hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Metal Core PCBs from ZHEJIANG ZAPON Electronic - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2012, 01:28:37 pm
content: I have been working hard on myDomestic LED Lighting Projectand as part of that I needed to get LEDs cheaply.With the intention on one day it becoming a business.I have been playing around with Cree Xpgs for a while but they are quite expensive.Recently CREE released the XTE with similar specs and at less than half the price, and so my project has become viable.MCPCBs when priced were either too expensive or the incorrect format and as well as that they are hard to mount.So I decided to roll my own.So I wheeled out KICAD, turned off DRC as I didn't need a schematic and laid out 110 LED footprints, with accompanying pads, holes and polarity silkscreens.Next I sent it out to tender about 4 houses responded and it came down to PCBCart which was the safer option as I know many others use this house or the ZHEJIANG ZAPON ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD.http://www.zppcb.comIt was close but the Zhejiang guys won because they had the best price all up including tooling and they had by far the best price per board if I ever go into production.US $7.50 per board. Which gives me 110 led bases.Panel Size:267.97mm*174.24mm1Layer pcb,aluminium pcb,1.6MM,2.00zhal lead free, white soldermask+black silkcreenobviously it cost a lot more$30 dollars for the TT$50 dollars for shipment$100 dollars tooling.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2012, 01:43:10 pm
content: Ok so after a lot of back and forth with Niki the lady in charge about capabilities, vscoring depths, financials, couriers la la la. The boards went into production.About one month later a package came back and with it 660 mcpcbs.Well the first thing I did was put 250volts across the dialectric ( using a mega ) and then 500volts. All good.When I got home I got the Sunbeam reflow oven out, aka the electric fry pan, and commenced soldering a few strips.No hitches here either all leds mounted and no signs of problems.As I write all my XTEs are glowing away happily at 50 - 55 degrees.Needless to say I was very happy with the whole process and outcome.What I wanted to say was I recommend ZHEJIANG ZAPON Electronic company unreservedly, and I can say I enjoyed doing business with them.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2012, 01:50:44 pm
content: Here are some pictures of the finished boards.There was only one small problem and that was the solder mask covered a bit more than it should have in a few places.I soldered the leds on to these ones and there were no problems.Bear in mind these were my first ever MCPCBs and my second ever PCBs that I had manufactured.Ignore the text on the silkscreen, it was hard to sort out because I didn't do a schematic, so I just didn't bother.

author: HackedFridgeMagnet
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2012, 01:55:34 pm
content: Here are their capabilities.
Are Madell Reflow Ovens reliable? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: carloscuev
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 12:51:50 am
content: Hello, I work for a startup in México and my boss is about to buy a Madell Reflow Oven (MD-F530-C) and I want to make sure he won't screw things up, as I would be the one that deals with the problems that could arise. Do anybody have an idea of their quality, reliability? I see that the model he's interested comes in 2 flavors:IR+ConvectionandFull Convectionwhat are the differences?Thank you very much in advance.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 23, 2012, 08:50:41 am
content: Convection uses an element that radiates heat. This means it heats the surrounding air which then heats up your board.IR elements emit infra-red light that heats up objects that absorb the IR light.
Round project enclosure Manufacturers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Sciguy75
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 01, 2012, 05:43:37 pm
content: Hi everyone!So glad that i found this site. I was looking through the enclosure manufacture posting and couldn't seem to find what I am looking for. I was wondering if anyone knew of any manufacturers that make product enclosures that are round? I notice that most seem to be made into rectangles or square shapes.I am working on a electronics prototype requires a round enclosure approximately 25mm in diameter or less and approx. 15mm in height or less. The material that the enclosire is made out of isn't as important as shape of the enclosure itself.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciatedThank you!

author: slateraptor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 07:54:23 am
content: 1) Look around for general purpose tin cans,2) have a custom sol'n manufactured,3) reconsider your design goals.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 01:11:21 pm
content: i hope you are not as unlucky as i am...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects-designs-and-technical-stuff/wanted-manufacturer-custom-design-plastic-enclosure-for-consumer-product/msg66353/iirc i contacted few of them, non replied like i'm nobody.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 01:43:48 pm
content: Shop any store that sells womens makeup and just look at the containers. There are many that are in the size you describe. Buy the cheapest one that fits the bill for color, material, and size and dump the contents. If your country has dollar stores it will only cost you a dollar per container.

