@asdf I like that. I have a few steppers and can come up with a solenoid or 2 if Ian actually tries to build it. The suction cup/ vacuum pickup is brilliant. But would fail on a through-hole board or one with a lot of vias. In the future, assuming Ian decides to try this, adding barcodes to the boards would probably help too. I could donate a hand scanner to Ian to build this as well. Not sure but I think it's RS-485. A scanner would also help, in the US anyway, to verify the zip+4 on the envelope. Which should be unique for each person.
Even a heavy-ish cardboard mailer like CDs sometimes get mailed in would work if you can print on them. I also thought about heavy paper that gets printed and then board gets stuck a the correct spot and it gets folded and taped. Maybe a dab of rubber cement.
The device needs to operate in various countries. So assume power 100V to 250V AC. No cow tongue or other animal parts for licking envelopes, etc. Needs to handle pre-made boards. Webcam so you can watch! Also needs to tape board down, insert a business card and decal, and apply labels. And print labels or better yet print on the envelope directly. As label reinforces the envelope though, could be bad to NOT use labels. Probably needs to be no larger than a dorm sized refrigerator.
I did used the Chipquik SMD 291 and even posted a pic of it in my last build pics. :) http://www.planetjay.com/bus-pirate-shi ... ino-build/ I don't think I could have completed the build without it. So far I have 5 tips for my Hakko FX-888 and I'm looking at getting 2 more. I'm already planning my next builds. I'm hoping to get good enough to eventually build my own projects from scratch.
Finished my second board tonight! http://http://www.planetjay.com/bus-pirate-3-5a-soic-build/ Again a very difficult build, but very happy with it. Couldn't get my Pickit 3 to work at all under Mac OS X 10.7 so I ended up programming it under Ubuntu Linux instead. Still having an odd problem that I have to reboot the computer every time I reconnect the BP or it won't communicate. Pressing Enter does make the USB LED flash though. :/ Blaming Linux for that one. Also yes there's a solder bridge (as required) on the 4066. :)
If you have some links on troubleshooting High Voltage Power Supplies in monitors and TVs, please post. I'm about to reopen my monitor that died. I replaced the caps and it worked for about 2 months. Then it started turning pink and then it started shutting the HV down again. Thanks and gratx on your TV!
