Circuit, PCB analysis tools

JoergS5

@rjenkinsgb said in Circuit, PCB analysis tools:

definitely not a good way of learning basic electronics

Sorry if you got a wrong impression of my knowledge. I learned electronic basics 43 years ago, when I made my ham radio exam. I have gaps in my knowledge like IGBT and which software to use, but I have electronic knowledge. And I love soldering. Currently I use breadboards for trying out new ideas, but they are unstable for normal usage.

rjenkinsgb

@joergs5 said in Circuit, PCB analysis tools:

I learned electronic basics 40 years ago, when I made my ham radio exam.

OK, sorry for the misunderstanding; I got the impression from your initial post that you were a complete beginner.

[Also a radio ham for 40+ years - G8TBF / G0WTK]

JoergS5

@rjenkinsgb said in Circuit, PCB analysis tools:

ham for 40+ years - G8TBF / G0WTK]

I am DF3TP

zapta

@joergs5 said in Circuit, PCB analysis tools:

to place the paste onto the PCB with the robot arm
fix the PCB on the heating plate
control the quality of paste and SMB elements with camera and OpenCV

You may want to look also at prior art in the area of makers' SMD assembly techniques and tools. There are all kind of attempt to make the process less painful and more efficient.

For example, this for automated pick and place https://openpnp.org or this for reflow temperature stabilization using vapor phase https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czwRntpEzgg . DIY SMD technology can be an interesting hobby on its own.

dc42

@joergs5 I doubt that you will be able to achieve accurate solder paste placement for fine pitch components using a robot arm. When I was building SMD prototypes, I used to buy a cheap Mylar solder stencil. Hobbytronics does them in the UK, and Pololu in the US. JLCPCB now sells inexpensive stainless steel ones too.

JoergS5

Thanks @zapta , I'll check the links.

@dc42 it's just a test whether I am able to build a precise SMD picker. It's not high priority, just to know whether it's possible.

JoergS5

@zapta the OpenPnP is very interesting!

For Colophonium application I thought, a peristaltic pump may be a possible solution.

I ordered the 946C plate now, I am looking forward to experiment.

zapta

@joergs5, les us know how it works for you.

If you plan to get into paste dispensing, you can find ideas on youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=solder+paste+dispenser and aliexpress https://www.aliexpress.com/af/solder-paste-dispensing.html

One approach that may be promising, which I never tried, is compressed air based dispensing like this one https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000785130294.html

JoergS5

@zapta said in Circuit, PCB analysis tools:

compressed air based dispensing like this one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC5BB0ae2Hg shows the internals...

Thanks for all you hints. The idea to combine SMD mounting with robot arm is a low priority project, however. Main topic is to finish the 6 axis robot.

JoergS5

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Circuit, PCB analysis tools

Robert J.