hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
How do you deal with a waste? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: olkipukki
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 01:43:16 pm
content: <subj>I guess depends from country and regulations, but more or less same approach apply everywhere.How did you deal with a waste (leftover and expired solder paste, PCBs etc)?

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2019, 02:31:48 pm
content: Paste manufacturers will take back and recycle scrap solder.In the EU the WEEE directive applies, certified people ca dispose of your scrap PCBs etc for you, depending on the market some of it is technically worth money, other times the service costs you. If its you in a shed.. -> Bin!
Varible Z axis milling on PCB's   How do you present the gerbers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 04:07:56 am
content: How do you present the gerbers for variable depth z axis milling?

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 05:22:38 am
content: not back drilling. Milling out peices at varible depths.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 05:24:44 am
content: wonder if you supplied gerbers for each depth.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 08:52:52 am
content: If profile in theXY plane is same , simply copmplete the pass art a fixed Z value and then repeat at a new Z value .The new value will be determined by the cutter You are using and the chip load it can tolerate.Dont forget the weave and weft of FR4 will present significant load as the tool cuts into it.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 09:22:47 am
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on February 24, 2019, 08:52:52 amthat becomes the manufacturers problem!

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 24, 2019, 10:38:08 am
content: You're outside the domain of Gerbers. Create a mechanical drawing and instruct fab to use it as a final milling step. They will translate it into g-code or whatever, and handle the tools and paths themselves (hopefully?).Tim
Full size, full speed chinese p&p - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2019, 03:54:35 pm
content: Just noticed a UK reseller is selling what appears to be a Chinese pick 'n Place that appears to rival machines from more established players. The machines are fromhttps://www.faroadsmt.com/max component height isn't mentioned but everything else seems to measure up. They seem to sell everything for a whole line, no idea if some of the other bits have been available outside China before without the branding.. wouldn't surprise me.Some of the language used is.. interesting and quotes frankly .. suspect.
Is there a clear adhesive tape like Kapton tape but without the yellow tint? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: e100
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 21, 2019, 10:02:07 pm
content: A Google search turns up packing tape which generally isn't weatherproof or 'all weather' tape which tends to be thick and as a consequence isn't as flexible as typical Kapton tape.What key words or brand names should I be looking for?

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2019, 01:13:10 pm
content: What do you want in it though?If I were to read into your example of Kapton(R) (polyimide), I might guess you need a whole host of things -- it's rather amazing stuff actually!If all you need is environmental, then almost anything "outdoors" will do -- from rubber tape to polyester film to aluminum (real duct tape).If you want the stiff feel and high strength of polyimide, polyester (Mylar(R)) is probably the closest colorless one you'll find.Tim

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2019, 01:51:59 pm
content: Quote from: T3sl4co1l on February 22, 2019, 01:13:10 pmNot to mention the temperature stability up to 400°C and the good electrical isolation properties, which probably come to mind first for many forum users! If you need either of these, that will narrow your choice quite a bit...

author: tsman
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2019, 02:11:17 pm
content: 3M 852RW tape?No clue where you actually buy it though...

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2019, 03:38:07 pm
content: Quote from: e100 on February 21, 2019, 10:02:07 pmA roll of tape from a dollar store meets these requirements. What are you looking for?

author: JacobPilsen
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 22, 2019, 08:44:58 pm
content: "Colourless polyimide"
Avnet down ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 20, 2019, 04:36:49 am
content: I ordered some parts in January from Avnet. First, they showed some delay, yesterday it jumped to delivery in MAY!I've been trying to call them for 2 days. Maybe they were off for President's day, but Tuesday their phone system just hangs up after zero - 2 rings. I tried from different phones, too. All their other numbers have recorded messages that whatever service (accounts payable, etc. have been outsourced, please contact on web athttp://blahblahAnybody know what is going on there? Just phone system down or something worse?Thanks, and didn't quite know where to put this message.Jon
JLCPCB "Via To Trace" spacing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 13, 2019, 01:32:44 pm
content: Athttps://jlcpcb.com/capabilities/Capabilitiestrace to trace spacing is specified to be 3.5mil, but I just noticed there is a "via to trace" spacing spec which is 5mil. Why is this different from trace spacing? I don't remember ever seeing a spec like this anywhere else.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 01:57:35 pm
content: There is no real "trace to trace" spacing.I dunno why jcl listrs those things.There is a minimum tracewidh and there is a minum clearance between traces.When there is a via, there usually is a hole in itand that might have something to do with it.It's also possible that jcl simply ignores your design rules and adjusts a whole load of settings / tolerances to their own liking

