Only because I already have about 50 of the thru-hole parts [noparse];)[/noparse]
I want to try to encourage others to start using surface-mount parts. It's really not that bad, and the assembly goes much faster.
I'm going to take another PCB and try using solder-paste and reflowing it with either a toaster oven or a skillet.
That's going to be an adventure...
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Ok here is my first design using the TTS system of making PCB's. It works GREAT!
This was assembled quickly and had a couple errors... So it looks kinda crummy.
Where you see a big blob of solder is where there was a via to ground (back side is solid ground), so I had so solder a wire in the via.
In case your wondering, this board is my SX-Video Overlay Module.
Using the SX48 allows me twice as many characters on the screen (6 lines of 32 characters).
Come-on people surface mount parts have been around for years now-start using them.
Questions or comments please ask...
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Come-on people surface mount parts have been around for years now-start using them.
Bean.
I was just thinking today that surface mount items they use now days are really small.
Then I thought why haven't the hobbyists picked up on the larger surface mount stuff.
Usually the hobbyists are half a dozen years behind with the material.
But some how the surface mount stuff never caught on. It must be easier to etch a board and assemble it without the need to drill holes.
You lost me with the TTS system. What is that?
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- - - PLJack - - -
Perfection in design is not achieved when there is nothing left to add. It is achieved when there is nothing left to take away.
Your right about the holes. Etching a PCB is not that big a deal, but drilling all those damn holes. What a pain.
I even learned to solder the SX48 (0.5mm pitch) device after a little practice (but I have good eyes still too).
TTS (Toner Transfer System). I got it from www.pulsar.gs (yes that's gs on the end).
Here's a direct link to the starter kit http://www.pulsar.gs/PCB/a_Pages/4_Products/5f_Starter_Kit/Starter_Kit.html
They sell a complete kit for $100 and I recommend getting it. It even includes a laminator to transfer the image.
I just made a PCB when I got home today and it took less than an hour (and that includes the time I wasted because I printed on the wrong side of the special paper).
Basic steps:
Warm up the laminator
Print layout on special paper
Run copper board and special paper through laminator.
Put board and paper in water for about 1 minute (paper releases leaving a PERFECT image on the copper).
Put the green film over the copper and put through the laminator (film only sticks to toner).
Etch the PCB.
Tin the PCB with "Liquid Tin" (great stuff).
Drill the holes
DONE...
If anyone has questions about the TTS system, I'll try to answer them.
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
I find 0.032" board to be pretty common. The kit comes with 2 single sided boards and 2 double sided boards. They also recommend 1/2 oz copper.
Yes they do flex a bit, you have to be semi careful.
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Here is the same board (with minor changes [noparse][[/noparse] such as "this one works" [noparse];)[/noparse] ]) that I showed made with the TTS system, only this one was professionally made. They cost me $100 for 4 of them.
As you can see, I went with the standard 3 pin interface that is compatible with the servo headers on the BOE. (ground, power, signal). Also I had the SX-Key pins out of order.
Bean. ·
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Okay here's my first attempt at reflow.
I applied the solder paste with a syringe with a 0.010" red tip.
For the SX48 I laid down a strip of paste ACROSS all the pads on each side.
I then heated it using the "hot plate" method. Pretty cool to see the paste go from grey to silver.
I think I applied too much because some of the SX48 pins were bridged and I can see some solder balls.
Also the joints develop a white look after I cleaned the board with alcohol ? I'm not sure why ?
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Jack,
That's what I was saying. The joint turned whiteish after I cleaned them with alcohol. I think when the RMA flux combined with the alcohol it formed this white stuff.
I wonder if it's because my alcohol is only 91% (9% water) ???
If I scrub hard with an acid brush and alcohol I can get it off, but it starts taking off the white marking too.
The QA guy at work says I don't have to clean RMA flux ???
Darn, I'm out of SX48 chips. I have to wait until more come. I don't know I may change to a SX52 just because the lead pitch is bigger. I don't want to because the SX52 is more expensive.
But I don't want to have to touch up everyone of these things when I make 100 or so either.
Bean.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Just a helpful hint...Don't try to reflow solder paste on the stove top. I know it sounds like a good idea (okay so it doesn't even sound like a good idea, but I tried it anyway).
Oh, it started working just great, then all of a sudden the actual PC board started burning. You know that horrible smell when something on a PCB gets too hot...Well I got a whole house full of that smell. And yes the wife was NOT HAPPY.
It really cheesed me off, because not only did I burn a panel (which had 9 units on it), but I wasted all the time to put down the solder paste AND the componets. What a setback... Well one good thing was I got to do some experiments to see what the best way to cut the units out of the panel was. After trying half a dozen ideas, I found that an abrasive metal cutting blade in my tablesaw works great.
I also found that if I take the tip off of my hot-air wand, I can reflow whole areas of the board in minutes.
Here is a pic.
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
Comments
Is there a reason you didn't use a surface mount resonator?
Chris I.
Only because I already have about 50 of the thru-hole parts [noparse];)[/noparse]
I want to try to encourage others to start using surface-mount parts. It's really not that bad, and the assembly goes much faster.
I'm going to take another PCB and try using solder-paste and reflowing it with either a toaster oven or a skillet.
