hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
New Amiga Motherboard construction - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Yoji
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 10, 2017, 10:10:14 pm
content: OK - Apologies in advance for what will probably be a very silly question....I am an Amiga fan.. but MANY Amigas have been destroyed by RTC batteries leaking and corroding traces which ruin the Mobo's.I saw how easy it was for Dave of EEVBlog to create and get a short run of (an admittedly simple board).So.. the Amiga Mobo's are well documented (and someone probably owns patent).. but aside from that..with current technology.. how easy would it be to reproduce these Mobos? that's a 2 stage question...1. Simple Mobo.. no components at all.. just the Mobo?2. Same Mobo as 1.. but with all SMD components populated? i.e. norm Caps, resistors etc.. NOT the custom chips.. they would have to be removed from an old Mobo and populated on the new board (so lets say for all custom chips.. a socket is in place.. but no custom chip).If you not familiar with Amiga.. here is a link to details of the A4000 Mobo.. give to a feel for complexity.http://amiga.resource.cx/photos/a4000,6So my questions..1. how crazy Is this as an idea?2. ROUGHLY.. how much might yo be looking at for a 1000 piece manufacturing run? (for option 1 and 2 above).Thanks in advance for humouring meCheers

author: eugenenine
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2017, 11:57:24 pm
content: There is a german amiga forum that is doing this already.http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=72246I started redrawing the 2000 schematics in kicad thinking maybe someday I could make a board. I'd love to remake the custom chips in fpga's, each one separate instead of all combined into one like a couple of the other projects.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2017, 08:46:01 am
content: I just cleaned my A4000 from leaking battery. Initially it acted up (like memory problems), but after crude cleaning it is working Ok.So I don't think it is really worth doing such a big board. Unless the computer sits in wet storage for a long time, chances are that just cleaning the board and maybe a few bodge wires would be enough to repair such a damage. AFAIK the board is only 2 layers and memory timing was not yet that critical. Today even a simulator is an option of one really needs too.The Amiga was a great computer at it's time. However even back than, the graphics hardware got outdated rather fast. The really good part was and still is the very responsive GUI, not the hardware. But even the software is now outdated in many aspects - though at the cost of code bloat. So the Amiga now is outdated - HW and SW wise. It is still a good example to what is possible with limited HW. So today's programmers really should have a look at it to learn from and get ashamed that they need more then 100 MB for Win10 or a current Linux.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 11, 2017, 08:52:38 am
content: Quote from: Kleinstein on June 11, 2017, 08:46:01 amNope, it's 4 at least 4 layers.
pre sensitized boards and Expose the board, to a white light. and other question - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: whitevamp
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 19, 2017, 03:00:52 pm
content: ok so i am looking at making my own boards and have been doing a lot of research on them, and i new about the standard way of exposure with UV light.but then i found these boards that say they are new and require aquote : Expose the board, held in the frame, to the light of a 100 watt white light bulb.http://www.philmore-datak.com/datakpos.htmlso my question is has any one tried these boards and if so are they any good?see i plan on doing the transparency method as i have over 5000 sheets of tektronix transparency film, and thought what better use for it. trying save a few pennies here and there.or is there better less expensive way of doing this?also i saw onhttp://www.instructables.com/id/Stop-using-Ferric-Chloride-etchant!--A-better-etc/is this a good way to do this or should i just stick to FCE?or is it better to just go the toner transfer method?if so i hear everyone saying to use magazines, but my question is ho do you clean the preexisting ink in the magazine so you can print on it?
Small solder pot for assembling large PCBs in sections? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Metatronic_Mods
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 07, 2017, 09:18:57 pm
content: Hey all. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever tried soldering larger PCBs in a small size solder pot? I have these distribution bus PCBs I'm going to be selling (pic attached). Given the value of the finished product and the >250 solder points, hand soldering just wouldn't be economical. A solder pot seems like the way to go. Problem is the dimensions are an awkward 15 x 1.7" (38.1 x 4.32 cm), and I haven't even found a solder pot large enough to accommodate that in one pass (never mind that the pot + that much solder would surely run in the mid to high $1000s).But, I'm wondering about the possibility of using a smaller solder pot (like the one linked below), filling it to the brim, and then lowering my boards into the meniscus of the molten solder one section at a time.Keeping the solder at the right level would be fidgety, but this seems like it would work. Has anyone heard of using a solder pot in this manner for small production runs? Any recommendation for a solder pot that should do the trick?I've got some other boards that would also benefit from having the pot, plus once a year or so I recycle a lot of damaged PCBs, so I wouldn't mind spending up to say ~ $1000.http://www.ebay.com/itm/CM558-Lead-Free-Titanium-Alloy-Solder-Soldering-Pot-Desoldering-Bath-250W-220V-/162509250620?hash=item25d64e603c:g:eLcAAOxyUgtTKWdlThanks!