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 06:46:03 pm
content: Probably the dimensional tolerance of their etching is better than their drilling, so they want generous clearance around holes (and presumably, annular ring as well, unless partial ring is acceptable to you; see IPC-A-600).Tim

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 16, 2019, 04:17:05 am
content: But the spacing is between the outer edge of the annular ring and the trace (see attached). I would think this should be the same as the clearance spec which is 3.5mil? Unless you mean the drill hole could wander outside of the annular ring entirely and cut off the trace?

author: cgroen
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 16, 2019, 09:04:20 am
content: Why not simply just ask JLCPCB ? I have found that they are responding to questions almost immediately when I have had questions for them.
JCD Connectors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TimCambridge
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 06:42:26 pm
content: There are tons of JCD (Jing Cheng Da) connectors on Alibaba and similar. They seem to be quite a big company so I assume that the quality is OK, but there's very little info that I can scan for reassurance.I expect their connectors have middle-market quality and availability. Reasonable?Is there a catalog of their USB connectors anywhere? I've scanned about, but all I can find is some pictures on Alibaba and AliExpress and that doesn't help my search for a "reverse pinout" micro-USB socket.
AllPCB PCBA Web Site  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TimCambridge
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 06:51:33 pm
content: I cannot use the AllPCB PCBA web site (www.allpcb/pcba) - it continuously moves/flashes/clears on Chrome, on Firefox, and on Edge.Any web guru know how this can be fixed? I suspect that the animation of the "Special Offer" on the page has been applied to the whole page.

author: Rolo
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 07:00:43 pm
content: You can try "incognito" mode in chrome.

author: TimCambridge
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 07:44:51 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestion. But I have just tried it, it didn't work.

author: sleemanj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 12, 2019, 09:40:07 pm
content: Yes they have a bug in their code.Open your javascript console (CTRL-SHIFT-J in chrome), paste the followingCode:var fixit = function(){jQuery('div.container.bounceInLeft').each(function(i,x){x.className = '';}); window.setTimeout(fixit,500);}; fixit();and hit enter.it should disable the problem.

author: TimCambridge
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 06:28:26 pm
content: Thanks to @sleemanj. And now AllPCB have fixed it as well.
LPKF Contac RS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mattbrockuk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 14, 2019, 02:26:47 pm
content: HiI've got the pleasure of owning a LPKF Contac RS, the chemical pricing is astronomical (£3000! for a set). I've noticed people are creating their own through hole activator solution, which seems quite good - but I'm wondering what they use for the cleaning stages - the material data sheet just says sodium metaborate. I think its important part of the process as it removes oils etc.. that are on the PCB after drilling and general handling.DIY Activator -Thanks in advanceMatt
Solder fountain - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 01, 2019, 12:59:07 am
content: Is anybody running a solder fountain?What brand?How is Your experience with the equipment?

author: Capa-Alpha
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 05:51:44 am
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on February 01, 2019, 12:59:07 amAir-Vac makes a pretty good one called the PCBRM-15, but it is expensive, about US$20,000 for a fully loaded system, probably double that in Australia. But it's super heavy-duty and the PCBRM series has been around for over 30 years ... they last forever. seewww.air-vac-eng.com/Through%20Hole%20Rework_PCBRM15.html.Hakko also produces a cheap solder fountain, but it's trash.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 09:50:42 am
content: I'm not convinced a machine like that would be legal in an EU workplace (scorching hot, moving parts and uncovered) depending on your H&S rules and if you employ people I think that is always something worth thinking about.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 11:57:52 am
content: Yes I am aware of Airvac's offering. Too expensive for my budget and second hand gear is not worth investing in.Especially older style of solderpot being asked to work with aggressive lead free alloy.As for EU rules...what happens in EU etc.... the laws are an artificial protectionist scheme .

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 07, 2019, 02:20:16 pm
content: No they really aren't. If someone can do something bloody stupid and hurt themselves they will, likewise if an employer can cut a corner or make it more likely an employee will do something stupid, quite a few of them will too. It all depends how you like your lawsuit, before the accident for 10s of thousands or after it for millions.
SupremePCB has anyone ever heard of this company/website? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kitcyte2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 15, 2019, 02:33:36 am
content: I haven't heard any reviews or feedback regarding them, but they are offering a very low quotation for a FPC. I'm skeptical, but has anyone ever heard or used them before? They're supposedly based out of Malaysia and will only accept TT, which is ringing warning bells for me.http://supremepcbsolutions.com/index.html
JBC soldering tools - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: MD Kowshik
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 07:48:13 am
content: Where can I get JBC Soldering tools in usa?

