The process of making the first working sample of a circuit, that may be on a temporary base like a breadboard
0
votes
1answer
89 views
Are there “female” 2.54mm screw terminals?
There are a variety of male screw terminals with pins one can solder into a PCB. Are there female screw terminals that fit directly over the 2.54mm pitch/spaced "jumper" pins that small boards like ...
1
vote
0answers
41 views
Wearable electronics in which kind of electrically-insulated mold?
I have a wearable electronics that I need to keep in my finger. I don't have the resources to put a prototype into something small like custom ASIC so I would like to find a way to put it to shape it ...
2
votes
1answer
64 views
Connecting with only JTAG
I've been wanting try out new microcontrollers and microprocessors other than the very mainstream Arduino and similar. So I want to start by making a inexpensive test board with a minimal test of ...
2
votes
1answer
165 views
Breadboard Confusion
I just received the following breadboard in a electronics starter pack I purchased.
I am a little confused in how I would go about prototyping on this board, all the tutorials I have read state ...
3
votes
3answers
211 views
Do I really need to solder headers to a shield? Or can I just plug it into my Arduino?
I recently purchased an MP3 Player Shield for my Arduino. I bought a couple of headers to run through the shield's holes down to my arduino. Is this TRULY necessary (for testing purposes)? Or could I ...
1
vote
1answer
139 views
How to mass-produce a electronic system assembled by me?
"Practically speaking", given I developed a electronic system (in my case with the Arduino board), what are next steps to make in order to produce and market that system (in my case, regardless of ...
0
votes
2answers
114 views
What make now that I have implemented a working prototype of my system?
I developed code for an Arduino board (Arduino Uno + Ethernet Shield and some sensor) and I am thinking to try to make some money by selling the resulting system. Is it legally possible make that with ...
8
votes
1answer
336 views
Is there a good replacement for stripboard in the surface mount world?
More and more components I want to use are only available in surface mount packages.
I can either get a big collection of adapter boards for all flavors of SOIC/WFBGA/QDERP to 100 mil pin spacing, ...
3
votes
1answer
73 views
Is there a solution for keeping circuits with low frequencies small?
background
I'm essentially making an mixed-signal/analog computer(to accelerate certain mathematical operations). I'm looking to create many AC filters (of different types) at low frequencies (sub ...
1
vote
2answers
119 views
what is solderless post
I've seen metal "sticks" with a special end that let them fit snugly into a through-hole for when you want a contact but don't want to solder a wire into the hole. What are they called and where can I ...
4
votes
2answers
138 views
grounding connection?
What's the easiest way to connect a ring terminal to the ground terminal of an AC outlet? Are there plugs you can buy that make this easy?
I don't need (or want) the line and neutral wires ...
0
votes
2answers
157 views
Prototyping with a very small surface mount connector/socket
I've got a Satellite modem with a connector that mates with a tiny 10pin by 10pin Samtec SS4 series surface mount connector.
The question is, how would I prototype with this component? I am thinking ...
4
votes
2answers
160 views
Can pins (breadboard friendly) be added to non-drilled pads?
Some PCBA's have pads along the edge, where I believe some kind of headers could be soldered (or may be not), but don't have the pads drilled. I guess manufacturers save a little cost on drilling, and ...
4
votes
6answers
950 views
Minimal ARM circuit requirements
I have done some development with the ATMega and I'm looking to broaden my horizons. I have a couple Cortex M4 series chips and would like make an ARM equivalent to the Breadboarduino
I plan to ...
6
votes
5answers
584 views
PCB-less prototyping with surface mount components (like DFN)
I'm expecting some interesting comments and answers on this one, mainly because I'm probably just insane for even considering / asking this.
One component I want to prototype with is the MCP73123 ...
1
vote
3answers
172 views
Feasibility Question and Advice on CAD software
For a hobby project I have bread boarded, I am considering using a pair detectors that operate as a single use physical barrier. When hit by a projectile, a trace is broken allowing +5VDC to to ...
3
votes
2answers
331 views
Ultrasonic rangefinder (for beginner)
I'm quite beginner in electronics.
So, to begin with, I wanted to make a simple (?) ultrasonic rangefinder, based on microcontroller. So I had a few questions for experienced in electronics:
What ...
