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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : How many UBW32 CMM’s are out there?
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bigmik Guru  Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Hi All, I have designed a PCB to convert a UBW32 to a CMM (based on Geoff's cct) as shown in this overlay. The design is complete but I need to check a few things before I commit to manufacture. 
The PCB itself is 116mm x 56mm and is designed to go into a neat little box that is in total only 120mm x 60mm x 24mm. The point I had was that people dont go and buy a small board like the UBW32 and then stick it into a shoe box... they want it small... The PCB has the following features: Standard 26pin GPIO header. A second GPIO header, (see comment below). The RTC components. VGA and PS2 keyboard socket. `push in/pull out' micro SD socket. An MCP2551 CAN driver. Power jack for (7.5-9Vdc). (USB input will be using the UBW32's own connector) On the underside of the board (in the blank area under the UBW32 chip), there is a jumper pad area so that the GPIOb header can be configured either as high order Pin(x) in the same pattern as the first GPIO or alternatively can be jumpered to suit the existing Dontronics DonDuino Cross if an Arduino footprint is desired. Now, like most of us, I am not all that flush with cash these days, I have been wondering what sort of a market there would be for this. I am trying to avoid producing a 100 PCBs if there is only a few possible sales, so I am asking if anyone has any interest if the PCB was priced at $6AUS each and $2postage anywhere in the world.? I know there are a quite a few UBW32's out there but how many people wish to turn them into a Color Maximite?. Anyway I was pondering this over and over when I thought "Why not ask the back shed community?" as we are probably the biggest group of maximiteers out there.. Anyway I am interested in comments. Kind Regards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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boss Senior Member  Joined: 19/08/2011 Location: CanadaPosts: 268 |
Hi Mick, great work. I want to have one for sure. Please send more details how to order it and how to pay for it. I prefer to use Paypal but the choice is upon you. Regards boss |
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| Dave Everett Regular Member  Joined: 24/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 43 |
I'd be in for one Mick. Dave |
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| aargee Senior Member Joined: 21/08/2008 Location: AustraliaPosts: 255 |
Me too. - Rob. For crying out loud, all I wanted to do was flash this blasted LED. |
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palcal Guru Joined: 12/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1873 |
I was going to design one myself but you have saved me the trouble. I'm in. Paul "It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all" |
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| bigmik Guru Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Thanks for the responses fellas, I have decided that I WILL give it a try and order a run of Boards. I started this project with looking for a SMALL case first and then trying to squeeze everything in and I think I have just got there. As mentioned earlier I need to check a couple of things first, I have to be 100% sure that the sizes of my components are correct as I have pushed everything together so close that 1mm may be the difference between it `physically' working or not. I also wish to check the micro SD socket which is a type I have not seen before... it had to be this type to enable it to fit. I chose a `push-in, pull out' Molex type and I need to makesure that it fits the footprint I have created for it. It is also a surface mount (as these all seem to be) and will need a bit of experience to solder. I hope to place my order this coming week. Thanks again, Regards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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| MM_Wombat Senior Member Joined: 12/12/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 139 |
I'd be in for one as well, mick Dennis Keep plugging away, it is fun learning But can be expensive (if you keep blowing things up). Maximite, ColourMaximite, MM+ |
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Mal_M Newbie  Joined: 08/08/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 6 |
Great work. Please add me to the list, for 2. |
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| Sorrigotti Newbie Joined: 14/02/2012 Location: BrazilPosts: 1 |
Excellent job !!!!!! 
