Re: gEDA-user: PCB manufacture
I've had good luck with PCB Express (now called Sunstone) and Advanced Circuits (4pcb.com) for quick-turn small quantity stuff. I just got a board back from Advanced Circuits and they included a bag of microwave popcorn in the box along with the 10 PCB's I ordered. That made my day :-) Of course, they built _exactly_ what I designed, which is leading to other problems, but I have yet to find a PCB house that builds what _wanted_ instead of what I _designed_. Oh well :-) --wpd ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: PCB manufacture
Lares, I believe that Gold Pheonix is board house used by Spark Fun electronics (sparkfun.com) I might also suggest Olimex. They're cheap and will panelize or combine multiple designs on a single panel for free. Just make sure you use their standard drill sizes. -DC Lares Moreau wrote: Anyone ever used the following service? http://www.goldphoenixpcb.biz/index.php There is something that is setting off my spidey sense about them. In particular, the 'fail rate' of 15%. What exactly does this mean? Relative to other places I've been looking at they are really inexpensive. Thoughts? -Lares !DSPAM:486,45bc14d327291895598552! ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user !DSPAM:486,45bc14d327291895598552! ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: Fitting a hobbyist design into someone else's form factor
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 Hi You may want to try using a digital camera to take a picture of the board or enclosure. Use image-magick/gimp to simplify and scale the image. You could then print out a piece of paper, verify it matches the enclosure and take your measurements with a transparent rule. I did that once to draw a sticker for a control panel with signs and scales for knobs at the right places. It worked pretty well for that purpose, but I would recommend it if you need millimeter accuracy. I usually use a caliper to measure the casing, convert measurements to mils and use those values in PCB. Maybe there is a way to use a image as a background inside PCB. There is: http://www.delorie.com/pcb/bg-image.html Best regards Tomaz -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.6 (GNU/Linux) Comment: Using GnuPG with Mozilla - http://enigmail.mozdev.org iD8DBQFFvizvsAlAlRhL9q8RAuqPAJ4hjfUPxcDzuW4gAKcSW09lzwVyAwCgoVme rEZ7E+sgDwtyysXWXnbYzpg= =Ri5O -END PGP SIGNATURE- ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB: What are my options?
Hello everyone, I am a second semester Electrical Engineering Technologies student at a community college. To get some practice with circuit prototyping/manufacture I would like to try my hand at printing a PCB layout for a laser tag system on photo transfer paper and using it to etch a PCB. The first problem I ran into during this process was that the MilesTag project (link here: http://lasertagparts.com/mtdesign.htm) provided no PCB layouts, only schematics. Having never used any EDA software before, I e-mailed these folks and asked if I could have PCB layouts for printing. The MilesTag project was kind enough to place PCB layouts on their website, but they were produced using ExpressPCB and I cannot open them with gerbv or PCB! I gather that RS-274D files are not supported by either of these programs (PCB and gerbv), and nothing short of a very rough perl script (that I turned up after searching the archives of this mailing list) seems to exist for converting these .pcb files to the RS-274x format. This leaves me with very limited options: - I can install ExpressPCB on a windows machine if I can find one with a suitable printer (such as an HP Deskjet) - I can try to use this perl script (no idea how it works: I know zero perl) - I can install ExpressPCB in wine, but I cannot make it talk to my printer, even with cups enabled (I compiled wine from source) I have a few questions concerning those options, and if they are not *technically* gEDA related, please forgive me: - Can ExpressPCB save in other formats like RS-274x? If so, I might be able to ask (politely, of course) if the MilesTag folks could post new PCB files that I could use. - Does anyone here use ExpressPCB in wine as a supplement to gEDA for when you encounter .pcb's that can't be opened in PCB? If so, how do you get things printed from inside wine? - Best of all, is anyone here aware of a newer/more complete script or program capable of converting an RS-274D to an RS-274x file? - And last but not least, could I write my own schematics (using the schematics on the MilesTag site) and make my own PCB from this schematic? (link to schematics: http://lasertagparts.com/mt5xx.htm). Looking at that schematic, could anyone here tell me what chance I stand of making a PCB layout that works? If so, how long would it take someone starting from almost absolute zero to create these files? What are the chances the first (auto-routed) two sided boards would work? I have looked into gEDA and it looks very complicated at first glance, yet very powerful -- like most things under Linux :-) -- what documentation should I peruse if I were to attempt this feat? I should probably be learning gEDA anyway so that I can avoid the software we must use at school: MultiSim. This is my first foray into EDA and I understand that my ignorance probably shows, so thank you very much for your patience, Jeremy ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB: What are my options?