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 02, 2019, 08:43:14 pm
content: http://www.lmgtfy.com/?q=JBC+soldering+tools+where+to+buy+USA
Affordable PCB and PCBA service?  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: kitcyte2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:15:20 pm
content: Hi my PCB design has a BGA chip and a <= 2 mil trace width. Our current PCB and PCBA supplier in China is not available during the CNY. Does anyone have any suggestions on an affordable (<=$200 USD) fab and PCBA service who can produce and possibly assemble 10-25 PCBs within a 2 week or less time frame? We are currently using flexible PCBs, but FR-4 rigid should be fine.We've already looked at some companies out of India but they didn't have the capabilities. US companies tend to be high in price as well. We're currently taking a look at some South Korean companies as well but nothing fruitful as of yet. Thanks!

author: rea5245
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:31:28 pm
content: It looks like China might not be shutting down as completely as it has in the past. JLCPCB is saying "Factory Opens During Spring Festival Holiday. Standard Prototype PCB Orders Can Be Proceeded As Usual". Elecrow says "Elecrow will have a seven-day CNY holiday from 4th to 11th in Feb" (7 days is shorter than shutdowns have been in the past.) ALLPCB says they'll only be shut down for 3 days.So don't give up on Chinese manufacturers. Someone might be able to do your job.- Bob

author: kitcyte2
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 05:56:19 pm
content: Hi Bob, thanks for the reply. We've been searching around for the past few days. JLCPCB and Allpcb all have track width capability above our 2 mil requirement unfortunately.
Quick 861DW - air leakage from handle? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: joeyjoejoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 12:57:03 am
content: Can someone else with a Quick 861DW let me know if you can feel some air leaking from the handpiece? Mine seems to be coming from around the green accent piece of plastic on the handle.

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 08:55:01 am
content: Mine doesn't leak from the handle as far as I'm aware, but the hose inside the unit was kinked so badly it had naff all airflow. QC at quick is probably a bit of a hit and miss affair. We might as well mention the temperature calibration too...it was 50degC hotter than displayed. Both where easily fixed.

author: joeyjoejoe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 06, 2019, 06:57:45 pm
content: Okay. I twisted the base of the handle off, re-seated the green piece and tightened the bottom again and it seems greatly reduced.
Absolutely bizarre 3D printing mishap - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 03:04:18 am
content: I just 3D printed a pair (or though I did) of 45 degree brackets for my Asus portable monitor. I plan to use the bracket to hold the monitor tilting downwards for me to see more clearly (the monitor sits on my giant 12" scope).I managed to fit 2 models within the printing area, and I did a test print. The first pass it printed, but something went wrong. I modified support structure and gave it a second go, and this time it worked.What was bizarre is the second print only yielded one part. The monitor LCD showed 2 parts being printed, and I double checked the sliced file and indeed it has two models in it.The second part simply vanished -- not to be found on the platform, not floating in the resin tank, and not stuck on the bed. The second part simply vanished without a trace.Naturally, I suspected if half of the LCD was broken and only half of the printing area was exposed, so I did a UV test. It turns out the lithography LCD and the UV lamp are all fine.So, what could have happened?The printer is an Anycubic Photon, with stock green resin. I would like to give it another try with some engineering resin, I would like to know what happened to my previous printing?

author: ANTALIFE
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:27:10 am
content: Try printing a big flat sheet and see if half of it becomes missing?

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:58:21 am
content: Check if the two models in the slice file have exactly the same location.

author: OwO
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 07:29:03 am
content: When in doubt always blame the software

author: Fred27
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 10:34:49 am
content: You can preview the .photon file and that shows you each image that is projected onto the LCD. It's also shown on the front of the printer as it prints. Does that contain two parts?If it fails to adhere to the build platform then you'll get a flattened version stuck to the FEP film on the base of the vat. I assume you looked for this though.Sorry. Just re-read and you've checked both of these. Very odd indeed.
JLC PCB stackup layer spacing - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 04:55:48 am
content: JLC PCB has an FAQ entry about stackups withpicturesindicating a 0.18 mm prepreg between top and inner1 (for a 4-layer).However, they also have.stackup files suitable for Altiumthat, for 4-layer boards, show two different stackups. The same two stackups are shownhere. Here, depending on the fiberglass weave, one gets either 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm between outer and inner layers.I took some measurements fromDave's sectionof the board (loaded the image into an editor, counted pixels between layers and scaled by the 1.6mm board thickness); it seems to show something more like 0.22mm. Given the image resolution, the error is ~0.05mm assuming no parallax.Does anyone know which one is actually used for 4-layer prototypes? I'm hoping to make a microstrip or CPW to route some traces at ~600 MHz.

