilled base and heat -sink, top quality 5 year guaranteed transformer
and components, cables, coil connectors, printed circuit board, nuts,
bolts, silicon grease, full instructions to make the kit negative or
positive earth, and 10 page installation instructions.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Electronic/conventional ignition switch.
Gives instant changeover from "Sparkrite." ignition to conventional
ignition for performance comparisons, static timing etc,, and will
also switch the ignition off completely as a security device, includes:
switch connectors, mounting bracket and instructions. Cables excluded.
Also available RPM limiting control for dashboard mounting
(fitted in case on ready built unit).
CALLERS WELCOME. For Crypton tuning and fitting service

Improve performance &economy NOW

Note: Vehicles with current impulse tachometers (Smiths code on dial R. V. 1) will
require a tachometer pulse -slave unit. PRICE 3.35.

2 METER
e

POWER

AMP
as described
SEPTEMBER
ISSUE
(page 19)

2 METER
POWER AMPLIFIER
Complete Kit to build this 40 watt power amplifier 19.15
Components available separately 1.25; 2N6084,
RG174/U
32p/m.
14.85; BAVIO,
12

pest

OukRiasta//anion
Noensyiemodfcatibn

required

t8."-lectronics Design Associates, Dept. ETI

2 Bath Street, Walsall, WS1 3DE. Phone: (0922 33652

Name

Address

coax,

etc. I.C.s

SL611C 2.24'
SL612C 2.24.
SL613C 3.85
SL621C 3.38
SL622C 8.30
SL623C 6.12
S L630C 2.11
SL640C 3.75
SL641C 3.75
SL78L06 99p
on all SL600 Devices are included in our Data
Catalogue (30p + 14p S.A.E.).

SIGNETICS/TEXAS TTL I.C.s

7400
7402
7403
7404
7406
7408
7410

18p
19p
19p
22p
37p
23p
19p

- ALL INCLUDING VAT -

7412
24p
7474
31p
74164
7420
19p
7475
37p
74174
7421
26p
7483
85p
74177
7427
29p
7486
32p
74180
7428
7490
29p
58p
74H00
7430
19p
7493
49p
74H04
7442
62p
74121
36p
74H10
Quantity discount: 25-99 less 10%; 100 + less 20%

1.10
1.08
1.10
1.06

33p
40p

35p

Send S.A.E. for full price list or 30p plus large 14p S.A.. for your
copy of our Data Catalogue. All prices include VAT at current
rates. Please note our minimum U.K. post and packing charge,
except where indicated, is 20p. EXPORT ORDERS welcomed
write for export price list.

Mk,

DIY Ass. Kit

Mk.

Ready Built Negative Earth

Mk.

Ready Built Positive Earth

Limit systems

E11.80

Ignition Changeover switches

16.R.P.M.

PCB

PLESSEY SL600,
SL610C 2.24
SL620C 3.38
SL624C 3.12
SL1496 1.05
Full data sheets

PRICES INCLUDE VAT, POST AND PACKING.

Tope

Sparkrite Mk. 2 is a high performance, high quality capacitive discharge,

electronic ignition system in kit form. Tried, tested, proven, reliable
and complete. It can be assembled in two or three hours and fitted in
15/30 mins.
Because of the superb design of the Spark rite circuit it completely
eliminates problems of the contact breaker. There is no misfire due to
contact breaker bounce which is eliminated electronically by a pulse
suppression circuit which prevents the unit firing if the points bounce
open at high R.P.M. Contact breaker burn is eliminated by reducing the
current to about 1/50th of the norm. It will perform equally well with
new, old, or even badly pitted points and is not dependent upon the
dwell time of the contact breakers for recharging the system. Spark rite
incorporates a short circuit protected inverter which eliminates the
problems of SCR lock on and, therefore, eliminates the possibility of
blowing the transistors or the SCR. (Most capacitive discharge ignitions
are not completely foolproof in this respect). All kits fit vehicles with
coil/distributor ignition up to 8 cylinders.

'phone(0922)33008.

All items available for this project.

Complete Kit at special price 57.00 + 75p p&p
Components also available separately
PCB set, 7.00;
2112-2, 4.50; 2513, 9.25; 555, 47p; 7400 series
see
below.
Mains transformer
2.75; Mains on/off switch, 68p;
Min. S.P. toggle switch, 54p; Min. push -to -make switch,
34p; High quality plastic case with aluminium front panel (as
illustrated in E.T.I. article), 4.45.

in above

enclose cheque/PO's

fore
@

COMMUNICATIONS HOUSE

14.97

14.97

Cheque No.

4.30
units @ 2.42

Send SAE if brochure

only required.'

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

DEPT.
751

20 WALLINGTON SQUARE

WALLINGTON, SURREY, SM6 8RG

Tel: 01-669 6700 (9 a.m, to 6 p.m.,

p.m. Sat.)

23

15

',,

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240 Watts!

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SUPPLIES

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TWO YEARS GUARANTEE ON ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS

I.L.P. Electronics Ltd

Crossland House

Please Supply
Total Purchase Price
Enclose Cheque E Postal Orders LI Money Order El
Please debit my Access account E Barclaycard account H
Account number
Name & Address
Signature
I

Nackington, Canterbury
Kent CT4 7AD
Tel (0227) 63218

LOW-COST METHODS FOR CONTACTING PEOPLE IN

BUILDINGS

PAGING BY
by
K.J Young
PAGING SYSTEMS in factories,
hotels and other large buildings can
minimise loss of time involved in
searching for people and can offer

considerable economies in the cost

of long-distance telephone calls.
Some existing paging systems make
use of audio public address systems, possibly interrupting music
already being distributed. Other
methods involve the carrying of
small transceivers linked to a central
point by radio or an inductive loop
(references 1, 2).
The scheme discussed here is a
visual one, which can have the
advantage of silent operation. It is
hence more unobtrusive and avoids
disturbing people whom the call
does not concern. It is also unaffected by ambient noise, which in
some factories may mask audio
messages. Moreover the call can be
displayed continuously until answered. The essence of the system is
that each person likely to be called
has a denary number or letter code
alloted to him, and any of these
codes, as appropriate can be
displayed visually at as many key
positions as may be required, by
means of wired control from a
central exchange or lobby. When a
person sees his number or letter
code displayed, he then goes to the
nearest internal telephone, or
reports to a pre -arranged position.

1111
larger models are about 4'/ein by
21in by 1'/ein. Many miniature
alphanumeric displays are now
available, the seven -segment type
operation at 5V now tending to
supersede the earlier 180V type
with a separate cathode for each
outline. The 5 -volt design eases
power supply problems, as the
same supply can be shared by the
associated TTL logic; on the other
hand for -long wiring runs, voltage
drop has to be allowed for. There is
evidence that decoder -drivers for 5V
are more reliable than for 180V.
Low-voltage L.E.D. displays have
some advantage over the earlier 5V
filament type. Several types are also
obtainable in clusters of several
digits and various strobing and
sequential -drive arrangements can
reduce the logic and interconnections needed per digit, as compared
with systems using a group of
separate digits. Electromagnetic

registers with up to 6 digits are

readily available for various voltages, count sequentially, afford the
simplest "carry' from one digit to
the next, and can have electrical
reset. They are also cheaper than
electronic indicators, but require,
rather heavy current pulses and in
general cause audible clicks. Some
more recent types give quieter
operation, e.g. they can be driven
by stepper motors and/or have
more refined methods of 'carry'.

WIRING
When we consider a scheme for
master digital display and several
slave displays distributed through a
building, an important factor is the
cost of the wiring.' Cost of cable
rises with the number of cores used
and current carried, also insulation
voltage, whilst installation cost
depends chiefly on the length and
a

DECODER

LATCH

DRIVER

COMPARATOR
(UNITSI

BCD

100 WI,

COUNTER

MI CAT

(UNITSI

BCD
THUMB
SWITC

CAR

INHIBIT

EEL

0-9

AND

DISPLAYS
It is necessary to decide how
large and bright the slave displays
of number or letter codes need to be'
at each position; they need not
necessarily all be of the same type,
provided they are compatible with
the system in use, and smaller
displays, such as miniature I.e.d.
indicators, can be used in small
rooms. If desired the visual display
can at certain locations be supplemented by an audio tone which
draws attention to it. There now
exist a wide choice of digital display
devices. Illuminated digits about
lin by lin are given by a small lens
system and lamp, the outlines being
advanced by the application of a
current pulse to a moving coil;

BCD
COUNTER

LATCH

BCD

FIRST
SLAVE

Fig.

1.

COUNTER

RC D
COUNTER

A numi-

cator-based
paging system.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

TO

SLAVE

COMPARATOR
TENSI

BCD

MUMBW
SWITCH

DECODER

UMICAT

DRIVER

(TENS)

LATCH

DECODER
DRIVER

LATCH

EEL

0-9

DECODER

DRIVER

-0

ADDITIONAL
UNITS

25

nature of the cable run, and

whether wiring has to be concealed;
the cost of concealment is much
less in a new building, or in one
already having ducts for other
telecommunication services (not fire
alarms), segregated from mains

wiring.
Broadly

speaking there is a
choice between sending a rapid
pulse -train to count from zero to the
number required when the master
controls are set, or alternatively
arranging for the slaves merely to
copy the central indication, without
going through all the intermediate
numbers. The former method fits in
more readily with the use of only

two

wires,

apart

from

power

supplies, between the master and

each slave, since to send BCD
numbers over two wires would call
for scanning and serial transmission. One possible method using
numicators for silent operation is
outlined in Fig. (see also ref. 3). In
this method, a muitivibrator or u.j.t.
pulse generator operates continuously, but drives the counters only
when the number displayed at all
locations differs from that set up on
1

central

denary

thumbwheel

switches. When no call is wanted,

the operator resets them to 0000,
000 or '00, depending on the
number of digits in use. Owing to

TONES
A system based on the transmission of audio tones simultaneously
over a single pair of wires may
commend itself owing to the low
wiring cost, assuming that independent power supplies are available at the master and at each slave.
Such a scheme might use, for
two digits, two binary -output
thumbwheel switches marked 0-9
at the master. Each position would
connect or disconnect one or more
of four audio oscillators, requiring a
total of 8 audio oscillators at the
master for two denary digits in the
display. The tones would be picked
up at each slave by eight tone
filter/detectors, for which modules
are now available, the outputs then
being decoded to control a two -digit
display by numicators or other
devices. Alternatively the decoding
could be omitted and each tone
filter/detector could turn on a
thyristor controlling a coloured
mains lamp. If desired the lamps
could also be numbered 1-8. In this
way (28-1) or 255 different codes
wold be available, compared with
only 99 by the BCD method. Such a
method is perhaps less readily.
comprehended by the viewer, but
,

of Dolby Laboratories Inc.

until the appropriate

number was displayed on counters
driven by the motors. The slave
motors would operate in synchronism and hence always display the
same number as the master; during
intervals of non-use, this would be
required

reset to

0000.

References
1.
Paging systems for power
station staff, Elect. Times, p.41-42,
16 July, 1971.
2. How to select the right system
when shopping for a pager, G. C.

Communications,
Gedney,
p.18-21, July, 1971.
3. Digital remote control system,
H. N. Griffiths, Wireless World, Vol.
76, no. 1414, p. 175-177, April,

1970.

Typical performance
reduction: better than 9dB
weighted.
Clipping level: 16.5dB above Dolby
Noise

Build your own Dolby system using this exclusive approved kit.
Featuring:

switching for both encoding (low-level h.f. compression) and decoding

a switchable f.m. stereo multiplex and bias filter
provision for decoding Dolby f.m. radio transmissions.
no equipment needed for alignment.
suitability for both open -reel and cassette tape machines.
check tape switch for encoded monitoring in three -head machines.
The kit includes

components for stereo processor.

-- complete
regulated power supply components.
sockets and push-button switches.
-.- fibreglass
-mounted
board designed for minimum wiring.
- solid mahogany cabinet, chassis, twin meters, front panel, knobs, mounting
set of

board

enables more persons to be catered

for, and the use of the higher -power
mains lamps might sometimes be
advantageous, particularly from the
point of view of saving on power
supplies.
Perhaps the simplest system
however is afforded by the use of
two stepping motors at the master
and at each slave, in an add -subtract mode, driving registers of the
required number of digits. The
central operator would have two
add and subtract,
push -buttons
and would press these alternately as

'B' NOISE REDUCTION KIT

DOLBY
Trademark

the speed of the count, only the

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level (measured at, 1% third harmonic

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Harmonic distortion 0.1% at Dolby
level typically 0.05% over most of
band, rising to a maximum of 0.12%.
Signal-to-noise ratio: 75dB (20Hz to
20kHz, signal at Dolby level) at

Monitor output.
Dynamic Range

> 90dB.

30mV sensitivity.

DIN

PRICE: 37.90

+ VAT

screws and nuts.

Dolby level cal. tapes are available for open -reel use and for cassette (specify which)

Price 2.00+VAT'

Please add VAT at 121/2% unless marked thus', when 8% applies

We guarantee full after -sales technical and servicing facilities on all our kits

Ate
I ewe

MAhem

High performance Tuner -Amp and Tuners available.

Please send SAE for complete lists and specifications

INTEGRER LTD.
26

Portwood Industrial Estate, Church Gresley

Burton -on -Trent, Staffs. D E 11 9PT
Burton -on -Trent (0283) 215432. Telex 377106
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

TCH OFFER
ETI

it

A gold plated, LED display 5 function watch

,the VERY spacial price of 16.97 inclusive of VAT, postage
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As welt as hours/minutes (with AM /PM indicator),
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" Two years cover
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fora Digital Watch
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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

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notepaper.

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>:

27

ELECTRONICS IN

NORTH SEA OIL

TV AND PRESS reports on the North Sea Oil
boom have always concentrated on the heavy
mechanical engineering aspects of the industry,
with shots of enormous oil rigs, welders at work
with sparks flying and gigantic dry docks carved
out of the Scottish shoreline. The fact of the
matter is, though, that most industries today rely
heavily on the 'modern miracles' of electronics and
oil exploration (and production) is no exception.
So in this article we shift emphasis from the
gargantuan aspects of multi -thousand ton steel'

skeletons to the (in comparison) tiny, mic

miniature electronics behind the scenes.
The North Sea is full of electronic equipment

from; communications equipment to computers,':

The oil boom has brought with is
,information boom
data has to be analysed
quickly, messages have to be sent at high speed for
urgent parts and a vast support organization is
marshalled behind each rig. Reliability is the
keynote; each rig has thousands of pumps, valves
and meters which require monitoring and control,
since a failure could be very expensive.
One recent application of electronics is of
particular interest. Burmah Oil Development
wanted to sink a 700 ft. high oil platform in the
Thistle 'A' field, and obviously, when something
that 'large and,-heavy is sunk, it has to be done in
such 'a way- that the stresses and strains on the
structure are kept to the absolute minimum. In
ition, the platform has to be sunk in the right
and.preferably first time!

foie,

THE NORTH SEA IS BEING CONQUERED

BY
ENGINEERS
IN
SEARCH OF ENERGY -- AMONGST
THEM ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS.
LES BELL REPORTS:

A consortium of British companies

SEATEK was contracted to
supply all the control equipment, and
organize just how the operation
would be done. SEATEK comprises
EMI Electronics Ltd., Hawker Siddely Dynamics Ltd., and R.&H. Green
and Silley Wier Ltd., each of whom
supplied special skills and abilities.
The project started out with the
development of computer simulation
equipment and software, which enabled engineers to try out various techcalled

niques without the danger of any

physical damage, so that they could
end up with a very good idea of
how the rig would behave when it
came to the actual operation. Later, in
the period before the rig was towed
out, the simulation equipment was
used to train the key operators who
would sit at the controls during the
operation, in a similar way to the
training of pilots in simulators.
The rig itself was fitted out with a
nervous system of sensors linked by
cables to a 120 -ton, 80ft. long tower
placement control module, which
can be seen at the top of the platform
on the opposite page. The sensors
continuously monitored the status of
tank levels, control valves, pressure
switches and platform attitude. During
the five day tow -out this information
was received and displayed on board
the lead tug. On August 10th 1976,
the platform was in position 250
miles north of Shetland.
On
board the command vessel
'ORCA' was a 30 ton, 30ft. long
module containing the remote control
consoles, computer and event recording equipment. From this module the
deployment commander directed the
entire up -ending operation. This was
achieved by controlled flooding of the
ballast tanks in the main legs of the
platform to turn it through 90 degrees
and control its descent to the sea bed.
The control module continuously

monitored signals

from sensors

Fig. 2. The platform

finally in position.

been lifted and moved again

under remote control.
BIG BUSINESS
As an indication of the kind of investment necessary for oil exploration,
take a look at the latest IBM add-on
for their 370/158 and /168 computers.
The 3838 array processor is just the
gadget required by geophysicists to
have

identify

potential oil-bearing form ations, which requires some very fast

and very complex mathematics indeed.
As an example, the machine can execute a 1024 -point Fast Fourier Transform in 2.95 milliseconds. The smallest version of this device will set you
back about 500,000 and the top -line
model around 650,000!

Fig. 3. A master'seye
a rig derrick.

view of

all

over the rig, such as acoustic sensors

fitted on the structure to measure the
depth of water under each leg, and
transmitted these over a two-way
data
link to the 'ORCA'. 200
platform status indications, 60 analogue indications and 150 control
signals were transmitted over this link
which was based on an EMI 'System

36'.
Special projects like this one can
present a stiff challenge to industry
as oil companies demand high levels
of performance, high reliability, and,
most difficult of all, they demand
these things fast. Every hour of delay
can cost thousands of pounds. Fortunately, in this case SEATEK were able
to operate to a very short timescale
and sank the platform in the right

position first time, although it could

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

29

ELECTRONICS IN NORTH SEA OIL

LOADING
One interesting application of electronics in the North Sea is, believe
it or not, in the control of cranes for
loading and unloading supplies for rigs
at sea. The North Sea is not a particularly hospitable place,and controlling a
crane hook is difficult enough on
land
it becomes well nigh impossible
at sea. As the ship rises and falls in the
swell, the crane driver has to use all
his skill in lowering the hook for
shackling and then in judging the right

moment to
is
process
dangerous.

lift

the load. The whole

both
difficult and

The KM Load Transfer System

manufactured by Ferranti simplifies
the whole procedure. In the Manual
mode, the crane behaves like any other
but when switched to Auto, it automatically follows the heaving of the
ship. In addition, there is a unit moun-

reap the maximum profit on their

products, and in order to do this they
have to know, accurately, just how
much oil or gas they are producing as
it flows through a pipeline. Daniel
Industries, a Texas company, manufacture computer -controlled metering
systems at their factory at Larbert,

near Falkirk.

At the heart of their fluid metering

system, shown in Fig. 5, is the Daniel
a propeller -like
turbine flow meter
device that is inserted into the fluid
flow during a tanker or other loading
operation. The turbine rotates as the
fluid flows over it, and by measuring
its speed of rotation, which is proportional to the fluid flow rate, and
combining this measurement with
others such as fluid temperature,
pressure, density, etc., a value for the
mass of fluid flowing through during a
given time can be determined.

munication services. When exploration

standard ship -to -shore radiotelephone services were used, and
these were later expanded to telex
links. Today the main communications
link for both speech and data is tropospheric scatter. Probably, before long,
there will be a move to satellite
communications.
The type of equipment and communications mode used will depend on
the distance of the rig or ship from the
shore, the type of service required
(voice, data, telex) and whether or not
Home Office Regulations permit operation. The size and complexity of the
equipment can vary from a small transceiver for the HF marine band to an
troposcatter
extremely
complex
station costing anything up to 1M.
Much ship -to -shore communication
is in the 1.6 to 4.2 MHz marine band
using single sideband. Propagation on
began,

metering system.
'plumbing' of an oil metering system on the

Fig. 4. (above). The control console of a

Fig. 5. (right). The

Ekofisk centre

ted on the hook with a rope suspended

from it to the deck. When this rope is
pulled the hook lowers, and when it
is released the hook lifts. Once the
load has been shackled and the rope
released, the hook automatically rises
until the hoist cable is taut with a
tension of around 1000 lbs. This then
initiates the collection of heave statistics by a computer to predict the
best instant for lift-off. The driver
simply pulls his joystick fully back,
but nothing happens until the ship's
deck reaches its maximum height and
then starts to drop. The load is then
automatically lifted as fast as possible,
and the system reverts to the manual
mode.
To deposit a load onto the deck of a
supply vessel, the crane driver simply
places the toad at the right position
slightly above the maximum height
of the deck. The load then automatically descends very slowly until it
comes into contact with the deck,
whereupon the system releases the
load, and the hook can be unshackled.

OIL AND GAS METERING

Naturally enough, the oil companies,
having spent millions of pounds on
exploration and drilling, are eager to
30

The 'brain' of the control console,

(see Fig.4), is

ComputerAutomation

ALPHA LSI-2 minicomputer which

performs several functions. It controls
the sampling of the various parameters
and performs the complex calculations
necessary to obtain an accurate figure
for the flow rate. In addition, by

communicating with the minicomputer through a Teletype terminal, the

station operator can control all phases
of a tanker loading operation from
start-up, through meter calibration to
termination and the production of
printed reports relevant to that tanker
load.

mainly by ground wave by

it is over sea, (salt water
is a beautiful earth!), the path loss is
only slight. However, at night, the
reflective layers of the ionosphere
move up, and due to the lengthening
of skip, all hell breaks loose as Continental and other distant stations come
this band

is

day and since

PIPELINES
RADIO LINKS

STAT FJORD

'

FIELD

Lerwick

Calibration of the oil flow through

the turbine meter is carried out in a
in essence an accurproving section
ately known volume (the U-tube in the
foreground in Fig.5). The computer
activates valves to divert the fluid flow
through the proving section and the

fluid flow is measured between the

times of entering and leaving the
section to give an accurate flow rate
figure.
COMMUNICATIONS
With so many rigs, platforms and
supply ships in the North Sea, there is
a tremendous demand for radio corn-

berdeen
EKOFISK CENTRE

Res

side

_Batton

riQ

Emden

This map shows the location of oil metering

stations in the North

Seal."

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

up in strength. The 3.5MHz amateur

band is shared with maritime services
and during daylight hours one can
quite often come across oil rig
stations. Facilities for this system are
installed at the Post Office Coastal
Radio Stations at Humber, Ilfracombe,
Stonehaven and Wick.
Telex facilities can be used over this
type of link with as many as 15
channels of telex on one frequency.
Where graphical information has to be
transmitted, e.g. maps or logging
details from exploration rigs, facsimile
transmission can be used. Error -

correcting equipment can be used to

'clean up' the signal to obtain the
high quality required.
In addition, communication has to
be maintained with nearby supply
vessels and helicopters using
VHF
AM and FM channels. Another requirement is for communication between
work parties on a rig, or from a rig
to supply ship at close range. This is
usually achieved using hand-held
'walkie-talkies', or in some cases, using
paging systems and public address

Fig. 6. A frame from the videotape of the wreck of the 'Mary Rose' taken by the MUT/BP
Stage II camera using no artifical lighting. The protruding object in the centre of the frame is
a trenail which is a wooden peg used by Tudor shipwrights to hold the planks of the
ship
together. The trenail is protruding about 31/2in.

systems.

TROPO
There is

requirement for unattended

and highly automated platforms to

transmit vast amounts of computer

data back to shore stations. For this

type of communications link, VHF has
proved to be most reliable, but will
not operate out to the newer platforms which are beyond 'line -of -sight'
propagation.
The Tropospheric scatter mode used
to overcome this utilises highly
directional beam aerials to concentrate
signals at the horizon in the direction
of the receiving station. About 2 to 3
miles up, the signals hit the troposphere and are scattered and redirected
back to earth where high gain, highly
directional aerials are used to pick
up the small field -strength of the
signal. Because of their greater band-

Fig. 7. This camera is

similar to the one

which produced Fig. 6.

width capability, these signals can

carry increased amounts of data, either
computer data or extra channels of
voice or telex.

small bone -conduction microphone

behind the diver's ear so that the
surface controller can direct the diver
to make sure the results he is obtaining
are suitable for the required purpose,
and the diver can give a running
commentary on his activities.
Three options are available: the
standard unit uses a regular vidicon
tube for use in good light conditions,
btt for deeper work a version with a
silicon diode tube is available. A third
tube
the Silicon Intensified Target
(SIT) tube
is suitable for very deep
work over 100 feet in the North Sea
where there is very little available
light; an example of the quality of this
tube is given in Fig.6. This is taken
a

UNDERWATER TV
Inspection of underwater structures is
a job that has to be done by divers
it's not really on to train an engineer
to dive to do an inspection. How,
then, can the engineer get enough
information to enable him to assess
what repairs or modifications may be
necessary? The answer lies in the use
of underwater TV cameras by divers.
Recently, Marine Unit Technology
Ltd. have cooperated with BP to
produce the MUT/BP Stage II camera.
This camera may be either diver -held
or used remotely. When used by a
diver there is a two-way communications link between diver and surface via

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

from

videotape made during a survey

Mary Rose in the
10ft. of mud in
deep. The divers
about 3 to 5ft.
during the time the survey was carried
out, and conditions were far too severe
for a conventional underwater camera
to be used even with artificial lighting.
On the surface, there is a control
unit comprising a television monitor,
microphone and loudspeaker, which is
specially ruggedised for North Sea
conditions. The controller can also
remotely control a zoom lens on the
camera, so that all the diver has to
do is point the camera where he is
a

of the wreck of the

Solent. It is under
waters about 40ft.
had a visibility of

told!
31

eti

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TOP PROJECTS No. 2

ELECTRONICS

26 popular projects reprinted from ETI, first

published in July 1975. Circuits include.
50W stereo amp, Spring Line Reverb Unit,
Add-on SQ Decoder, FET 4-Channel Mixer,
Rumble Filter, Super-stereo, Audio Watt-

EASY. Vol.

- IT'S

The first thirteen parts of our very successful

series produced in a 100 page book form.

take the reader through the

introduction to electronics and up to
Operational Amplifiers.
These

meter, Linear IC Tester, Logic Probe, IC

Power Supply, Ignition Timing Light, Car
Theft Alarm, Battery Charger, High Power

Strobe, LM380 Circuits, Temperature

Alarm, Tape Slide Synchroniser, Ni -Cad
Battery Charger, Digital Stopwatch plus

1.20 +20p P&P

more and several pages of Tech -Tips.

75p+20p

P&P

TtIAtPICATC1I
IACATTIM{ETiR1::

TOP PROJECTS No. 3

(ELECTRONICS

Originally published in March 1976, Top

Projects No. 3 contains 27 constructional
projects including Graphic Equaliser,
International 25W Stereo Amp, Simple
Stereo, New Sound for your Guitar, Bass
Booster, Line Amplifier, Loudness Control,
Electronic Ignition. Tacho Timing Light, Car
Alarm, Dual -Beam Adaptor. AF Meter,
Impedance Meter, Digital Display, Digital
Voltmeter, TTL Supertester, Fluorescent
Light Dimmer, Radar Intruder Alarm, Light
Dimmer, FM Tuner, Colour Organ, Drill
Speed Controller plus many more.

1.00+20p

The "middle -third" of the series introduces

the reader to more sophisticated techniques
and includes power supplies, waveforms,
filters and logic systems.

1.20 +20p P&P

P&P

ELECTR

TOP PROJECTS No. 4

TOW,s

Available at your newsagents or from ETI

direct. Published October 1976. This

includes

Sweet -Sixteen

Stereo

Amp,

Waa-Waa, Audio Level Meter, ExpanderCompressor, Car Anti -Theft Alarm, Head-

light. Reminder, Dual -Tracking Power

Supply, Audio Millivoltmeter, Thermocou-

ETI

4600 SYNTHESISER

A complete reprint of our superb synthesiser

design, published with Maplin Electronics
(who also supply the parts). This reprint will
also be of interest to those not specifically
wanting to build the unit as the circuitry is
highly original and is in fact patented by
ETI

1.50+20p

ple Meter, Intruder Alarm, Touch Switch,

Push-Button Dimmer, Exposure Meter,
Photo Timer, Electronic Dice, High Power
Beacon, Temperature Controller, Electronic
One -Armed Bandit plus many more.

1.00+20p

- IT'S

'EASY. Vol. 2

P&P

P&P

MI
rnrsplin

ETI CIRCUITS No.

Just published and available from your

newsagent as well as from us direct is this
new concept in Specials. ETI Circuits No.
contains over 200 circuits, largely based
on the Tech-Tips section and Data Sheet but
great care has been taken to index each
circuit carefully to enable rapid selection.
This publication is likely to be regarded as a
bible by the experimenter for not only does
it contain complete circuits but also ideas
and circuit sub -assemblies.
1

1.50+20p

lectronc suppusl

P&P

COMING

SOON...

OK, you win. We've now spent such a fortune in stamps returning cheques etc
that we're reprinting it.
for people begging for ETI TOP PROJECTS No
1

Originally introduced in October 1974, we sold over 35,000 before supplies

became exhausted about a year ago. Contents will be virtually identical (but no
advertisements).

HOW TO ORDER
Send your order listing carefully the Specials you require. Postage and
packing must be included, 20p for the first, 15p for subsequent issues
(overseas 25p and 20p for subsequent issues). All payments must be in
Sterling. Send to:
ETI SPECIALS

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL

25-27 OXFORD STREET
LONDON W1R 1RF

32

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

ShORT

circuits
PftTCII

This new series will describe straightforward projects but they are not necessarily
simple in their operation or aimed at the
beginner. We plan to carry between two
and four such projects each month.

DETECTOR

THERE IT STANDS: gleaming. On

the surface, a secondhand car in really
good nick but think! Modern materials, especially resin body filler and a
quick blow -over with the spray gun
can make a rusty heap look like a new
car.

Our Patch Detector will quickly

areas of the body -work which
have been filled
or even patched
with aluminium.
Only a handful of components are
used. The key to the operation is the
transistor output transformer; we used
the best known, the LT700 in our
prototype but we tried other types
and all worked.
It is necessary to modify the transformer. First remove the shroud over
the laminations. Then, using a pair of
fine -nosed pliers carefully remove the
laminations, These are held together
by wax: the first lamination may be

find

-Parts list
Ql
R1
Cl

Transistor BC108 etc

Resistor 47k 1/4W
Capacitor 0.11..F disc ceramic etc

C2
C3

0.0181.F

100/1F 12V electrolytic

Transformer LT700
Earphone: 81L type, 3.5mm jack plug
Earphone socket, 3.5mm
PCB to design shown
Vero box type "HAND HELD BOX"
Battery: PP3 and Battery clip
Total cost, inclusive of Box and VAT
about 2.00

Tl

-h

oW it woks

The circuit is a Hartley oscillator using

an LT700 as the inductor. The primary

of Tl

is tuned by C2 and feedback is

avoided by Cl. The secondary of Ti
connects via the socket/switch to the
earphone.
Due to the modification of the transformer, when metal is brought near to
the open end of the E laminations this
alters the inductance of the primary and
consequently the frequency of the note
produced.
Cl, C2 and R1 all affect the note
produced and as long as Rl is not
reduced below 33k, these may be
modified to give the desired frequency.
Current drain from the battery will be
between 5 and 10mA.

Fig. 3. PCB

foil pattern

- full size.

TO EARPHONE SOCKET
+VE
FROM BATTERY

Ti
MODIFIED LT700

SOLDERED
TO PINS ON BOARD

(FOR SUPPORT)

Fig.

1.

Circuit diagram of the detector.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Fig. 2. Component overlay.

33

Short Circuits

Fig.

Internal view of our Patch Detector. Note

how the transformer fits through a hole cut in
the short end of the case.

4: The wiring and modifications to the

earphone socket

tricky to remove but thereafter ycu

won't have any difficulty. The laminations in the LT700 (and the others
we tried) are E shaped with a bar
enclosing the exposed end, they are
layed alternately.
When all the laminations have been
removed reassemble them all the same
way round to form an E. Fit this back
into the transformer and replace the
shroud.
We used one of the new "HANDHELD" Vero boxes and built a small
PCB to hold the components. The
transformer can't fit directly onto the
PCB so two thick wires are soldered
to the shroud, these in turn are
soldered to the PCB, this effectively
stands the transformer away from the
board.
A hole is necessary on the short
end of the plastic box to take the

transformer's face; the open ends of

the E should face out.
The circuit is simple and will only
be used with an earphone so an on -off
switch will only complicate matters.
Instead the switch section of the earphone socket is bent so that it
switches on when the earphone is
inserted.
A PP3/VT3 battery will fit nicely
across the long end of the box if one
of the plastic buttresses on the pillar
and two pips inside the same area are
cut away.
The circuit is really a simple metal

locator. In free air an audio tone is

heard but when run along the body of
a car the note is lower. When filler is
encountered the note rises: even
aluminium causes note change. There
is no danger of the unit scratching the
paintwork as the only thing to touch
the bodywork is the soft plastic of the
transformer's former.
A change in note can be detected
when sheet steel is about 10mm
(318in) from the laminations. Greater
sensitivity is not an advantage
incidentally.

HEftDS 011 TAILS

THE MULTIVIBRATOR IS ONE OF
most commonly -used circuit
the
blocks in electronics
especially in
digital circuitry. And the multivibrator
forms the basis of this 'head or tails'
project.
The multivibrator is a basic form of
square -wave oscillator which in our
design runs at about 700Hz whenever
the push-button is pressed. When the
button is released the oscillator will
stop and the circuit will assume one of
the two possible stable states. Either
Q1 will be conducting and 02 will be
cut off, or 02 will be conducting and
131 will be cut off. Whichever transistor is conducting draws enough
current down through the resistor and
the light -emitting diode (in series with
its collector) to cause the LED to
light.
Notice that the circuit is symmetrical and that the two transistors are
cross -coupled between their collectors
and bases (via R3, Cl and R4, C2). If
corresponding components on each
side are matched there is equal probability of either transistor being on

SW1

34

LEDI

r PUSH
BUTTON

LED2

9V
BATTERY

RV1

47k
R1

R2

390R

47k

R3

47k

1.%

Q1

Fig 1: The circuit

of our Heads -or-Tails unit.

pressed. However,
electronic components do not have
exactly the values they are supposed
to have so it is necessary to include
potentiometer RV1 to adjust for
is

47k

R6

390R

T
i

47k

BC108
e

BC 108

when the button

R5
R4

Alternatively it
equal probability.
may be useful to maladjust RV1 so
that the effect of bias on the results
can be assessed.
When either Q1 or Q2 is on, as said
before, the associated LED will be on

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Internal view of the completed unit.

R2

To

PB1
FI

Parts List
R1

Resistor
Resistor
Resistor

._

R5
390R

Vow 5%

47k 1/4w 5%
390R Vsw 5%
Potentiometer
47k trim
22nF polyester
Capacitors
BC108
Q12
Transistors
LED 1,2 Light emitting diodes (large type)
P.B.1
Press to make
On/off switch
S.W.1
Battery PP3
clip
Battery
R2-5
R6
RV1
C1,2

VI

Q1

Aluminium box 4 x 2 x 11/2in.

Total cost, inclusive of box and VAT: about
2.00

To Battery
SW1

Fig. 3: The component overlay.

Fg. 2: The PCB layout. Full size 50 x 4Omm.

-fioW it works
This circuit may be considered as a multi vibrator, when the button is pressed, and as
a flip flop when the button is released. If
initially we consider the circuit with R2,
R5, Cl and C2 deleted we have a standard
flip flop. If Ql is on, it robs current from
the base of Q2, thus turning it off.
Transistor Ql will be held on by the current
through R6 and R4. However, if Q2 is on,
the reverse is the case. Thus only one of the
transistors can be on at any time - never
both.
The addition of R2, R5 and Cl, C2, will
not alter the above, providing the push
button is not pressed. However if the button
is pressed the current through R2 and R5
will try to turn on both transistors.
Take the case where initially Ql is on
and Q2 is off. The voltage on the collector
of Q1 will be about 0.5 volts and the voltage
on Q2 collector, about seven volts. We
therefore have about 6.4 volts across C2 (as
the base of Ql is at about 0.6 volts). When
the button is pressed Q2 will turn on and its
collector will drop to 0.5 volts.
However a capacitor cannot instantly
change its voltage and the base of Ql will

-ve

therefore be forced to -5.9 volts which

turns off the transistor. Capacitor C2 then
discharges via R2 and R4 until the base voltage is again at +0.6 volts when Ql will turn
on again. This however forces the base of
Q2 to -5.9 volts (due to Cl) thus turning
Q2 off. This process continues back and
forth until the push button is released. The
circuit then stops in the state it was at the
instant of releasing the button.
To add bias to the circuit RV1 can be
adjusted to change the discharge time of Cl
or C2 by up to 50%. In this case the two
transistors will not be on for equal times
and the results will be biased towards one
side.
LEDs are included in the collector
circuits of each transistor to indicate which
transistor is on. If, for display purposes,
a slower-running unit is required the values
of Cl and C2 may be increased. If both are
10 microfarad electrolytic capacitors the
rate will be about 1.5 seconds. Make sure if
electroytics are used that the positive
terminal is connected to the collector

of the transistor.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

and this gives us our 'heads' or 'tails'

Indication. When the button is pressed,
however, the LEDs are switched on
and off alternately at a rate of 700Hz.
The switching cannot, of course, be
seen due to the limited flicker frequency response of the eye. Both
LEDs will therefore appear to be
illuminated.
CONSTRUCTION

The unit can be assembled onto a

small printed -circuit board such as that
illustrated..
The main points to watch are that
the transistors are correctly orientated
and that the LEDs are the correct way
around.
The unit should be thoroughly
checked a transistor or LED can be
destroyed if it is wrongly connected.
Double-check the battery connection
a reversed battery can also destroy
semiconductors.

