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• Getting Situated

  alex.puffer • 05/10/2016 at 23:52 • 0 comments

  So with Ver. 1 completed, it's time to kick this project up a notch. That in mind, I've gifted myself with an actual test bench setup:

  • Siglent SDS1052DL oscilloscope
  • RSR Electronics 234 Analog/Digital Trainer (so much love for this thing)
  • Atmel-ICE in-system-programmer for AVR microcontrollers
  • Misc. lab supplies

  In addition I've grabbed a few ATtiny chips and an ISP so I can get my feet wet with embedded C programming. I've been feeling guilty that the only embedded work I've done as an EE was with an Arduino, so this is a great opportunity to dig a bit deeper into embedded systems and learn what's going on under the hood.
  

• Ver. 1

  alex.puffer • 05/10/2016 at 23:23 • 0 comments

  With everything laid out in KiCad and boards ordered from OSH Park, I assembled the first card in my toaster oven. The touch plates didn't seem to do much. Most of the time, the LED comes on when the battery is inserted and then turns off if the OFF touch plate or anywhere on GND is touched. The ON touch plate does absolutely nothing. I don't have a test bench right now so there's not too much I feel like doing to see what the deal is, but it's still a pretty rad business card to give away.

  Fig. 1 - The circuit: 555 touch-plate design from http://www.electroschematics.com/12184/555-ic-tutorial/

  
  

  Fig. 2 - Completed Board - the pads don't look gold, but they are

  
  

  Fig. 3 - Assembled board, pre-cleanup
  

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