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FrozenGate by Avery

DIY Laser Power Meter






I'm I for two circuit boards whenever you get them made!!!

P.M. Sent!!!!

LarryQ
 
Here's my plan for the PCB.  I've decided not to etch these at home.  I'll order them from Express PCB.  I can get three 2.5" x 3.8" PCBs for $51.00+$8.60 for shipping.  I think I can get three amp PCBs from a single PCB and just cut them apart.  The nine individual PCBs will then be about 2.5"x1.25" ea.  I'm going to keep at least 2 PCBs for myself.  The rest (7 PCBs) will be available for $7.50 ea. shipped in the US.  Using this express "miniboard" service, the PCBs will not have any solder mask or silkscreen.

If there is enough interest, I can get more but I'm only going to commit myself to 9.

Ive attached the PCB layout.  Please note that I've added the diodes Zarniwoop suggested as D3 and D4.  These are optional and can be jumpered if desired.

List of commited PCB buyers:
  • Knimrod: 2
  • LarryQ: 3 (paid, mailed)
  • TheMonk: 1 (paid, mailed)
  • roSSco: 1 (paid, mailed)
  • Dark_Horse: 1 (paid, mailed)
  • dkelley: 1 (paid, mailed)
  • Remaining: 0

(edited 1/23/08 to upload the revision C PCB design)
 

Attachments

  • lpf_amp_pcb_b.jpg
    lpf_amp_pcb_b.jpg
    128 KB · Views: 439
I'm in for 3!

PM Sent!

Has the parts list been revised to reflect the added diodes?
D3 still shows as the optional LED....

Is this circuit going to have the Pilot light?

Time to start gathering parts....

UUghhhhh....I HATE GOING TO RADIO SHACK!

hehehehehehehehe


THanks!

Larry
 
The additional diodes are the same as D1 & D2. I've updated my schematic and parts list to reflect the changes. I'd like to wait and have someone check my work on the PCB before posting them. (Can I even edit my original post to change the attachment?)
 
Knimrod,

Put me in for 1 PCB. I have a few questions if you can answer.

1. Parts List, is this the latest version including additional components.

2. Enclosure with LCD, are these from Radio Shack? If not, where can I find them?

3. BNC Bulkhead Connector, will this one from Radio Shack works Model: 278-251. Or do you have a spare one to sell; DigiKey charges $7.30 for shipping and handling for one item.

Great project, 8-) I can't wait to get started.

BTW you can edit your own posts.
 
TheMonk said:
Knimrod,

Put me in for 1 PCB. I have a few questions if you can answer.

1. Parts List, is this the latest version including additional components.

2. Enclosure with LCD, are these from Radio Shack? If not, where can I find them?

3. BNC Bulkhead Connector, will this one from Radio Shack works Model: 278-251. Or do you have a spare one to sell; DigiKey charges $7.30 for shipping and handling for one item.

Great project, 8-) I can't wait to get started.

BTW you can edit your own posts.
Click to expand...

1. I'll post the latest version as soon as I double check my PCB (or someone else does) and I can figure out how to
change/edit my attachments (it doesn't appear to let me change the attachment).  

2. While you can get a variety of enclosures from radio shack, the one I used was one I've had around forever and I have no clue where it came from.  It's the same case with the DPM.  There are several DPMs available from Digi-Key and I've also seen them on Ebay.  You would want a 3 1/2 digit LCD DPM with 1mV resolution (0-1999mV).  It would preferably operate with a common ground between the PS and the voltage being measured and on a 9V power supply.  I sort of envisioned that this amp would be most commonly used to interface to a multimeter.  However, I've had my eye on this Ebay item and it appears to be the perfect DPM for this project.  

3. I don't think 278-251 will work.  I purchased my BNC bulkhead connector off the shelf from a local radio/electronics supply store.  However, you may just want cut the SMA connector off the included cable and solder the cable leads directly to the PCB.
 
The "modify" button is missing on posts that were posted prior to C0ld switching provider. It appears the system doesn't recognize you are the post owner :-/(permission issues).

Will the DPM on this meter works? It only costs $10.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.594

Can you also include the enclosure’s dimension?
 
TheMonk said:
The "modify" button is missing on posts that were posted prior to C0ld switching provider. It appears the system doesn't recognize you are the post owner  :-/(permission issues).

Will the DPM on this meter works? It only costs $10.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.594

Can you also include the enclosure’s dimension?
Click to expand...

The modify button is there for posts that I created but when I try to change the attachment, it doesn't "take".

I doubt you could surgically remove the display out of that and still have it work but it should work fine as a complete multimeter measuring millivolts.

The enclosure I used in the prototype is approx. 5" x 2.5" x 1". For my next unit, I'll probably buy the Radio Shack 270-1803 which is 5" x 2.5" x 2" and only $3.69.
 
I've updated the schematic and parts list on the first page of this thread.  

I've also updated the PCB layout above to the actual layout of what's being made.  I plan on ordering the PCBs tomorrow and should have them in hand by Monday.  

I've also ordered the Ebay DPM discussed in a previous post after an email exchange with the seller confirmed my requirements were met.

Lastly, I've been working on an add-on module that will allow the DIY meter to transmit laser measurement data to a PC via RS-232.  There's still some work to do and a PC application to design and write but if there's enough interest, I'll keep it moving forward.
 
I'm interested as well. If it can be done as a add on to this as a seperate "board"
 
I have just ordered the "Head", are there any PCBs left, I would love to add my name to the list, is this still possible?
BTW-Super-cool project, thanks!! ;D
Dark Horse
 
The order has been placed for the PC boards and I should receive them on Tuesday.  I'll need a day to check them out and then I'll ask for the payment.  I should be able to get these mailed out on Wednesday if there's no problems.

All the PC boards are spoken for.  If you are to receive a PCB from this batch, you will be listed in my PCB post (35) on the previous page.  If anyone else needs a PC board, I can keep a running list and when I have a commitment for 9 boards, I'll order another batch.  I expect the price to be the same: $7.50 ea., shipped.  If there's enough interest to justify a larger quantity of PCBs, I can probably even get a better price.  

Just to let you all know, I'm not making a dime on these PCBs.  I'm just covering my cost for the boards and the stamps to mail them.  Thanx.
 
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