author: sacherjj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 01:46:28 pm
content: I picked up some screw together round containers about that size as a set in the beading isle of our WalMart. I use them to keep small electronics pieces, such as 0.1" jumpers, etc. I believe mine are a little shorter than you want, but there were many varieties there. I would try whatever hobbyist or sewing stores you have around.

author: robrenz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 01:53:57 pm
content: Edit your profile to show your country so people can better answer your questions based on location.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 02:16:19 pm
content: Quote from: robrenz on April 02, 2012, 01:43:48 pmsince you've made the suggestion. so this link...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects-designs-and-technical-stuff/idea-alternative-way-of-quick-cheap-and-easy-product-enclosure-supplier/new/#newQuote from: robrenz on April 02, 2012, 01:53:57 pmwith the above advice, showing your country is irrelevant.

author: Spawn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2012, 11:22:11 pm
content: I am not sure if I understood you good, but do you look for something like in the photo below?It is Ø 26 x 17.5 mm not exactly the measures you want but pretty close.Click on the image for the vendor
Anyone use Seeedstudio's Propagate assembly service yet? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: wayneft
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 14, 2012, 09:54:06 pm
content: I was searching around looking for an assembly service for a couple of hundred boards and noticed Seeedstudio offers an assembly service called Propagate. I was wondering if anyone's used it yet? The price seems pretty cheap.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2012, 10:16:04 pm
content: The prices are good, and in fact I was looking at their propagate service last year. In the end I did everything myself. I didn't want to deal with someone so far away, with possible "lost in translation" problems and no ability to really check on the process.Oh, and I guess I'll just leave this here...<shameless self promotion>http://www.circuitology.comI run a small assembly/prototyping business. Might be what you're after.</shameless self promotion>
Any experience with Eurocircuits.com? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mariush
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2012, 05:53:56 pm
content: As the subject says: does anyone have any experience with Eurocircuits.com ?They're in Belgium or Hungary apparently, both close to my country (Romania) so I wouldn't have to worry about customs and waiting 3-4 weeks to get to me. I can just send them to their pool and specify 2-3 week wait instead and save some money.They have a calculator for the boards on their site herehttp://be.eurocircuits.com/basic/ecbasket/order.aspx?lang=en#and they also have some Altium templates and overall it looks quite decent...For about 30 2 layer boards 140x40 mm in size the price per board goes down to about 5.5 euro a piece... for 100 pieces it goes to about 3 euro a piece. That sounds relatively ok to me... or am I wrong?

author: qno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2012, 09:08:56 pm
content: I have used them several times.I think they are OK.Good quality, good price, good delivery time.

author: johnmx
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2012, 09:48:44 pm
content: I use their services and I recommend.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 13, 2012, 10:36:09 pm
content: I use them for prototypes, but I usually find PCBcart are cheaper for production quantities once you're ordering enough to cover their tooling cost and shipping.
Manufacturer for small quantities? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: RPuccetti
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 05:51:17 am
content: Anyone have a recommendation on where to go to get 20 or so boards printed?I'm actually a student studying electronics and I want to build a project for some friends. This will be my first time doing something like this, my design is simply 6 timers that count down from 5 minutes with 7 segment display or something similar. I'd like to keep the production cost less than $20 each if possible. Any advice would be fantastic!Roman

author: amspire
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 06:01:32 am
content: You can tryhttp://iteadstudio.com/.They do a reasonable job at a very good price.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 06:02:21 am
content: 20x 40x80mm boards from pcbcart cost US$115 according to their quoting system.Shipping will push it up to ~$160 though.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 06:07:01 am
content: There's also Seeed Studio:http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/fusion-pcb-service-p-835.html?cPath=185They have a somewhat more flexible set of options for ordering (all on one page). Pretty much the same service and pricing as Itead.

author: markus_b
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 30, 2012, 01:41:57 pm
content: I have the impression that iTead and Seeed are using the same PCB manufacturer behind the scenes, so you can choose one or the other and will get the same quality.From order to delivery you'll have to count about three weeks (1 week for production and up to two weeks for the shipment). My last order was sent on January 6, was shipped on the 13th, arrived at the border on the 19th, waited in customs for a week and was at my house on the 26th.These services have made hand-made PCBs for me irrelevant. The quality is excellent and the price is low. If you need it faster you can pay for faster shipping.

author: RPuccetti
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 01, 2012, 10:34:38 pm
content: Thanks to all that replied these look great!

author: PCBCORE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2012, 10:03:36 am
content: You may check price on PCBCORE'S site,www.pcbcore.com