35

Short Circuit

SCR TESTER
ARE INCREASINGLY being
for power control in mains
circuitry (e.g. sound -to -light converters
and drill speed controllers) and also in
SCRs
used

battery circuits (e.g. flash triggers).

Testing any semiconductor can be a
bit of a bind if you have to breadboard
a test set-up to do the job, so that
there are now many circuits available
for transistor testers. Now, here's a
simple SCR tester which will give an
instant indication of a faulty device.
CONSTRUCTION
As can be seen from the circuit
there are only a handful of components but we opted to mount most of
these onto a small tag -board; there are
almost as many components on the
front panel, however.
SCRs come in a variety of encapsulations; the small ones are usually in
T05 cans and a socket is fitted to the
front panel to accept these directly.
Other types are not suitable for plugging in so the connections to the socket
are taken to three sockets into which
extension leads with croc clips can be
plugged.

DEVICE UNDER TEST

P/B

LED1

LED2

(GREEN)

(RED)

o
1

R2

1002
5W
W/W

T1

240V/20 -25V
300mA

D1

1N4001

R1

1o0SE

%w

Cl
0.1F

NEON
E

Fig. 1: Circuit

of the SCR

Tester.

-I1oW it works
On switch on, assuming a good SCR, there is
approximately 20V AC across the SCR, but
it does not conduct so that with no current

flowing through R2, no volts are dropped

across it, hence neither LED will light. When
P/B1 is pressed, thyristor gate current will
flow, and the thyristor will turn on when
the anode is positive with respect to the
cathode. Thus, for half of each cycle,
current will flow through R2, so that LED1
will light up.
If both LEDs light up, this means that
the SCR is conducting both ways, i.e.
internally short circuiting. If neither LED
lights up, when PB1 is pressed, the SCR has
failed open circuit.

-Parts list
T1
NEON

240V -25V .3A MIN TRANS

240V TYPE

160V
1N4001
100R
'/2W
100R
W/W
5w
i/4W
R3, 4
1k2
LED 1
GREEN
TIL 209 TYPE
LED 2
RED
TIL 209 TYPE
Push to test type
PB 1
OFF/ON mains toggle
SW1
TO5 Transistor test socket, wander sockets,
mains cable, RS miniature tag board. feet.

Cl

0.1./..F

D1
R1
R2

Aluminium

case (6

3/8"

x 2

7/8"

(162 x 73 x 48mm) H. L. Smith.

2 Vero 1/2" stand off pillars.
Nuts and bolts.
Approx. Price 5.00.

36

7/8")

The

completed unit is built into

strong aluminium box.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

20-3V
FROM T1
RED

LED2
I

K)

GREEN
LED I
IKI

(Al

CATHODE
TEST SOCKET

ANODE
TEST SOCKET

GATE TEST
SOCKET

VIA

PB

Test gear tends to be mishandled

and a nice strong aluminium case is
advisable in view of the propensity of
small test gear to disappear under piles
of components at the back of the

workbench.
In a no-go condition, both LEDs.
will light under a short-circuit condition so don't be misled by the green
light being on.

OPERATION
1. Insert SCR.
2. Switch on. If either or both LEDs
The

to a

TTLs by TEXAS 7465. 134

7400
17p
7486
36p
7401
18p
7489 291p
7402
7490
18p
433
1p
7491
7403
Blp
7404
7492
55p
25p
7493
43p
7405
25
7494
l3
7406
45p
7495
7407
70p
3p
7408

22p

7496

7409
7410

22p

7412

27p
3p
0p
34p
34p

7497 291p
74100 116p
74104 60p
74105 32p
74107 32p
74109 %p
74110 18p
74116 2163
74118 %p
74120 1303
74121
32P
74122 52p

74116p
26p
7413
7414

7416
7417

7420
7421
7422

7423
7425
7427
7428
7430

18 p

43p
24p
403

73 p
75
753

1p

Blp

74126
74132
74136
74141

3O14
5361
709

74194
74195
74196
74197
74198
74199

741

7p
96p

120p
120p
2143
220p

C-MOS

84p

33p74123

74191 1563
74192 130p
74193 7303

19p

4001

p
1p
12P
67p
673
19p
19p
90p

4002
4006
4007
4009
4011

4012
4013
4015

SOp

4016

4017
4018

54
1T

09
247p

13022

4023
4024
4025
4026
4027
4028
4029

00p
P
100p
19p
200p

4030

59p

30p
32p
32p
18p
75p

74150

809
300p
753
173p
155p

7442

75p
718p

74151
74153

77P
923

1,63

74154 1643

4042

1503

90p

74155

4043

74156
74157
74160
74161
74162
74163
74164
74166
74167
74174
74175
74176
74177
74180
74181
74182
74185
74150

218p

90p
81p
85p
20p
20p
20p
20p
32p
303
34p
36p
48p
34p
54p
103p
75p
97p
1033

370p

4046
4047
4049
4050
4054
4055
4056
4060
4069

1313

4071

7443
7444
7445

7446
7447
7448
7451

7453
7454
7460
7470
7472
7473
7474
7475
7476
7480
7481
7482

7483
7484

74142
74145
74148

96p

%p
973
1189
115p
116p
116p
130p
138p

92p
131p
120p
120p
322p
89p
146p
1553

4072
4081

4082
4510
4511

4516
4518
4528

87

152pD

130p

0p
1103
68p
50p
130p
140p
145p
1303
Sop
29p
29p
193
293
142p
200p
140p
120p
1303

Fixed -Plastic 3 Terminals

Amp +ve
5V 7805
12V 7812
15V 7812
18V 7818
24V 7824

ve

LM309K

150p

7905

15Op

7912
7915
7918
7924
T03
705

1503
150p
lSOp
Amp
100m

5V
5V
12V

TBA6256
VARIABLE

0 SA

TO5

IntDu

215p
215p
2153
215p
2153
154p
973
106p

45p

14pin DIL

123
13p

16 pin
24 pin

14 pin OIL

14

115p

40161

75p0

AF 115

260p

AF116
F116

8/14
8/14

pm OIL
pin DIL
14 pin DIL
8/14 pm DIL
TO 99
8 pin DIL
8 pin OIL

Dual 741
Ext. Comp.

3130
3140

3900

Amp
Dual Op Amp
CMOS Op. Amp
BIMOS/FET input
Quad Op Amp.
Pr

Op.

8 pin DIL

TRANSISTORS
C126
20p
60126
203
20p
AC127
18 p
C128
AC176
20p
AC187
25p
AC187K
25p
AC188
25p

CA3046A
CA3046
CA3053
C3053
CA3080
03089E
08038A0
10L80300
LM380N
LM381 N
M252
MC1310P
MC1351P
MC3340P
MFC40006
NE540L
9E555V
NE566
5E561
NE5620

DM Cascade Amp
5 Transistor Array

Amp
Dill Cascade Amp.
FOpM Transcend Amp
4

Noise

140
543

TOS/DIL

F05/8

Stereo

OIL

16 pin

2W Audio Amp
Stereo Pre Amp
Rhythm Generator
FM NStereo Decoder
Pre

amp

Electronic Anenuator
'4W Audio Amp
Aud Pwr Driver
Timer

14 pm OIL

96566V
96567V

PLL Fun. Gen.

PLL Tone Decoder

16 pin DIL
14 pm DIL
a pin DIL

25p

05760335
744621A
T446616 FM/IF Amp. Lim /Det.
T846418
Audio Amp
TBA800
SW Audio Amp

OIL

OIL
OIL
OIL

Audio Amp.
2W Audio Amp
20W Audio Amp.
71N

OIL
OIL

TDA2020
Pros. Timer/Counter
082240
TRF Rode Receiver
09414
OpTO E-- T

16 pin DIL

1018

255777

503

LDRs

09112

TIL32Infrared

bop

75p
ORP60
0P61
753
SEVEN SEGMENT DISPLAYS
3015E
16Op
DL704

75491

Se

2513 Character Generator

2112 R A

02''
Red

Green

yellow
DL747

32p
7603
2503

75492

1043

707

ROM

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

8503
450p

255401

11p

256107

1p
60p

296247

RECTIFIER
85126
31p
12p
8X126

BRIDGE
RECTIFIERS
14 50V 27p
100V 273
16 400V 31p
1A 600V 37p
50V 37
37p
2A
100V
4A 4100V 55p
6A 100V 75p
6A 50V 78p
6A 100V 78p
6A 200V 84p0
6A 400V 903

BFR394O

34p

25698

81979
81880
81688

34p
34p
34p
37p
30p
30p
30p

25698
29706

2998

25p
25p
32p
22p
22p

12p14

62pBY727

194001
194002
194004
194005
154007

70p
175p

253051)

296292

170p

296292
40360

433

6
6p
7p
7p
Bp

BC

15p15
139293823
15255457

BC147

80148
8C149
BC157

80158
80159

BCX71
130124
BD131

BD132

80135
80136
80139
6E167
01173

BFX3O

29918
29113
251131
251104
251304

40361
40362
40410

19p
20p

1FEU
OpMPF

107/8 Op
8010/B lOp
60109/0 lip

90178
BC179
8C182
BC163
8C184
BC187
BC212
BC213
BC214
BC478
8C547
BC557
BCY70

78p
29p

30p

34p
65p
62p

81088
81x88

16p
323
81p

BF258

34p
39p

71593
ZTX108
ZX300
ZTX500
27X

2952961

BFX86

80140
8F115
EDS
111209 Red
Ti12;1 Green

254403
295296

42p

BCt77

88p
85p
30p

43p
4p

BC171
BC173
BC173

wircu

173
19p
40p

1113055

F139
F239

2003

150p
300p
100p
125p
100p
375p
400p
140p

TIP42C
1113055

BF2572A
llp

AF

4253
425p

8 pin OIL
OIL
200p
Dual
16
OIL
400p
Diff. Comparator
14 pin OIL
54p
Video Amp
14 pin DIL
150p
275p
Aud Pwr Amp with inl. HS 16 pin DIL
10W Amp in 8 ohms
5 pin Plastic 280p
Aud Pwr Amp with inl HS 16 pmn DIL
175p1
Aud Pwr Amp. with let HS 16 pn DIL 175p
Aud Pwr Amp with int HS 16 pin OIL
275p
Aud Amp for TV
OIL
270p

30p
13p

81X84

40p801690

8 Pm OIL

PLL with AM Demod.

PLL with VCO

NE565

TBA810
T134820

97p0

16 pin DIL

Decoder

VCO Fun. Gen.

Um/De1Aud

IL

250P
5003
DIL.
370p
14 pin DIL
175p
14 pin DIL
1753
16 pin OIL 1000 P
14 pin DIL
190p
14mn DIL
104p
8 pin DIL
160p
PCB
753
105
140D

FM IF System

FM

PLL

SN72710
0972733
SN76003N
5976008
SN76013N
SN76023N

16 pin OIL
16 pin OIL

25p6

8E178
8E195
9E196
91196
81197
8E200

on, reject the SCR.

button 1. LED1 only should
on; if anything else happens,
the SCR.

3p
39p
22p
22p
22P

A0161

LINEARA302 I.C.ICs

DRIVERS

LOW PROFILE OIL SKIS BY TEXAS

8 pin
14 pin

Ex,

40p
300P
353
253
7op
403
160
703
108
1083
60p

8 pin DIL
TO 99

Amp
Comp.
Comp.

FET Op

PHOTO -TRANSISTORS
40p
OCP70
1201
OCP71

VOLTAGE REGULATORS
1

747
748
776
1458

Ext. Comp.

190149K

ICs

4000

7432
7437
7438
7440
7441

723

come
3. Press
come
reject

majority of the components can be wired

small tag board.

9p

10p
113

133
P

12p

81086
81086

303
303
p

BF551

lap

81Y51
BFX57

16p

TBp

85039

20p
B5X19
20p
85x20
20p
175p
BU 105
8U 108
3723
Mj2955 20p
MJE295 120p
MJE3O55180p
MJE305S 8

251306
251306
251613
251711
257893
292219
252222

20p
209
40p

40411404

40594
40595

40p

273

173
20p
12p
p
123
14p
3Zp
14p
123
17p

32p
12p
12p
20p
24p
120p
39p
43p
54p
55p
54p

MPSA06

40p
62p

MPSUO6MPS

78p
9p
753
753
25p
50p

0P556
0028
0C35
0071
111296
TIP29C
711306
TIP30C
71P314
TIP31C

TIP32A
TIP32C
71P334
TIP33C
TIP34A
TIP34C
71P354
TIP35C
111364

60p

TIP36C

243
25p
27p

TIP41A

62p
60p
72p

56p
68p
63p
85p
97p
120p
124p
160p
243p
290p
297p
360p
70p

MPF105

403

323

293819

273

253820

50p

295458

54p
40p
40p

2N2906/253
292026
25p
29202665 Op
293053 G11
253053 193
253034
543
293055 51p
293402 111p
293702
293703
143
253704 143
293705
143
253706
129
253708
12p
253709
12p
253707
14p
293773 270p
2143866
97p
2N3904 22p
25p
2143905
22p
253906
254060
254123
254124
294125

76p

22p

142p

254401

434
ZSJ

92p
90p

DIAL

0A81

0485
O490
0A91

0495
04200
04202
15914
1N414

17

400
500

12P
164p

200p

500
40430

3103
340p
1083

40669

105p

RCA,

63p
63p
SCR THYRISTORS
to 50V TO5
to 100V 105
IA 400V TO5
3A 400V STUD
8A 50V Plastic
12A 400V Plastic
16A 100V Plastic

95p
48p
40p
Sop

164400V

Plastic
16A 600V Plastic

10p
15p
15p
7p

87106 IA 700V STUD

C1060 4A 400V Plastic
MCR101 '/A 15V 1092
253525 54 400V 7066
25444448A 600V Plastic
2N5060 0.8A 30V 1092
2550620.86 100V 1092
2508408q 200V 1092

9p
9p
8p
1Op

09
11433

34p
--

400Volts1303

10 400
10 500
15 400

Fully branded devices by

TEXAS, MOTOROLA etc.

PUJT

DIODES
SIGNAL
0447

309

88100

11943

2146027

1403

UJTS

22p
22p
22p

2144371

903

294871

22p
22p

Amp V3

403

311141

252160
292646

to 33V

1W

36p

39128
40603
40673

19p
19p

254126
8

71P424

2145459

1W

NOISE

27p
32p
25p
25p

252904/4253

2114058

65p
65p
275p
85p
973

BF244
MPF102
103
MPF104

2314140
123
13P

ZENER7t

65p'

27p

2142369

292484

43p

43p
45p
Sop

alp

142
173p
180p
220p

270p
130p
63p
27p

97p
200p

36p

40p
43p

no other extras
VAT INCLUSIVE PRICES. Add 20p P&P
MAIL ORDER ONLY. GOVT. COLLEGES ORDERS WELCOME

IE(

H NO MAT I C

LI D

Tel. 01-204 4333

54 Sandhurst Road, London N W 9. { Telex
922800

37

11

eta mcrotheHI i N

nl

'H

11

PART 11
PROGRAMMING
We talked last month of the logical,
structured method of programming,
making use of subroutines. For a
program, which has to do calculation, the standard method of doing
arithmetic is to use subroutines for
the arithmetic operators. Note that
an 8 bit microprocessor can only, of
itself, represent a number between
0 and 255, or, in BCD, using the 8
bit byte as 2 BCD digits it can
represent a number between 0 and
99. This is not really much use for
most applications.
Consequently, numbers are
represented using two or more
consecutive locations in memory.
With two locations, in binary we can
get up to 65 535, or in BCD, up to
9999. This, of course, only takes
account of positive numbers
if
negative numbers are required,
these can be represented in binary

using the 'two's complement'

method, or by placing a sign bit in
front of the number. This now
spreads the number range from
entirely positive numbers to 132
767 using binary positive numbers

using BCD.
The reason that BCD is used is
that it is easier to encode into
ASCII
one simply splits each.
byte into two, and adds the BCD
digit to 01 10000, or Hex 30; this
then gives the correct ASCII code to
be output to a Teletype. For binary,
the process is obviously more
complex, as the binary number has
to be decoded to decimal before

-Wethese
will come from location 51.
then add the least significant
digits of the second number into
ACCA - these
stored
location
53. This process will have

from bit 3 during an addition. When

a
Decimal Adjust Accumulator
(DAA) instruction is executed, the
CPU samples the condition of this
bit, the Carry bit, and the two
half -bytes of the A accumulator and
then adds 00, 06, 60, or 66,
depending on the various parameters, to correct the contents of
ACCA into two BCD digits.

Contents

50

12

51

34

1234

52
53

98
78

9878

54
55
56

01
11

Location
70

81

82

84
86
87
89
91

Representing

11112 (result)

12
1.

(a)

Contents
96 51
9B 53
19
97 56
96 50
99 52
19
97
25
39

96
97
39

in

affected
the various flags in the CCR, and so
the next instruction should be a
Decimal Adjust Accumulator. We
are now left with the (correct) BCD
result in ACCA and must store it in

Location

Fig.

72
74
75
77
79

are

Memory contents

Assembly Language Instructions

LDA
A
51
ADD
A
53
DAA
STA
A
56
LDA
A
50
ADC
A
52
DAA
STA
A
55

55
87

CARI

BCS
RTS

CARI

01

54

LDA
STA

A
A

01

54

RTS
Fig.

1.

(b).

Simple addition program

outputting.

The use of BCD means that many

(and microprocessors)
have been designed with BCD in
mind. Many can perform addition
directly on BCD digits, automatically producing a BCD result. In other
cases, and many microprocessors
fall into this category, the CPU

computers

performs a straightforward binary

addition, i.e. it adds the pairs of
BCD digits as if they were pure
binary, and then performs an
adjustment instruction to correct the
answer to BCD. The M6800 chip,
for instance, uses this trick
it has
a flag
in the Condition Codes
Register called the Half -Carry bit,
which can be set if there is a carry

38

ADDITION SUBROUTINE
The important thing to know

not
how the CPU does this, but to know
that it can be done. Let's look at
one, almost trivial example of how
this instruction can be used. For the
purpose of simplicity, we shall
assume that we want to add
together two 4 -digit numbers which
are each stored in the form of two
consecutive bytes of BCD, starting,
say, at locations 50 and 52
respectively. Lets also assume that
we want to place the result into the
following locations in memory.
The first operation we perform is
to load the two least significant
digits of the first number into ACCA
is

memory while we perform other

calulations in the accumulators, so
the next instruction is STAA 56
we will explain why we chose 56
and not 55 (as you may have
anticipated) in a moment.
Once again, we load the Accumulator
this time with the most
significant digits of the first number.
This time, when we add the digits of
the second number, we must take
account of any carry left over from
the previous calculation (which will
have been stored in the form of the
Carry flag in the CCR), and so we
use the ADC A instruction. Next, we
store the result in memory location
55.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

11

FORGOTTEN SOMETHING?
This leaves a gap between location
53 (the 2nd byte of the 2nd
number) and the beginning of our.
result so far. The reason is that we
have, as yet, taken no account of
any carry which may have been
generated from the last addition.
Accordingly, we insert a Branch on
Carry Set instruction, so that if there
is a carry, we branch to a routine
which loads the Accumulator with
01 and stores this in location 54, to
complete the calculation. Finally,
we finish off with a Return from

instruction. The
completed program, together with a
memory map showing the use of
memory, is shown in Fig. 1.
This program is deliberately
simplified, in that we have only
represented 4 digit numbers, and
only integer ones at that. This is a
simple representation of fixed
point numbers, i.e. the decimal
point is always assumed to be in the
same position. One obvious
improvement to the above subroutine would be to use indexed
addressing, which would enable a
more compact subroutine to be
written for much longer numbers.
Similar subroutines may be written
for subtraction, multiplication, and
division.
However, a more useful technique for representation of numbers
is the floating-point technique,
where a number is put in the form of
a mantissa and exponent, as in the
case of many scientific calculators.
Floating point arithmetic packages
are considerably more difficult to
write, and they mainly find their
application in interpreters and
compilers for high-level languages,
so that they are brought as part of
an interpreter program. You may
like to think about the problems
involved in writing some floating
such as: how does
point routines
the routine know where to find the
number it will add? What happens
when you try to add a very large
number to a very small number (try
this on a scientific calculator)?
Subroutine

non-standard features used in the

program.
What is the difference between a
compiler and an interpreter? Briefly,
a compiler is a program which
converts the code written in highlevel language into machine code so
that it can then be run directly. An
interpreter, on the other hand, is a
program which is resident in the
machine at the same time as the
program being executed, and looks
at it line by line, executing the
source code directly. To sum up, the
compiler alters the program to be
run on the machine, while the
interpreter effectively alters the
machine to run the program.
In addition an interpreter offers
the ability to edit and alter a
program directly, whereas with a
compiler, the entire program has to
be re -compiled. On the other hand,
a compiled program can be considerably faster in execution than an
interpreter/program combination.

AVAILABLE INTERPRETERS
Most of the hobby activity today is
in the States, and it is there that most
interpreters are available, and of
course, most of these have been
written to suit the Altair/ Imsai and
South West Technical computers.
In most cases, BASIC interpreters
are available in various sizes (to suit
various amounts of memory) and
offer widely ranging facilities, such
as string handling and double -precision variables on the Extended

Basic. Altair BASIC, for example has

the functions: SIN, COS, TAN, LOG,
EXP, SQR, SGN, ABS, INT, FRE,
13ND, POS and TAB and SPC in
PRINT statements. This program
takes up 5.9K bytes for the 8080.
At the opposite end of the scale
is VTL/ 1 a Very Tiny Language for
the Altair 680 which comprises
both a BASIC -like interpreter and a
use collection of subroutines that
can be used by the machine

This
programmer.
language
occupies 768 bytes of ROM, and is
intended to be used with the
minimum 680 configuration of 1K
bytes of RAM and a terminal.
Editing can be done as in Basic, and
VTL/ will print strings. Compelec
Electronics can supply further
information, although it may be
worth waiting for VTL/2, which
believe is in the pipeline.
Computer Workshop of 174
Ifield Road, SW 10, have now got 3
different versions of a BASIC
interpreter suitable for their 6800
based system, which offer a wide
range of facilities. Typically, these
are available in the form of both
paper tape or CUTS standard
cassette, and will run in systems
using the MIKBUG/PIA-TTY interface combination. Incidentally, we
hope to have a review of their
CT -1024 VDU next month
1

COMPILERS
In general, compilers are not so
convenient for amateur use, and so

HIGH-LEVEL LANGUAGES
High-level languages are what make
the writing of large scientific and
commercial problems feasible. For
the amateur, they can take out a lot
of the drudgery of program writing,
and possibly more important, they
allow the transfer of programs from
one computer to another. For
example, many games programs are
available written in BASIC, and
these can be run on any computer
having a BASIC interpreter or
compiler providing there are no

The new MP -68 computer from Computer Workshop of 174 Ifield Road,
London SW10 is based on the 6800 microprocessor. A wide range of software
and hardware extras are available for this machine, including BASIC interpreters
and an audio cassette interface, the AC-30, which is also available separately.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

39

the main compilers on the market

are for professional use, so that, a)
they are expensive and b) they
require a lot of memory, often
backed up with floppy discs, to run.
Motorola do a resident FORTRAN
compiler for their EXORciser, while
Intel doa resident PL/M compiler for
their Intellec MDS system. In addition, GCE do a compiler for Coral 66
which requires 48k of memory and
a floppy disc, which is probably a
bit more than most amateurs would
use! Assemblers are probably more
useful
these are available from
'hobby' computer suppliers as well
as the MPU manufacturers.

ADDITIONS TO 9900 FAMILY

Texas Instruments Limited will add
a new microprocessor
and four
peripheral circuits to its TMS 9900
family to expand the applications
spectrum of all 9900 -series products, according to a company
spokesman.
The TMS 9980 is a new MOS
microprocessor
a lower performance version of the powerful
16 -bit TMS 9900 microprocessor.
It is packaged in a 40 -pin DIP, and
like the TMS 9900, it is a 16 -bit
central processing unit and executes
the full 9900 instruction set including hardware multiply and divide. It
features an 8 -bit data bus and a
16 -bit address bus, making it

compatible with

byte -oriented

microprocessor memories.
The same I/O system is
employed as on the TMS 9900,
offering the user capability to do
DMA, memory mapped I/O, or a
serial I/O port (the Communications
Register Unit, or CRU). Six interrupts including a nonmaskable
interrupt and reset will be available.
The oscillator and clock generator of the 9980 will be contained
on -chip. The new microprocessor is
targeted to be extremely cost
effective in systems requiring
smaller memory size and less /0,
particularly where board space and
chip count may be critical. The TMS
9980 will compete head-on in the
medium performance range with
currently available 8 -bit MPUs such
as 8080 or 6800. The 9980 gives
TI a complete software compatible
family including: TMS 9900 6 -bit
microprocessor, 990/4 microcomputer and 990/10 minicomputer
implemented in TTL. TMS 9980
samples are scheduled for 1977.
The TMS 9904 is the 4 -phase
clock generator and driver for the
TMS 9900.
The TMS 9901 is a programmable system interface using NMOS
technology. It can be used with
9900 or 9980 systems. The 9901
I

40

interfaces directly to the processor

CRU port, and provides three
functions
interrupt prioritization,
I/O control and interval timing.
The TMS 9902 is an NMOS
asynchronous communication controller (UART) and interval timer
which can take advantage of the
CRU I/O port of the 9900 and

An Introduction to Microcomputers,
Adam Osborne & Associates.
Here, at last, is a sensibly written
book
on
the
subject
of
microprocessors that doesn't go
into market predictions, doesn't tell
us what success the Acme Corp.
have had with their new microprocessor -based product and isn't

include data rates from 5 to 76,800

bits per second, character lengths
from 5 to 8 bits, 1, 1.5 or 2 stop
bits, and even/or no parity.
The TMS 9903 is an NMOS
peripheral which performs the
synchronous communication control, from DC to 250K bits/second
in various formats including IBM
Bi -Sync and SDLC.
Texas Instruments Limited, Manton
Lane, Bedford.

of multimeters and VDUs which we

are told have MPUs inside them.
This book sticks strictly to the
matter at hand
what goes on
inside and around a microprocessor.
The layout of the book is very
definitely American
bold type is

9980. Programmable features

SCRUMPTIOUS!
Now available from Bywood Electronics is SCRUMPI, a complete

microcomputer/controller on
board

based

the

National
Semiconductor SC/MP MPU.
SCRUMPI uses 8 toggle switches
for data input and 24 LEDs for
address/data and status display.
This means that all you have to add
to get a complete working MPU is a
power supply and a program (demo
programs are included).
Programming and testing of a
program with SCRUMPI is simplicity itself
by using the RESET
switch the MPU addresses location
X'0001' which is the program start
location; the first instruction is then
entered at this address and executed. After execution of the instruction, the MPU will halt at the next
on

location where the second instruction is to be entered and executed.

Execution can be by byte steps, by
automatic increment at about 5Hz
or at full speed (100 kHz or faster).
An extender card will be available in
a few weeks to enable interfacing to
additional RAM, PROM and EAR OM as well as an extended instruction set (using add-on hardware)
and chip or device selection logic.
Around the same time VDU/keyboard interface and PROM software
will be introduced.
Bywood Electronics, 68 Ebberns
Road, Hemel Hempstead HP3 9RD.

TALK TO ME!
The COMPUTALKER CT -1 Speech

Synthesizer is a high quality voice

generator unit designed for the
standard I/O bus configuration
used in Altair, Imsai and Polymorphic microcomputers. The storage
required is 900 bytes per second of
speech using the Direct Control
method of programming, which

lavishly illustrated with photographs

important, light type is additional

information so that you know which
bits to skip if you want to.
Programming is covered in considerable depth, with explanations
of Assembly Language, the various
commonly -used addressing modes
and a hypothetical instruction set.
The best thing about the book,
though, is the way it doesn't play
coy and ignore real microprocessors, but actually examines and
classifies 7 real MPUs (Fairchild,
National, Intel Motorola, Rockwell,
Signetics).
Lots of information, sensibly
presented. An Introduction to Mi-

crocomputers

is

available

from

Peleo (Electronics) Ltd., 61 Lansdowne Place, Hove, Sussex, BN3

1 FL for 4.50 inc. postage.

operates

the CT -1 directly from

parameters stored in memory.
However, this demands considerable attention to detail in programming, and it is easier to program the
CT -1 using a system of phonetic
rules

to

generate

the

synthesis

control parameters from input

phonetic text. The parameters

generated by the CSR1 synthesis by -rule software system do not

produce the same natural quality
possible with the Direct method, yet
the speech is easily intelligible.
From Compelec (see below) for

395.

LOOK AT ME!
Another nice goody from Compelec
is a low cost optical data digitizer, or
in other words a digital camera that
you can hook up to your computer.
This device produces a 32x32
element picture, and controller
boards give software control of
exposure, frame rate and memory
allocation for picture storage. The
camera is 195 and controller

195.

For further details contact: Compelec Electronics Ltd., 310 Kilburn

High Road, London NW6.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

ETI SUPPLEMENT

TIMER

DESCRIBED BY

R.

M. MARSTON

555 APPLICATIONS
THE 555 TIMER is a highly versatile low-cost IC that is

specifically designed for precision timing applications,

but which can also be used in a variety of monostable
multi -vibrator, astable multivibrator, and Schmitt
trigger applications. The device was originally
introduced by Signetics, but is now available under the
'555' designation from many other manufacturers.
The 555 has many attractive features. It can operate
from supply voltage in the range 4.5V to 16V. Its
output can source (supply) or sink (absorb) any load
current up to a maximum of 200mA, and so can
directly drive loads such as relays, LED's, low -power
lamps, and high impedance speakers. When used in
the 'timing' mode, the IC can readily produce accurate
timing periods that can be varied from a few
microseconds to several hundred seconds via a single
R -C network. Timing periods are virtually independent
of actual supply rail voltage, have a temperature
coefficient of only .005% per C, can be started via a
TRIGGER command signal, and can be aborted by a
RESET command signal.
When used in the monostable mode, the IC
produces output pulses with typical rise and fall times
of a mere 100nS. It can be made to produce
pulse -width modulated (PWM) pulses in this mode by
feeding fixed frequency clock pulses to the TRIGGER
terminal and, by feeding the modulation signal to the

the functional block diagram of the same device (within

the double lines), together with the connections for
using it as a basic monostable generator. The following
explanation of device operation assumes that the 555 is
used in the monostable configuration shown in Fig 2.
The 555 houses 2 diodes, 15 resistors, and 23
transistors. These components are arranged in the form
of one voltage -reference potential divider, two
voltage -comparator op -amps, one R -S flip-flop, a
low -power complementary output stage, and a slave
transistor. The voltage -reference potential divider
comprises three 5kQ resistors in series, and is
connected across the supply lines. Consequently, 2/3
Ve, appears at the junction of the upper two resistors of

THE 555: HOW IT WORKS

The 555 is available under a variety of specific type
numbers but is generally referred to simply as a '555
timer.' The device is available in a number of packaging
styles, including 8 and 14 -pin dual -in -line (DIL) and
8 -pin TO -99 types. Throughout this article all circuits
are designed around the standard 8 -pin DIL versions of
the device.
Fig
shows the outline and pin notations of the
standard 8 -pin DIL version of the 555, and Fig 2 shows
1

RESET

+Vcc

RT

OR4

RL

R7

5k

OP AMP

THRESHOLD

R2
5k

FLIP-FLOP
+

OP-AMP

R3

Ik

CONTROL VOLTAGE terminal.

When used in the astable mode both the frequency
and the duty cycle of the waveform can be accurately

controlled with two external resistors and one capacitor.

The output signals can be subjected to frequency sweep
control, frequency modulation (FM), or pulse -position
modulation (PPM) by applying suitable modulation
signals to the CONTROL VOLTAGE terminal of the IC.

O +Vcc

CONTROL
VOLTAGE

OUTPUT

STAGE

DISCHARG

Cr

na/

TRIGGER

OUTPUT

555TIMER
GROUND

D"

2: Functional block diagram (within the square) of the 555

timer i.c., together with the connections for using the i.c. as a
Fig.

basic monostable generator or timer.

the potential divider, and is fed to one input terminal of

the upper voltage -comparator op -amp and 1 /3
appears at the junction of the two lower resistors of the
potential divider, and is fed to one input terminal of the
lower voltage -comparator op-amp. The outputs of the
two comparators control the R -S flip-flop, which in turn
controls the states of the complementary output stage
and the slave transistor. The state of the flip-flop can
also be influenced by signals applied to the pin 4

RESET terminal.
GROUND
TRIGGER
OUTPUT
RESET

Fig. 1: Outline and pin notations

version of the 555 timer I.C.

Vcc
DISCHARGE

THRESHOLD
CONTROL VOLTAGE

of the standard 8 -pin dil

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

When the monostable or timing circuit of Fig 2 is in

terminal of the
chip is held high via R1. Under this condition Q1 is
driven to saturation and forms a short circuit across
external timing capacitor CT, and the pin 3 output
terminal of the IC is driven to the low state. The
monostable action can be initiated by applying a
negative-going trigger pulse to pin 2. As this pulse falls
its quiescent state the pin 2 TRIGGER

41

-555 TIMER APPLICATIONS

below the 1/3 Vc, reference value of the built-in
potential divider the output of the lower voltage
comparator op -amp changes state and causes the R -S
flip-flop to switch over. As the flip-flop switches over it
cuts off Q1 and drives the pin 3 output of the chip to
the high state.
As Q1 cuts off it removes the short from timing
capacitor CT, so CT starts to charge exponentially
towards the supply rail voltage until eventually the
voltage across CT reaches 2/3 Vcc. At this point the
upper voltage comparator op -amp changes state and
switches the R -S flip-flop back to its original condition,
so Q1 turns on, rapidly discharging CT, and
simultaneously the pin 3 output of the IC reverts to its
low state. The monostable operating sequence is then
complete. Note that, once triggered, the circuit cannot
respond to additional triggering until the timing
sequence is complete, but that the sequence can be
aborted at any time by feeding a negative -going pulse

high for the duration of the timing period. Optional

components R4 and LED (shown dotted) give a visual
indication of the timer action. The circuit works in the
same basic way as already described, except that the
timing action is initiated by momentarily shorting pin 2
to ground via START switch S,. Note from the circuit
waveforms that a fixed -period output pulse is available
at pin 3 and an exponential sawtooth with an identical
period is available at pin 7: The sawtooth waveform has
a high output impedance.
The basic timer circuit of Fig 4 can be varied in a
number of ways. The timing period can be made
variable between approximately 1 .1 seconds and 110
seconds by replacing R, with a 10kO fixed resistor and
a 1 MO variable resistor in series.
5

to 15V +Ve

Vcc

R3

4.7k

470k

to pin 4.
The delay time of the circuit, in which the pin 3

output

is

':

high, is given as

t=

OUT

1.1

.",.

Cl

';17
LED

S2 lir

RESET

0 0V

lib

loo

t-1.1

CT

WHEN: t

RT
mS

Fig. 4:
Circuit and
waveforms of simple
manually -triggered 50
second timer or pulse
generator.

CT=Nf

10

RT=k
CT

,plT

.t1`

P'

RT

11WT

=If

PIN 2
(S1)

PIN 3

(OUT) --H

PIN

ss

lo
ms

mS

100

m5

10
SEC

10
SEC

OV

(C1)

100

0V

-CT

01

.001

1M

f-R4470

RT CT

where t = mS, RT = kO, and CT = uF. Fig 3 shows

how delays from 10 uS to 100 seconds can be obtained

100
SEC

TIME DELAY, t.

Fig. 3:

10k

R1

555 time delays for different values of resistance and

capacitance.

by selecting suitable values of CT and RT in the range

.001 uF to 100uF and 1 kO to 10MO. In practice, RT
should not be given a value less than 1k(-2 or greater
than 20MO, and capacitor CT must always be a
low-leakage component. Note that the timing period of
the circuit is virtually independent of the supply voltage
but that the period can be varied by applying a variable
resistance or voltage between the ground and pin 5
CONTROL VOLTAGE terminals of the chip. This facility
enables the periods to be externally modulated or

compensated.
The pin 3 output terminal of the IC is normally low,
but switches high during the active monostable
sequence. The output can either source or sink currents
up to a maximum of 200mA, so external loads can be
connected between pin 3 and either the positive supply
rail or the ground rail, depending on the type of load
operation that is required. The output switching rise
and fall times are typically about 100 nanoseconds.
Having cleared up these points, let's now go on and
look at some practical applications of the 555 timer I.C.

OV

The period can be further varied, if required, by

switch -selecting decade values of timing capacitance.
The dotted section shows how the circuit can be
provided with a RESET facility, so that a timing period
can be aborted at any time, by taking pin 4 to the
positive supply rail via resistor R5 and wiring RESET
switch S2 between pin 4 and ground.
The timing circuit of Fig 4 can be used to drive
non -inductive loads at currents up to 200mA directly.
They can be used to drive inductive relay loads by using
the basic connections shown in Fig 5.
The Fig 5 circuit is designed to apply a connection to
a normally -off external load for a pre-set period of 50
seconds when START switch S, is momentarily closed.
The relay is normally off, but turns on for the 50 second
period when the timing cycle is initiated. D2 is wired in
series with the relay coil to counteract the slight residual
12V
Ve

._

Dt

-{IN

TO BREAK

LOAD

TO

LOAD

ifr

14001

--

RLAI

R1

12V

470k

60+

,
D2
IN 4001

Cl
100u

SI
TO MAKE

START

LOAD
OV

50 SECOND TIMER
This 50 second timer or pulse generator gives a direct
voltage output at pin 3 which is normally low, but goes

timer makes or breaks connection to load

for pre-set period of 50 seconds when S, is momentarily

42

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Fig. 5: Relay -output

operated.

voltage that appears at pin 3 of the IC under the OFF

condition and thus ensure that the relay turns fully off.
The dotted section shows how this circuit can be used
to switch off a normally -on load.
Note in Fig 5 and all other relay -output circuits
described here, that the relays used can be any 12 volt
types that draw ON currents of less than 200mA, e.g.,
that have coil resistances greater than 60Q.
The basic relay -driving timer circuit of Fig 5 can be
adapted for use in a variety of useful applications. Some
typical examples are shown in Figs 6 to 9.

