I have sourced all of the parts for the BP v3.8 except the SMD thick film resistors which I can only find for $40.00 for 4,000 part reels.
Any ideas where I can find the thick film resistors required without buying 4,000 of them?
Should I buy a whole reel for each and hope I can sell them in small batches to maybe break even on eBay?
Thanks in advance for the help.
That price seems quite high. What country are you in?
You can pick them up all over the world for next to nothing. Worst case you can always grab some off ebay and you wo't need to buy 4000! Somebody from around here that's local to you would probably be quite happy to send you the lot for free.
I guess I am confused as this is my first SMD project and I can't count either :-|
The particular parts I am referencing are from the BOM for the BP 3.8 at http://http://dangerousprototypes.com/docs/Bus_Pirate_v3.8#Partlist R2,R3,R4,R6 1k1 resistors (R603) links to a Mouser page that offers the resistors at on a reel of 10,000 (not 4,000) at a minimum for $40 (at least I got that bit correct).
I live in Colorado, US and would be delighted to purchase the 4 resistors (not 10,000) for a more reasonable price from a friend on the site.
Or, if someone can provide an alternate provider where I can purchase them in lots of 5 or something, that would also be awesome. Ebay works for me too if someone can point me to a link (I can't seem to find thick film SMD resistors there either).
My biggest surprise was that the PCB board seems to be the least expensive part of the whole deal.
By the time I sourced out all of the other parts from the BP 3.8 BOM link above (while adding a couple of extras because I am sure I will lose some of the smaller parts), It still will cost at least as much (actually more) as buying the assembled BP from seeedstudio. I prefer to make it myself but I have to admit that DangerousPrototypes is VERY reasonable regarding their prices.
If I'm missing something or if there is something I can do to lower the cost (besides building hundreds of them) I welcome any suggestions!
Thanks friends. ~spooner
I'm not at home, and won't be anytime soon, or I'd offer to mail you a few. The ones linked in the partslist are excessively expensive for some reason "suddenly".
What you are looking for is basically any "0603 inch 1kOHM 1/10th watt or 100mw" such as http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDet ... B1JTTD102J (http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=RK73B1JTTD102Jvirtualkey66000000virtualkey660-RK73B1JTTD102J)
which are 0.08$ per or 10$ per reel of 5000
That's more like it! I think I can come up with that kind of cash :-).
Thanks so much for your help. I really appreciate it.
You really don't need to buy a reel, you'd be better just jumping on ebay and searching for 'SMD Resistor', you'll find tons of them, just go for a supplier with a decent rating and free postage (That way if it doesn't show up and you get a refund, you won't lose out).
This is a typical example, but you will find thousands of sellers
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2300pcs-SMD-080 ... 35ca9a59e0 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2300pcs-SMD-0805-0O-10MO-50value-Resistor-2-2pf-1uf-40value-Capacitor-Kit-Set-/231032379872?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ca9a59e0)
If going for a pack of mixed stuff (the most common on ebay), just look for ones that offer good common values, as the packs often contain a lot of 'useless' values - though for the price, who cares?!
I'm not from the US, so don't know all the local suppliers, but try places like Jameco , Sparkfun (Colorado), Mouser, Digikey, Newark, Allied and of course ebay. Forget the 'thick film' bit and just look for SMD resistors in that particular size (e.g. 0603) and just ensure they have an equal or higher power rating. I don't think Sparkfun stock resistors anymore, but there are tons of local guys from the states and I'm sure you'll find somebody who will share.
@Sleepwalker3 thanks for the advice on the eBay assortments. I really didn't understand the thick film bit so that helps a great deal. Perhaps I'll be able to get the parts i need for less than buying an assembled board after all! :-)
Thanks again.
Hi;
try amazon:
search 0805 resistor
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_ ... 5+resistor (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=0805+resistor&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3A0805+resistor)
Mick M
Thanks Mick; another good source.
Just a quick note that the BP 3.8 calls for 0603 resistors rather than the larger 0805, but Amazon has those too! :-)
I appreciate the support from everyone who has helped.