The'll need 02 units. Will accept Paypal? I live in Brazil and I await more details on the payment method and shipping method. |
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| bigmik Guru Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Thank you all for your wonderful support, I have decided that there is indeed enough interest in my little PCB to get a batch done, As I have stated earlier I still need to test the micro SD card for suitability and my order for some has not yet arrived so that is delaying me placing the order. Then I will place the order for them (expected delay just under 2 weeks - they claim) Then I will have to build one and test the design, I dont want to sell something that doesnt work... Yes Paypal is a suitable method but please wait until I have them in stock... Regards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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| Greenembrace Newbie Joined: 19/09/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 3 |
Hi, I would like to be in line for this as well. Do I need to put my name somewhere, not sure being new to this forum. Looks very cool. Regards Daniel |
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| bigmik Guru Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Hi Daniel, All, Thank you for the support. There is no list but we wont forget about you... An announcement will be placed here when they are available.. I will put up more information after I build one up and prove that it does indeed work as expected... (what a red face that would leave if it doesnt work). This was a product I was going to do alone (I often do PCB designs for Don of Dontronics.com) but Don and I have reached an agreement on this one and he will be offering them at the prices stated. The artwork has been sent off and we expect to receive the PCBs in the next 2 weeks. Regards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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| Greenembrace Newbie Joined: 19/09/2012 Location: AustraliaPosts: 3 |
Hi Mick, Thanks. I'm looking forward to your successes. Kind regards daniel |
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vasi Guru Joined: 23/03/2007 Location: RomaniaPosts: 1697 |
It may also be that they will order an UBW32 for that "shoe box" they love (as you seen already in comments) 
Nice job, can't wait to see it live. Hobbit name: Togo Toadfoot of Frogmorton Elvish name: Mablung Miriel Beyound Arduino Lang |
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| paceman Guru Joined: 07/10/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1329 |
Hi Mick, Add one to the list for me too please. Greg |
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James_From_Canb Senior Member Joined: 19/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 265 |
Hi Mick. For only $6 I assume that's just the cost of the PCB itself. If that's right, do you have any plans for a kit with all the parts included, and/or all the surface mounted items fitted? James My mind is aglow with whirling, transient nodes of thought careening through a cosmic vapor of invention. Hedley Lamarr, Blazing Saddles (1974) |
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| bigmik Guru Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Hi James, Well the main idea was for a PCB but I have bought a few uSD sockets (these will not be super easy to solder but a good eye and a steady hand and bright lighting it `should' be able to be done) and I have most of the parts except the CAN controller so I suppose I could work something out.. The quote for the PCB was 5 business days plus 3 for EMS freight.. The artwork was submitted on Monday so I expect them around Friday this week if their quote was accurate. I still need to build one when they arrive to make sure that it works as expected.. I have converted my UBW32 into a CMM (including Geoffs loader) so I am as keen as anyone to get them in. Regards, Mick PS. I probably could solder the uSD on for you... but once again I need to see how hard it really is for myself.. I am in my mid-50's and my eyesight is not what it used to be but I was able to successfully solder the PIC32 chip on some MM boards so I reckon it should be a piece of cake to solder the uSD (Famous last words???) There are no other SMD devices on the PCB.. Maybe if there is a market I might build some up but I really hate cutting cases etc by hand.. Lets see how it works first. Reqards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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VK6MRG Guru Joined: 08/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 347 |
I would also be keen on a kit of parts with the PCB. Would this be posible? Its easier to ask forgiveness than to seek permission! ............VK6MRG.............VK3MGR............ |
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| bigmik Guru Joined: 20/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2914 |
Hi All, The PCBs have arrived and I have tested most aspects of the design and to date all functions are working as expected.. Sections still to test are: PWM/SOUND (not geared up at the moment to test sound but hopefully tomorrow) CAN... I have the MCP2551 chip installed but I personally dont know how to test CAN Here are a couple of pics of the built up unit: (The 3rd picture shows the UBW-32 installed and it looks like the UBW-32 overlaps the PCB area but this is an optical illusion as the UBW-32 fits within the confines of the UBW-CMM PCB completely) 
As with all designs there are some regrets and errata.. This project is no different. In an ideal world I would have done these things differently. First a couple of caveats ... The microSD socket is NOT a super easy thing to solder (I was able to solder it with my 54year old eyes and a pair of high mag glasses) and it needs a good iron, good light and clean, sharp pointed iron to complete. If you wish to use the small case I have designed this for, the female headers for the UBW-32 to plug into need to be low profile ones (I used 5mm ones) which are not really cheap (about $8-10 for the set) and not really easy to find. The standard 8.5mm females are just a bit too high but can still be used in the case if you remove the white J2 header from the UBW-32. Regrets/Errata I regret that I neglected to give Geoff credit (on the overlay) for the basis of the design of the UBW-CMM board as it is almost an exact duplicate. I will make sure this is noted in the documentation. The connector for the coin battery is at .1" spacing instead of 2mm spacing so the wires from the battery will have to be either soldered directly or onto a .1" female header. The holes for the main Power socket are too large (Thank god for solder) 
A couple of capacitors have a 0.200" footprint when they should be 0.100" (no big deal) The PWM/Sound header and the CAN header are a bit cramped for space but still workable. Apart from all of that I am quite excited about the project overall. Don has negotiated with me for the distribution of these and he will be handling the Bare PCB sales see the following web links for more information. PCB PCB-Letter There have been a few people interested in full kits and/or soldered uSD socket.. I can handle these but I have not as of yet worked out a price and I dont see myself cutting out cases, however if interest is there I may supply the case as well. These can be discussed privately via PM if you wish and I have no real idea of costings yet. My biggest problem with the supply of parts/ soldered uSD etc is that the busiest time of my working year is upon me and wont ease till mid November (I work in the racing industry and will be at the Melbourne Cup amongst many other meetings) Regards, Mick Mick's uMite Stuff can be found >>> HERE (Kindly hosted by Dontronics) <<< |
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Geoffg Guru Joined: 06/06/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 3194 |
This looks great Mick, it is amazing to see the different form factors that can be applied to a single design. John Harding was talking about doing a special version of 4.0 with CAN to support your board and I am hoping to include his CAN code in the "official" Version 4.1 when I get it out. This will certainly be a neat and compact little computer. What box do you intend it to go into? Geoff Geoff Graham - http://geoffg.net |
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