53

Fig. 6: Relay -output general-purpose

POSITIONS

-09sec

- 9.0sec

10s
100sec

timer covers 0.9 sec to

100 sec in two decade ranges.

Fig 6 shows the practical circuit of a relay -output

general-purpose timer that covers 0.9 seconds to 100
seconds in two decade ranges: The circuit has a RESET
facility provided via S2, so that timing periods can be
aborted part way through a cycle if necessary. A
noteworthy feature of this circuit is that the maximum
timing periods of each decade range of the timer can be
precisely pre-set via R5 or R6, which effectively shunt
the built-in potential divider of the 555 and thus
influence the timing periods: This facility enables the
circuit to give precise timing periods even when
wide -tolerance timing capacitors are used.
To set up the Fig 6 circuit, first set R, to maximum
value, set RANGE switch S3 to position 1, activate
START switch S,, and adjust R5 to give a timing period
of precisely 10 seconds. Next, set S3 to position 2,
activate START switch S,, and adjust R6 to give a
timing period of precisely 100 seconds. All adjustments
are then complete, and the timer is ready for use.

DELAYED HEADLIGHT TURN-OFF

Fig 7 shows the practical circuit of an automatic
delayed -turn-off headlight control system for automobiles. This facility enables the owner to use the car
lights to illuminate his path for a pre-set time after
parking as he leaves the garage or walks along a
driveway, etc. The circuit does not interfere with normal
headlight operation under actual driving conditions. It
works as follows.
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON

position current is fed to the coil of the relay via D3 and

the 12 volt supply rail, so the relay turns on and
contacts RLA/1 close. As the contacts close they
connect the 12 volt supply to the timer circuit and to
the headlight switch. Thus, under this 'ignition on'
condition the headlights operate in the normal way.
Note that, since one side of C2 is connected directly to
the positive supply rail and the other side is taken to the
positive rail via R2, the capacitor is fully discharged
under this condition.
The moment that the ignition switch is turned to the
OFF position the D3 -derived current supply to the relay
coil is broken, and simultaneously a negative -going
trigger pulse is fed to pin 2 of the 555 as the C2 -R3
junction drops to ground volts and C2 charges up. Now,
relays are inherently slow-acting devices, so contacts
RLA/1 do not open instantaneously as the ignition
switch is turned off. Conversely, the 555 is a very fast
triggering device, and the instant that the trigger pulse
is generated via the turn-off action of the ignition switch
a timing cycle is initiated and current is fed to the relay
coil via output pin 3 of the IC as it goes high. Thus the
relay remains on for a pre-set period after the ignition
switch is closed, and the positive supply rail remains
connected to the headlight switch for the duration of
this period. With the component values shown this
period is roughly 50 seconds.
At the end of the 50 second timing period, pin ,3 of
the 555 switches to the low state and the relay turns
off. As it does so, contacts RLA/ 1 open and remove the
supply from the timer and the headlight switch, and the
headlights turn off. The operating sequence is then
complete.
Readers may care to note that the above system of
operation is consistent with the practice adopted in
many modern vehicles of feeding the headlight switch
via the ignition switch, so that the headlights operate
only when the ignition is turned on. On older types of
vehicle, where headlight operation is independent of

the

ignition

switch,

manually -triggered

delayed -turn-off headlight or spotlight control facility

can be obtained by using the circuit shown in Fig 8. The
action of this circuit is such that, if the vehicle is parked
with its lights off, they turn on for a pre-set 50 second
period as soon as a push-button START switch is
momentarily closed, and at the end of this period turn
off again automatically.
The Fig 8 circuit uses a relay with two sets of
normally -open relay contacts. The timing sequence is
initiated by momentarily closing push-button switch
Si. Normally, both Si and the relay contacts are open,
so zero power is fed to the timer circuit and the lights
are off. C2 is discharged under this condition.
When S, is momentarily closed power is fed directly
to the relay coil, and the relay turns on. As the relay'

OFF

OFF

,a HEADLIGHT
SWITCH

OLA

dI

ON

HEAD.08
SPOTLIGHT
087
ONSWITCH

R1

470k
S1

HEADLIGHT

VEHICLEST
BATTERY

a START

12V

HEAD. OR
SPOT -LIGHT

02
VEHICLES

BATTERY

Cl

IN 4001
12V

-L-

100uF
01
IN 4001

0V (CHASSIS)

OV (CHASSIS/

Automa is delayed -turn -out headlight control system

for automobiles.

Fig.

7:

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Fig. 8. Manually-triggered delayed-turn-off head- or spot -light

control system for automobiles.

43

555 TIMER APPLICATIONS

turns on contacts RLA/2 close and apply power to the
vehicle lights and contacts RLA/ 1 close and apply
power to the timer circuit, but pin 2 of the IC is briefly
tied to ground via C2 and R3 at this moment, so a
negative trigger pulse is immediately fed to pin 2 and a
timing cycle is initiated. Consequently, pin 3 of the 555
switches high at the moment that the relay contacts
close, and thus locks the relay into the ON condition
irrespective of the subsequent state of START switch
S,, so the lights remain on for the duration of the 50
second timing cycle. At the end of the timing cycle pin
3 of the I.C. switches to the low state, so the relay turns
off and contacts RLA/1 and RLA/2 open, disconnecting power from the timing circuit and the lights. The
operating sequence is then complete.
PORCH LIGHT
Finally, to conclude this 'Timer Circuits' section of the
555 story, Fig 9 shows the circuit of a relay -output
automatic porch light control unit that turns the porch
lights on for a pre-set 50 second period only when
suitably triggered at night time or under 'dark'
conditions: The circuit is triggered via switch S,, which
may take the form of a microswitch activated by a porch
gate or a pressure -pad switch activated by body weight
and concealed under a porch mat or rug.
The operation of the Fig 9 circuit relies on the fact

that for correct timer operation the negative -going

trigger pulse that is fed to pin 2 of the IC must fall
below the internally -controlled '1 /3 Vcc' voltage value
of the 555. If the trigger pulse does not fall below this
value, timing cycles can not be initiated by the trigger
signal.

minimum 'dark' level at which the circuit will trigger.

Note that the trigger signal is fed to pin 2 of the IC via
the C2 -R3 combination, which act as a trigger signal
conditioning network that effectively isolates the d.c.
component of the LDR-R4 potential divider from the
trigger pin of the IC.

MONOSTABLE PULSE GENERATOR CIRCUITS

All the 555 timer circuits that we have looked at so far
act essentially as monostable multivibrators or pulse
generators. The 555 can be used as a conventional
electronically -triggered monostable multivibrator or
pulse generator by feeding suitable trigger signals to pin
2 and taking the pulse output signals from pin 3. The IC
can be used to generate good output pulses with periods
from 5S to several hundred seconds. The maximum
usable pulse repitition frequency is approximately
100kHz.
The trigger signal reaching pin 2 must be a carefully
shaped negative -going pulse. Its amplitude must switch
from an OFF value greater than 2/3 Vc, to an ON value
less than 1 /3 Vcc (triggering actually occurs as pin 2
drops through the 1/3 Vcc value). The pulse must have
a width greater than 100nS but less than that of the
desired output pulse, so that the trigger pulse is
removed by the time the monostable period terminates.
One way of determining a suitable trigger signal for
the 555 monostable circuit is to convert the input signal
to a good square wave that switches between ground
volts and the full positive supply rail voltage, and then
couple this square wave to pin 2 of the IC via a simple
short time -constant C -R differentiating network, which
converts the leading or trailing edges of the square
5V to 15V +Ve

OUT TO
PORCH
LIGHTS

R4
(SET TRIG

LEVEL)
47k

Cl
(SEE

Fig. 9: Automatic porch

TABLE)

light turns on for a pre-set period only

when triggered at night.

OV

In this design, light-dependent resistor LDR and preset resistor R4 are wired in series as a light-dependent

potential divider. One side of switch Si is taken to the

output of this potential divider, and the other side of the
switch is taken to pin 2 of the IC via the C2 -R3
combination. Under bright or daylight conditions the
LDR acts as a low resistance, so a high voltage appears
at the output of the potential divider. Consequently, the
act of closing S, causes a voltage pulse much higher
than '1/3 VEE' to be fed to pin 2 of the chip, so the timer
is not triggered via S, under the 'daylight' condition.
Conversely, the LDR acts as a high resistance under
dark or 'night' conditions, so a low voltage appears at
the output of the potential divider. Consequently, the
act of closing S, causes a voltage pulse much lower
than '1/3 Vcc' to be fed to pin 2 of the IC, so the time
circuit is triggered via Si under the 'night' condition.
In practice, the LDR can be any cadmium -sulphide
photocell that presents a resistance in the range 1k() to
100kO under the required minimum 'dark' turn -on
condition, and R4 can be adjusted to preset the
44

C1

VALUE

PULSE WIDTH RANGE

I
10uF

luF

0.1uF
.01uF
.001uF

'

90mS

9m

0.9mS
90uS
9uS

1.2sec.

120mS
12mS

1_2mS

120uS

10a: Simple add-on pulse generator is triggered by

rectangular input signals: circuit can be used at trigger
frequencies up to 100kHz.
Fig.

wave into suitable trigger pulses. Fig. 10a shows a

practical circuit that uses this basic principle, but is
intended for use only with input signals that are already
of square or pulse form.
Here, transistor Q, converts the rectangular input
signal into a signal that switches between the ground
and positive voltage rails, and the resulting signal is fed
to pin 2 via the C2 -R2 differentiating network. The
circuit can be used as an add-on pulse generator in

conjunction with an existing square or pulse generator.

Variable -amplitude output pulses are available from pin
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

variable potential divider R6. The output pulse

widths can be varied over more than a decade range via
R1, and can be switched in overlapping decade ranges
by using the values of Cl listed in the table. With the
component values shown the pulse width is fully
variable from 945 to 1 .2 seconds. Note that C3 is used
to decouple the pin 5 CONTROL VOLTAGE terminal
and improve the circuit stability.
Fig 10b shows how the above circuit can be
modified so that it can be driven from any type of input
waveform, including sine waves. Here, IC1 is
connected as a simple Schmitt trigger, which converts
all input signals into rectangular output signals, and
these rectangular signals are used to drive the IC2
monostable circuit in the same way as described above.
The Fig Ob circuit can thus be used as an add-on pulse
generator in conjunction with an existing waveform
generator of any type that produces output signals with
peak -to -peak amplitudes greater than 1 / 2 V.
3 via

Fig. 10b: Improved add-on pulse generator is triggered by any

input waveform.

Fig 11 shows how two basic monostable pulse

generators can be connected in series to make a
delayed pulse generator, in which IC1 is used as a
Schmitt trigger and IC2 controls the delay width and
.IC3 determines the output pulse width: The final output
pulse appears some delayed time after the initial
application of the trigger signal. This circuit can be
made into a self-contained instrument by building it into
the same cabinet as a simple square wave generator,
which can be used to provide the necessary drive

signals.

.. ,>...

r-

-.'NII'-t

Tj_r

NIAN

02*

,,

o,.._

1..1

._._;

i:"w,

_.

..

iGw,

Fig. 12: 3 -stage sequential timer

or pulse generator.

first applied to the circuit, to ensure that none of the ICs

are falsely triggered at this moment.
Finally, three or more monostable circuits can be
connected, via C9, in a continuous loop, with the
output of the last monostable feeding back to the input
of the first monostable, to form a 'chaser' circuit in
which the sequential action repeats to infinity. This type
of circuit can be used to drive lamp or LED displays, etc.
Note that the circuit is again provided with the S2 SET
facility, so that the circuit can be emptied at the
moment that power is first applied.

ASTABLE MULTIVIBRATOR CIRCUITS

Fig 13 shows the practical circuit of a basic 1 kHz astable
multivibrator, together with the formulas that define the
timing of the circuit. Note that TRIGGER pin 2 of the
chip is shorted to the pin 6 THRESHOLD terminal, and
that timing resistor R2 is wired between pin 6 and
DISCHARGE pin 7.

When power is first applied to the circuit Cl starts to

5V to 15V +ve

OUT

.t 1.rt2.

'?1
r,J

t1

t2

0.6931R1

R21C1

IF

921S GREATER THAN R1,

0.693(92)01

t1'0.79201

0.693191

t2 0.7 R2

44

2R21C1

1
(R1+2R21C1

T
1

C1

1.4 R2 C1

R2

CZ

13: Basic circuit of 1KHz astable multivibrator, with

timing formulas.
Fig.

... .
h
Fig. 11: Add-on delayed pulse generator is triggered by any
input waveform. For Cl (and C7) values, see table in Fig. 10a.

Any number of basic monostable pulse generators

can be wired in series to give a sequential form of
operation. Fig 12 for example, shows the circuit and

wave -forms of a 3 -stage sequential generator, which

can be used to operate lamps or relays, etc., in a
pre-programmed time sequence once an initial START
command is given via push-button switch S,. Note that
the pin 4 RESET terminal of all ICs are shorted together
and positively biased via R7, and that these terminals
can be shorted to ground via SET switch S2: This SET
switch should be closed at the moment that power is
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

charge exponentially (in the normal monostable fashion)

via the series R1 -R2 combination, until eventually the
Cl voltage rises to 2/3 V0. At this point the basic
monostable action terminates and DISCHARGE pin 7
switches to the !ow state. Cl then starts to discharge
exponentially into pin 7 via R2, until eventually the Cl
voltage falls to
/3 V, and TRIGGER pin 2 is
activated. At this point a new monostable timing
sequence is initiated, and C1 starts to recharge towards
2/3 V00 via R1 and R2. The whole sequence then
repeats add infinitum, with Cl alternately charging
towards 2/3
via R1 -R2 and discharging towards
/3
via R2 only.
Note in the above circuit that, if R2 is very large
relative to RI, the operating frequency of the circuit is
determined essentially by the R2 and Cl values, and
that a virtually symmetrical output waveform is
1

45

555 TIMER APPLICATIONS

generated. The graph of Fig 14 shows the approximate
relationship between frequency and the C1 -R2 values
under the above condition. In practice, the R1 and R2
values of the circuit can be varied from 1k0 up to tens
of megohms. Note, however, that R1 has a significant
loo

so that its MARK and SPACE periods are independently

variable over the approximate range 7.5S to 750,uS.
Here, timing capacitor Cl alternately charges via
R1 -R2 -D1 and discharges via R3 -R4 -D2.
Fig 17 shows how the circuit can be additionally
modified so that it acts as fixed -frequency square wave
generator with a mark/space ratio or duty cycle that is
fully variable from 1% to 99%. Here, Cl alternately

10

5V to 15V
+Ve
R1 1k

R2 100k

92

9,

g2
5,4

,504

S4
C2

o
.001
0.1
Hz

Hz

100

10
Hz

kHz

Hz

10

loo

kHz

kHz

T T

Cl
.o,uF
Q oV

multi with duty cycle variable from

with frequency approximately constant at 1.2kHz.
Fig. 17: Astable

to 99%

ASTABLE FREQUENCY

14: Approximate relationship between

frequency when R2 is large relative to R 1.

Fig.

Cl, R2, and

effect on the total current consumption of the circuit,

since pin 7 of the IC is virtually grounded during half of
the timing sequence. Also note that the duty cycle or
mark/space ratio of the circuit can be pre-set at a
non -symmetrical value, if required, by suitable choice
of the R1 and R2 values.
The basic circuit of Fig 13 can be usefully modified
in a number of ways. Fig 1 5, for example, shows how it
can be made into a variable -frequency square wave

charges via R1 and the top half of R2 and via D1, and
discharges via D2 -R3 and the lower half of R2. Note
that the sum of the two timing periods is virtually
constant, so the operating frequency is almost
independent of the setting of R2.

GATING A 555 ASTABLE

The 555 astable circuit can be gated ON or OFF, via
either a switch or an electronic signal, in a variety of
ways. Figs 18 and 19 show two basic ways of gating
the IC via a switch.
In Fig 18 the circuit is gated via the pin 4 RESET
5V to 15V

PRESS
I

OV

2-

Fig. 15: Variable frequency square wave generator covers the

range 650Hz-7.2kHz approximately.

generator by replacing R2 with a fixed and variable

resistor in series. With the component values shown the
frequency can be varied over the approximate range
650Hz-7.2kHz via R2.
Fig 16 shows how the circuit can be further modified
5V to 15V +Ve
R5

R1 1k

4.7k
R2 100k

D215 914

R3

lk
R4

100k

OUT

C1.01uF
TC2.01uF

oV

16: Astable multi with mark and space periods

independently variable over the approximate range 7.5s to
750s.
Fig.

46

Fig. 18: Gated 1kHMZastable with 'press to

turn-off' or 'press

to turn -on' operation.

terminal. The characteristic of this terminal is such that,

if the terminal is biased significantly above a nominal
value of 0.7 volts, the astable is enabled, but if the
terminal is biased below 0.7 volts by a current greater
than 0.1 mA (by taking the terminal to ground via a
resistance less than 7k0, for example) the astable is
disabled and its output is grounded. Thus, the Fig 18
circuit is normally on but can be turned off by closing
S1 and shorting pin 4 to ground, while the circuit
shown in dotted lines is normally gated off via R4 but
can be turned on by closing S2 and shorting pin 4 to the
positive supply rail. These circuits can alternatively be
gated by applying suitable electronic signals directly to
pin 4.
The Fig 19a and 19b circuits are gated via the pin 2
TRIGGER and pin 6 THRESHOLD terminals. The
characteristic here is such that the circuit functions as a
normal astable only as long as pin 6 is free to swing up
to 2/3
and pin 2 is not biased below 1/3
If
these pins are simultaneously driven below 1 /3
the

V.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

SVto15V

PRESS
51

R2151,

.-110++t DI

o1

(SEE TEXT)

19A: Alternative gated 1kHz astable with 'press to

Fig.

turn-off' operation.

astable action is immediately terminated andthe output

is driven to the high state. Thus, the Fig 19a circuit is
normally on but turns off when S1 is closed. Note that
an electronic signal can be used to gate the circuit by

connecting a diode as indicated and eliminating S,. In

this case the circuit will gate off when the input .signal
voltage is reduced below 1/3 Vcc.
The Fig 19b circuit is connected so that it is normally
gated off by saturated transistor Q1, but can be gated
5V to 15V

modulation (PPM), and, since the signal influences the

total period of each cycle (and thus the frequency of the
output signal), the terminal also provides frequency
modulation (FM). These facilities are useful in special
'waveform generator applications, as is shown in the
next section.

MISCELLANEOUS ASTABLE APPLICATIONS

The 555 astable multivibrator has three outstanding
advantages over other types of astable circuit. First, its
frequency can be varied over a wide range via a single
'resistive control. Second, its output has a low
impedance and can source or sink current up to
200mA. Finally, its operating frequency can readily be
modulated by applying a suitable signal to pin 5 of the
IC. These features make the device exceptionally
versatile, and it can be used in a vast range of practical
applications of interest to both the amateur and
professional user.

MORSE PRACTICE OSCILLATOR

Fig 21 shows how the 555 timer I.C. can be used as
morse -code practice oscillator. The circuit acts as

a
a

PRESS S1f

OV

R4

R3
100k
(TONE)

56R

19B: Alternative gated 1kHz astable with 'press to

turn-off' operation.
Fig.

on by closing S1 and thus

turning the transistor off.

This circuit can be gated electronically by eliminating

R5 and S1 and applying a gating signal to the base of
Q1 via a 10kQ limiting resistor. In this case the astable
turns off when the input signal is high, and turns on
when the input signal is reduced below 0.7 volts or so.
All the 555 astable circuits that we have looked at
can be subjected to frequency modulation (FM) or
pulse -position modulation (PPM) by simply feeding a
suitable modulation signal to pin 5. This modulation
signal can take the form of an A.C. signal that is fed to
pin 5 via a blocking capacitor, as in the case of Fig 20a
or a D.C. signal that is fed directly to pin 5, as in the case
of Fig 20b. The action of the chip is such that the
voltage on pin 5 influences the width of the 'mark'
pulses in each timing cycle, but has no influence on the
'space' pulses. Thus, since the signal on pin 5
influences the position of each 'mark' pulse in each
timing cycle, this terminal provides pulse -position
5V to I5V

Ve

oV

21: Code -practice oscillator with variable tone

Fig.

(300Hz .3kHz) and variable volume.

normal

astable, with frequency variable over the

approximate range 300Hz
3kHz via TONE control
R3. The 'phone volume is variable via R5, and the
'phones can have any impedance from a few ohms up
to megohms. The circuit draws zero quiescent current,
since the normally -open morse key is used to connect
the circuit to the positive supply rail, which can have
any value in the range 5 volts to 15 volts.
Fig 22 shows how the 555 astable circuit can be
used in LED flasher applications. This circuit operates at
approximately 1 Hz, and has a single LED. The Fig 22
circuit has a single LED output; the dotted section
shows how a second may be added, such that one LED
is on while the other is off, and vice versa. Any types
of
LED's can be used in this circuit. Series resistors R, or

5V to 15V +Ve

LED

R4

e',470R

.(NOMINAL)

63
4700
(NOMINALI
Uv

LED

SPACE PULSE WIDTHS CONSTANT

MARK' PULSES VARIABLE

20: Alternative ways of obtaining frequency or

pulse -position modulation (FM or PPM) from the 555 astable
Fig.

circuit.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

4-0V
Fig.

22: Single and dual output led flashers give symetrical

Hz

outputs.

47

555 TIMER APPLICATIONS

determines the ON current of each LED.
Fig 23 shows how the Fig 22 circuit can be modified
to give automatic dark -activated operation. Here, R4
and R5 are wired as a fixed potential divider that sets
1 /2 V,
on the emitter of Q1, LDR and R7 are wired as
R4

+Ve

light-sensitive potential divider that applies a variable

voltage to the base of Q1, and the collector of Q1 is
taken to RESET pin 4 of the IC, which is normally
biased to ground via R6.
a

5V to 15V

,Ve
(a)

RI

R4

LDR

10M

'_I

= tV

(6)

1 8
RPI`01L

Ve

01

I111370

R3

555

TIMER

4.)k

INOMINALI

C1

OuF

1,-

C2
01uF

LE

OV

23: Automatic (dark -activated) flasher.

Fig.

R4 1.5k

In use R7 is adjusted so

that the voltage to the base

of Q1 is greater than 1/2 V,,,, under 'daylight'
conditions, so Q1 is cut off, but under 'dark' conditions
Q1 base is biased below 1/2 Vie, so it is driven on.
thus, under daylight conditions Q1 is cut off, so the
555 astable is disabled, with its output driven low, by
4.7k0 resistor R6 which is wired between pin 4 and
ground. Under 'dark' conditions, on the other hand, Q1
is biased on, so pin 4 is positively biased, and the
astable operates normally and activates the LED.
The LDR used in the above circuit can be any
cadmium -sulphide photocell that presents a resistance
in the approximate range 4700 to 10k0 under the
minimum 'dark' turn -on condition.
The dotted section shows how the 555 astable
circuit can be used as a 12 volt relay pulser, which
turns the relay on and off at a rate of one cycle per
second. The relay can be any type with a coil resistance
greater than 600.

ALARM GENERATOR
Fig 24 shows the connections for making an 800Hz
monotone alarm -call generator. The circuit can be used
with any supply in the range 5 to 15 volts, and with any
speaker impedance. Note, however, that R,, must be
wired in series with speakers having impedance less
than 750, and must be chosen to give a total series
impedance of at least 750, to keep the peak speaker
currents within the 200mA driving constraints of the
555. The available alarm output power of the circuit
depends on the speaker impedance and supply voltage

0V

A)

Monotone alarm activated by dark (2), light

(b), under -temperature (c), or over -temperature (d).
Fig.

24

a, b, c, d:

used, but may be as great as 750mW when a 750

speaker is used with a 15 volt supply.
The above circuit can be modified so that it is
activated by darkness (a), by brightness (b), by an
under-temperature (c), or by an over -temperature (d).
Pin 4 is disconnected from the + Ve supply, and
connected to the triggering circuit, which is designed
around Q1. This works in the same way as already
described for the automatic (dark -activated) LED
flasher. The LDR used in the light -activated versions of
this circuit can be any cadmium -sulphide photocells
that present resistances in the approximate range 4700
to 10k0 at the desired turn -on levels. The thermistors
used in the temperature -activated versions of the circuit
can be any negative-termperature-coefficient types that
present resistances in the same range at the required
turn-on temperatures.

ALARMS AND SIRENS

The next 4 diagrams show a variety of useful alarm -call
generator circuits. The Fig 25 circuit generates an
800Hz pulsed tone alarm call. Here, ICI is wired as an
800Hz alarm generator, and IC2 is wired as a 1 Hz
astable which gates ICI on and off via D1 once every
second, thus causing a pulsed -tone output signal to be
generated.

5V to 15V +Ve

R1 10k

R2

100k

Cl
.01uF

75R TOTAL
SPKR
.

C2 010F

Fig.

48

24 800Hz Monotone alarm call generator.

OV

Fig.

25: Pulsed -tone (800Hz) alarm call generator.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

The Fig 26 circuit generates a warble-tone alarm

signal that simulates the sound of a British police siren.
Here, IC1 is again wired as an alarm generator and IC2
is wired as a 1 Hz astable multivibrator, but in this case
the output of IC2 is used to frequency modulate ICI via
R5. The action is such that the output frequency of IC1
alternates symmetrically between 500Hz and 440Hz,
taking one second to complete each alternating cycle.
1015V

C. 100uF
{I .
fl,

Inkr

Pr DM
SMEfl5
ICI

R1
10k

=,,

R2

8PIN DIL

I-ll.
R5 lOk

)5k
TIM ER

5.

IC2

Cl
3

i.01,T
C1

oC2,

75R
TDTAL
SP KR.

MO

s000,

ASTABLE

IH,ASTABLE

10,
00V

Fig. 26: Warble -tone alarm -call generator simulates British

police siren.

The circuit of Fig 27 generates a 'wailing' alarm that

simulates the sound of an American police siren. Here,
IC2 is wired as a low frequency astable that has a
cycling period of about 6 seconds. The slowly varying
'ramp waveform on C1 of this chip is fed to pnp emitter
follower Ql., and is then used to frequency modulate
alarm generator IC1 via R6. IC1 has a natural centre
frequency of about 800Hz. The circuit action is such
that the alarm output signal starts at a low frequency,
rises for 3 seconds to a high frequency, then falls over 3
seconds to a low frequency again, and so on add

rising again from a low frequency, and so on add

infinitum. The circuit action is as follows:
IC2
is wired as a non -symmetrical astable
multivibrator, in which Cl alternately charges via R1
and D1, and discharges via R2, thus giving a rapidly
rising and slowly falling 'sawtooth' waveform across
C1. This waveform is fed to pnp emitter follower Ql,
and is thence used to frequency modulate pin 5 of IC1
via R6. Now, the frequency modulation action of pin 5
of the IC1 astable circuit is such that a rising voltage on
pin 5 causes the astable frequency to fail, and vice
versa; consequently the sawtooth modulation signal on
pin 5 causes the astable frequency to rise slowly during
the falling part of the sawtooth and collapse rapidly
during the rising part of the sawtooth. The rectangular
pin 3 output of IC2 is used to gate IC1 off via npn
common emitter amplifier Q2 during the collapsing part
of the signal, so only the rising parts of the alarm signal
are in fact heard, as in the case of the genuine STAR
TREK 'Red Alert'.

MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS
To complete the 555 story, this final section shows a
miscellany of 555 applications, of varying degrees of
usefulness. Fig 29 shows how a single 555 can be used
as the basis of an event -failure alarm or a missing -pulse
detector, which closes a relay or illuminates an LED if a
normally recurrent event fails to take place.
12V

+Ve

RI
270k

infinitum.

NOTE,
SELECT R1 AND C1
VALUES TO SUIT

APPLICATION
CLOCK INPUT
(PULSE OR
SWITCH(

o OV

Fig. 29: Event -failure alarm or missing -pulse detector has relay
or LED output.

Fig 27: 'Wailing' alarm simulates American police siren.

Finally, to complete this quartet of alarm generator

circuits, the Fig 28 circuit generates a siren alarm signal
that is a simulation of the 'Red Alert' alarm used in the
STAR TREK T.V. programme: This signal starts at a low
frequency, rises for about 1.15 seconds to a high
frequency, ceases for about 0.35 seconds, then starts
11.ILLL

-r5

P' >
?

-12

ook

Io,

nv

_A.1\r

2 7k

..

-i

7.6

GY
1-1

Fig.

Ov

28: 'Red alert' siren alarm simulates Star Trek alarm

signal.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

The operating theory of the circuit is fairly simple.

The 555 is wired as a normal monostable pulse

generator, except that transistor Q1 is wired across

timing capacitor Cl and has its base taken to TRIGGER
pin 2 of the IC via R3: The TRIGGER pin is fed with a
train of pulse- or switch -derived clock input signals from
the monitored event, and the values of R1 and Cl are
selected so that the monostable period of the IC is
slightly longer than the repetition period of the clock
input sig_nal.
Thus, each time a clock pulse arrives, a monostable
timing period is initiated via pin 2 of the IC, and Cl is
discharged and the pin 3 output is driven high via
transistor Q1. Before each monostable period can
terminate, a new clock pulse arrives, and a new
monostable period is initiated, so the pin 3 output
terminal remains high so long as clock input pulses
continue to arrive within the prescribed period limits.
Should a clock pulse be missed, or the clock period
exceed the pre -determined limits, however, the.
monostable period will be able to terminate normally,
and pin 3 of the IC will go low and drive the relay or
LED on. The circuit thus functions effectively as an
49

555 TIMER APPLICATIONS

event -failure alarm or missing -pulse detector. With the
component values shown, the monostable has a natural
period of about 30 seconds. This period can be varied
via R1 and C4 to satisfy specific requirements.
Fig 30 shows how a couple of 555s can be used to
make a pulse -width modulation (PWM) circuit. This
circuit can be used for transmitting coded messages, or
for applying variable power to a load at maximum
efficiency.
Here, IC1 is wired as a 1 kHz astable multivibrator,
which is used to feed a continuous train of clock pulses

the approximate range 90A to 1 mA via R4, thus

giving rates of rise on the .01 F capacitor of 9V-per-mS
to 100V-per-mS. Now, remembering that each
monostable period of the 555 circuit terminates at the
point when Cl voltage reaches 2/3 Vcc, and assuming
that a 9V supply is used (giving a 2/3 Vcc value of 6V),
it can be seen that the monostable cycles of the Fig 32
circuit have periods variable from 666S to 60S.
Periods can be increased beyond these values by
increasing the Cl value, or vice versa. Note when using
this circuit that its supply rail must be stabilised if stable
timing periods are to be obtained.
If the circuit of Fig 31 is to be used as the basis of an
oscilloscope timebase, note that the input driving signal
must first be converted to a good square wave, from
which suitable trigger pulses can be derived via C3 and
R5. The minimum useful ramp period that can be
obtained from the circuit is about 5S, which, when
expanded to give full deflection on a ten -division 'scope
screen, gives a maximum timebase speed of
0.5S -per-division. Flyback beam -suppression signals
can be derived from the pin 3 OUTPUT terminal of the
IC.

Fig.

30: Pulse -width modulation (PWM) circuit.

to the pin 2 TRIGGER terminal of IC2, which is wired as

a normal monostable multivibrator or pulse generator
and has a natural monostable period of approximately
0.36mS. The external modulation signal is fed to the
pin 5 CONTROL VOLTAGE terminal of the monostable
via C4, and determines the instantaneous widths of the
generated pulses. Thus, the circuit generates a train of
pulse -width modulated (PWM) pulses at a fixed
repitition frequency of kHz.
1

The 'timebase' circuit gives superb signal synchronisation at trigger frequencies up to about 1 50kHz. If
the timebase is to be used with input signal frequencies
greater than this, the input signals should be divided
down via a single- or multi -decade digital divider. Using
this technique, the timebase can be used to view input
signals up to many MHz.
Fig 32 shows how a 555 can be connected for use
as a simple but effective Schmitt trigger or
Sine/Square converter. The circuit acts as a good
converter at input frequencies up to 1 50kHz or more. It
works by changing its output state each time the pin 2
input signal swings from above the 2/3 Vcc level to

SCOPE TIMEBASE
Fig 31 shows how a basic 555 monostable
multivibrator can be modified so that it generates a

5V to 15V +Ve

0v
STABILISED 9V ,a 15V .Ve

RI 100k

1
SINE

WAVE

Cl

lof

R310k

INPUT

A
P-

5.5

WN,

9005

R2 100k

ATS 9V

555

A"
E

DIL

TIMER

LPJ
WITH

8i

8 -PIN

SQUARE
WAVE
OUTPUT

C2.01uF
OV

31: Triggered linear-ramp generator can be used as the

basis of an oscilloscope timebase.
Fig.

Fig.

'linear ramp waveform of fixed duration each time it is

triggered: This circuit can form the basis of an excellent
oscilloscope time -base generator. The circuit works just
like a normal monostable circuit, except that timing
capacitor Cl is charged via constant -current generator
Q1 during each timing cycle, thus causing a linear ramp
voltage to be generated across C 1
When a capacitor is charged via a constant -current
generator, the voltage across the capacitor rises linearly
at a predictable rate that is determined by the
magnitudes of the charging current and the capacitance. The relationship can be expressed as:
Volts -per-second= I/C, when is expressed in Amps
and C is expressed in Farads.
In this circuit the charging current can be varied over
.

50

32: 555 Schmitt trigger circuit acts as excellent

sine / square converter up to about 150kHz.

below the /3 V0, level, or vice versa. Resistor R3 is

wired in series with pin 2 of the chip to ensure that the
input signal is not adversely influenced by the transition
action of the IC.
Fig 33 shows how the basic Schmitt circuit can be
adapted to a dark -activated relay driving application by
wiring light-dependent potential divider Rl-LDR to the
pin 2 input terminal of the IC. This circuit has an
inherently high degree of input backlash, and is likely to
be of value in only very specialised applications.
A far more useful relay -driving switching circuit is
shown in Fig 35. This circuit has negligible input
backlash, and can be used as either a light- or
1

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

50% of 10V. Similarly, if the input frequency is 250Hz

the pulse is high for 250mS in each 1000mS total

12V +W

output voltage equals

10V= 2.5V, or 25% of 10V.
Thus, the mean value of output voltage of the pulse
period, so the
250mS/ 1000mS

mean

generator, measured over

a reasonable total number of

directly proportional to the repitition
frequency of the generator.
Normal moving coil meters are 'mean' reading
instruments, and in the Fig 35 circuit a 1 mA f.s.d.
moving coil meter is wired in series with voltage
multiplier resistor R5, which sets the meter sensitivity
at about 3.4V fsd, and is connected so that it reads the

pulses,

Fig.

is

33: Dark -activated relay switch has built-in backlash.

temperature -activated switch. In light -activated applications R1 is wired in series with a cadmium -sulphide
photocell that presents a resistance in the approximate
range 4700 to 10k0 at the required turn -on level.
Dark -activated operation can be obtained by using the
connections shown in Fig 34a or light -activated
operation can be obtained by using the connections
shown in Fig 34b.

Aa

oo,

ISE,,..

Fig.

35: Simple

kHz linear-scale analogue frequency meter.

mean output voltage of the pulse generator. This meter

Fig, 34: Minimum-backlash relay switch can be activated by

dark (a), light (b), under -temperature (c), or over-temperature

(d).

For temperature -activated operation, R1 must be

wired in series with a negative-temperature -coefficient
thermistor. This thermistor must present a resistance in
the range 4700 to 10k0 at the required turn -on level.
Under -temperature operation can be obtained by using
the connections shown in Fig 34c, or over -temperature
operation can be obtained by using the connections
shown in Fig 34d.

ikHz ANALOGUE FREQUENCY METER

thus gives a reading that is directly proportional to

frequency, and the circuit thus acts as a linear -scale
analogue frequency meter. With the component values
shown the circuit is intended to read fsd at 1 kHz. To set
up the circuit initially, simply feed a 1 kHz square wave
signal to its input, and then adjust R2 (which controls
the pulse lengths) to give full-scale reading on the
meter; all adjustments are then complete.
The full-scale frequency of the above circuit can be
varied from about 100Hz to about 100kHz by suitable
choice of Cl value. The circuit can be used to read
frequencies up to tens of MHz by feeding the input
signals to the monostable circuit via a single- or
multi -decade digital divider, thereby reducing the input
frequencies to values that can be read by the
monostable circuit. The circuit can form the basis of an
excellent and inexpensive mufti -range linear -scale
analogue frequency meter.

This circuit needs a square -wave input driving signal

with a peak -to -peak amplitude of 2 volts or greater. In

this circuit the 555 is wired as a standard monostable

multivibrator or pulse generator, and is powered from a
regulated 6V supply. Transistor Q1 is used to amplify
the square wave input signals to a level suitable for
triggering the monostable stage, and the output of the
monostable is fed to 1 mA fsd meter M1 via multiplier
resistor R5 and offset -cancelling diode D
This meter
gives a reading that is directly proportional to the
frequency of the square wave input signals, and its
operating theory is as follows:
Each time the monostable multivibrator is triggered
it generates a pulse of fixed duration and fixed
amplitude. If we assume that each generated pulse has
a peak amplitude of 10V and a period of 1 mS, and that
the pulse generator is triggered at ail input frequency of
500Hz, it can be seen that the pulse is high (at 10V) for
500mS in each 1000mS (one second) total period, and
that the MEAN value of output voltage measured over
this total period is 250mS/ 1000mS x 10V = 5V, or
1

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

"Do you think we should bring in the

generating boys before we hit the market
with these."