I have considered having PCBs made from the Eagle files and offering kits to lower the DIY cost, but that seems a little shady and I want to support all of the great folks a D.P. and their amazing devices! (As well as seeed studio)
Thanks to those who have responded, from the bottom of my heart.
i have some spare pcbs for my lts (learn to solder) bus pirate v3.6a, same schematic in a 50x100 form factor with easier to solder components. pcb cost was 2.40 postage is $2-$4.
viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5971 (http://dangerousprototypes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5971)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
It's normally cheaper/easier (in my opinion) to just buy the made board from Seeed, but with Tom's generous offer You might be OK.
Where abouts are you located? I've just had a look and I've got quite a few bits left over from when I made mine, so I can possibly throw some / most of the bits into a bag and send it off to you, providing the postage isn't too expensive.
@Tom - Just thinking that your board might not be using the 0603 stuff, so the bits I have might not be suitable for Spooner
http://dangerousprototypes.com/2014/01/ ... ent-276412 (http://dangerousprototypes.com/2014/01/21/pcb-drawer-restock-bus-pirate-v3-8/#comment-276412)
Looks like he has a 3.8 board already, and presumably already ordered the other parts. Shipping from mouser is prohibitively expensive on four resistors =(
Assuming you are in Denver you could consider swinging by the http://denhac.org/ (http://denhac.org/) openhouse Tuesday. At the very least they should be able to point to you a local component retailer. IIRC there are at least two, one on the east side and northside of metro.
To answer the wonderful recent replies; I do have a BP 3.8 PCB that I was lucky enough to receive from the PCB drawer; however, I would gladly donate the board to someone else if I can find a cheaper/different way to do this :-)
I do not have any of the components yet as I wanted to make one order for all of the parts.
I have discovered that ordering the assembled board from seeed is pretty much the cheapest / easiest way to go, but I like doing things myself (for some silly reason).
Also, the BOM for the 3.8 BP calls for 0603 parts, I am not familiar with the 3.6 specs but @TomKeddie if I could purchase a 3.6 LTS PCB and whatever extra parts you are willing to part with, again, I would gladly pass along my 3.8 PCB to someone who could use it (or to you if you want it).
This is the link to the 3.8 BOM for what it is worth http://http://dangerousprototypes.com/docs/Bus_Pirate_v3.8#Partlist
At this point, I just want to take a shot at the SMD construction, without going broke and before I go blind!
All of the offers and advice are very generous and I am not too proud to accept!
I do live in downtown Denver and am old enough to drive (47 or so if I remember correctly) so I may check out the denhac Tuesday (although I have had pneumonia for the last two weeks :-( )
I have to say; everyone who has responded has been so helpful which makes this community very impressive and important to me.
I can't wait to return the favor!
Looking forward to a response from @TomKeddie and thanks to all the other's who have taken time to help me out.
You are all awesome in my book and I would not hesitate to do anything I could to help any of you any way I could.
Thanks again. -Kevin
[quote author="Sleepwalker3"]It's normally cheaper/easier (in my opinion) to just buy the made board from Seeed, but with Tom's generous offer You might be OK.
Where abouts are you located? I've just had a look and I've got quite a few bits left over from when I made mine, so I can possibly throw some / most of the bits into a bag and send it off to you, providing the postage isn't too expensive.[/quote]
Hey Sleepwalker3. I am in Denver Colorado USA and would of course pay for parts and postage if you have some you can spare.
It sounds like between you and/or Tom, I may be able to get out for under $30 for a BP 3.x of one flavor or the other!
I can't believe the generosity and help I have received.
I can't thank all of you enough.
I look forward to see how this works out!
Thanks to you all. -Kevin
No probs, if I can help out with the parts then let me know. You did mention where you were, I'd just forgotten sorry - Derr!
[quote author="spooner"]To answer the wonderful recent replies; I do have a BP 3.8 PCB that I was lucky enough to receive from the PCB drawer; however, I would gladly donate the board to someone else if I can find a cheaper/different way to do this :-)
[/quote]
You don't need my pcb you'll be fine with the one you have, you just need some help ordering. Yes seeed will be easier and cheaper but you will learn less!
A quick plug for my assembly video, one of many techniques - http://vancouver.vanhack.ca/wp/2013/09/ ... bly-video/ (http://vancouver.vanhack.ca/wp/2013/09/13/i-heart-smt-workshop-assembly-video/)
I find the mouser BoM tool to be a bit of a PITA. I add the mouser part numbers externally then upload the finished thing.