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 08, 2017, 07:01:50 pm
content: I doubt that will work, if the pot is filled enough for you to drag a board over it you will get all the dross on the top in your joints and solder all over the board.What your talking about is a selective solder machine.This has a solder bath but with an approx 8mm nozzle where solder comes up higher to solder the area around a PTH pin.Unfortunately these cost some 30 times what you are prepared to pay. Perhaps you can look for something smaller and cheaperYoutube will likely have videos of the process.Or how about just using paste dabbed onto whre you want it and reflow the whole thing in a toaster oven?Try looking at auctions and 2nd hand gear resellers.EDIT: Now I have seen the board itself (would not load before) a simple wave soldering machine would do this board. same advice as above.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 10, 2017, 11:25:32 am
content: two possbile solutions..wave solder... this will just work easily..or paste in hole..or can you use surface mount connectors?

author: Metatronic_Mods
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:38:33 pm
content: Quote from: mrpackethead on June 10, 2017, 11:25:32 amI thought about that, but the forces on the connectors will be too high.

author: Metatronic_Mods
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2017, 12:40:55 pm
content: Quote from: Mattylad on June 08, 2017, 07:01:50 pmPaste sounds like it would take just as long or longer than hand soldering.
Unpublished stackup details / RF performance of current cheap DIY PCB vendors? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: evb149
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 02, 2017, 03:17:44 am
content: Hi,This is just a quick "poll" in case anyone has any particular tips to share about what recommended vendors / design options / characteristics they've discovered / learned about some of the currently better low cost DIY oriented PCB manufacturers.I may do a few design runs that will in part be targeting 2.4GHz and +/- RF devices so my concern is of course getting the stackup related printed antenna (!) / microstrip / CPW / etc. trace design impedances dialed in as correctly as possible without having the guarantees of precisely specified PCB materials or stackup (absent from some/many vedors) controlled dielectric / controlled impedance processing.If the vendor publishes easy to find and read (english) particular material datasheets and stackup geometry then of course I can just approximate based on that. But IIRC several common cheap "front end" or pooling vendors are said to switch actual materials / stackups / fabrication factories now and then and not really specify what they're using hence my particular uncertainty.Obviously better to avoid such vendors but price is a big factor at the moment so I'll see what PCBSHOPPER etc. leaves me with as lower cost but more optimal options..I figured that some of you might have information like "Oh pooling / fabrication service X has lately been producing 2L or 4L PCBs with the following 'unpublished' measured characteristics or discovered stackup / materials ..." etc.Also I'll probably be looking for some options for thinner 2L boards (0.8mm or less) to better suit smaller 50 ohm trace widths and provide better plane to trace coupling.For 4L any currently cheap options that allow a thicker core with thinner inner plane ---> relatively thinner prepreg ---> external T/B trace layer would also be a good option for smaller lower impedance better shielded external layer traces though at the moment I am open to suggestions as to better alternative vendors wrt. cost / cheap and fast delivery time / good known stackup for RF and high speed stuff. Yeah I know, cheap, good, fast, pick one / two...Anyway I'll probably just end up guesstimating based on whatever info. I can find on their site or other sites but having more / better information never hurts!PS I know for very short TLs and so on the differences won't be highly important but if I find enough information or cause to pick a particular vendor for present and many near term future options I'd be more likely to start sending them things that do depend much more on the material characteristics like PCB TLine based matching networks / filters / resonators etc.Thanks if you have any notes / information / recommendations to share!
Custom Board to Board interconnect. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: aparlett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 01:28:52 am
content: Hello All,Its been a while since I have been on the forums as I have been quite busy with my grad job. My scope is back in storage.One of the tasks I have been given is the maintenance of a dive system that is over 30 years old. We need to have some custom board to board interconnectors made to keep this thing going. Would any one have any idea of anywhere local that could help out.EDIT: Forgot to mention we are looking for someone local that can make a new set for us. This will be a lot more expensive several thousand but its only option we have.

author: dave_k
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 03:19:31 am
content: http://www.galco.com/buy/ABB/5217594-2Maybe they have one or more in stock...

