Pebble build session for LCA2010 mini-conference
Andy Gelme
A number of local (Melb) people have offered to help build the Pebble
boards for the LCA2010 Arduino / Open hardware mini-conference.
We now have all the parts required to start this process.
A couple of parts are still in transit, but won't prevent us from starting.
So, I'd like to suggest a number of session times, to be held at the
regular CCHS location.
Tomorrow (Sunday, Dec 19th) from 9 am to 2 pm.
Tuesday, Dec 22nd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Wednesday, Dec 23rd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Basically, I'll be there (assembling) and the doors will be open.
The times can be negotiated, if needs be.
The purpose of these initial sessions is two-fold ...
1) Build the 25 fully-assembled Pebbles for LCA2010.
It takes an experienced person around about 1.5 hours
to build and test a Pebble.
2) Gather experience and finalize the build-order for the 20
half-assembled Pebbles for LCA2010.
Once (2) is accomplished, then the partial build of the half-assembled
Pebbles can be started, along with LCA specific documentation and
Mitch's component taping approach (which looks good).
The aim is to have all 25 fully-assembled PCBs and 20 half-assembled
PCBs completed by Wednesday, December 30th.
If you are able to assist at one or more of these sessions, your help is
greatly appreciated.
Please email me directly, to let me know if you can assist and when.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There are also 15 PCBs plus parts (unassembled kits), available for
LCA2010 mini-conf presenters / hardware-build assistants and CCHS
members to purchase.
Currently, 9 sets have been requested ... leaving 6 left.
Please email me directly, if you want one.
Note: Mitch is just waiting on a couple of parts, before we can deliver
the 15 unassembled kits. This won't hold up assembling Pebbles tomorrow.
--
-O- cheers = /\ /\/ /) `/ =
--O -- http://www.geekscape.org --
OOO -- an...@geekscape.org -- http://twitter.com/geekscape --
andyg (geekscape)
On Dec 19, 4:13 pm, Andy Gelme <an...@geekscape.org> wrote:
> Tomorrow (Sunday, Dec 19th) from 9 am to 2 pm.
Yesterday, we got parts sorted for the 25 fully-assembled kits
Mitch put in a heroic effort and completed 5 fully assembled and
working Pebbles.
Parts were distributed for another 14 of them to be built.
So, we have 6 fully assembled Pebbles ... and a final 5 Pebble full
assembly kits looking to be made by someone.
> Tuesday, Dec 22nd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
> Wednesday, Dec 23rd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
These two sessions are still on.
Looks like a couple of people will be turning up Tuesday ... and it
may run later than 7 pm.
*** If you already have a Pebble PCB and would like to pick-up the
parts, please feel free to drop by and pick them up ***
We'll be working on the partial assembly order and start making those
20 half-assembled Pebbles for the hardware build section of the LCA
mini-conference.
Please email me directly, to let me know if you can assist and when.
> There are also 15 PCBs plus parts (unassembled kits), available for
> LCA2010 mini-conf presenters / hardware-build assistants and CCHS
> members to purchase.
>
> Currently, 9 sets have been requested ... leaving 6 left.
Now there are 4 left.
Please email me directly, if you want one.
*** Early this week, I'll be organizing delivery of Pebble kits to our
interstate and N.Z friends, who are assisting with the LCA2010 Arduino
mini-conference ***
cheers andyg (@geekscape)
Thomas Sprinkmeier
>> Tuesday, Dec 22nd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
>> Wednesday, Dec 23rd from 3 pm to 7 pm.
>
> These two sessions are still on.
Any adelaideans interested in a build-day?
I've got access to a suitable site, let me know if you're interested.
Thomas
Andy Gelme
Thanks to everyone who helped last week in the various build sessions.
To complete the Pebble building this week, I'm hanging out in the CCHS
garage ...
- Tuesday, Dec 29th from 3 pm to 9 pm.
- Wednesday, Dec 30th from 3 pm to 9 pm.
If you are able to assist, that would be greatly appreciated, because
whilst a lot has been done, there is still some more assembly to
complete. Please email me, if you are able ... thanks !
I'm hoping that the hardware will be all complete this week, so that
everyone can focus on presentations, software and preparation for
specifics of the mini-conference day.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The current state is ...
