Ordering PI-1 pcb

[Dennis]

Carl

I was interested in ordering 1 (one) PI-1 pcb. Is the price still $10.00 US? Is there any shipping involved? I would like to build it just for a working PI detector. I don't know much about electronics at all but I'm hoping my dad would build it for me, electronics are his life. What option would you recommend for general use not for experimentation? I'm not worried about any bells and whistles, just a good stable detector with good ground penetration. I'm looking for old coins, jewelry, and Civil War artifacts. It will be used in fresh & salt water. I have a housing for the electronics that is rated for 150 ft. with wire seals. I also would like to know what controls you would recommend being able to adjust from outside the housing. I ask that because I noticed all the pots on the schematics. I assume most are for tinkering and fine adjustment but not for general usage of the detector. I hope this all makes sense.

Thank you,
Dennis

[Carl]

Re: Ordering PI-1 pcb

$10 includes shipping. My preference is for the VCO audio. I would recommend keeping the threshold and sample delay on external knobs (and maybe a toggle switch for autotrack, but only if it's primarily surf-n-sand), everything else can be board-mounted.

I can't believe it, but it looks like you'll get the last PCB! I did a run of 50 boards, just shipped 2 more, and got a check yesterday for another. That leaves me with 2, and I want to keep one for myself.

- Carl

[Rick(DFW)]

Re: Ordering PI-1 pcb

Carl,

Are you going to make anymore boards? Sounds like something I'd be interested in.

Thanks,

Rick

[Carl]

Re: Ordering PI-1 pcb

> Are you going to make anymore boards?

Only if there's enough interest. Send me an email request, so I can keep track of it. I did 50 boards last time, which got the per board costs down to a reasonable level. I can get, say, 20 boards, but the cost might go to $15 or so. Still not bad.

- Carl

[FJ]

Re: Ordering PI-1 pcb

Carl,
Are you still planning on making surface mount boards? I'm wondering how many of us could actually build it? I had to use a few surface mount parts on a previous design and I had a hard time with these old eyes. I have tried not to use them since.
Thanks,
FJ

[Carl]

Re: Ordering PI-1 pcb

Actually, I'm working on that now. My goal is 2x3 inches, better than a 50% shrink. You're right, dealing with SMD is tough... you need a fine-tip soldering iron, and I recommend either a magnifying lamp, or a magnifying headset. Also tweezers.

I'm trying to use medium-sized SMDs, like SOIC, SOT, and 0805 passives. These are not too bad, very do-able for a hobbyist.

- Carl