New Bipolar Boost TX and Front End

[Mdtoday]

Looking great!! If there is any suggested changes to my direction... please voice them. I do not have a NIH complex!!

Thanks, I like where you are going with the project and I'm enjoying helping out.
If there I have any questions or suggestions I'll put them forward JL.

I made the enclosure symmetrical to allow for a cutout to slide or clip in (if cut-out was half moon shaped) the probe but this would depend on the diameter of the probe body.
So one side is coil connector, the opposite for the probe.

Here is some more progress pics, the design is now 95% adjustable in sizes, it did take a while, but got there.






Yet to add rear battery bay cover and front panel, then some bosses and the screw holes that will hold the 2 halves of the main enclosure together.

The enclosure is close 130mm wide as shown to allow for access to the side PMOD connector if required.

A few other bits and pieces to go but another day or so, it will be close to the finished set.

[Mdtoday]

More progress on the main enclosure, added fastener holes, next will be battery area, still waiting on delivery of the OLED and encoder modules.

[Mdtoday]

Almost there, added front panel support and sized panel blank.



Changed assembly screw 3.2mm clearance holes to 2mm which then accepts self-tapping screws (the type which are for use with plastic)
This needed to be done as the enclosure halves are symmetrical but only one side needs the clearance.
Prior to assembly one side will need the hole enlarged to 3.2mm..simple job.

[KingJL]

This week, the OLEDrgb test code was removed and the Main Menu was developed. The menu display is working as desired, and some of the functions have been programmed (probe/search coil switching actions, ground balance request. In the coming week the normal display will be sorted out and the Maintenance Menu will be completed. The software and FPGA hardware definitions are to the point that I need to focus on populating the PCB so that the design can start testing of the TX and Pre-amp circuitry.

The current block design:


The current project archive is Vivado_Pipolar_PI(8-11-2019).zip.

[Mdtoday]

This week, the OLEDrgb test code was removed and the Main Menu was developed. The menu display is working as desired, and some of the functions have been programmed (probe/search coil switching actions, ground balance request. In the coming week the normal display will be sorted out and the Maintenance Menu will be completed. The software and FPGA hardware definitions are to the point that I need to focus on populating the PCB so that the design can start testing of the TX and Pre-amp circuitry.

Nice work JL, looking really good, thanks for sharing.
Great timing too, the OLED and encoder modules were delivered today and I see what you mean about the display module connector....I think I have a solution to that, will work on it tonight and post.
The PMOD connectors on the link cables are quite bulky with the heat-shrink, that's an easy fix but surprised me.
We could put pin headers on the IF board for the enclosure I have designed and while not conforming to PMOD strictly, it would fix an issue of space in the main enclosure.


Here is the progress to date on enclosures,





Next on my list is the front panel and then a full sized test print of the main enclosure.

[Mdtoday]

OLED, encoders, cables arrived today, so thought I had better test it to make sure I didn't have a dud OLED which has happened to me in the past.
Not this one works fine, thanks for the test code JL.



Also, had a quick look at you latest code, fired it up and the menu system looks great too, nice green!

Now back to the enclosure work!

cheers

Mdtoday

[KingJL]

The PMOD connectors on the link cables are quite bulky with the heat-shrink, that's an easy fix but surprised me... We could put pin headers on the IF board for the enclosure I have designed and while not conforming to PMOD strictly, it would fix an issue of space in the main enclosure...

One other option is to make our own cables. The only one that uses the full pmod is the OLED display. I picked up this kit a while back to help with issues like that and we can use this wire for the full pmod connector. Also a through hole 90 degree pmod socket can also be used as a 90 degree adapter.

BTW: The latest code will not display the OLED test message. But, in conjunction with the encoder plugged into the top row of J4 (pins 1-6), will display the main menu if the pushbutton is depressed. Once a selection is made depress the pushbutton again for re-entry into the menu. That code is still a work in progress.

[Mdtoday]

One other option is to make our own cables. The only one that uses the full pmod is the OLED display. I picked up this kit a while back to help with issues like that and we can use this wire for the full pmod connector. Also a through hole 90 degree pmod socket can also be used as a 90 degree adapter.

BTW: The latest code will not display the OLED test message. But, in conjunction with the encoder plugged into the top row of J4 (pins 1-6), will display the main menu if the pushbutton is depressed. Once a selection is made depress the pushbutton again for re-entry into the menu. That code is still a work in progress.