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 05:19:38 am
content: Duh - I see now that they have included a drop-down next to the 'Impedance' section of the quote page with two options: JLC7628 and JLC2313. These are the names given to the .stackup files they offer for download.@blueskull could you send me a link to their forum? I can't figure out the right combination of keywords for Google. Thanks!

author: radar_macgyver
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 25, 2019, 06:23:42 am
content: Thanks, that was most useful! For reference, JLC produced a test coupon for both their 4-layer stackups, and they measured a section to get 7.6 mil = 0.2mm height. For JLC7628 with a CPWG 12.8 mil = 0.33mm trace, 20 mil (0.508mm) clearance, they measured 50 ohm.They also posted trace geometry for JLC2313.
PCB RoHS marking and certificate of conformance for CE. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: GreggD
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2019, 02:28:20 pm
content: PCB Shopper is great but what pcb vendors will mark boards RoHS and provide a certificate of conformance for CE ?Or do I have to use, say Advanced Circuits ?
Trying to track down SONY robot programming manual - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: HHaase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2019, 02:45:25 pm
content: I stumbled on a good deal for a local machine, a Sony 'Cast-U' gantry robot with an Apollo Seiko solder controller. Everything seems to be working just fine, but I don't have any documentation on the SONY side of things.Any chance you guys may have worked with one of these in the past, or know where I can find programming instructions?Worst case is I'll convert it to MACH3 at some point, but I've got more important places to spend the money if I can put that off for a while.-Hans

author: nsrmagazin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2019, 04:44:44 pm
content: Where did you stumble on it? The seller should have the documentation.

author: HHaase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2019, 05:09:16 pm
content: Seller had no documentation, I did ask.Sony shut down their industrial robot division over a decade ago, so can't go that route either.

author: nsrmagazin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2019, 09:32:13 pm
content: Quote from: HHaase on January 11, 2019, 05:09:16 pmEven if its 10 years ago, they still might have some support for it. Such things are expensive and should be with a long term support. You can ask them, however its not certain that they will want to help you.Your other option is experience, if I were you I'd look up "robot programming forum" in google.com(NOT bing.com).

author: HHaase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 04:40:31 pm
content: Sony shut down their whole Manufacturing Systems Division about 15 years ago, and the distributors I spoke with also said there is no source for support.All I've found so far is a couple youtube videos.Not a huge deal though. I may just get a Mach3 controller and convert it to a newer system anyway. All the hardware is just fine, and everything works, just a matter of how to program.

author: nsrmagazin
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2019, 07:13:24 am
content: The programming is done in "Assembler" or "C".Here is a good link:https://www.robot-forum.com/robotforum/

author: HHaase
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2019, 05:06:51 pm
content: It actually uses a teaching pendant, but there are a few critical steps that aren't clear in how they operate.The biggest ones are how to save a program into one of the memory locations.I'll check that forum out, see if somebody there has used them in the past.
reed relays ultrasonic cleaning ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: robse
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 07:56:45 pm
content: Hi there,I have some boards with MS05-1A87-75LHR reed relays (many of them, 12 per board).I would like to know if standard ultrasonic cleaning (22 or 40 Khz) with a saponifier/water for flux removal can damage the inside of the reed relays.I've found online references where some manufacturers state that with ultrasound damage can happen on relays, but I didn't find anything on the Standex Meder websiteWhat do you think ?Thank you,Robse
Neoden 4 feeder protocol - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: hcglitte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2019, 03:42:22 pm
content: Hi,Does anyone have any knowledge regarding the Neoden 4 feeder CAN bus protocol?Or could someone be so kind to grab the data with a logic analyzer?There are some pictures of the internal PCB inside the feeder where the CAN Bus transceiver chip is, so the single ended data is available for easier capture by normal logic analyzers.

author: hcglitte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2019, 02:32:48 pm
content: I contacted Neoden, and they will not provide any information regarding the protocol.
Prevent balls from merging during reball - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zzattack
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2019, 08:06:44 pm
content: I'm wondering what factors play a role in BGA balls shifting when applying heat (using IR), and more specifically, how to prevent them from shifting so close to each other that they merge.Factors I could imagine having some influence are- amount of flux (too little: not tacky enough? too much: floating too easy?)- recommended kind of flux (some sort of tacky gel, any recommendations?)- soldering temperature (or even profile?). Most hot-plates don't seem to be more temperature dial and maybe an alarm, so that's hard to do.- duration of heating; give it a few more seconds after you see the balls flow? or best to stick to a set duration?Any guidelines or recommendations are appreciated.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 10, 2019, 08:14:21 pm
content: Use less flux. If balls are submerged in tacky flux they will try to merge.
Test rig - original vendor? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2019, 11:52:02 am
content: Hi all,We're looking to purchase a test rig, along the lines of below:https://buy.macaos.com/products/test-jig-120x80mm-boardWe've seen many use similar test rigs online, but we've been unable to find the original manufacturer of this. While we could buy it via the above link, we're hoping to find the original manufacturer as we'll need quite a few of these.Any of you have an idea of where this might come from or be available?If you know similar test rigs at lower cost, we'd also be interested.Best,Martin