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2012, 10:17:10 am
content: pcbcore, why on your list of steps is quote spelled quoto?
Need tips for my first ever PCB to be manfctured. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: sean87
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2012, 10:48:17 am
content: Hi guys,For my project (To make it look good) I decided to not go with prototyping board and instead get the PCB manfactured. This is a really simple circuit as you see below:I am using Altium. Here is the questions that I have not find answers for them yet:1 - Which one is going to be the manfactured PCB size: the board shape, or the pink line I draw on mechanical layer 1?2- For routing this simple PCB, is it ok to put all routes in the bottom layer? Does the top layer have solder so while soldering the solder comes to top layer as well? How to put the routing in a multilayer mode (I mean the routes be inserted inside the PCB not on top or buttom!?3- Have I placed that ORIGIN in right place? If not, where should it be?

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2012, 11:10:06 am
content: 1: The pink line. Include the layer in Gerber set and include a note to the manufacturer about the layer that has the board edges. Btw, the usual layer for the edge is the keepout layer. no matter, you still need to send the Gerber data and the note.2: Yes, and no, assuming the pads are big enough. For multilayer, you add a layer pair. I'm not on the computer I have Altium so I'm guessing, but it might be in board properties. A four layer PCB for this project is a bit overkill.3: Put it in the bottom left corner, so all coordinates are positive. It should not really matter, but five seconds to avoid any potential problems is worth it.

author: sean87
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2012, 11:31:13 am
content: Thanks, for placing the origin, you mean I should place it on bottom-left of the pink lines, or the board shape itself?!

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 20, 2012, 04:44:39 pm
content: Quote from: sean87 on January 20, 2012, 11:31:13 amThese should be the same:). In other words, Altium defines a board shape, but you should still draw the board edges on some layer, plot it and send the Gerber data of that layer to the manufacturer.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2012, 02:45:33 am
content: Once you've drawn a board outline with your pink line, or whatever, you can tell Altium to redefine the board shape from that.
Ultrasonic bath, flux removal and full circuit immersion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:06:28 am
content: Does it damage a mcu or circuit if its immersed in iso prop in a ultrasonic bath and will this remove all the solder flux residue or is there still a manual task required.Cheers.

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:10:55 am
content: subscribed.

author: Rerouter
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:22:27 am
content: it depends on what you are cleaning, but from memory, nasa out-right banned there use on any of there equiptment as it had a considerably high rate of tearing bond wires apart, (1 part per thousand or something like that)also any water in packagings from humidity will be ultrasonically cleaning things that probably where assumed safe coated in plastic,

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 01:18:42 pm
content: Hold it ! Space circuitry uses hermeticialy sealed cerpacks. The bondwires are not trapped in epoxy but are loose.... This has to do with thermal cycling up in space...Standard circuitboards can be perfectly washed in IpA in an ultrasonic bath. No problem at all.IPA does not attack plastics.The only thing you need to watch out for is things like switches and relays and piezo buzzers. Anything where ipa may stay behind.And you need to dry the board quickly afterwards. Evaporating ipa will attrack humidity out of surrounding air that will condense on the board.

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 08:12:21 pm
content: Just curious, \why would it affect Switches and Relays, if it doesn't attack the plastic? And if the IPa permeates into the Chips like moisture does, could it be a fire hazard or other explosive if the chips heat up?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:40:57 pm
content: Because switches and relays are not necesaarily sealed !Ipa does not permeate chip packaging. There is no risk thereThe space parts have problems with ultrasonics, not with ipa.

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:43:27 pm
content: Because the liquid contains a lot of flux and moisture that came off the board. Leave some driops behind inside a switch, and the IPA will evaporate over time, but the flux will stay behind and leave a nice (isolating) film over your contacts / membranes / whatever. Also, some parts like buzzers may have glued parts inside, which glue might be affected by the solvent.

author: johnnyfp
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 27, 2012, 10:48:09 pm
content: Yeah that makes sense.After the bath, would I then rinse the boards? (Obviously not in water)
Chaep source for 3M heat shrink tubing? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: george graves
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 23, 2011, 09:20:16 am
content: I've been using a lot of heat shrink for an ongoing project.Anyone know where the best price is for heat shrink in the US? I'm looking at the FP-301 stuff in various sizes.
RoHS / Pb Free, marks and certification? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 07:43:03 am
content: Does anyone have a guide on what is required to use any of these marks on products?Im building a few products that I would like to sell internationally (europe etc) - I'm using a Pb free PCB finish & solder, all parts on the board are also sold from digikey/farnell as RoHS.Does RoHS etc require a certification or is the above enough to claim Pb Free or RoHS?

