Versatile Project Board

[CompDoc]

I initially designed this project board for testing the versatile little PicAXE-08M.  Having plenty of back-ground programming Pic-Micro controllers in the past, I decided to take the time to investigate this wee-beasty built on top of the MicroChip PIC12F683.  

I purchased three picAXE-08M (8-pin) controllers on Ebay for 10 bucks, and constructed my project board using 'junk-box parts'.  You may wish to substitute any of the chosen parts for what you have on hand... none are critical.

The `PICAXE' system is a surprisingly powerful, low cost, microcontroller programming system designed to simplify educational and hobbyist use of microcontrollers.  I am very impressed with how easy this feature-rich controller is to setup and program.  You do not need much to get started learning,  so I am sharing this 'do-it-yourself' development/project board with you, hoping many of you will take this opportunity to "take control" of your next RE project.

In my files you will find three associated jpeg files;  this component-view image, the board schematic containing pertinent information, and a bottom (trace) image for direct iron-on transfer or photo resist ready for etching (resize to 4inchx3inch, if necessary).

After construction of the project board, download the latest AXE Programming Editor from the site mentioned bellow, and you will find yourself making powerful RE projects so easily it is sinful.

All you need to know about the AXE can be found at www.rev-ed.co.uk/picaxe/  and if you would like to expand your knowledge on the host cpu visit www.microchip.com.

Happy learning...

Cheers!

[sdscott]

Thank you! What is the best practice for etching the copper clad PCB?  Iron-on transfer to clean copper? I don't have a IR-lamp for positive photo-resist PCB

[Darren73]

positive photoresist usually requires UV not IR, this can be done in sunlight if needed although you would need to test samples at different exposure times, also the photoresist needs a developer solution, usually sodium hydroxide.

regards

Darren

[commanda]

I did a write-up on making pcb's using the iron on transfer method.

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2006/7/23/94925/2378

Amanda

[sdscott]

Thank you, Amanda, excellent post!

[jimovonz]

At least half of my picaxe projects never get off the 'PICAXE-08 PROTO BOARD'.

Not quite as full featured as yours, but for ~$5 it gives you what you need to get programming (OK so you also need a serial cable). A bit easier for someone just geting into it who has never done their own boards before...

[CompDoc]

The PicAXE is not as well-known/penetrated on the American Continent, so the AXE, as well as peripherals, tend to be a little more pricey than in other continents.

I have always preferred the do-it-yourself method/approach, and suspect many others do as well.  This board was designed with the novice in mind and as a bonus can be put directly into production mode with little effort.

Jim, your comments are valid, however, as you mentioned, half of your projects never get off your board...

Cheers!