Quoting Jesse Lackey : > A few things regarding all this... > > I have modified mountsmd.ulp for generation of pick&place data (i.e. > ... > If anyone wants it, just ask. (to jesse AT celestialaudio DOT com). I wouldn't mind taking a peek at it. I'm using the one that Screaming Circuits put up on Cadsoft's download area. > As mentioned the solder paste openings need to be segmented for some > devices, this is particularly true of larger QFN, else they may "float" > on too much solder and their "pin" pads not touch the board. ... > ... Hmmm... wasn't familiar with this issue, but good to know. I'll investigate. > I really want to get pick&place running ... > ... > A year and a half ago I bought one of these: > http://www.bidservice.com/browses/DHTML_PHOTOS.ASP?ProductID=13148&Mfg=MRSI&Mdl=501&InvNum=30063 > off of ebay. Needs total reprogramming for the modern era. A big > project, but if the specs are to be believed I should be able to do all > the way down to 0201. Hmmm... never seen that one. What is currently wrong with it? I almost bought a used Zevatech for $500 a few weeks ago, thinking that I could have a good base gantry system and if the electronics were fried, I'd put in my own motor controllers and write my own software. But a complete DIY system would get me exactly what I want -- a compact/benchtop system that can do 0402's (though I'm only down to 0603's currently). I've got a few unique ideas that I think would be great to lower costs and make the whole process more hands-off if I could pull them off. > Anyone who is or will get serious about DIY P&P please let me know, I'd > like to be part of a forum/discussion/development of basic motion > control and image recognition software to do this. I'll let you know if I do go the DIY route. Software seems relatively easy, except for the image processing/recognition part. I can go read up on it, but it seems so involved and I'm not sure I have the time for it currently. Cheers, -Neil. > > Cheers...! > J > -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist