replies interleaved from me too. :)
On 10/29/2020 10:15 AM, Harvey White wrote:
replies interleaved
On 10/29/2020 10:49 AM, Dave wrote:
Tony,
? I get the idea now. I was just making sure I didn't need any lead-free stuff.
I avoid it, nasty working on older PC boards that are more fragile.? Iron is too hot and soldering can take too long depending on the lead free solder.
---I am so glad everybody agrees on this no lead solder being something we don't have to use.
And I am just a hobbyist and still somewhat a noob at that when it comes to electronics. But I sure have learned a lot over the years but keep getting interrupted and cannot stay 100% focused on my projects. Sometimes I buy the same resistors and other components over again.
I buy in bulk, the cost of resistors and capacitors goes down dramatically when buying in 100 lots, but then again, that's surface mount parts.? I' suggest a spread sheet of the resistors and capacitors (and whatever else) you buy, making them preferred parts, and using them where possible.
---I buy in bulk too. I just ordered a few hundred resistors from in the states and 3 sets of 1000 resistors from abroad (not a girl). LOL But as a noob I want to start making a SMT PCB and copy what I have already made with thru hole technology. Buy I always want the big SMT parts and there are not as available even from ebay and seeing even the big parts are relatively small, it will make it easier to start with I think. I will revisit ebay to see if anything has changed. But I have started buying off a roll from overseas some resistors mainly. The spreadsheet is a great idea, why didn't I think of that. But I did buy some of those large Stanley compartment boxes and am getting organized. I bought 12 of these:
Some projects feel like I have been working on them for years and I almost have to relearn the software (for a few minutes) to get back to where I left off.
The comments in the code aren't for when you're designing it, they're for when you redesign it 6 months later.
---Not those comments. I am used to REM statements and other ways to comment code. I was referring to re-familiarizing myself with the PCB making software. I went through a view different ones so by changing softwares until I was happy it was easy to be a little confuse as they are all different. I settled on DipTrace.
I have learned buying cables is easier than making them although I have made quite a few, they never look professional to sell. I have tried many pcb softwares but have settled on DipTrace. I have learned that etching my own boards is work that still doesn't look professional enough for me as I have to figure out the silk screening next. Easier and cheap enough to have them made. Still a noob, but getting there...:)
Assuming you use toner transfer, the thick white film is not optimal, but does work.? I just generally skipped that step, but I did put some labels in the ground pour.
---My toner transfer and laminator worked perfect. I was referring to the solder mask and the silkscreen. I bought some colored UV paints in a tube but never tried it. Looked like a pain.
---Thanks Harvey.
Not that Harvey: Harvey