I am a second semester Electrical Engineering Technologies student at a community college. To get some practice with circuit prototyping/manufacture I would like to try my hand at printing a PCB layout for a laser tag system on photo transfer paper and using it to etch a PCB. You've come to the right place! (also, look into toner transfer - IMHO less complicated than photo transfer, once you figure out the nuances of the process) The first problem I ran into during this process was that the MilesTag project (link here: http://lasertagparts.com/mtdesign.htm) provided no PCB layouts, only schematics. Most places do that. If they provide a layout, it's normally just a PDF, because cad programs all have their own format. The MilesTag project was kind enough to place PCB layouts on their website, but they were produced using ExpressPCB and I cannot open them with gerbv or PCB! I gather that RS-274D files are not supported by either of these programs (PCB and gerbv), More likely, they're expresspcb-specific binary files that have nothing to do with RS-274 (gerber) format. Gerber is the *output* of these programs, not the storage format. What you want to do is download the technical reference PDF, which includes both schematics and board plots. Use the schematics as references to learn to use gschem, so you'll have real schematics (which produce a netlist, for example). Use the board layouts as background images to aid you in re-laying-out the boards in PCB (make their layouts the background image, see http://www.delorie.com/pcb/bg-image.html). Once you learn gschem and pcb, you'll be able to do lots of boards at lots of fabs, but learning expressPCB ties you in to their service. - Can ExpressPCB save in other formats like RS-274x? If so, I might be able to ask (politely, of course) if the MilesTag folks could post new PCB files that I could use. Don't know. Won't help you much, since the ONLY thing you can do with RS-274X files is make a board from them; you can't really edit them or design with them, and you might as well learn to do the boards yourself anyway. - And last but not least, could I write my own schematics (using the schematics on the MilesTag site) and make my own PCB from this schematic? Yes! The tech ref PDF has everything you need to re-do it all in gschem and PCB. If so, how long would it take someone starting from almost absolute zero to create these files? If I had nothing else to do all day, about a day. I have looked into gEDA and it looks very complicated at first glance, yet very powerful -- like most things under Linux :-) -- what documentation should I peruse if I were to attempt this feat? The FAQ has a few key bits about symbol and footprint creation (also see www.gedasymbols.org), which is the trickiest bit of the whole process (*I* think it's easy, but it generates the most questions). This is my first foray into EDA and I understand that my ignorance probably shows, so thank you very much for your patience, Hey, at least you're willing to learn. ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB: What are my options?
On 1/29/07, DJ Delorie [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I have looked into gEDA and it looks very complicated at first glance, yet very powerful -- like most things under Linux :-) -- what documentation should I peruse if I were to attempt this feat? The FAQ has a few key bits about symbol and footprint creation (also see www.gedasymbols.org), which is the trickiest bit of the whole process (*I* think it's easy, but it generates the most questions). My usual way of learning software (just start using it and look up features as I run into the need) was a total loss with gEDA. The more structured approach of Bill Wilson's tutorial got me started, though. Regards, Mark [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- You think that it is a secret, but it never has been one. - fortune cookie ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB: What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Jeremy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: - And last but not least, could I write my own schematics (using the schematics on the MilesTag site) and make my own PCB from this schematic? (link to schematics: http://lasertagparts.com/mt5xx.htm). Looking at that schematic, could anyone here tell me what chance I stand of making a PCB layout that works? If so, how long would it take someone starting from almost absolute zero to create these files? What are the chances the first (auto-routed) two sided boards would work? I have looked into gEDA and it looks very complicated at first glance, yet very powerful -- like most things under Linux :-) -- what documentation should I peruse if I were to attempt this feat? I should probably be learning gEDA anyway so that I can avoid the software we must use at school: MultiSim. This seems like your best option. That board should be a good first board to try. You can create a gschem schematic using the ExpressPCB schematic and use the existing PCB layout as a guide to place your components. A lot of people (including me) start with this tutorial. http://members.dslextreme.com/users/billw/gsch2pcb/tutorial.html Also checkout the wiki at geda.seul.org (* jcl *) -- http://www.luciani.org ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: PCB multiple footprint selection
John Luciani wrote: In my PCB version there is a button labeled far side. Clicking far side makes the components on the opposite side of the board invisible and unselectable. Version 20060822 has this feature. Also this version incorporates a lot of user interface refinements over 20050127. best, phil ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB: What are my options?