3
votes
3answers
276 views
Getting ~600W of power to 2048 LEDs
Despite my Computer Systems Engineering degree, I haven't played with electronics for over a decade, and I'd like to get back into it.
I have a project idea, and I think I've got all the design leg ...
0
votes
0answers
86 views
Jameco vs Elenco vs Global Specialties Breadboard [closed]
I've been looking to buy a new breadboard for my lab. The problem is, I can't seem to find any reviews on different breadboards. I'm looking for a large (~3000 tie point) board that has relatively ...
13
votes
8answers
625 views
EE pros - how do you prototype?
I understand it can't be the right answer for this question, but nevertheless, i think it's an interesting question. Feel free to close it if you think otherwise.
I'm interested, how prototyping is ...
0
votes
3answers
684 views
Cheap accelerometer in DIP package?
I've been looking around to see if there's a relatively cheap (around £5) accelerometer / tilt sensor in a DIP package for prototyping. Breakout boards exist for the ADXL335 but seem to be ...
1
vote
0answers
321 views
Large to medium size e-Ink Display for prototyping
I have been doing research in finding various raw screens for prototyping, stuff like e-ink, color e-ink and OLED screens. Then I saw this earlier post: Gumstix with an e-ink screen
So after one ...
3
votes
4answers
624 views
What's this special type of PCB prototyping board called?
I'm trying to buy some prototyping boards for basic, learner electronic hobby project building, but the ones I'm seeing are merely grids with a separate and distinct via for each independent hole.
I ...
3
votes
2answers
251 views
How to use 200 mil DIP components on solderless breadboard?
I recently got my hands on some miniature DIP relays, and would like to prototype a circuit with them on a solderless breadboard. Unfortunately, these relays have standard 100 mil pin spacing, but 200 ...
1
vote
3answers
541 views
Breadboard/veroboard and SMT
By now, through-hole components have almost completely disappeared from consumer devices and also professional PCBs.
But what is the alternative to build breadboard-veroboard for SMT technology? ...
3
votes
2answers
172 views
Frome tabletop prototype to a usable home device
I see a lot of questions dealing with going from prototype to production but I've got a more modest problem. I am building a couple of home automation devices for myself. I am able to build a ...
1
vote
1answer
259 views
Selling Prototypes To Clients & The FCC
I have a prototype of an electronics product that is still in development. I know that if I were to sell my product that I would have to have it FCC tested before I could sell it. The thing is the ...
8
votes
1answer
627 views
Hand-routing PCBs for SMD
I've routed plenty of through-hole boards, but I have no experience with SMD routing techniques, and even the look of the board feels a bit ‘alien’ to me.
Any tips for placing/routing prototype PCBs ...
1
vote
3answers
2k views
How do I do point to point wiring on a protoboard?
I bought a small "fancy" protoboard from Sparkfun. It includes a solder mask and through plated holes(double sided).
Now I'm trying to do a simple circuit and I can't seem to figure out how to drag ...
2
votes
2answers
445 views
How does one prototype with SMT chips where the layout must be kept tight to avoid parasitic inductance?
Is it necessary to go straight to ordering a professionally made PCBs when one wants to test a surface mount component circuit involving high rates of change of voltage (dv/dt) and current (di/dt)? ...
-3
votes
1answer
221 views
Where can I find an independent electronics engineer that I can contract to build a prototype? [closed]
I have an idea for a device that I have managed to build from some "off-the-shelf" devices cobbled together plus some custom built circuitry. What I need now, to take this idea to the next stage, is ...
4
votes
1answer
283 views
Prototyping with SMD components?
In response to the answers here: How much longer should we expect DIP (or DIL) Packaging to be around?
If DIPs are phasing out, how would one proto their boards quickly and cheaply? Does this mean we ...
2
votes
3answers
170 views
Powering my Prototype PCB - onboard Regulator or External Supply?
I'm laying out my PCB for the first prototype of my project. The board is relatively simple as it only consists of two CPLDs (Altera 240Z Max V) and a AT Mega 128L. I am now thinking of laying out the ...
