[sdiy] Circuit Boards / kits

[mcb, inc.]

On Wed, 24 Sep 2008, harrybissell at wowway.com wrote:

> What form factor would you prefer ?
>
> I'd like your opinions. Reply on list, it would probably be a fun topic
> for everyone...

Short answer:  PCBs only with options.  Long answer:

Scott/Bridechamber has done a wonderful job creating a complete
solution around random, individual design efforts by doing the
last 20% that the circuit designers aren't interested in.  By
offloading them, they can design and publish more circuits.  By
producing more circuits, Scott gets enough business to keep
his end running (or so I hope).  It's a virtuous cycle and I'd
love to see everyone promote it's growth.

But there are many formats and so what I think needs to
happen is something like the following...

Formats

   One small, one medium, one large board format with standard
   mounting holes, power location and maybe a space for a
   daughter card mounting.

   One or more compatible with an Arrick-style mounting in
   dotcom panels (parallel, shallow).

   Bridechamber bracket compatible.

   Eric/STG mounting if Eric has standardized at this point.

   Blacet-style frac mounting where module function would
   make it practical.

   Smaller formats should target for a maximum module depth
   when mounted perpendicular to the front panel for use in
   portable/briefcase formats.

Pots

   Blacet-style mounts/spacing.

   Parallel those with .1" MTA for dotcom-style connectors
   which can be used to wire random pots.

   As much as I love MOTM mounts, the pots are getting
   expensive and slow to procure and only Paul does the stud-
   mounted brackets so perhaps punt.

Power

   Dual-style layout a la CGS boards.

   MOTM 6-pin when 5V is needed.

Signals

   (Optional) MOTM-style RG-174 mounting with routing to the
   edge when designer wants to go 'up market'.


--
Monty Brandenberg