This is a quick progress blog about the MSP430F dev board which was recently up on Kickstarter. I also give a quick overview of the schematics and layout in the video so you can get an idea of what has gone on thus far and what the design looks like. The boards have been fab'd and are currently being populated by a prototype board/pop house up in Chicago. I'll have a review on those when they get back.
14
Jun 13
Kapton Stencil Review
I wanted to post up a review of the Kapton stencils I ordered and the company that produced them. Finding a cheap stencil for prototypes was not a trivial matter. I tried the acid etching and didn't have much luck. Finally, I ran across this place that laser cuts Kapton stencils and I was very impressed with their work. I hope this review helps some people out that were in the same boat as me. This was a good low cost stencil solution with great customer support and a great product. I actually only got two Kapton pieces. In the video I said I got four which is incorrect, but what I meant to say is I submitted four designs. One stencil was for the entire PCB and the other stencil contained four additional footprints that I really wanted to get if it didn't cost any more.
9
Jun 13
MSP430F USB development board
I'm designing a USB capable development board for the MSP430F5xxx and MSP430F6xxx family microcontrollers. This was a kickstarter project as well which didn't get funded, but I'm continuing on and all of the updates and materials of interest will be posted on my website. Below are some 3d models of the board I'm developing. After seeing it, I will explain some of the drivers and where this going as well as why this platform is unique.