Yes, that kit looks the goods, thanks, I have good access and stock of wires and crimps etc so making harnesses is good option at least for me.
I will get time tomorrow to make up an interface board just for bench testing with encoder and display but I did load your latest code with just display connected to have a quick look tonight.
Thanks for the info, I'll will do some more drawings with measurements of both enclosures and post later tomorrow too.
I have added the PMOD OLED 3d model to front panel design and should have at least a draft to show soon.

The issue of the connector on that module can be turned into a positive and we won't need to change anything on the module itself if my measurement are correct.

[KingJL]

More displays and menus

This week, the OLEDrgb test code was removed and the Main Menu was developed. The menu display is working as desired, and some of the functions have been programmed (probe/search coil switching actions, ground balance request. In the coming week the normal display will be sorted out and the Maintenance Menu will be completed. The software and FPGA hardware definitions are to the point that I need to focus on populating the PCB so that the design can start testing of the TX and Pre-amp circuitry.

The current block design:
[ATTACH=CONFIG]47094[/ATTACH]

The current project archive is Vivado_Pipolar_PI(8-11-2019).zip.

Further progress on the normal display and the Main Menu. The normal display is the display for normal operation of the metal detector. It consists of 7 lines of information on a black background: Line 1 shows the current PRT setting; line 2 is blank; line 3 is the current sample 1 timing; line 4 is a bargraph that show the sample 1 signal strength and varies with what is received; line 5 shows the current sample 2 timing; line 6 is a bargraph that show the sample 2 signal strength and varies with what is received; line 7 is labeled "Sens" (sensitivity); line 8 is a bargraph of the current sensitivity setting.
Normal Display:
The colors are a bit off... line 4 and 6 consist of solid green square characters... line 8 consists of solid red squares. In the current code the S1 and S2 signal levels are simulated as we are not yet connected to the TX/RX PCB.

The Main Menu consists of 10 selections arranged in 2 columns. The font color is green with a black background for all selections except the current highlighted selection which consistes of black letters on a green background.
Main menu:

[Mdtoday]

Further progress on the normal display and the Main Menu. The normal display is the display for normal operation of the metal detector. It consists of 7 lines of information on a black background: Line 1 shows the current PRT setting; line 2 is blank; line 3 is the current sample 1 timing; line 4 is a bargraph that show the sample 1 signal strength and varies with what is received; line 5 shows the current sample 2 timing; line 6 is a bargraph that show the sample 2 signal strength and varies with what is received; line 7 is labeled "Sens" (sensitivity); line 8 is a bargraph of the current sensitivity setting.

The colors are a bit off... line 4 and 6 consist of solid green square characters... line 8 consists of solid red squares. In the current code the S1 and S2 signal levels are simulated as we are not yet connected to the TX/RX PCB.

The Main Menu consists of 10 selections arranged in 2 columns. The font color is green with a black background for all selections except the current highlighted selection which consistes of black letters on a green background.
Main menu:

Looking very good!

[Mdtoday]

JL, are we using the slide switch on the PMOD encoder module?

[KingJL]

JL, are we using the slide switch on the PMOD encoder module?

No!

[Mdtoday]

No!

Thanks, I didn't allow for it on front panel.

Here is progress on the panel.

There is a raised area to account for the header pins on OLED

Encoder knob is recessed from pinpoint button so should not interfere with the latter.

It still has some adjustments and contours to be finished off but is the general shape

Next is the headphone jack socket and power switch position, I will allow for a fuse holder in the rear battery bay for the 18650.

[KingJL]

Thanks, I didn't allow for it on front panel.

Here is progress on the panel. [ATTACH]47121[/ATTACH]

There is a raised area to account for the header pins on OLED [ATTACH]47119[/ATTACH]

Encoder knob is recessed from pinpoint button so should not interfere with the latter. [ATTACH]47120[/ATTACH]

It still has some adjustments and contours to be finished off but is the general shape

Next is the headphone jack socket and power switch position, I will allow for a fuse holder in the rear battery bay for the 18650.

Question... how are the 2 halves secured on top and bottom rear of the enclosure? I see recesses along the top edge for what looks like screws... LONG screws... as I see no support posts spanning the width.

Does the knob have a set screw and if so, can we access it?

[Mdtoday]

Question... how are the 2 halves secured on top and bottom rear of the enclosure? I see recesses along the top edge for what looks like screws... LONG screws... as I see no support posts spanning the width.

Does the knob have a set screw and if so, can we access it?

The Knob is a press fit but can be changed to screw type if required. There is ample height and clearance for screw type knobs though.

The two halves are mated with 25mm screws in full length support posts
Ribs are yet to be added as there position depends on power supply board placement/clearance

cheers

Mdtoday