- All of the parts have arrived (finally !)
- 21 (out of 25) Pebbles are fully assembled (except 6-pin relay
connector needs to be soldered).
- All the parts have been "bagged" for the 20 half-assembled and 15
unassembled kits.
- The partial assembly order for the half-assembled kits has been
determined.
- For half-assembled kits, the Arduino headers are soldered in ... and
the headers on the LCD display are soldered in (and the displays tested).
- The pre-registration form was published by Jon and a good response was
received.
- Some tools were acquired, e.g. cutters ordered.
- Two unassembled kits were handed out and built by their new owners,
Rob and Grant ! An important milestone.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Things to (hopefully) complete this week ...
- Remaining 4 full assembly Pebbles (including 3 for video production).
Including full / final testing.
- Complete 20 half-assembled Pebbles.
Including partial testing (whatever is possible).
- Double-check all kits have all their components.
- Ship unassembled Pebble kits to those helping / assisting with the
mini-conf.
- Complete Aiko-Node software to run all hardware sub-systems.
- Determine which soldering irons to acquire.
- Start working on presentation(s).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Last week was fantastic, it really felt like things were coming together
... and it was really good to see some tangible hardware working and
packaged (almost completely ready).
If I've missed anything, please comment or make suggestions.
Mitch Davis
>
> I'm hanging out in the CCHS garage ...
>
> - Tuesday, Dec 29th from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Hi Andy, I'll be there tomorrow after 6.
> - Some tools were acquired, e.g. cutters ordered.
The cutters from DealExtreme are in transit and should be here this week (EMS).
The LED dongle stuff from Clint's is in transit.
I have told our LCD supplier about the faulty LCD, and he has promised
to send a new one.
Mitch.
andyg (geekscape)
Thanks again to all the superb and over-whelming help by the local
CCHS (Melbourne) members ... it simply could not have been done
without you.
The current state of play is ...
- Full-assembly: 22 out of 25 Pebbles complete.
Mitch has the remaining 3 for making an instructional video. But,
they'll be needed soon !
- Half-assembly: 10 out of 20 Pebbles ready.
The partial order assembly has been determined and tested.
Jon has the remaining 10, which hopefully will be ready before the
end of the week.
- Unassembled kits: 14 out of 15 kits ready to distribute.
Several have already been distributed and built.
Just short a couple of parts for the 15th kit (may be used as LCA
spares).
On Dec 28, 12:10 pm, Andy Gelme <an...@geekscape.org> wrote:
> Wednesday, Dec 30th from 3 pm to 9 pm.
This afternoon's session will be final testing of the full-assembly
Pebbles and partial testing (ZigBee, etc) of the half-assembled
boards.
After that, we'll need volunteers to take kits over to LCA2010 in
their luggage. Perhaps around 4 or 5 people, with approx. 8 to 10
kits each would be good.
Also need to organize some foam (to protect pins) and packing (bubble
wrap and boxes) to prevent damage ... and to make them easy to carry.
> Determine which soldering irons to acquire.
Yesterday, I built a complete Pebble using this JayCar soldering
iron ...
http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1465 ($10.95 in
quantities of 6+)
The tip is a little large (just trying to fit between IC pins, etc).
However, it worked well enough ... and the PCB solder mask really
helps prevent mistakes, e.g solder bridges.
I recommend that a number of these are purchased for use by the
attendees, e.g. 20 less those taken by helpers / self-sufficient
attendees. Unless someone has a better / cheaper plan ?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've started an outstanding task list ...
http://groups.google.com/group/arduino-miniconf-2010/web/task-list
... please add / change / suggest anything that needs to be done to
this list ... there isn't much time left.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I will be out-of-action from this Saturday, 2nd January until
Saturday, 16th January ... so, the remaining preparation tasks will be
coordinated via Jon.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Wellington in just a few weeks.
cheers andyg (@geekscape)
Mitch Davis
>
> Mitch has the remaining 3 for making an instructional video. But,
> they'll be needed soon !
Jon and I will meet this Saturday. Whether or not they get used on
Saturday, I'll have them ready on Sunday night.
> The partial order assembly has been determined and tested.
> Jon has the remaining 10, which hopefully will be ready before the
> end of the week.