51

electronics today
What to look for in the February issue: On Sale January 7th

INDUCTION BALANCE
Test
METAL LOCATOR '
PRODUCE A CIRCUIT which
feeds a modulated 100kHz signal
into a coil of about six inches
diameter. Lay another coil of
similar diameter next to, and
slightly overlapping that coil so
there is virtually no inductive
pick-up. Amplify greatly the small
signal that is picked up but gate it
so that an audio amplifier will just
not produce an output.
When the coils are brought near

metal the electro -magnetic fields

are disturbed and an output is

produced. That's the theory

behind our induction balance
metal locator which will be

described in next month's issue.

We don't pretend it's easy to build
(though the electronics present
few problems) but our prototype
will sniff out a 2p coin at a foot
and that's very much better than
any design published up until now!

WE DON'T REVIEW too many

amplifiers in ETI, but when a really

YAMAHA B-1

interesting, revolutionary design

comes along we know you want to
hear about it. The Yamaha B1
Vertical FET Power Amplifier
comes into this category. It gives
over 200W with a performance
that stretches your measuring
equipment to the limit. We also
explain the principle of operation

AMPLIFIER

in detail.

your

A HIGH PROPORTION of ETI

readers have cars and a lot of those

will have a 'scope. This article acts

as a marriage broker and shows

how the workshop type 'scope can

be hooked up to your car and tells
you how to analyse the waveforms
to spot faults.

SHORT CIRCUITS
WE CONTINUE our series which
began in this issue with another

three Short Circuits:

1. Test -bench Amplifier. Useful
by itself but ours has been modified simply to act as an audio
millivoltmeter as well.
2. LED Dice Unit. An electronic
dice using only two ICs and six
inexpensive LED's.
3. Two Tone Doorbell. Another
straightforward project for the
home
this time using a 555.

DISCO MIXER
MINICOMPUTERS continue
to fall in price and increase in

performance.

Once

the

exclusive companion of the

large corporation, computers
are now finding their way

into smaller and smaller

companies, reducing drudgery and improving efficiency (when properly used).
The day will soon be with us
when any company big
enough to have a telephone
switchboard will boast its
own computer.
52

or

This article describes a general

purpose mixer which can be
tailored by the reader to meet a
specific
application.
Prefade
`listen' is included as a facility and
allowance is even made for

balanced inputs.

The articles described here are in an

advanced state of preparation but circumstances may necessitate changes in the
issue that appears.
.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

FFc-oss
2011170
PART 2

%IN

THE YEA F?

EVO<t1T\RN OR REVOLUT/O41/
BY Prater Sydenham

SCIENCE PROVIDES

US WITH
knowledge about existence. It is based
on a procedure of collecting facts which
are placed
into apparently logical
groupings in order to lead to stage two
of scientific method the realisation of
one or more hypotheses. Man's imaginative powers then enable ideas about
these facts to be "tried out" in the
mind. (The mind creates what are called
'models'). After a brain-storming session
some ideas emerge about the collected
facts. These are likely contenders of
generalised models that will describe
many seemingly different ideas by one
unified concept. Figure 1 depicts this

1.

OBSERVE

2. THINK

3.

OBSERVATION

Fig. 1. Diagram showing

stages of the scientific

method. Science produces

knowledge.

COLLECT FACTS
(MANY BUTTERFLIES OF
CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS)

FORM HYPOTHESIS

TEST HYPOTHESIS

IIBIG SPOTTED AND LITTLE

SPOTTED BUTTERFLIES BREED
TO ewnDUCE MIXED SPOTS)

(EXPERIMENT BREEDS
MIXED SPOTS, THEREFORE
HYPOTHESIS CORRECT,)

process.

Having hit upon an hypothesis it is

then tested by performing experiments
upon it to see if more examples that
would appear to also be correct are
indeed allowed for. The hypothesis, as
long as it is found satisfactory, is then
held as current and applicable until a
new case emerges that is not described
adequately enough by it. The scientific
process is then begun again to find a
new hypothesis that is better than the
earlier one.
Old hypotheses are not necessarily
useless. They find their use in limited
cases. We are quite satisfied in everyday life to regard mass as a constant
entity but on some special occasions,
in the design of some cathode ray
devices for example, mass must be
considered as being convertable to
energy. Einstein's work predicted that
conversion process.
New hypotheses produce new ideas
for technology to take up and apply.
Once it was known that the atom was
divisible, scientists sought to split it

further.
This brings us to the role of technology in the development of ideas.
Technology and engineering is the broad
discipline that devises machines and
structures that do not exist as such in
nature but using resources that are
naturally
see
Fig. 2.
available
Machines provide us with power conversion, with mechanisms and with
measuring and information tools.

Technology is
scientific pursuit

sister requirement of

- inseparable partners

in progress, each affecting the other's

progress at varying degrees with time.
Figure 3 shows an example of this

interaction.
One often -seen mis -statement is that
scientists build the so-called scientific
machines. "Scientists put a package on
Mars is the greatest scientific achievement yet made by man". If it had been
a failure then it would have been due to
engineering failure! The Mars' probe is
rather the greatest technological
achievement.

It is important to see how much

technology compared with how much
science goes into
a
manufactured
product for this helps us predict when
new ideas will come into practical use.
There is, however, another aspect to
technology. Many lifestyle changing
ideas do not occur as the result of
applying science in a systematic manner.
In fact many valuable nachines and
ideas arrive by way of an unknown,
often poorly trained, inventor who
applies an uncommonly good amount of
common-sense to solving an immediate
problem.
But society itself is also a strong
influence on the application of new
ideas. Somehow a new idea appears out
of place. We now accept spectacles as
normal technology, but think how a
person wearing a filtering false nose
(a possibility for reducing hay -fever

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

allergies) would be received. Organ

transplants were, and still are to some
extent, opposed. Test-tube babies are
currently controversial.
Many problems of society could be
solved more speedily if we were prepared to accept change and make what
appears at the time to be sacrifice more
readily. We have seen over the past two
years a strong swing toward the smaller
car. Air travel is now cheaper than by
sea
the reverse of a decade ago. A
trans -world telephone call now gives
more message content than a telegram
for the same price.
This introduction and the previous
part of this study sets the scene for
what I see could be some aspects of
future living. I possess no crystal ball; I
claim no extra sensory perception
ability, nor do I have a pact with the
maker or devil! What is given now is
composed from studying the past trends
and extending them into the future, this
being sprinkled with some personal
ideas of myself and others.

GETTING ABOUT IN THE FUTURE

Although there have been instances
in history where knowledge of man has
been lost by chance or by political
decree (the 1930's burning of the
books in Germany)
technological
change has continued to advance in
all civilisations (albeit sometimes extremely slowly). It is most unlikely
that the "alternative" communes we

53

Electronics 2000
ALUNIMIUM
COMPONENTS

(BAUXITE)

DOME

(IRON ORE
TREES)

trend of
a downward
performance. Petrol will still be available in the '90s so the choice will
probably move toward smaller, just as
well -performing. cars that stretch the

to move on
PAINT
(CHEMICALS
PIGMENTS)

litre further.
Other likely developments are automatically steered vehicles running on
specially modified highways. The cars
would be guided by control units
guidance paths laid in the
surface. Collision prevention by short
distance doppler-radar and optimal
route selection using telemetry signals
picked up by radio or from transmitters
also laid in the road (ETI, December
1974) can be implemented now that
sensing
FRAME
(IRON ORE
COAL)

ELECTRIC LIGHT
(COAL OIL
COPPER
GLASS)

research

is

in progress on these devices.

computing capability needed,

to
including built-in redundancy
improve reliability, is now available in
micro -processors that will soon be as
cheap as a good transistor radio. Social

The

MIRROR
(SAND
LIMESTONE
SODA)

influences, people's suspicions and mistrust and overall cost are the constraints
on rapid developments in this area.

With the thirst for speed perhaps

settled to a resonable level the next
thrust will be safety and again, perhaps,
longevity of the vehicle. New ideas
obtain much publicity but promotion
and worthwhileness of the product are
not always related attributes.

FOUNDATIONS
(GRAVEL
SAND
LIMESTONE
CLAY)

Experimental Safety Vehicles, ESVs,

have reached advanced levels. Fig.7 is
Nissan's E2 model. Urathane bumpers
are now being used; other safety

CABLES
CORROSION
PROTECTION
(ZINC ORE)

(OIL
COAL

COPPER ORE

COTTON PLANTS)

Fig. 2. Technology produces new objects, using naturally available resources, for specific tasks.
(98 inch telescope at Royal Greenwich Observatory).

today will be how man will live

It would need a global catastrophe to destroy all technology so
thoroughly that the survivors would
have to live as cave men and reinvent
all inventions again.
Technology of long-distance transportation
railways, ships and even
cars
requires great financial investment. Few people can afford a handmade car today
even mass-produced
ones are becoming harder to reach.
Thus,
if big commercial business
survives into the 2000s, or the State
takes over, we can confidently expect
changes to slowly emerge in transport.
It takes about four to six years for a
current design railway and its rolling
stock to be built from conception. A
new technology such as airships (a
revival really), needs a decade and a
half once a serious commitment is
given to using it.
see

in future.

54

Electric cars are constantly being

Fig. 4
researched and developed
but it has become vitally clear that two
areas of difficulty exist. The first is
that the lead -acid battery is not
adequate to power a car with performance that we have become accustomed
to. The best produced to date is not an
equal to the smallest family petrol car.
What is needed is much more effective
electrical storage arrangement. High -

temperature sodium -sulphur batteries,

pictured in Fig. 5, have been
as
developed to prototype stage, (see ETI
April 1975) but the manufacturers
suggest these cells will not be available
to car makers before 1980. Add a few
years more for design testing in practice
'and we may have a better electric car
proposition by 1985. The second difficulty, however, may be a more serious
barrier to the widespread use of electric
vehicles. This is the general reluctance

features are gradually being introduced.

Perhaps vehicles adhering to the surface
will be displaced by slightly levitated
ground -effect machines like the hovercraft. Again, experience has shown that
these are not the complete replacement
for all ground transport systems. As yet
they are still noisy, power hungry and
not as responsive to directional control
as the wheel -borne car.
The electric tram is another development that may come back again in a
new form. Melbourne, for example, has
a

workable

mass

passenger

transit

system that now gets people into and

out of the city generally faster than by
car
yet it was not so long ago that
the tram was regarded as archaic. Today
it is recognised that mass transportation
routes are better for concentrated city
mobilisation than a melee of cars.

Magnetically levitated vehicles

running on relatively inexpensive tracks
were forecast to be capable of over
500 km/h speeds (see ETI Oct. 1973).
Development of short test tracks and
vehicles continues out the pace of
slow to provide
development is
economic alternatives to maintenance
and repair of existing systems. Figure 8
shows a Maglev vehicle around 1973
remember that prototypes are quicker

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

to materialise than service vehicles. For

inter -city distances in big countries we
need a speed of about 500 km/h to
make journeys sufficiently shorter than
the current alternative of the car or
train. Airflight time is becoming limited
by cost and airport turnaround time
door to door and with no connections
to make, a 1000 km distance takes
about three hours. Maglev inter-city
systems, however, now must designed in light of a new social barrier
not obviously in existence five years
they need great quantities of
back
power to run at such high speeds.

Societal values no longer ignore such

demands on resources. Superconducting
Maglev systems (ETI October 1973) will
require vast quantities of scarce helium
this may limit their widespread

useage.

The bicycle is good for the health

but its slowness and effort requirements
do not suit most people who live far
from their workplace. A compromise
between the bicycle and the car seems
how things should develop but social
constants, personal comfort and the
ability to carry passengers and loads
require a wide degree of flexibility for
the future personal transport vehicle.
Moving on to transport at sea we can
confidently expect to see automatic
ships navigating by electronic control.
Position sensing devices (see ETI
March 1974, and September 1974) are
sufficiently developed for the task
especilly when the Omega navigational
net is complete across the globe. Computer control is well capable of the
data processing needed and machinery
control is now extremely reliable and
well defined. Automation of ships,
however, would need global acceptance
of the concept and more faith in
machinery. Automatic fishing is also
for we can now
a realisable goal
detect where fish are in the sea.

Fig.3 Science and technology go hand in hand helping each other

continuously. (Computer controlled engine -testing at Cranfield).

Ship -forms

may

shift to surface -

- plans

were announced
in the US last year for design studies of
10 000 tonnes naval cruiser that
a
could move at speeds double those of
today. Ship speeds are decided by
physical limitations arising because of
the wetted area surface drag and the
caused
to the water
disturbance
physically displaced by the ship's
motion. Raising speeds above 10 knots
or so demands enormous increases in
fuel consumption. Solutions to this are
to go completely under like the submarine for this also reduces the power
needed, or rise out of the water on skis
or the hover principle. One advantage of
the latter is that the swell and roll of sea
travel is greatly reduced. Hover ships
can run today at speeds of 80 knots but
problems with skirt sealing in rough
weather appears to be a major current
limit on usefulness on the open sea. The
history of naval architecture, however,

effect designs

Fig.4. The electric car can only provide satisfactory transportation

for short land tasks. This is a pleasure version by ElecTraction.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

shows that ships change in only minor

ways and at a slow pace.
Finally, in the air: what will happen
just a
there? There was once a time
few years ago
when air travel had

the pinnacle of transport

comfort and speed. But today it fails to
become

provide a fast enough overall journey

time because of airport regulations of
arrival before departure time, clearance
at security barriers, checking of tickets,
settling of passengers and the like. It
seems, as a rule of thumb, that the
actual flight time is about equal to the

Fig. 5 Na -S high temperature batteries can

store much more power for a given weight
than lead acid cells but they will not be
available for another five years or more.

55

Electronics 2000

sundry time involved for short international flights. Plans were published
in the early seventies of cabins (in which
people were assembled) ready to be
attached to the plane. In some countries
super highways link the remote airports
from the city centres. Somehove these
plans did not provide the answer now
seen to be needed.
Supersonic transportation is finding
difficult acceptance, and it is just not
possible to state at present whether it is
good or bad with any degree of
certainty. Only time will tell; hyby
potheses need verification
experiment.
The air ship is a strong contender
especially if a design needing less
helium were invented (certainly not one
based on hydrogen, for it is highly
inflammable when oxygen is available).
The hot air balloon is thirsty for energy
due to huge heat losses from the balloon
new materials and processes
surface
may provide us with an insulated
enclosure of light enough structure for
these to become viable for long flights.
Several companies have been formed
to exploit commercial freight transport
by airships. The idea is appealing -quiet, safe, speedy, not plagued with
terrain problems and capable of loads
equalling many semi -trailer cargoes put
together. Airships are an example of
past design hopes being reborn due to
better technological availability.
In the next part we will look at com-

Fig.8. Maglev vehicles can provide great speeds but they will require
much more development and testing before they replace current
forms of railway.

PASSENGER

COMPARTMENT

SENSOR

DRIVER'S AIR
CUSHION

INFLATOR

(STORED)

PASSENGERS'

and entertainment
developments of the future.

munications

(To be continued

p.

AIR CUSHION
INFLATOR

...l

(STORED)

Fig.6. General Motors' air cushion restraint system.

answer to collision survival in the near future.

These may the

Fig.7. Nissan E2 type ESV incorporates ideas yet to be included in

production cars. Gradually changes to improve safety are being
incorporated.

Broach type enerry ahsorbunp

56

unir(

Lrw.r)

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

ETI REAPER OFFER

BLOB BOARD OFFER

Save over

30% on this new experimenter's product from P.B. Elec/roncs!

Blob Board is a superb new aid to

the home constructor, it allows
prototypes to be built quickly and
accurately, without the need to

work

out

complex

component

patterns first.
Normally half the price of previously competitive boards, they
allow the user to go direct from
circuit diagram to completed board
in a matter of minutes and without
the use of messy chemicals. Component layout can be drawn directly
onto the Blob Board, with a felt-tip
eliminating many of the errors
which can occur in transferring from
circuit diagram to ordinary PCBs.
Components can be re -used and
re -soldered making circuit prototype
modifications and amendments
both fast and easy. All Blob Boards
are roller -tinned to facilitate easy
and reliable soldering, and are
reusable. The boards in this months
offer have been chosen to make up
two packs
one for the I.C.
experimenter, and one for discrete
users. The savings are at least 30%
on RRP
this on a price already
very low, for such a useful tool.

--I.C.

PACK

Comprises one of each:

ZB1IC (for one 16 -pin I.C.
pad, total area 41/2 x 3in.)
ZB2IC (for two 16 -pin I.C.
pads, total area 4% x
3'/4in.)
ZB8IC (for eight 16 -pin I.C.

pads, total area

91/2

7'/xin.)

Regular Price: 2.66

OFFER PRICE: 1.79

inc

-DISCRETE PACK
Comprises one of each:
ZB1V ( total area 5 x
2'/zin.)
ZB5D ( total area 3% x

Send to:
ETI BLOB BOARD OFFER
P.B. Electronics (Scotland) Ltd.,

57 High Street,

Saffron Walden,
Essex
CB10 IAA

....

...

I.C. PACKS (at 1.79 each) and

.
Please supply me with
DISCRETE PACKS (at 1.64 each). In addition I enclose 30p postage
irrespective of the number of packs ordered. I enclose my cheque/P.O.

for

....

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23/8in.)

ZB8D

(total area

7'/zin.)

Regular Price: 2.29

OFFER PRICE:

1.64 inc

Please allow 28 days for delivery

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

wmr

mmk.-_

57

Is that you?
-a computer that checks signatures
A growing need to check people's identity automatically has led to the development of a computer that verifies signatures by the speed and sequence of pen
this report by R. S. Watson &
movements as well as by the finished sample
P. J. Pobgee of Britain's National Physical Laboratory.

MODERN

TECHNOLOGY

HAS,

Identity or
credit card

Writing
instrument

1.

58

Unfortunately,

sequence

of

electrical

signals

such things being

used and, in any case, measurement can

----

71e
Fig.

physical dimension.
people often object to

corresponding to the signing action

without being connected to the writer's
This pad has been further
be expensive to automate. Together pen.
with voice 'prints' these visible developed commercially and is
attributes can still be imitated, another marketed by Quest Automation as a
data entry device under the name
drawback.
Datapad.
PEN MOVEMENTS
The second stage was the study of a
for
method
Signing is the traditional
great number of signatures to choose a
authorising documents, and signatures
method of measurement that could
represent a well practised human
ignore minor variations between samples
behaviour pattern. Although the visible
from
the same writer, while preserving
the
traced,
mark can be easily copied or
his distinguishing features. Over 10 000
way in which it is written is also
signatures were collected from more
characteristic of the writer. This means
than 500 writers from all walks of life.
be
can
information
additional
that
When
we examined these with a view to
obtained by measuring the speed and
isolating the variables, four rather
is
moved
pen
the
which
with
sequence
obvious factors emerged. These were
across the paper.
name, style, context and noise.
automatic
in
any
that,
It follows
The name forms the basic structure.
system for recognising signatures as they
It
may be short, such as B. Nye or long,
is
for
requirement
are written, the first
Sir Frederick
with
30 letters or more
an economic way of obtaining this
The
name may
Bertwhistle.
Marmaduke
hidden information without upsetting
be written in different languages, or
This
was
rhythm.
natural
writer's
the
obtained by inventing a simple scripts such as Roman, Russian, Arabic,
electronic notepad that produced a Japanese, Hebrew or for that matter any
well practised group of symbols. In
some cases a person's initial are
2
acceptable.
By style we mean the variations
User
about the name form. Many people have
Identity
reference
a repertoire of styles which they use on
code reader
files
various occasions, A number of
7
common examples which we met were a
'working or everyday use'style, a
Rio
R,
Sign please
'cheque book' style and what might be
Do
Accepted
called an 'impress the boss' style.
M,
6
5
Context is the modification to a given
Rejected
4
style caused by what the individual is
Sign again
doing at the time. The rhythmic
Measure
Decision
Data
properties of a person's signature can
or feature
Press 'help'
mechanism
clean-up
vary according to his attitude to the
extraction
Door open
transaction. The signing of an important
document will affect the way he writes
Wrong code
more than a trivial event such as the
receipt of articles worth a few pence.
etc.
Dn
All the other influences that may
Micro- or mini -processor
etc.
affect the signing behaviour we have
called' the noise factor. The weather
may be included in this category and a
number of signatures were collected

ironically, increased the opportunities

for crime and its rewards. Easier and
more widespread facilities for getting
goods on credit and the introduction of
electronic fund transfer systems have
it possible to make money
made
directly by fraud.
Nowadays, too, there are many places
where people cannot be allowed to
enter unless they are authorised. They
may house stocks of valuable or
dangerous material or stores of
confidential information, often in the
form of computer records. Providing
guards to check people's identity costs a
lot of money there is a need for some
automatic system of checking that
people are who they are supposed to be.
There are two ways of tackling the
problem. First is the method of
providing tokens such as credit cards or
pass cards or even secret codes. But
tokens can be lost or stolen or lent to
other people. The second method is to
make use of some human property such
as fingerprints, body weight, or other

Basic signature validation machine. The numbers are referred to in the text.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

other functions of position and time

may be chosen.
The properties or parameters can be
selected 'locally', that is within certain
areas, or 'globally', with the
measurements taken over the whole
signature.
Over 100 measures were tested for
their ability to discriminate between
writers, while remaining insensitive to
each person's own variation. From
these, ten measures were selected and
used to generate the values M1 -M10
which are passed to the decision
mechanism (6). Here a comparison is
made with those obtained from the
claimed reference set (R1 -R10). The
degree of similarity or closeness of fit in
relation to a set threshold value
determines one of a -number of
decisions (D1-Dn). A close fit, that is
below the threshold value, is accepted.
A poor fit causes the signature to be
rejected and displays a request for
further samples.
A hierarchy of decision procedures is
used allowing 'context' factors such as
customer importance or the value of the
transaction to be incorporated. The
decision mechanism can be easily
organised in a number of different ways

'NPL Verisign'

'Insert card'

No

Is

card

valid

Yes

'User's name'

'Please sign now

No

No

Is this
the third
try 7

Is'

signature
valid ?

Yes

'Remove card'

Yes

'Door open'
'Sign again'
'Remove card'

Door unlatched
for 30 seconds

to suit individual requirements.

Establishing a set of measures to use
as a reference for one person is a vital
part of the smooth functioning of the

machine.
Intervention by
an authorized user

Fig. 2. Simplified

flow chart of operation.

from people arriving at the laboratory in

midwinter. Other samples were obtained
from people in various states of health.
In one case drugs were being taken to
alleviate the symptoms of a nervous
condition. Then there is the 'after
business lunch effect' which can
influence the signing rhythms!
Our large data bank of signatures was
supported by other experiences of
interaction between man and machine.
This enabled a team led by Dr J. Parks
of NPL to develop powerful techniques
to overcome many of the difficulties.
Peter Hawkes of the UK's National
Research Development Corporation and
Stephen Dennis of Inter -Bank Research
Organisation had been following
progress with interest, and a joint
venture was formed between NRDC,
IN RO and NPL to construct a
prototype machine for VERIfication of
SIGNatures (VERISIGN).
Diagram 1 illustrates the basic
building blocks of the Verisign machine.
LS user first enters his personal identity
code either 'through keyboard or badge

reader(1

).

The code, which in our case

is

four digit number, is used to extract

the user's reference file (2) containing a
set of 10 reference parameters
(RI -RIO). These are passed to the
a

decision mechanism (6) and a request

flashed to the output display (7) for the
person to sign his name on the Datapad
(3).
The Datapad has an electro -sensitive
surface on which movements of the
writing stylus are converted into a
'string' of interleaved x, y co-ordinates
showing how far across and up or down
particular points are. This 'data string' is
then processed (4), to remove artifacts
such as marks made accidentally by the
user.

Analysis of the 'cleaned up' data

occurs at (5) in which measurements are
made on certain properties which
characterise the signing pattern.
Examples of possible measurements are
the number of crossings made by the x
or y co-ordinates over a datum line or
the total time spent in writing. Many

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Security

against

impersonation, without the rejection of

genuine attempts, will depend on how
well the reference measures characterise
the writer.
Anyone who will be using the
machine is first asked to submit five
specimen signatures. The spread of this
group is then examined by the machine
for any gross inconsistencies. Signatures
that lie outside a given tolerance band
are rejected and further samples
requested to make up the number. The
variation in the reference group
(variability factor, VF) provides a useful
means of assessing what the chances are
for successful impersonation by
unauthorised users. The lower this
factor the higher the security and, of
course, the reverse is true.
Knowledge of the degree of security
is unknown to either the user or
impersonator and in any case the rating
value together with the reference list is
updated each time a test signature is
accepted. This updating mechanism can
also keep track of long-term variation in
the way a person writes his signature.
The basic flow chart of the Verisign
machine is shown in diagram 2. Three
attempts at writing a signature are
permitted before some form of alert is
given.
The computer program, apart from a
few modules, is written in standard
Fortran IV language and occupies about
59

Is that you?
-a computer that
checks signatures

rHelp us to help you

please mote your name and address on the back of your cheques

To: SUBSCRIPTIONS DEPARTMENT

MAGAZINE
25-27 Oxford Street,
London W 1 R 1 RF
ETI

ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE IN STERLING

enclose 6.00 (7.00 overseas) for the next twelve issues

Name
Address

words of core store. Twenty

words are required for each person's
reference parameters plus an extra 10
for performance logging.
We used a 16K mini -computer which
provided reference file space for up to
120 people. The time to verify a
signature was less than 100 milliseconds.
This meant that a complete transaction,
including the entry of a personal
identity code, could be completed
inside 20 seconds.
12 000

SUBSCRIPTIONS
"IF YOU CAN'T SEE IT

- IT'S

GONE!"

WHY
TAKE CHANCES

TESTS
The system was tested in various
situations including remote operation
over public telephone lines. In addition,
two full-scale experiments were carried
out. For the first, in the entrance hall at

TAKE OUT A

laboratory, the participants

identified themselves as they entered
and left the building. The 71 people
who took part included typists, security
officers, members of the services,
our

professional

and

engineers

SUBSCRIPTION

scientists.

Out of 2000 attempts made at

identification by signing, 96 per cent
were successful.
The second experiment controlled

entry to the computer room of a

different government establishment.
Here, the 47 passholders, often carrying
equipment or trays of cards, used the
Verisign terminal over a period of
several weeks. The results of this
experiment were similar to the first.
It is, of course, one thing to ensure
that the genuine person is identified
correctly with the minimum fuss or
bother. It is another to prevent the less
scrupulous their practising art! With this
in mind, at the end of both experiments
we displayed a number of target
signatures and invited everyone to try
his hand at copying them. With the first
experiment at NPL, although one or
two came very close, no-one was able to
obtain a 'signature valid' signal. A lower
threshold was used for the second
experiment and the decision scores were
displayed as an incentive. No limit was
placed on the number of attempts,
allowed and under these less rigorous,
unrealistic conditions a few people were
eventually successful.
No security system is perfect but the
hierarchy of this one allows the degree
of security to be balanced against the
possibility of rejecting an authorised

Now there's a better way

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user.
60

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

SINTEL

for MEMORIES

- MPU's

/MEMORY IC's

Components from

BOOK S

Leading Manufacturers only

DATABOOKS and Datasheets

Intel 2102A-6 (new version of 2102-2). 16 pin IC, TTL compatible, Single
+5V supply, 65Onsec., 1024 x bit Static NMOS RAM
3.61
Intel 2112A-4 65onsec. 256 x 4 bit Static NMOS RAM
4.76
Intersil 1M6508C CMOS 1024 x 1 bit Static RAM

(do not add any VAT)

New 1976 RCA CMOS and Linear IC Combined Databook

New 1976 RCA 'Power and Microwave' Databook
1976 National Semiconductor 7400 series TTL Databook, a 200 pages
TTL Pin -Out Card Index. Set of cards with pin -outs (top and bottom views) of
T.I. TTL range and many other T.I. IC's
Intel Memory Design Handbook, c. 280 pages
Intel 8080 Microcomputer Systems Users Manual, c. 220 pages
Motorola McMOS Databook (Vol. 5 Series A), c. 500 pages
Motorola M6800 Microprocessor Applications Manual, c. 650 pages
Motorola M6800 Programming Manual, c. 200 pages
Motorola Booklet introducing Microprocessors
2650 Microprocessor Manual 220 pp
National SC/MP Introkit Users Manual
National SC/MP Programming and Assembly Manual
National SC/MP Technical Description

8.05/

6.70
7.30
E3.45

KITS)

CAR CLOCK
'AUT-C K'

17.85

only 154mm X 85mm

x 40mm

The SINTEL Car Clock is a four -digit clock in an attractive mini white case.
Features: large 0.5" red LED displays
High frequency quartz crystal

timebase
an internal backup battery supplies power if the car battery
voltage drops below nine volts when starting the engine, or if the clock is
temporarily disconnected
only high quality components are used, Piher
resistors, roller tinned fibreglass PCB's, etc. Full instructions included. Simple
but sophisticated circuitry gives you good performance at low cost. You
benefit from our experience in clock design. Suitable for all 12V, negative earth

DATASHEETS on Microprocessors: (usually Xerox Copies)

Intersil IM6100 12 bit CMOS .. 0.75
RCA CDP1802 8 bit CMOS
National SC/MP 8 bit, Low cost 0.75
Zilog Z80 (enhanced 8080)
Signetics 2650 8 bit. Low cost
0.75
Motorola MC 6800
TMS 8080
0.75
TMS 5501

2.95
5.20
5.25
3.50
12.95
5.35
1.80
24.50
0.75
6.30
1.95

0.75
0.75
0.75
0.75

cons.

Complete kit less battery -- Order as 'AUT-CK'

Also available less case
Order as 'AUT -MODULE KIT'

microprocessors

17.85
16.45

Please: Microprocessors should only be bought by experienced constructors. Sorry,

we cannot answer technical queries or supply data other than from our selection.

'50Ha CRYSTAL TIMERASE KIT: provides an extremely

stable output of one pulse every 2Ontsec. Uses. May be.
added to all types of digital clocks to improve accuracy, to
within a few seconds a month a If used with battery back-up
also makes clocks power -out or switch -oft proof a Replacing
50H1 signal on battery -powered equipment a Providing film
synchronisation a Monitoring or improving turntable speed.
Complete kit. Order as

ASSOCIATED IC's

IM6100CCDL

45.36
ISPA/ 100 (SC/MP)
18.75
8080A(2uS)
2650
32.25
27.00
6800
33.87
MICROPROCESSOR MANUFACTURERS' DEVELOPMENT KITS

"XTK"6.28

DIGITAL CLOCK KITS WITH CRYSTAL CONTROL

AND BATTERY BACK-UP
ACK+
BBK+

These include main IC's, PCB, Manuals and Data

MEK6800D1
with the 6800 MPU
ISP8K/200E
SC/MP Intro Kit
MOS-80 Kit C
with 8080A (no PCB)

--

GCK+
GBRK+

XTK

Send for FREE CATALOGUE giving details of our complete range of Clock kits,
LED displays, Cases and other components.

These two kits incorporate our Crystal Tmmebase Kit (XTK). together with components
for
battery back-up. All components, plus a PP3-type battery, fit neatly in the clock
cases.
Accurate to within a few seconds a month. If mains power is disconnected
(through a power
cut, accidental switching oft or moving clock) the clocks will still keep perfect time.
While on
back-up, the displays are off to conserve battery life.

CASES and other COMPONENTS

32.768 kHz Min. Watch Quartz Crystal

E4.50. 5 12 MHz Crystal
8-way BOSS Switch: 8 ultra-min toggle switches in 16 -pin DIL
Miniature Traneformere (Both lit in all Verocases below)
Clock transformer 6.0-6/300mA. Order as' LED-TRF"
For 5LT01 12.0-12z 100mA.
5-0-1 5/ 50mA. Order as "5L-TRF"

ATTRACTIVE 8 -DIGIT ALARM CLOCK: Uses Red 0.5" displays. Features bleep
'Touch switch" snooze control and automatic intensity control. Alarm remainsalarm.
fully
operational while clock is on back-up. Complete kit including casa less mains cable
and plug.
Order as "ACK +XTK+BBK"
Kit also available less crystal control and back-up. Order es "ACK"

CD4000
CD4001
CD4002

CD4006
CD4007
CD4008
CD4009
CD4010
CD4011
CD4012

CD4013
CD4014
CD4015
CD4016
CD4017
CD4018
CD4019
CD4020
CD4021

CD4022
CD4023
C04024
CD4025
CD4026
CD4027
CD4028
CD4029
CD4030
CD4031
CD4032

0.17
0.18
0.17
1.35
0.18
1.11

0.64
0.64
0.20
0.19
0.64
1.16
1.16
0.64
1.16
1.16

0.64
1.28
1.16
1.11

0.24
0,89
0,24
1.98

0.64
1,03
1.31

0,64
2.55
1,23

CD4033
CD4034
CD4035
CD4036
CD4037
CD4038
CD4039
CD4040
CD4041
CD4042
CD4043
CD4044
CD4045
CD4046
CD4047
CD4048
CD4049
CD4050
CD4051

CD4052
CD4053
CD4054
CD4055
CD4056
CD4059
CD4060
CD4063
CD4o66
CD4067
CD4068

C04069
CD4070
CD4071

ADD 8% VAT + 25p P&P on

1.60
2.19
1.35
3.65
1.09
1.24
3.55
1.23
0.96
0.96
1.16
1.07
1.61
1.53

1.04
0.64
0.64
0.64
1.07
1.07
1.07
1.33
1.51
1.51

5.48
1.28
1.26
0.71
4.28
0.24
0.24
0.67
0.24

Dimensions are in

3.80
1.85
1.95pre-cut

nary,

7514103 (205x140x40)
751411D (205.140x75)

18.55
14.40

2.84

....,......3,04
_

751237) (1541)851)40)
751238D (154x85.60)

...

1.72
2.15

- see our Price List.

Till

We guarantee that Telephone Orders for goods in Stoc received by 4 15 p.m. (Mon
will be despatched the same day 1st Class Post (Books and Kits
by parcel post), and our Stocking is good. Private cu tomes should telephone and pay by giving their Access or Barclaycard number, with
a minimum
order value of c5 Official orders, no minimum.
,

CD4072
CD4073
CD4075
CD4076
CD4077
CD4078
CD4081
CD4082

CD4085
CD4086
CD4089
CD4090
CD4094
CD4095
CD4096
CD4097
CD4098
CD4099
CD4502
CD4510
CD4511

CD4514
CD4515
CD4516
CD4518
CD4520
CD4527
CD4532
CD4555
CD4556
MC14528
MC14553

IM6508

0.24
0.24
0.24

COMPONENTS

1.61

0.60
0.24
0.24
0.24
0.82
0.82

CLOCK CHIPS
AY51202
2.89
AY51224
3.50
MK50253 5.60

1.78

0.92
2,15
1.20
1,20
4,28
1.26
2.11
1.43
1.57
1.80
3.15
3.60
1.56
1.25
1.43
1.82
1.65
1.04
1.04
1.22
4.68
8.05

LOW COST IC SOCKETS

Soldercon Pins are the ideal low cost method of providing sockets for TTL CMOS.
Displays, ICs. Simply cut off the lengths you need, solder into board and snap off the
connecting carrier. A single purchase of Soldercon Pins gives you any socket you may
need, and at low prices. 50p -per strip of 100 pins, 1,000 for 4, 3,000 for 10.50.
These Jumbo LED displays take no
current than 0.3" types,
our Common Cathode (C C) digits mc n be rused in place of any
other C.0 display (DL 704. DI750. MAN3640. etc.) as they are all electrically identical (but may
have different pm'outs). Similarly our Common Anode digits may be used in place of any other C.A
types (DL707, DL747, RS/Doran' 586/699. etc.).

DISPLAYS All

VEROCASES

751410J
751411D
751237J
751238D
751239K

2.64
3.04
1.72
2.15
2.78
FN0500

T1L321, TIL322

XAN652, XAN6S4

D500-6

GREEN

TIL322
XAN652
XAN654
MAN3M

Manufacturer
Fairchild
Texas Instr
Texas Insu.
Xcnon
xcilon
Monsanto

SLT01

Futaba

Pan No.

FND500

SUNDRY
CA3130

1.14
0.35

uA741
(RCA 8 DIL)

'78L12WC

all orders. Phone

0.77

ri

orders see
Fast Service" for details. Export
orders very welcome. No VAT but add 10%
(Europe). 15% (Overseas) for Air Mad p&p. (For
export postage rates on books
contact us first).
'

a4aCt

rr.q

T1L321

Colour

Type

Red
Red
Red

Common Cathode LED

Green
Green
Red
Green

Common
Common
Common
Common
Common
Phosphor

Anode LED
Cathode LED
Anode LED
Cathode LED
Cathode LED
Diode

Sue
5 5"
0.5"
0

0.6"
0.6"
0.13"
0 5"

Price

1.02
1.30
1.20
2.45
2.45
48p
5.80

Display PCB. (each fits neatly into Verocase 7514103). All are for multiplexed arrays, all are
suitable for F50500. TIL321, TIL322.
0500-4 (for 4 digit clock) 90p, 0500.6 (for 6 digit clock)
1.35'
0500.8 (for counter, up to 8 dgts)
1.35
USING DISPLAYS WITH CMOS OR TTLI Send sae asking for free application note. SNI. which

gives simple circuits watt component values.

tee,-`..},

SINTEL

.....

