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- Nov 2, 2012
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I've heard of Eagle and similar programs that are used to design PCB layouts; I've heard of companies like OSH Park that can fabricate/supply the boards; and I've heard of parts suppliers such as Digi-Key and Mouser. And of course there are lots of resources online about the physical principles that make the circuits work. I'm sort-of looking into this subject because it would be cool to be able to build some simpler laser-related circuits myself. There's a lot to take in though, and I'm not sure of the best place to start.
Clearly we have some knowledgeable people here, and I'd be interested in their advice on the matter. I'm posting it as a thread in the hopes that any suggestions will be useful to other and/or future members besides myself.
I'm not looking for a "how-to" guide on how to build this or that — what I'm saying is, if you're into designing drivers and whatnot, how did you get started? How did you 'graduate' from simpler things like a 555 light blinker to, say, the CC-boost? Are there any books or online resources that you have found to be particularly useful? There are lots of them out there but being inexperienced, I have no basis to tell if they're good or bad. What are some newbie mistakes or pitfalls that one ought to avoid? That's the sort of advice I'm looking for, and which would be useful to anyone interested in this sort of thing.
I have a lot of science background (chemistry and physics) so am not averse to resources that are more technical in nature. I've also built some circuits on the breadboard such as alternating light blinkers based on the 555, as well as my own (probably unsafe) DC power supplies, so I have that much experience. No experience with SMD though, everything was through-hole, last time I worked on this stuff.
Would be interested in your advice/suggestions, and in the meantime I'll keep reading. Thanks for your time.
Clearly we have some knowledgeable people here, and I'd be interested in their advice on the matter. I'm posting it as a thread in the hopes that any suggestions will be useful to other and/or future members besides myself.
I'm not looking for a "how-to" guide on how to build this or that — what I'm saying is, if you're into designing drivers and whatnot, how did you get started? How did you 'graduate' from simpler things like a 555 light blinker to, say, the CC-boost? Are there any books or online resources that you have found to be particularly useful? There are lots of them out there but being inexperienced, I have no basis to tell if they're good or bad. What are some newbie mistakes or pitfalls that one ought to avoid? That's the sort of advice I'm looking for, and which would be useful to anyone interested in this sort of thing.
I have a lot of science background (chemistry and physics) so am not averse to resources that are more technical in nature. I've also built some circuits on the breadboard such as alternating light blinkers based on the 555, as well as my own (probably unsafe) DC power supplies, so I have that much experience. No experience with SMD though, everything was through-hole, last time I worked on this stuff.
Would be interested in your advice/suggestions, and in the meantime I'll keep reading. Thanks for your time.
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