Circuits

A batch of depanelised prototype boards from China arrived earlier than expected on 31 August 2009. More boards than expected were fitted to within the panel size. The boards were manufactured using Gerber files generated from our own design files. The boards need to be extensively tested. It is deceptively difficult to prevent design flaws, however initial inspection and testing shows no problems with regard to mechanical features, such as screw holes and pin placment holes. Printing on the boards is very clear.

Nine photographs, at link boards/batch01, have been prepared showing the boards in different mechanical arrangments and their relative handheld sizes. This should interest manufacturers. While the batch is small, if the MIG CM11 and BLUE CB11 boards are deemed fit for usage and for sale then we will put up a lot more information; such as circuit diagrams, bills of materials, assembly placement diagrams and guides.

Three photographs, at link boards/batch01working show working boards.

The boards have ZG1Cxxx codes overlaid on them. These are

• The ZG1CM11r1 (or CM11), a MIG chip board (of size 3.15" by 2.25")
• The ZG1CB11r1 (or CB11), a BLUE chip board (of size 2.25" by 1.50")
• The ZG1CE11r1 (or CE11), an experimenters board for both MIG and BLUE chips (of size 5.50" by 2.50")

The BLUE chip board is designed to plug in and overlay part of the MIG chip board. The BLUE chip is designed to have a 2x16 character LCD and a multi position switch to be directly attached.

The MIG chip board is designed with holes and clear areas to fit into the MD1023 detector with half inch standoffs from the main MD1023 board. The BLUE chip board, instead of plugging into the MIG chip board can be attached to the front panel of the MD1023. The MIG chip board has not been designed to work at the same time as the MD1023. To test with both board inserted it will be necessary to detach wires and use headers. For a straight comparison it will be easier to use two different MD1023 detector, one without the MIG board wired in and one with the MIG board wired in.