Homebrew PCBs

"Also, i didn't quite understand the pic/memory card (?) discussion here,  
not knowing what on earth one would need that for on a CNC. It sounds all  
kind of like Software guys gone CNC...  - ST"


We are looking at alternative solutions.  Some of us like myself will use
PC-side software (Mach 2 in my case) to drive the drilling station via
parallel cable.  You can't assume everyone else will take the same approach.

Some have chosen a different route; converting a JPEG of the circuit into
data.  This data does not have to be converted each and every time, I'm
assuming it could be a lengthy process and/or tedious.

The easy solution is to download the data onto PIC-side memory only once and
access it from there.  That leaves the PC available to use by other members
of the family; I have a multi-PC network, that isn't a problem for me.

He was originally thinking of using the PIC RAM or a compact flash card.  I
suggested using a card edge connector with a memory chip on a tiny circuit
(Nintendo-cartridge style).  The 24Cxxxx series of memory chips are easy to
use and very cheap; much more so than the smart card.  Here's one I threw
together to hold a PIC 16F628 (exclusively for I/Os requested from an I2C
network of PICs) and a 24Cxxxx memory chip:
<http://www.xavierkamial.com/Videos/External%20memory%20card.jpg>

It all boils down to alternative solutions to the same dilemma; how to drill
relatively precise holes, possibly in a repetitive manner if need be.  Some
of us are designing the basic system; a drilling station.  Some of us are
taking the extra step and designing a light CNC machine; able to route,
drill, change tools automatically (I'm working on something  :)  ), vacuum
dust, monitor quality, trackpin insertion, solder paste application, pick 'n
place and who knows what other process.

Some of us are limitted by budget, skill and tools.  We are bound to have
solutions of varying degrees of technology.  Diversity, that's what I like
in all the ideas brought forth.  See, that "drill raised by a string on a
shaft" idea, I hadn't even thought of that.  It's a darn garage door opener,
all he needs is a remote control.

Robert
:)


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