Hi everyone:
Has anyone created overlays for the LM3886 boards from Chipamp.com?
I could use really use these for something at the moment. Anything here or is there anything posted on another Website?
Thanks
Has anyone created overlays for the LM3886 boards from Chipamp.com?
I could use really use these for something at the moment. Anything here or is there anything posted on another Website?
Thanks
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Have you checked the available documentation at the website? I can find it in 5 seconds, you know.
Bill_P:
Thanks, but not quite. I'm still an extreme newbie (even after all my efforts and travails). But I believe an overlay shows the circuit traces on the bottom overlaid with the component names and/or values on top. In other words, both sets of graphics/text on the same surface.
Thanks, but not quite. I'm still an extreme newbie (even after all my efforts and travails). But I believe an overlay shows the circuit traces on the bottom overlaid with the component names and/or values on top. In other words, both sets of graphics/text on the same surface.
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When you place the parts you don't need to see the copper pattern, only where to put the part. You haven't try to contact the company you bought the pcb's from?
BTW: You can also look at the physical boards if you want to know how the copper tracks look like.
BTW: You can also look at the physical boards if you want to know how the copper tracks look like.
Chipamp.com made it clear to me that they do not have any overlays for their products.
It was a nice thought, though.
It was a nice thought, though.
Just wondering: what do you mean by overlay exactly? Altium Designer for instance has this as term for the component print layer.
From:
PCB Layers | BitWeenie
QUOTE:
"Overlay or silkscreen layers provide, among other things, the text designators for your components on the top and bottom layers. If utilizing these layers, separate files should be provided to the fabricator for the top and bottom overlays. There is no need for overlays on internal layers (you’d never be able to see them!). If you don’t care to have text on your board, these files are not necessary. However, text is immensely helpful, especially when debugging boards in the lab."
PCB Layers | BitWeenie
QUOTE:
"Overlay or silkscreen layers provide, among other things, the text designators for your components on the top and bottom layers. If utilizing these layers, separate files should be provided to the fabricator for the top and bottom overlays. There is no need for overlays on internal layers (you’d never be able to see them!). If you don’t care to have text on your board, these files are not necessary. However, text is immensely helpful, especially when debugging boards in the lab."
They are called overlays because they are the last layer applied during the manufacturing process. Overlays DO NOT depict traces. They are meant to show component designators and other information like model, version, etc. Most PCB CAD software also include the part's footprint and optionally, its value.
I have assembled several of the Chipamp.com PCBs and all of them, without exception, had the overlay, that is, the white silk screen layer with components' footprint and designator.
What exactly are you missing? What kind of help do you need?
I have assembled several of the Chipamp.com PCBs and all of them, without exception, had the overlay, that is, the white silk screen layer with components' footprint and designator.
What exactly are you missing? What kind of help do you need?
To be honest, I don't know exactly, as someone is helping me with this. But what you describe shows the component designators on one side and the traces on the other side. I think what I'm looking for is both on one plane.
EDIT: OR both layers, so that I can superimpose one on top of another
EDIT: OR both layers, so that I can superimpose one on top of another
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The problem appears to be your understanding of the language. I made it clear in my posting: Overlays DO NOT depict traces.
You should take a look at the schematic on page 3 of the User's Guide, available at Chipamp.com web site.
http://www.chipamp.com/docs/User%20Guide%20-%20LM3886%20Kit.pdf
It tells you the value of each component by its designator: R1: 1K, R2: 22K, R3: 680R, etc. Those designators are clearly marked on the PCB.
http://chipamp.com/beta2/wp-content/uploads/IMG_08171-e1386797539186.jpg
You should take a look at the schematic on page 3 of the User's Guide, available at Chipamp.com web site.
http://www.chipamp.com/docs/User%20Guide%20-%20LM3886%20Kit.pdf
It tells you the value of each component by its designator: R1: 1K, R2: 22K, R3: 680R, etc. Those designators are clearly marked on the PCB.
http://chipamp.com/beta2/wp-content/uploads/IMG_08171-e1386797539186.jpg
I did say that I'd already looked through the manual, and it does not contain what I need. Thanks anyways.
The pcb's you have in your have this print. You have photos post #11. What kind of more info do you need? Maybe we can help you?
A personal reflexion: Why is it so hard to insert the overlay in the documentation? They have it since it's printed on the pcb.
A personal reflexion: Why is it so hard to insert the overlay in the documentation? They have it since it's printed on the pcb.
Hogwild, you have to excuse me, but I can't really figure out what you are up to. Have you bought the pcb's from chipamp or do you plan to make your own?
P-A,
A few posts ago I asked the same thing: "What kind of help do you need?". Hogwild did not answer. We don't know who is the person behind the name used in this forum. This hobby can be daunting for some, especially if the person has difficulty expressing himself/herself, as it gets in the way of us providing assistance.
A few posts ago I asked the same thing: "What kind of help do you need?". Hogwild did not answer. We don't know who is the person behind the name used in this forum. This hobby can be daunting for some, especially if the person has difficulty expressing himself/herself, as it gets in the way of us providing assistance.
I don't have difficulty expressing myself at all. That is, except when it comes to electronics, cause I'm a complete newbie.
I'll try to ask my friend who is helping me with this project to more clearly define what it is we need.
I'll try to ask my friend who is helping me with this project to more clearly define what it is we need.
Hogwild, I'll guess that you plan to make you own pcb and you don't know how but apparently you have a friend who can help you.
Just a hint, chipamp's pcb is not that expensive and the chance to succeed is rather high.
Just a hint, chipamp's pcb is not that expensive and the chance to succeed is rather high.
Peranders:
Thanks for the solid advice. I actually already built 4 of them. My friend says the overlays would come in handy for some troubleshooting.
Thanks for what's already been posted. That should eliminate about half the work, I'd think.
Thanks for the solid advice. I actually already built 4 of them. My friend says the overlays would come in handy for some troubleshooting.
Thanks for what's already been posted. That should eliminate about half the work, I'd think.
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