My really, really tiny chipamp PCB.

[Spasticteapot]

After looking at a few PCBs, I noticed that they could be made smaller, and still used thicker traces. So, I downloaded Eagle, and taught myself to use it, or at least the board layout design thingy. After much work, I came up with the below design.
Why so tiny? Simple: SparkFun offers a service that makes PCBs for $2.50 a square inch. These can be made, then, for about 4$ a PCB. They use really, really thick traces for the power and output connections, so even a relatively thin copper layer should work.

Now, you ask, why would I design such a monstrosity?
I'm hoping to run a program down at the local downtown teen center that will let people, for under 50$, build a gainclone. I built mine for 50$, and I'm not a recognized nonprofit. (Yay for discounts!)
As a teenager, I've got it pretty easy, but a lot of people my age are not so priveliged. African-american students, in particular, are'nt shown people working on electronics; they're shown being pimps or prostitutes. And these guys are very, very bright; they just never imagined that it's possible to build such a thing.
Hence, my project. By letting young people build something themselves and learning how it works, you can show that there's really nothing stopping them. Plus, they have a cool stereo.
-Joe

[Tall Shadow]

Well!?!?!?

Are we gonna' get to see this PCB or What?!?!?

I too have been guiding someone here (at work) into designing a nice small G.C. PCB.

He's well on his way to having a workable one.
I'll post it when it's done........


So, let's see your PCB!!!


& a big "Atta-boy!" for getting (or at least trying to get) kids involved in electronics.

Take Care!
Tall Shadow

[sivan_and]

[Nuuk]

Yes, good luck with a worthy project!

Just one thought if cost is an issue - hardwiring isn't difficult for a GC and removes the cost of the PCB!

[stelleg151]

Sounds like a really awesome project. Getting kids excited about something productive by rewarding them. I hope you can get kids to show up though

Your photos arent showing BTW.

Anyways, best of luck to you!

[cb951303]

can we see the layout?

[maurycy]

You guys don't get it. The PCB is so small that you just can't see it :-)

Alex

[Nuuk]

You guys don't get it. The PCB is so small that you just can't see it :-)

But I've got a 19 inch monitor!

[Spasticteapot]

Oops! I had the file as a bitmap, not a JPEG.
Here it is. The WIMA MKP caps (the bypass caps for the 100uf caps) are meant to be mounted on the back,
It's a pretty much stock GC circuit; total cost of parts for 2 is under 15$, using Dale/Vishay metal film resistors, and Nichicon 100uf low-inductance caps because they don't carry the panasonics at Mouser. I'm using the Chipamp.com snubberized PSU design, but with 12,000uf caps because they're $1.50 at ApexJr. I also dug up some 20v torodial transformers for about 5$ ea; each is 60VA, so 2 of them should power a GC reasonably well, with four being ideal. However, I'm hoping to get the transformers surplus; GE might be willing to donate some.
I'm building these on perfboard currently; as soon as my power transformers come in on Tuesday, I can test it to make sure it works propertly.
Also, interesting fact of the day: I am, currently, 16 years of age. Some of the people who would be building these are in fact older than me.

[gmilitano]

Originally posted by Spasticteapot
I'm hoping to run a program down at the local downtown teen center that will let people, for under 50$, build a gainclone.

That is a very noble activity to channel your efforts into.

I am certain that many members here will buy your boards to help support your cause.

Good luck,
Gio.