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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Stripboard PicoMite

Posted: 09:57am
24 May 2025
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Mixtel90
Guru


Just my take on a design. This one fits the RM2015S case from Hammond, so it can look rather nice (and even dust-free!). This case can be found for about £3.79 + postage here in the UK (Rapid Electronics). so it's probably hardly worth 3D printing one.

This hasn't been easy to test on SL6, but it does seem to work ok if I swap the strips for normal traces and put the links on proper trace layers.

Note, this uses the Adafruit module for the HDMI connector as there's no other realistic alternative. If you intend to build this get that first. It also uses the "inverted" micro SD card module as that fits the track layout better than most. You may be able to find this without the pins ready soldered, in which case fit them from the socket side.

info.pdf

circuit.pdf

 
Posted: 10:45am
24 May 2025
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dddns
Guru

Hello Mick,

I think this is an excellent idea and ideal for tinkers and newcomers to get a start.

What would you think: I never cut a cheap HDMI cable and simply use a standard 2,54mm socket / header or even solder the wires directly to the board. Of cause not so nice but almost priceless and that would be my reason.. Adafruit is hard to get and twice the price of a Pico2 I can't effort.. I admit that reason might be irrelevant for the
most, so just a suggestion.

Have you got a solution, how to cut the traces best?
And the cuts are hard to see in the drawing, could you mark them e.g. in red?

Nice work!
 
Posted: 11:40am
24 May 2025
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Mixtel90
Guru


You could probably use a piece of stripboard with the resistors mounted on it to connect a HDMI cable. It might be a bit messy but it should work. TBH, even if the Adafruit module is a bit on the expensive side I'd use it. After all, everything else is pretty cheap!

Colouring in SL6 is fun. You have colours for the outline, copper and silkscreen layers. Then there are two internal copper layers. If you attempt to use those as non-conducting layers things all fall to pieces!

Working with stripboard

For cutting traces I've used two methods. A normal drill bit (which works but hurts your fingers after a while) or a proper "spot face cutter" tool. I strongly recommend getting one of those. They are well worth it and last for years. The little between-hole cuts under the PS2 socket need to be done using a craft knife. I make two cuts close together then peel the strip out. You can also use a craft knife to help you peel lengths out of a strip if you want electrical clearances. You can cut the board by scoring it with the knife on both sides, along some holes, then snap it. Clean the board up with a file after. Always allow for the holes that you'll be cutting through! It's very, very annoying to discover that your nice, cleaned up board is one strip short....   :(
 
Posted: 12:10pm
24 May 2025
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Mixtel90
Guru


This might help. It's a view of the copper side of the board with most of the other stuff removed. You really need the other picture too.

 
Posted: 12:15pm
24 May 2025
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phil99
Guru


Those are the same methods I have been using also.
  Quote   A normal drill bit (which works but hurts your fingers after a while)
A drill holder is the solution. It can be as simple as one segment cut off a two-screw terminal strip. Choose one with a 3mm (or a little bigger) cable hole to fit the drill.

For the deluxe version remove the two screws and press the tunnel out of the plastic. Then get a file handle or short piece of fat dowel (eg broom handle), drill a hole in the end just big enough for the tunnel and two holes in the side for the screws to reach their screw holes.
This makes it much easier.
 
Posted: 12:42pm
24 May 2025
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Peter63
Regular Member

Hello
This is how I built my own HDMI version some time ago. Maybe you can get some ideas for your own building. Case is G738 from Velleman










/Peter63
 
Posted: 03:30pm
24 May 2025
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Mixtel90
Guru


Very nice, Peter, and very red! :) It looks like you might have used pad board? I was being deliberately awkward and restricting myself to a relatively easily available size of ordinary stripboard and the cheapest decent enclosure I could get. It was just for the challenge. :)

Phil:
I'll remember that when my spot face cutter wears out in another ten years (at this rate - don't hold your breath!).

Everyone:
Adafruit DVI breakout modules seem to be available again. The Pi Hut have them for £1.95 inc VAT, plus postage. They will be available from other maker-type suppliers no doubt.
 
Posted: 08:16pm
24 May 2025
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stanleyella
Guru


hdmi to strip board is always my prob. I used the board with the resistors surface mounted but dunno what you're using
 
Posted: 09:11pm
24 May 2025
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dddns
Guru

  Peter63 said  Hello
This is how I built my own HDMI version some time ago. Maybe you can get some ideas for your own building. Case is G738 from Velleman


Very nice and clean build! If you do it like this, it will run as stable as a manufactured pcb..

@Mick I can't find one german seller below 9€..better said there is only one :))
I'll try a self made connection with a standard tub connector and will report
 


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