We have many other Verocesea and Vero products in stock

CMOS

Complete kit including case less mains cable and plug. Order as "GCK + XTK +
GBBK"
Kit also available less crystal control and back-up. Order as "GCK"

.............. 2.00

VEROCASES. Neat cases with PCB gui des. etc front and rear aluminium panels. We have
Perspex for some cases, making them ideal for clocks or instruments. For 751247J P3Op.12 (Red)
PX-G-J-12 (Green) 28p. For
PX-R-3-14 (Red) 30p. PX-G-J-14 (Green) 30p. For 7514110
PX-R-D14 (Red) 40p. The cases are as used in our ACK & GCK.

33.58
26.80

MINI GREEN CLOCK. Attractive 4 -digit Mantelpiece Clock with bright 0.5" Green display.

FAST SERVICE

137.00
93.55
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SalesTe0865
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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

SINTEL

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61

.
ABM."

part 6
RESISTORS

commonly

Last month we looked at the most common resistors, the carbon composition
types. This article now looks at resistors in general and introduces the other
types we will be considering.

MUST BE THE MOST

used of electronic
components
to the point where they
tend to be taken for granted.

characteristic. Some types of resistor,

particularly those in the semiconductor
group, are manufactured to have a large,

controlled

resistance -temperature

Resistors are, .however, made in a characteristic. They are usually used for
variety of ways either for general use or temperature sensing, compensation, or
because their particular characteristics in measurement applications.
suit certain areas of application. Modern
resistors can be classified into four Voltage Coefficient
The nominal
value of a resistance is not independent
broad groups:
of the applied voltage, usually'
(a)
composition resistors
decreasing with increase in applied
(b)
film resistors
voltage. The voltage coefficient is
(c)
wirewound resistors
usually expressed as a percentage of the
(d)
semiconductor resistors
There is a variety of construction styles change in resistance against variation in
in each group, each style having applied voltage from 10% of maximum
particular characteristics, advantages working voltage to maximum working
voltage. This is a characteristic that is
and disadvantages.
of importance with carbon
General Characteristics
Resistors are only
not quite the passive components composition resistors and some types of
they are usually taken to be. All semiconductor resistors (i.e. voltage
the resistors vary
in
value with dependant resistors).
variations in temperature. They also
All resistors have
change value with applied voltage and Frequency Effects
with frequency. All resistors generate an inherent small amount of inductance
noise, and thus certain types are better and capacitance and this affects the way
suited to applications requiring low they behave at high frequencies and
noise components, such as audio above. The length of the actual
amplifier input circuits. Knowing what resistance path in the resistor and the
the various characteristics of a resistor length of the leads contributes
mean in different situations enables you inductance in series with the apparent
to make a proper selection for a dc resistance. Capacitance, which may
particular application
or to make be distributed along the resistor body or
substitutes without introducing through the resistance path, contributes
problems. There is a generally agreed capacitance which is effectively in
convention on how the various resistor parallel with the apparent dc resistance.
characteristics are expressed and these This changes what should look like an
ordinary resistor into a circuit like that
are explained below.
in Fig. 1. The actual amount of series
Temperature coefficient
With many i nductance and shunt capacitance
resistors, the change in value of depends largely on the
type of resistor
resistance is fairly linear across a large and its construction. Some styles
of
range of temperature. With such resistor are constructed to minimise
resistors the temperature coefficient is these effects.
usually expressed in 'parts per million
Carbon composition and wirewound
per degrees centigrade' or ppm/oC. It is resistors are the most affected of any
also sometimes expressed in percent of group. Generally, for values above 100
value per degrees centigrade, or %/OC. ohms or so, the apparent resistance will
Some resistors have a nonlinear decrease as the frequency is increased.
temperature coefficient and this Thus low value resistors exhibit the least
characteristic is usually referred to as variation with increasing frequency
the 'resistance -temperature' while the apparent resistance of high

value resistors (i.e.

above),

rapidly

about 100 k and

as
the

decreases

frequency increases.

Noise
All resistors generate 'noise' in
the form of tiny voltage fluctuations
which originate in the resistive element.
Further noise is generated in the lead
connections. The total noise voltage is
contributed from a number of different
sources. One form of noise that is
present in a// resistors is called 'Johnson
Noise' and the magnitude of this
depends on the temperature and the
value of the resistor. Some resistors
,(particularly carbon composition types)

SERIES

INDUCTANCE

RESISTANCE OF
COMPONENT ELEMENT

62

SHUNT
CAPACITANCE
Fig.

1.

Equivalent circuit of practical

resistor.

produce extra

noise

caused

by

the

current flowing through the component.

Faults in the component also cause
noise, i.e. for solid body types, minute
cracks may add to the noise. Some
styles of construction can contribute to
noise, for example, those constructed
with end caps connecting to the resistive
element may become noisy (more
noisy) when the end caps are subjected
to tension and become slightly loose.
For adjustable resistors, added noise
may be caused by imperfect contact
between the moving contact and the
resistive element. The noise is worsened
during the time the contact is moving.
To obtain the lowest noise from a
resistor it should be operated well below
its wattage rating.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

The noise figure for resistors is usually

quoted in microvolts per volt (V/V) or
in dB related to a reference figure
(usually 14V/V).

RESISTOR RATINGS
Resistors are rated to remain within
specified resistance limits under

conditions

specified

of

power

dissipation, temperature and applied

voltage. These ratings depend on the
style and construction of the resistor as
well as the way in which it may be used
in practice, i.e. if it is subjected to high
temperatures or operated at a high
voltage.
The primary rating of a resistor is its
wattage or power rating, that is, how
much power it will dissipate. This is
more or less analogues to the voltage
rating of a capacitor
how high a
voltage it will withstand.
Power or Wattage Rating
The
maximum power rating of a resistor, as
quoted by the manufacturer, is
determined by the power it can

Film resistors are made in a range of

power ratings from 1/20th (0.05) watt
up to five watts, composition types
range from 1/10th (0.1) watt to two
watts. Some special film types, made for
RF power applications and high voltage,
high power applications, are
manufactured in wattage ratings from
one watt to 100 watts or more.
Wirewound resistors are manufactured
in wattage ratings that range from half
watt right up to 200 watts. Very low
value resistors (i.e. less than a few ohms)
are usually wirewound. They may only
need .to dissipate small amounts of
power and are consequently generally
quite small.
When a resistor is dissipating power, its
temperature will rise above that of its

surroundings

(or

the

'ambient'

temperature as it is called). The

maximum temperature of the resistor
due to both the internal heating and the
ambient temperature is called the 'hot
spot' temperature. The maximum
allowable hot spot temperature for a

SIZE

TYPE

Carbon Film
Composition
Carbon Film
Metal Film
Metal Oxide
Composition
Carbon Film
Composition
Composition
Composition
Carbon Film
Metal Film
Metal Oxide
Composition
Carbon Film
Composition
Carbon Film

)
C

U
G

0
Fig. 2. Sizes and ratings

E
F

)
of modern

ways:

(a) The resistor gives

.05
.25
.25
.25

.125/.25
0.5
0.35
0.5
0.35
0.5

final puff of

smoke, becomes open circuit and

joins its ancestors in that great big
pc board beyond the sky.
(b) The resistor becomes short circuit,
everything else begins to smoke and

0.5
0.33
0.2
0.25
0.2
0.25
1.0

0.25/0.5
0.75

0.35

2.0

1.0
1.0

4.0

LENGTH
4 mm

6.5 mm
7 mm
7 mm
, 7.2 mm
10 mm
9 mm
10.3 mm
11.5 mm
12.7 mm
11 mm
12 mm
11.2 mm
17.8 mm
14 mm
30 mm
24 mm

DIA
1.5 mm
2.3 mm
2.3 mm
2.5 mm
2.5 mm
3.5 mm
3 mm
4.3 mm
4.1 mm
5.3 mm
4 mm
5.5 mm
4.2 mm
4.1 mm
4.8 mm
7.8 mm
8 mm

resistors.

dissipate continuously for an unlimited

time without exceeding a specified
maximum temperature and without
drifting from its nominal value more
than a specified amount.
The power rating of a resistor depends
largely on its construction. Low power
the
resistors are quite small in size
size increasing with power rating as
illustrated in Fig.2. These are
represntative of most composition and
film types. Wirewound resistors are
inevitably larger as they are generally
manufactured to dissipate considerable
amounts of power.

WATTAGE RATING
@700C
@40C

A
B

composition and film types. Wirewound

types may have a maximum hot spot
temperature in excess of 2500C, which
is sufficient to melt solder and fry
fingers to a crisp golden brown.
Excessive power dissipation with a
resistor causes large, often sudden,
changes in resistance, in somt types the
definitely the
resistance may decrease
wrong direction as it will then try to
until it
dissipate yet more power
reaches its thermal limit and breaks
down.
The first signs of overload in carbon
composition and carbon film resistors
are a pungent burning odour
accompanied by a steady stream of
smoke. Finally, it breaks down
altogether in one of several possible

resistor depends on its construction and

the material of the resistance element.
The maximum hot spot temperature of
a resistor may not be exceeded under
normal operating conditions. Thus,
resistors are rated to dissipate a given
amount of power up to a specified
ambient temperature, usually 400C or
700C, so that the combination of
nternal heating and the ambient
temperature do not exceed the
i

maximum

allowable

hot

spot

temperature. This is usually between

100C and 1700C depending on the
component style and construction, for

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

they

join

their

ancestors

you -know -where.

(c) The resistor turns into a miniature
Vesuvius, splutters hot carbon
particles all over the place and
eventually bursts into flames, not
unlike a Roman candle.
To summarise with the obvious, it is
good practice to select resistors which
go open circuit under extreme overload
and which are non-flammable. Many
modern resistors, particularly power
resistors, are manufactured this way.
63

resistor rated to dissipate

will obviously dissipate
considerably more at more normal room
temperatures of 20-25oC it is not good
practice to use it in such a manner. It
will, most likely change value
permanently, most probably by an
amount exceeding the specified
tolerance. That is why power derating
graphs only indicate a permissable 100%
dissipation below the maximum

Although

1/2

High value resistors are more

break down under the stress

likely to
of high

applied voltage rather than excessive

dissipation.
A resistor may be
Power Derating
operated above the maximum specified

ambient

temperature

it

provided

dissipates less power than its nominal

rating. In other words it has to be
'derated', With few exceptions, the
derating is usually linear from the
maximum ambient temperature to the
maximum hot spot temperature, where
it can dissipate no power at all. This is
illustrated in Fig. 3. Here the graph
shows that the resistor can dissipate full
power according to its rating up to
700C but this is decreased linearly until
it can dissipate no power at 1250C,
which is the hot spot temperature. If
the resistor was a 1 watt type, then,
from the graph, it could only dissipate
less than 1/2 W at 1000C.

50

o
40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

125

AMBIENT TEMPERATURE oC

Fig.3. Typical power derating curve for composition and film resistors.

The ambient temperature of a resistor

obviously affected by nearby devices
that produce heat. One should ensure
that resistors mounted near power
transistors, wirewound resistors, or
other heat producing sources are
adequately rated. The same goes for
equipment that may be mounted in a
high temperature environment, such as
in a car engine compartment or under
temperatures here can reach
the dash
80-100oC under a hot summer sun.
Resistors stacked together must be
operated below maximum rating as they
do not experience the same cooling as
resistors mounted with free space
around them. For other than
wirewound resistors it is good practice
to allow at least the same distance as the
component width or diameter around it
in order to obtain adequate cooling.
Resistors may be mounted right down
on a printed circuit board however,
without appreciably degrading the
cooling. But, if the component is a two
watt type or more, and dissipating some
power, it is best to mount it above the
board by at least its own diameter or
thickness to avoid scorching the board.
is

64

allowable ambient temperature.

Chemical changes within the resistive
element destroys a resistor that is

operated

at

high

excessively

temperatures.

Voltage Rating The value of a resistor

is
not independent of the applied
voltage. It changes with increasing
voltage, usually decreasing. This
characteristic is worst for composition
resistors. A voltage coefficient may be
specified for a resistor. This is expressed
as
a
percentage of the change in
resistance versus the nominal (low
voltage) value of the component
multiplied by the inverse of 0.9 times
the rated maximum working voltage.
The maximum working voltage and
the voltage coefficient of a resistor
depend on the materials and
composition of the resistance element,
the allowable deviation from the
nominal (low voltage) value and the

physical

25

W at 400C

of

configuration

the

component. For a given type of

construction and resistive element, the
voltage coefficient decreases with
decreasing resistance value and thus the
maximum working voltage may be
increased.
High value resistors used in high
voltage applications, e.g. in EHT voltage
dividers for CRO tubes, may suffer from

voltage

breakdown

across

the

spiral -grooved turns of the resistance

element. 'Voids' also occur in the
resistance element, causing an increase
in value, and sparking occurs across
these with consequent detrimental
effects. Catastrophic failure of a resistor
usually occurs by these voids spreading
through the element.
Pulse Rating

to

- The reaction of resistors

voltage

stresses

is

almost

instantaneous. Where a resistor is

subject to voltage pulses it will still be
subjected to the sort of limitations
placed on it for the voltage rating.
Power dissipation is not a limiting
factor, it is rather the voltage stress that
the component is able to withstand. The
spreading of voids through the
resistance element increases with
increasing pulse frequency. Carbon film
resistors are able to withstand about
twice their rated dc working voltage
under pulse conditions. Usually the
pulse voltage rating of the component
will be exceeded before the power
dissipation becomes significant.

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4.25*

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FERRANTI ZN414
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50mA with press -stud battery connectors, 9V 3.45.
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50mA 3 95
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3 -WAY MODELS.
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CAR CONVERTORS 5.10*

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100mA cassette type: 71/2V with 5 pin DIN plug.
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3/41/2/6/71/2/9/12/15/18V 50mA 3.50

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2.24.

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4.05.

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4.45.

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10705 1.95.

-'-

--

``

---

__

SINCLAIR CALCULATORS AND

WATCHES*
Cambridge Universal 6.60. Cambridge Scientific
8.95. Oxford 300 13.30. Programmable Scientific
with free mains und 24.95. Mains adaptors for other
models (state type) 3.20. Assembled Grey Watch with
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SINCLAIR PROJECT 80 AUDIO

MODULES
PZ54. 95. PZ68. 70. Z405.75. Pro. 805018.95

BI-PAK AUDIO MODULES

S450 tuner 18.95. AL60 4.33. PA100 13.45.
MK60 audio kit 27.20. Teak 60 10.95. Stereo 30
15 95. SPM80 3.35. BMT80 3.50. Send sae for
free data.

SAXON ENTERTAINMENTS MODULES

SA1208 20.50. SA1204 19. SA608 12. SA604
10.30. PM1201/8 11.30. PM1202/8 15.
PM1201/4 11.30. PM1202/4 15. PM601/8
11.30. PM601 /4 11.30.

SWANLEY ELECTRONICS
Dept. ETI, PO BOX 68, Swanley, Kent
Send sae for free leaflets on all kits. Post 30p on orders

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Overseas customers deduct 7% on items marked +,
otherwise 11% Official orders welcome

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

Semiconductors from
LYNX ELECTRONICS

WIrnsIow
Audio

THYRISTORS All ratings RMS

0. BA

P1V

0.27

200
400
500

for

0.30'

Baker Group 25, 3, 8. or 15 ohm

Baker Group 35. 3, 8 or 15 ohm
Baker Deluxe. 8 or 15 ohm
Baker Major, 3, 8 or 15 ohm
Baker Regent, 8 or 15 ohm
Baker Superb, 8 or 15 ohm
Celestion MH 1000 horn, 8 or 15 ohm
Coles 400 1 G super tweeter
Coles 400 1 K super tweeter
EMI 14" x 9" bass 1470/ 700 8 ohm
EMI 8 X 5. 10 watt, d/c, roll/s 8 ohm
Elac 59RM 109 15 ohm, 59RM 1 14 8 ohm
Elac 6'/1" d / c roll /s 8 ohm
Elac 10" 10RM239 8 ohm
Fane Pop 15 watt 12"

...

2" 60 watt
60 watt, 15"
70 watt 15"
55,

100 watt, 18"

Crescendo 1 2A or 8, 8 or 15 ohm
Crescendo 15, 8 or 15 ohm
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801T8" d/c roll/s Bohm

Goodmans
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8P 8 or 15 ohm
10P 8 or 15 ohm
12P 8 or 15 ohm
1 2P-D 8 or 15 ohm
15 ohm
1 2P-G 8 or

Audiom 200 8 ohm

Axent 100 8 ohm
Axiom 402 8 or 15 ohm
Twinaxiom 8" 8 or 15 ohm
Twinaxiom 10" 8 or 15 ohm

Kef T27
Ke4

T15

Kef 13110
Kef B200
Kef 8139
Kef DN8
Kef ON 12
Kef DN13
Baker Major Module, each

9.00
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10.60
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600V

...

....

17.95
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ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT

Cabinets. wadding, Vynair, crossovers etc
Send stamp for free 38 page booklet
a

1OA

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(10220)
0.42
0.48
0.60
0.88
1.19

(T0220)

154
(T06 4)

0.47
0.54
0.68
0.98
1.26

1.02
1.14
1.40
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0.47
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Speaker"

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WILMSLOW AUDIO
Dept. ETI

Swan Works, Bank Square, Wilmslow,

Cheshire SK9 1H F. Tel. Wilmslow 29599
(Discount HiFi, PA and Radio at 10 Swan
Street, Wilmslow)

8.5A
(b)

la)

lb)

0.60
0.64
0.78
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0.70
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0.87

0p

0.95
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(b)

(a)
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(a)

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BCY32
BC133
8CY34
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BDt 15

0.18'
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0.38
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BD183

0.11'
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80Y62
80193
813594

80195
1313596

80597
80598

0.60

0.18'
0.16'
0.17'
0.17'

130136

0.55
0.55
0.60
0.55
0.55
0.50
1.15
0.12
0.18
0.12
0.55
0.36
0.40
0.36
0.39

BD137

0.40

813138

0.48
0.58
0.86
0.92

80132
BD135

80139
80181
60182

0.48

0.45
15.25
0

7400
7454
7442
7449

80

7493

7494
7495

0.16
0.25

7495

625

74100
74107
14118
74119
74121

1.15

74122
74123
74125

847

0.67
0.78
4.32

1497

0.35
1.16
1.92

0.34
0.40

879

0.441

0.53
0.16
0.37
0.49

8875.14

7414514141

7
141514110

74153
74154
74155
74157
74180
14151
74162
74163
74164
74165
74117
14174
74175
14176
74111
74111
74190

135

0.35
0.16

an

0.65
1.50

25e
0.81
0.11

085
0.16
0.18
8.16

018
032

os

74191
74120

0.30

032

74193
14196
14197

0.47
0.36
0.55
1.26
0.75

774111

1.20
0.T7
1.09
1.62
8701.32

1.20

1.20
1.20
1.20

0.93
0.93

3.71
1.06

0.M
0.88
1.23

3.20
1.33
1.33
1.39
1.38
1.64
0.61

274
2744110

1.12

TO3
7818
t54340-5
LM340. 12

1.50
1.50
1.50

LM340.15
LM34Q-18

0.12
0.13
0.14

8 Pin
14 Pin
16 Pin

13G182

80131

(3.75

- LM309K

IC SOCKETS

6C1688

BC214
6C2141
BC237
BC238
BC300
BC301
BC323
8C327
BC328
8C337
8C338
BCY30

7470
7472
7413
7474
7475
7476

7492

8U

1.50
1.35
1.35
1.36

HARDWARE
INC.

1.36

8E178
8F179
8F194
8E195
8F196
BF197
BF224J
BF244
BF257
BF258
8E337
BFW60
BFX29
8FX30
BFX84
817(85
0FX88
8FY50
BFY51
BFY52
8FY64
BFY90

BR100
8F139
8SX19
BSX20
BSX21

6SY955
BT106
87107
81108

0.97
0.80'
0.48'
0.55'
0.60'
1.20
0.80
0.60
0.60
0.65
0.55
2.52
2.14
2.14
4.63
3.93
3.56
0.25

0.30
0.10'
0.10'
0.12'
0.12'
0.18'
0.17'

0.30'
0.35
0.32
0.17'
0.26
0.30
0.23
0.25
0.20
0.20
0.18
0.19
0.35
0.65
0.20
0.40
0.16
0.18
0.20
0.12
1.00
1.60
1.80.

24 Pin

40P.

1.00
1.00
1.80'
8U105/02 1.90'
81.1126
1.60'
1.60'
8U204
51)208
2.60'
8Y206
0.15
83109
BT116

81.1105

81207

85X36-

0.20'

300
600
900
1200

85X38300

600
900
1200

0.12'
0.15'
0.18'
0.21'
0.60
0.55
0.60
0.85
Seres

8ZX61
Zeners

0.20

62X83 or
82X88 Series

0.11

Zeners

0.40
0.45
0.50
0.35

C1064
C1066
C106D
C106F

0.48
0.80

0490
0591
0C41
0C42
0C44
OC45
OC70
OC71

0072
OC84
SC40A
SC408
SC40D
SC4OF

SC41A
SC418

SC410
SC41F
ST2

TIP29A
TIP30A
TIP31A
TIP32A
TIP34
TIP41A
71P42A

025

N2069
N2070
54001
N4002

CRSt 40

0.35
0.40

N4004

(34S160
CRS305

065
0.34

10

045

20
40
60

0.50
0.60
0.65
0.80
1.05
0.90

CRS7 05
CRS1 10
CRS1 20

CRS3
CRS3
CRS3
CRS3

MJ480
MJ481

MJ490

0.25

MJ491
MJE340
MJE371
MJE520
MJE521

1.15

045

0.50'

0.40'
0.60
0.45
0.55

54003
54005
54006
54007
25696
25697
2N 706

25929
2N930
251131
2N1132
251304
251305
251711
252102

252369
2523694

-2

Mica
washer
Solder [A6
2 Nuts / Bolis
Washers
SO I0, 65p
1

BC161

8C2078
8C212
8C2t3
812131

....

858
057
845
885

REGULATORS

TRANSISTORS, DIODES, RECTIFIERS

8C153
BC157
BC158
BC159
8C160

7451

7453

......

0.45

7491

3 AMP.

100 for13.00

AD149
40161
A0162

OCP71

SPECIAL OFFER
1ATO3 5V 95p

50 for 7.50

40143

10.90

(Sophisticated device including alarm)

Socket for MM5316

20 for 3.40

0.15
0.16
0.13
0.25
0.18
0.28
0-18
0.28
0.16
0.25
0.18
0.25
0.18
0.25
0.50
0.50
0.46
0.45
0.35
0.35
0.95
0.93
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.50
0.35
0.37

0.14

MM5314
ease clock chip giving 6 digit display)

SIMILAR TO 2N3055 except

AD140
40142

Socket
5151531.6

8VCEO>50V HFE>20 @

7442
1445
7446
7447
7440
7450

NATIONAL CLOCK CHIPS

TO -3 NPN POWER TRANSISTORS

FULLY TESTED BUT UNMARKED

AC141K
AC142
AC142K
AC176
AC176K
AC187
AC187K
AC188
AC188K

7496

0.46
0.30

0.13

Red
Clear
Green

748

0.18
0.18
0.51
0.18
0.18

7423
7425
7427
7429
7430
7432
7433
7437
7436
7440

D,SCretes

02
02

0.32

816

0.s

7400

1.38
0.45'
1.25'
1.85'

756310

0.99

707
727
728
747

0.85

7486

7422

OPTOELECTRONICS

1.58.

74M

7420

7441

0.85'
0.50'

0.16
0.16
0.16

0.72
9.43
0.43
0.16

7414
7416
7417

10p

MC1304
MC1307P
MC1458P
SN75324
SN75451

AC141

7406
7427
7406
7406
7410
7412
7413

tIL209

0.70'

C,A3046

AC126
AC127
AC128
AC128K

7403
7404
7405

Red LED

0.35
0.28
0.35

CA3045

TAA61

7402

Offer

0.55'
0.90'
0.45
2.00'
1.50'
2.00'

44 Pm Oil

741

7401

Special

LINEAR ICS
307
380
555
565
566
567
709

7400

lb)

(a)

0.83
0.87
1.19
1.50

0.83
0.87
1.13
1.42

TTL 74 SERIES
PLASTIC

154

1OA

2.11
1.26
1.21
1.01
with internal trigger iliac are
NB Triacs without internal tugger disc are priced under column (a). Tnacs
required.
the
type
to
clearly
Indic
greed under column (b). When ordering please

9.25

Goodmans Mezzo Twinkit, pair

Goodmans DIN 20.4 ohm, each
Helme XLK30. pair
Helme XLK35, pair
Helme XLK40, pair
Kefkit I, pair
Kefkit Ill, each
Peerless 20-50, pair
Peerless 20-60, pair
Richard Allan Twinkit, each
Richard Allan Triple 8, each
Richard Allan Triple 12. each
Richard Allan Super Triple, each
Richard Allan CGBT 8" d/c roll/s
Wharfedale Linton 2 kit, pair
Wharfedale Glendale 3 XP kit, pair
Wharfedale Dovedale 3 kit, pair....
Wharfedale Super 1 ORS/ DD
Castle Super 8 RS/ DD
Jordan Watts Module 4, 8 or 15 ohm
Tannoy 10" Monitor HPD
Tannoy 12" Monitor HPD
Tannoy 15" Monitor HPD
Prices correct at 11.11 .76

"Choosing

0.37
0.40
0.45

BA

(70220)
0.42
0.43
0.60
0.88

6.5A

4A
lal

0.60
0.64
0.77
0.96

110V

200v

Pop
Pop
Pop
Pop

0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.70

6A

(70220)

TRIACS (PLASTIC TO -220 PKGE ISOLATED TAB)

speakers!

Fane
Fane
Fane
Fane
Fane
Fane
Fane
Fane

(70220)
0.32

(C106)

0.25
0.25
0.35
0.40
0.65

0.20'
0.25'

50
100

THE firm

(3705)

(T092)

0.08
0.08
0.15
0.15
0.12
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.22
0.14
0.73
0.81

0.98
0.95
0.65
0.70
0.85
0.80
0.20
0.44
0.52
0.64
0.84
1.05
0.68

0.72
0.14
0.18

0.05'
0.06'
0.07'
0.08'
0.09'
0.10'
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.14
0.14
0.15
0.16
0.20
0.20
0.18
0.44
0.14
0.14

252484
252646
252905
2529054
2529266
2529260
25292611

2N2926G

253053
2N3054
2N3055
253440
253442
253525
253570
253702
253703
253704
253705
253706
253707
2N3714
253715
2N3716
2N3771

253772
253773
253819
253904
2N3906
254124
254290
254348
254870
254871
254919
254920
2N4922
254923
255060
255061
255062
255064
255496

0.16
0.50
0.18
0.22

0.10'
0.09'

009'

0.10'
0.15
0.40
0.50
0.56
1.20
0.50
0.80

0.10'
0.10'
0.10'
0.10'
0.10'
0.10'
1.05
1.15
1.25
1.80
1.60
2.10

0.28'
0.16'
0.11'
0.14
0.12
1.20
0.35'
0.35'
0.70'
0.50'
0.58'
0.46'
0.20'
0.25'
0.27'
0.30'
0.B5

overseas 80p. Matching 20p per pair

& P 20p per order
VAT 8% EXCEPT FOR ITEM' WHICH ARE 121/2% NO VAT ON OVERSEAS
P

LYNX ELECTRONICS (LONDON) LTD

Access and Barclay Card orders accepted by

phone

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

Higham Mead, Chesham, Bucks

Telephone (02405) 75154. Telex 837571

65

ETI DATA SHEET

MC

MOTOROLA

1312/15/14P CBS SO LOGIC SYSTEM

/

A complete SQ decoder system in three

chips. The MC1312P is the decoder and
consists of two high input impedance preamplifiers which are fed with left total, LT
and right total, RT, signals. The preamplifiers each feed two all -phase networks
which generate two LT signals in quadrature
and two RT signals in quadrature. The four
signals are matrixed to yeild left front, left
back, right front and right back signals (LF',
LB', RF',

The MC 1314P is a voltage controlled

attenuator, a gain control and balance
adjustment unit for use with any quadraphonic system. It has four channels whose
gain can be varied by an external dc voltage.
In addition, the relative gain between

channels can be set by three external dc

voltages. Thus with four variable resistors
the master volume LF/RF, LB/RB and F/B
balance may be controlled.

Power Supply Requirements:

Nominal Signal Level:

60 mA at 20
0.5 V

Maximum Input Voltage:

Input Impedance.
Output Impedance:
Total Harmonic Distortion:

1.9 V

at

Hz

Voltage Gain (at quiescent).

4 Channel Volume Control:
4 Channel Balance Control.

Characteristic

1.0
Range 70 dB
within
Tracking

dB
- -20 dB gain

L Phase

16

mA

3.0

MO

5.0

kR

dB

dB

Relative Voltage Gain Le 941, RB'/LF', Le'/RF', REV/RF'

LF' measurements made with LT input, RF' measurements made w th
RT input.
Maximum Input Voltage for 1%THD at Output RT or LT

-3.0

dB

Total Harmonic Distortion RT or LT

Signal to Noise Ratio (Short,Circuit Input VO - 0.5 VIRMSI
with Output Noise Referenced to Output

0.1

BO

dB

Output Impedance

ILF/RF/

Channel Balance

Voltage Gain LE/LT

RF/RT

on

Voltage, Vol 16W

dB. at

TYp

Input Impedance

Just at the time of writing,

Motorola have announced a
30% reduction in the price of
this chip set.

0.2% at nominal input

1.0% at maximum input

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Supply Current Drain

2 MSS
2 Ml

-35

The logic circuitry for the system is in

the MC1315P which provides the basic logic
function to enhance the front to back
separation in the CBS SQ four channel
decoding system. This device is designed to
interface with the MC1312 decoder and MC
1314. The MC1315 provides dc logic
enhancement control signals which extend
the performance of the basic SQ system to
the levels desired for top -of -the-line systems.

RB' Output

Shift
Network
LF' Output

R Phase
'

LB' Output
L Phase

VCC

MC1312P

Shift
Network

Shift

Network

LT Input

RT Input

Gnd

LF/RF

VCC

Balance
RF
Typ

Maximum Gam (V8

6 V/

1.0 dB

Minimum Gain IV8

0 VI

0.5 dB dB

Gain Spread

Man

Gam

V:,

Control
Front GF

0.2

0.4 Vrms, max gain)

Bandwidth) Note

15 kHz

Signal 'Noise Ratio (20 Hz

VIN

80 dB

RB Output

RB' Output
MC1314P

Balance Control Rang, V8

6.0 V

Man

V12' - 3.12 Vdc compared to

Gain Reduction (V4'
25 Vdcl
V4'
V12' 0.60 Vdc, VCC

70

dB

14

dB

V1

0 VI

(min gain) )VIN

OVI

Supply Current (max gain/

19 rnA
9.0 rnA
13

Input Impedance

011

2.0 k3

Output Impedance

LF Output

LB' Input

F/B Balance

LB Output

Gnd

Volume

-20 A

or 112

ntermodulation Distortion

Ili

/ kHz, 12

60 Hz)

RB' Input

RF' Input
Logic

LF' Input

Control
Control
Front GF
Characteristic
Supply Current (Pin

VIN

12) C

Input Res

ancr 9 Pin

Output Resistance
Paraphase Filter

1,

Vrms

15, 16

Pin 3 5

Resstan:

C' Pin 9, 10

':'

Front Back Logic Discharge Resistance

Bias Voilage 110

to ground)

Logic Con u:. input Currant

(V2 V13 or 02 01

Cu

Pin

7,

Pin 13

P,n 2

Relatve Output Change

Front utput with LB or RB inputs or back output with LF or RF inputs

66

Gnd
Bias

TF2

TYo

7.0

VIN- 14

C'

Control
Back GB

60 dB

Channel Separation

14

Balance

LF' Input

04 Vrmslren

Control Current

LB/RB

Output

RF' Input

1.0 dB

Total Harmonic Distortion

RF' Output
R Phase

2.0 VIRMSI

20 Hz to 20 kHz)

Characteristic

Shift

Network

15

mA
mA

20

ki'.

1.5

kit

4.0

kil

Control

MC1315P

Back GB

VCC.

TB1

AGC

5.0

kit

'!. 4

Vdc

,05

mA

TB1

Filter Back

0/8

TF1

Filter Front

28

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

o.
o

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LL

W Y
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7. M

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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

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67

MC 14543CL/P LCD DISPLAY DRIVER

The

MC1453

BCD -to -seven

segment

display types can be driven, but with

transistor interface.
This device contains circuitry to protect
the inputs against damage due to high static
voltages or electric fields; however, it is
advised that normal precautions be taken to
avoid application of any voltage higher than
maximum rated voltages to this high impedance circuit.For proper operation it is
recommended that Vin and Vout be constrained to the range VSS (Vin or Vout)
VDD.
Unused inputs must always be tied to an
appropriate logic voltage level (e.g., either
VSS or VDD).

latch/decoder/driver is designed for use with

liquid crystal readouts, and is constructed
with complementary MOS (CMOS) enhancement mode devices. The circuit provides the
functions of a 4-bit storage latch and an
8421 BCD-to -seven decoder and driver.
In order to drive LCD displays, which
require a non -polarised drive, the MC 14543
has a 'phase' input. With a square wave
applied to this pin, the output phase
reverses in step, thus satisfying the requirement. To drive common anode LED
displays, Ph input should be held high, and
low for common cathode LEDs. Other

LOGIC DIAGRAM

MOTOROLA

O-1 7(1-

A 5

8 3

--a)-

LD

0-y--->O-

--I

Phase 6

FLUORESCENT READOUT
MC 14543

12 d

L/

15

1-.

>---014

Output
Ph

13

Filament
Supply

0- >>9-'

V55 or appropriate
voltage below Vss.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS

VDD
Vdc

Characteristic

Output Voltage

30" Level

MC 14543C L /CP

+25C
Typ

00

60

Ph

BI

10-

LD

Mm

5.0
10

15

"1"

Level

Immunity'
15 Vdcl

(Vous
(Vous

->
>

7.0 Vdcl
10.5 Vdc)

5.0

4.99

5.0

10

999

10

1.5

2.25

10

3.0

.4

(Vow 54.5 Vdcl

15

10

Output Drive Current

IVOH = 2.5 Vdcl Source
IVOH = 9.5 Vdc(
fVOH = 0.5 Vdc(
(VO11 = 13.5 Vdc)
!VOS
0.4 Vdcl Sink
OS Vdcl
(V0.
1V01 - 9.5 Vdcl
(VOL - 1.5 Vdcl

2.25
4.50
6.75

-0 20

10

-020

a,

15

0.20
0.50

2.0
11 4

15

78

pAdc
pF

Quiescent Dissipation''1
10L - 15 pF. f - 0 MHz)

- (48 mW'MHzI f 0.000025 mW

(19 mW/MHzI f + 0.00010 mW
PD = (43 mW;MHz) f + 0.00023 mW
+

mW
5 0

0.000025

10

000010

15

0.00023

0 25
1

Minimum Latch Disable

Pulse Width IStrohiny Data/

ris
5

10

15

68

VDD

14

VSS

Pin 16
Pin 8

125

375

50
40

150

OUTPUTS

Ph

DCB Aa

cl

X.

-1

rnAdc

733

10

BI

Input Capacitance

LD

,n,Ad,

10

PO

15

INPUTS

1.0

Input Current

PO

13

0
0

-1 9

10

10

Vdr:

50

3.d

5 0

5 0

6 75

15

50

Vdc

15

5.0

(V051
(Vous
1.5 Vdc)
(V001 C 3.0 Vdcl

Unit

15

Noise

0.01
0.01

Mae

0 9
010
0 11
0 12

Oi

Display

Blank

f1

Blank

Blank

Blank

0 0

Blank
Blank

Blank

XX
1

Inverse of Output

Display

Combinations

as

above

Above

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

A Marshall (London) Ltd Dept: ETI

40-42 Cricklewood'Broadway London NW2.3

/Marshal l'

Tel: 01-452 0161/2 Telex: 21492

& 85 West Regent St Glasgow G2 2QD
Tel: 041-332 4133
& 1 Straits Parade Fishponds Bristol BS16 2LX
Tel: 0272-654201/2

Trade and export enquiries welcome. Catalogue price 55p post paid.