author: beanflying
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 06, 2019, 12:22:05 pm
content: Find a local CNC capable plastic fabricator and get them made to suit your design or needs. Best if you can in that instance YOU do a lot of the design as you know what tolerances are needed for the pogo pins and test fixtures.The clamps are nothing special (modified toggle clamp with maybe a sleeve bearing on the shaft for accuracy) and the frame is a simple Laser or CNC routing job. Base frame could be good quality Ply (what I think the link shows for the base frame) or Plastics.If you buy 10 from my I bid 749 euros each and I willhave a European holidaypersonally deliver themedit added link for the clamphttps://www.banggood.com/GH305C-Toggle-Clamp-BRH-500-Lbs-32mm-Plunger-227Kg-Holding-Capacity-Push-Pull-p-1392937.html?gmcCountry=AU&currency=AUD&createTmp=1&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cpc_elc&utm_content=frank&utm_campaign=pla-brand-elc2-au-pc-0517&gclid=Cj0KCQiA68bhBRCKARIsABYUGic52zcUCRISZyeZtuJfCdo2h5jSDfAlsPiAZ9qvOwXtIUBdC1Q1QGAaAtAEEALw_wcB&cur_warehouse=CN

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2019, 03:05:39 pm
content: What is the purpose of your jig? There are many test jig vendors out there, with price range of few 100Euro to tens of thousands Euro.

author: SWR
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2019, 08:49:04 pm
content: I bought this one to play around with:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PCBA-Test-Tooling-PCB-Test-Rack-Universal-Embryo-Rack-Universal-Test-Rack-Empty-Rack-Jig/32919411165.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dyaOobvIt's propably not the original vendor but it's quite cheap and they do custom sizes.I'm planning to 3D print the needle and pressure plates and build DPS5005 PSUs, DMMs, load resistors and J-link programmers into the bottom tray.

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2019, 07:49:52 am
content: Thanks all!
JST PH 6 connector on Mouser - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: gaminn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2019, 12:38:16 pm
content: Hi guys,I'm looking for this connector:https://www.ebay.com/itm/2000-x-JST-PH-2-0mm-Pitch-6-Pin-Male-Straight-Connector-Shrouded-Header-PCB-Pack/183008520629?hash=item2a9c2869b5:g:BDQAAOSwAL9UhbE6:rk:2:pf:0.I found it on digikey:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/jst-sales-america-inc/B6B-PH-K-S-LF-SN/455-1708-ND/926615However, I prefer buying from Mouser. Can you help me find this connector on Mouser?Thanks

author: Gribo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 09, 2019, 12:44:53 pm
content: If you don't mind using a Tyco PN:https://www.mouser.ca/ProductDetail/TE-Connectivity-AMP/1735446-6?qs=sGAEpiMZZMs%252bGHln7q6pm9XXV%2fJjz6YwRw2QhSk%2fJbQ%3d
custom size solder stencil - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zero9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 08:43:37 am
content: Hello, i have need to reball few bga ic, but i cant find the 90x90mm stencil for reballing station for my package. So i am planning to make it.Right not only place where i found to make that size is oshstencil. Maybe there is some other places where members have ordered?To understand what i need, here is the picture of example:

author: rbm
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 05:10:08 pm
content: Have you checkedJLCPCB?

author: zero9
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 05:22:07 pm
content: Yes. they dont offer custom sizes. I didnt want to cut it out by myself.

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 07:40:03 pm
content: Did you look at Aliexpress? There are tons of various stencils for reballing.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 03, 2019, 08:35:33 pm
content: JLCPBC and Allpcb will make it for you. Pick an unframed stencil, and draw a outline around where you want it cut. In the notes make a note that you want it cut out to the outline.

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2019, 11:16:48 pm
content: Anybody can do it. I ordered similarly designed stencil from at least a couple of vendors. OSHstrencil and elecrow the ones I remember
Sources for "U type" / hook pin headers? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LapTop006
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 02, 2019, 10:25:36 am
content: This sort of thing:Often used for heatsink holddowns.I'm trying to find an actual source for these the likely actually has some, everything I've been able to find is tiny manufacturers just saying "please enquire" (or their AliExpress storefronts).I don't mind buying 1000 if they're below US10c a piece.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2019, 04:06:09 pm
content: Took a bit of hunting, but the magic word seems to be “U type”.E.g.https://www.elecbee.com/en/pin-header-connector/1927-254mm-pin-header-single-row-u-type-2-pin-through-hole.htmlI may grab some myself, they’d make awfully nice test points!

