Timmiej93
commented
11 months ago Just noticed that the discussion section is actually available on this repo, which I didn't notice before. Since this isn't an issue but a question/discussion, I moved it over there: https://github.com/rbaron/b-parasite/discussions/164.
I stumbled upon this project somewhere, and it looks to be exactly what I need. I've done some custom PCB projects before (QuinLED for example), but with this there seems to be a lot less guidance. Although I know the basics about most things here, I don't know which is the right option. I also don't know anything about PCB assembly by the factory, so here's a few questions from my side. I'd be happy to convert it into a Wiki article afterwards to help others in the future.
The very first questions
How active is this project? It doesn't seem like there has been a lot of activity recently. Is that because the project has reached its final form and doesn't need any changes anymore, or ahs it been abandoned?
Software I see there's different software options available. It seems like the bottom three (blinky, soil_read_loop and input) are mainly debugging/development firmwares, and the BLE and Zigbee options are for production. Given my experience with BT and Zigbee in my current setup, I'd MUCH prefer Zigbee on these devices. However, it's not clear to me if the difference between Zigbee and BLE is purely in firmware, or if there's a hardware change too. Q: Do the BLE and Zigbee versions require different hardware? Q: Since I'm not planning to use BT, is there a (cheaper) alternative available that doesn't have BT?
Ordering This article is probably a great reminder for the main developer, and enough for the experienced person, but it leaves most people with lots of questions. Let's run through my questions while trying to use JLCPCB. Q: Which gerber files do you upload? A: All of them. Zip the entire folder as mentioned in step 1 and upload it. Q: Are PCB settings like the amount of layers, PCB thickness etc. all set correctly or is the default fine? Q: Same question as above, but for assembly options. Q: JCBPCB offers a "conformal coating" option. Would it ever be a good idea to use this, or should we just use something like Plastik 70? Q: I'm ordering 50 units, which results in over 300 bucks worth of E73 modules and over 70 bucks of DFN T&H sensors. Are those prices acceptable or should I source parts elsewhere? Q: A part is not available at JLCPCB, how do I chose a replacement? (In my specific case it's the MMBT3906)
(Addition on 2023/10/22) Q: Can sensors safely be omitted? I notice that the light sensor and T&H sensor both have a relatively high parts price (€0,10 and €1,50 respectively, plus €3 for each sensor type since they're non-default components), while both are only nice to have. The light sensor is even useless when using a case, which also severely limits the usefulness of the T&H sensor. Q: Same question about the 2 buttons. I see one button is a reset button, but I assume taking the battery out will have the same effect?
I'd love for somebody to make a video about this device, just so everything's clear, I don't understand how this is one of the few DIY solutions that hasn't gotten any attention yet.