author: ciccio
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 27, 2011, 05:40:09 pm
content: If you are the manufacturer you can add a self-declaration such as the one I attach to this post.It's not only for lead-free, but for all other noxious substances.The one attached is for a product manufactured by a Chinese company for an European OEM.I had to edit the original and delete all the names for obvious reasons.Best regards

author: mobbarley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2011, 12:07:17 am
content: Thanks for the tip!
microvias - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: daedalus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2011, 10:46:52 pm
content: I have a project I'm working on where i need to keep my pcb size to an absolute minimum, so am considering a via-in-pad approach. Does anyone know of a prototyping board house that can handle filled mechanical vias, or ideally microvias?Any rough ideas how much microvias will bump up the board cost on a 4 or 6 layer pcb?

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2011, 06:44:14 pm
content: Where abouts in the world are you?Neil

author: daedalus
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2011, 07:57:21 pm
content: I'm in the UK

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2011, 09:11:33 pm
content: I have used Newbury Electronics in the past. They operate a site calledwww.pcbtrain.co.uk. I don't know if they offer microvias on the PCB train service but I know they do if you approach them directly.The PCB train service entails is a particular run of PCBs types on a particular day. So for instance they might make double sided boards on Mon, Wed and Fri, with other types of PCB the other days. They take the number of PCBs you want and then pattern them with other peoples boards to make the most efficient use of PCB platter as they can. This means that you several different people share the setup costs of the PCB so reducing overheads.YoursNeil
Pick & Place Files - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 10:24:39 am
content: Hi Guys,I wanted to generate a pick & place files for a PCB panel that consists of 4 columns and 2 rows of a board.Should the pick and place file includes all components information (centroid) across the whole panel or just one of the anchor board?

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 01:54:59 pm
content: Depends on the machine ...Typically only One board.For each componentCenter x , center y , rotation , top/bottom, designator, value or other identifying infoFor anchor board:Three fiducialsFor each subsequent board:Three fiducials , or anchor fiducial.

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 02:11:56 pm
content: But, that does that apply on panel that have individual boards being rotated (due to some card edge gold fingers at the edge)?

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 03:05:32 pm
content: Ask your assembly people what they want.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 03:26:27 pm
content: In this case, do ask the assembly people. Since it is not a step and repeat but there is rotation involved...Again it depends on the machine they have. Old machines will require full data, newer machines can do step and repeat and the high end ones will have no problem with rotated step repeat.The key in this is having fiducials on the board ! On each and every one. That way the machines can find where the boards are.

author: 48X24X48X
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2012, 11:41:31 pm
content: Thanks guys. Will ask the assembler on this.I think their machine should be able to in both cases.
Via - how close to pad? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2011, 10:24:55 pm
content: How close is too close when talking via-to-pad clearance? With ground and power to decoupling caps, you want the via as close as possible to the pads but is it okay for the via (only the annular ring, not hole) to touch the pad? It seems like this would be the best electrically but what about manufacturing problems? I suppose I won't have any such problems since I'm hand assembling by myself.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2011, 10:27:49 pm
content: You'll get away with murder if you're only going to hand assemble.The challenge with vias near pads is that they wick away the solder in a reflow process and so the part might get very little or even zero solder adhering to it.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 09, 2011, 10:44:21 pm
content: I should probably add that I tent all vias not used as test points or otherwise.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 10, 2011, 12:32:00 am
content: Via-in-pad could be an option and since you are hand assembling there should be no issues.About trace length for decaps, another option is to position the via between the pads of the decap thus reducing the enclosed loop area. You could also use multiple vias for reduced inductance, or better still use a reverse aspect ratio decap with multiple vias. Seriously though, other factors will come in play first, so it is not critical to this extreme detail.

author: mkissin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2011, 12:35:13 am
content: Again, it's probably not a big deal in the slightest if you're going to hand assemble.If you can, try to ensure two things: first, that there is at least some solder mask between the via hole and the pad. This will stop any solder from wicking into the via. Second, on smaller components (generally below 0603), you should try to ensure that the thermal mass on each side of the component is equal. If they're not, then in the reflow process the paste on one pad may melt before the other and the component can "tombstone".Finally, unless you're dealing with some really fast edges, a millimeter or two of extra trace length isn't going to matter at all. You've gained more in the move from through-hole to surface-mount than you're going to give away unless your layout is really terrible.Be careful about via-in-pad. Your board manufacturing costs would be higher as the via needs to be filled and plated ->http://i.screamingcircuits.com/docs/Via_In_Pad_Guidelines.pdf
Ponoko Personal Factory - Laser Cutting and CNC - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2011, 11:55:26 am
content: http://www.ponoko.com/Has anyone used them in the past? I'm designing front/rear panels to fit a instrument case for the PID Controller i'm working on. Laser cut 3mm acrylic/plexiglass should turn out a lot more professional than anything I could cut myselfI've also noticed they have 0.1mm Mylar sheet as a material (http://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/show-material/335-mylar-clear). Looks like it would be fantastic for PCB stencils.Anyone tried them out?

