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[[Category:Electronics]]
[[Category:Tools_and_Equipment]]
Here you'll find details about the Electronics workshop, what test equipment we have and any available documentation.
Here you'll find details about the Electronics workshop, what test equipment we have and any available documentation.


== Safety ==
== Safety ==


Safety is key, don't take un-necessary risks. You are in an environment with inexperienced people around you. Be considereate of everyones safety. This is not intended as a full safety list. Listed here are the basics, you should read further into the subject on your own initiative.
[[Electronics/safety|You must read the safety documentation in this link before using the equipment.]]
* If you see something thats dangerous, report it.
* Don't leave sharp or hot objects lying around and keep them away from the edge of the bench
* Turn off soldering irons when you leave the work area
* Wear eye protection. Solder or even a soldering iron in the eye can cause blindness
* Use the solder fume fan/extraction
* Lead based solder and components are present at the workstation. Wash hands when you finish working


=== High voltages ===
Safety is key, do not take un-necessary risks. You are in an environment with inexperienced people around you. Be considerate of everyone's safety.


Unless you are experienced in this area we do not advise working on high voltages.
== Equipment ==


If you have experienced in this area read the following:
[[File:ElecWorkshop_Pano.jpg|1024px]]
* Think twice before working on live mains or high voltage equipment. Do you really need to be doing that and are you experienced enough to know the pitfalls? Are the people around you safe to be near this area?
{|
* If you do work on high voltage equipment secure it via some means such that it cannot fall into your lap
|-
* Fit RCDs to mains plugs when high voltages are present in a project you are working on do not rely on the buildings RCD
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/RigolDS1074Z-S-PLUS|Rigol DS1074Z-S PLUS Oscilloscope]]
* Warn others around you if necessary of what you are working on
|[[File:RigolDS1074Z-S-PLUS.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/RigolDS1074Z-S-PLUS]]}}
* No lone working on open high voltage equipment
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/LA3200|LA3200 32 Channel Logic Analyzer]]
* High voltage equipment should have a safety cover fitted when not being directly worked on
|[[File:Thurlby LA3200 Logic Analyser.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/LA3200]]}}
* Do not leave anything with a hazardous voltage unattended - turn it off
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/OX800|ITT Metrix OX-800 Analogue CRT Oscilloscope]]
* Any home made projects must be safe for others to use and must conform to safety standards. Ask for advice if your not sure.
|[[File:ITT OX800.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/OX800]]}}
* Personal projects with mains voltages inside should be safety fused
|-
* PAT testing should be performed on mains electrical equipment after opening. Part of this is a visual check, the other part is electrical. We do not have an electrical PAT tester at present
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/HM203-7|Hameg HM203-7 Analogue CRT Oscilloscope]]
* Damaged mains cables can lead to fires - dispose of them when found
|[[File:HamegHM203-7.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/HM203-7]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/GDS-820S|GW Instek GDS-820S Digital Oscilloscope (FAULTY)]]
|[[File:InstekGDS820S FrontView.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/GDS-820S]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/TL866A|TL866A Universal USB device programmer]]
|[[File:TL866A.jpeg|300px|link=Electronics/TL866A]]}}
|-
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/GM035-3|GM035-3 35V 3A Variable DC PSU]]
|[[File:GM035-3 RegulatedDCPowerSupply.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/GM035-3]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/SolderAndReworkStation|Solder and Rework Station]]
|[[File:SolderAndReworkStation.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/SolderAndReworkStation]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/TenmaSMDReworkSolderStation|Tenma SMD Rework Solder Station]]
|[[File:TenmaReworkSolderStation.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/TenmaSMDReworkSolderStation]]}}
|-
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/Tenma_72-8350_PSU|Tenma 72-8350 20V 5A Variable Digital PSU]]
|[[File:Tenma72-8350_5A_PSU.JPG|169px|center|link=Electronics/Tenma_72-8350_PSU]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/Skytronic20V2ADCPSU|Skytronic 20V 2A Variable DC PSU]]
|[[File:Skytronic20V2ADCPSU.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/Skytronic20V2ADCPSU]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/MaplinXM19V|Maplin 13.8V 7A Fixed DC PSU]]
|[[File:MaplinXM19V RegulatedDCPowerSupply.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/MaplinXM19V]]}}
|-
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/MegaLV202E|UV Exposure Unit Mega LV 202E]]
|[[File:UVExposureUnitMegaLV202E.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/MegaLV202E]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/MegaPA310|PCB Processing]]
|[[File:LHS-Colour-glyph.svg|226px|link=Electronics/MegaPA310]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/TenmaMiniSMDPreheater|Tenma Mini SMD Preheater]]
|[[File:TenmaMiniSMDPreheater.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/TenmaMiniSMDPreheater]]}}
|-
|}


