How to Efficiently Make PCBs With CNC Router & Panelizing

Most of the time our needs are to make just one PCB at any given time.  However, if you need to make several at the same time, try this technique to save you a lot of time.  This short video walks you through the process.

This process uses Sprint Layout software to design the PCB which also allows the exporting of Isolation Milling and Drilling data.  Next, a program written in Python takes that data and creates the CNC program which is what is used to provide instructions to the CNC machine.

A DIY CNC router is then used to mill the traces by a process called Isolation milling. The machine also drills all the holes, and mills the peripheral edge of the PCB to free it from the stock.  

For legends, the top side is painted a dark color, then the PCB is put back on the machine and the lettering is engraved.

Cheers!

Chris

057 Lets Test All The Zoomies Maneuvers

With a complete rewrite of the program for the Raspberry Pi PICO controlled robot (Zoomie), it is time to test the maneuvers again to make sure they are more reliable, robust, and accurate.  A lot of explanation is provided about the change of the program to using classes and how that affected everything involved.  This is a good example of why some larger MicroPython programs benefit greatly from Classes.   

Cheers!

Chris

Unusual milestone. 11111

Today (1/20/2025) the subscriber count could reach 

        11,111

Maybe I will get luck and be able to do a screen capture when it happens!

Cheers

Chris

056 The Zoomie Now Has Bang Bang Steering in Reverse!

Getting the Zoomie to drive straight while traveling backwards has been a problem since the beginning.  Using the encoders simply has not been reliable enough so a search has been on to find a reliable means.  This video explores the old concept of Bang-Bang steering for a solution to that problem.

Cheers!
Chris

055 Top Level Code Review of Zoomie Control Program

 The Zoomie Control Program has been completely re-written and a LOT has changed.  This video will update you on the new structure of the program and the over concept of what changed and why.  Some might say it looks a little more "classy".  The end result is much more readable and certainly more clean and understandable.

Cheers!
Chris

We Hit Another Milestone - THANK YOU!

 11,000 SUBSCRIBERS

1/8/2025

THANK YOU ! ! ! 

Cheers

Chris

16 GB Raspberry Pi 5 now available !!!

 The Pi 5 was originally offered with just 4 or 8GB of memory. On 1/9/2025 they announced the 16GB version is available for $120.00 US

For certain applications, this will even boost the performance more on this already powerful SBC.

Cheers!
Chris