How I started with my DIY and hacking projects? (LED Sky project - more pics to come)

RE: How I started with my DIY and hacking projects? (LED Sky project - more pics to come)

jw0752 — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 20:34:43 GMT

Hi Matija,

I had some time so here is my procedure when working with the perf board assembly. This is just a demonstration that I mocked up. First I decide where I will need trace runs on the board, for example for power and ground. I then take a piece of #24 buss wire and straighten it. You can easily straighten wire by grabbing the two ends with pliers and twisting it. Here is a before and after of the buss wire.

[View:/resized-image/__size/268x208/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/7801.contentimage_5F00_177960.jpg:268:208][View:/resized-image/__size/269x207/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/6305.contentimage_5F00_177961.jpg:269:207]

I will then take the straightened wire and solder tack it to the end of where I want the trace to go. I am careful not to cover any of the holes that I intend to use. I bend the wire around and I usually tack it again with solder at all the corners. Here is the result of installing the trace. The second picture is the component side of the board at this time.

[View:/resized-image/__size/268x208/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/3603.contentimage_5F00_177962.jpg:268:208][View:/resized-image/__size/270x208/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/7888.contentimage_5F00_177963.jpg:270:208]

If I get too much solder on a point I just use a little wick to tidy it up. Now I will install a few components to show how it works out to have the buss wire there acting as a trace.

[View:/resized-image/__size/271x208/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/1121.contentimage_5F00_177964.jpg:271:208][View:/resized-image/__size/270x208/__key/commentfiles/f7d226abd59f475c9d224a79e3f0ec07-93667365-e113-428e-a798-9dd17398c21b/3187.contentimage_5F00_177965.jpg:270:208]

I almost never try to bridge 2 pads with just solder. Usually there is a lead that can be bent down to make the bridge and then be soldered into place. Incidentally, I clip and save all the reasonable length component leads just for the purpose of making traces on the prototype perf boards that I build.

John

RE: How I started with my DIY and hacking projects? (LED Sky project - more pics to come)

jw0752 — Sun, 04 Jan 2015 01:08:56 GMT

I enjoyed your post and your detailed description of the problems that crop up in every attempt to make something. Well done and good for you not giving up after the first board.

John

RE: How I started with my DIY and hacking projects? (LED Sky project - more pics to come)

mcb1 — Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:32:41 GMT

Matija

Good blog about all the possible errors that can creep into any 'simple' project.

One comment about the soldering ...

It appears that you may have had trouble getting the solder to stick to the board.

This could be due to oxidation of the copper.

You can use a simple eraser (for erasing pencil) to 'polish' the board, and therefore save yourself some frustration.

Mark

RE: How I started with my DIY and hacking projects? (LED Sky project - more pics to come)

DAB — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 20:39:53 GMT

Nice post.

It is usually better to highlight failures so that people understand that it takes a little time to get a design implemented and working.

I have been thinking of a similar project for LED's, but I want to simulate lightning flashes, but you have given me some useful ideas.

DAB