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 03:26:18 am
content: http://www.sullinscorp.com/catalogs/264_DUAL_EDGE.pdf

author: aparlett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 04:38:01 am
content: Thanks Guys should have mentioned we are looking to get them made up for us. The ones that ABB supply are terrible and can only be used a few times.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 26, 2017, 05:12:31 am
content: Quote from: aparlett on May 26, 2017, 04:38:01 amWhy? What fails?

author: aparlett
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 05:23:19 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on May 26, 2017, 05:12:31 amThe Board to board connectors fail after one or two inserts.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 29, 2017, 07:27:59 am
content: Yes, but how do they fail?Do the contacts break or distort or loose their spring pressure?Does the housing crack or break?Do they develop excessive contact resistance?I would expect such a connector to work reliably for 50 mating cycles, unless it is exposed to a corrosive atmosphere, or is used with incompatible contact platings or an excessively thick or thin board.I suspect you have underestimated the costs of a custom connector from a company that doesn't already have a back-to-back doubloe edge connector in their product range, by an order of magnitude. Tooling for custom formed contacts + plating them, and the injection moulds for the housing aren't going to be cheap.

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 02:33:49 am
content: do you have the design file?If yes,we can make the boards for you in 24 hours.Hope can help you.

author: rcbuck
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2017, 01:49:19 pm
content: One thing that is very strange about the boards. Those edge connectors would typically have been gold plated during that time frame. They saved a few pennies and chose to use HASL.It would be doubtful that the connectors are the problem. I think the issue may be the the HASL fingers. I would suggest using solder wick to level the fingers out so they are flat across the entire surface and see if that solves the problem.
Can pick & place machines mount this USB-C vertical-mount connector? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: weinbergerc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 06:51:33 pm
content: https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/amphenol-commercial-products/12401661E4-2A/12401661E4-2ATR-ND/6965177I'm pretty new to this, but I don't see how a pick and place machine would handle this connector. I'm also curious how the 4 through-hole supports that are meant to be bent after insertion for support would be bent automatically. Can any machine do this?

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 07:17:09 pm
content: Not ANY for sure. Some probable can. Nothing is meant to be bent, by the way. JUst soldered. the pins are only 1mm long, boards are at least 0.8mm.

author: weinbergerc
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 07:36:07 pm
content: Oh okay. So is this connector not very strong then?I wonder how I can find a pick and place machine that could handle this.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:16:21 pm
content: You need to look at packaging options. Sometimes components include a plastic plug that is specifically designed for PnP machines.Something like this:

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 26, 2017, 08:27:25 pm
content: what do you need to find it for? Any machine north of 100K USD will likely be able to place these. You can check with the manufacturer.

author: JuKu
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 27, 2017, 06:42:06 pm
content: It is delivered on reel, which means it is intended for PnP machine. I'm sure it comes with a plug that gives the machine something to grab on, just like SMD pin headers. I'm sure any machine, regardless of price can handle that.

author: jmelson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:48:54 am
content: The part is 9 mm tall, many machines have height limits. Mine is 6.5 mm. If the machine tries to move a part over the top of another part, the nozzle has to be TWICE the height above the board, or the parts will collide.Second, it has 4 shield pins. If the holes in the PCB are large enough, then maybe the pins will always find their way in, but if the part is just a bit misregistered, one of the pins might hit the top of the board and miss the hole, and you'd have a bit of a mess to clean that up by hand. So, this part is not truly a surface mount part.Jon
What PCB should i use Manufacture - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Tom10000
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 09:25:10 pm
content: Hello,i am a 12 year old in Sydney Australia looking to get my first PCB manufactured any suggestions for a cheap and quality PCB manufacture.From Thomas Reid

author: rea5245
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2017, 11:06:26 pm
content: Check outPCBShopper.com. It's a price-comparison site. You enter the size and quantity of your board and it shows you prices and delivery times from 25 different manufacturers. You can also read reviews that people have written of the manufacturers.PCBShopper is independent of any manufacturer, objective, and every review has been vetted for authenticity.Disclosure: I run the site.- Bob AlexanderPCBShopper.com

author: buton
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 08, 2017, 06:11:31 pm
content: Are the PCBs for personal project? or do you intent to sell your designs?

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 07:33:57 am
content: maybe you can try thishttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/electronic-hobbyists-pcb-project-sponsorship/
Custom card-edge connector manufacturer recommendations? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Teuobk
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:15:58 am
content: I need to have a small run (low 1000s quantity) of nonstandard-pitch straddle-mount female card edge connectors manufactured, and I was wondering if anybody had any recommendations for suppliers who can/would make such parts.Or, to be more specific, I'm looking for a supplier who can provide 72-pin 2.50mm-pitch (not 2.54mm) flangeless female straddle-mount edge connectors.Any suggestions?Thanks!

