Title: SuperProbe free PCB built
Post by: bennyboy on November 03, 2011, 01:46:01 pm
Post by: bennyboy on November 03, 2011, 01:46:01 pm
Hi, here is my new SuperProbe thanks to DangerousPrototypes and Luhan Monat & Mesa Arizona (creators of the SuperProbe).
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6309041248/)
I had minors problems with this build. First of all I had to order my parts from DigiKey instead of Mouser. First of all, shipping is cheaper and faster on Digikey and I needed parts for other projects they did not carry at Mouser.
Second, Digikey did not carry the tactile switch originally used in the part list. I found a neet replacement from Panasonic, that almost fit the PCB footprint. It doesn't have the 2 studs underneath it to secure it on the PCB and the plunger button seems shorter than the original switch. Nevertheless, it works perfectly. MFG part number is EVQ-P7A01K. There is a model exactly the same that takes less pressure to activate the switch, go check the datasheet.
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6309042918/)
Third, the resistors arrays I ordered were way too small to fit on the board. For that, I took single 0603 SMD resistors and soldered them on the side, one by one. Not too hard.
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6308524765/)
You can also see on this picture that the PIC IC is slightly off on the footprint... I soldered that sucker using the soak and pump method. Nailed it on the very first try, no shorts at all! I was really skeptical about this but after triple checking every legs with the multimeter and scrupulously inspecting with a magnifying glass, I came to the conclusion it was doing well the way it is. So I did not bother realigning it.
I programmed it and it works great. I will need to replace R2 as I only had 22 ohms resistors... It does affect the precision of the probe but not by too much. For what a single 20 ohms 1% resistor is worth, I'll order one on my next Digikey order.
For my personnal touch on this, I added a removable grounding point. That groundind point could be useful for testing single components or simply test powered down circuits. On the other hand, I did not wanted it to wiggle around while it is not used. I bought that black hook clip for an internet shopping site that sells extreme deals :P (I don't know if it's ok to post the link or promote stores here).
Thanks again Ian, your team and SeeedStudio for the PCB. The SuperProbe seems to be a great tool to have around you!
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6309041248/)I had minors problems with this build. First of all I had to order my parts from DigiKey instead of Mouser. First of all, shipping is cheaper and faster on Digikey and I needed parts for other projects they did not carry at Mouser.
Second, Digikey did not carry the tactile switch originally used in the part list. I found a neet replacement from Panasonic, that almost fit the PCB footprint. It doesn't have the 2 studs underneath it to secure it on the PCB and the plunger button seems shorter than the original switch. Nevertheless, it works perfectly. MFG part number is EVQ-P7A01K. There is a model exactly the same that takes less pressure to activate the switch, go check the datasheet.
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6309042918/)Third, the resistors arrays I ordered were way too small to fit on the board. For that, I took single 0603 SMD resistors and soldered them on the side, one by one. Not too hard.
(http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/psyko_chewbacca/6308524765/)You can also see on this picture that the PIC IC is slightly off on the footprint... I soldered that sucker using the soak and pump method. Nailed it on the very first try, no shorts at all! I was really skeptical about this but after triple checking every legs with the multimeter and scrupulously inspecting with a magnifying glass, I came to the conclusion it was doing well the way it is. So I did not bother realigning it.
I programmed it and it works great. I will need to replace R2 as I only had 22 ohms resistors... It does affect the precision of the probe but not by too much. For what a single 20 ohms 1% resistor is worth, I'll order one on my next Digikey order.
For my personnal touch on this, I added a removable grounding point. That groundind point could be useful for testing single components or simply test powered down circuits. On the other hand, I did not wanted it to wiggle around while it is not used. I bought that black hook clip for an internet shopping site that sells extreme deals :P (I don't know if it's ok to post the link or promote stores here).
Thanks again Ian, your team and SeeedStudio for the PCB. The SuperProbe seems to be a great tool to have around you!
Title: Re: SuperProbe free PCB built
Post by: bennyboy on November 03, 2011, 05:07:39 pm
Post by: bennyboy on November 03, 2011, 05:07:39 pm
I forgot to tell that MPLAB X IDE does not have the PIC16LF870 in the list of supported ICs. I simply created a project by selecting the PIC16F870 and it worked perfectly!
Title: Re: SuperProbe free PCB built
Post by: Greeeg on November 06, 2011, 08:15:30 am
Post by: Greeeg on November 06, 2011, 08:15:30 am
Nice problem solving, I especially like the sideways resistors in place of those arrays.
Title: Re: SuperProbe free PCB built
Post by: arupbsk on November 06, 2011, 10:03:11 am
Post by: arupbsk on November 06, 2011, 10:03:11 am
No problem, please share the link for others may find it useful.
Title: Re: SuperProbe free PCB built
Post by: Nexus on November 06, 2011, 08:20:06 pm
Post by: Nexus on November 06, 2011, 08:20:06 pm
Test hooks (http://http://www.dealextreme.com/p/electrical-wire-testing-hooks-10-pack-8391)