How to Make [Almost] Anything | Life + Times Of v.2019

Maharshi Bhattacharya | Masters in Design Studies
Harvard University | Graduate School of Design

[03_in-circuit programmer]

Milling PCB Board

 

The FabTinyStar is another version of an AVR ISP programmer/board that can be produced in a fab lab using a milled PCB and readily available components. The project is based on the efforts of many people before me.

This week we were assigned the task of milling, cutting, soldering, & programming a predesigned circuit board. It will function as a USB communication for programming microcontrollers on other circuit boards. My process is described here with links to the FabLab tutorials.

 

PCB based on downloaded design. Using the provided mod and png file for the design we milled the pattern onto copper boards.

 

Photoshoot because why not.

 

PCB with it's various parts and assembly key.

 

Solder-work under the microscope. Zen time.

 

First solder milestone. ATtiny45 fixed.

 

Second solder milestone. 49ohm resistor, 100nF capacitor and pin header fixed.

 

Minor setback.

 

Clean and tidy. Somewhat.

 

Programming the PCB.

 

And done!