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 11, 2017, 01:25:53 am
content: Samtec makes everything. Check that out.
advice needed for reflow oven - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 11:34:48 am
content: anybody have some advice on reflow ovens? i see units on ebay for about 150-250 euros which would be a good target price.I had a brief look at converting a toaster oven and in the end i think would end up spending about the same (toaster + controller + power electronics + insulation)never used one so any recommendation on (recent) hardware would be nice.(I already looked at some of the topics but they were rather old, > 3 years. some of the options aren't there anymore)It's for prototypes, i am tired of having to hand solder 2-400 parts per board and i don't want to outsource to the far east, takes too much time (their three weeks ain't never been three weeks)

author: buton
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 09, 2017, 11:59:52 am
content: I did the toaster oven with the control leo2 it worked perefectly.. i am very pleased with it.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 08:21:56 am
content: T-962A? I got one.Works fine. It runs a little on the hot side for the thinner boards with smaller parts and can slightly discolor the boards... but so far nothing causing a malfunction. And I'm sure on a larger boards it would be more or less on the spot.The interface is not intuitive but it's simple enough to figure out. The tray slides out quite far and moves very smoothly, so it's easy to get the board in without disturbing the parts. You can't easily hack a toaster oven to do that. There is a beep/alarm when the pcb is cool. And it's a single button press to repeat the last profile. So you can churn out the boards, if you have a batch of them to do. The thermal insulation around the chassis is pretty good. I don't remember it getting particularly hot on the top.

author: Farley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 10, 2017, 02:59:26 pm
content: I've been using a Qinsi QS-5100:https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20170320063612&SearchText=qs-5100It was ready to go right out of the box. The only setup I did was to modify the heating profile based on the solder paste I bought.The temperature sensor on the oven I have is placed between the heating elements at the top of the chamber. The result is that the temperature shown on the display will be several degrees higher (in some cases 10 or more degrees C) than the temperature the PCB will see. I used a couple of temperature probes attached to a sample PCB to characterize the heating profile and compensated for the temperature difference when I set up my profile.I've only processed a small sample of boards through it, but it's worked solid each time.
Electronic hobbyist’s pcb project sponsorship - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 06:53:54 am
content: At first,thanks for everyone.Our development is inseparable from the support of every electronic hobbyist.In order to express our gratitude and help electronic hobbyist save cost,now we build a page to sponsor electronic hobbyist's pcb project (up to $100 coupon to your account),you can get the details from our sponsorship page.If you have any questions and suggestions,please reply to me here.The time is from May 1st to June 1st

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 02, 2017, 06:59:10 am
content: the sponsorship link is herehttps://www.pcbway.com/project/sponsor/(If this link break the rule,please tell to me and I will delete it,thanks Administrator)
What is this Socket ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: y33t
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 04:00:26 am
content: It's a USB 3.0 micro variant socket but have no idea what it is. Two pins are longer than others free from plastic shielding. I need to order some of them and female version of these.What is this socket ?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 04:09:12 am
content: It's a plug, it's not 3.0, and at first glance it looks normal.. Photo's too out of focus to see the pins.

author: y33t
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 02:55:23 pm
content: Here is a better version. It might be a plug but the end cable goes to a USB 3.0 port.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 03:13:57 pm
content: Might be a standard USB Mini A plug. Else it has to be proprietory.

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 03:17:21 pm
content: Quote from: y33t on April 18, 2017, 02:55:23 pmWhat do you mean by that? Type A plug has the same dimensions for both USB 2.0 and 3.0 and are compatible, 3.0 plug/socket has a few additional pins.How many pins connector on the photo do have?

author: y33t
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 04:27:04 pm
content: Please see the image. I count 7 pins and the shield/ground.

author: krho
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 05:32:45 pm
content: I'm sorry, but I'm holding somthing like that in front of me and I know that's micro USB up to 2.0.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 05:43:34 pm
content: So its proprietary - too many pins and too wide for its thickness to be USB Micro-B.What device does it normally plug into?

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2017, 08:12:44 pm
content: Quote from: y33t on April 18, 2017, 04:27:04 pmNone of which we can see.It's definitely not a standard micro, it's also most likely not USB 3.It's not a standard part, you'll likely not be able to just order it. Look up whatever it came from.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 19, 2017, 05:45:12 pm
content: It looks similar to the one on my Sony camera - I know that is not a standard USB

author: y33t
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2017, 07:50:17 pm
content: Which camera is that precisely and what is the end cable look like ?
Looking for where to buy these - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: spencer2004
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 02:33:18 pm
content: Hi.I've seen a lot of these panel mount devices on eBay which come in varieties to measure and display voltage, current, etc.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262453318679?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=561256714783&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIThttp://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/272248924938?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=571059438423&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITThe devices are basically a small PCB which clips in to a plastic housing which then clips in to a hole on a panel.I am interested in obtaining the plastic enclosures on their own and perhaps make my own PBCs to fit inside them (not sure exactly what for yet) but I have been unable to find anywhere that sells them or even a model number. If anyone knows could they please provide me with a model number or a place to buy them?