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 30, 2011, 10:55:51 pm
content: Yes, tried them for acrylic laser etching/cutting. Very good work, does what it says on the tin. They are continuously expanding their available materials and variations. At the moment I would say their catalogue is oriented towards 'artistic projects', but this is changing.You might also want to consider the more expensivehttp://www.frontpanelexpress.com/or others similar to this. Also reccommended.
Looking for a PCB House - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: andersendr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 04:47:12 am
content: Hello Guys, I like the boards Dave gets made and I think I can remember that he has mentioned his board house before. Does anyone know what he uses? I am trying to stay away from ITead from the few mess ups I have seen from people. I am looking for a place that will gold plate it. I have not found of a lot of houses doing this. I would like the gold platting for the high speed connectors in a not so clean environment.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 04:55:47 am
content: I've personally had no trouble at all with ITead, and you really can't go wrong for the price.PCBCart.com will do gold fingers and gold finishes, and I can recommend them highly for any board with requirements outside of Seeed, ITead, or DorkbotPDX's parameters.

author: andersendr
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 04:57:42 am
content: Thanks Joelby. I may give ITead a try. The other problem is I don't need 10 boards, but for the price I'll just toss the other ones on the shelf. I'll have a look at the other companies you listed and see if they meet my req's.

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 05:01:28 am
content: Exactly. For a delivered price of under $20, you can afford to throw most of them away. If there genuinely are manufacturing problems with your boards, they'll probably replace them.You might even consider doing a few prototype spins through a lower cost provider. Once you're happy that the design is correct, get a more expensive PCB house to do one with gold.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 06:38:11 am
content: www.ourpcb.comare also quite good.But im pretty sure ITead will be cheaper for only a few boards.

author: _Sin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2011, 09:28:22 am
content: Both ITead and Seeed will do a gold finish, AFAIK.

author: shadewind
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2011, 03:19:21 pm
content: Quote from: _Sin on October 13, 2011, 09:28:22 amThey do. And I've never had a problem with iTeads PCB quality. I've ordered lots of them and I've never had a dodgy board although I've never examined every single one with a loupe. I should also point out that I do push the limits 0.5 mm pitch QFP/QFN and 0402 resistors and caps. iTeads reputation for making poor quality PCBs is somewhat overstated in my opinion.

author: metalphreak
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 15, 2011, 07:24:11 am
content: Seeed does gold finish. Just select the ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) option. It adds $15 to the price for every 10 boards (regardless of board size chosen).
Mechanical/shop memes - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2025, 09:22:00 pm
content: We don't have a thread for this blue collar aspect of engineeringFortunately most EE don't even get into pipe dope. I would be thrilled to find some that are related to the EE aspect of mechanical, instead of just car stuff. You might want to put a little anti seize on your stainless bolts though, once I unscrewed a inductor that made about 1 gram pile of stainless steel bolt rust powder.https://imgur.com/gallery/age-of-excess-dump-giving-back-5-planes-trains-automobiles-etc-Xj1HQ1a

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2025, 06:11:54 pm
content: https://youtube.com/shorts/FtTpU4MWnaY?si=QFthdd2g4HkWetAV

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 13, 2025, 06:22:38 pm
content: Dilbert, "The Knack"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8vHhgh6oM0There are various versions, including a short comic strip version, but I couldn't find it easily. Many years ago when I took apart my first watch and got it back together, one of my uncles (a jeweler) who was visiting at the time told my mom that I had the knack. Hence, that is why I like this meme.
Through hole assembly in AU - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Precisiontools
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 29, 2011, 10:13:59 am
content: Hi allI was just wondering if there is still demand for through-hole assembly in Australia? Is there still people out there who get it done or has it all gone to SMD?Cheers