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 05, 2019, 04:16:46 pm
content: Further research found a discussion of these on this forum — with Digi-Key links:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/u-shaped-pinheader/

author: LapTop006
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 06, 2019, 04:29:22 am
content: Quote from: tooki on January 05, 2019, 04:16:46 pmWell that explains why I didn't find them, of course you'd put such things in the "Fans, Thermal Management > Thermal - Accessories" category...Much appreciated, part numberHS334-NDis exactly what I was after.

author: Doofenshmirtz
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 07, 2019, 05:52:00 am
content: FWIW, if you need this for clipping a probe instead of as a mechanical fastener, the keyword "test point" will find you a bunch. I use this style:https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/keystone-electronics/5001/36-5001-ND/255327
PCB with square ended slots - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 30, 2018, 09:01:40 pm
content: I'd expect that a slot in a PCB would be routed with a round spinning tool. But can square ended slots be made inexpensively?

author: Kasper
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2018, 09:34:13 pm
content: I'm not sure about square end but if you want flat end you could try an 'I' shaped slot

author: ConKbot
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2018, 12:01:07 am
content: Yes, if you're ordering a few thousand+ 1-2 layer boards that get die-cut. Otherwise youre looking at laser routing (extra machine/step so definitely a cost-adder) or adding relief/clearance cuts, which will add a bit of cost if the board house has to move down to a smaller diameter cutter (slower feed for the mill, more time on the machine) though it should be minor if its just a tool change and detailing a few slots.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2018, 12:06:38 am
content: Only in mass production by creating a punch and die, which generally has looser tolerances than routing and usually is only used for really low cost PCBs.If you need something with sharp corners to fit into the slot then you can use “dog bone” ends on the slot. (This is different from the “dog bone” traces used for BGA fan-out)

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2018, 01:20:59 am
content: You can approach a square ended slot by drilling out corners of the notional square and routing in the usual way.Routing bits come in a variety of diameters and a discussion with your PCB shop is in order. ( We use 1 and 2 mm chip breaker bits to rout slots and shapes).

author: T3sl4co1l
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2018, 05:53:38 am
content: Phenolic boards are often punched rather than drilled. These are mostly seen in old equipment (~40s to 80s?) made for mass production (~millions qty), with varieties of CEM and FR being more common today.AFAIK, if you aren't doing more than ~100k of something, you'll be hard pressed to save enough money by switching away from FR-4 to justify the change.If you need to fit a square object in the slot, you can dogbone the corners to get a better fit. I did that on a part of my power flashlight,Tim

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 31, 2018, 10:52:54 am
content: OK no square slots and a complete change of planI was hoping to just join two PCB's together and solder them at right angles to each other but use a PCIe card edge so that I had the option for being able to insert into a regular socket. I think i will just use pin headers. That way I just choose if i want the socket or if I just insert the header and solder straight on.
Low cost alternatives to MacroFab and CircuitHub? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 03:38:17 pm
content: Hi all,We're looking to produce fairly straight-forward PCBs (5 cm x 8 cm, ~40 unique components) in volumes of 500 to 1000 units per batch.In the past we've used Circuithub and we've also looked at MacroFab - but we're interested in identifying other alternative assembly options.Ideally we're looking for something that is low cost at the above volumes, ideally produced in USA, Canada or Europe.Would love to hear any suggestions/experiences!Thanks,Martin

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 06:06:00 pm
content: Quote from: Martin F on December 27, 2018, 03:38:17 pmthose geographies preclude low costs. What makes China unsuitable?

author: Martin F
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 06:47:26 pm
content: Hi, we’ve also considered china, but we’ve heard very different views. Some find it good, while others consider it a major risk - depending of course also on the specific assembly house. We’re open to inputs on good Chinese options as well.So far we’ve worked with a US option, which we’ve been happy with (but now looking to expand our options). Since we’ve had luck with the US option we’d be ready to pay a premium vs Chinese options - though still aiming for something low cost within US/Europe.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 07:39:45 pm
content: Quote from: Martin F on December 27, 2018, 06:47:26 pmTheres good and bad in every market. You just have to do your homework. I'd say your premium is 200-300% over china.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 28, 2018, 10:50:57 am
content: I can't suggest anyone specifically in your regions, but check out this listhttps://www.crowdsupply.com/providersYou can see providers who have worked on various Crowd Supply projects, and click through on those projects to read the updates and see how things went.Maybe even contact the project teams for more info.