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 02:41:20 pm
content: Lascar Electronics in the UK used to supply them but a google for panel meter bezel give all sorts of hits for similar looking things.

author: spencer2004
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 02:48:41 pm
content: Thanks for the reply.I tried that but couldn't find what I was looking for.

author: CJay
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 02:58:50 pm
content: https://www.digikey.com/products/en/optoelectronics/display-bezels-lenses/93http://prdproducts.com/led_lcd.htmland many, many more from a quick google.

author: spencer2004
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 08:40:29 pm
content: That's not really what I'm looking for.Also I have spent a few hours trying to find these on Google by the way.

author: young
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 07:08:09 am
content: What are you looking for?Or are you looking for what type?

author: MagicSmoker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 31, 2017, 11:46:21 am
content: Perhaps searching for the phrase:"digital panel meter" enclosureWill get you better results?E.g. -https://www.google.com/search?q=%22digital+panel+meter%22+enclosure&num=30&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJp_ijh5rUAhXB6SYKHSp0BQUQ7AkIXw&biw=1636&bih=776(Image results only in above link)EDIT - you can also try searching for 1/16 DIN enclosures.
'Standard' capacitors and resistors for assembly - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: invzim
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2017, 09:42:39 am
content: Subject is actually a little misleading, as it's really about cleaning up my altium library and being a bit more selective in buying prototype parts, so I can think & design for manufacture - even if it's just a prototype.Objective is to either have a part ready, or find out which (good and sensible) part to use quickly and in a deterministic fashion.I think I got resistors figured out:Only 1% parts - price difference is negligible, so no need to stock or keep track of the 5% variants0603 Yageo 1/10W RC series general purposeIf possible, use a values available in the 5% equivalent partFor capacitors, the number of products available is a lot bigger and my own experience smaller. I'm talking MLCC up to 10uf for low voltage/digital stuff.Current idea is to go with MuRata GRM series, 50V, C0G/X7R, 0603 up to 0.1UF. But you also have different percentages etc, so for me it's not as clear-cut as the resistors + I'm really unsure on what's currenly sensible parts for capacitance 0.1uF..

author: l0wside
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2017, 11:13:20 am
content: For resistors, 0603 1% parts are definitely a good choice. They cost roughly nothing and are a good compromise between manual handling and board space.As for caps: it depends. If you are only doing digital designs and use the caps only for blocking purposes or for the input stage of some ADC, 20% X7R is just fine. If you are into the analog world and are designing filters, C0G with low tolerances are a must.
temperature setting for Controleo 2 - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: overthrowrobotics
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 03:13:36 am
content: I bought the Controleo 2 kit and built it and it seems to be hitting the temperature programmed into it. I stupidly mixed up F and C and just cooked a board at 280 C!I have this low temp lead free solder paste that's Sn42/Bi57/Ag1, Melting Point: 137C. Should I set the Controleo 2 for 137? 140? How does it know the right temperature ramp for this?This is my first time using a stencil and oven. I got the board and stencil from Seeedstudio. It's an SSOP16 chip (AS5040 encoder). It didn't really have solder paste on each individual leg as much as a thin layer across all of them. I'm guessing once it flows it'll pull solder onto each leg?First time I ran it I had it set for the default 240C and I had bridges between legs, could that be due to the temperature being too high?Thanks for the help!

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 12:32:51 pm
content: Quote from: overthrowrobotics on May 16, 2017, 03:13:36 amcould be many things. Could be too much paste in the first place. In my experience SSOP packages bridge easily and if they do will require manual fix later.

author: packetbob
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 05:23:44 am
content: I use a Controleo 2 in my oven and have it set for 183C as I used leaded paste...I know it works well for this and many others (including the maker) use it for lead free paste..As for the temperature profile of your paste you may want to reach out to the Controleo maker and see what he says.You can contact him through the web site at:http://www.whizoo.com/
Best Capacitive Proximity Sensor for Glass Sheet on PCB Heater? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: danjenkins
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 07:08:18 pm
content: I'm using a 1/8" (3.175mm) sheet of borosilicate glass on top of a PCB heater on my Makerfarm 10" Prusa i3v running RAMPS 1.4 and a RRD Smart Controller. I'm debating whether to go inductive or capacitive. I think people use the inductive sensors for the advantages of a metal bed as well as opposed to just inductive vs capacitive. And if you already have a metal bed, I'd imagine inductive is probably better to go for than capacitive (don't know for sure, but I think capacitive is slightly open to interference by other stuff near the sensor where as inductive mainly pics up only metallic surfaces). I've been looking athttps://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-Capacitance-Proximity-Sensor-Switch/dp/B00542U3M4. It's cheap and got some good reviews. But it's Chinese.