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 29, 2011, 11:12:45 am
content: Yes, I know of several assembly houses in Oz that still do and have demand for through hole work.Still plenty of industrial power stuff that is all or mostly through hole for example.Dave.
List your assembler - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ToBeFrank
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2011, 06:02:31 pm
content: I see lots of people, myself included, looking for a decent, affordable assembler. However, I rarely see responses to posts with first hand experience. I'd like to start a thread where people can put their experiences with assemblers to help out those of us still looking for an assembler. Hopefully we can build up a list of known good assemblers.Things I'd like to see: board size, component count, # of boards, cost, lead time, failure rate, etc.I'd like to stay away from posts with "I found XYZ website". Please keep it first hand experience. Also, please keep this to assembly, not fabrication.
RP2350 compatible hall effect sensors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Amish_Fighter_Pilot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 27, 2025, 03:30:30 am
content: I have a motor concept I am working on and i had a custom circuit designed for controlling it, but I am instead going to use a microcontroller. Can anyone recommend some specific hall effect sensors? I haven't purchased them before, and I am a bit of a loss on how to even shop for them. I think I want at least 4 analog sensors, and 4 digital to experiment with. Are there any good guides anyone can recommend on picking and buying magnetic sensors like this? Thanks.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 08:41:54 pm
content: https://lcsc.com/product-detail/Hall-Switches_JSMSEMI-A3144EUA-T-JSM_C18188954.html?s_z=n_a3144https://lcsc.com/product-detail/Hall-Switches_Honeywell-SS41F_C134475.html(common for motors)https://lcsc.com/product-detail/Linear-Hall-Sensors_DIODES-AH49EZ3-G1_C842149.html?s_z=n_AH49EThere is also TMR which is more expensive but might be interesting to tryhttps://lcsc.com/product-detail/Hall-Switches_Hallwee-TMR2101UA_C7420996.html?s_z=n_tmr

author: Amish_Fighter_Pilot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 28, 2025, 08:51:11 pm
content: Quote from: thm_w on July 28, 2025, 08:41:54 pmThank you! I've been trying to build pytorch models lately and figuring out sensors too is just too much!
spool series - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2025, 10:00:55 am
content: I spooled a bit more then 200 different kinds of wires that were accumulating in my wire box on different chinese plastic spools. (all of the smaller ones that were loose bundles).At this point it is redundant, but is there like a wire spool organizer series for when you have varying amounts of special wiresLike a table that has gauge, lenght recommendations for wire? So there is a standard recommended spool size.Like a E-series, but it goes by length and gauge (approx)I still got alot to go like custom made twisted pairs and cables and weird solder and different metals and whatnotand if it could be made out of metal by some better manucturer then random china plastic it would be nice. Eventually just having a box full of bundles of wire sucks and makes your lab feel like a jokeand maybe some special selection critereon for storing cable (coax or other). I think the bend radius should be way more gentle, requiring a larger spool for smaller amounts of wire. That would be more like film reel type design then 'spools'. Like say 5 to 50 feet of coax.wire is a terrible thing to waste.And like if you even get a foot or two of some wire from some equipment that you like, this 100 pack of tiny spools is pretty kick ass. I can put it in a organizer box with a label.AND DO THEY have special spools for storing something with a transducer or connector on it? So you wind the wire up and the 'parts' get to sit in the middle of the spool in a free area? For sensors and stuff like that (of reasonable size).
does metal self heal? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 22, 2025, 09:49:37 pm
content: https://www.sciencealert.com/a-cracked-piece-of-metal-self-healed-in-experiment-that-stunned-scientistsMaybe you CAN fix it by banging on itI always suspected it since I read about crystals being able to be joined after being cracked.

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 06:34:13 pm
content: I suspect the vacuum, metal purity and nano scale dimensions are key. I don't see it working on cylinder blocks any time soon!

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 23, 2025, 11:18:30 pm
content: Cold welding in vacuum is a pretty common problem in for example hinges in satellites.I suggest you stay away from websites that attempt to attract visitors with spectacular headlines and silly content.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 24, 2025, 12:36:25 am
content: Quote from: Gyro on June 23, 2025, 06:34:13 pmI wonder if it could improve bond wires on chips
Can anyone identify these vintage tachometer/motor/generator units?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: timg11
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2025, 08:05:09 pm
content: I have about 10 these vintage devices that I think came from aviation.Some are labeled Tachometer Generator, and others are Control Motor.I don't find much information online.Can anyone provide any more information? Are they of any use or value?

author: UnijunctionTransistor
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2025, 08:12:09 pm
content: Interesting use of the lockwire.

