7
votes
4answers
84 views
Are solder fumes bad for me?
I do a fair bit of soldering (lead-free). Is breathing in solder/flux/paste fumes actually going to harm me?
Are cheap fume extractors worth buying?
2
votes
3answers
70 views
Cheap PCB manufacture
I've been milling over the different options for sourcing professionally manufactured PCBs. I've just started a business and I'm looking to make a few electronic kits, for now were …
10
votes
5answers
243 views
What’s the simplest Linux capable board I could make at home?
I'd like to make a single board computer capable of booting Linux, with my low-tech garage tools (2 sided PCBs, reflow skillet, no plating through holes).
What's the simplest hard …
4
votes
8answers
216 views
Where can you get PCBs fabricated in Australia?
Hi everyone,
I'm pretty new to all this, only having used an Arduino for a couple of weeks now. Having said that I'm preparing to build my first "proper" circuit from the ground …
4
votes
3answers
56 views
Is there a common netlist format?
Is there a common netlist format that is portable between different schematic/pcb/EDA/CAD tools, and if so where is the format or reference so I can implement it?
If not, does eac …
5
votes
9answers
277 views
How do you cut PCB?
I just spent about 20 minutes trying to cut through a PCB with a hacksaw. These things are really tough.
What is the correct tool to cut PCB material, and get a nice straight line …
7
votes
5answers
145 views
Best methods to fix broken tracks
I've made a couple of PCBs which need the odd few 10 mil tracks, but are mostly 20/30 mil. Unfortunately the etching process isn't fantastic and there are numerous breaks in the tr …
8
votes
9answers
320 views
What are low cost circuit and PCB design software?
Do you know of any freeware or low cost circuit / PCB design software?
I know a few which I have listed below but I was wondering if there were more of its kind. Please mention th …
5
votes
5answers
222 views
PCB prototyping with Presensitized copper boards
Hi all.
Not entirely sure if this applies to ChipHacker, if it doesn't, I apologise for posting. But it definitely applies to the subject of electronics in general.
Im currently wo …
5
votes
7answers
199 views
Custom PCBs… what can go wrong?
I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my second set of custom designed PCBs from BatchPCB.
The first board I designed was pretty darn simple and didn't have any problems.
This s …
3
votes
4answers
114 views
What are some ‘gotchas’ of high-frequency board design?
I'd like to design a PCB for an analog loop controller.. something with an A/D, D/A, and processor on board. (Either DSP or FPGA, I haven't decided.) Since this should modulate a …
2
votes
3answers
71 views
PCB etching with transparent film
After etching a PCB I discovered a big spot across some of the traces - proberly from a finger. I transferred the PCB layout from a transparent film.
What would be the best way t …