Here is what I do for all my projects (original or derived like the BP). I'm planning to turn this into an instructable, just not today.
You can get the BP pcb files from http://dangerous-prototypes-open-hardwa ... ware/v3.8/ (http://dangerous-prototypes-open-hardware.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/Bus_Pirate/hardware/v3.8/).
Also install Eagle PCB (latest version).
0. Open the schematic in Eagle.
1. Export a BoM from Eagle - File -> Export -> BOM - select Values and CSV, same to disk somewhere (pref with the pcb files)
2. Import the CSV into a spreadsheet, add a column for the mouser part number
3. Line by line search mouser for the part. In general you need the correct value(s) and size.
3a. when you get a list of matching parts, sort by price and pick the cheapest
3b. paste the mouser part number into the spreadsheet
3c. repeat until you have part numbers for everything
will edit more soonish......
[quote author="Sleepwalker3"]No probs, if I can help out with the parts then let me know. You did mention where you were, I'd just forgotten sorry - Derr![/quote]
Hey Sleepwalker3; No worry on locations, etc. I am just happy to have had so many great responses. To get to the short and skinny of this whole thing, the only way I thought I would be able to afford to get my hands on a BP in the first place was to get a PCB from the PCB Drawer and build it myself.
That has been a while ago and now I know that this was a bit of a pipe dream owing mostly to the thin margins, etc from DP and SeeedStudio. It has become painfully obvious that the expense lies in the individual parts rather than the PCB :-).
I have had some unexpected expensive medical issues over the past year and was looking for something to build my skills and keep me from losing my mind (everyone has their problems and I am not trying to make any excuses here).
Anyway, now I know that this is definitely not an inexpensive project even though it is SMD and I have the free PCB, but I feel an obligation to carry out what I started to show my appreciation to everyone who I have "met" here and to DangerousPrototypes.
All of that being said, the more parts I can find that people can spare, or that I am able to "sample" the better off I will be and the more likely I can finish out the project.
If you have any parts you can spare, I will reciprocate any way I can, as soon as I can. This would give me a place to start with the order sample process.
I hate to even ask ... but I honestly appreciate your offer.
Thanks. -kevin
[quote author="TomKeddie"][quote author="spooner"]To answer the wonderful recent replies; I do have a BP 3.8 PCB that I was lucky enough to receive from the PCB drawer; however, I would gladly donate the board to someone else if I can find a cheaper/different way to do this :-)
[/quote]
You don't need my pcb you'll be fine with the one you have, you just need some help ordering. Yes seeed will be easier and cheaper but you will learn less!
A quick plug for my assembly video, one of many techniques - http://vancouver.hackspace.ca/wp/2013/0 ... bly-video/ (http://vancouver.hackspace.ca/wp/2013/09/13/i-heart-smt-workshop-assembly-video/)
I find the mouser BoM tool to be a bit of a PITA. I add the mouser part numbers externally then upload the finished thing.
Here is what I do for all my projects (original or derived like the BP). I'm planning to turn this into an instructable, just not today.
You can get the BP pcb files from http://dangerous-prototypes-open-hardwa ... ware/v3.8/ (http://dangerous-prototypes-open-hardware.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/Bus_Pirate/hardware/v3.8/).
Also install Eagle PCB (latest version).
0. Open the schematic in Eagle.
1. Export a BoM from Eagle - File -> Export -> BOM - select Values and CSV, same to disk somewhere (pref with the pcb files)
2. Import the CSV into a spreadsheet, add a column for the mouser part number
3. Line by line search mouser for the part. In general you need the correct value(s) and size.
3a. when you get a list of matching parts, sort by price and pick the cheapest
3b. paste the mouser part number into the spreadsheet
3c. repeat until you have part numbers for everything
will edit more soonish......[/quote]
Hey Tom,
I appreciate the advice on the BOM alternate process, I will definitely give it a go. Perhaps with the generosity of the great people here, everything I have learned about the components, etc, I will be able to make this happen after all.
