6 replies to this topic

[iced98lx]

Getting closer to wrapping up the R&D on my controller setup and after a bumped wire caused all sorts of havoc it's time to think about taking this from a prototype phase to a more solid solution. I'm looking to create a "Shield" with some functions and pieces built in, to solidify connections and breakout boards. I don't have any experience with Fritzing or other tools, but I guess I'll start there. I did have a set of boards made to hold some LED drivers, though I did not do the design on them.

 

Ideally, the Shield would mount to my project box, with the N+2 residing on one edge of it, supplying exterior connectors (USB, network, power). alternatively, the USB & Network could be extended to an external egress point with power coming to the board internally.  What I'd like in/on the shield:

 

• Built in pull up resistors and 5 standardized 4 pin connector for i2c (http://www.mcmelectr...CFZFaMgodO1QAug ?) which map to the proper N+2 pins (but supply 5v from an outside power supply)
• 5 standard 3 pin connectors for 1 wire devices that are mapped to the N+2 pin used
• two built in 8 port shift registers and RJ45 jacks for their outputs (to connect to remote mounted relay planels)
• connector for ph and conductivity stamps by Atlas-Scientific

Am I odd to want to put this all together on a board vs just using a solder bread board?

[nakchak]

Putting it on a board is the logical next step.

 

I would start by trying the free PCB design packages (KiCad, designSpark or eagle) and seeing which you like most.

 

Follow some tutorials for each, then try and draw your schematic in your chosen package.

 

When your ready to get a board made, you can get them made quite cheaply at places like seeedstudios or oshpark.

 

Nak.

[NooM]

i like diptrace a lot. it has tons of components, you can try it out for 30 days free, and if you like, the cost is cheap.

it also has a 3d rengering thingy, so you can kinda look what your pcb's might look when finished (thou not all stuff has 3d modules aviable, so its just empty.) its also at least as easy than fritzing, but way easier to route (by hand) and more precize)

 

iam about to order 10 pcb's from itead. its incredible cheap.

 

(i turned component render off ...)

https://www.dropbox...._b_3d_front.png

https://www.dropbox....p_b_3d_back.png

[Nevyn]

Not mad at all given the cost of boards these days.  10 pieces of 5cm x 5cm board only costs $10 plus shipping from iTead.  I've recently put together a prototype on 5cm x 10cm board and the total cost was about $27 for 10 of them.

 

As for software, I personally prefer DesignSpark over both Eagle and Fritzing as it is of commercial grade and it's free to use.  I think there are also Arduino libraries out there so you should have a good starting point for a shield shape/pin placement.  Also recently discovered the ModelSource feature which connects to a library of about 80,000 parts which you can download on demand.

 

Hope this helps,

Mark

[iced98lx]

Thanks guys, that was my thought- "it's cheap enough, why not?!" the upside seems to be huge (No wires being bumped, no worries about connection lenghts, etc). I have used iTead and like them, so I'll grab DesignSpark and do a few tutorials and see what I can come up with.

 

Worst part is having 10 of them!

[Nevyn]

Worst part is having 10 of them!

 

Look on the bright side, if you make a mistake you have a few spares

 

Regards,

Mark

[iced98lx]

Look on the bright side, if you make a mistake you have a few spares

 

Regards,

Mark

 

 

Very true.