author: timg11
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 15, 2025, 03:14:38 pm
content: Thanks all for confirming my suspicion. I always like to check forums like this in case there are any vintage part collectors out there. In this case I think there is no use or interest, so I'll have to dispose of these.

author: Poroit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2025, 09:14:55 am
content: Is that one on the RHS, Diehl Mfg Co?http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=1954
zig zag oscilloscope probe inner conductor - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2025, 02:49:07 am
content: I read that tektronix oscilloscope probes and stuff pioneer the use of a resistive metal that is 'zig zag' for distributed impedance reasons.I got some resistive wire, and I figured out how to solder it. But I am wondering how to 'form' this stuff.What I imagined is some kind of gear arrangement that you pull it through, or possibly laying it into a rack and pinion mechanism and running it over with a gear. This mechanism would need to have the bumps rounded off so it does not like damage the wire.Is this how its done? Or do they have some kind of complex folding machine for this sort of thing that reciprocates?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2025, 03:51:30 am
content: This stuff is in all scope probes. If you need it for something practical, then it would be far easier to get generic cheap probes and extract the cable.Obviously they have a machine, they don't bend them by hand. It does not have to reciprocate, a couple rollers with wavy surface before the wire goes into the cable would do the trick.

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2025, 04:19:44 am
content: you know I took some apart and its strait wire in there. Resistive but its not zig zag. I never saw the zig zag before, only read about it. I wonder if its in the more expensive probesI wanna know about it for other purposes and also custom tuning it and the properties that the bends cause etc, its not really to accomplish a project of any kindthere is another way to do it like a fence where you wrap it around a thin rectangle piece to make a very flat 'coil'has anyone seen this wire before?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 02:32:46 am
content: For some bedtime reading, get this old Tektronix book:oscilloscope probe circuits by Joe Weber

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 02:43:28 am
content: damn thats the kind of book you fall asleep reading and wake up in 1950ill read it in the day then i might do something from it lol

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 10:43:55 am
content: Quote from: coppercone2 on June 10, 2025, 02:43:28 amThe physics hasn't changed since then; it is still authoritative. Later stuff will tend to be dumbed down, in a pretty font and with pleasing colours in the diagrams.Your choice

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 01:19:16 pm
content: I got scared when it said "sir" in the humerus anecdotehard to justify that kind of respect nowadays!The authors stomach must not have been turning because they still had christmas bonus and a moderately useful pension planmaybe its a sign that the mathematics is relevant and comprehensible rather then added to fulfill a filter requirement (I mean a paper filter to accept the literature). Now its like "we can fool him if we add a large sigma and some subscript somewhere!"
better alcohol pump? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2025, 08:06:36 am
content: Does a good one exist that won't evaporate it? Same idea as alcohol pump. I noticed you get what you pay for.I can try many things. I suspect none of them work without losing acetone to leaking and evaporation.Has anyone had any luck with this solvent?I threw two of those pumps out recently, cheap knockoffs, because they leak. I replaced it with a better one and its OK but I don't think its good enough for acetone. I was thinking maybe it should have a valve or gasket screw cap so you can really isolate it when you are not using it for a while.

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2025, 08:59:47 pm
content: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/looking-for-flux-and-alcohol-dispenser-bottles-in-the-us-preferablly-retail/Some of the cheap plastic ones are better than the expensive brands.You can buy prefilled ones here for a few dollars, works OKhttps://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/Equate-Beaut-100-Ac-tone-Dissolvant-pour-vernis-ongles-avec-embout-pompe/6000200715616?selectedSellerId=0&wl13=3057&gStoreCode=3057&gQT=1

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2025, 10:51:02 pm
content: Hmm. I did find this thing. But it feels a little like it might not be a wise financial decision.https://www.justrite.com/dispensing-can-nonmetallic-with-brass-dispenser-valves-4-ounce-translucent-polyethylene-white-14002Although, If you are doing something that needs acetone and professionally, for instance tig welding aluminum, that might be a good choice for a money shop when its paired with a dynasty 400 and a 12k fume extractor + a safety manager.
Has anyone used this scanner? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MissionCompleted
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 22, 2025, 04:29:25 pm
content: https://www.artec3d.com/portable-3d-scanners/artec-leoWhy are pro 3D scanners so expensive?Artec Leo costs about 20 times more than something like a Revopoint (which is under $2K). Has anyone here actually tried the Leo? Is it really worth that kind of money?