author: danjenkins
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 11:56:15 pm
content: Got a used capacitive sensor from work for free. It's Swiss made.http://www.clrwtr.com/PDF/CONTRINEX/CONTRINEX-Capacitive-Basic.pdf
Help to find this connector, or similar - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: romantao
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2017, 01:50:53 pm
content: Hi,I'm developing a battery powered system that needs a cut off switch as a security.In a similar machine, they use the connector / plug presented in the photos.Does anyone know if this pair is standard or is this custom made? Anyone knows a similar set rated for 42V @40A maximum?Any help is welcome:)

author: romantao
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 10:24:24 am
content: For future information, i found the answer for my question.Littelfuse has a product that fits my purpose, and acts as a fusehttp://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/commercial-vehicle/datasheets/automotive-fuse-holders/cartridge/littelfuse_fuseholder_panel_mount_lpjcase.pdfhttp://www.littelfuse.com/~/media/automotive/datasheets/fuses/passenger-car-and-commercial-vehicle/cartridge-fuses/littelfuse_lowprofilejcase_datasheet1.pdfRegards

author: DTJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2017, 11:00:32 am
content: If you don't go with the Littlefuse option there may be something in the Anderson connector range that would work for you.https://www.google.com.au/search?q=mini+anderson+connector&safe=off&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYypa8zNjTAhXGmpQKHTPACmsQsAQISA&biw=1920&bih=939
Fast turnaround FPC/flex pcb manufacturer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 05, 2017, 07:18:20 am
content: So, my fab dropped the ball. And I, for not keeping ahead of them. Bottom line, I was expecting an order two weeks ago, and I find out, today, that it hasn't even been started.What's fastest possible turn around time one might get on a simple 2 layer FPC in the US? And second, what's the fastest with cap, of say no more than 4 or 5x the cost from Chinese manufacturers?I'm also open to changing fabricator in the future. So if you have a good experience with an inexpensive overseas manufacturer for FPC, I'm open to suggestion.update: They are working with me and getting a partial order ready to ship, estimated in one week. Add one or two days for delivery. (Also they have agreed to send some compensatory boards, with the balance.) So I doubt anyone can beat that significantly. But who knows?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 06:59:57 pm
content: If you are in the UK try lyncolec don't bother with PW circuits.Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2017, 04:14:19 am
content: Thx all.My factory was able to put the rush on my boards, and I could not reasonably beat the timeframe. Q Flex is one of the first companies to show up on a search, and I have received quotes from them in the past. I don't recall their specifics being particularly different than the others.QuoteThis has been the case for FPC, too. At least in my feeble attempts to find a good domestic fab. Not that the estimated lead time always works out!
Protoboard assembly  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mike buba
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 10, 2017, 04:17:44 pm
content: Hi all,are there any (semi-pro) PCB manufactures/designers that can do protoboard soldiering, verify design and if necessary suggest design (or even fix mistake(s)).I need a measurement card (few current and voltage transducers, connectors, resistors, amplifiers -- scaling and offset, etc. -- more details in pm) but have only a basic hand-drawn design (i.e. idea) and elementary electronic knowledge. All companies I looked require files to be uploaded for PCB design and I do not have anything like that.ThanksLocation: UK, West Midlands if possible.

author: ar__systems
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 11, 2017, 12:39:27 am
content: pm sent
Breaking down assembly costs - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LukeW
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 07, 2017, 07:23:56 am
content: Let's consider the Arduino Due - it's just an example of a fairly simple typical single-board PCB assembly without any plastics or case etc.https://www.arduino.cc/en/Main/arduinoBoardDueWhat would you say, roughly, in approximate terms, it costs to manufacture? (i.e. PCB cost plus component cost plus assembly cost). How would each of those 3 cost categories break down, as an approximate guess?What would the assembly cost be, roughly, and how does that assembly cost compare relative to the cost of the components and the cost of the PCB itself?How much would the economy of scale typically change, going from prototype scale say 10x units, to 100x units, to 1000x units?

author: spanner888
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 02:23:27 am
content: Unfortunately there are more variables that need to be considered, including things like product quality and manufacturing yield.Quality is impacted by component quality (what supply chain do you anticipate - Aliexpress end or Mouser etc?) as well as manufacturing, not to mention the design and shipping losses and customer returns. Yield is impacted by all of those factors as well as the manufacturers capability and interpretation of what you want. Your design can also increase manufacturing costs if you do not DFM "design for manufacturing" and also design to take full advantage of your manufacturers capabilities. Bunny Huang has several good articles about this.From your question and "low" quantities, it seems that like me you probably have little manufacturing experience, so I recommend you also look top down pricing - compare Aliexpress & Sparkfun etc online retail prices for the Due and imagine 50% or more markup. See this article[/ https://learn.adafruit.com/how-to-build-a-hardware-startup/pricing-your-producturl] (one of many on the web).Octopart have several good articles on cost of materials versus quantity as well.

