06 > electronics design
i used eagle for the task this week: layout
the hello.echo board and and modify a circuit board to
include an led and button switch. This required importing
the fab.lbr for the components. I found designing the
schematics and routing to be quite challenging and im not
entirely sure if it even works yet! Now that Im familiar
with the eagle interface and switching between schematic and
board, I'd be keen to work through some comprehensive
electronics systems design tutorials. I had to reroute a few
times until I was satisfied to proceed without any jumpers.
When ready the layout traces and board outline were exported
separately as png files at 600dpi and milled with 1/64 inch
and 1/32 inch end mills then finally stuffed.
Tip #1: Secure the parts with tapes, but exposes the part that you are soldering.
Tip #2: Working from center out, short to tall, small to big parts first. This way, when you are soldering, nothing is in the way. I used the highest temperature setting, and heat the leg of the IC and the copper board at the same time, then I bring in the solder. It take about 3 to 5 seconds to see the smooth and shiny surface, then I let go. Once you are done, clean it with brush and alcohol.
Tip #3: Assembling line. If you have 2 or more boards, it is always faster and easier to assemble one parts at a time for multiples of the same board.
Tip #4: Tape your board down at a comfortable soldering angle, This way, you can see better and reach with the soldering iron better.
Tip #5: Not too much solder. In general, it is easier to add solder then cleanup solder. For the mini USB connector, you want to over solder it but just by a little bit or you will have a lot to clean up.