== Test Equipment ==
== Maker boards, modules and development tools ==


{|
|-
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/DevelopmentTools|Development Tools]]
|[[File:AVR.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/DevelopmentTools]]}}
|{{Box-round|title=[[Electronics/DevelopmentBoards|Maker and Development Boards]]
|[[File:Arduino_Breadboards.JPG|300px|link=Electronics/DevelopmentBoards]]}}
|-
|}


* [[Electronics/RigolDS1074Z-S-PLUS| Rigol DS1074Z-S PLUS]] (Arriving soon) 70 MHz digital oscilloscope, 4 channels + 2 channel 25MHz arbitrary waveform generator, option for logic analyzer probe input
== Other Equipment and Tools ==
* [[Electronics/LA3200|Thurlby Landar LA3200 Logic Analyser]]
 
* [[Electronics/OX800|ITT Metrix OX-800 Analogue CRT Oscilloscope]], 20MHz bandwidth, 2 channel
* Small oven for reflow of SMD PCBs using solder paste
* [[Electronics/HM203-7|Hameg HM203-7 Analogue CRT Oscilloscope]], 20MHz bandwidth, 2 channel, Qty=2
* [[Electronics/GDS-820S|(FAULTY) GW Instek GDS-820S Digital Storage Oscilloscope]], 100MS/s real time, 150MHz bandwidth, 25GS/s Equivalent Time, 2 channel - read the caveats
* Various oscilloscope probes, choose a probe with a larger bandwidth than the oscilloscope
* Skytronic adjustable Power Supply Unit (PSU), 0-20 Volts, 2 Amps, single output
* Maplin XM19V fixed output power supply unit, 13.8 Volts, 7 Amps continuous single output
* Function generator - members project  
* Function generator - members project  
* Digital handheld multimeters, about 6 off, various types
* Digital handheld multimeters, about 6 off, various types
* Various oscilloscope probes, choose a probe with a larger bandwidth than the oscilloscope
* Assortment of test leads
* Assortment of test leads
* Small oven for reflow (is this still at the space?)
== Soldering ==
* Hot air SMD rework station with soldering iron - Clean soldering iron tips and turn off after use to extend the tips life
* Solder station - Solder and desoldering irons - Clean soldering iron tips and turn off after use to extend the tips life
* Various other soldering irons - about 5 by the last count
* Various other soldering irons - about 5 by the last count
* Solder, leaded and lead-free (wash hands after use), magnifiers, cleaners etc.
* UV exposure box (Needs glass repairing)
== PCB board etching ==
Its great fun to etch your own PCBs. Unfortunately at present (2 April 2016) we do not encourage etching boards at the space due to various reasons including chemical disposal, though this may change over time. So please '''ask on the mailing list''' what the current status is. It is recognised that this would be a nice-to-do item. Update this section as soon as this changes!
== Misc Tools ==
* Bench lamp with magnifier
* Bench lamp with magnifier
* Magnifier headset  
* Magnifier headset  
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* Wire of various sizes
* Wire of various sizes
* [[Components|Components]] free for members use within reason and [[BoxOfBits|some to buy]] which are owned by members
* [[Components|Components]] free for members use within reason and [[BoxOfBits|some to buy]] which are owned by members
== PCB Etching ==
TBD '''ask on the mailing list''' what the current status is. Update this section as soon as this changes!