author: ZGoode
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 22, 2025, 08:37:32 pm
content: I haven't used anything from Artec, but I am very familiar with Keyence and Hexagon's offerings. A lot of what you are paying for with the big established companies is the calibration and software features. With the industrial and professional grade scanners it is a lot easier to actually trust your data, assuming you follow the recommended calibration schedules.It really depends what your end use case is, if you really need the calibrations/tolerances, and if this is for business or hobby use. If it is for business use, buying a more expensive scanner like that is absolutely worth it. I know for us, our Keyence VR series are absolutely irreplacable and have actually replaced a CMM for a lot of what we do.
Recommendations for small/simple 5x5mm tac-button pusher for camtrac test jig - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 01:37:01 am
content: I'm looking for a small actuator/servo that I can add to the top of a camtrac jig for pushing tactile buttons down as part of the testing process.The travel can can be quite small, 5mm would probably be fine, and the force is minimal. Standard 5x5mm TH tack button.This is for a small home-business production line doing 50-100pcs production runs, I don't need the high reliability of a professionally production jig.So hobby RC stuff is probably ok.Physical size is a consideration. The tact button centers are 21mm apart. and the height is somewhat limited by being able to fit it into the camtrac but i can design around the size to some degree.Anyone got any recommendations?RC micro servos was my first idea.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 10, 2025, 02:57:53 am
content: Yeah, RC micro servos or more simply some solenoids with plungers.It should be pretty easy to control multiple small RC servos with a microcontroller/Arduino. They are probably also cheaper and easier to source than solenoids unless you already have some laying around.Both should allow a bit of flexibility in terms of mounting and directing the actuation force either directly or via some type of actuator/lever.I needed to do something similar on a test jig where mains in present, but the jig is in China so for now they just use a wooden stick as it is just one button but on several slightly different products.

author: Njk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 06:04:38 pm
content: A lever-amplified piezo actuators, although not exactly small and simple. Something like thishttps://www.dynamic-structures.com/piezo-actuators#FPA

author: Skashkash
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 06:39:20 pm
content: Maybe one of those small stepper assemblies you see all over aliexpress and ebay?https://www.ebay.com/itm/186361499675Quite a few variants out there.

author: Njk
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 07:28:44 pm
content: A trash solution: cheap vibration motors from ali

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 26, 2025, 09:32:07 pm
content: What about an MGN12 rails and a wheel with a spring that rolls over all the buttons.Or make a two motor system. One motor on the MGN12 rails that moves a carriage, and on the carriage a hobby RC servo. Something like the link below. This really smells like an opportunity to make a useless machine useful
pickling and surfactants? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2025, 01:15:31 am
content: If you are pickling something (i.e. citric acid bath, or possibly something stronger), does it make sense to add a little soap or something to reduce the surface tension of the liquid so it penetrates voids better? Or maybe help the reaction by some other way?
round nose tweezers (or very sharp pliers) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2025, 08:34:24 am
content: I wanted a round nose bending tool that has a long taper and a very sharp point.The best I found is this, where the end of the round nose is cut off to 0.7mmhttps://www.techni-tool.com/product/844PL114-7590I though tweezers built like this could be even finer nose. Does anything like that exist?For bending tiny wire loops

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 02:31:33 pm
content: You can use a grinding stone to make the tip a bit thinner if you want. With a motor driven stone you have to watch out for overheating, but you don't need to remove a lot of material, so a hand stone could be just fine.I also suggest you start doing this on some USD 5 plier.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 04:30:39 pm
content: Beadsmith have a wide range of wire forming tools, but maybe not as small as you want. 1.0mm is typically the smallest used for jewelry.https://www.beadsmith.com/pliers_and_tools

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2025, 08:16:50 pm
content: Quote from: Doctorandus_P on May 11, 2025, 02:31:33 pmhow do you keep it round??
ISA CAP Certificate Value? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: coffeecup
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 08, 2025, 04:48:02 am
content: As an individual working with automated systems for twenty years, operator then management, and now desiring a career change towards an automation engineer and working on embedded systems, is the International Society of Automation Certified Automation Professional certification (CAP) a sound recommendation to start that process?I work in the maritime industry and will soon need to relocate to the greater Chicago/Lake Michigan area for family reasons. I'm lacking resources to pursue an engineering degree in earnest, am currently starting a family, and hope to avoid taking another middle management position I'm not very interested in. And so I'm curious if a CAP can get my foot in the door with an engineering firm that works on automation/embedded/control systems. My hobby is embedded C programming and I believe embedded systems shows promise of growth in the future. If I can land a job maybe a future employer will be willing to sponsor further education down the line.