author: chicken
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 08, 2017, 03:03:05 am
content: You can play with CircuitHub.https://circuithub.comWhile they are a bit more expensive than Chinese assemblers, the website will give you a good idea of how batch size influences cost.
Stencil Advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DougM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 12:07:53 am
content: Hello all,I'm considering getting a stencil for my next project. This isn't to save the tedium of dispensing blobs under a microscope, it's primarily to help me get reasonably good amounts of paste in place for fine-pitch components. I only have to assemble a couple of these boards.Does anyone have any advice regarding stencils? Is stainless much better, or is plastic workable for a few boards?Or, alternatively, are there clever manual techniques that I may be unaware of for fine pitch stuff? I've been using as fine a needle as I can (EFD brown) and still get the paste to flow...cheers,Doug

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 12:11:44 am
content: If you don't do smaller than 0603 and 1.27mm pin pitch ICs, polymer stencils are usable. However they are much more annoying in use and produce worse results. Depends on the board size too, as polymer stencil is not rigid.

author: DougM
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 04:55:48 pm
content: Thanks for the pointer to OSHStencil.For my purposes that looks like a very good option indeed.CheersDoug
Gerber Merge Software preferably free open source  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TheOCDengineer
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2017, 01:10:16 am
content: Hi EveryoneNew to the form. I am teaching an intro into circuits course at a university. The students have an option to put their final project on a PCB. I was able to get a sponsorship from custom circuit boards for them to make the boards for us, so shout to to them. I am teaching the students to use kicad as that is what i am familiar with and I am asking them to send me their gerber files approx 40 boards. I am wondering what is the best free gerber merge software (gerbmerge?) that i can use as i need to send them one gerber file.I need to do the following1 gerber file with 0.25" spacing left to right and 0.10" spacing top to bottom in a 14.00"x16" spaceAny help would be appreciated
Assembly timesheets android app? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Mattylad
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 02:27:52 pm
content: Hi, can anyone recommend a free or low cost android app for keeping timesheets to record the times spent on each job?

author: D3f1ant
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 04:00:35 am
content: I use Gleeo.

author: MrBungle
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 04:16:53 am
content: One I've used is Gleeo Time Tracker. Takes a little getting used to, though doesn't take long.Edit: Oops, D3f1ant beat me to it while I was reading another thread
good talk about pros/cons of setting up you own SMT line  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 18, 2017, 02:33:15 am
content: https://medium.com/supplyframe-hardware/should-you-build-your-own-personal-smt-line-de7f7a65cccf#.olclraji4

author: electrolust
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 02, 2017, 08:02:00 am
content: nothing you couldn't learn from a year of lurking on eevblog forum.What I really like about the video is he approaches it from an advanced hobbyist POV. Relevant to many readers here, most likely. [Way above my own pay grade but one can dream.]I rather like the photo at another article,https://medium.com/supplyframe-hardware/tipping-points-in-electronics-assembly-2969f3d54775. As if.
ESD safe clothign - SMT Line..  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 11:48:03 pm
content: Hi,I'm looking for suggestions on suppliers for ESD safe clothing for use in a SMT Assembly area..

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2017, 11:56:41 pm
content: http://nz.element14.com/clothinghttp://nz.rs-online.com/web/c/safety-security-esd-control-clean-room/esd-control-clean-room/
Looking for Someone with Yamaha YV100  Expertise? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2016, 06:41:41 pm
content: Just wondering if anybody out there has any experince with Yamaha YV100 PNP machines? I'm looking for some assistance with software setup.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 12:01:17 pm
content: bump
Heavy Duty Header - Sourcing this part - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dapug
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 30, 2017, 08:44:27 pm
content: I'm looking for this female connector (see attached pic):This isnotyour cheapeie 1x8 female header:Notice the contacts on the first pic are all the way to the surface, and they are pretty beefy, versus the regular header.But I cannot figure out what this is after lots of searching through digikey, mouser, etc. It is similar to aswiss header, but is obviously reinforced SQUARE rather than round pins.Anyone ever used or seen something like this?