Wow! You guys are really, really fast. Thanks much! So to recap: - It looks like my best option here is to create real schematics myself using the tech reference on the MilesTag site, and then lay out the PCB myself in PCB. Sounds fair enough. Do you think the auto-router could handle a board like that on its own? Or am I going to need to route my own traces? I know the auto-router only really works if you have used the Optimize rats nest tool to get the best component placement, but I thought I'd ask anyway. Oh: and if I were to use the board layout as a background than obviously I wouldn't be using the auto-route function. :-) - One of the many things this laser tag board requires is a sub-circuit for sensing pulses or infra-red light. It requires a special part (an IR receiver...the TSOP48xx I believe). A special part like this has a very unusual footprint: if I can't find the footprint in PCB, would it be difficult to create my own? If so, could I substitute something with the same number of thru-holes such as a 3-pin connector for it when I draw my schematic? - What is this toner transfer method? Perhaps that's what I meant to say. The method I am trying to describe involves using glossy photo paper to print a mirror image of the (top side) of a PCB layout, which you iron onto a copper clad board. You then remove the paper by soaking it in lukewarm water and place your copper clad board in a tank of etching solution such as ferric chloride or some sort of diluted acid. Many of you pointed out some howto's.: thanks, I'll have to look into those. Unfortunately, I generally have less than an hour a day to devote to this, so hopefully I can have the board layouts finished before the end of February. :-) Thanks, Jeremy -- Windows [n.] A thirty-two bit extension and GUI shell to a sixteen bit patch to an eight bit operating system originally coded for a four bit microprocessor and sold by a two-bit company that can't stand one bit of competition. (Anonymous) ~*~*~*~*~ * JDP :) * ~*~*~*~*~ ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
RE: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
I would really recommend learning how to create your own footprints. Specifically, I would look at some existing newlib footprints and the footprint manual and create your own footprints. I just finished up my first board using gEDA and I am very glad I learned how to make my own footprints. I actually ended up making new footprints for every part on the board. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jeremy Pedersen Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 2:00 PM To: gEDA user mailing list Subject: Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options? - One of the many things this laser tag board requires is a sub-circuit for sensing pulses or infra-red light. It requires a special part (an IR receiver...the TSOP48xx I believe). A special part like this has a very unusual footprint: if I can't find the footprint in PCB, would it be difficult to create my own? If so, could I substitute something with the same number of thru-holes such as a 3-pin connector for it when I draw my schematic? ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
I second the motion :) I use luciani's as a base, then make the footprints not available. I use the same naming convention luciani uses. It works for me quite well. I add the line: /home/lares/gEDA/pcb-elements/lares at the end of my gafrc and project files, to ensure that my footprint superseeds luciani's (or m4's *barf*) when there is a duplicate. -Lares On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:39:10 -0800 Ostheller, Joel A. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would really recommend learning how to create your own footprints. Specifically, I would look at some existing newlib footprints and the footprint manual and create your own footprints. I just finished up my first board using gEDA and I am very glad I learned how to make my own footprints. I actually ended up making new footprints for every part on the board. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jeremy Pedersen Sent: Monday, January 29, 2007 2:00 PM To: gEDA user mailing list Subject: Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options? - One of the many things this laser tag board requires is a sub-circuit for sensing pulses or infra-red light. It requires a special part (an IR receiver...the TSOP48xx I believe). A special part like this has a very unusual footprint: if I can't find the footprint in PCB, would it be difficult to create my own? If so, could I substitute something with the same number of thru-holes such as a 3-pin connector for it when I draw my schematic? pgpxKaJHfsBDH.pgp Description: PGP signature ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
