DIY Techniques for PCBs, Firmware, and Mechanics

2011, by Paul Bouchier, Doug Paradis, Dale Wheat

The DPRG presented a series of tutorials at our 2011 monthly meetings intended to provide all the skills needed to create a robot or any other device composed of mechanical, electronic, and software components. The sequence of tutorials starts with the process of creating a printed circuit board, assembling it, programming it, building a robot chassis, and then combining all those elements to created a computer controlled mechanical device.

The robot used as an example in this series of tutorials is called the Tiny Wanderer. Mechanical drawings and software for the robot can be found in the DPRG's TinyWanderer code repository.

Part 1: Making a PCB Using the Toner Transfer Method

by Doug Paradis

From a hobbyist's point of view there are many advantages to making a PCB over point-to-point hand wired prototyping. Doug explains the advantages and the proceeds to explain the process from schematic capture through layout, routing, transfer, etching, drilling, even creating mock vias.

View the Presentation Slides (PDF format)

Video tutorial: how to make a mock plated via on a homemade double-sided PCB
by Doug Paradis