Call in and see us 9-5.30 Mon -Fri 9-5.00 Sat

All devices
Top 500 Semiconductors from the largest range in the UK
manufacturer's branded stock from RCA, TEXAS, MULLARD, MOTOROLA,
NATIONAL, SIEMENS, ITT, THOMSON CSF, SGS, SSDI, FERRANTI etc.
2N456

1.40

2N3390

2N45603

1.54
1.70

283391
2N3391

2N4574
2N490
20497
2N492
28493
214696

28697
29698
,28699
28706
287064
28708
2N709
218711

2N718
2N718A
218720

2N914

28916
28918
28929
2N930

.201302
2N1303
2N1304

281305
2N1306

281307
2N1308
281309
281671
2N16714
2816718
2N1711

281907
282102
2N2147

282148
282160
2822186
282219
2822195
282220
2N2221

2822214
292222
2N2222A
2N2368

282369
2N2369A
282646

4.60J33.2

0,4'

5.00

0.15
0.15
0.17
0.23

0.21

2N3442

1.20

0.50
0.55
0.22
0.40
0.69
0.22
0.43

283638

0.16
0.16
0.30
0.20
0.17
0.15
0.15
0,15
0.14
0.18
0.14
0.15
0.14
0.15
1,20
2.30
2.45
2.45
2.60

2N3415
283416
2N3418
2N3440
283441

1.10
0.47

0.42

2143823

283904
283906
284036
284037
284058
204059
284060

1.10

284126

2N3053
203054
293055

TTL

0.21

0.22
0.15
0.13
0.25
0.50
0.65

1.70
2.65
8.00
2.75
2.75
2.90
0.20
0.36
0,29
0.61
0.21
0.22
0.67
0.55
0.20
0.15
0.20
0.17
0.18
0.17
0.30
0.85
0.90
0.60
0.65

293820

0.35
0.22
0,26
0.25
0.25
0.17
0.25
0.21

1,60

2N3794
283819

0.52-

2N5494
285496
285777
206027
3N128
38139
38140

0.57
0.78

283639
253641
283702
2N3703
283704
0.34 ,283705
0.25
283706
0.26
203707
0.37
283708
0.37
283709
0.40 283710
0.40 2N3711
0.45 283712
0.45 203713
0.60 283714
0.80
283715
1.80
283716
203771
1.92
2.12
203772
2N3773
0.27
283779
5.50
203790
0.60
1.40
283791
1.65
283792

2N4289

294919
254920
284921
2194922

2N5298
285457
285458
2N5459
2145492

0.27

21436384

0.36
0.37
0.37
0.38
0.28
0.25

202924
202926

0.15

0.55

2829074,

014

2143394
2143414

282904
2029044

2N2906A
2N2907

2145296

2N93
33

2N2647

2029055
282906

2N5295

5.98
0.25
0.19
0.82
0.55
0.12
0.12

5.75

204061
2N4062

2N2905

0.37
0.29

3N141
3N200
40361

40362
40363
40389
40394
40395
40406
40407
40408
40409
40410
40411

40594
40595
40601

40602
40603
40604
40636
40673
AC126
AC127
AC128
AC151V
AC152V
AC153
AC153K
AC154
AC176
AC176K
5C1876
AC188K
AD142

6D143
60149
40150
40161
40162
AF106
F714
F115

F116
F117

0,70. AF118

204923
2N5190
205191
285192

0.70
0.80
1,00

1.10
0.29
0.35

285195
285245
2N5294

F124
AF125
F126
AF127
AF139

0.40
0.36
0.40
0.29
0.26

029
0.42
0.45
0.50
0.45
0.45
0.80
1.45

1.00

0$s

2.60
0.45
0.48
1.00
0.50
0.60
1.20
0.348

08

0.50
0.55
0.55
2.30
0.75
0,65
0.70
0.50
0.60
0.60
1.15
0.73
0.37
0,44
0.37
0.35
0.50
0.40
0,42
0.45
0.40
0.45
0.46
0.45
0.65
0.75
0.74
1.20
0.75
0.75
0.45
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.65
0.66
0,65
0,65
0.65
0.85
0.69

AF186

AF200
F239
F240
F279
P280
L102
L103
BC107

80108
BC109
BC113
BC115
BC116
BC116A
117
BCBC115

BC119
8C121
BC125

80126
C132
BC134
BC135
BC136
BC137
BC140
8C141

86142
BC143

80147
80148
BC149

80153
C154
BC157

0.50
0.70
0.74
0.90

BC2598
BC261A

0.18

8E194

0.21

BF

602628

0.19 13E196
0.24 BF197
0.45 8E198
0.45 8E200
0.60 8F225J
0.20
13E244
0.18 13E245
0.25. BF246
0.14 BF 254
0.13 0E255
0.19 FiF257

BC263C

0.80
0.85

80300

1.50
1.50
0.14
0.12
0.15
0.17
0.19
0.19
0.20
0.22
0.16
0.30
0.45
0.18
0.25
0.30
0.15
0.15
0.19
0.14
0.60
0.65
0.30
0.30
0.10
0.10
0.13
0.27
0.27
0.12

80303

BC301

BC307
BC308

8C3090
80317
BC318
BC337
BC338

80547
80548
BC549
BCY30
BCY32
BCY33
BCY34
BCY38
BCY42

80558
BCY59
BCY70
BCY71
BCY72

80115
80116
80121
80123
BD124
80131

0.11

BD135

BC160
8C167

0.78
0.12
0.12
0.12
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.19
0.18

80136
80137
B0138
80139
80140
80529

0.21
0.11

8E117
8E121
6E123
8E152
8E153

80168
8C169
BC170
8C171
BC172

80177
BC178
BC179

80182
BC182L

0.14

80183
80183L

0.11

8C164
801847
BC207

80208
8C212
BC212L
BC214L
BC237
BC238
6C239
80251
BC253

80257A
BC258A

0.14
0.12
0.14
0.11

0.10
0.14
0.17
0.17
0.14
0.12
0.15
0.15
0.22
0.17
0.17

ENQUIRIES WELCOME FOR DEVICES

NOT LISTED

8E258

0.12
0.10
0.13

51E259
13F459

13E1151

1.20
2.00
2.00
2.00

BFY52
BFY53
BFY90
BRY39
BSX20
BSX21

0.36
0.70
0.55
0.55
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.35
0.30
0.60
0.40
0.33
0.33
0.38
0.45
0.48
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.45
0.35
0.35

73E154

8E159
BF160
8E161
BE 166
8E167
13E173

8E177
8E178
8E179
BF180
8E181
BF182
51163
8E184
13E185

13E561

1.20

1.13

13E115

13E528

6E598
BFX29
BFX30
BFX84

0.54
0.42
0.42
0.45
0.48
0.50
0.50
0.35
0.38

BD530
8DY20

8FR39
8FS21A

0.90
0.98
2.00
0.60
0.55
0.32
0.25
0.26
0.24

0.51

60132

80158

0.21

1.03
1.06
1.18

BCY31

195

BFX85
BFX87
BFX88
BFX89
BFY50

BU1o5
BU205
CA3D28A
CA3030A
CA3035
CA3046
CA3048
CA3052
CA3080A
CA3089E

CA30900
CA3130

0.12
0.11
0.13
0.14
0.15
0.31

0.25
0.35
0.34
0.75
0.20
0.20
0.37
0.49
0.49
0.39
0.24
2.60
1.04
0.30
0.27
0.36
0.38
0.38
0.41
0.35
0.32
0.95
0.30
0.38
0.36
0.34
1.27
0.50
0.31

0.32
3.05
2.40
0.85
1.50
1.35

0.73
2.15
1.62

1.10
2.00
4.25
0.88
0.47

LM301A
1.32
LM308N
1.80
LM309K
LM380
0.98
2.07
LM381AN
LM702C
0.75
LM709CAN 0.40
LM741CAN 0-38

0.35
0.40
1M710
0.46
LM3900N
0.55
LM723C
0.60
LM733
0.85
LM709CAN 0.40
0.40
BOIL
14011
0.40
LM747
0.78
LM748
0.44
BDIL
14011

8013

0.44

ST2DIAC

14DIL

0.41
1.39
1.39

TAA300
TAA263
TAA350
TAA550
TAA611C
TAA621
TAA6618

LM7805P
LM 7812 P
LM7815P
LM7824P
MC1303
MC1310
MC1330P
MC735IP
MCI 352P
MC1466L
MC1469R
ME0402
ME0404
ME0412
ME4102
ME4104
MJ480
MJ481
M3490
MJ491
MJ2955
MJE340
MJE370
MJE371
MJE520
MJE521
MJE2955
MJE3055
MP8111
MP8712
MP8113
MPF102
MPSA05
MPSA06
PSAI 2

1.39
1,39
1.47
1.96

0,75
0,87
0.87
3.95
2.50
0.20
0.15
0.20
0.10
0.10

7846415
TBA651
TBA810
TBA820

1.05
1,30
1.05
1.55

T8A920
TIL209
TIP29A
TIP30A
TIP31A
TIP32A
TIP33A
TIP34A
TIP35A
TIP36A

1.21

TIP41 A

0.58
0.68

TIP42A
TIP29c
TIP30e
TIP31c
TIP32c
TIP33c
TIP34c

0.81

0,65
0.75
1.25

0.75

PSA55
MPSA56
MPSUO5
MPSUO6
MPSU55
MPSU56
NE555V
NE556

NE5600
NE561

NE565

0028
0035
0042
0045
0071

0072
0081

0083
ORP12
R53(NTC)

0.35

TIP4tc

0.40
0.45
0.30
0,20
0,20
0.35
0.20
0.20
0.40
0.40
0.45
0.45
0.48
1.30
4.48
4.48
1,30
2.00
1.50
0.50
0.75
0.45
0.45
0.75
0.50
0.70

TIP42c
TIP2955
TIP3055
11043
ZTX300
ZTX301
ZTX302
ZTX500

057404

SN7405
SN7406
SN7407
SN7408
SN7409
SN7410

0.21
0.21
0.21
0.29
0.28

0.26
0.59
0.59
0.22
0.22
0.21

SN7412
SN7413
SN7416
SN7417
SN7420
SN7423
SN7425

0.21
0.51

SN7430
SN7432
SN7437

0.21

0.46
0.46
0.21

0.30
0.30
0.30

557427

0.20
0.43

SN7438
SN7440
587441
SN7442
SN7446
SN7447
SN7448
SN7450

507451

SN7453

180

0.21

0.80
0.61

0.88
0.89
0.89
0.21
0.21
0.21

7454
SN7460
SN7470
SN7472
SN7473
SN7474
SN

597475
SN7476
SN7480
SN7481
5187482

0.21
0.21

0,35
0.29
0.33
0.33
0.46
0.39
0.55
1.25

0.77

5 -pin

240,

- 10p EACH

6 -pin, 7 -pm and speaker.

LINE SOCKETS 14p each

3 pin, 5

pin 180 and speaker

PHONO PLUGS (screw top)

Yellow -- 10p. (chrome

1.04 SN74100
1.00 SN74107
1.48 SKr 74118

SN7483
SN7484
SN7485
SN7486
SN7490
SN7491
SN7492
SN7493
SN7494
SN7495
SN7495

0.32
0.49
0.77
0.49
0-49
0.85
0.61

0.88

51,174119

SN74121
SN74122
SN74123
511174141

SN74145
SN74150
SN74151

1.23
0.33
0.99
2.02
0.39
0.54
0.46
0.80
0.83
1.69

0.85

1.32
2.50
1.80
1.16
1.03
1-79

0.30
0.50
0.60
0.62
0.75
1.00
1.20

2.50
3.35
0.70
0.90
0.75
0.85
0.85
1.00
1.45
1.70
1.00
1.20
1.00

0.50
0.30
0.15
0.15
0.20
0.15

ZTX502

ZTx530
ZTX531

SUB-MINIATURE
CERAMIC PLATE
CAPACITORS

1pF-0.015 5p
0.022mF0.047mF Sp
0.068mF-0.1
7

0.22

CMOS
0.20 CD4018
0.20 C04019
CD4002 0.20 CD4020
CD4000
CD4001

13p

LD4007
CD4008
CD4009
CD4010
CD4011
CD4012
CD4013

C04014
C0401 5
CD4016
CD4017

1.18 CD4021
0.20 CD4022
0.97 CD4023
067 CD4024
0.67 CD4025
0-20 CD4027
0.20 CD4028
0.57 CD4029
1.01 CD4030
1.01 CD4031

0.56 004037
1.01

C04041

1.01
1.01
1.12
1.01

0.83

CD4042
CD4043
CD4044
C04045
0.97 CD4046

0.94

0.20
0.79
0,20
0.58

089

1.00
1.43

1.32'
1.18

004047

CD4049
CD4050
CD4510
0.91 CD4511
1.17 CD4516

0.86
1.54
1.54
1.40
1.25
1.28
4.07

0.57 C04518
2.28 C04520
0.97 CD4553
0.83"

5%
10pF-1000pF

SIEMEN'S
VARISTORS

5p

1500pF-.01F'

lop

SN74174

5874175
SN74176
SN74180
SN74181
SN74190
SN74191
SN74192
SN74193
SN74196
SN74197
SN74198
SN74199
SN76003N
SN76013N
SN76023N
5N76033N

1_20
1.20

0.98
0.98
4.20

5874167

SEE MARSHALL'S FOR

POLYSTYRENE
CAPACITORS

0.85
1.48
0.78
1.20
1.20

SN74153
SN74154
SN74157
SN74160
SN74161
SN74162
SN74163
SN74164
SN74165

EXTENDED RANGE NOW IN STOCK

2.35
2.35
2.35
2.35
3.50
3.50
5.75
4.00
4.00

SL611C
S1612C
SL620C
SL62 C
SL623C
SL640C
S1641C

P.C. MARKER PEN DALO 33PC

0.87. ZENER DIODES 400MW
0.11, 1W 0.17, 2.5W 0.35. IC
SOCKETS BOIL 0.14, 4D1 0.15,
16DIL 0.16. RESISTORS '/aW
0.02 (100 per value 1.30), 1/2W
0.03 (100 per value E2.00).
SCORPIO CAR IGNITION KIT
E12.95. BOX 1.80 TRANSFORMERS 3.75 IMF 440 VAC
1.60 BOARD 0.95 JUMBO
7 -SEGMENT DISPLAYS 2.18.
DL 707 E1,60. MINITRON E1.50.
LEDs RED YELLOW GREEN 0.2in.
dia. or 0.16in. dia. 0.24p

CD4006

1.80

5L414A
$L61oC

Marshall Aitken Ltd.

35 High Bridge
Newcastle -on-Tyne
Tel: 0632 26729

0.98
0.98
0.98
2.98
2.85
1.48
1.27
1.27
1.27
1.27

0.90
0.90
2.28
2.28
1.90
1.91

2.50

510V-5056275 1W 350Vdc
S100 -510K275 4W 350Vdc
S10V-520K275 .8W 350Vdc

0.53
0-57
0.72

MAGNETO RESISTORS

1.60
1.70'
6.50

FP30 L100E
FP30 D250E
FP200 L100

Potentiometers
Linear or Log

Single

Double

25p
75p
Rotary Pots
Rotary Switched
55p
45p
75p
Sliders
FULL RANGE OF CAPACITORS
STOCKED. SEE CATALOGUE FOR
DETAILS.

149 EACH
DIN PLUGS
DIN CHASSIS SOCKETS

3 -pin. 4 -pin, 5 -pin

0.30

1.25
2.48

0.60
2.25
2.15

0-15
0.18
0.23
0.22

ZTX5D1

MARSHALL'S QUALITY FOR TTL

Integrated Circuits - Quality & Prices you can't beat - Top manufacturers only

SN7400
057401
SN7402
SN7403

0.20
2.87

WE ARE NOW
ALSO IN
NEWCASTLE ON -TYNE!

Red, White, Black, Green or

- fully screened) 15p.

LINE PLUGS (same colours) - 10p (chrome)

PHONO CHASSIS SOCKETS:
Double 10p, 3 -way 12p, 6 -way 25p, 8 -way 35p

15p.

single 7p,

JACK CONNECTORS
mono plastic plugs
mono chrome plug
mono line socket
14" plastic switch socket
'A" stereo plastic plug
'/a" stereo chrome plug
1/4" stereo plastic line socket
1/4" stereo chrome line socket
1/4" stereo plastic switched socket
1/2"
1/4"
1/4"

3.5mm
3.5mm
3.5mm
2.5mm

plug
socket
line socket

plug

2 5mm socket

15p
22p
15p
18p

20p
30p
20p
35p
25p
10p
10p
10p
10p
10p

SWITCHES
Toggle
oft
17 on

Man

p 2w Min Toggle
27 2w Min Toggle
pole push test
2p 2w Slide
2p 2w C off Slide
17 2w C. off Rocker
Mains Neon Rocker
10A C oft Toggle
1p on oft Std. Toggle
2p 2w Std. Toggle
1p on oft Latching Button
17 2w Latching Sutton
2p 2w Latching Button
1

Stoppable
2p

Rotary

50p
55p
60p
15p
15p
20p
30p
65p
50p
2Bp

35p
60p

65p
80p

tp- -12W,

-6W 37-4W. 47-_3W 45p

Presets Horizontal or Vertical

0

01W9p

3W11

SEND FOR OUR NEW CATALOGUE

WITH

500 NEW LINES

CRAMMED WITH NEW PRODUCTS,
TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND
ALL BACKED BY THE USUAL
SUPERLATIVE MARSHALL'S SER-

VICE
FOR ONLY 55p POST PAID
Please add VAT to your order.
Postage and pecking 30p.

ALL PRODUCTS FULLY GUARANTEED TO MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS

'ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

69

ELECTRONICS

it's easy!

Fig.

1,

Digital Computers

Here a digital computer and an analogue computer are combined

THROUGHOUT

THIS

COURSE

building up
sufficient information to enable
discussion of computing machine
operations. What follows is necessarily
an introduction only
computers are
now extremely sophisticated in design
and the manufacturing methods very
specialised.
It is, however, quite
important that the operation of
we have been steadily

computers

be
understood by
craftsmen at a general
systems level. This, and the next part,
will introduce the philosophies, the
hardware and the operation of digital
computers from a technical rather
than user-only viewpoint. (Analogue
computers were briefly mentioned in
part 13
they are still valuable in
some applications but in general,
machine computing is now mainly
done digitally).

electronic

- the result is known as a hybrid computer.

perform

almost any kind of

mathematical manipulation, however
special techniques are often needed to
solve analogue problems. Analogue
type signals must be sampled and each
sample converted into a digital
equivalent before they can be
processed in digital machines: this is
where the digital machine in certain
applications may be less efficient than
the analogue alternative.
As well as performing arithmetical

operations

PART 35

(called

scientific

computing) the digital machine can be

instructed to process or sort discrete
data in digitally encoded form (called
data processing or DP, for short).
Typical computer data processing
operations are the sorting of numerical

data
for example to see hw many
people have heights of various chosen
values, or the booking of airline seats.
Mixed working, where scientific
calculation and data-processing are
both involved, occurs for example, in
costing out a building estimate, raising
a stock
value for a business, or
producing pay -slips.
Digital computers may also calculate
tables by automatically incrementing
the input data between preset limits.
For example the computer could be
asked to generate and print the si;Ies
of all angles between 10 and 90 at

1 intervals.
We pause

such

now to note that we call

machines

computers

not

calculators. The term calculator has

WHAT IS A COMPUTER?
Regardless of whether a computer is
digital or analogue in operation its role
is
to perform various kinds of
mathematical operations. The
analogue machine cannot perform
logic operations: (unless joined with
a digital computer, in which case it is
known as a hybrid computer
as
shown in Fig. 1) its use is generally
restricted to what are called linear
mathematical problems in which

signals vary continuously and

information is transferred as levels not
as

digital codes. Analogue computers

can be very good at such operations,

often better than a digital computer of

similar cost. The digital machine, on
the other hand, (a general purpose
installation is shown in Fig. 2) can

Fig.

General purpose digital computer, this centre is used by Lloyds Bank.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

traditionally been used to describe

machines which perform a fixed set of
mathematical calculations. The term
computer on the other hand, is
reserved for those machines which
may be reconfigured by a set of
programme instructions to perform
any particular task. However such
distinction between the roles of
calculator and computer is becoming
increasingly difficult to make. Some
computers are now dedicated to

INPUT X

C,4
OUTPUT Z
PROCESS

INPUT V

v
SENSING
DEVICE

\I
I

CONTROLLERS

L_
L.

performing calculator like tasks and

some calculators are now so flexible
that they can be programmed to
perform a variety of tasks.

SET POINT
DETERMINATION

CHECKINGH

processing machines,
dedicated to a
specific task.

rate

as

signals are generated in the

loops in, say, a chemical plant. Figure

shows this use in a diagrammatic

form. Other names variously used to

describe this use are in -line, on-line,
direct -digital -control (DDC) or just
plain computer control. Wherever
automation of extensive complex
process is necessary a computer will
usually be found
waste -water

Fig. 3. As yet, computers can only

do what they are programmed to do.

treatment plants, paper manufacture,

natural gas and electricity distribution
networks, satellite control and
power -station plant operation are but
a
few of thousands of in -line
applications. Computers are far more
useful in this task than human
operators see Fig. 5.
On-line operation (although not
generally agreed upon) is a term'
probably best reserved for cases where
each of many input terminals
connected to a central computer can
gain access to the unit when it
becomes available. This is also known
as time-sharing and is used where the
signal processing rate need not match
the process. The computers used in
banking in Britain operate in a
time-sharing mode
bank branches,

Machine
Much superior
Consistent at any level

Speed

Power

-ITIMER

PROCESS COMPUTER

process
real time working.
Process -control computers, as these are
called, operate on data and perform
calculations as part of many feedback

-J

II

when the operator gives

instructions there is also the dedicated
machine that, once set internally to
compute or process in a predetermined
way, becomes part of a process. It
helps control by working at the same

E-

Fig.4. Process control

computers are
electronic data

only

In the 1950s, when powerful

electronic computers were emerging,
the popular concept was of a machine
that would soon have thinking powers
of its own
and its own will and
imagination
as depicted in Fig. 3.
Although we must concede such is
no one
probably possible one day
has yet gained an inkling into how this
extra facility could be realised.
Computers are merely machine slaves
that, if working internally as the
designer thinks and intends, will
perform as commanded. The operator
informs the machine of its job via the
programme presented to it. Where the
computer has valuable merit is in its
ability to perform calculations and
process numerical data at rates vastly
greater than a human mind, with
rarely an error, and for hours on end if
need be. It is a tool and no more. To
say the computer accidently sent the
1,000,000 bill to Bill Blogs is entirely
incorrect. The1,programmer or the
machine did not perform as hoped
through one or the other being
defective in the instructions given or
the way they were obeyed.
As well as computers that operate

STORAGE
ANO
COMPARISON

LOGIC

Man
Lag

sec.

1500W for about 10 sec, 350 W

for a few minutes, 150 W for
continuous work over a day.
Ideal for routine, repetition, Not reliable
should be
Consistency
precision
monitored by machine.
Complex activities Multi -channel
Single channel.
Memory
Best for literal reproduction
Large store multiple access.
and short-term storage
Better for principles and
strategies.
Reasoning
Good deductive
Good inductive.
Computation
Fast, accurate
poor at error Slow, subject to error
correction
Good at error correction.
Input sensitivity
Some outside human senses, Wide range (1012) and variety
e.g. radioactivity
of stimuli dealt with by one

Insensitive to extraneous
Poor for pattern detection

unit, e.g. eye deals with

relative location, movement
and colour.
Affected by heat, cold, noise
and vibration.
Good at pattern detection.
Can detect signals in high
noise levels.

Overload reliability Sudden breakdown

Intelligence

None

Manipulative
abilities

Specific

Fig. 5.

Graceful degradation.
Can deal with unpredicted and
unpredictable.
Can anticipate.
Great versatility.

Fitt's list summarizes the relative advantages of man

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

versus machine

control.
71

ELECTRONICS -it's eas

LFig. 6. Mini -computers come in all shapes

and sizes. On the left, in the console, is the
ile H.P. 2000 that controls the pattern being
knitted on the Kirkland knitting machine.

can gain access to the central account

a short wait may be necessrecords

ary. When the computer works on
diverse problems at the will of the
operator and is not used for any dedicated purpose it is said to be off-line.
Originally electronic computers were
huge
several rooms filled with racks
of valve electronic circuits. In the

mid -sixties manufacturing techniques

and designs were such that a new style
of less versatile but compact computer
was marketed
the so-called
minicomputer. Figure 6 shows but one
kind of mini -computer system
employed to control a process by
providing instructions as needed. (It is
not used in closed -loop as this process

not feed data back to the

computer).
We do not use the word "generation"
in connection with the minicomputer
because that term is used in computer
jargon in two distinct ways. It may
first
describe the hardware used
generation computers use thermionic
valves and ordinary cable wiring, such
does

Fig. 7. Compact electronic

computer systems become
reality when valves were

replaced by solid-state
components. This single
plug-in unit, from a
Pegasus computer of the
50s, would today have
its entire function made
on a pinhead in LSI
technology.

72

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

shown in Fig. 7, second generation

machines use discrete transistor
circuits on printed -circuit boards, third
as

-SCALL STRIPPED

.AR CARRY

generation

machines use
integrated -circuitry and the most
recent, about to emerge, fourth
generation computers use large -scale
integration
manufacturing
LSI
fifth generation computer
methods
is yet to emerge as an accepted concept.
The other use of "generation" is in
describing the system interconnections
the philosophy of system hardware
hardware
philosophy
of system
interconnection and style, and
capacity of the store involved.
-

-A

LEIBNIZ STEPPED
EDOTTL CARRY

A HISTORY OF COMPUTING
MACHINES
Intertwined with the development of
machine operated logic (studied at the
beginning of Part 24) was the gradual

increase

sophistication

in

of

computing machine systems.

Earliest

devices

calculators

based

were
on

simple
mechanical

They performed simple

addition, subtraction and sometimes
multiplication and division, doing this
without the ability to store or hold
values other than inputs and computed
output.
Space does not permit extensive
see the
description of this history
reading list for that. Figure 8 shows
the style of the first calculating
machine of the "modern" kind. This
performed arithmetic addition and
subtraction only, by mechanically
manipulating interconnected counting
wheels and was probably made by
Pascal in 1642. In 1671 Leibniz
modified the same mechanism (see
Fig. 8) to obtain multiplier action,
producing his own design calculator
concepts.

in
much later
1694. Because
mechanism manufacture at that time
was crude indeed
all parts were
individually hand-crafted
the
Leibniz machine was not reliable even
though the concepts involved were
sound. Improvements in mechanical
manufacture had to occur before a
routinely useful gear and crank
calculator could be built (by de
Colmar in 1820). Thus, through these
and many other gradual improvements
to method and manufacture, the scene
was set for grander ideas.
A major advance was made by
Babbage. Charles Babbage was born in
Devon, England. In 1792, he became a

Professor

of

Mathematics

at

University and had a

Cambridge
consuming passion for mechanical
machines that could perform far more

Fig. 8., Pascal's calculator of 1642 used

stripped gear toothed -wheels to produce
a carry to the next decade: The Leibniz
machine made use of the stepped wheel.

industrial processes using this control

medium at that time), a memory
(which he called "the store"), a
number processing section (called the
mill), a means of transferring results to
and from the store, .and automatic
output (as cast type ready to print). It
was a grand machine having ability to
store 1000 fifty -digit numbers in its
store. It even had overflow indication.
The intended power supply was
steam. Sadly, Babbage's engines were
not proven in practice in his time;
those built were either not completed
or proved too unreliable. Manufacturing
methods were still incapable of
maintaining the tolerances needed it
was a classical example of a concept
waiting for the requisite technology.
Complicated mathematical equation
solving in the 19th and very early 20th
century was performed on other kinds

"Difference Engine" of about 1812. In

1833 he conceived a second, quite
different general-purpose engine the
so-called "Great Calculating Engine".
In principle, it could do any
mathematical operation by following
instructions programmed into it by the
operators. It could ilso make
decisions, on what to ao next, that
were based on its just calculated

of

special purpose mechanical

calculating devices. The planimeter,
which determines area under a curve,
was devised in 1814, the mechanical
ball -and-disk integrator was deviced in
1876 (by Lord Kelvin's brother). With

these

other basic

and

mechanical -function

results.
Babbage

punched -cards

used

for

input information

(a reasonably logical
choice in view of the many repetitive

gha n
r!mi!P,IpI

Ie1u111uett.a

solving ideas,
Lord Kelvin and others put' systems
together that carried out specialised
calculations. Kelvin produced a tidal

+II 111

11

TIlItu-

f'j

.W' " IWII

''i 4,`I:"i6.

Fig..99, Babbage's

YYAI:

engine

14Inhuuupilemletl

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advanced mathematical operations

than any previous apparatus. His first
machine, shown in Fig. 9, was
devised to solve differential equations
by calculating differences. This was his
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

limuinl

'1111
II

al.

,IIOeullnUi

"NNnenurw
m '"

n
yy

-`IAwmr_

mmlenhlt."alj
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i111101111111u1III,

73

ELECTRONICS -it's easy!

can be purchased for less than a week's
wages. In 1974 the world market for
small calculators was estimated to be

40 million! The cost of modern

computers is now governed by the cost
of the peripheral bits and pieces rather
than the processing unit itself
the
cost of the electronic components is
now just a minor part of the whole.

Further reading
Two books, already referred to in Part

Fig. 10. This relay-switched digital calculator was built by Zuse in

Germany in 1936.
((This photograph has been included because of its historical interest unfortunately
the original print is of border -line quality).

amplitude and phase predictor for

forecasting around 1874.
Later in 1898 Michelson (of speed of
light fame) worked with Stratton to
produce a mechanical harmonic

sea -tide

analyser.

Special-purpose

mechanical

calculators were still in use in the

1940s. During World War II, for
instance, gun crews fed data
concerning range, direction and wind
strength into computers by which the
correct aiming information for the gun
was computed.
Today a few equipments still
perform simple operations by
mechanical means for in applications
where electrical power is not available
and the inputs not in electrical form it
may be more economic to use
mechanical methods.
With the advent of electronic
amplification at the turn of this
century electronic circuitry gradually
replaced mechanical mathematical
functions. This was feasible because of
the superior speed of calculation,
reduced manufacturing tolerances and
greater reliability of electronics. The
swing to electronics was intensified by
the need to process an ever increasing
amount of data that arises in, tor
example, more complex equation
solving, census taking, or warfare.
Hollerith devised the punched -card
sorting machine to help handle the
U.S. census data. This device won an
1890 competition organised by the
U.S. Government.
Electric computers using the same
basic system that we use today became
reality around 1936 when Zuse, in
74

Germany, built the relay -switched

digital calculator (shown in Fig. 10).
This machine featured automatic
computing, binary arithmetic, floating
decimal point and punched -tape
programming. In 1937 the USA's IBM
Corporation began development of a

machine

called

Sequence -Controlled

the

Automatic
Calculator, or,

locally, just Mark I.

The trend toward total electronic
working continued. ENIAC, generally
recognised as the first all -electronic
computer, had 18000 valves and could
operate at 500 additions per second.
This was followed, after many other
developments, by the first production
computer
the Remington Rand
UNIVAC I. It hasbeen estimated that
all computers installed in the U.S. in
1955 could do just 250 000 additions
per second. Just one low-cost mini can
do that today.
In 1959 a U.S. refinery installed the
first process -control computer system
and in 1960 a large steel corporation
in U.S. was the first to use a computer
to carry out inventories, handle orders
and control production. Airline
booking by computer began in 1964.
Integrated circuits (in the third
generation machines) came into use in
1964 via the IBM 360 system and by
1970, in the U.S. alone, roughly
1 000 000
people were employed
in making and using digital computers.
Single chip, fourth generation
machines came to reality around 1972
with the use of LSI. Today (or at least
when this was written early in 1976)
pocket scientific calculators containing
over 30 000 transistors in LSI form

22, are relevant, these are:

"A Computer Perspective", C. and R.
Eames, Harvard University Press,
Massachusetts, 1973. (This is a
definitive work on the development
of data processing equipment from
1800 to 1940).
"Electronic Computers -- Made
Simple", H. Jacobowitz and L.
Basford, W.H. Allen, London, 1967.
(Although out of date with respect
to certain aspects of hardware this
provides a valuable basis for technical
understanding of both analogue and
digital computers. It also explains the

arithmetrical operations).
"Introducing Computers", M. Laver,

HMSO, London, 1973. (A version

compiled for users with a little
technical knowledge. It discusses
programming procedures).
"Computers at work" J.O.E. Clark,
Bantam Books, London 1973 (A

most

useful

book

on

where

computers are used).

"Electronic Computers",

S.H.

Hollingdale and G.C. Tootil, Penguin

Book A524, Harmondsworth, 1965.
(A fine layman's summary of
analogue and digital computers
including a lengthy chapter on what
sort of jobs computers do).
Computer programming is ::overed
in many texts and booklets. One
example is:

"Elements of Computer
Programming",

K.P. Swallow and

W.T. Price; Holt, Rinehart and
Wilson, New York, 1965.
ALGOL language began to emerge in
1958 as a step toward a universal

computer

language for scientific

working. COBOL is the commercial
counterpart. Relevant books are:
"Basic ALGOL", W.R. Broderick and
J.P. Barker,
IPC Electrical and
Electronic Press, 1970.
"A Guide to COBOL Programming",
D. McCracken, Wiley, New York,

1970.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

ISSJUI
CALCULATORS

J. Stoelds

4.50

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A practical

Describes various circuits encountered today with

Fault finding and servicing procedures

HOW TO USE IC CIRCUIT LOGIC ELEMENTS

J. Streeter

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SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS ON YOUR POCKET

CALCULATOR
Smith

COMPUTERS AND MICROPROCESSORS........

BEGINNERS' GUIDE TO COMPUTER LOGIC

IC OP -AMP COOKBOOK

8.25

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Grasp quickly computer codes digital logic ops and

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INTRODUCING ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

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A. Douglas
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A practical garde to the production of electronic music

LINEAR IC PRINCIPLES EXPERIMENTS ANO PROJECTS

E. M. Noll
An ntrolluctron to one of electronics most exrilmg davrces

6.20

SEMICONDUCTOR DATA

110 OPERATIONAL
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HOME

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2.15
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MICROPROCESSORS

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R. M.

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W. Jun

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switching cocuds

4.00
a

UNDERSTANDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

R.

INTEGRATED ELECTRONICS
J. Millman
7.60
Using an IC approach the text leads the reader step by step fronsenuconductor physics to devices models crrcurts and systems

G.

UNDERSTANDINGELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
R. Sinclair

HOW TO BUILD PROXIMITY DETECTORS ANO METAL LOCATORS

99 WAYS TO KNOW AND USE YOUR ELECTRONIC

CALCULATOR
L. Frenzel

PIN POINT TRANSISTOR TROUBLES IN 12 MINUTES

L. Garner
2.85
Complete information on eircuir operations troubleshooting charts and
service procedures
PRACTICAL TRIAC/SCR PROJECTS FOR THE EXPERIMENTER
R. Pee
2.15
Thyristor theory and procurai c,nuits with low cost SCR TRIACs
and
DIACs

PRINCIPLES
S. Antos

OF

TRANSISTOR-CIRCUITS

TEST EQUIPMENT AND OSCILLOSCOPES

BASIC ELECTRONIC TEST PROCEDURES
M. Getzlk.e
Shows how to on accurate measurement
1.

2.35

wet VOMs meters

oscilloscopes

and

THE OSCILLOSCOPE
G. Zwick
2.10
Starts front the test prenciples and takes the reader to an advanced level

PRACTICAL TEST EQUIPMENT YOU CAN BUILD

W. Green
2.15
For rechnrcians. radio 'TV service operators and serious experimenters
RADIO. TV AND AUDIO TEST EQUIPMENT
G. King
4.95
A practical guide to test instruments and applrcnr,Ons concerned largely
with the oscilloscope

E4.40

Generally accepted as being a

textbook ofundamentall
fundamental
principles underlying the design of cocoas and using transistors

RAPID SERVICING OF TRANSISTOR EQUIPMENT

G. KMg
2.85
A systematic guide to the servicing of iransrsear radi, television.
tape
and hi-fi equipment
SEMICONDUCTOR CIRCUIT ELEMENTS
T. D. Tower,
6.00
Gives readers an account of all ...conductor devices contmerceally
..available. fur each device d covers a general description encart dragrenr
symbols and working prrnceples

TEST INSTRUMENTS FOR ELECTRONICS

M. Clifford

1.65

Easy modifications to your VOM iVTVM and scope with the aid of this
book

WORKING WITH THE OSCILLOSCOPE

A Saunders
rnc.udes workshop test protects with large size drawings

SERVICING WITH THE OSCILLOSCOPE

G. King

1.85

5.00

unique series of photographs showing oscilloscope traces to

normal and faulty equipment. stereo radio. colour TV
Canvas seewciny is dealt with
Includes

be hound In

'FIRE AND THEFT SECURITY SYSTEMS

e. wets
1.90
Selection and Instanaten home maintenance and business security
devices

SOLID STATE CIRCUIT GUIDE BOOK

HANDBOOK OF IC CIRCUIT PROJECTS

J. Ache
From hi-It circuits to complete drgrlal counters

2.30

TRANSISTOR CIRCUIT DESIGN

Texas

1.85

illLancaster

B. ward
Stop by step

rsirnrtniic

2.15
,a

design circuits to your own speedreations

NOW TO ORDER

en a

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correct al the lime of poing lo press hot are soblecl to

alleralion wilhoul notice. All prices include postage. Please prml your name
and address clearly and list each tille and price separately. Cheques and

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seven days' approval agates! a lull cash rem!ltance. plus postage Book stock
is rol held al
London offices and orders should he sent to ETI 80K

COOKBOOK

ROW TO READ ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS

B.

All prices are

9.25

Everything you need to know from basic circuit components

rnlegratdd circuits

Ie

Complete and detailed guide to

practical applications

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

ITl

how it works how to use

rt

and

loll

SERVICE. P.O. BOX 79

MAIDENHEAD. BERKS 51.6 2EG

75

SORRY ALL 35RO'S NOW SOLD

CREED 5 LEVEL COMBINED PRINTER AND PERFORATOR

NEW CRATED 35.each

CREED 78
TELEPRINTER CRATED
40 each

CREED 5 LEVEL
PAPER TAPE READER
25 each

5 discount on any pair plus FREE carriage. Otherwise 2.50 carriage each item.

THE LATE MODEL

MARCONI
OSCILLATOR TF885A/1

MARCONI TF675F
WIDE RANGE
PULSE GENERATOR

/-

+
upto 50V.
variable outputs
P
Optional delay. Small compact unit.

condition covering 25HZ to 12MHZ

in superb
sine wave in 3 ranges and 50HZ to 150KHZ
square wave. High output 31.6V Meter scaled

COMPRESSOR/
VACUUM PUMP

MARCONI TF1106
NOISE GENERATOR
4 ranges
0.5, o-1 o, 0-15,
g

Twin Cylinder opposed with Integral

OV 50HZ Single Phase
YzH.P. 220/
Motor. Tested and guaranteed.
1

0.30.

in volts and dBs.