Yes, I must have meant auto-place, which is a feature I have yet to try. Right. So the toner transfer method sounds like the one I ought to try. Is it fairly accurate for two sided boards? I'm assuming you guys mostly make two sided boards, so I suppose that's a yes, but I thought I'd ask anyway. And while I'm thinking of it: how do you drill accurate 1mm holes? A drill press? If that's how it needs to be done, I happen to live next to a machine shop, so I can probably ask them to drill the holes. Ok. Judging by the responses I've received so far, it wouldn't be terribly tedious to create my own footprints. I guess I'll have to make my own for several of the components involved. Speaking of which: when I edit component attributes while making schematics (I was trying out gEDA this weekend) I noticed that the footprint attribute has to be edited by hand (as far as I know, anyway). For instance, if I need a PCB outline for a resistor, I need to set footprint to R025. Wouldn't it be easier to have a menu one could select footprints from? Along those lines, if I want to see what footprints are available by default, can I look at them in PCB or gerbv? If so, where are they (I should probably RTFM, but you guys have been really great, so I'll ask :-D). Thanks, Jeremy -- Windows [n.] A thirty-two bit extension and GUI shell to a sixteen bit patch to an eight bit operating system originally coded for a four bit microprocessor and sold by a two-bit company that can't stand one bit of competition. (Anonymous) ~*~*~*~*~ * JDP :) * ~*~*~*~*~ ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Jeremy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A drill press? If that's how it needs to be done, I happen to live next to a machine shop, so I can probably ask them to drill the holes. Unless you are good friends with one of the machinists they may charge you more to drill the holes than the PCB vendor would charge you for the board. Along those lines, if I want to see what footprints are available by default, can I look at them in PCB or gerbv? If so, where are they (I should probably RTFM, but you guys have been really great, so I'll ask :-D). My footprint library is at http://www.luciani.org/geda/pcb/pcb-footprint-list.html (* jcl *) -- http://www.luciani.org ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
Unfortunately space is at a premium in laser tag guns, so hopefully I can make it work. I'm not sure I'd even want to attempt an SMT board at home. Reflowing sounds a bit tricky. Oh. I haven't met the guy yet. However, there is a machine shop here at school and I know the teacher who runs it. Perhaps I could borrow one of their drill presses...Whatever the case, I have to learn most of gEDA first so I can get a working PCB layout. Ok, I'll check out that footprint library. p.s. This is probably as much help as you can give me until I think of something else after reading through some of the tutorials you all provided. One last question though: parts such as FETs tend to be sold by places like Mouser and Digi-Key in 1000 to 4000 unit groups. If I only need a few (3-6) MOSFETS, short of calling and asking for sample parts, what can I do? Thanks, Jeremy -- Windows [n.] A thirty-two bit extension and GUI shell to a sixteen bit patch to an eight bit operating system originally coded for a four bit microprocessor and sold by a two-bit company that can't stand one bit of competition. (Anonymous) ~*~*~*~*~ * JDP :) * ~*~*~*~*~ ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
Unfortunately space is at a premium in laser tag guns, All the more reason to go with SMT :-) I'm not sure I'd even want to attempt an SMT board at home. Reflowing sounds a bit tricky. You can solder them with an iron too, if the tip is small enough. I use either an iron or a reflow hotplate. See http://www.delorie.com/pcb/smd-challenge/ One last question though: parts such as FETs tend to be sold by places like Mouser and Digi-Key in 1000 to 4000 unit groups. If I only need a few (3-6) MOSFETS, short of calling and asking for sample parts, what can I do? They're available in cut tape too, usually in units of 1 to 20 parts. ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Jeremy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Unfortunately space is at a premium in laser tag guns, so hopefully I can make it work. I'm not sure I'd even want to attempt an SMT board at home. Reflowing sounds a bit tricky. Hand-soldering SMT isn't bad, unless its the real teensy-tiny SMT. I'd say it's easier than flipping the board over while soldering through-hole. It is harder to layout one-sided however: You can run half a dozen traces under a through-hole resistor, but only one under a SMT resistor. p.s. This is probably as much help as you can give me until I think of something else after reading through some of the tutorials you all provided. One last question though: parts such as FETs tend to be sold by places like Mouser and Digi-Key in 1000 to 4000 unit groups. If I only need a few (3-6) MOSFETS, short of calling and asking for sample parts, what can I do? I've never had a problem ordering onsey-twoey from those guys. What part are you having problems procuring? There are sometimes $20 minimum orders. I've never had trouble meeting those either... :) Regards, Mark [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- You think that it is a secret, but it never has been one. - fortune cookie ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Jeremy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If I only need a few (3-6) MOSFETS, short of calling and asking for sample parts, what can I do? If you have a school email address you can get free (or very low-cost) samples from almost any semiconductor manufacturer. For MOSFETs I would try On-Semi. On-Semi has an excellent website and it is very easy to get samples using the website. Their parts are low-cost if you can not get samples. (* jcl *) -- http://www.luciani.org ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On Jan 29, 2007, at 8:00 PM, John Luciani wrote: If I only need a few (3-6) MOSFETS, short of calling and asking for sample parts, what can I do? If you have a school email address you can get free (or very low- cost) samples from almost any semiconductor manufacturer. For MOSFETs I would try On-Semi. On-Semi has an excellent website and it is very easy to get samples using the website. Their parts are low-cost if you can not get samples. Also, unless you're using really weird MOSFETs, most common parts can be had in small quantities either from Mouser/DigiKey/etc, or via eBay (new of course...many people oh-so-wrongly assume eBay means used). I use a lot of 2N7000, 2N7002, BSN20, and IRF520/IRF820/etc MOSFETs in my designs and I've bought most of them in ~20 unit quantities on eBay for a few dollars at most. -Dave -- Dave McGuire Port Charlotte, FL ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On Jan 29, 2007, at 7:51 PM, Mark Rages wrote: Unfortunately space is at a premium in laser tag guns, so hopefully I can make it work. I'm not sure I'd even want to attempt an SMT board at home. Reflowing sounds a bit tricky. Hand-soldering SMT isn't bad, unless its the real teensy-tiny SMT. I'd say it's easier than flipping the board over while soldering through-hole. It is harder to layout one-sided however: You can run half a dozen traces under a through-hole resistor, but only one under a SMT resistor. I agree 100% here...I actually find through-hole soldering to be more difficult and tedious than SMT now. All but the very tiniest SMT parts can be soldered with a quality iron. -Dave -- Dave McGuire Port Charlotte, FL ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
I agree 100% here...I actually find through-hole soldering to be more difficult and tedious than SMT now. All but the very tiniest SMT parts can be soldered with a quality iron. Hey, *I* can solder even the tiniest ones. You get your challenge board working yet? ;-) ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
So it's possible to hand solder or reflow these things at home? Better yet, can you do double sided SMT boards? I always thought you coudn't do it because you would have to have components touching the surface of the reflow skillet on one side while the other side was supposed to reflow. Also, am I right to suppose that since you use gEDA that there are footprints in gEDA for SMD components? That's something I hadn't thought of. I do have a school e-mail address, so I will check out On-semi. I couldn't really tell you if this is a particularly weird MOSFET. We just started semiconductor devices at school, so I'm really only familiar with Diodes so far. Here's the part at both Digi-Key and Mouser: Mouser ) 511-STN1NF10 Digi-Key ) IRLD110-ND I think they're the same: I'm not really sure. MilesTag specs the Digi-key part. Thanks all, Jeremy ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On Mon, 2007-01-29 at 21:03 -0500, DJ Delorie wrote: I agree 100% here...I actually find through-hole soldering to be more difficult and tedious than SMT now. All but the very tiniest SMT parts can be soldered with a quality iron. Hey, *I* can solder even the tiniest ones. You