Today I finished the code of the dimmer and connected it all to the led lights and the solder fume extractor.
A video of the dimmer working:
Some pictures:
Category: Projects
Apr 03 2011
Weather Station – Update
I decided to build a new design because I’m afraid that the solar cells are not going to be powerful enough. I’m going to use 50F 2,7V capacitors instead of batteries in the new design. After the capacitors I placed a dc-dc converter.
The pcb with the capacitors and the dc-dc converter is now ready, the converter is based on a MAX1676 with an external diode to work at an even lower input voltage.
I mounted some zenerdiode’s on the bottom side of the pcb to protect the capacitors from overcharging.
Circuit:
PCB:
Pictures:
The main print will also get a new version. That will be based on a PIC16LF1827, this pic has nanoWatt XLP onboard so it uses very little power. The sensor’s also will be connected differently so they consume less power. More info about this will follow later.
Apr 16 2011
IN-14 Nixie Clock – Update
I wanted to build an extra clock with some extra nixies I had laying around. Therefore I had some pcb’s made, that way it looks a bit more professional. The old clock above will probably be taken apart en mounted on a new pcb.
The pcb without components:
Milling the tabs of the pcb:
Clock ready (With the old clock in the background):
Files:
Downloads: – PCB files: Download
– Code: View
– Code: Download
-12h code: Download
-Partlist: Download
Datasheets – 16F628A
– IN-14
– DS18B20
– DS1037
– 74141
– 74HC595
Apr 20 2011
Solder Fume Extractor
When I fitted my desk with led lighting I had to remove my solder fume extractor. Therefore I build a new one now.
The new one is build from pvc pipe (which is build from pvc L-profiles). The fumes are sucked away and brought to a filter. (The old extractor only sucked the fumes away so they didn’t come in my face).
I have put 5 50mm fans right in front of the solder place:
Video of the test:
The smoke is transferred trough the pipe to 2 120mm fans, on these fans I’m going to mount an filter, but I don’t have that yet.
Apr 25 2011
PS2 Controller to USB Converter
I rather play games on my pc then on my playstations, but I think the controllers for the ps2 are handy. Therefore I wanted to use them on my pc.
After some searching I came across this on eBay:
This converter costs about 1,5€ (including shipping), so I couldn’t even build it for this kind of money.
So I ordered one and 2 weeks later I received it .I thought the plastic was a bit fragile, and it didn’t take long to break around the screws. Therefore I decided to make a enclosure around it. I also replaced the usb cable with an usb b connector. The enclosure is a recycled one, that explains why there are some holes in the back.
Jun 22 2011
Spray Etching Tank
The stirring mechanism from my old etching tank was broken again. Therefore I decided to make a new etching tank. This time a spray etching tank.
I started with making a double bottom on an square bucket. I drilled some holes in that bottom. Two of the holes are for guiding the pump tubes. The rest is to allow the etchant to drain back down.
I used some pneumatic tube for the pump. I heated it to give it a spiral shape. Then I turned it into a tube. I’m going to drill some holes in the side of the tube, for the etchant to come out. The tube is coupled to the motor with a piece of coax insulation.
I have tried a few ways to mount the motors.
First a used some threaded rods.
I used some plastic spacers to mount the rods. This way the etching fluid can’t come in contact with it.
But after some testing this way turned out to be not
At a second attempt I used some aluminum to make it stronger.
Then I came across of a big bar of pvc while cleaning up. This was the result after drilling a few holes:
This is as sturdy as the aluminium, but doesn’t dissolve in the etchant.
I did a dry test with it:
Jul 26 2011
UV-Exposure box V3
If I had to expose a double sided PCB with my previous exposure box, I needed to turn it on twice. (1 time for the top, and 1 time for the bottom) To solve this problem it was time to build a new version. This new version will do the 2 side’s at once.
This time I chose for LED’s instead of fluorescent light, so I designed some PCB’s to mount the leds on to. The PCB’s will be connected per 6. This allows me to exposure PCB’s off 20 * 30cm max. The top of the board has no solder mask. This works as a reflector.
Soldered:
Test:
Then came the biggest work: The case make. To save space I didn’t use the traditional flap open model but a kind of sliding model. Where the glass panels slide out.
You can pull the upper plate up to insert the pcb between the glass sheets and to clamp it.
The base plate with spacers and two side plates::
With the slider mounted:
Test with glass in it:
I added some springs on the screws to make the hinges clamp the glass
On the front I added some bulletsnaplocks.
The top plate mounted with the buttons / LCD on the place where they should be mounted.
For the power supply I used a 20V toroidal transformers. The voltage is a bit high, so I used some switching voltage regulators to power the led pcb’s.
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(One of the voltage regulators is still on order.)
I made a new timer to switch the light panels. This new timer remembers the last exposure time, so you don’t have to remember it yourself anymore..
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Build in the case:
Aug 16 2011
UV-Exposure box V3 – Update
The project is finished now.
Some pictures from during the build:
Spray painted the sides + bended a top cover plate.
Mounted the front plate:
Inside:
Finished:
Placed on the location of the old exposure box:
With the slide out:
Open:
Clamped PCB:
Files
PCB files LED panels: Download
PCB files timer: Download
PCB files power supply: Download
Available Products:
Sep 04 2011
PCB Drill – Update 4
Some time ago the motor from the drill had died. So I replaced it with the Proxxon that I bought for my cnc machine.
A few weeks later the leds underneath died. I had some 3W leds + drivers in stock, so I decided to build a led driver and put a 3W led under the PCB.
Led driver:
Circuit drawing & PCB:
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(External variable resistor = 100K)
Fixed to the board:
Led:
Test:
Files
PDF files LED driver pcb: Download
Oct 24 2011
UV-Exposure box V2 – Update
I updated this old exposure box by fitting it with my new timer.
Connection circuit:
Available Products:
Dutch 
