2nd Draft of my new 32xServo/IO Hat rev 1.4. Added the leds and missing SPI resistors + reorganized connectors at bottom. I notice that I need to add a capacitor to assist D2 (TVS) on the bottom + I want to add 2 jumpers allowing left and/or right array to be connected to 5V as…
First draft of 32xServo/IO Hat. Designed withh KiCAD this time, but still a 2 Layer design. I lack 3D packages for Power connector, USB port, JST CAN port and Q1 Crystal. The Q1 Crystal footprint was my first footprint design, but is was rather straight forward. Next I will have to try adding a 3D…
One of many new features that was not available in Target 3001 is display of signal names on tracks and pads. I selected the wrong footprint for SWD, but as it is the same size as a 1.27 pitch header I did not think it matter before I noticed that it count the pin differently…
It is soon 1.jan.2020 and Norwegian import rules changes, meaning I basically get MVA and a 20.-USD handling fee on every package unless I get the foreign company to declare MVA. It will be a pain and take some time before this happens. Ordering parts from Asia will be close to impossible unless you order…
This is a screen-shot of my two screens. I have PCB router on left and schematics on right. As I work on PCB the schematics will show the associated part – neat little detail. KiCAD is actually multiple applications so its perfect to take full advantage of multiple screens as you work. I have routed…
This shows and early draft of rev 1.4 on KiCAD using their normal 3D model. KiCAD have a more realistic version that is a bit slower to draw, but for all poractical purposes it does the job. Accurate details is IMO not important here, the objective is to verify as much of the mechanics as…
1 – Schematics – KiCAD is most definitly a step up. It is much, much faster to work with once you get used to the somewhat weird user interface. 2 – PCB Layout – It is hard to say. I see huge advantages in the life-cycle of interactions between PCB/Schematics as I apply changes. 3…
I am a bit handicapped as my Lamp with a magnifier broke. I was using that all the time, but having seen how badly designed that it I decided to rebuild both of my lamps to be LED lamps. What I will do is to buy a 130VAC to 12VDC adapter in a shop (or…
The graphical user interface on KiCAD is different than most applications. On KiCAD you get little feedback that you have selected something. Editing on PCB is quite “normal” – you select a component and click to move it. Doing the same on schematics are different, you select by using area and the component stick to…
Working with electronics you accept that it is a small risk of fire and take pre-cautions. But are we really prepared for what can go wrong? The issue is that everything around us contains more electronics and things that can take fire these days. Yesterday my lamp bought on Clas Olson took fire. Nothing bad…