== Things we'd like ==
== Things we'd like ==


 
* Full size antistatic table mats
* Linear dual 5A, 0-30V PSU
* Component sample books - SMD and TH, caps, res, inductors
* Bus pirates (Yarrr Jim lad/lady) - Hack to be able to trigger a scope on specific addresses or traffic
* PCB shears
* Microscope
* Bus pirates  
* PAT tester (newish or in cal)
* PAT tester (newish or in cal)
* Spectrum analyzer, 50 ohm, Hopefully with generator and return loss bridge (portable would be nice too:-) )
* RF 50 ohm cal kit
* RF frequency generators
* RF power meter
* Bench multimeter (eg 5 1/2 digits or more)  
* Bench multimeter (eg 5 1/2 digits or more)  
* Component sample books - SMD and TH, caps, res, inductors
* LCR meter
* Full size antistatic table mats
* Power meter
* Power meter
* Electronic DC Load
* Electronic DC Load
* Current probes
* Current probes AC/DC scope and also meter types
* Metcal soldering irons (lead-free types)
* Small pick n place
* Small pick n place
* PCB shears
* RF spectrum analyzer, 50 ohm, Hopefully with generator and return loss bridge (portable would be nice too:-) )
* Microscope
* RF 50 ohm cal kit
* RF frequency generators
* RF power meter


== External Resources ==
== External Resources ==
A good list of various electronics resources (services, tools, learning) can be found here: [https://github.com/monostable/awesome-electronics Awesome Electronics].


=== Schematic capture and layout packages ===
=== Schematic capture and layout packages ===


There are too many Electronics (EDA) design packages to name, but a few of the more popular ones are listed below.  
There are too many Electronics (EDA) design packages to name, but a few of the more popular ones are listed below.  
* Eagle CAD - Arguably the most popular package. Has a free version, but is limited in PCB size and layers. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac. A lot of PCB fabricators offer to take the raw eagle cad files to generate your PCBs instead of you having to generate gerbers. Eagle cadsoft is owned by Farnell/Element 14. You can link your parts to the Farnell website for live pricing. Though its easier to serrch onling and input parts from the website.
* [http://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/overview Eagle CAD] - Arguably the most popular hobby/maker level package. Has a free version, but is limited in PCB size and layers. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac. A lot of PCB fabricators offer to take the raw eagle cad files to generate your PCBs instead of you having to generate gerbers.  
* KiCAD - Open source unlimited layers. Much improved over recent years. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac.  
* [http://kicad-pcb.org/ KiCAD- Open source unlimited layers. Much improved over recent years. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac.  
* Others are fritzing (open source cross platform), Design spark, circuitmaker,  
* Others are [http://fritzing.org/home/ fritzing] (open source cross platform), [https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/pcb-software Design spark], [https://circuitmaker.com/ circuitmaker],  


=== Circuit Simulation ===
=== Circuit Simulation ===


* LTspice - Professional tool. Popular simulation software
* [http://www.linear.com/designtools/software/ LTspice] - Professional tool. Popular simulation software
* Simmetrix - Professionsal tool. Free and paid for simulation software, node limited, but the limit is generous enough to use successfully
* [https://www.simetrix.co.uk/products/ Simmetrix] - Professionsal tool. Free and paid for simulation software, node limited, but the limit is generous enough to use successfully
* Various much simpler circuit simulation tools now exist  
* Various much simpler circuit simulation tools now exist  


