As I went to solder a new chip on I just ran my iron across the joints to check they were all joined. I then plugged it in and…
It worked. Getting info from the chip:
Connection
Gonna load up the standard program next to see if I can get some output.
I found another USB to UART chip and looked at the order and realised I had ordered two.
I’ll swap them out later and see if I can get some connectivity.
Here are the pictures for day 2; just he Power supply at the moment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phone_jammer
UK beats USA:
VS
Sorry I have updated recently; been busy.
So Day 2 I finished the rest of the power supply and that worked fine; once I fixed my mistake. At first the 12v was producing 5v and the 28v line was producing something and the chip was smoking so I quickly disconnected the power. I then realised that I soldered the inductions on wrong and the rails where shorting the joint. Rotated them 90° and both lines then worked.
Day 3 I did the tuning circuits; I used the ATmega168-20AU which has bigger memory. I didn’t need to change any code for it to work. I did the LED test and that all worked ok. It was then I realised I had missed a line on the parts list and forgot the 10k resistors. But I ordered 4 for another part so I used them and stacked 2 20k to make 5 10k resistors. I don’t have a scope but my dad does so I tested the adjustable resistors and they where ok.
I then had to wait for the VCOs to arrive. They did on day 5 but I needed the 10k resistors.
Then there was kinda a break for a few weeks because I was busy at the school production (We Will Rock You). Vid of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&v=wfSUL12eMN8, I did the lighting cues and other tech stuff.
After that I ordered the spare resistors and the alternative 3.3v and 5v line components. I also wired up the battery and that works fine including the charging circuit.
So yesterday I soldered the VCOs and the PLL circuit. Installed the alternative components and they work fine. I plugged it into usb, appeared as COM12. I opened up hyper terminal and set it to receive.
I then programmed the test_uart prog. switched to the hyper terminal window and… It crashed. I killed to process unplugged the device, plugged it back in; then the problems started. It said device unrecognised. So I though it was windows being annoying so I rebooted (yes I disconnected the power). Still the error. Tried on another machine same error. So I’m assuming hardware error now. I’ve tried re-setting the chip still same error.
Unfortunately I only ordered 1. And I’ve already placed an order with digi-key for those parts so really don;t want to place another for just 1 part.
Tomorrow I’m going to re solder it on as it isn’t on straight as that was my 3rd ever smd component 
.
I’ll put some pics up somtime.
Ok, Day 1 was yesterday. I finished, after some snags the battery circuit; haven’t connected the battery yet though. I did do the 3.3 and 5v line but forgot to take pictures so I’ll post them in the day 2 post.
The VCO’s should be here soon and the spare ATMEGA88 was dispatched; gonna use 168 though.
Just realised how unstable the 3.3v LDO is, 1/2 is blown; So probably going to have to order the MIC5219-3.3YM5 from digi key. And might as well order the alternative 5v boost converter agreed in the forum. £12 delivery though, I’ll wait until I finish in case I need anything else. I could always use my bench top psu if the 3.3 goes for testing.
Pics!
It was my first ever time SMD soldering so probably a bad idea starting with a 28pin IC.
Also I have recorded the whole thing. I will speed up and edit the videos another time.
Parts are here ^^.
Had to pay £22 VAT on the door but I think that is wrong as one was £7.5 which is what I expected as that is 15% of £50 but one was £14 but that was quoted in USD so maybe they got it wrong; or there were some other fees.
Just checked it is all there; I’ll post up some pics after lunch.
Edit: Pics
Ordered 98% of the parts from Mouser and Digikey; both just over £50 so free postage ^^.
Just need to get the VCO’s from mini circuits, Waiting for a reply from the European office (They have already replied with quote, just need to buy)
They arrive Monday! But, just my luck I am not here 
So have to leave a note for my neighbour and give them the money, I have to pay the VAT on delivery and any custom duties.
Oh also I have new VPS hosting for my blog, so the site should be faster, well as fast as WordPress could be…
Sample parts arrived last week. They seem to have an obsession with over sized packaging….
Recent Comments