StickOS

[ScaleRobotics]

I'm putting female headers on mine for the analog pins.

That's a good idea!

I could suck-it-in for a version that would drop right into a standard single breadboard, but I'm just not in the mood to sit & hand-assemble 30+ boards under a microscope for a freebie...

Can't blame you there, totally understand.

If someone prefers SMD switches, I can change that, but they're normally more expensive. I definitely do not want the SMD USB-A connector. These things tend to rip-off & lift traces with just a little wiggle. I tried really hard to keep it super cheap, but I'm open to feedback if someone wants something changed.

I don't see a need for smt switches, and I can get by with whatever USB connector, or pinout you put on it.

You should be able to edit/view it with the free version of DipTrace. The raw file is there if anyone wants to have a go at making it better or smaller.

Looks like a nice layout, and I know I will be happy with the silkscreen labeling, so I don't have to refer back and forth to a pdf file. Not too big, and with your idea of the female header for the analog, I'll be able to fit it on one of my larger breadboards (not three).

Walter - the mini USB connectors are a pain, and not everyone has those teeny cables. I used a standard through-hole A type for stability, and it's easier for me to assemble. And - if we used the SMD mini USB connector, it's way too easy to rip-off the board if you lift up on the USB cable. These need to be installed in an enclosure (like say a PICKit2 or 3) where the enclosure itself provides support.

Bruce, I totally agree with you keeping the cost down, and you have done an excellent job. I know that this kind of project takes time, even for someone as professional as you, so thank you again for jumping in and offering to do this!

As for the mini-usb, I can see your point of not wanting to install them, and I can live with that just fine. But I have purchased plenty of cheap boards from Sparkfun, Microchip, Olimex, and other board manufacturers who include a mini USB connector on their board, but offer no case. Don't take me wrong, I am just saying that in my opinion, I don't think they "need" to be installed in an inclosure. But I agree that would make them stand up to more use/abuse.

Your pinout would certainly be one of the most durable, compact, and cheap. So by all means, I agree it is a good way to go. Just think a few people will have to make an easy cable to connect it with.

[Bruce]

OK here's one that fits on a breadboard. Headers from side-to-side are 0.9" so you'll have 1 hole left over on the outside edges for wire. Board edges will hang over a tad, but it now fits. Overal size is now 3.1" x 1.475".

Changed the 1x16 analog header to a 2x8 so that fits, and added Walters Mini USB connector.

If someone else with Diptrace could verify all connections it would be a big help. It's passed DRC at Freedfm.com, but a second set of eyes might catch something I missed.

The .ZIP file contains the Diptrace board design.

[ScaleRobotics]

Ok, it took about three weeks, but I just received my order from batchpcb / Sparkfun. The board looks pretty good! Thanks again Bruce! I still need to get a few parts to put it together though. Once it works, I will place an order for at least 40. Sounds like dhouston found a pretty good deal from ezpcb, so I'll probably give them a try. Here's a picture of the board. The good thing about this order (not sure if this was just a fluke) was I got two of all 3 boards I ordered, but I only paid for 1 each of the three.... Anyone else tried them before?

Edit: One out of the six boards I received has some problems. It just happens to be on one of the StickOS boards. The trace E1 on the back side of the board wasn't fully etched, and in at least two places, this trace goes to ground. The other boards don't show signs of this problem. Probably just another fluke..... Anyway, here is a picture of the pretty side.....



And ugly side....



Well, at least they gave me one free one, I guess I can't complain. And after a little work with an exacto knife, they both should work.

[Ioannis]

Thats great! Despite the little shorts. A knife would make the job OK.

Looking forward for the working board

Ioannis

[Heckler]

Does this head mounted gadget give a good stereoscopic view?

Google "bausch lomb magna visor"... around $30 USD on Amazon.

You will not be dissapointed! I use mine with my regular perscription eye glasses on.
Like a breath of fresh air when you need the detail.

I highly recomend them for electronic work.

[rmteo]

Any impressions of StickOS and/or PIC32?