That's going to be an adventure...
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
·
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·1+1=10
Yes flat bed scanner.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
·
This was assembled quickly and had a couple errors... So it looks kinda crummy.
Where you see a big blob of solder is where there was a via to ground (back side is solid ground), so I had so solder a wire in the via.
In case your wondering, this board is my SX-Video Overlay Module.
Using the SX48 allows me twice as many characters on the screen (6 lines of 32 characters).
Come-on people surface mount parts have been around for years now-start using them.
Questions or comments please ask...
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 8/5/2005 7:51:44 PM GMT
I was just thinking today that surface mount items they use now days are really small.
Then I thought why haven't the hobbyists picked up on the larger surface mount stuff.
Usually the hobbyists are half a dozen years behind with the material.
But some how the surface mount stuff never caught on. It must be easier to etch a board and assemble it without the need to drill holes.
You lost me with the TTS system. What is that?
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
- - - PLJack - - -
Perfection in design is not achieved when there is nothing left to add.
It is achieved when there is nothing left to take away.
I even learned to solder the SX48 (0.5mm pitch) device after a little practice (but I have good eyes still too).
TTS (Toner Transfer System). I got it from www.pulsar.gs (yes that's gs on the end).
Here's a direct link to the starter kit http://www.pulsar.gs/PCB/a_Pages/4_Products/5f_Starter_Kit/Starter_Kit.html
They sell a complete kit for $100 and I recommend getting it. It even includes a laminator to transfer the image.
I just made a PCB when I got home today and it took less than an hour (and that includes the time I wasted because I printed on the wrong side of the special paper).
Basic steps:
Warm up the laminator
Print layout on special paper
Run copper board and special paper through laminator.
Put board and paper in water for about 1 minute (paper releases leaving a PERFECT image on the copper).
Put the green film over the copper and put through the laminator (film only sticks to toner).
Etch the PCB.
Tin the PCB with "Liquid Tin" (great stuff).
Drill the holes
DONE...
If anyone has questions about the TTS system, I'll try to answer them.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 8/5/2005 11:55:20 PM GMT
How do you find .032" thick boards to work with?· Are there any issues with solder joints breaking because of flexing?
It looks easy.· I was actually thinking about doing a flex circuit board.· The TTS would be great for that.
Chris I.
Yes they do flex a bit, you have to be semi careful.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
·
As you can see, I went with the standard 3 pin interface that is compatible with the servo headers on the BOE. (ground, power, signal). Also I had the SX-Key pins out of order.
Bean.
·
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"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 8/20/2005 12:47:29 AM GMT
Your surface mount soldering skills have improved greatly.
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- - - PLJack - - -
Perfection in design is not achieved when there is nothing left to add.
It is achieved when there is nothing left to take away.
Thanks. Next step is solder paste and reflow. The adventure never ends...
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
·
I applied the solder paste with a syringe with a 0.010" red tip.
For the SX48 I laid down a strip of paste ACROSS all the pads on each side.
I then heated it using the "hot plate" method. Pretty cool to see the paste go from grey to silver.
I think I applied too much because some of the SX48 pins were bridged and I can see some solder balls.
Also the joints develop a white look after I cleaned the board with alcohol ? I'm not sure why ?
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
What is that white stuff between the pins on the SX?
I think your right, a little lees paste should do it.
Still, they keep looking better.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
- - - PLJack - - -
Perfection in design is not achieved when there is nothing left to add.
It is achieved when there is nothing left to take away.
That's what I was saying. The joint turned whiteish after I cleaned them with alcohol. I think when the RMA flux combined with the alcohol it formed this white stuff.
I wonder if it's because my alcohol is only 91% (9% water) ???
If I scrub hard with an acid brush and alcohol I can get it off, but it starts taking off the white marking too.
The QA guy at work says I don't have to clean RMA flux ???
Darn, I'm out of SX48 chips. I have to wait until more come. I don't know I may change to a SX52 just because the lead pitch is bigger. I don't want to because the SX52 is more expensive.
But I don't want to have to touch up everyone of these things when I make 100 or so either.
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
Post Edited (Bean (Hitt Consulting)) : 8/22/2005 12:18:49 AM GMT
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sometimes never is better than sometimes.
No unfortunatly that's the way it comes. I use a marker to black-out everything except "1" "2" and "ON".
Bean.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"
·
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engineer, fireman, bowler, father, WoW addict [noparse];)[/noparse]
Oh, it started working just great, then all of a sudden the actual PC board started burning. You know that horrible smell when something on a PCB gets too hot...Well I got a whole house full of that smell. And yes the wife was NOT HAPPY.
It really cheesed me off, because not only did I burn a panel (which had 9 units on it), but I wasted all the time to put down the solder paste AND the componets. What a setback... Well one good thing was I got to do some experiments to see what the best way to cut the units out of the panel was. After trying half a dozen ideas, I found that an abrasive metal cutting blade in my tablesaw works great.
I also found that if I take the tip off of my hot-air wand, I can reflow whole areas of the board in minutes.
Here is a pic.
▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
"SX-Video·Module" Now available from Parallax for only $28.95
http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=30012
Product web site: www.sxvm.com
"One experiment is worth a thousand theories"