ALL ITEMS 22.50 EACH

PICK ANY 3 FROM 4 for 60
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CARRIAGE 2.50 each or 5 for 3

WE ARE INCREASING THE AREA GIVEN

INDIVIDUALLY PRICED ITEMS AND HAVE IMPROVED

OVER TO
THE

CUSTOMERS

ACCESSIBILITY. Every week hundreds of fresh items are added to our

shelves and lists. We are sure you will find a visit to us worthwhile.
r
VARIACS 240V input 0-270V output.
TRANSFORMERS - All 240V 50HZ
MARCONI TF142F DISTORTION
inputs
18
30

es. Carr. extra.

8 Amp
ea. 20 Amp
170-17V 250 MA; 7.5-0-7.5V
Plug
lead,
ready
5
Amps;
to
BNC
Plug
assembled
8NC
250MA; 0-20V 5 Amps; 0-4V
to use 75p ea. P&P 20p.
0-1-1.5V 5 Amps. 2 each. P&P 1.25.
Plug
20p.
BNC
Type B 17-0-17V 250MA; 8-0-8V 250MA; Ex-eq. BNC Socket 15p. BNC
0-12.5-13.5V 5 Amps, 0-1.5-2V 5 Amps. Plug & Socket 30p pair. P&P 15p.
1.50 ea. P&P
Type C 19-0-19V 250MA; 8-0-8V 250MA; TUBES. All Brand New Boxed.
0-7.5V 5 Amps; 0-1.4V 5 Amps. 1.25 ea. Electrostatic deflection.
P&P 1.25.
Type 408A 11/2" dia., 7'/z" long. Blue Trace
Type D 34V 4 Amps; 19V 4 Amps; 17V 4 2.50 ea- P&P 75p.
Amps. 3 ea. P&P 1.25
Type CV1526 (3EG 1) 3" die. 3. P&P 1.
Type E 3V Amp. 25p ea. P&P 50p.
Type DB7 /36 3" dia. (Replacement for
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75p ea. P&P 75p. Atlantic series.
Type 5BVP1 5" dia. PDA, X, Y Low
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D. Honeywell surplus type E; Recordacall
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G).
Telequipment D33 &Solartron 1016 scopes)
30 ea. P&P 1.50.
ONLY 10 EACH
Type GEC 924E 31/2" dia. (Replacement for
input.
50HZ
Stabilised Power Supply. 240V
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Outputs
15V @ 10A; +15V @ 4A
@ 12A
21.5V @ 15A. Size 16 x 20 x 9".
FOR
UPGRADED CONTENTS
Auto overload trips on each voltage rail with NEW
push button resets. Many OTHER POWER LESS MONEY

FACTOR METER giving percentage distortion on

directly calibrated dial and includes all spurious components up to 30KHZ 37.50 ea.
AVO TRANSISTOR ANALYSER CT446 30 ea.
MARCONI PORTABLE FREQUENCY METER TF1026/ 11. 100 to 160MHZ. Very
fine condition. Sorry, now 27.50 ea.
DECCA NAVIGATOR DISPLAY UNIT. Very impressive. 12.50 ea.
PRECISION SIGNAL GENERATOR. Type 62. Ex -Ministry. 110-150-MHZ. 15 ea.
a

Type A.

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All at 8p ea.*. P&P

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Manufacturer's markings:
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*10001 Feed thru Capacitors 10
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SEMICONDUCTORS
extra-

BC261 B;
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50p ea. P&P 8p,
2N5879 with 2N5881 Motorola 150 Watt.
Comp. pair 2 pr. P&P 15p.
*Linear Amp 709 25p ea. P&P 8p.
BC327;

2N4403;

BC1 72B;

for 30p.

N'BEEHIVE TRIMMERS 3/3opf. BRAND

NEW.
10 off -40p P&P 15p; 100 off 3.50 P&P
75p; 500 off 15 P&P 1.25; 1,000 off 25
P&P 1.50

FOR THE VDU BUILDER. New stock of Large Rectangular Screen 30 x 20cm tube
Type M38 at the ridiculous price of 4 ea. And also still available the CME1220, 24 x
15cm at 9 ea.

LARGE RANGE ELECTROSTATIC

VOLTMETERS, from 0-300V 2" 3; to

HIVAC Miniature NEONS

App 60V. Brand New. 10 off 20p.

P&P extra.
*Meter PACKS

L1

250KV Max.
different meters 2, P&P General guide 5KV 31/2" 5; thereafter 1 per
KV. P&P 75p.

DON'T FORGET YOUR MANUALS. S.A.E

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MARCONI TF1101 Audio Oscillator. 20c/s

to 200kc/s. Low distortion. 60dB step
attenuator, 45 each.

GRATICULES 12 X 14 cm high quality

plastic 15p ea. P&P 10p.
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ponents, only 50p. P&P 48p.
tested 2.50. P&P 75p.
*TRIMMER PACK. All Brand New. 2 Twin
50/200pf ceramic; 2 Twin 10/60pf ceramic; *SPECIAL OFFER
2 min. strips with 4 preset 5/20pf on each; 3 Guaranteed full spec. devices. Manufacturers

air spaced preset 30/100p on ceramic base markings.

25p the lot, P&P 15p.
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COUNTERS. 4 digit by
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*TELEPHONES
P&P 35p.
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All telephones complete with standard dial
and bells. P&P all styles 75p ea. Handsets,
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FIBREGLASS BOARD PACK. More board P&P 65p.
less money. Larger pieces. Not less than
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ROYAL INVERTORS manufactured USA.
Double or single sided cut to any size. New 28V DC input. Output 115V AC 400HZ up to
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2KVA. Brand new. Crated 12.50 each.

-RESETTABLE

HONEYWELL MAGNETIC TAPE UNITS

Self-contained, complete with heads, magnetic tape, leads, etc.
Tested. Carriage paid. FROM 65

NOW AVAILABLE

Various punches, tape reader, low

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Minimum Mail Order 2. Excess postage refunded

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IS SS Aces

HLTMEA

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76

L.

D H

Road). Tel. Reading 582605

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

EIECTROAICS

TOMORROW
by Jobn Miller - Kirkpatrick

AND NOW THE LINEAR MPU?

MICROPROCESSOR GREW
from the requirement for a general
purpose digital logic handling system, in eighteen months or so that
requirement has caused the growth
of a sackful of different devices. Now
two new types of technology look as
if they could do the same for linear or
digital /linear applications.
The first of these new techno-,
logies is called bi-MOS or bi-FET and
these usually have bipolar outputs
and matched field-effect transistors
at their inputs. This means that the
devices have input bias currents that
are typically 1,000 times lower than
those of bipolar only chips, also they
respond more than 10 times faster,
offer broader bandwidths and have
lower noise figures. The difference
between bi-FET and bi-MOS is that
bi-MOS is easier to produce but has
problems like diode protection
requirements on the inputs to guard
against static and they have slightly
worse noise and drift characteristics
than bi-FETs.
Most of today's mixed -process
linears are operational amplifiers but
other types of devices are beginning
to appear with our old friends
National Semiconductors leading
the field at present with a list of
op -amps, instrumentation ampliTHE

fiers,

comparators,

analogue

switches and sample and hold circuits. Motorola is getting in on the

act with a quad op -amp where each
amplifier in the package will have a
10MHz bandwidth, at about 1 5 per
package it will look expensive but the
savings in associated circuitry could
be vast. The problem which most
manufacturers seem to be having is

in deciding which direction to take

from here, with so many combinations of technologies possible on one
chip the range of possible products is
enormous, so if they don't have what
you want at present they probably
will have within, the next eighteen
months. With RCA working on a
bipolar / CMOS op -amp and Siliconix
using bi-MOS in a 31/2 digit A -D
converter the days of standard
hybrids is coming to an end and the
day of the linear MPU is coming; just
imagine what you could do with
bi -polar and MOS linear and digital
circuits on one chip!
According to National, bi-FET
processing, besides being more
complex than straight bipolar technology, requires 5 to 10 times more
die area than the equivalent bipolar
function. As a result bi-FETs will
always cost about 15% more than
the bipolar equivalent, if there is a
bipolar equivalent.

MORE BITS IN ONE BASKET

Signetics Corp, a division of Philips,

have recently announced a new
technique which may help to cut
back the requirements for additional
die area mentioned above. Consider
a standard bipolar or MOS memory
or shift register, each data byte is
defined by eight data bits (or ten or
sixteen) each of which could be in a
logic '0' or ' ' status. With the
advent of bus structured systems a
third (TRI -STATE) output was
required which had a very high
impedance state and thus followed
the status CO' or ' 1 ') of any other
data connected to that bus. TRI STATE is however simply a third
alternative output state, any data

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

inside the memory, buffer or gate is

still stored in binary for the simple
reason that the memory transistors
can only be in an ON or OFF state;
with my knowledge of transistors
even
can see that a transistor
system can hold a current level
which is between ON and OFF.
Signetics have announced that
they have built and tested some
non -binary circuits which could
increase the processing capability of
bipolar LSI some 4 to 10 times, with
figures of 1000 times being muttered for the future. The firms first
multivalued circuits use integrated
injection logic and current -mode
thresholding for a four -level system;
eight, ten or sixteen level logic
systems are also practical. In such
systems, metal conductors carry
either 0, 1, 2 or 3 levels of current
with resultant savings in pin counts
and die area.
So far as
can gather, the
technique is simply to adjust the
outputs of the input transistors so
that one set of transistor outputs are
connected together to form a
weighted version of the input, this is
virtually a digital to analogue converter. The ability to discriminate
from several input thresholds is
derived from binary based ECL. It
differs because I2L requires a
conversion from current to voltage
at its output. This conversion is
adapted from operational amplifier
circuits that use current -mirroring
techniques to produce a current that
varies linearly with the applied input
voltage.
To test the concept Signetics
have built several commercial ICs
that have threshold function gates
with binary inputs and outputs for
I

77

EIECTROAICS
connecting

to external binary
circuits but with multi -level weighted summing and detection circuitry
internally. As an example of the
savings possible the 8X04 FIFO
memory uses such gates to determine whether the memory was 1/4,
1/2, 3/4 or completely full. If ordinary
TTL or even l2L had been used at
least 4000 transistor devices would
have been required; with this new
technique the transistor count was
cut drastically
to four!
Put a few design engineers into a
lab with the concepts of bi-MOS,
multi -level logic and a few thousand
dollars and we could have some
very nice toys to play with in 977

or 1978!

POSITRONIC BRAINS?
The positronic brain was invented by
Isaac Asimov for his robot stories; it
has never been built or even defined.
Now that you can buy 16 Kilobit

dynamic RAMs that allow a 256

Kilobyte memory to be built on a
PCB measuring 16" x 18" and 4 or

TomoRRow

8 Kbit ROMs in 24 pin packages the

idea of a positronic brain is now not
so far-fetched as it might have first
seemed to Dr Asimov. Apparently
there is no restriction on the possible
size of RAM or ROM chips except

MBYTE memory could be feasible in

few years' time. Even if we are
prepared to come down to using a
24 or 28 pin package we could still
look forward to one-chip memories
of 16 or 256Kbyte in the not too
a

package pin -count and production

yield, the former has a practical limit
of 40 pins but the latter can mean
that a 256Kbyte memory with one
bit faulty means that the whole
device is faulty. Assuming that yield
problems could be overcome can we
look forward to a 40 pin package
containing as much RAM as
possible? With 40 pins using 8 bit
common I/O pins, a single power
supply and two pins for chip select
(TRI -STATE output enable) and
READ/WRITE control we are left
with 28 pins for addressing. If we

distant future. Commercial com-

puters at present have memory sizes

in the range 16Kbyte to 1 or 2Mbyte

on-line with several multi -megabyte

random-access storage systems for
data which is not permanently
required in main storage. These
commercial CPUs have the capability of doing several things at the
same time as well as doing any one
thing correctly, repetitively and at
very high speeds. With this sort of
software connected to our future
hardware the feasibility of building a
robot brain is likely to become reality
within the foreseeable future. It is
now up to the mechanical engineers
to perfect the artificial limb technology to the same point and suddenly

assume that binary addressing

rather than multi -level circuitry is
used this gives us a possible RAM or
ROM size of 256Megabytes. At
present this is impractical because of
the die size which would be
required, but the promised savings
of up to 1000 times in area our 256

DORAM KITS CONTAIN

EVERYTHING DOWN TO
THE LAST NUT'

few hundred Science -Fiction

stories could become Science -Fact

stories or pre -written history books.

complete

DIGITAL CLOCK KITS

TEAK CASES

prompt order despatch,

FM
T

NON ALARM

10.65 +

ALARM

13.43

"DELTA"

V0AT85

+ 1.07

including P&P

GENUINE TEAK, OR PERSPEX CASE

DELTA DATA: 4 Radiant Red '/2 inch high LEDs. 12 hr display with
AM/PM' indication. Beautiful Burma Teak Case or Pretty Perspex
in White, Black, Blue, Red, Green. Power failure is indicated by
flashing display.
MODULES: Kits can be bought without case
Non Alarm 9.00

Modern styling, ease of construction and modular assembly go to make this

kit extremely good value for money. Features push-button varicap station
selector with manual over -ride, stereo decoder, with mono over-ride + 'mix'
facility for reduced separation on weak stations.
Sensitivity
1.211V for 26dB quieting
Signa! to noise ratio:
67B typ. (400NV input)
Frequency range.
87.5-104MHz
Stereo separation:
40dB at KHz
1

Distortion

0.5

64.95+H (order code 991-940).

O'seas orders-add 15% for P+P. All items offered for sale subject
to the Terms of Business as appears in Doram Edition 3 catalogue,
price 60p. The Doram Kit brochure is also available, price 25p.
Combined price only 70p which also entitles you to 2 x 25p vouchers,
each one usable on any order placed to the value of 5.00 or more
(ex. VAT).
DORAM ELECTRONICS LTD., P.O. BOX TR8, LEEDS.LS12 2UF.
An Electrocomponents Group Company

78

Alarm 12.50 incl.

READY BUILT: Buy a working tested module and fit your own case.
Non Alarm 9.50. Alarm 13.00. Or put it with our case parts @
4.32 and save on complete clock price.
Complete Clock ready built. 2 yr. guarantee.. Non Alarm 13.50.
Alarm 16.50
,ALARM FEATURES: Pulsed tone. Tilt operated 10 minute 'Snooze'
period. Single switch setting. Optional extra mercury switch (45p)
allows Alarm reset by tilting clock. Digit.. brightness is
automatically controlled to suit lighting level.
4 Glowing Green
Built &Tested
CHRISTMAS

"ALPHA"

%" High Digits

OFFER

NOVUS
CALCULATORS:

Module

12 or 24 hr. Non Alarm

650
850

.00 incl.

Plus
Perspex Case

f5.40
6.75

4510
6030

16.20
'

21.60

Send payment with order. S.a.e. Tor complete range of croks, calculators

components

PULSE ELECTRONICS
LTD.
DEPT. E3, 202 SHEFFORD ROAD

CLIFTON, SHEFFORD, BEDS.

Telephone: Hitchin (0462) 814477
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

NEW FROM AMERICA

Announcement

SUPERBLY STYLED QUALITY

LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY

WATCHES FROM FAIRCHILD
TIMEBAND

functions.

Electronic
Construction
Kits for 1976/77

CONTINUOUS

READOUT of Hours, Minutes and pulsating Seconds.

Single Command button; push once for Month /Date
auto reset to time, twice for Seconds continuous run
until reset.
* PLUS automatic 28, 30, 31 day calendar. Backlight
for night-time. Optional continuously alternating
Time/Date display. AM/PM setting indicator.

.,r.

High contrast LCD display visible in bright sunlight. The

best looking watches we have seen under 100,
Fairchild LCDs sell in jewellers' shops for up 80.
TC 411 Base Metal/Stainless Steel
29.50
TC 410 Gold Plated
32.50
On Leather Strap
TC
TC

413 Base Metal/Stainless Steel

412 Gold Plated

34.50
37.50

Matching adjustable bracelet

NEW LOW PRICE FOR OUR LED

GALA 6 + 3 functions

At the touch of a button

Hours, Minutes, Seconds,
Day, Month and Date.
PLUS automatic 28, 30, 31
day calendar, Auto Hold and Fadeout, AM/PM setting
indicator. Available in Stainless Steel or Gold Plated,
with S/S back and matching adjust. bracelet. Sold
elsewhere at 22.90. OUR PRICE 17.50.

r-11-

AF
AF
AT
AT
AT

325
10

rrr PCB's

AI 365
Al 405
AT 460
Al 465
Al 466

25W Senn FrP.

Doi Paar E41111
Wilt IUM Wlrar
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2.43

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E1.57

801E

2.00

801(

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2.11

21.01

019

E1.59

0010

oat. AC regulator up to 2200w

a iti AC DC regulator
Interval and Masher unit
Electronic Roulette
tight show
low cost light heat control

Allri

0,14

what

681

07

30

019
309

311

311

312

312

313
314

313
314

401

410

025
413

414

213

213
303
305

Fr

NMp.

9013

12.70

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21.52
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4140
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98p

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D0 744 tel

tears Mer
aa6ly

851

5331

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532
533

044444 411444

an l5.00

444.-

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Sam

530

Unit 'nobly

(1.18

13I

14

443

443

Attack

Opal fi...uwn

EI 19

12.I6

534

534

2.10

441

441

(1.0

SW

S39

706

7m

15618

41.00
E1.10
22.30

94

961
119

22.16

561

5610

22.97
21.01

552

QM814.heal.

E1.01

22.91

Peat
Orders a1y. OMMry twee 4pproN.4L W.3
414694.1 by 4454114114. All P.C.O.'e
Iec
M viler. iee41cb41 $11114 e week
1

lean 8P

weak,

u/

1.40
2.55
1.60
2.10
2.60

4.50
10.15
2.80
8.75
4.70
17.15
4.50
8.45
4.40

Please enclose 2p fer PAP with aide,

Send for Free Catalogue to:

JOSTY KIT (UK) LTD., Mail Order Division
P.O. Box 68,

Middlesbrough, Cleveland TS1 5DQ

(2.15

PC9eD

Myerily

4.30
2.95

13.94

47

7.20
8.75
17.00
2.75
10.80
17.10
20.45
19.45
4.55
24.60
29.10
5.65
4.30
2.50
6.70
11.50
19.85
6.70
2.95
5.80
1 .50
8.45

(1.06

451

bear
er

PM

4/

N/11Mar

9.30

5290
TacAt.

21.00

4334

T 315
NI 330

leper

Pea Sena

01111111561'4444

lehr

Buttes

2.81

130

4234338

Iirrpear VN
c

IIs

433

131
21.62

04am4r

(1.19

129
130

/24

IMM6c

19p

1230
124

124

MASI 04e14a4r

We.

1234

seawater

MIN

12.89

426
427

300

NT ;311

(1.54

Was

Mi 397
Ml 393

21.01

422

wash w.

689

121

420

427

390

121

422
423
424
426

RNr

Powe, supply )transformer not .nrludedi

Voltare nnvert.r

MI 391

New

420E

ream

NT 41 S
NT 305

160

U4114

Shine A.p. 50W

P4. 2 MI
Os4rlar
3p. barb. Ue l
Ramble

NT 4011
N F 410

35(1

n.01

2.10

74

310

10

21.10

919

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Pit)

)20

aurae SOOseOr

Welk

F :

MI
MI
MI
MI

14

E1.88

H( 385
I

991

(1.9

FM tuner moduli'
Stereo decoder
Mo.. rM iecetver
VHF UHF aerial arnplitaer
Aeual arnpld.er AMFM
art sitar.,
Stereo VU nu711rile
S MOW( models ampLhm
Mulovihratiu sutnal genludnr
Dial module (meter not included)
VU module (rooter
ter not .rn ludotq
Balance 'nodule porter not included)
Tuning module (theta,- riot mcluttedl
Semi conductor triter for (trades: trans...5us
Power pack Itranstormnr not included,
Voltage coma/ter
Power par k
Power pack
Power supply pranslonnnr not ran lu,Iodl
Power supply

rIF 395

1111Mr4

i2

tII 330
HI 1/5

'

ctr,iut trail

F pra.nnlphhet
Fl pre .tmplilnr

Guitar tremeln
(l odr, rnodulm wave' nre.vet
r M Iransmnler Signal trslnnrl gener,n(r
Amateur r,a)(1 2 nune VHF 14451H, t,avrner
FM tuner

110

414

Veneer
Trlrarr. Saw

Stern

HI

88

017

GP 1411
1;11 :1:30

Hi

Hi

t46ic

4200

4202"

Mara

Iif

011

4208

422

TYIc
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Stlnholat:
(luadrolite

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GP

HE TOS

NEW BOARDS

(1.89

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5uperlro-

Mnnoln.

H( Ei
HI 65

NW

106

1174
1171

118

wan audio amplifier

'1

613

21.4

114
118

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LL 420

mit

113

413
414

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0011

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113

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111

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118
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Center

23.80
11.49

"IMO)ECl
10.

TIM

2.50
2.30
6.10
5.90
8.95
3.25
3.10
5.25
3.70
5.55
10.75

40 woo AI power amplifier

2 watt IC universal amplifier
Automatic light control
Photmc.ell amplrhet
Trlac AC regulator up to 440w

50

A LOT OF TIME FOR THE MONEY

TOTAL

5:80

Power arnplliter

110 3
140
080

AF

Al 56
AT 320
Al 326

M0.

AT 347

11112'PROJB
NO.

Pre' mp:aie(

AI 10
Al 100

TE/IPUS
SO ASO

VHF/UHF eerie! rnphfeer

Mixet

No moving parts to wear out, clean or oil. Accuracy to a very ew

secs/month. We believe our prices are the lowest anywhere and
INCLUDE VAT at 8% and P. & P. Free battery/s. No quibble one
year guarantee. Offers subject to availability.
Send cheque/ money order to
DepRIt. ETI, 5-7 Norfolk Street
CAMB DGE C1 2LD. Tai: 55094

.185

VAT

NAME
ADDRESS

CROFTON ELECTRONICS. LTD.

35 Grosvenor Road, Twickenham, Middlesex

Tel. 01-891 1923

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

79

DORAM KITS CONTAIN

EVERYTHING DOWN TO
THE LAST NUTZ

50W P/GllitalAi1'I1'

AMBIT international (dept 85)

The Dynamic Twosome: Signalmaster/Audiomaster
After- long and thorough deliberation, we are proud to
announce a new unit from Larsholt - the Audiomaster.
As ever, the instructions are designed to lead the unwary and the inexperienced- through point-to-point steps that
culminate in a professionally styled and finished amplifier
to complement the Signalmaster FM tuner. Price 79.00
.+
- ... Power: 25+25W RMS
" THD: Less than 0.3%
.
e - ...041
Dynamic range: an
.
:. ' exceptional 80dB

129.9
+H

"'

7-7..\

'

29.95 +H VAT (Order 997-011)

O'seas orders ---add 1 5% for P+P. All items offered for sale subject
to the Terms of Business as appears in Doram Edition 3 catalogue,
price 60p. The Doram Kit brochure is also available, price 25p.
Combined price only 70p which also entitles you to 2 x 25p vouchers,
each one usable on any order placed to the value of 5.00 or more
(ex. VAT).
DORAM ELECTRONICS LTD., P.O. BOX TR8, LEEDS LS12 2UF.
An Electrocomponents Group Company

tls

Learn to understand
electronics
for your hobbies

Q.Become a RadioAmateur
Learn how to become a radio -amateur in contact
with the wide world. We give skilled preparation for

the G.P.O. licence.

MR 1E111
Brochure, without obligation to:

P.O. BOX 156, JERSEY, CHANNEL ISLANDS.

NAME

80

WM OM IBM IBM

1
BLOCK CAPS
PLEASE ETA17'
OM Me BM

",

91196

,
r1

Components: Coils, ICs Filters, etc.

Radio ICs: (and modules)
oils and filters:CA3089E/HA1137W FM 1.94 AM IFTs TOKO
CA3090AQ mpx
3.75 YRCS/YHCS types(10mm)0.30
MC1310/KB4400 mpx
2.20 7MCS types (7mm)
0.30
HA1196 mpx
4.20 FM IFTs:HA1197 AM radio
1.40 KACS/KALS types(' Omm) 0.33
TBA120AS FM IF
1.00 94A types (10mm)
0.30
TBA651 AM radio
1.81 AM filters:uA720/CA3123E AM rad 1.40 CFT types ceramic (455) 0.55
LM380N 2W Audio
1.00 CPU type ceramic (470) 0.60
TBA810AS 7W Audio
1.09 SFD470 types
(470) 0.75
TCA940 10W Audio
1.80 FM filters:TDA2020 20W Audio
2.99 CFS/SFE ceramic (10.7) 0.50
LM381N stereo preamp 1.81 SFE6MA (TV sound)
0.80
LM3900 Quad amp
0.68 3132 linear phase
2.25
78M12-20-24 volt reg ea:1.20* MPX 19&38kHz notch
NE550A variable reg
0.80* BLR3107 (4k7 imp)
1.75
TAA550B varicap reg 32v0.50* BLR2007 (3k3 imp)
1.75
NE560/2B PLL IC
ea:2.50 23 or 36mH chokes
0.33
NE561B PLL IC
3.50 Tunerheads: (& tunersets)
NE565A/567V PLL
ea:2.50 EF5600 5 gang varicap
12.80
810k kit for TBA810 amp2.75 EC3302 3 gang varicap
5.50
2020k kit for 2020 amp
9.35 8319 (Larsholt)
12.00
92310 kit for mpx decoder5.35 7252 tunerset complete 26.00
7020 kit for 3089 FM IF 6.65 7253 stereo tunerset
26.00
971197 kit for varicap AM
Standard transistors also kept in
radio tuner
9.65 stock - see lists for further detail
7700 built TV sound tuner 27.00 and price information.

CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS.
CARRY OUT OVER 40 EXPERIMENTS
ON BASIC ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND
SEE HOW THEY WORK.

iial

o;

EF5800 14.50
7030 10.95
91196 12.99 (Built).
Overall performance of the three module when correctly assembled:30dB S/N at 0.85uV input. 60dB at 5uV. THD 0.09%. AFC holds
THD below 0.2% over 400kHz if required. AGC effective over a
90dB range. Image rejection -90dB. Noise floor -73dB.

Step by step, we take you through all the fundamentals of electronics and show you how easily the
subject can be mastered.
BUILD AN OSCILLOSCOPE.
(1)
READ, DRAW AND UNDERSTAND
(2)

ADDRESS

From left to right, the EF5800 6 circuit varicap FM tunerhead. Two

MOS RF stages, both with AGC control, and an ultra stable oscillator.
Next the 7030 Linear Phase 10.7MHz IF. Distortion 0.08%, muting,
AGC, meter, auto stereo switch outputs. Finally the new 91196 mpx
decoder and combined birdy filter. Mono THD 0.05%, stereo sep.
55dB at 1kHz, 42dB at 10kHz - the best decoder module yet.

LernaKit course

BRITISH NATIONAL RADIO ft

ELECTRONICS SCHOOL

,.

EF5800

(3)

(Signalmaster shown on top

of the Audiomaster)

--- - -

The Signalmaster Mk.8 is equally simple to assemble, and

results reflect the superb Scandinavian styling and careful
electronic engineering. 85.00.
International
A choice of tuners
for the more exper
{ir
e FM
inced constructors.
A chassis, cabinet and front panel designed to be used with
a variety of electronics inside. The standard set, with the
Larsholt 7253 varicap FM tunerset, plus all necessary parts
to complete costs 65.00. Alternative modules for the signal
processing stages are available for the more advanced F.M.
radio enthusiast/constructor. (EF5800/7030/91196)
7030

Especially designed for general purpose use with guitars, PA

systems etc. This amp will provide 50 Watts RMS into 8 ohms with
harmonic distortion level as low as 0.1 5% Robust case and load
fault protection contribute to the rugged design, which incorporates
an C mixer -'pre -amp (giving 2 separate inputs) and a thermally
compensated power amplifier. Overall freq. response (-3dB) is
15Hz to 100KHz with sensitivity 30mV for full output and 52dB
sig. to noise ratio.

1.

Terms: Vat extra, 12.5% unless marked *, which is 8%, all

complete tuners require f3.00 for packing and carriage. The
standard P&P rate remains at 22p per order. Catalogue 40p.
Phone (0277) 216029 (After 3pm please). SAE for free price lists.

37a High Street

Write to:
Brentwood, Essex : CMl4 4RH
ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

tech-tips
MERCURY CELL

100,000 MEGOHM DC PROBE!

The input current of junction FET,
usually less than nA, flows out of the
gate, and is constant at a particular
temperature, provided the voltage
across the device is constant. By
making the gate positive to the source
this leakage current can be made to
flow back into the device, reducing the
input current almost to zero.
FET A should be a low loss, low
Vp device (ideally Vp should be about
0.5V). FET B must be somewhat
higher but is less critical, the bargain
pack is usually a good source of such
devices. Forward bias should be about
150mV and current through the FETs
about 400mA.
The mercury cell holds the voltage
across the input FET constant at 1.5V
(1.35V plus 150mV) and the silicon
diode in the op amp's negative lead
prevents the cell from discharging
when the power is off.
By adjusting values in the potential

TO +ve RAIL

27k
1M

O
METER

FETA

Ov

Q INPUT

FETB

SILICON DIODE

TO -ve RAIL

ZERO
1k

O --9V

divider it is possible to achieve input

currents within a few picoamps either

SUBSTITUTE CABLE CLIPS

A project involving large amounts of
interconnecting wiring between units
requires cable ties or lacing cord to
organise them. Purpose designed polythene ties retail at about 2.16 per
PLASTIC -TIES for
100. Polythene
gardeners, for plant stems at 36p per

way and to measure the voltage on

small capacitor without changing it.

permit the tying of bunches of wires

from 6-28mm in 2mm steps. The
second alternate slot (B) will enable
wires from 10-32mm diameter to be
secured. Use of both retaining slots
simultaneously will result in a figure
8 configuration, thus securing two
bunches of wires alongside each other
their maximum diameter being 10
and 16mm. A hole which will accept
an 8BA bolt is present at both ends
of the tie, and the ties are re -usable.

100, are available.

The tie consists of a serrated tail on
the end of which are two slots for
engaging the serrations after encircling
the bunch of wires. One slot (A) will
A
B

'WARMTH' INDICATOR

+12V

+5V

The sensing element used was a thermistor, attached to the outlet which is
warm when the pilot light is on. A
rod -type thermistor was used for
cheapness, with a resistance of about
3k @ 200C, but a bead type would
work as well and with a faster response

time.
Two gates of the 7400 provide a
Schmitt trigger with a low hysteresis
(determined by the 18k feedback
resistor) and the third gate inverts that
output. When the pilot light is on, the

LED1

t.,/,'

33051
c5

ALL

Cs

7400

input of IC1

and LED1 (red) comes on.

The temperature at which the
changeover takes place is set by the 1k
preset.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

81

is high, IC3 output is

logic 0 and LED2 (green) is on. If
the pilot lights fails, the temperature
falls, all ICs change state, LED2 goes

off

MPU BITS

GET HUNG UP!

SC/MP Introkit: 256 bytes RAM, 51 2 byte PROM with

KITBUG debugging program, needs TTY device for

92.50

operation

SC/MP SCRUMP!: 256 byte RAM, 16 switches, LEDs,

and interface chips on 51/2" x 6" PCB. Requires

simple power supply or batteries
64.81
SC/MP Chip: with data sheet
18.50
ME6800 Kit: Uses 6800 MPU. Requires TTY 135.00
FS Kit: Mostek F8 MPU, requires TTY....
165.00
MM2112 256 x 4 bit RAM
4.30
2513 Character Generator, u/c ASCII
9.00
.

HARDWARE

-5,

Power Supply: P197 gives 5v at 2A,

-12v,
suitable for many MPU systems, P197 Kit 15.50
Keyboard Kit: 55 keys, upper/lower case options, KDP
5 Kit
42.00
Printer: 40 column dot matrix printer with interface
for parallel ASCII input. PR -40 kit
225.00
Floppy: SA800 or SA801 floppy disk drive, disks and
interface, built, not kit
625.00

Minifloppy: SA400 mini disk drive, disks

and interface, delivery end of year

75p"

6800 Data (Xerox)

F8 Data (Xerox)

('Free with appropriate kits)

comprehensive instructions. This range complements our fully electronic clock kits.

PRICES (All inclusive)

Kit-Diam. 61/2" _._
Rotating Dial Kit-Diam. 6"
Wrought -Iron Kit-Diam. 51/2"
Wooden Wheel Kit-Diam. 6%z"
Knight Clock Kit-Diam. 71/2"
Oak Foliot Kit-Wiam. 14"
Gothic Clock

(As

495.00

BOOKS, DATA
SCRUMPI Data
SC/MP Technical Description
SC/MP Programmers Guide

Our new range of clock kits is based on designs

hundreds of years old. These clock kits use wood,
stone and iron to reproduce authentic "olde
tnorlde" wall clocks in full detail. The kits contain all
you need including glue, screws, etc.; and very

1.95'
6.30
75p'
75p'

KIT

BUILT

23.95
19.95
46.35
31.50
39.50
89.50

36.50
32.50
69.50
45.25
62.45
125.00

illustrated)

coloured Brochure please send 15p stamps.

Completed clocks can be seen at our offices.
For

SCRUMPI
Bywood's evaluation kit for SC/MP. Kit contains MPU chip, 256 x 8 hit RAM. 2 4 -bit I/O latches, 24
LED lamps and drivers, 16 data and control switches, all sockets, all associated components, PCB and
cable. The switches allow you to program the 256 x 8 -bit RAM and then execute the program in that
RAM, several operating modes allow for ease of programming and testing. SCRUMPI can be extended
to address up to 64K bytes and can easily be interfaced to other RAM. PROMEAROM. Keyboard.

+5, --7v at 200mA

VDU, Printer, etc. Requires

64.81

CONSULTANCY

B,.,.r/l,D

Bywood would be pleased to quote for hardware/

software solutions to your design problems.

E-EL,TRONICs
68 Ebbein', Rn,u1
Hemel Hempstead
Herts HP3 9ORC

I3YflDDU

Tel

0442 52757

PRICE INCREASES!!
Some prices have already risen, buy now at these old prices before increases due early in 1977.
CLOCK CHIPS

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT AT 8%

NATIONAL
MM5309 7 seg + BCD with reset
MM5311 7 seg + BCD
MM5312 7 seg + BCD. 4 digit only
MM5313 7 seg + BCD
MM5314 7 segment
MM5315 7 seg + BCD with reset
MM5316 Non-mpx alarm clock
MM5318 7 seg + BCD (external digit select)

569

4.88
5.69
3.36
8.14
7

21

673
673
560
5 60
11.19
14.50

MHI-531

MHI-5314
MHI-5318
MHI-5378
MHI-50250
MHI-50253
MHI-50204
MHI-50395

$2

735
735
6.60

735
15 10

8.35
8.35

1400
1950

LITRONIX CLASS

11

DL707E, 704E

DL727E.728E
DL747E.750E

.48

PRODUCTS
0.70
1.80
1.50

CASES (WITH PERSPEX SCREEN)

VERO 1 8" x 5I/2"x3"
VERO 2 6"x31/4"x21/4"

1450
9.00
9.00
9.00
9.00
4.76

525

CLOCK MODULES
MA1002F (12 hr) or MA1002H (24
hr) with Alarm and Clk/Rad features
7.95
Module only
0.90
MXT101 Transformer
3.00
Vero Case
11.75
Mod + Tfmr + Case

13.00

Complete Kit

P&P

MHI DISPLAY KITS

1-9

MHI-707 4 (digit) 0 3"

MHI-707 - 6 0 3"

MHI-727.'4

MHI 7001

5"

660
9.50
8.50

MHI-727/6
MHI

1200
980
1470

5"

747'4 0 6"

MHI-747/6 0.6"

PAYMENT TERMS
(simply quote your number and sign).
Credit facilities to accredited account holders Pro -forma invoices can be issued.
Cash with order. Access, Barclaycard

Please send

19.50
19.50
13.00

MHI-50396
MHI-50397

MHI CASE

3.75
2.45

DL727. 728, 721

DL747. 746. 750

14 50

MHI CLOCK KITS

MHI-5309

1-9

LITRON IX
0L707, 704, 701

1017

MM5371 Alarm clock 50Hz

MM5377 Car clock, crystal controlled, LCD
MM5378 Car clock, crystal controlled. LED
MM5379 Car clock, crystal controlled Gas discharge
MOSTEK
MK50250 Alarm clock (12Hr+60Hz/24Hr+50Hz)
MK50253 Alarm clock (12Hr+50Hz24Hr+50Hz)
MK50204 Stopwatch/Calculator
MK50395 UP/DOWN Counter -6 Decade
MK50396 UP/DOWN Counter-HHMMSS
MK50397 UP/DOWN Counter-MMSS 99
CALTEX
CT7001 Alarm /calender. 7 segment
CT7002 Alarm /calender BCD
CT7003 Alarm/calender 7 seg. Gas discharge
CT7004 Alarm/calender 7 seg
GENERAL INSTRUMENTS
AX5-1202 4 digit 7 seg
AY5-1230 on -off -- alarm, 7 seg

1-9

DISPLAYS

1-9

5.69
5.69
4.88

24

for post and packing.

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT AT 8%

(EXCEPT MECHANICAL CLOCKS AS ABOVE

Please include 25p post

+ packing)

SOCKETS
18 pin

24, 28 or 40 pin
Soldercon strip sockets

95

0.60
0.60

030

BVWOOD
611

L3YUJDDU

Ell, TRUNKS
cthe,r,

Hemel Herir ste:,il

Horts HP3 9ORC
Tel

0442 62757

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

tech-tips
MULTIPLEXER IMPROVED

-C
CLOSE TO

14

2k2

}-

2k2

COUNT

587490

10k

o
0V

83

2708

LED COUNTER
The astable muitivibrator is used to
generate pulses which operates the
four integrated bistables. The 7490

in the June edition of ETI Tech -Tips,

there is an idea for using a multiplexer
for implementing arbitrary logic functions. Although the suggestion is quite

101

feasible, in some cases it can be improved on.

