Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
Personalized PCB boards - Page 2 — Parallax Forums

Personalized PCB boards

2»

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 19:28
    Jose,
    Yep, it was the white DynaArt paper. Thanks for the info.. I'll give
    the new fuser a try. This looks more promising than the old ironing
    technique.

    Paul

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Jos
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 19:37
    In a message dated 4/15/2003 11:30:35 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    prcoy@y... writes:

    > Jose,
    > Yep, it was the white DynaArt paper. Thanks for the info.. I'll give
    > the new fuser a try. This looks more promising than the old ironing
    > technique.
    >
    > Paul

    Interesting,

    I have had very good sucess with the "blue" iron on paper. As another person
    posted, he lets the board cool to room temp before peeling off the paper.
    After ironing, I cooled the board by running it under cold tap water (as
    instructed to do so in the instructions).




    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 20:43
    Kevin:

    I'm trying to picture this. If you put the components directly on the copper
    traces, don't the IC's have to be "live bug" in order to have them be
    pin-down to the board?

    Mic
    Original Message
    From: kevin asato <kc6pob@y...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 12:50 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    > For simple, 1 layer boards, how about putting the
    > components directly on top of the etched copper? The
    > traces are drawn in the normal sense instead of
    > inverted so you don't have to be backwards to start
    > with. The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
    > the copper as are the related discrete components.
    > Troubleshooting is easy as you can follow the copper
    > traces between parts.
    >
    > This is something that I have done to save on drilling
    > and for low run prototyping.
    >
    > --- smartdim@a... wrote:
    > > In a message dated 4/15/2003 7:25:15 AM Pacific
    > > Daylight Time,
    > > prcoy@y... writes:
    > >
    > > > I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy
    > > results. Out of 20
    > > > tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to
    > > be inked in with a
    > > > sharpie in places. The paper package warns about
    > > 'finicky' results
    > > > with a narrow window of success. And yes it was
    > > the first two boards
    > > > that worked. That figures. The toner washes off
    > > the boards with MEK.
    > > > Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed
    > > transparency to
    > > > presensitized boards with perfect results. The
    > > toner washes off the
    > > > transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
    > >
    > > Is what you speak of the same as an Iron on
    > > transfer? I have had good
    > > results with the iron on transfer. With a laser
    > > printer, you print you layout
    > > onto a special paper. Then iron the paper onto a
    > > clean copper board, peel the
    > > transfer off the board and etch.
    > >
    > > What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for
    > > DIP packages? I can never
    > > seem to get all the holes straight which makes
    > > installation of the IC
    > > difficult at times.
    > >
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > > removed]
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > > ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > __________________________________________________
    > Do you Yahoo!?
    > The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo
    > http://search.yahoo.com
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 20:47
    Larry:

    I agree! I think he must have meant Live Bug.

    Mic
    Original Message
    From: Larry Bradley <lhbradley@i...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 2:26 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    > I haven't heard that term in years!
    >
    > It used to be used in the context of having to add an IC to a PC board
    > after it had been built. You glued the IC on the board (or on top of
    > another IC) upside down (with the legs pointing up, like a DEAD BUG!),
    then
    > wired it into the circuit. The UPSIDE DOWN is necessary to call it
    > "deadbug" - if you do it right side up, to copper pads, the bug ain't
    dead!
    >
    > Larry
    >
    >
    > At 12:58 PM 4/15/2003 -0400, you wrote:
    > >In a message dated 4/15/2003 9:52:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > >kc6pob@y... writes:
    > >
    > > > The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
    > > > the copper as are the related discrete components.
    > > >
    > >
    > >Deadbugged???
    > >
    > >Would I be correct to assume this means you bend the leads of your
    components
    > >and turn them into surface mounts?
    > >
    >
    > Larry Bradley
    > Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 20:52
    I've watched a few messages on this thread.

    Is there a good working cheap laser printer out there to
    print up the toner paper?

    Am I correct you need a laser printer?