author: ardisk
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 29, 2018, 10:14:05 am
content: I've made some research some time ago about this question.If you're looking for a low cost PCB manufacturing & assembly service in Europe I'd recommend youwww.pcbgo.ccorwww.aisler.net.I have worked with both and they offered very good quality. AISLER (I'm not sure if they offer PCBA) is based in Germany, while PCBGO is based in Spain.PCBGO offers free shipping for orders over €100. As well, if your company has European ID you don't pay VAT.
GC10 flux deposits on oven surfaces - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 25, 2018, 10:31:51 pm
content: What are you guys using to clean your ovens? Do you clean your ovens? The downside of GC10 seems to be hard to remove brown/orange and kinda sticky crap everywhere. It's almost so bad that I'm considering going back to 'conventional' pastes that either barely deposit, or at least wipe off easily.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 07:24:07 am
content: sandblast it off with dry ice.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 04:59:13 pm
content: Tetrachloroethylene, aka Dry Cleaning Fluid. or perchloroethylene Sometimes called PERC. You need to be careful not to inhale the vapours, its not good for you.it cleans my Vapour Phase machine really easily, and i'm using GC10. Theres another Henkel paste that is water soluble, but that gives you a differnet set of problems to deal with.. ( GC10 is not going to need 'cleaning' off boards ), but if you use the water soluble one, it will.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 05:08:54 pm
content: Quote from: IconicPCB on December 26, 2018, 07:24:07 amyou got me on this one, how does this work?

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 06:49:56 pm
content: Sweet thanks, will give that a go.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 07:51:37 pm
content: needless to say, dont' use it on anything hot!!!

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 08:20:34 pm
content: dry ice comes in granules.Use it in a "sand blaster" it will knock off dirt and grime . At the same time it changes phase directly from solid to gas leaving dirt and may be some condensed water post the cleaning process.A well defined cleaning process.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2018, 08:34:36 pm
content: Quote from: D3f1ant on December 26, 2018, 06:49:56 pmWhat part of the country are you Defiant?
Austria Semi chip manufacturing availability ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 06, 2018, 08:28:39 pm
content: We have been making our own chips for nuclear physics research projects using the ON Semi fab through MOSIS for about 12 years. As that process is getting harder to access, we just moved over to the Austria Micro process, also offered through MOSIS. Now, we have one chip just about ready to go, and a second about halfway done, and MOSIS says "last call" is Dec 10! 4 days to go, including a weekend! YIKES! If they gave some warning, we sure missed it.Doing some poking around, AMS seems to no longer be pushing their semi fab on their web site, and it looks like they are changing to a focus on sensors and away from ordinary IC fab. Does anybody know anything? Is AMS closing their fab? Or, is this just a termination between AMS and MOSIS? We are not getting any answers from people who surely know.Thanks,Jon

author: Nauris
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2018, 05:44:15 pm
content: Europractice says:"Do not start new projects with ams technologies. The ams MPW runs are only available for existing projects"also:*ON Semi is experiencing a line load issue for theforeseeable future that pushes out delivery up to 26 weeksBut if you have small chips, IHP SGB25V (0.25um SiGe:C BiCMOS) is cheap, run twice a year

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 19, 2018, 11:54:39 pm
content: Quote from: Nauris on December 08, 2018, 05:44:15 pmEuropractice has not replied, yet, but CMP (France) is quite responsive, and they seem to assure AMS availability through 2019, and maybe through 2020.That is good enough for us to continue with a design ALREADY in progress. For any further designs, then we are definitely up in the air again.Jon
My first PCB: Eagle .brd looks like postage stamp in fab preview - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ALonda
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 02:43:15 pm
content: Im doing something wrong, or missing something?It passed design checks, exported gerber files, loaded them up on JLCPCB web interface to have them fabbed, but the preview looks like its the size of a postage stamp and it complains about not finding an outline.these are the files (.brd, .sch, gerbers, .cam):http://endemic.nkwanta.net/clock.zipjoonicks.cam is the export script.I know the design is a bit overengineered and could be made with much fewer chips, and the segmented leds are going to be mounted in a sort of standing position so 5 of the legs will be airborne.Im open to changing to a different cad program./A

author: jfiresto
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 06:54:40 pm
content: Have you tried giving the lines in the "20 Dimension" layer, a positive thickness, say, 0.001 inches?

