Cool gadgets for the Hobbie robotics lab.

Dgswaner

I'm in the middle of moving, and I have a whole new area to set up shop for my "lab" (unfinished basement). I thought this would be a good time to revamp some old equipment and perhaps invest some time/money into new equipment, to help make things easier or projects run smoother. Any one want to share their most use "gadgets" or projects that make things easier and better. for example,

I want to make a timing circuit for exposing photo resist PCBs, I currently just use a clock.
I've heard of soldering iron circuits that cut to 1/2 power if not used for a while.
some where on here I saw a triangle perf board used to measure wire so it fits is bread boards better.

I'm looking for ideas like this, what have you guys done?

Thanks

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A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer. - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster

D Faust

I do not own this gadget, but I saw an infomercial for it a while ago. It is a soldering iron that rapidly heats up and cools down. (I think it is based on when it touches solder) Site: http://www.coldheat.com/pro.cfm

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' {$STAMP BS2}
' {$PBASIC 2.5}
 
This_Thread     VAR       Word
My_Question     VAR       Word
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DO
 IF This_Thread = My_Question THEN
  DEBUG "Thank You For Your Time!"
 ELSEIF This_Thread = Your_Question THEN
  DEBUG "I Hope This Helps."
 ELSEIF This_Thread = Cool_Thing
  DEBUG "AWESOME!!"
 ELSE
  DEBUG "What Am I Supposed To Do?"
 ENDIF
 DEBUG "D Faust"
LOOP UNTIL This_Thread = Abandoned

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sam_sam_sam

Dgswaner

I want to make a timing circuit for exposing photo resist PCBs, I currently just use a clock



You could use a Basic·Stamp and a DS1302 Time Chip from Parallax

·You could have the Basic Stamp Time turn··ON and OFF·the Exposing·Lamp or· Safe Light··for so many seconds or minutes· this timer could also be used··other timing needs for example time the Delovement of the board· after··Exposing it to light and so on you would just need some switchs for

different timers routines

Here is a Demo Code to get you started

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=647603·Pool Pump Timer

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=595469· Soldering Station Timer Controller

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··Thanks for any··that you may have and all of your time finding them

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Sam

Post Edited (sam_sam_sam) : 8/9/2007 3:15:48 AM GMT

Dgswaner

Thanks for the code. when I get my own computer back up I'll put it to good use. I'm toying with the idea of making a complete set up for producing boards but I'm not sure that I'll be making enough boards to justify the effort. I was considering making a tray that rocks back and forth agitating the PCB enchant and controling a heating element. then make a exposure tray for exposing double sided boards, but that's a little down on the list.

as soon as the funds permit I want to get the USB O scope, and setup a permanent home for it on an a spare PC, with a custom housing.

I purchased a Drill press stand for a dermil, that makes a big difference for drilling PCB's,

I'm going to try and get organized enough to use the laser bin finder idea.

we'll I'm off to bed, thanks for the ideas.

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A complex design is the sign of an inferior designer. - Jamie Hyneman, Myth Buster