2
votes
1answer
461 views
Where to buy pin headers with non-standard pitch (1.5 mm)?
Recently I bought this graphic LCD from Mouser and I didn't noticed that the pin's pitch is not standard (2.54mm/0.1inch). It's 1.5mm. I don't want to solder this LCD directly on a PCB so I'm looking ...
0
votes
3answers
386 views
Cheapest way to measure .1uL volume of liquid being dispensed from pipette tip
So I think this is going to be some kind of sensor... :P
I'm looking for ideas on the best way to measure a dispensed volume of .1uL from the tip of a pipette
This is for a open source medical ...
1
vote
2answers
143 views
How to prototype with an 8-pin 'daughter board'
I've purchased a couple of wireless transciever boards (nRF24L01), and they bring out the I/O pins in an 2x4 arrangement which fits snuggly into breadboard. However (obviously) when you do that the ...
2
votes
3answers
129 views
Speed of various prototype systems for digital electronics
I would like some advice on what digital signal frequencies I'd be able to work with for hobby projects.
I asked this question recently about interfacing to a memory chip from an fpga as a hobby ...
1
vote
4answers
275 views
Certifications and requirements
I am developing a portable device embedding sensors, Bluetooth, MCUs etc.. At present I'm at a prototype stage and I'm starting thinking about production.
What kind of certification steps do I need to ...
5
votes
5answers
718 views
How Do You Prototype with QFP-Only Components?
I'm starting to design a circuit that includes a QFP-38 component. I'm accustomed to using DIP components and prototyping on a breadboard, but in this case I won't be able to acquire a DIP version of ...
7
votes
2answers
135 views
What are good ways to improve physical hardware reuse?
How can I select generically re-usable parts for the unique things I build?
What are good approaches for building unique devices, so that when I no longer need them,
it's relatively easy to ...
1
vote
1answer
1k views
IMU - 3000 with ADXL345 and Arduino
Has anyone used the IMU-3000 with an attached accelerometer? I am creating a system which interfaces the IMU-3000 and attached ADXL345 (IMU Fusion board from SparkFun) with an Arduino board to do all ...
3
votes
2answers
227 views
Plcc & breadboards
I've selected a MCU in a PLCC packing and is desperate need of tips how to use it when prototyping on a breadboard. There is a DIP version of the MCU but it has some limitation due to a lower pin ...
6
votes
8answers
742 views
Basic Training for working with 120V AC
I'm planning to build a digitally-controlled light dimmer circuit. I'm not trained in electrical engineering, and I don't want to do something that an electrician would immediately recognize as ...
4
votes
6answers
535 views
How long can I leave components in a breadboard?
In school, I was told not to leave components in a breadboard for extended periods of time. However, this length of time was never quantified. The reasoning was that the contacts would eventually ...
1
vote
4answers
293 views
Introducing hobby projects
I need to know which platform would be the cheapest, most creative (in terms of flexibility and audience support). I want to introduce a hobby platform. Thus far, I'm toggling between Arduino and PIC. ...
3
votes
2answers
2k views
Arduino protyping simulation software
Is there any (preferably open source, preferably python; only linux) software for microcontroller board prototyping simulation? I'm an EE and we used spice in classes to simulate circuit level stuff. ...
4
votes
3answers
198 views
Board to board connections
I am looking for connecters to connect two PCB boards together for prototyping. Can anyone recommend any models in particular.
Features I am looking for are decent price available from some where ...
0
votes
2answers
406 views
Source for a ssop to dip adapter?
I need a prototyping adapter for a ssop 24-pin package. Google turns up plenty of dip adapters for 5-7mm chips, but the chip I have is 3.9mm across the body and 6mm to the tips of the pins.
Anyone ...
4
votes
3answers
139 views
Recommendation for a USB digital simulator
It's becoming quite frequent to me having a new digital subsystem which I want to test in isolation before trying to make a prototype circuit. I've been using the digital analyzer by Saleae for ...
3
votes
5answers
470 views
What is the simplest way to make a small low power and low price circuit that flashes LED's
I am wanting to make a small handheld circuit that could flash anywhere between 4-6 leds in a programmed order. It has to be as small as possible and use very little energy. I am trying to make these ...