Line 107: Line 123:
* Ragworm - UK. low cost PCB company
* Ragworm - UK. low cost PCB company
* OSH Park - US. Good for very small PCBs. Other companies produce cheaper larger PCBs. Has an excellent PCB viewer which you can use to see how your files will look when made. Worth using just for this feature.  
* OSH Park - US. Good for very small PCBs. Other companies produce cheaper larger PCBs. Has an excellent PCB viewer which you can use to see how your files will look when made. Worth using just for this feature.  
* Elecrow - China. Cheap and cheerful PCBs in many colours - arguably the cheapest around  
* Elecrow - China. Cheap PCBs in many colours - arguably the cheapest around  
* Seeed studio - China. Similar to elecrow
* Seeed studio - China. Similar to elecrow
* ITead studio - China. Similar to elecrow
* ITead studio - China. Similar to elecrow
* [http://www.wedirekt.co.uk/en/ Wurth Direct] - EU. High quality PCBs, higher pricing than others. Overly complicated design rule constraints for each of their many different PCBs, but track/gap specifications are much improved over the other companies mentioned above.  
* [http://www.wedirekt.co.uk/en/ Wurth Direct] - EU. High quality PCBs, higher pricing than others. Overly complicated design rule constraints for each of their many different PCBs, but track/gap specifications are much improved over the other companies mentioned above.  
* [http://www.ladyada.net/library/pcb/manufacturers.html Lady Ada PCB fabricator list]
* [http://www.ladyada.net/library/pcb/manufacturers.html Lady Ada PCB fabricator list]
* Various companies also make SMD stencils using for example mylar (cheap) or stainless steel (more professional long lasting)
* Various companies also make SMD stencils using, for example, mylar (cheap) or stainless steel (more professional long lasting)


Note: If your design has tracking which requires specific impedance eg RF or high speed digital tracks such as USB, SATA, ethernet etc. You '''need''' to be aware of the boards layer stackup before designing the PCB. Here is just one differential signal [http://www.mantaro.com/resources/impedance-calculator.htm Impedance Calculator]. Properly tested impedence controlled boards are slightly more expensive, but you can usually get things working with normal boards if you set them up correctly at the design stage.  
Note: If your design has tracking which requires specific impedance controlled lines eg R.F. or high speed digital tracks such as USB, SATA, ethernet etc. You '''need''' to be aware of the boards layer stackup before designing the PCB. Here is just one differential signal [http://www.mantaro.com/resources/impedance-calculator.htm Impedance Calculator]. Properly tested impedence controlled boards are more expensive. You can usually get things working reasonably well with normal boards if you set them up correctly at the design stage.  


=== PCB Assembly Companies ===
=== PCB Assembly Companies ===

Revision as of 15:29, 28 December 2017

Here you'll find details about the Electronics workshop, what test equipment we have and any available documentation.

Safety

You must read the safety documentation in this link before using the equipment.

Safety is key, do not take un-necessary risks. You are in an environment with inexperienced people around you. Be considerate of everyone's safety.

Equipment

File:ElecWorkshop Pano.jpg

RigolDS1074Z-S-PLUS.JPG
Thurlby LA3200 Logic Analyser.JPG
ITT OX800.JPG
HamegHM203-7.JPG
InstekGDS820S FrontView.JPG
TL866A.jpeg
GM035-3 RegulatedDCPowerSupply.JPG
SolderAndReworkStation.JPG
TenmaReworkSolderStation.JPG
Tenma72-8350 5A PSU.JPG
Skytronic20V2ADCPSU.JPG
MaplinXM19V RegulatedDCPowerSupply.JPG
UVExposureUnitMegaLV202E.JPG
LHS-Colour-glyph.svg
TenmaMiniSMDPreheater.JPG

Maker boards, modules and development tools

AVR.JPG
Arduino Breadboards.JPG

Other Equipment and Tools

  • Small oven for reflow of SMD PCBs using solder paste
  • Function generator - members project
  • Digital handheld multimeters, about 6 off, various types
  • Various oscilloscope probes, choose a probe with a larger bandwidth than the oscilloscope
  • Assortment of test leads
  • Various other soldering irons - about 5 by the last count
  • Bench lamp with magnifier
  • Magnifier headset
  • Tools
  • Wire of various sizes
  • Components free for members use within reason and some to buy which are owned by members

PCB Etching

TBD ask on the mailing list what the current status is. Update this section as soon as this changes!

