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Dew Controller PCB

2015-09-01
2015-09-25
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-01

    I Would like to share this link of Dew Controller PCB It was designed in eagle.
    https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B-iokhsmL4VtfnFFYlZMM2lCQkpBN1JsRDdHRFVwRjBxbzg3aE1qQjJNNmtLRC1yVFU2OWM&usp=sharing
    André

     
    • brownrb

      brownrb - 2015-09-01

      Hi André

      Wow, that is very impressive. Many thanks for doing that. It is an extremely valuable contribution. Can I make one suggestion though? The 12V power tracks probably need to be a little thicker as they will have more current, especially to the straps?

      Am very interested in building yet another based on this board.

      My days of making PCB are long gone. I will have to try and remember (I seem to remember using photocpier onto acetate, photo resist, exposing light, etching and then drilling)? I dont even have the tools anymore but I'll need to look on ebay for some stuff.
      Any tips?

      Cheers
      Robert

       
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-02

    That was quick Andre. Looks perfect. Thanks fot the link on the paper, I have just ordered some. Might be tempted to make a little video on making the pcb board. Where did you get the etch solution from?
    Can I post the files here in a folder?
    Many thanks
    Robert

     
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-02

    Are the files the correct size for printing? They seem to print larger, the nano does not line up? Even in photoshop the dimensions seem to be too big? Am I doing something wrong?

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-02

    The images was generated from Eagle and are in the correct dimensions to print, I tried to print from Photoshop and everything seems perfect, maybe the scale to fit option on print window of Photoshop was enable try disable it. Feel free to publish all files. I suggest you work with Eagle you can export the images and select which layer to print, use the file with brd extension in Eagle.The etch solution that I used to use is Iron trichloride (FeCl3). I bought here in Brazil in a small electronic shop. Be careful using this solution because its an acid solution advise you use latex gloves and glass for personal protection.
    Cheers
    André Mesquita

     
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-02

    Hi Andre
    I loaded brd2 into Eagle, it is telling me there are still air wires incomplete?

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-02

    Im using EAGLE for Mac version 7.2.0 and the file open here without problems.

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-03

    Try to disable unrouted layer (19) on Eagle.

     
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-03

    Wow!

    Many thanks Andre.

    I used to make boards and circuits and stuff way back when I taught embedded systems. Seems like eons ago now. Have not made in board in like 20 years.

    I was looking at getting the some boards based on your design made from SeedStudio, its relatively inexpensive, but I might have a go at a DIY board first.

    That looks very cool. Great work. I ordered some copper and stuff to create a new controller based on your layout.

    Cheers
    Robert

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-04

    Hi Robert!
    My knowledge in electronics and code its not so advanced like yours, this project join two things that I really love: electronic and astronomy. This is a hobby for me and I work as a Physician in Brazil. Im really grateful for your hard work and for make available for everyone. Build a PCB using the method that I told you its really easy, after print the paper with the desired circuit, attach the paper to the PCB and for about 4 minutes press the iron in max temperature against the PCB and remove the paper in water. I would like your opinion about the connectors for temp sensors, I bought to military connectors, Do you think that this kind of connector will solve the prblems of disconnecting the sensors withe the controller on?
    Cheers
    André

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-04

    Connector

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-04

    Connector

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-04

    Connector

     
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-04

    Hi Andre

    Any of these connectors are fine.
    To be honest, it should not be a problem. On the one reported issue here I believe it had more to do with the incorrect grounding issue than the connector,

    There is no harm in being safe by using a different connector.
    However, there is a rule, you should NOT connect/disconnect ANYTHING with power on. Thats a very bad idea (dew straps and temperature probes).

    I used to create boards with photo resist, so looking forward to the paper toner method. I heard that one can use Kodak Photo Glossy paper with an inkjet printer instead of a laserjet printer and thermal paper. Same method to transfer the ink (using an iron).

    Cheers
    Robert

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-12

    Board soldering completed just waiting for the DHT 21 sensor first initial test was OK.

     

    Last edit: Andre Mesquita 2015-09-12
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-13

    That looks awesome Andre, thanks for sharing.

     
  • Andre Mesquita

    Andre Mesquita - 2015-09-20

    Instead using RJ 11 connector I used RJ45 PCB mount connector to connect temperature probes, they are easier to find here. The board will be fixed with an L bracket to the case.

     

    Last edit: Andre Mesquita 2015-09-20
  • brownrb

    brownrb - 2015-09-25

    Thats a pretty good idea Andre. Thanks for sharing and posting the sub-board. I think its a very valuable addition!

     

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