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 31, 2017, 01:01:59 am
content: Never seen a socket like that with square contacts, but a round machined pin socket like this will take 0.1" pitch header pinshttp://au.element14.com/fischer-elektronik/bl5-36z/header-socket-2-54mm-36way/dp/9728910http://www.fischerelektronik.de/web_fischer/en_GB/connectors/G02/Female%20headers/PR/BL%205/$productCard/parameters/index.xhtmlThey have much better retention force than the cheapies, and better current ratings. Strangely this one is not listed on Mouser or Digikey.I can dig out part numbers for similar 2mm pitch connectors if yours are something other than 0.1"
Newbie: Imperial vs. Metric Drill Sizing + "Full Sets" - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: radian
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 04:27:40 am
content: Hi. I'm designing my very first PCB using Altium Designer. All is going well, however I'm struggling with drill sizing. I'm trying to better understand what my manufacture would use for bits.Let's say I have a component lead with 0.7 mm +/- 0.1 mm diameter. I will use the worst case lead size of 0.8 mm (31.496 mil), and then add in a tolerance of 7 mil for the hole. Assuming my drill file is set to imperial 2:3, then the manufacturer will select a bit such that the hole size after plating is 38.496 mil (ideally).According to Laen from OSH Park, "Our fabs have full metric and imperial sets, so they can do any hole size you specify within 2.5 mils." (https://forum.kicad.info/t/oshpark-drill-bits-sizes/560). Min drill size is 13 mil.Question 1: What exactly is a "full metric and imperial set" stated by Laen above? Obviously no one makes a drill that is exactly 31.496 mil, so what are the bit size resolutions? Is there an official table of chart published somewhere? I could only find this:http://www.pcbwizards.com/Drillchart.htmQuestion 2: Should I be specifying PTH hole sizing in metric or imperial? According to Mattlad here (https://www.eevblog.com/forum/eda/are-there-standard-drill-sizes-for-pcbs/) manufacturers use metric bits. I'd like confirmation this is the case.Question 3: Should I be rounding my hole sizing to 'better assist' the fab house? I'm assuming odd sizing will be rounded up.Question 4(slightly off topic): If I create a footprint in metric and place it on an imperial PCB layout, am I'm going to have any issue with routing (alignment on grid, electrical snapping, etc)?Thanks in advance!

author: jahonen
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 05:21:27 am
content: The standard industry practice is that you specify the finalized hole size you want (after plating etc.), and it is the PCB manufacturers job to adjust the drill size so that final result is what you specified. I think this makes sense since otherwise it could be unnecessarily difficult to "port" jobs from factory to factory.Regards,Janne
component search for DC wall connector for table device - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: untertanaermel
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 03:18:08 pm
content: I want to build a banana plug distribution box for the workbench, see my attachment for details.Do you know of a component that is placed into a device wall like a normal ac socket?1) I dont want to use an ac socket of any type.2) I dont want to use a banana plug socket because the power supply cam support upto 60V / 100A. Of course the banana plug outlets are limeted to 10Amps but for future proving of this device i dont want to limit myself to this at the socket.3) In my search i found the typical 12volt car adapter and many cable adapter but non that are usable as a wall socket mount.Thank you very muchThomas , software dev

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 09:38:55 pm
content: Quote from: untertanaermel on March 26, 2017, 03:18:08 pm100A is a very hard specification to meet, even the common high power 3 phase connectors are only rated for 10's of Amperes. There are specialist DC wall sockets around the world, but they provide low power connections:http://www.clipsal.com/Trade/Products/ProductDetail?catno=492/3232V/10A is the Australian "standard" DC alternative plug.You could do what you want using multiple parallel poles of a speakon:http://www.neutrik.com/en/speakon/

author: Nusa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2017, 10:33:40 pm
content: I'd look at the Anderson Powerpole series. Panel-mount kits are available. They're used in many high-amp DC applications, such as welders.One source:https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectorsYou could also go looking for electric vehicle (golf carts and up) charging connectors.Or connectors meant for large solar panel installations.
Experience with https://www.tiptrans.com/ - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TAMHAN
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 24, 2017, 03:51:04 am
content: Hello Folks,got a small, dreaded problem: it is time to ship a lot of samples from China.I wanted to save freight cost by using a consolidator. Does anyone of you have experience with TipTrans, or can you recommend another firm?Tam
FR4 shortage ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 07:13:41 pm
content: Assembly subcontractor just told me their PCB supplier was unable to get a quote from their normal China sources for 1.5m long PCBs due to FR4 shortages.I also had a note from my normal PCB place a few weeks ago that prices would increase due to increasing FR4 pricing.Anyone know more ?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 22, 2017, 07:35:34 pm
content: Quotehttp://www.dataweek.co.za/8873aHe didnt go into any more detailOlder post predicting copper foil supply is going into lithium cell production, and costs increasing until may:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/status-lacks-copper-pcb-raw-material-nancy-zhouhttp://www.madpcb.com/show-203.htmlQuote