Hi guys, thanks for the feedback and extended thoughts
I think I may be best off trying to stick with the chips I have, looking
at my boards I think a big issue is that I've created the solder pads and
masks as per the spec sheet, as opposed to hobby use;  need more solder
mask separating pads (especially the bottom pad), need to extend the pads
quite a bit to allow for manual touch-ups, etc.  I think I'll wear the $15
or so and get a new batch of PCBs made that are a bit more user-friendly!

I also need to "sacrifice" a few boards and components to test purely the
power system / systems; as per usual, I try to do the entire board (well,
by "entire" it's 3cm x 5cm...) and then spend weeks / months trying to
figure out why none of it is working.  Baby steps...

How much would one of you boost-knowledgeable guys charge to check over
such a design if I can't get it working?  Being a hobbyist is one thing,
but for the months I've been banging my head against a wall with this
stuff I think I need professional help! (yes, in more ways than one!)

Then of course Russell opens my eyes to the possibilities of driving
larger-than-spec'ed loads, I shall ignore such comments and pretend I
never heard them, otherwise I'll be back redesigning and never ever get a
working prototype!  ; )

But yes, in the meantime I have purchased some cheapie ebay boards to
shoe-horn in and get things moving

Thanks
Lee


> From: Robert Dvoracek <lgtngstk@hotmail.com>
> pins I could easily find was the LTC3532, but that is nearly $5. DFN/QFN
> is not really all that difficult with solder paste and a stencil. It can


> From: RussellMc <apptechnz@gmail.com>
> Not the top choice by several measures but still useful is the Olde
> MC34063
> works well enough in many cases. Has reasonable good drive capability so
> useful power levels often achievable with internal switch. Can easily [tm=
]
> drive an external MOSFET or MOSFETs if better drive wanted. Inbuilt hi


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