One of the most common techniques in DIY PCB etching is the toner transfer method. Tom added a twist to the standard method by adding the use of a stovetop in the toner transfer process. He wrote a tutorial describing in depth how you could recreate his results. I have been trying out a new […]
Author Archives: DP
ISPtouch – header-less ISP connector for AVRs
Tired of headers for programming? Here’s a header-less ISP connector for AVR microcontrollers. It’s based on the AVX 9188 Staggered SOLO Stacker connector, which is spring loaded. You simply line up your connector withe the guide holes and press down to program. Via the comments.
Yet another stepper driver
YetAnotherStepperDriver is a breakout board for the DRV8825 stepper motor controller IC. The IC can put out 3A of current, so proper cooling is a must. This is the reason behind so many vias around the bottom pad of the IC. These modules are designed to connect to a booster pack i have yet to […]
MMA7455L accelerometer free PCB build
Fcobcn built a free MMA7455L accelerometer breakout board. The MMA7455L is a 3-axis accelerometer with I2C and SPI interfaces. If you build a free PCB we’ll send you another one! Blog about it, post a picture on Flicker, whatever – we’ll send you a coupon code for the free PCB drawer. Get the MMA7455L breakout […]
App note: Thermal characterization of IC packages
Here’s a tutorial from Maxim describing the thermal specifications in IC packages. All the devices used in a project dissipate heat, and if not properly cooled they will fail. This article will bring you closer to understanding the thermal specs quoted in datasheets. Thermal characterization of packages is critical for the performance and reliability of […]
Free PCB Sunday: Pick your PCB
We go through a lot of prototype PCBs, and end up with lots of extras that we’ll never use. Every Sunday we give away a few PCBs from one of our past or future projects, or a related prototype. Our PCBs are made through Seeed Studio’s Fusion board service. This week two random commenters will […]
App note: Driving capacitive loads fast by paralleling op-amps and transmission lines
Here’s a video from Linear Technology describing how to drive capacitive loads fast. The proposed solutions is to use multiple op-amps in a parallel configuration to achieve the high-speed requirements. Certain video and other technologies require driving planar conductive surfaces fast. Unfortunately, the surfaces can have high capacitance, which means that driving them fast takes […]
App note: Op-amps driving capacitive loads
Analog Devices describes why it’s a bad idea to drive capacitive loads with op amps. If you’re forced to drive a capacitive load, this video also provides a possible solution to the stability issues.
App note: EIA surface mount tape standard
Here is a paper from the Electronic Industries Alliance describing the standards for surface mount tape. We found it interesting that all surface mount tapes use the same pitch and diameter of the holes in the feeder mechanisms. The pitch being 4mm, and the hole diameter 1.5mm. Via Outguessing the machine.
Workshop Update for December 7th, 2012
We finalized 6 new designs and sent off a box of PCBs. Several test a new header-less programming pad we’re working on. We researched various feeder mechanisms for pick n place machines, and posted about them. Which also provided some material for app notes. The protoboards received another update. We added mini USB B breakouts […]
DIY mechanized surface mount tape feeder
In relation to the previously posted Resistor cutting robot, here is a DIY mechanized surface mount tape feeder. The project is mostly made from CNC milled plastic. It’s open source so all the design files are available. This is a simple proof-of-concept of a SMT tape-and-reel part feeder design. The main parts are a stepper […]
Resistor cutting robot from .:Oomlout:.
On our Shenzhen trip we were joined by the Oomlout team. While discussing a reel-to-strip cutting robot, Aaron mentioned that he has a resistor cutting robot. It’s built from laser cut MDF and acrylic, with a bunch of servos attached to load and cut the resistor tape. The project is open source, so all the […]
Free PCB coupon via Facebook to 2 random commenters
Every Friday we give away some extra PCBs via Facebook. This post was announced on Facebook, and on Monday we’ll send coupon codes to two random commenters. More PCBs via Twitter on Tuesday and the blog every Sunday. Don’t forget there’s free PCBs three times every week: Free PCB Sunday. The classic. Every week, get […]
Week in (p)review December 07, 2012
Here’s a summary of major developments over the last week. Free PCB Friday is coming up soon. WORKSHOP VIDEO: Interview with Mitch from Hackvana Shenzhen Hua Qiang Bei market visit report Tokyo Maker Faire 2012: Around the Faire day 1 Tokyo Maker Faire 2012: Robots and Art day 1 Booths and Exhibits at Tokyo Maker […]
Bus Pirate v3.6 back in stock
Bus Pirate v3.6 universal serial interface is back in stock at Seeed Studio. This is the updated v3.6 in a standard PCB footprint. You can get a simple laser-cut acrylic protector for this board for only 3 bucks. Bus Pirate is a hacking multi-tool that has the capability to interface with most IC bus protocols […]
Geek Tour Best FACEFRAME! pictures
Being cultural ambassadors, we always try to spread the best the internet has to offer. On this trip the .:Oomlout:. team brought a ghastly 80s formal photography pose as an alternative to the more traditional peace sign. Yes, it’s FACEFRAME! Here’s but a few of the FACEFRAME! poses we collected on this trip. More FACEFRAME! […]
Workshop Update for December 6th, 2012
We edited the first of four interview videos from Shenzhen and Tokyo. Responded to email backlog that extended to October and sent out thank-yous to everyone from the most recent Geek Tour. We posted a few of the best FACEFRAME! pictures in the forum. We finished QFP protoboards v1.1 in all available pitches. Files and gerbers […]
Shenzhen Hua Qiang Bei market visit report
Our mission to Shenzhen, China was two fold. We wanted to walk and map the huge Huaqiangbei electronics wholesale market. For a more in-depth review of the market check out our previous Global Geek Tour of Shenzhen, China. All our projects are built with parts from this market, understanding it better helps us reduce cost […]
DIY Ferric Chloride etchant
Here is a guide on how to make your own Ferric Chloride etchant. It’s a relatively simple process that only requires some iron, hydrochloric acid, and air. As the process uses acids please be careful, and do this only if you feel comfortable with it. Get 20g of iron. This can be in the form […]
WARNING: Out of stock free PCBs will be removed from the drawer
We would like to warn anyone that ordered free PCBs, that are now out of stock, that they will soon be removed from our free PCB drawer. Download the documentation while the links are still available. Documentation will still be available on our wiki, but it might be more difficult to find. This comes as […]