Jon, if you're too snowed to do these, let me know, as I'm happy to help.
> - Unassembled kits: 14 out of 15 kits ready to distribute.
>
> Several have already been distributed and built.
> Just short a couple of parts for the 15th kit (may be used as LCA
> spares).
I received the missing DS18B20 from Clint, as well as the 40-pin male
header. The header came as 17 x 2-pin + 2 + 3-pin male headers, which
I think is pretty naff :-(
No sign of the other parts from Clint from which we can make LED dongles.
No sign yet of the cutters from DealExtreme, although they have been shipped.
Anything else we're waiting on from me?
> After that, we'll need volunteers to take kits over to LCA2010 in
> their luggage. Perhaps around 4 or 5 people, with approx. 8 to 10
> kits each would be good.
My hand is up. When should I collect them?
>> Determine which soldering irons to acquire.
>
> Yesterday, I built a complete Pebble using this JayCar soldering
> iron ...
>
> http://jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1465 ($10.95 in
> quantities of 6+)
>
> The tip is a little large (just trying to fit between IC pins, etc).
> However, it worked well enough ... and the PCB solder mask really
> helps prevent mistakes, e.g solder bridges.
My take: The iron's tip is slightly bullet-shaped rather than straight
conical, which makes soldering harder than it should be. But I think
it will be "good enough", all things considered.
Jon, I am happy to ring up that Jaycar dude and try to get an even better price.
> I recommend that a number of these are purchased for use by the
> attendees, e.g. 20 less those taken by helpers / self-sufficient
> attendees. Unless someone has a better / cheaper plan ?
> I've started an outstanding task list ...
>
> http://groups.google.com/group/arduino-miniconf-2010/web/task-list
>
> ... please add / change / suggest anything that needs to be done to
> this list ... there isn't much time left.
The check list for attendees to tick off is a very good idea.
Andy, as we talked about, as a de-risker, I think we should have a
laptop in the workshop room which has the job of squirting Aiko code
into people's Arduinos. I think making sure we have that should be an
item on our task list.
I don't think I have edit access.
Mitch.
Mitch Davis
collection; I'll get them today.
The components from Clint's arrived yesterday for the LED dongles.
What's the pinout guys?
Mitch.
Mitch Davis
> The post office has informed me that the cutters are waiting for
> collection; I'll get them today.
I got the cutters (20x), they seem just fine. I also got a 10x pack
of soldering iron wipey sponges, which I'm happy to loan on the day.
I got another package from Futurlec containing the remaining 15 6-pin
female plugs, which makes it 1 month and 2 days for their order to get
here. Guys, if I ever make sounds like I want to order from Futurlec
again, can you slap me please? (Well that solves the mystery of where
those connectors went)
> The components from Clint's arrived yesterday for the LED dongles.
> What's the pinout guys?
Still hoping to hear from y'all. Luke?
Jon, about soldering irons, would you like me to talk price to Jaycar,
or do you have it under control?
Mitch.
Jonathan Oxer
> Jon, about soldering irons, would you like me to talk price to Jaycar,
> or do you have it under control?
Since you have a contact there perhaps you could do it? I don't know the
part number of the iron that Andy got, but I assume it was this one:
http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1465
In terms of quantity we'll probably want to order 15. We'll need about
20 irons in total but there have been a few offers from people willing
to bring along their own, so 15 should be safe with a couple of spare.
Cheers :-)
--
Jonathan Oxer
Ph +61 4 3851 6600
* Internet Vision Technologies (www.ivt.com.au)
* Practical Arduino (www.practicalarduino.com)
* SuperHouse Automation (www.superhouse.tv)
* Geek My Ride! (www.geekmyride.org)
Mitch Davis
> On Tue, 2010-01-05 at 11:33 +1100, Mitch Davis wrote:
>
> Since you have a contact there perhaps you could do it? I don't know the
> part number of the iron that Andy got, but I assume it was this one:
>
> http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=TS1465
I believe so. Can anyone confirm this?
Mitch.
Vik Olliver
> Confirmed. Andy linked to that specific modele in the To Do list in
> the Google Group.
And Andy should be happy 'cos I just paid him for my pebble :)
Vik :v)