    I remember a while ago there was a 4ppm inexpensive printer
    but I haven't noticed these for quite a while. The laser jets seem
    to be dominating, that's what I have anyway.


    thanks as usual

    Original Message
    From: "Michael Duerksen" <michael_duerksen@c...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 2:47 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    > Larry:
    >
    > I agree! I think he must have meant Live Bug.
    >
    > Mic
    >
    Original Message
    > From: Larry Bradley <lhbradley@i...>
    > To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    > Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 2:26 PM
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
    >
    >
    > > I haven't heard that term in years!
    > >
    > > It used to be used in the context of having to add an IC to a PC board
    > > after it had been built. You glued the IC on the board (or on top of
    > > another IC) upside down (with the legs pointing up, like a DEAD BUG!),
    > then
    > > wired it into the circuit. The UPSIDE DOWN is necessary to call it
    > > "deadbug" - if you do it right side up, to copper pads, the bug ain't
    > dead!
    > >
    > > Larry
    > >
    > >
    > > At 12:58 PM 4/15/2003 -0400, you wrote:
    > > >In a message dated 4/15/2003 9:52:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > > >kc6pob@y... writes:
    > > >
    > > > > The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
    > > > > the copper as are the related discrete components.
    > > > >
    > > >
    > > >Deadbugged???
    > > >
    > > >Would I be correct to assume this means you bend the leads of your
    > components
    > > >and turn them into surface mounts?
    > > >
    > >
    > > Larry Bradley
    > > Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
    > >
    > >
    > > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and
    > Body of the message will be ignored.
    > >
    > >
    > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 22:05
    In a message dated Tue, 15 Apr 2003 10:22:00, Fred Payne <fpayne@c...=
    m>
    writes:
    <<
    > As for drilling the holes for the DIP packages.=A0 I used a cad program fo=
    r=20
    > the art work.
    > For the pads for each pin of the DIP, I used a donut with very small hole=20
    > in the center.=A0 This helps the drill bit get centered when you start to=20
    > drill.
    >=20
    > Fred
    > >>


    I'd add that a precision drill press greatly increases accuracy and reduces=20
    broken bits. Any hobby tool supplier might have a suitable model - Micro-mar=
    k=20
    <http://www.micromark.com/> sells a nice miniature press that I use.

    If you are making multiple boards, you can stack a couple and drill them at=20
    the same time, though accuracy may suffer if you stack too many. Drill the=20
    same couple of holes in opposite corners of two or more boards (one board at=
    =20
    a time), line them up by sighting through the holes, clamp them together,=20
    then drill the rest of the holes.=20

    David P. Reaves, III
    TransLanTech Sound, LLC
    <HTML><FONT FACE=3Darial,helvetica><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" FACE=3D"Geneva" F=
    AMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" SIZE=3D"2"><BR>
    In a message dated Tue, 15 Apr 2003 10:22:00, Fred Payne <fpayne@comwares=
    .com> writes:</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" FACE=3D"Geneva" FAMILY=3D"SAN=
    SSERIF" SIZE=3D"2"><BR>
    <<</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" FACE=3D"Geneva" FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF"=20=
    SIZE=3D"2"><BR>
    <BLOCKQUOTE CITE STYLE=3D"BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT: 5px;=20=
    MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px" TYPE=3D"CITE"></FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#0=
    00000" FACE=3D"Geneva" FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" SIZE=3D"2">As for drilling the h=
    oles for the DIP packages.=A0 I used a cad program for the art work.<BR>
    For the pads for each pin of the DIP, I used a donut with very small hole in=
    the center.=A0 This helps the drill bit get centered when you start to dril=
    l.<BR>
    <BR>
    Fred<BR>
    </BLOCKQUOTE></FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" FACE=3D"Geneva" FAMILY=3D"SANSSE=
    RIF" SIZE=3D"2">>><BR>
    <BR>
    <BR>
    I'd add that a precision drill press greatly increases accuracy and reduces=20=
    broken bits. Any hobby tool supplier might have a suitable model - Micro-mar=
    k <http://www.micromark.com/> sells a nice miniature press that I use.=
    <BR>
    <BR>
    If you are making multiple boards, you can stack a couple and drill them at=20=
    the same time, though accuracy may suffer if you stack too many. Drill the s=
    ame couple of holes in opposite corners of two or more boards (one board at=20=
    a time), line them up by sighting through the holes, clamp them together, th=
    en drill the rest of the holes. <BR>
    <BR>
    David P. Reaves, III<BR>
    TransLanTech Sound, LLC</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" FACE=3D"Geneva" FAMILY=
    =3D"SANSSERIF" SIZE=3D"2"></FONT></HTML>
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 22:43
    I have a drill press and an XY table. I can just buzz along with a row of
    holes staying in line easily.
    I know that is not much help.
    -K

    At 09:19 AM 4/15/03 -700, you wrote:
    >> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I can
    never
    >> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
    >> difficult at times.
    >
    >I don't have a trick here other than to drill carefully (tough to do
    >when you have so many of them).
    >
    >Paul
    >
    >To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    >from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    >Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
    Kerry
    Admin@M...
    WWW server hosting [url=Http://mntnweb.com]Http://mntnweb.com[/url]
    Kerry Barlow
    p.o. box 21
    kirkwood ny
    13795
    607-775-1575
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-15 23:52
    At some point you have to figure what your time is worth and decide if its
    cheaper to farm out your boards to one of the budget PCB shops. I laid out a
    board for a BoEBot chassis with a very large breadboard area -- it would
    have taken days to drill all the holes, and I have a small mill with a
    readout on it.

    Original Message

    > I have a drill press and an XY table. I can just buzz along with a row of
    > holes staying in line easily.

    > >> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I can
    > never
    > >> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
    > >> difficult at times.
    > >
    > >I don't have a trick here other than to drill carefully (tough to do
    > >when you have so many of them).
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-16 00:02
    I have a cnc table top mill that I think it would be
    pretty easy to set up a drill system

    do you think it is worth doing the home/hobby route
    with a drill system?


    thanks, your thoughts are valued




    Original Message
    From: "Rodent" <daweasel@s...>
    To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
    Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 5:52 PM
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    > At some point you have to figure what your time is worth and decide if its
    > cheaper to farm out your boards to one of the budget PCB shops. I laid out
    a
    > board for a BoEBot chassis with a very large breadboard area -- it would
    > have taken days to drill all the holes, and I have a small mill with a
    > readout on it.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    >
    > > I have a drill press and an XY table. I can just buzz along with a row
    of
    > > holes staying in line easily.
    >
    > > >> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I
    can
    > > never
    > > >> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
    > > >> difficult at times.
    > > >
    > > >I don't have a trick here other than to drill carefully (tough to do
    > > >when you have so many of them).
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
    Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-16 00:58
    In a message dated 4/15/2003 3:58:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    daweasel@s... writes:

    > At some point you have to figure what your time is worth and decide if its
    > cheaper to farm out your boards to one of the budget PCB shops. I laid out
    > a
    > board for a BoEBot chassis with a very large breadboard area -- it would
    > have taken days to drill all the holes, and I have a small mill with a
    > readout on it.

    Well said......Making these boards can be time consuming.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-22 14:54
    Look at http://www.4pcb.com/ They have inexpensive boards and good
    turn around. Also, they can give you a price over the web if you are
    just looking. Just enter in the information and pop out comes the
    price.

    Original Message
    From: smartdim@a... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=JsVzyA3gCTck1mDDtOy57DYYF3WxJ2pN_V6kHQbkRCXEJtfCxdwPlTi6E6nvHuT6pIysxLfeo61l]smartdim@a...[/url
    Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 7:59 PM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    In a message dated 4/15/2003 3:58:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    daweasel@s... writes:

    > At some point you have to figure what your time is worth and decide if

    > its cheaper to farm out your boards to one of the budget PCB shops. I
    > laid out a board for a BoEBot chassis with a very large breadboard
    > area -- it would have taken days to drill all the holes, and I have a
    > small mill with a readout on it.

    Well said......Making these boards can be time consuming.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]


    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-23 00:42
    I always use apcircuits.com ; slightly cheaper in my experience, quick,
    on-line price estimation.