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2018, 09:51:51 pm
content: Quote from: ALonda on December 24, 2018, 02:43:15 pmMake sure you export the "board outline" Gerber. The fab shop will work it out from that.

author: ALonda
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 12:49:08 pm
content: Eagle has no 'export "board outline" Gerber', however, I changed the thickness of the outline to like 0.0012 instead of 0, no changeI exported layer 20 in all files, top silkscreen only, separate file, ... still nothing...When I put it in a separate file, the gerber viewer even recognizes it as "board outline file", but STILL cant find an outline...

author: charliex
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2018, 07:40:31 pm
content: yeah it does, its called mechanical, though you can call it what you like.some gerber viewers just fail at finding the outline, it should be a contiguous line. try another viewer, and make sure eagle recognises it, it'll show a black area where the outline is.check if you are using X2 or RS-274X

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 10, 2019, 06:53:14 am
content: I used our online gerber view functionhttps://www.pcbway.com/project/OnlineGerberViewerThe layer view is normal,but the board view is not. I think the reason is about your outer layer file.But the online gerber view is just for reference,I send the file to our engineer,he used Cam software to check the file. Everything is OK. So production with this file is no problem
Centroid file part rotation - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mjt
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 09:54:52 am
content: Hi all,When sending a PCB out for pick-and-place assembly, assemblers often ask for a centroid file, listing the X-Y positions of surface mount parts. It also includes a rotation.As far as I can tell, with my CAD software, the rotation it puts in the centroid file is relative to how the footprint was drawn. So a diode footprint with the cathode on the left and not rotated when placed, and a footprint with the cathode on the right then rotated 180° during board layout, would have different rotations in the centroid file. Parts like polarised capacitors are the same way.Obviously, an assembly company *could* be comparing visually to the silkscreen, but that sounds like an error-prone procedure.So how do PCB assembly companies know which way round to put diodes? Is there a standard somewhere dictating which way around I should be drawing my footprints?Thanks!

author: Styno
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 11:01:18 am
content: You’re looking for IPC landpattern standard class A (or B) standard (IPC-7351). See e.g.https://blogs.mentor.com/tom-hausherr/blog/tag/ipc-standards/

author: mjt
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 17, 2018, 10:48:01 pm
content: Thanks Styno!Now to figure out how to get a copy of IPC-7351 in a sensible format....

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2018, 12:55:06 am
content: In the ideal world yes, the package as defined in the designers CAD and as defined on the pick and place will both follow the IPC standard. However it is really not something you can rely on, on our Essemtec machine all the predefined "SO" packages are rotated 270 degrees from the IPC spec and that means so are all the packages I have subsequently created using them as starting points. Equally I sometimes even encounter chip type devices that are defined 90 degrees from the spec and sometimes even not using the component centres. So I do in fact have to use the assembly layer/silkscreen to verify what the orientation should actually be. However it is only necessary to check rotation for each specified package, not every device, then the software can create a rule that knows that every other device in that package will need rotating X degrees to match the machines definition. On Essemtec machines you typically create a rule file for every customer/datasource and that way the more often you encounter data from the same client the less work you need to do checking all the rotations.

author: Styno
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2018, 11:10:37 am
content: Thanks SMTech for bringing some real world experience in this discussion. My machines will hopefully arrive this week. I'm curious how proprietary the machine library will be.@mjt: for most packages you will be able to find IPC definitions using Google. The blog I linked already lists a whole bunch, e.gAnd inthis document (PDF).
Weird stencil pattern - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Bootalito
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 10, 2018, 11:55:09 pm
content: I just ordered by first stencil of JLPCB and the 0805 parts have a weird indent in them. Here is a picture of a row of (5) 0805 resistorsIs this normal?Here is a screenshot of the "TopPasteLayerMask" from EasyEDA, which should be what the stencil should look like. I have a couple of TH parts and I verified that there is no mask in those locations.

author: SMTech
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 12:27:03 am
content: Its not an uncommon thing to do, this reduces the amount of solder under the device which in turn reduces the chance of getting mid chip solder balls. No idea if this is typical of JLC or if they have seen something about your design that makes them think you might need it.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 06:00:08 am
content: That is quite a standard paste pad for a larger SMT ( 0805 and above ) part. that being said, i dont' use them and solder balls have never really been an issue for me.That being said, i put a LOT of work into my stencil design, and i do not want any modifications made them. When i order i place very explicit instructions in the notes, which seems to work." DO NOT ADJUST APERTURES. APPLY NO REDUCTION. MAKE AT 100% AS PER SUPPLIED GERBER "

author: Bootalito
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 12:42:41 pm
content: Quote from: mrpackethead on December 11, 2018, 06:00:08 amFYII misspoke: they are 0603 size. Would you say they are still appropriate, or less so?And thanks for the advice about the comment when buying the stencil.

author: eb4fbz
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 11, 2018, 03:42:56 pm
content: That's the recommended paste pattern for 0603. They have optimized the stencil for you.