[v2.0] MECB TMS9918 / TMS992x VDP Video Card

[lenzjo]

I'll definitely have a look at your GitHub ... although, I'd have to admit that I'm not really set up for SMD (as it is, I'm struggling enough just trying to read the component values on the through hole devices ).

I got jlcpcb to assemble the SMD bits. Considering the cost of tools needed to do it at home, jlcpcb are quite reasonable and they frequently have vouchers to save money on the assembling process.To give you an idea of cost: because the backplane is larger than 100mm square they cost $10.80 for 5. Then to do the SMD work on all 5 boards cost $20.08 so combined cost was still less than the cost of shipping.

[lenzjo]

I trust they have sorted it out, and you are now well on the way to a full recovery. Take care and be sure to look after yourself, first and foremost!

They sorted me out alright... I'm now on blood thinners and statins for the duration because I already had DVT about 15 years ago.

[epaell]

Good to hear that you're all sorted.

Oh, how does it work when you get the PCB company to do the assembly i.e. do they source the parts or do you need to send the parts to them? That really isn't much of an overhead in terms of price!

[lenzjo]

Oh, how does it work when you get the PCB company to do the assembly i.e. do they source the parts or do you need to send the parts to them? That really isn't much of an overhead in terms of price!

They have a parts store where you select the parts. Then you have to submit a BOM of the smd parts. I could explain the full procedure but it would be long and boring Instead here's a video on Youtube that shows how easy it really is. It's 3 years old now and some parts can be made easier - in Kicad - PCB Editor check out the menu Tools > External Plugins > Fabrication Toolkit
- I use it all the time to make the gerber zip for me.

It can get expensive, but the backplane had only one chip and 7-8 passives. Also checkout the coupons on jlcpcb you can at times get free assembly just pay for the parts.

Hope that helps

[epaell]

Great - thanks - I'll definitely have to look into this (I guess I should've just Googled it in the first place ... but it's nice to get it straight from someone that has had experience with this)!