get your challenge board working yet? ;-) I just built one... on 01005 disappeared with a ping of my tweezers (the tips of which actually dwarfed the component). The second I nearly got soldered right - but was too much of a perfectionist - and tried to re-orient it, eventually breaking the end contacts off. Oh.. and I bet it didn't like its time being drowned in a ball of solder and stuck to my iron either. Still.. I cheated anyway, was using a x20 Binary microscope, x40 sometimes (although that is just too magnified to see what you're doing in context - burn marks on thumb to prove it!). What diameter solder wire do people use? I was using a bent, pointy metcal iron with an 0.5mm ish tip, and 0.5mm solder wire. (Some lead, tin and copper alloy). I found that the solder balls up on the end of the wire to the point where it can dwarf an 0402's contact pad. Peter Clifton Electrical Engineering Division, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, 9, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FA Tel: +44 (0)7729 980173 - (No signal in the lab!) ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Jeremy Pedersen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: So it's possible to hand solder or reflow these things at home? Better yet, can you do double sided SMT boards? I always thought you coudn't do it because you would have to have components touching the surface of the reflow skillet on one side while the other side was supposed to reflow. Also, am I right to suppose that since you use gEDA that there are footprints in gEDA for SMD components? That's something I hadn't thought of. I do have a school e-mail address, so I will check out On-semi. I couldn't really tell you if this is a particularly weird MOSFET. We just started semiconductor devices at school, so I'm really only familiar with Diodes so far. Here's the part at both Digi-Key and Mouser: Mouser ) 511-STN1NF10 Digi-Key ) IRLD110-ND Try the lead-free version: $1.95 in single piece qty: IRLD110PBF-ND Regards, Mark [EMAIL PROTECTED] -- You think that it is a secret, but it never has been one. - fortune cookie ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
So it's possible to hand solder or reflow these things at home? Yup. See http://www.delorie.com/pcb/hotplate/ for a photo of my hotplate. Better yet, can you do double sided SMT boards? I always thought you coudn't do it because you would have to have components touching the surface of the reflow skillet on one side while the other side was supposed to reflow. I reflow the top, then hand solder the bottom. You can do it with an oven if you do bottom first; surface tension holds the parts in place even when they're hanging underneath, as long as they're not too heavy. Also, am I right to suppose that since you use gEDA that there are footprints in gEDA for SMD components? Yup. Mostly in the ~geda category. Digi-Key ) IRLD110-ND That's a standard DIP4 footprint. However, ~geda only goes down to DIP6 so you'll have to create your own. Just put the holes on 0.1 centers. ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
On 1/29/07, Peter Clifton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: What diameter solder wire do people use? I was using a bent, pointy metcal iron with an 0.5mm ish tip, and 0.5mm solder wire. (Some lead, tin and copper alloy). I found that the solder balls up on the end of the wire to the point where it can dwarf an 0402's contact pad. I use the Metcal SSC-754A tip 30deg bend, 0.02 tip, Kester 24-6337-6422 .015 diameter solder and Kester Flux Pen 2331-ZX (* jcl *) -- http://www.luciani.org ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
Re: gEDA-user: I need to open and print a PCB created in ExpressPCB:What are my options?
I just built one... on 01005 disappeared with a ping of my tweezers (the tips of which actually dwarfed the component). They've been re-christened quantum capacitors already. Still.. I cheated anyway, was using a x20 Binary microscope, x40 sometimes I use a x10 visor and x200 microscope. What diameter solder wire do people use? I was using a bent, pointy metcal iron with an 0.5mm ish tip, and 0.5mm solder wire. (Some lead, tin and copper alloy). I found that the solder balls up on the end of the wire to the point where it can dwarf an 0402's contact pad. I use metcal's 0.020 conical tip (about 0.5mm) and 0.020 solder. Lately, I've been using solder paste - a dab on the pads, position the part, use the iron to reflow it. Less hands needed, and the part doesn't move around as much. ___ geda-user mailing list geda-user@moria.seul.org http://www.seul.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/geda-user