    On Tue, 22 Apr 2003, Grover Richardson wrote:

    > Look at http://www.4pcb.com/ They have inexpensive boards and good
    > turn around. Also, they can give you a price over the web if you are
    > just looking. Just enter in the information and pop out comes the
    > price.
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: smartdim@a... [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=JaeCj0brLCVUvJLj7UIgC9cwjevriiINqcgGcFLxqwscSCJ1ZkBt0ma67MgTis2ocCrqdA2vRd8]smartdim@a...[/url
    > Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 7:59 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
    >
    >
    > In a message dated 4/15/2003 3:58:52 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > daweasel@s... writes:
    >
    > > At some point you have to figure what your time is worth and decide if
    >
    > > its cheaper to farm out your boards to one of the budget PCB shops. I
    > > laid out a board for a BoEBot chassis with a very large breadboard
    > > area -- it would have taken days to drill all the holes, and I have a
    > > small mill with a readout on it.
    >
    > Well said......Making these boards can be time consuming.
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    > and Body of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
    of the message will be ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >
    >

    Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
    Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
    email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
    "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-23 05:58
    I had one batch of 100 boards from Grover's recommended site (Advanced
    Circuits) with defects in Dec '01. 15-20 boards had hole-to-hole solder
    splash, sometimes from Vcc to ground, and other shorting problems. Took
    me awhile to find the problems -- the last thing you suspect is a bad
    board.

    OTOH, I've had about a dozen other board batches from the same board
    house without any QC problems.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Grover Richardson [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=tJLZPabPhPHqA5fqaXL6tu3dyT__OzhFKtBzGwklNEUoRj_CHBzkYPVcE-57hOJ7Go4-_a7mXidF-74X3hGXYS-6UQo28HA]grover.richardson@g...[/url
    Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 6:54 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    Look at http://www.4pcb.com/ They have inexpensive boards and good
    turn around. Also, they can give you a price over the web if you are
    just looking. Just enter in the information and pop out comes the
    price.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-23 06:05
    Having worked in a manufacturing environment, I can tell you board-level
    defects are more common than you think. They are also harder for many
    technicians to find because they are used to looking for failed parts and
    assembly errors.

    Budget board shops usually have a higher defect rate. Recently we had a 50
    bad boards out of 500 -- and this was on a simple 2-sided board with two
    surface mount IC's and about half a dozen resistors and caps. The problem
    was a plating short where tracks passed between the IC pads.

    The big boys pay the board shops to test the boards on a bed-of-nails
    fixture and x-out the boards that fail. Sometimes board defects till make it
    to the assembly house, but maybe one in 4000 boards.

    Original Message

    > I had one batch of 100 boards from Grover's recommended site (Advanced
    > Circuits) with defects in Dec '01. 15-20 boards had hole-to-hole solder
    > splash, sometimes from Vcc to ground, and other shorting problems. Took
    > me awhile to find the problems -- the last thing you suspect is a bad
    > board.
    >
    > OTOH, I've had about a dozen other board batches from the same board
    > house without any QC problems.

    > Look at http://www.4pcb.com/ They have inexpensive boards and good
    > turn around. Also, they can give you a price over the web if you are
    > just looking. Just enter in the information and pop out comes the
    > price.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-23 13:28
    If you have the time in the schedule, look at having them redo them at
    their expense. We have had them do that before, but then we send them
    bunches of boards. Still, it's a matter of integrity<G>.

    The first thing we expect is a bad board<G>. Many a time the board was
    made exactly as specified, but the layout was a bust. Upside down
    parts, wrong pin call out. It's been better since we automated the
    process. Mostly we use Orcad.

    Original Message
    From: Dennis P. O'Leary [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=iTwXVG6TI_PmbKvyjzAT70mnmIfYEbhPYo-zJxQhXks27BhOeTGRFEhyibsKfVpdX_9aDDypPXMK7PJq]doleary@e...[/url
    Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2003 12:59 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    I had one batch of 100 boards from Grover's recommended site (Advanced
    Circuits) with defects in Dec '01. 15-20 boards had hole-to-hole solder
    splash, sometimes from Vcc to ground, and other shorting problems. Took
    me awhile to find the problems -- the last thing you suspect is a bad
    board.

    OTOH, I've had about a dozen other board batches from the same board
    house without any QC problems.

