PICKINI - an easy to build PI detector

[F117]

Thank you F117!
I have another question. What is the role of the resistor with zero resistance. Can it be replaced by a bridge of wire.

I assume you mean the resistor between 5V and the potmeter ?
This resistor is 10E in the newer version of the schematic http://users.telenet.be/willaert/MD/...ectronics.html

It is there only for layout reasons only. You can use any value between 0E and 10E.

[Toros]

Hello F117. Thank you.
It was my fault because I did not mention that I'm working on the first version of the board. I could not find 16F1824. I bought 16F616. The second circuit and the second version of the board I have not watched carefully.
F117 after I finish the board will you help me with advice on the programming of processor? I have no experience with programming PIC processors. Until now I've only programmed ATMega8.

[F117]

To program a PIC 16Fxxxx microcontroller, you need a dedicated programmer.
I am using the PicKit3 USB programmer/debugger:



You can probably have your PIC programmed at a local electronics shop.
I will not send out any programmed PICs since the cost of sending them exceeds largely the cost of the chip ( around 2$).

Success,
- Bernard

[ODM]

There's no reason why you couldn't use an atmega for this project instead of the pic, with some adjustments in software.

Bernard, did you write your program in C or asm?

[6666]

Hi John
I have been useing a Brother HL-2130
works fine for plain paper.
There have been several reports on the net saying Brother toner is not good for making PCB's
so today I bought a Fuji Xerox P205b for a whole $35 at office works.
The software that comes with it allows you to turn up the contrast
to give a very rich dark print, so will have to experiment with this new printer.
What setting did you have your iron set to when you pressed the PICKINI pcb ?
I am useing real branded contact.

[johnandles]

HI 6666, I use a BROTHER HL-2140.
The toner is not original,just a generic replacement.
The iron setting is full heat ,no steam
Cheers
John

[F117]

There's no reason why you couldn't use an atmega for this project instead of the pic, with some adjustments in software.

Bernard, did you write your program in C or asm?

The program was written in C and compiled with mikroC : http://users.telenet.be/willaert/MD/...ckini_16F616.c

The software itself is pretty straightforward, but it makes use of specific onboard hardware resources, in particular the internal voltage comparator that gates a 16bit timer.

Best regards,
- Bernard

[F117]

Field test of latest build with another elbow crutch / carbon fishing pole combination:




Since this detector does not discriminate I had to dig a lot of iron trash together with some WW1 remains during this short field test.

Have fun,
- Bernard

[Toros]

To program a PIC 16Fxxxx microcontroller, you need a dedicated programmer.
I am using the PicKit3 USB programmer/debugger:

[ATTACH]25156[/ATTACH]

You can probably have your PIC programmed at a local electronics shop.
I will not send out any programmed PICs since the cost of sending them exceeds largely the cost of the chip ( around 2$).

Success,
- Bernard

Thank you F117! I bought Pikit3, but before I read how to program with it, I was able to program PIC16F616 with PICPgm Programmer. Tomorrow I will try to revitalize the board.

[gavabeach]

Hello to all in this forum.
I live in Barcelona near the beach and i'm very glad with the Pickini design. I decide to make one by myself.
At this point the PCB is done (by the iron-toner way) , and solder yet all the component.
Only rest to buy the PIC,OP AMP and the IRF740 but the next week.The version is the 16F616.
Many thanks to Bernard to release the hard-soft and make this clever design.
By my way i think in long beach walk this summer season and find something interesting in the sand or
near the water. It's posible to find meteors ?
Well,best regards,when posible i add some photos of my Pickini.
Jesus.

[WM6]

By my way i think in long beach walk this summer season and find something interesting in the sand or
near the water. It's posible to find meteors ?

All sort of metheorites using your sight and knowledge. Using metal detector you can detect FeNi metheorites only.

[satdaveuk]

Hi
Have just checked got all the bits in stock to build this detector apart from the BS170, can I ask how critical is it because I don't normally stray from proven design specifications .
Also has anyone here built this machine and compared it to the Barracuda or and the Minipulse3 ?.
Just asking so I know what to expect
Thanks in advance
Regards

[F117]

apart from the BS170, can I ask how critical is it because I don't normally stray from proven design specifications

The BS170 is just a level translator/inverter from 5V to 12V for the MOSFET gate drive pulse - 100microseconds wide.
In theory any NPN transistor can do this - no idea if this influences the switching speed. I guess only the switch off speed is critical ?
I haven't tried it with any other transistors

Best regards,
- Bernard

[DIVER]

May I ask about IC1, In the electronics page it is 78L05, in the PCB it is 7812, Please help me. Thanks.

[F117]

May I ask about IC1, In the electronics page it is 78L05, in the PCB it is 7812, Please help me. Thanks.

IC1 = 7812 or better LM2940-12 (low drop regulator) = the large housing
IC2 = 78L05 = the small housing near the PIC microcontroller.

Identical here : http://users.telenet.be/willaert/MD/..._schematic.png
and here : http://users.telenet.be/willaert/MD/...ickini_brd.png

best regards,
- Bernard