Perhaps my memory is failing me; didn't you say your board is for 0805 components rather than 0603? The only reason this seemed like a better option because of the larger size parts along with the potential availability of extra components that may be floating around out there. (More info on that in my previous reply to SW3 above).
Again, I appreciate the advice and will see where I am based on what Sleepwalker has to say.
I can't say it enough ... you guys are all really terrific !!!!! -Kevin
I haven't got a V3.8 board, so not sure of the USB connector on there, is it a Mini or a Micro (or is it a nano or pico these days?!). I think I've still got one or two left over from the stuff Mats (Small Room Labs) very kindly donated with some other stuff, and if so then I can throw one of them in there. I think it will mostly be the same as the V3.6 SOIC that I built.
Oops, had forgotten you posted the parts list link - bit of brain fade there. It listed as a Micro, so I'll see what I've got. I wouldn't have the chips, but I likely have the resistors, caps, USB and possibly a few other bits.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I sent my Snail Mail address via PM.
I may be able to get the chips as samples; who knows?
Thanks again. -Kevin
Hey, just saw the hail, tornado's and storms in Denver on the news, hope all is OK with you.
The real problem is the shipping. The parts cost is ok but as soon as you add shipping it kills the deal, even usps at $7 from mouser is half the cost of the parts.
I have most of the small parts for my board (1206 from memory) but no pic or ftdi chip. They are 80% of the cost so as much as it is nice to donate stuff to you people should just send money and save the shipping from multiple places.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Yes, that's usually the case for hobbyists. Unless you have an account somewhere or you deal with a place that does free shipping if you buy over a certain value - though of course then you need to buy enough to get it free.
[quote author="Sleepwalker3"]Yes, that's usually the case for hobbyists. Unless you have an account somewhere or you deal with a place that does free shipping if you buy over a certain value - though of course then you need to buy enough to get it free.[/quote]
$7 is actually peanuts, I grew up in Australia where the tiniest thing by fedex will cost you $60 minimum (as very few people will send usps to there).
I'll have a check the weekend in case I have a spare PIC or FTDI chip to match either PCB.
It depends on what you're sending and who's doing it. I've received and sent Fedex overseas before for $25. It's much cheaper if you use their 'set' boxes and if you have an account with a pre-quoted value. We routinely send stuff to the states (from Aus) with Fedex at work, quite large boxes and they get done pretty cheaply because it's all pre-quoted stuff. But if you're buying just small parts, then unless the sender has a special deal, then yeah it can get very expensive. Many of the ebay sellers have goods (say a bit of test gear) selling for $20, but the freight is $250! - think I'll pass!
[quote author="Sleepwalker3"]Hey, just saw the hail, tornado's and storms in Denver on the news, hope all is OK with you.[/quote]
Yeah, lots of hail, but all is well. Thanks for asking!.
Yeah, shipping is what really gets everyone with small quantities.
If I could find someone who lives in the same city as Mouser (for example) and Mouser allowed pickup orders at their warehouse, I could have them pick up my order and send it to me US priority fixed rate for something like $3.50.
Does anyone know of any suppliers that do that sort of thing or am I dreaming? What about the "no shipping" samples from China?
There has to be a way to beat this :-)
Thanks ~spooner
Ok, so I have a spare PIC and a spare 4066 to contribute. I can probably find all the regulators, resistors and caps. I'll send them to you once you're sure you can find an ftdi chip. PM me, I will probably forget to check this thread.
@Tom: As you know, we have been exchanging PMs but I neglected to tell you I can get the ftdi chip from Mouser for $4.50 but they only have 34,211 in stock so I better hurry :-)
Thanks again. ~spooner
I was also luck to win the lottery and get a free Bus Pirate 3.8 pcb. It is already assembled and working.
I got a FT232RL for $2.35 from Ebay. Search for a seller named polida2008. The micro USB connector used in the v3.8 board was also ordered from Ebay - 5 pcs for $1.19 total. The voltage regulators and the PIC I got from Microchip as free samples :)
Thanks for the advice Sparks ... once I see what I have coming I will investigate the "sample" route for any missing parts.
I don't suppose FTDI gives free samples do they? :-)
I am looking forward to working on my BP 3.8.
BTW - Do you know if you can get a Sick of Beige case from seeed for the 3.8?
Thanks again. ~spooner