    Dennis

    Original Message
    From: Grover Richardson [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=OXRdFyzo3-NpVt_3_wnUTdACaReuJ0fCk8SFUSUnNXP1S3AhKU9J5V2BywltX4pj2iA9Tp9uJD8a4x-LIxeCjI7vqaygr4u5vFcp8w]grover.richardson@g...[/url
    Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2003 6:54 AM
    To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards


    Look at http://www.4pcb.com/ They have inexpensive boards and good
    turn around. Also, they can give you a price over the web if you are
    just looking. Just enter in the information and pop out comes the
    price.



    To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
    and Body of the message will be ignored.


    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 01:17
    Hi Mike,

    I've been reading everyone's comments, and wanted to
    throw out a quick-n-dirty PCB construction method I've
    used for years with fantastic success. Please don't be
    harsh as this has worked well for many dozens of
    projects. It's a little rough, and is certainly not
    for production volume or high chip-count projects, but
    is great for the weekend project people. This method
    yields a solid board with lots of ground plane and,
    with a little practice, can produce boards adequate
    for SMT devices, power devices, and even fairly
    complex designs.

    I use a Dremel tool to cut traces (or more accurately,
    isolate traces) by removing copper from boards
    wherever traces are needed. I start by using a pencil,
    on a pre-selected piece of copper clad board, to draw
    out the traces needed. I sometimes use graph paper to
    do a rough-draft of the board layout. If cutting for
    an IC, I use a "dummy" IC (same size and pin count)
    with pre-formed leads and trace around the leads. With
    caps and resistors, I also use real parts to gauge the
    lead-length and traces needed. Where ever signals or
    power enters or leaves the board, I simply leave a
    1/2" pad to allow easy soldering and plenty of room
    for the wire.

    I then use a Dremel tool with a 1/4" carbide cutting
    bit to remove the lines of copper leaving "traces"
    within the isolated copper. I then clean the board
    with Scotchbrite and "tin" the board with solder to
    prevent corosion, and finally modify the components
    for surface mounting. With DIP IC's, I simply bend the
    leads out so they will fit flush to the board. With
    resistors, caps, LED's, wires, and power devices, I do
    the same by cutting and bending the leads so they can
    be surface mounted. I then solder the parts on by
    placing them against the board and applying enough
    solder to hold them in place. I then add solder until
    everything is electrically and mechanically secured.
    The process works great and a PCB can go from
    schematics to completed in less than an hour. I have
    also placed through-hole parts by drawing their pads,
    drilling the holes, and then drawing matching holes on
    the other side. It works great!

    Like I said, this not for high-volume, high chip-count
    projects, and not suited for RF projects, but works
    great on many power, motor control, interface, signal,
    and other standard-sized component projects. This
    exact process is done with CNC machines that do a much
    finer job with micro-bits and software, but cost
    tens-of-thousands to buy. Attached are a couple
    pictures of projects. The first is an op-amp signal
    conditioning board complete with regulator, and the
    second shown a robot control board along with a
    charging board and DC-to-DC converter.

    Always be careful and be sure to wear eye and ear
    protection. With some care and imagination, you can
    build some cool boards in just minutes that are far
    more durable than proto-boards or wire-wrap. And,
    since copper clad board is very cheap, and Dremel
    tools starting at around $30, you can start for less
    than many board shops charge.

    Please let me know what you think of this technique. I
    love this and regularly use this method for most
    projects. I even used this to make a car amplifier
    which lasted six years in all climates, and is still
    working after the car was sold.

    Cheers,
    DrDiode
    --- Mike Dillon <laxboy687@e...> wrote:
    > Hi all,
    > I just wanted to know what was the best way to make
    > your own PCB boards.
    > I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty
    > good soldering
    > skills I was just confused about what to get and
    > maybe yall would share
    > some tips if you have 'em.
    >
    > Thanx
    > -Mike
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >


    __________________________________________________
    Do you Yahoo!?
    The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo
    http://search.yahoo.com

    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 01:51
    In a message dated 4/25/2003 5:18:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    drdiode2002@y... writes:

    > Attached are a couple
    > pictures of projects. The first is an op-amp signal
    > conditioning board complete with regulator, and the
    > second shown a robot control board along with a
    > charging board and DC-to-DC converter.
    >