Things we'd like

  • Full size antistatic table mats
  • Component sample books - SMD and TH, caps, res, inductors
  • PCB shears
  • Microscope
  • Bus pirates
  • PAT tester (newish or in cal)
  • Bench multimeter (eg 5 1/2 digits or more)
  • LCR meter
  • Power meter
  • Electronic DC Load
  • Current probes AC/DC scope and also meter types
  • Small pick n place
  • RF spectrum analyzer, 50 ohm, Hopefully with generator and return loss bridge (portable would be nice too:-) )
  • RF 50 ohm cal kit
  • RF frequency generators
  • RF power meter

External Resources

A good list of various electronics resources (services, tools, learning) can be found here: Awesome Electronics.

Schematic capture and layout packages

There are too many Electronics (EDA) design packages to name, but a few of the more popular ones are listed below.

  • Eagle CAD - Arguably the most popular hobby/maker level package. Has a free version, but is limited in PCB size and layers. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac. A lot of PCB fabricators offer to take the raw eagle cad files to generate your PCBs instead of you having to generate gerbers.
  • KiCAD - Open source unlimited layers. Much improved over recent years. Available on Windows, Linux and Mac.
  • Others are fritzing (open source cross platform), Design spark, circuitmaker,

Circuit Simulation

  • LTspice - Professional tool. Popular simulation software
  • Simmetrix - Professionsal tool. Free and paid for simulation software, node limited, but the limit is generous enough to use successfully
  • Various much simpler circuit simulation tools now exist

PCB Fabrication Companies

PCB fabrication is the act of making the PCB itself.

Huge numbers of PCB fabricators exist. Here are a few of the low cost companies. Most will accept Eagle PCB files directly instead of sending gerber files. Some fabricators provide design rule constraints files (.dru for eagle) used for your layout design rule checks (DRC). You should obtain these or input them before you start your layout as they will stop layout issues. Others fabricators provide gerber output CAM setup files for eagle. For KiCAD you will often have to set this up manually or via a PCB template. OSH park has some simple KiCAD design rule information on their website. One final thing is that many manufactures have a 'design guide' which is useful in understanding PCB technology and limitations.

  • Ragworm - UK. low cost PCB company
  • OSH Park - US. Good for very small PCBs. Other companies produce cheaper larger PCBs. Has an excellent PCB viewer which you can use to see how your files will look when made. Worth using just for this feature.
  • Elecrow - China. Cheap PCBs in many colours - arguably the cheapest around
  • Seeed studio - China. Similar to elecrow
  • ITead studio - China. Similar to elecrow
  • Wurth Direct - EU. High quality PCBs, higher pricing than others. Overly complicated design rule constraints for each of their many different PCBs, but track/gap specifications are much improved over the other companies mentioned above.
  • Lady Ada PCB fabricator list
  • Various companies also make SMD stencils using, for example, mylar (cheap) or stainless steel (more professional long lasting)

Note: If your design has tracking which requires specific impedance controlled lines eg R.F. or high speed digital tracks such as USB, SATA, ethernet etc. You need to be aware of the boards layer stackup before designing the PCB. Here is just one differential signal Impedance Calculator. Properly tested impedence controlled boards are more expensive. You can usually get things working reasonably well with normal boards if you set them up correctly at the design stage.

PCB Assembly Companies

PCB assembly means putting the components onto the PCB.

We've no specific experience with low cost assembly companies to guide you with here. Though companies such as elecrow and other low cost PCB fabricators perform this service. Most PCB assembly companies have a stock of standard components. You will then supply the remainder of your components. Sometimes SMD reels are required and sometimes extra components are required due to losses when setting up the pick and place machines and ongoing losses due to dropped picks. If you are manufacturing small quantities with lowish component counts through hole is still an option, which many will hand assemble. In general you discuss these details with the assembly company before deciding whether you are right for each other.

Be aware that if your a hobbyist or are making a very low volume products, you need a manufacturer who fits you and your requirements. Large volume manufacturers will be less interested in you and your product. You may be put on hold messed around etc if your not important to them.