PIC-El III
Back in September I ordered a PIC El III from Kanga. I finally started on the assembly a couple of days ago. Finished it this afternoon. Did the basic tests and it seems to be working. The first PIC project will be a recording voltmeter that I need for a solar charger project for the station battery and for a solar heat controller I have promised to build for a friend.
I would change the order of assembly slightly so that the resistors are installed first so that there are scrap leads available for the test points. I would also be careful when installing U1, it is quite close to one of the R1 pads and could be a problem.
I recently finished redoing the ham shack so I now have a permanent workbench for electronic projects. I salvaged a bit of anti-static mat from on of my previous employers when they were redoing their rework center. The bench is L-shaped and has storage for parts and tools. So far I don’t have any bench test equipment but I hope to finish the function generator I started back in the 80s. I thought ahead and put plenty of power outlets in the area as well as a Cat 6 drop. Once I started working on the circuit board I soon learned that my old eyes needed more light. I installed a 4 foot three element track light overhead. Power is controlled using an X10 wireless switch that was leftover from the house in Wylie TX. It still needs more light but it will work for the moment.
My E-Bench in use
Messy Workbench
Workbench - another view