    Unfortunately, the pics did not come through. Can you send to me off list?
    I am quite interested in your unique approach, which seems quite reasonable
    for the "one off's"


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 01:59

    Original Message
    From: "PH" <drdiode2002@y...>
    <snip>
    | I use a Dremel tool to cut traces (or more accurately,
    | isolate traces) by removing copper from boards
    | wherever traces are needed. I start by using a pencil,
    | on a pre-selected piece of copper clad board, to draw
    | out the traces needed.
    <snip>

    Dr. Diode,
    Hey, I've done this a lot, also. I've never done a whole circuit this way
    (mostly 'cause I'm too darned lazy to mark everything out and keep from
    cutting the traces) but I've made a lot of surface mount stuff this way. For
    instance, I've made a small board for an ADXL202 (may not be the right
    number, but you get the idea [noparse]:o[/noparse]) ) accelerometer from Analog. Works great,
    and is way easier and cheaper than using a ready-made "surfboard" or
    ordering a circuit board for the single device.
    I've also heard of people dead-bugging SMT chips so they don't need a board
    at all, but that's just not robust enough for the rough conditions most of
    my projects have to live in (sailplanes, R/C airplanes, UAV's, sailplane
    winches, etc.)
    I've attached a photo of the accelerometer; it's a little messy, as I had to
    bridge a couple of gaps I made with a dull bit, but it works fine.

    - Robert



    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 03:27
    In a message dated 4/25/2003 6:02:18 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    uavscience@f... writes:

    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

    Hey guys, read above.......fyi


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 03:44

    Original Message
    From: <smartdim@a...>
    |
    | > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    |
    | Hey guys, read above.......fyi

    Darn, I always forget that the Stamp group doesn't permit attachments. I'm
    used to posting to other groups, most of which allow them... [noparse]:o[/noparse](
    Especially darn, since it was a really cool picture! [noparse]:o[/noparse]D

    - Robert
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 06:30
    You can download the picture to the Photos section of the list

    Larry

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Robert Ussery" <uavscience@f...>
    wrote:
    >
    >
    Original Message
    > From: <smartdim@a...>
    > |
    > | > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    > |
    > | Hey guys, read above.......fyi
    >
    > Darn, I always forget that the Stamp group doesn't permit
    attachments. I'm
    > used to posting to other groups, most of which allow them... [noparse]:o[/noparse](
    > Especially darn, since it was a really cool picture! [noparse]:o[/noparse]D
    >
    > - Robert
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 06:53
    In a message dated 4/25/2003 10:30:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    LJGeib@a... writes:

    >
    > You can download the picture to the Photos section of the list
    >
    > Larry
    >

    Photos section????? never heard of that one.....URL?


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-26 14:34
    Thank you everyone, for responding, I have tried a couple of methods,
    the toner type and have messed it up royally.
    Even though, ill probably send away for my board, unless Dr. Diode's
    method works for me.
    Again, thank you so much

    -Mike


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-04-27 18:16
    Hi Again Everyone,

    Sorry for the picture mix-up. I thought attachments
    would go through. If anyone is still interested, let
    me know and I'll send them to you directly. I'll also
    try to post them in the groups upload area.

    Regards,
    Dr. Diode
    --- smartdim@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 4/25/2003 5:18:39 PM Pacific
    > Daylight Time,
    > drdiode2002@y... writes:
    >
    > > Attached are a couple
    > > pictures of projects. The first is an op-amp
    > signal
    > > conditioning board complete with regulator, and
    > the
    > > second shown a robot control board along with a
    > > charging board and DC-to-DC converter.
    > >
    >
    > Unfortunately, the pics did not come through. Can
    > you send to me off list?
    > I am quite interested in your unique approach, which
    > seems quite reasonable
    > for the "one off's"
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
    > removed]
    >
    >
    > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed.
    > Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
    > ignored.
    >
    >
    > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
    > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
    >
    >


    __________________________________
    Do you Yahoo!?
    The New Yahoo! Search - Faster. Easier. Bingo.
    http://search.yahoo.com
Sign In or Register to comment.