What do you use - prototyping.

[ChrisLX200]

Well I've just added another project to my winter list ...

A 3 Axis DIY CNC Router / Mill / Engraving machine - can cut out tracks and such from copper coated boards.

Several interesting projects in one - building, coding, PCB design / production, and my favourite puzzle - debugging ....

Yes, thinking about that one myself! Could be a very useful tool for smaller PCBs but I'm not confident of attempting to tackle anything above about 6" square. Needs a self-levelling system to work well.

ChrisH

[Red Squirrel]

Wow that little machine does look pretty cool.  Could be used to etch stuff like front panel plates for projects and stuff too.   I kinda like the idea of making PCBs at home but don't really want to invest in a chemical based setup, it looks quite involved if all I want to do is a few one ofs.

[BenKenobi]

Well that one in the video is pretty expensive but there is plenty of DIY stuff around for a lot less, worst case you can build up from your own steppers etc, the research adds to the fun much like 3D printing.

I don't see that it can be so different from a 3D printer, tons of stuff out for those in the open source domain. Could either buy a dedicated kit of parts or I've found some plans from a Swedish firm. The setting of levels, origin and boundaries are standard CNC procedures, just need to decide the detection method, but it looks interesting.

Thinking about this you could make one with an interchangeable head and have it be a printer too - so you can print your enclosures, engrave your labels, build your PCB's, print your knobs ..... the plot thickens.

[Red Squirrel]

Yeah could make a fun project. I probably would try for the DIY route myself.  The issue with premade stuff is that it's rarely compatible with Linux without jumping through so many hoops, so if I do it myself I can make sure it is.

[bd139]

Looks like too much work for me.

[Yansi]

Nice PDF on it here: http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~pharden/hobby/HG-MANHAT1.pdf and here: http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~pharden/hobby/HG-MANHAT2.pdf

Quick excerpt:

I have some strong doubts this will work properly. Maybe at 35MHz, not 350. 
I think the grounding is not good enough in there and the trace impedances will be one big mess. Not even close to 50ohm.

[bd139]

I've built similar. Certainly good to 145MHz.  Haven't had to go higher yet myself but I have seen this approach working well even up to 1GHz or so. Don't expect a repeatable build though.

[tggzzz]

I've built similar. Certainly good to 145MHz.  Haven't had to go higher yet myself but I have seen this approach working well even up to 1GHz or so. Don't expect a repeatable build though.

Yes, but the ERA-1 in that cuircuit is DC-8GHz, and as we all know "amplifiers oscillate, oscillators don't".

[bd139]

That’s why you buy a 100Mhz scope - don’t have to worry about those oscillations if you can’t see them then 

Edit: actually you can with an ammeter

[chris_leyson]

I don't know it might work at 350MHz doesn't look too bad, I would have used an extra ground pin though.
Below is a picture of Manhattan style construction, it's the main 320-650 MHz VCO in an Adret 7100 signal generator, Circa 1980. The transistors with the red paint blobs are BFR91 and the metal can transistors are BFQ22. Would be nice to have a go at replicating this with SMT devices, nice generators BTW with low phase noise.

[bd139]

Similar construction to Marconi 2019 of the same era. That went to over a GHz.