RPG game + LED pixel game system hardware

[bitfogav]

Im adding them RGB boards to my next order!

I was going to upgrade from the 8x8 matrix to a 16x16, and I started to work on it, but without etching (which I do not know how to do,) just connecting wires on the bottom of the board would be... impossible, not to mention easy to mess up or break once it is finished.

This brings back memories? I remember connecting up all 9 matrix's (24x24 display) using wires to connect up all the pins on a prefab board.. alot of work, the days before I had my pcb making kit

The wiring is not complete yet in this image.

24x24led_1942.jpg (76.98 KiB) Viewed 190868 times

[Saimaster13]

That looks like way too much work. So, it could easily be done etching though? If I were to start PCB making, where would I start (since I know nothing about it right now?)

[bitfogav]

I made a post awhile ago about pcb etching, this may help.

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=284&p=1522#p1522

[brad]

Etching PCB's can be time consuming and frustrating but rewarding when you get it right!

I have given up on making boards because it was very much hit and miss for me. I now just send my board designs to iteadstudio and a couple of weeks later my boards arrive in the mail! they're soo cheap!

[bitfogav]

Etching PCB's can be time consuming and frustrating but rewarding when you get it right!

Yeah very true Brad it can be time consuming, for myself if I have to make a second board for any reason using etching chemicals etc then its usually because ive goofed up the design I found its always good to spend alot of time heating up the etching paper when applying it to the cooper board.

I have given up on making boards because it was very much hit and miss for me. I now just send my board designs to iteadstudio and a couple of weeks later my boards arrive in the mail! they're soo cheap!

Yeah thats arite if you dont goof up the design? else its another few weeks

[Saimaster13]

So, what is cheaper? Iteadstudio or etching your own boards?

[brad]

Iteadstudio!

Making them yourself can be rewarding how ever you need to buy blank PCB's and etching solution. Then you need to have all the right tools like something to cut the PCB's out with, a laser printer, drill and drill bits etc...

[Saimaster13]

I might have a laser printer... and my dad and granddad have a bunch of tools, especially drills.

[brad]

The Drill bits will need to be less around 1mm or thinner and you just need to be careful not to snap them. (like I kept doing...)

[bitfogav]

I used to use tungsten carbide drill bits, the only problem is there not cheap

51_1.jpg (32.81 KiB) Viewed 190849 times

[Saimaster13]

Alright, I got two of those LED screens Brad. I really hope you are feeling helpful since I have no idea how to start connecting stuff to be able to run them.

[brad]

No worries - we'll get it all sorted for you

Did you get the RGB or single color version?

[Saimaster13]

RGB version, the 10mm ones you suggested here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/10mm-pix ... 72520.html.

I have no idea where to begin hooking it up/programming.

[brad]

I have to head off to work, but let me see what I can do for you when I get home.

[Saimaster13]

Sounds good, and thanks!