To demonstrate the idea, consider a
1004F
100F
logic function, with three variables A,
B, C and an output Q, represented by
the truth table as shown.
27015 J2708
2708
if the two most significant bits, in
this case B and C are used to drive
the select inputs of a four input
BC109
aC109
multiplexer (eg. 1/2 74153), then the
above logic function can be implegives a binary counting sequence mented as follows:- Levels 0 and 1 of
and the 7490 gives a BCD count. the truth table will select input 0 of
This circuit is very useful for testing the multiplexer. By comparing bit A
the IC's.
of the input, with the required output,
it can be seen that they are similar.
2k7
Thus A should be connected to input
V
O. Similarily, levels 2 and 3 will select
100pE
input 1. In this case, Q is the complement of A and thus 7i should be
O
connected to this input. Levels 4 and 5
OUTPUT
will select input 2, and as, in this case,
ANY SILICON
V'
DIODES CAN BE
Q is low, this input should be tied low.
500pF
USED
Conversely input 3, which is selected
ie. 1N4148, 1N914
in levels 6 and 7 should be tied high,
as the output in this case, is high.
Naturally, if the multiplexer used has
only a complementary output available, then the outputs should be
INPUT
O
adjusts the intensity of the fuzz, but accordingly complemented.
This idea can quite easily be
this tends to make the unit oscillate,
so a 33k resistor is put between the expanded to 8 and 16 input multiplexinput and ground to stop this. When ers, whether they be of TTL or CMOS
the pot is at minimum intensity the type. The advantage compared with
unit may be switched off to allow the idea in the June edition is that the
capacity of a given multiplexer, used
normal playing.
for logic function implementation, is
effectively doubled.

^--Mt-09

0.14F

33k

INTENSITYA
A

Yr 1M
GUITAR FUZZ

The input signal is amplified by the

two transistors. The distorted output
is then clipped by the two diodes
and the high frequency noise is

filtered from the circuit

500pF capacitor. The

via
1

the
pot

560R

Vcc----SuS____

triggers here
Lo

A
I/P

KI

O/P

Trig

22K
Tri
BC182

SELECT

'

Tr2
BC182

RISING EDGE TRIGGER

The diagram shows a method of

triggering

conventional monostable on the rising edge of a short

negative -going pulse. The additional transistor, TR 1, provides good
isolation between the output pulse
and the triggering circuitry. The
circuit shown gives a pulse of 5sec
a

duration, but of course the usual

design formula T = 0.65 RC can be

used to determine circuit values for
other pulse widths.
One slight disadvantage of this
circuit is that the collector of TR2 is
held down by the triggering waveform, so the switch -on of TR3 is not
regenerative. For this reason the
falling edge of the output pulse is
not as fast as it might be, but is
sufficient for most .ur.oses.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

LEVEL
0
1

CB
0
0

0
0

0
0
0

83

DISPLAY LCD WATCHES

CONTINUOUS
UNIQUE ALTERNATING DISPLAY FEATURE
The watch continuously displays HRS. and MINS. with MONTH, DAY and SECONDS on demand. The owner
selects the feature where the HRS. and MINS. or MONTH and DAY display alternatively for 2 second intervals
until owner resets to normal display. During the alternating cycle seconds are still available on demand.

**Finest American MOS technology

**Quartz accuracy.
* * Multi -function:
Hrs., Mins., Month, Day, Seconds.
Alternating display Back -light.
Programmed 28, 30, 31 day months.
A.M./P.M. indication for ease of
date setting
***All important: UK factory

manufacturing and servicing

facilities.

Watch despatched
with matching Gold
plated bracelet, in

presentation box
instruction
with
booklet and guar-

antee. Model 1113-10

is also available in a
stainless -steel bracelet.

CHRISTMAS OFFER VALID

TO DECEMBER 31st, 1976

P-

Incl. VAT & P&P

Watch Division, Lee Instrumentation Ltd.

Bedwas, Newport, Gwent NP1 BYZ
TEL (0222) 885756-7-8. TELEX: 497084
Reg. No. 639437. VAT Reg. No. 133 8150 80

MI

S 111[ttli - I MI - MI M IN

tt

Please forward

at

each

TOTAL
I

enclose

cheque

Address

postal order.

r,

money order

,,
/
I

(qty) model

Name

L1rrnim

-II -

To: Leetronic, Lee Instrumentation Ltd., Newport, Gwent NP1 8YZ

FREEPOST
no stamp required.
Print

Price 1.34750

NOW 27.50

IM

I
,
,
,

Signed

Barclaycard/Access

no.

1.9".1,--i

all

BR

III 11.1I. Ili III III

MI.mo><ileowIl..l urn mg 11

ETI DIGITAL MULTIMETER KIT

DMKI

specially made available to ETI readers, and comes complete, down to the last screw.
All you need is a few spare hours and some tools. The result will be a superb piece of test equipment that
will be of invaluable use to the serious constructor or test lab.
:This kit has been

Special Note:
This kit has been produced
in conjunction with the
designer and author of
the project in the October
issue of ET! as
several parts are
not normally available,
or specially manufactured.

Designer approved kit.

Silk screened
lettering.

*
*

Test leads, prods, etc., supplied.

Asssembly instructions included.

All parts available separately.

panel

with

all

COMPONENT FACTORS LTD.

59 NORTH ST., LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDS.
TO B H

be seen

working at our electronics centre. Full

list and specifications. Send s.a.e.

High accuracy, spec as in project

text.

ORDER FORM

Please allow 21 days for delivery

*A demonstration model can

Please supply

DMK1 kit

please.
Name

B H

COMPONENT FACTORS LTD.

LEIGHTON ELECTRONICS CENTRE

59 NORTH ST., LEIGHTON BUZZARD, BEDS. LU7 7EG
TEL: 2316 (STD 05253)
GOVERNMENT & EDUCATIONAL ORDERS ACCEPTED
GIRO NO. 331 7056 ACCESS & BARCLAYCARDS ACCEPTED

84

Address

enclose cheque/PO for

Access of B/card No

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

tech-tips

ETI is prepared to consider circuits or ideas submitted

readers for this page. All items used will be paid for. Draw
ings should be as clear as possible and the text should preferably be typed. Circuits must not be subject to copyright.
Items for consideration should be sent to ETI TECH -TIPS
Electronics Today International, 36 Ebury Street, London
SW1W OLW.

DIFFERENTIAL TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND ALARM SYSTEM

The circuit is comprised of three parts o
(i) the differential temperature sensor
R2
RI
R3
(ii) a differential amplifier to provide
REMOTE PROBES
gain (iii) a switiching circuit to
01
02
monitor the output from the differential amplifier.
R5
Two diodes D1 and D2 are used as
probes for the sensor. A small preset,
RV1 provides fine adjustment of the
current through each branch so as to
give zero differential output between

kV4
R7

RV2

SET

1V/5C DIFFERENTIAL
OUTPUT

GAIN

.1111

0102

D1 and D2 when

they are at the same

temperature.
A gain of 500 must be provided at
the differential output to provide a
useful voltage to switch the LED's
(....ie IV corresponding to 10C.) RV2
provides fine adjustment of the gain
and RV3 adjusts the CMRR.
A potential divider network is set
up by RV4, R9, R10, RV5 to provide
the necessary switching voltages for
the voltage comparators, thus enabling
LED1 or LED2 or LED3 for voltages
set up by RV4 and RV5 ..ie.. -3V and
+5V.
SETTING UP
1. Adjust offset -null on all Op. Amps
for zero output by connecting
input terminals together and taking
to ground and adjusting either
RV6, RV7 and RV8.
2. Adjust CMRR for differential amplifier by shorting input terminals
and connecting to +15V line, then
adjusting RV3.
3. Apply probes D1 and D2 to a
liquid, say at room temperature,
and adjust RV1 until there is zero
output across collectors of T1 and
T2.
7400 SIREN
The siren consists of two oscillators
which generate the tones. A third oscillator is used to switch the others on
and off alternately, giving the two
tone effect
By changing thr capacitor values
different tones can be produced.

RS

Rv6

BALANCE
RV1

201

RV3 SET CMRR

R9
4

R7

LOW FAIL

(5-34CI

RV5

COMPONENT LIST

RESISTORS
R1

2.2k
51k

R2,R3
R4,R10,R13
R5,R6
R7,R8

1k

2k

910k

R9

R11,R12
PRESETS
RV1

RV4,RV5
RV6,RV7,RV8
TRANSISTORS
T1,T2
DIODES
D1,D2

39052
1.2k

D3, D4

10052

ZD1

2.2k
10k
BC108
1N4004
1N914
miniature RED
miniature GREEN

LEDI,LED2
LED3

RV2,RV3

100k

4. Apply probe D1 to a liquid at a

temperature 100C different from
above, then adjust gain control
RV2 until there is 10V at the diff.

amplifier output.

0.14F

The

CMRR

400mW,3V3

3 Operational

5.

Amplifiers

741

should again be set.

Adjust RV4 and RV5 so that the
comparators switch at -3V and
+5V corresponding to -3oC and
+50C.

0.11.F

7405

IN

PIN 7's OV
PIN 14's+5V

IN

OV
OUT

IN

IN

2A
OUT

ONO
TOP VIEW

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

85

ROTEX

Emmen Holland

RX-6

MINI 2 METER RECEIVER

2 METER RECEIVER

144.146 Mc/s

Order no. 02.003

With VFO tuning, so that you can listen to all

transmissions.
Sensitivity
0,8 uv
Bandwidth
:
15 kHz
Built-in S meter and loudspeaker
Power Supply
12 V
Dimensions
22 x 21 x 6,5 cm
I.F.
:
10.7 Mc/s and 465 kc/s

144-146 Mc/s

Order no. 02.006

This receiver has the same electronic modules built-in as
its bigger brother. The mini, however, has its loudspeaker
in the base of the set. Indispensable for those who want
to pass the examination to get a license.

RX-6

meter
In both RX-6 Receivers there is enough space to build -in
the RZB-6, the ROTEX 2 meter 6 channels transmitter
module with built-in FM modulator, crystal controlled
oscillator, 48
Mc/s, FM modulation, output approx.
0,5 Watt, output imped. 50-70 Ohm. Completely built
module, dim. 15x7 cm, exclusive Xtals.
Order no. 06.306.

51.08
RMZ8

FREQUENCY
COUNTERS RFC -30 AND

RMZ-7

RFC -250
A professional frequency counter with up to 4 measuring
ranges to resp. 30 and 250 Mc/s. Indication by 6 clear
8 tern cipher LEDS.
Count- and overflowindication by
green and red indicator LED. Max. input voltage 200Vrms,
input sensitivity till 10Mc/s better than 250mV. Crystal
time base Mc/s. Accuracy digit time -base stability.
Power supply 220V 50c/s. Dimensions: bxhxd 16x8x25cm
Weight: 1,2 kg. Double side plated through epoxy print has
1

been used.

This real quality with 12 months guaranty at the best price

possible. A special designed cabinet which can stand upright and with a very handy solution to get rid of the
cable when not in use.
THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY NOT ONLY FOR
AMATEURS, BUT ALSO FOR INDUSTRY SCHOOLS
ETC.
RFC -30
RFC -250

STEREO MIXERS
MP -2001 MD STEREO MIXER

Order no. 15.068

Your nouse-souna-studio With the semi-professional ROTEX stereo -mixer.
4 stereo -inputs for pick-up, microphone,
tuner, taperecorder etc.
Separate volume control
Level indication by means of illuminated
stereo VU -meter
Separate controls for treble and bass
Built-in 220V/50c/s mains supply
Freq. range 20c/s - 20kc/s i- 1,5 dB
Output level 0 dB, 600m V, Output
2,5 k Ohms
Size 6 weight, 60x160x405mm, 1,7 kg

86

42.51

85.36

Terms of Business
Prices are excl. VAT, C.W.O.
Post and packing, add 4.00 per
order. Any difference will be
credited or charged. Prices are
subject to alteration without

METALDETECTOR
RMZ-7
Order no. 25.057
A simple, reliable water proof, shock
proof, well balanced and very light
weight treasure finder. Operating according to BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillation) system. With tone signal, built-in
loudspeaker and connection for an earphone, which is supplied. Operates on a
simple 9 Volt battery.

notice.

All these articles are available

at time of going to press. Send
your cheque or money order to
ROTEX

RMZ-8 as the RMZ-7, but with both

sensitive signal intensity meter and
signal indication.

P.O. Box 260, Emmen, Holland

Telef. 0031.59 1 0-1 681 0

Telex 53910

111.07
This type of mixer is at 2 channels, namely
channel I and 2, supplied with a compensating-amplifier for MD (Magneto Dynamic)
pick-up elements. The third input is suitable
for connection of a dynamic or capacitor
(electret) microphone. The tourth input is
suitable for a tuner, tapepart or crystal p.u.
with an output level of 0,1-1V.
MP -2002 MD STEREO MIXER

Order no. 15.134

A second type from the ROTEX mixer series

like the MP -2001, but incl. adapted microphone with swan -neck, fadingslide control
and front monitor. Connection for headphone,
of which the volume can be separately adjusted
by means of slide control.

MP -2001 MD

6Z19

MP -2002 MD

9339

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

Greenbank Electronics
DIGITAL CLOCK MODULES,
KITS

CLOCK CHIPS
AY -5-1224A

Further details free on request

"E" LED DISPLAYS. Class II
devices, but fully guaranteed by
us, for 'even' segment brilliance, etc
money back or
exchange if not satisfied
DL-704E 0.3in
70p

MK 50253
OP -ADN WS
CA
CA

TIME BOX Digital

Clock Case. 56 a 13.1 x
71.5 mm with red

acrylic window. Choice

of case colour, white

red, orange,
1.75.

blue.

VEROBOARD
0.1" Pitch with copper strips

1" (pack of
54p
37"
36p

x
x

5"
17"

x
x
x

31/4"

271"

5)

21/2"
21/2"
21/2"
374."

374"
374"

DL-707E 0.3in
DL -728E 2 x 0.5in
DL-727E 2 x 0.5in
DL-750E 0.6in
DL -747E 0.6in
4

7"

x 17

Plain Board
(no stripe)
31/2" x 21/2"

3'4"

37,4"

SOLDERCON PINS

100
1000
2500
OIL SOCKETS

same price

pin
15p
CATALOGUE Free on request
all

E3.75

DIODES
IN 4002
IN 4004
IN 4007

25p

5"
40p
17.9" 1.12

QUARTI CRYS-

IN

5"

44p
1.35
44p
49p
E1.73

100kHz, 1.000 Ml -la,

Special Offer

17"

2.097152

TALS

Ml,

5p
Sp

7p

4148

5p
100

Diodes Heft Price.

CMOS WITH DISCOUNTS! Any min.

14163 1.18
10% for 25+ 25% for 100+, 331/4% for 1000+.14174 1.08
4000 0.20
4001 0.20
4002 0.20
4006 1.31
4007 0.20
4008
4009

4010

1.07
0.60
0.60

4011

0.20

4012
4013
4014
4015
4016
4017

0.60
1.12
1.12
0.60
1.12

020

4018 1.12
4019 0.60
4020 1.24
4021

1.12

4022 1.07
4023 0.20
4024 0.87

4028 1.00
4029 1.27
4030 0.60
4031 2.46
4032 1.19

4033 1.55
4034 2.11
4035 1.31
4036 3.09
4037 1.06
4038 1.20
4039 3.09
4040 1.19
4041 0.93
4042 0.93
4043 1.12

4044 1.04
4045 1.56
4046 1.48
4047 1.01

4048 0.60
4049 0.60
4050 0.60

4053
4054
4055

1.04
1.29
1.46
4056 1.46
4057 29.81
4059 6.20
4060 1.24
4061 25.60
4062 10.10
4063 1.22
4066 0.89
4067 4.13
4068 0.24

4069 0.24
4070 0.65
4071 0.24
4072 0.24
4073 0.24
4075 0.24
4076
4077

1.71

0.65

4086
4089
4093
4094
4095
4096
4097
4098

0,80

4099

2.03

1.74
0.89
2.08
1-16
1.16
4.13
1.22

40101 1.76

40102 2.16
40103
40104
40107
40108
40109
40181

2.16
2.26
0.66
6.18
2.21

4.30
40182 1.73
40194 2.25
40257_, 2.26
4700 1.75
7083 4.25

14175
14194
14410
14411

1.04
1.17
5.70
9,54

1441217.07
14415 7.35
14419 2.67
14422 4.98
14435 7.93

1444011.58
14450 2.67
14451 2.67
14490 6.51
14501 0.20
14502 1.38
14503 0.75
14505 4.38
14506 0.57
14507 0.60
14508 3.08
14510 1.51

TRANSISTORS
TIP 2955
65p
TIP 3055
bop

TIMER IC
NE

555

45p

LED. (Red only)

15p
0 11" dia

0.2"

dia

14516 1.51
14517 4.02
14518 1.39
14519 0.57
14520 1.39
14521 2.77
14522 2.15

14526 2.15
14527

1.76

14528 1.22
14529 1.72
14530 0.95
14531 1.74
14532 1.39
14534 8.15
14536 4.00
14537 13.17
14539 1.24
14541 1.62
14543 1.82
14549 4.10
14552 10.50
14553 4.66
14554 1.67

4078 0.24
14511 1.74
4081 0.24
14512 1.03
14555
14160 1.18
4082 0.24
14556
14514 3.47
14161 1.18
4052 1.04
4085 0.80
14162 1.18
14515 3.47
14557
l ei nia
(- W O Add VAT to all prices at 8'!, P051 etc
UK 25p (+ 2p
2 00 (no VAT) All orders processed on day of receipt
4025 0.20
4026 1.92
4027 0.60

60p
4.00
8.75

8/14/16

3.2768 Mil,

0.1"

1.00
95p
25p

3130 (COS/MOS)
3140 (BI MOS)

741 Minidip

70p
1.80
1.80
1.50
1.50

9" 2.23

4051 1.04

podt

1.01
1.01

4.65

15p
14558
14559
14560
14561
14562

14566
14568
14569
14572

1.25

4.10
2.17
0.70
5.59
1.67
3.15
3.72
0.27

14580'8.35

14581 4.30
14582 1.64
14583 0.84
14585 1.10
74C00 .0.25
74CO2,0.25

from advanced opto -electronic

components to humble (but
essential) washers Many
things listed are very difficult
to obtain elsewhere. The
Company's own computer is
programmed to
expedite delivery
and maintain customer
satisfaction. Attractive
discounts are allowed on
many purchases; Access
and Barclaycard orders
are accepted.

PLUS FREE POSTAGE

on all C. W. 0. mail orders in
U K. over (2 00 list value
(excluding VAT) /I under,
add 15p handling charge

With Prices stabilised to Dec. 31st.

144 pages, 40p

ELECTRO
-1

Post paid, inc.

refund voucher for 40p

llE LTD

with record player, tape, microphone, tuner inputs etc.

No external components required other than potentiometers for bass, treble,
balance, volume controls and input selector switch.
The CP-P1 is internally protected against accidental reverse power connection.

PRICE 13.30
+ 1.66 VAT

Specification
Input
Magnetic
Tuner
Tape

Auxiliary

Sensitivity Signal/Noise Impedance

47k2
3mV
>70dB
100mV
10k12
>70dB
100mV
10k2
>70dB
1-100mV 60dB-70dB
200k2

Magnetic i/p overload: 33dB;

Distortion: 0.04% at 1kHz;
Output: 1V r.m.s. into 10k2;
Supply voltage: 18V nominal;
Tone controls: Bass 12dB at 100Hz,
Treble 12dB at 10kHz.

74C74 0.60
74C90 0.86

tlectrovalue Catalogue No 8
(Issue 2, up -dated) offers items

UP -DATED 2nd EDITION

2 channel pre -amplifier.

* Ideal for use

= 27p) per orde,

THE OPEN DOOR

TO QUALITY

-1ssE

Currently available from stock:Sterao Pre -Amp Module CP-P1

74C08 0.25
74C10 0.25
74C20 0.25
74C30 0.25
74C32 0.25
74C42 1.84
74C48 2.26
74C73 0.67

94 New Chester Road, New Ferry, Wirral, Merseyside L62 SAG,

England. Tel. 051-645 3391

al 09

At last someone has come up with a flexible approach to quality hi -ti

that doesn't become obsolete as you become more discerning.
Take an initial standard controlled 20W r.m.s. + 20W r.m.s. stereo
and with simple modifications this can be expanded to give a powerful
40W + 40W stereo system together with additional multi frequency
rumble, hiss and stereo image width controls.

74C04 0.25

GREENBANK ELECTRONICS (Dept. T12E)

Oa 2

HiFi Systems
that GROW
with you

3.50
5.50

communisations
please to Head Office.
Egham address. Dept.
All

Fn.i

JUDES ROAD, ENGLEFIELD GREEN, EGHAM, SURREY TW20 G::e. Tel. Egham 3603.
Tela. 264475, Shop 9-5.30. 9.1 pm Sata. NORTHERN BRANCH: 680 Burnage lane, Homage,
Manatee -ter MIS 1 NA. Tel (061) 432 4945. Shop 9-5-30 pm, 1 pm seta.
28 ST.

ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

Amplifier Module CP2-15-20

'

The CP2 -15-20 is designed to give either a 20W 4- 20W stereo amplifier or
alternatively a 40W single channel amplifier.
a
No external components required.
" Safety features include built-in protection against accidental reverse power
connection and thermal shut down facility to prevent over dissipation.

Specification:

PRICE

Power output:
40W r.m.s. into se, 1 channel; or
30W r.m.s. into 152, 1 channel; or
210W r.m.s. + 20W r.m.s. into 40, 2
channel; or
15W r.m.s. + 15W r.m.s. into 82, 2
channel.
Input sensitivity: IV r.m.s.; Frequency
response: 20Hz-20kHz, at -3dB; Distortion: 0.04% at 15W; Supply Voltage:
18V nominal; Size: 5 1 x 4 x 1.25m.

12.85

+1.61 VAT

(130 x 102 x 32mm).

Also available:

Function Generator module CP-FG1

For those requiring a wider range of facilities this module provides:` Base and treble filter controls including switchable cut-off frequencies for
rumble and hiss reduction.
PRICE
* Stereo separation control.
Complete except for switches and potentiometers.
+ 1.47 VAT

11.75

Power supply: Module CP-PS 18/2D

Suitable for one 20W + 20W complete system.
duced using 2 power supplies.

A 40W + 40W system can be pro-

PRICE 5.75 + 72p VAT

All our products carry a 2 year guarantee.

Effp2m Ud. ,eo

DEIPT. HF/PE,
13 HAZELBURY CRESCENT

deQala

LUTON, BEDS LUI 1DF

.4b6aPa
tae
Prices include full
application data,
Sxa
tie \of),post and
packaging. 4000.xee e0eo
(ye?'
OgS
tt\>

0,

00.

lee
G

e,

87

THIS SECTION IS A PRE -PAYMENT SERVICE ONLY

MINIADS: 3 /4" x 2 /8" (1-3) 26 (4-1 1) 23 (12 or

MINI-ADS
G

CLASSIFIED

Treasure Locator Kits by

DETECTOR PRODUCTS
Suppliers to the UK & Abroad
2
Circuits & Instructions
12
Complete Kit
Total 14 incl. VAT p&p
Solid aluminium frame with an efficient
Faraday screen. For enquiries please send
s.a.e. to:
DETECTOR PRODUCTS
58a King Street, Blackburn, Lance

more) 22 per insertion. CLASSIFIED DISPLAY: 3.50 per

single> column centimetre. SEMI -DISPLAY: 2.70 per single
column centimetre. LINEAGE: 75p per line average six words,
minimum 3 lines. BOX NO.: allow 60p extra.

Contact: BOB EVANS (01-437 5982), 25-27 Oxford

Street, London W1 R 1 RF.
Carbon Film Resistors 5% E12 Series 1 /8W,
1/4W, 1/2W. Miixed to your choice, 100
for 90p. Electrolytics 50/15v 7p. MICROPROCESSORS SC /MP 18. MM6800 33.
P&P 15p. CANDAIR, Freepost, Reading RG1
1BR.

VALVES
Radio-TV Industrial Transmitting
2200 Types. 19330 to 1975, many obso-

lete. List 20p. S.A.E. for quotation. Postal

export service. We wish to purchase all
types of new and boxed valves. Wholesaler's Dealer's, et stocks purchased.
COX RADIO (SUSSEX) LTD., The
Parade, East %Mittering, Sussex, West
Tittering 292:1

Tel. 62561 or 54105

The Proprietors of British Patent No.

1161222 for "Electrical Insulations

resistant to Creeping Currents and
Arcs"

PRECISION
POLYCARBONATE
CAPACITORS

desire to negotiate for the sale or

licensing of the patent. Particulars from:
Marks & Clerk, 57-60 Lincoln's Inn
Fields, London WC2A 3LS.

GP Power Supply ETI 131..

High Power Beacon ETI 240

VALUE
98p
52p
1.40

.... .... ...

100 Guitar Amplifier ETI 413

Mixer Pre Amplifier ETI 419
Audio Level Meter ETI 438
Sweet Sixteen Amplifier ETI 457
Power Supply 100w Disco Amplifer ETI 458e
100w Disco Amplifier E71 4586
Disco FET Ceramic P.U. ETI 458c
Disco Tyre Control Pre Amplifier ETI 458d
Disco Pre Amplifier ETI 458e
Disco Headphone Amp/VU Meter ETI 4581/9

8Op

75p

1.92
82p
1.19

...

...
.. ....
..........
.... ... ...
_

Disco Fader ETI 458h

Sound Light Flesh Trigger ETI 5146
2m Power Amplifier ETI 710

...

55p
85p

..

Extremely Low Leakage

1.14
2.10
84p
49p

...

85p

(mie)
L

OF)
0.1pF

27

0.224iP

33

0.25eF

33

0.471F
0.54F'
0,6818

1.0,F

33
33
50.8
50.8

2.01IF

508

PRICE
EACH

D
12.'7
16
16
19

68p
84p
92p
1.10

19

1.16
1.25
1.37
1.95

19
19

25.4

o
DC Range 1".
2%
3
11.474'
77p
5Ip
1.32
1.04
1.56
91p flop
2.24
1.98 1.32
'lap
4.74
2.82 1.88 1.23
6171

6.84'

3.48
4.98
7.14
9.66

IOrrF
ISnF
221 F

2.32
3.32
4.76
6.44

1.47
2.01
2J88

3.90

Values available: 11.1.0.22.

AN TALL51 BEAD C.APACI 11)RS
u. 4; i 11.2.2.4-h. 6.ipF al 15V 8.5V it 7.5V: 1114E at 16V'20V or 25V:
O,, F at 6V or I eV; 33.198 at 6V or 10V:47ApF at 3V or 6V: 100 0sF
e iv. ALL at 12p each, 10 for CI.111, 51) for 3.00, 107 for 9.00.
1R ANSISIOR a IC's
12P
BC267
20p
l)C44'0C45
14p
At:128
(:2138A
10p
20p
'K71'72
AC.I76
16p
12p
BC .547 5584
12p
2N2026G
Sep
AD149
(-V72
lip
2N2926Y
I5P
4Op
132
39P
AF178
130131
lip
'2N29260
22p 2N3054
AF239
38p
BF1)5'167
5
9p
24p
5CI07 8 9
[F173
Sap
27131155
26p
13('114
lip 11F178
2713792'
IOp
BEI81
22p 3704
11471B'9
rip
IBp
12p
C153
BF194 195
52p
TIP3OA
12p
C15718'9
11E195107'
13p
53p
TIP:3IA
lOp
BC177
64p
11E200
2211
TIP32A
B('182'102L
60P
659
lip B1252'263'
T1P31155
lip OFY50.51 '52 20p MP1113l
BC183'ill:1l.
49p
'8(-184'1841.
lip BFX84.86 88 20p NE5.55
61p
1'212'2121
12p
25P
Sip
BFX85
741 8 pin
C213'213141p
1111101
/14414
1.15
('2I4'2141.
Ilp 11E1872
61.36
2511
SN76013ND
POP!. lAR DIODES. -14914 bp. % for 45p. I8 for 90p; ! N9168p.6 for
15p. 14 for 90p: 1544 :ip,Il for 301). 26 for 1.00 1714140 Sp. fi for lip.
12 for 18p: I N.1101 5' xp; 002 Op; 03:3 012p:1104 7p: 006 49;007 8'.p.
LOW PRICE ZLVk.I4 DIODES-4110mW.Tot. 05% at 5mA. Values
available: 3V. 3.3V, :3.6V. 1.7V. 5.1V. 5.0V. 6.2V. 68V, 7.5V, x 2V.
111V, Iliv. I Iv, 2V. I:IV. 135V. 15V, I5V, I8V, 20V. 22V,24V, 27V,
:30V. All at 7p earl: 5 for 33p; Io for 6.1p. SPECIAL OFFER: 1181
Zeners for 6.011.
1

.1

MOTO DESIGN, 414EAeeffa Way, Wickford. Eawx 5811 814

Mullard Components
80 eries. 0, a 1, a. e
Potyester Capacitors.
0.022, 0.033. 0.047, 0.068, 0.1, 31/2p; 0.15, 0.22
41/2p; 0.33, 61/2p; 0.47, 7Y2p; 0.68, 10p; 1.0,
1

,1.5,182.2yF,21.

'. . I.
Carbon F m
series 4R7-1 M. Your selection.

1p each. 0.9p

eturn of post service.

i-staiiny.

'

noes include

Allow 15. for carriat

e.

'

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2.IN

FREE TV

'RESISTORS -Dig h slahility. low nuise carbon film 5% 'ro- at

('. 'AV ai 70' I'. E12 series only -from 2.21/ to 2.28411 ALI. at Ip
ach. hp for IO of :me one value. 79p for 100 of any one value.
SPECIAL, JACK. A n) each value 2.211 Sei 2254937:10 rest ousel G5.
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411

11027: 100 P.I. V. 7p 14 for 280.400 P I.V. 119 l4 for SOp).

_BRIDGE: RE.0 1lFIIF:RS-2': amp. 201V 40p. 350V 43p. 600V 55p.

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MARCO TRADING

M.A. 1001B DIGITAL

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(Dept. P3)
The Old School. Edstaston. Won. Shropshire

Tel. Whixall' (Shropshire) (STO 094872(

( Prop's: 'Mini,os('reading 1.111.)

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ETU

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116
117a
5711171

E11422

464/5

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71443
En 445
511446
Ell 447
FTI5148
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(115606

15.00

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42p
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COMPONENTS:
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Diodes: 1n4001 5p, 1N4002 5p, 1N4003
7p, 1N4004 8p, 1N914 5p.
12p ea.
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20p.

BC147.8, 9, 11p.
TIP2955 1.08, T1P3055 65p, MJE2955
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1

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88

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MICROPROCESSORS
SC/MP 18.
MM6800 33. inclusive price. CANDAR,

CLOCK MODULE

RANGE: DIMENSIONS

From your own tape. film or ink master.

Send SAE for quotation
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Carbon Film Resistors 5% El 2 Series 1/8W,

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CAR,

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All High Stability

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0.125"

Red 15p, Green 25p, Yellow

25p, Clips 2p.

Relay suitable for ETI 540 1.75
7214IC
727489

30p
40p

1.61339

E1.84

8F556

1.14380

El 235

TCA220

1.00
51.54

uA703

30p

114382

1.50

AC14881.

p,s.i.

u6723

51p

60555

7811

ALL parts to build ETI train controller inc.

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All prices include VAT, please add 20p postage
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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL -JANUARY 1977

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PRINTED
CIRCUITS
and
HARDWARE

ET
ET
ET
ET
ET
ET
ET
ET

445p
560 VDU (Corrected) Set of 3 Boards
458 100 watt Stereo Disco
850p
(Set of 8 Boarda A, B, C, D, E, F & H)
7Op
458 Remote Start Board
458 Light Modulator Board
300p
85p
543A STD Timer Display Board
544 See this issue

620 Touch Organ (SRBP)

BOARDS STILL AVAILABLE

SEMI -CONDUCTORS
RC107
BC107A
BC108
BC109
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and accessories.
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Aluminium lightweight sections.

Selected range of popular components.
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P.C. Boards to individual designs.
Resist -coated epoxy glass laminate for the
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8p

BD519

9p

90520
80609 (90 watts)

Bp

ETI543b
ET1541

ETI560

(a b

/2

wan H.5 Carbon Film

100
100

8Op

120p

470mF. 63e
500rnF, 10v
lOreF. 12v

30p

4700enF. 50v Sop

220 uF, 10v 8p
330enF, 25v 10p

109
5p

640mF, 16v 14p

100rnF, 10v
10(18F. 25v

Sp
Bp

SCOOP -- LIMITED OFFER UNTIL DEC. 31, OR STOCKS

EXHAUSTED

CA3052 Stereo Pre -Amplifier

16.pin

100p

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ET1152b

ETI252
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ETI710
ETI514b

e)

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8W IN 2C2012 (12v1

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3 LACY CLOSE.

ETI447
ET1544

256259 900 wank)

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124p
90p
81p
84p
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50p

RESISTORS

RAMAR CONSTRUCTOR
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ET1446

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400mw zeners

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UC734E
ZTX109..

gip

150
17p

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50479

Send 15p for catalogue.

P.C.B.s for ETI

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85p
75p
500p

ALL OTHER PREVIOUSLY ADVERTISED

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52p

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"CAT" NOW

OUR NEW

125

RED

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017

G; Y

Clip 1p

OR

27p
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OPTO -ISOLATORS_
TIL111
5kV 1506Hz
4350 2.5kV 5MHz
1

AVOEL BOND

2g111.

Et

2.25

0.2
190
33p
33p

Name:

65p
2193054

48117

253055

45p
41p

48109C

90177/8/9

120
10p
11p
11p
120
17p

90182/3141.

11p

80147/8/9
80157/8/9
90167/8/9
891169C

02186/7
30p
80212/3/41 129
BCY70/71/72 13p

12p
21939037415/616p
252848
45p

25p
40p
25p
30p

BRIDGE SECTS.
2A 50V
30p
2A 100V
36p

253702/3/4
TIS4311J1
MPF102

253819
253823

5914
54001

54002/3
54004/5
54006/7

129
1Sp

84100

90)(84

34,pp

0447

9SX19/20

16p

0071
25706
251711
252219

1Op

14

7p
Sp

49
9p

160

13A10490

7p

10p

0291 0495

29,

0A200
04202
OP. AMPS

09

2142904/5/84 18p
252926161

81127

Sp
Se

OA70 0A79

252904/5/6/7180
2N29261

N4148

3P

Sp
Sp

200

7p
12p

709 ,II

7418 -pin
748 D.I.L.

IC,
Diodes, Resistors,
Frontplate, PCB, etc Replaces conventional lightswitch
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ON, another for OFF. Complete with instructions.

6p7 Da5 free

ORP 12 55p

VOLTAGE REGS
5V 7805 PIastec
12V 7812
Amp
15V 7815
all
18V 7818 1.50
723 DIP14
50p

8019475
60196/7
6FY50/51

T5300K Contains Triac,

090

ONLY 3.67.
ALSO TSA300K AUTOMATIC, as above, but with only
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fora preset time. Ideal for stairs and hall. Complete with
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300W LICHTDIMMER KIT replaces conventional
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50v 1DOV 400V Dec

25p 27p 46p 88100
SOp
210
400V TRIACS 2A 60p 10A 1.55)
150

200

300W TOUCHSWITCH KITS

550W

253053

A1124/5/6') 340
80/107/8/9
9p

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

1056 3A 27p 36p

AC126,6/7/8 15p
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Bp
70

25p
29p
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2A 200V
24 400V

41

48p

ZENERS 2.7.33V
BLY88 or snit. 9p
555 Timer

BOp

556.2x555 1.10
LM380_
1.00
7400
18p

OIL

SOCKETS
12
13p
t6pen
14p
Mice A bush
8-pen

14-pin

1031066
Dalo Pen

Sp

70p

PRICES INCLUSIVE + 15p P&P (1st class(

ISLAND DEVICES, P.O. Box 11, Margate, Kent

80
82

CAMBRIDGE LEARNING LTD.

CATRONICS LTD.
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MINIKITS

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Artwork and layout design to assembled'
P.C.B. for batch quantities or one-off
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AD INDEX

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SWITCHES, white SPST

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ROCKER

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200
20p
200
1059
57p
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110 (7402501

4011

959

9p'
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11

253055 36p

(3+90Sp P6077405
T
30
208 1,14004
6p
Pen
It
P N4148
4p'e
N41 8 8
24p
p" Oit
RESISTORS '.Vr 5, I1 77.) - tOMi
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Ke1

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200pp

4007
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TRIACS 400V T0220

Ce.e
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800 BC158

Mlian)
;05 ':a" Ma 400,1
'

to

Mil

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7p
2Op

NEON we ondad
Choke 1'/ Amp
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re

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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

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SC/MP Technical Description manual

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ELECTRONICS TODAY INTERNATIONAL-JANUARY 1977

New Course in Digital Design

Understand the latest
developments in calculators,

Design of Digital Systems

A Self

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6 Volumes

computers, watches, telephones,

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_-

1 ComputerArithmetic

of the 6 volumes of this self -instruction

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2 Boolean Logic
3 Arithmetic Circuits

4 Memories & Counters

computers.

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5 Calculator Design

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Basic Computer Logic

6.20

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plus 80p packing and

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Flip flops and Registers

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with Design of Digital
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Design of Digital Systems contains over twice as much
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Designer
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These'courses were written so that you could teach

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*delete as applicable.
No need to use

stamp-just print

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FREEPOST on the envelope.

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