Electronics Now articles from August 1999

Electronics Now archives from August 1999

Monitor video problems.
August 1, 1999... This month we wrap up our discussion of monitor-subsystem-related problems with those directly affecting the video. For the purposes of the following discussion, the power supplies and deflection will be assumed to be functioning properly. ...

Ultra-clean back-up power for critical users.
August 1, 1999... We all take electric power for granted and consider the loss of it an inconvenience, but in many situations, losing power is far more than that. Consider the following scenarios: The power goes out for a few seconds and critical data is lost at...

Grand UltraView Pro PC-to-TV converter with video overlay.
August 1, 1999... Videotape has been popular for so long now that many college students were born into households containing VCRs. Camcorders have been popular for nearly as long. What that means is that home videos have been piling up in closets for two decades...

Digging into the model 70.(radio model)
August 1, 1999... In the July issue, we began restoring a Philco 70, one of the radio models developed to counteract slumping sales during the great depression. The "70" was one of a group of sets housed in cabinets created by industrial designer Edward L....

Answering some mail.(information about short wave receivers)
August 1, 1999... LETS CHECK THE MAIL AND ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT SWLing EQUIPMENT, NEW AND USED. JAMES BLACK OF SAN ANGELO, TX, E-MAILS A QUESTION ABOUT SW RECEIVERS: "I have searched several issues of your magazine, and I have yet to find an...

Flat-panel displays.(liquid crystal display panels)
August 1, 1999... ARE YOU GETTING SICK OF THAT HEAVY, WORKSPACE-HOGGING MONITOR YET? IF YOU'RE LIKE MOST COMPUTER USERS, YOU WANT A DISPLAY WITH A LARGE VIEWABLE AREA THAT DOESN'T TAKE UP A LOT OF SURFACE AREA. A few years ago this problem didn't really...

Automate your home with an expandable X-10 controller.(Home Automation Controller)
August 1, 1999... Control the lights and appliances in your home with the touch of a button! How many times have you crawled into your bed and turned out the light only to realize that the glow in the hall is coming from the forgotten light in the kitchen?...

Low-power FM transmitters.
August 1, 1999... Join the growing ranks of clandestine radio broadcasters, and perhaps stay in the good graces of the FCC as well. For decades, the concept of low-power radio was held in check by technical barriers. Those favorable to the concept were told...

Controlling servos from a computer.
August 1, 1999... Here's a different type of motor-control project: Using any computer with a serial port to control radio-control-airplane servos. We are all familiar with the "recurrent idea syndrome:" a terrific idea that usually starts with "If only i...

Taking the "ouch" out of drug injections.(painless drug-injection technique)
August 1, 1999... A new drug-injection technique that could someday replace hypodermic needles Most drugs are either delivered orally or through injections with hypodermic needles. Both methods, however, have drawbacks. Taken orally, drugs must resist...

Looking at "miracle" antennas, and more.
August 1, 1999... Any "miracle" antenna that is quite small yet still efficient would sure be a winner. AM radio stations could get rid of their large towers. Hams could easily meet the most restrictive of homeowner's covenants. Portable gear would get even more...

Service summit studies warranty payments and industry future.(Special Section to Electronics Now)(National Electronics Service Dealer Assn's meeting)
August 1, 1999... The second annual Product Service Summit meeting did not resolve any major servicing issues. But it did provide some useful information. And it did advance the potential of this new forum to mutually benefit servicers, manufacturers, and...

Talking to a manufacturer who cares to listen.(Special Section to Electronics Now)(Thomson Consumer Electronics Corp.'s partnership with servicers and customers)
August 1, 1999... At one time, the product service industry was regarded by most manufacturers as "a necessary evil." But more and more, the smarter people in manufacturing are implementing a "partnership" atmosphere between themselves, and the servicers who...

Hitachi: winding up for service support.(Special Section to Electronics Now)
August 1, 1999... There is no "winding down" for a company that is dedicated to customer support. Hitachi's new NSM is dedicated to remembering his roots, and working together for mutual success. What else would you expect from a "country boy" who still winds...

Manufacturers' depot service has no place in a partnership with consumers or servicers.(Special Section to Electronics Now)
August 1, 1999... Generally, manufacturers earn discounts off servicers' normal rates. They pay less because they recommend that servicer for all of that manufacturer's warranty service - and for out-of-warranty service on all those products, too. In modern...

Thomson: partnering for a better future.(Special Section to Electronics Now)(Thomson Consumer Electronics Co.'s partnership with Alcatel, Microsoft, NEC and DirecTV)
August 1, 1999... Looking toward the future, Thomson has formed some strategic alliances, and strengthened its partnership with its authorized service centers. Here is Thomson's vision for itself, and its ASCs. Editor's Note: The following is edited from a...