open source GPIB adapter

[eliocor]

tomorrow I will recheck my BOM and I will send you (via PM) the updated file, or even better, it will be an occasion to learn something about GIT

[Kean]

The exception is the usb-c connector.  element14 don't stock the HRO part.  I am reasonably sure there are equivalents by other manufacturers that fit the same foot print.  I just don't know the part IDs.

I use the GCT USB4105 which is the same footprint as the HRO TYPE-C-31, and available from several Western distributors.
https://gct.co/connector/usb4105

[dazz1]

I use the GCT USB4105 which is the same footprint as the HRO TYPE-C-31, and available from several Western distributors.
https://gct.co/connector/usb4105

OK.  I found it at element14, but there are 3 variants.  Which one??
https://nz.element14.com/c/connectors/usb-connectors-adapters/usb-connectors?st=GCT+USB4105

[Kean]

The variants are just for different gold plating and stake/leg lengths.  I use the USB4105-GF-A-120 variant for the longer legs in a standard 1.6mm thick PCB.

I manually add a little solder to ensure they are secure, but for mass production I imagine some fiddling with solder paste stencil and stake length would be in order.

[dazz1]

The variants are just for different gold plating and stake/leg lengths.  I use the USB4105-GF-A-120 variant for the longer legs in a standard 1.6mm thick PCB.

I manually add a little solder to ensure they are secure, but for mass production I imagine some fiddling with solder paste stencil and stake length would be in order.

I have updated the BOM so that a single order can be placed with element14 to get all the parts needed, except for the pcb. 

I found the usb connector was the most difficult to solder.  Solder bridges and no joint being the main issues.  I pre-tinned the pins, and used lots of flux to make good joints.  I beeped out the pins to find bridges.  I also used a loupe and a microscope. 

[dazz1]

Hi
I have been working on a suitable enclosure for the V2e usb-gpib adapter.
The results are attached.  I am a fan of Art-Deco so the enclosure includes some simple aesthetic curves where they don't need to be.

I have used this as an opportunity to try learning FreeCAD.  This was about the 3rd attempt at learning.   The incentive to learn FreeCAD is to get away from free/fee paying CAD that could lock up all of my existing drawings at the whim of a marketing department.  I have used many different CAD packages over many years, and FreeCAD has the worst UE/UI by far.   The FreeCAD learning curve is more like a tall cliff.  I can only imagine how many potential users have fallen away as they tried to do something simple.  It could be that I am just a slow learner, or perhaps I have certain expectations based on my experience with other CAD packages, but doing simple things is incredibly difficult in FreeCAD. I have watched YT videos that take 15 minutes to explain how to copy/paste a drawn element to another section of the same drawing.  It has taken far far far too long to draw up this enclosure. 


I need to do a test print to make sure the enclosure works.  The advantage of showing off the CAD on the forum is that the finish is perfect.  Much better than I could achieve with an actual 3D printer.  Any suggestions for improvements to the design welcomed.

[dazz1]

Hi
I have printed off the version 2 enclosures shown in the attached images. 
I have already made some minor modifications to the design to create a version 3 enclosure.
Version 3 changes includes:
   separating the LEDs to reduce light bleed from one to the other.
   shifting the LEDs slightly over the edge of the board to provide additional clearances.
   increasing the mounting hole size from 2.7 mm to 3.1mm.
   slightly adjust the position of the finger depressions.

I have updated the Github files here. https://github.com/dazz100/UsbGpib