MCPCB

Preamble

Metal Core Printed Circuit Boards (MCPCB) are used to keep high powered LED circuits cool, as the metal substrate helps dissipate heat generated by the LEDs.

However, they can also be used, as an alternative to FR4 PCBs, to create heavy, sturdy and funky PCBs for audio applications, especially if a thick 5-10 mm substrate is used (although 3.2 mm is the common maximum thickness – see below).

I got the idea after seeing this question on StackExchange: Custom/DIY Metal-Core PCB? However, MCPCB is really only useful for SMD components. Standard discrete components would need to be routed via the underside, and there would be a potential for short circuits caused by component legs coming in contact with the metal substrate.

Feature image taken from Metal Core PCB vs standard circuit boards.

Continue reading MCPCB

Don’t get the wrong BNO055!

Preamble

The Bosch BNO 055 IMU – a combined accelerometer, magnetometer and gyroscope with a built in ARM processor – can support both IIC communication and Serial communication, via the IIC or UART modes. However, this question on SE.Robotics, Aliexpress bought BNO055 UART connection, brought to my attention that certain breakout boards for the BNO005 can not be used in UART mode (at least not without some rework of the board) and therefore are only compatible with Arduino but not the Raspberry Pi.

Continue reading Don’t get the wrong BNO055!

Reviving a dead 18650 LiPo

Preamble

I had my first 18650 LiPo death recently. A single battery left in a Target Pro mod, for over six months. The mod would not charge the 18650 at all… that is to say that the charging light would show the animation of the battery charging, but no process was ever made in the state of the charge (over the space of 12 hours).

Continue reading Reviving a dead 18650 LiPo