Hermes-Lite2 Beta3 Gerber Files

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

I am down to reviewing the gerber files and tweaking some things that still bother me. Claudio mentioned that he saw some capacitors displaced during his reflow build as nearby untented vias were attracting the solder and thus capacitors. Kicad has no way to tent/untent individual vias, so I added a post processing script that uses a very slight variation in via size to encode if it is tented or not and on which side. See this thread for the basic idea I am using. I like untented vias because they provide additional test points and also do not trap chemicals within the via. There may still be a few more vias that I want to add tenting control to. Also, the large holes to hand solder surface mount exposed pads may be a problem for the same reasons. I am trying to keep these, but if the assembly house complains I may need to convert them to small thermal vias.

Github has the latest gerber files here. You can view them with gerbv. Use "Open Layers" under File to import all the layers. Any feedback is appreciated.

73,

Steve

KF7O

[Jacinto Rebelo]

Hello Steve,

After build 3 hermes-lite1 and be away for some time, I do want join to hermes-lite2 project, so I do have 2 hermes-lite beta2 board (I've already had them for a few months), as
I do only need low tx option, don't want PA and LPF, and  with all modifications until now, it's still ok to use the beta2 PCB or better to wait for the last version, maybe beta3 ?
If it's only minor changes I can handle that ...

tks

Jacinto
cu2ed

[Steve Haynal]

Hi Group,

Just a quick update. I am on a minivaction this weekend, but Monday and Tuesday are also holidays for me. My goal is to submit the HL2beta3 to 3-5 places for PCB fabrication and assembly bids on Tuesday, July 4. Currently I am working on the BOM for this submission. Places such as elecrow have a list of parts (capacitors and resistors) on hand which they will use for free or much reduced cost. I am trying to switch to as many of those as possible. They do list the part manufacturer so we can be sure of the type, precision, voltage rating, etc. They also need the BOM in a slightly different format. They also need a part coordinate file.

Jacinto, I would rather see you build the HL2beta3 board. I may have some extra and can send you a replacement.

73,

Steve

KF7O