Mats SM0RJV version of STAR

page created on 22nd Aug, 2008

Last updated on August 22, 2008

Glenn,

A few months back I got an opportunity to get a set of "professional PCB's" made for free. An opportunity to good to refuse, so I finalised the PCB layouts for PnM, DSP, and Codec boards. I made my own layouts simply to fit the components I have available, which means mostly 0603 size etc.

The rest of the STAR PCBs have also been (or are in the process of beeing...) re-artworked to suit "my" component sizes and mechanics. They will be "hand made" though. A short description of each picture follows;

"DSC00070.JPG" PnM Mk1 many years ago!!! Actually very useful to get familiar with UI and handling ;o) Not seen on picture is the modified mouse (!) I used as a tuning wheel...

"DSC00078.JPG" Tuning knob in the making, from solid aluminium. Life is easier when you have a friend with a lathe! I operated the lathe myself though.

"DSC00082.JPG" My version of the DSP and Codec PCBs. All motherboard components but the 5V regulator has been put on the DSP board itself. I also replaced the DIP EPROM with a PLCC Flash EEPROM (can be found on a many old PC motherboards). Reset and Int switches not yet fitted..

"DSC00083.JPG" Early test of how the mechanical parts fit together. Note that I use two "quad" displays because I happened to have them...

"DSC00084.JPG" My two PnM front assemblies seen from both sides with front panel and keyboard removed. I put pretty much everything on one board with components on both sides, i.e. PnM, status, and Picswr. Therefore three 3.5mm jacks that connects to the PC can be seen. I kept all serial buses at TTL levels on the board to avoid the MAX232 and its switching voltage converter. Instead I use a "USB to TTL cable" from FTDI. The picswr pic was not yet mounted when the picture was taken as can be seen on the lower board.

"DSC00089.JPG" Putting it all together and looking at the result is very satisfying! The front panels were made from self adhesive laser printable plastic and I really like the result. Since the picture was taken the second tuning knob has also been made. I'm currently working on the IF board, but available time is very limited. Will send more pictures as I continue finalising my stars later.

Thank you and 73s Mats SM0RJV