Arduino stepper motor and servos shield - AW GCSE Board

This instructable will show you show to build an Arduino shield which can be used to control 3 servos and 1 stepper motor using 4 potentiometers. You will need:

access to a laser printer/cnc router/etching chemicals
7 x 3 pin 3.5mm terminal blocks
2 x 2 pin 3.5mm terminal blocks
2 x 8 pin stackable headers
2 x 6 pin stackable headers
1 x 8 pin chip socket
1 x L293D motor driver chip
optional: access to a laser cutter
soldering iron
solder
something to shape the board, eg disc sander

Step 1 Etch the Board

Attached are the Eagle files for the schematic and PCB layout of the board. It is single sided, and should be etched or milled. 

Comments

[graymr]

Where are you going to post the code?

[terryd15]

Hi,

You could have finished your board by cutting to shape with a junior hacksaw (this is how I do it even with GRP boards) and filing with emery cloth held on a flat file. It is not much slower than using a disk sander and is more controllable. Also rounded corners, while not important, would make it look a little better and show that you took a little bit of pride in your work.

Instead of using a laser to mark the component side a nice professional finish can be achieved with the 'toner transfer' method followed by a spray varnish - not cellulose base as the acetone thinner dissolves the toner - use an acrylic based one or a clear, water based brush-able one.

I like the etched logo, looks professional, pity the AW didn't turn out well. You could have filled the spaces with resist as that would use less etchant and allow notes to be etched on the copper side of the board.

Hope this is of use, best of luck with your project.

[diy_bloke]

Interesting, but it is more a 'how do I make a PCB' than how to make a stepper motor shield. Even a picture of the circuit wld have been a plus

[AntMan232]

There is a picture of the schematic on the first page, as well as the eagle file.

[diy_bloke]

tnx, apparently i missed that

[AntMan232]

Thanks for the replies guys, but try not to get dragged into arguing! I didn't see any real reason to get it sent off; it's a single sided board that is a one off production, and it's far more accurate than using the CNC milling machine. It would be really great if I could have some more general feedback, but thanks!

[hightekrednek2396]

A better way of manufacturing it would be to send the files and have someone make them. Seeedstudio is by far the cheapest and easiest(that i've found).

[Reffner]

True, but where's the fun in that? Etching is pretty cheap and simple and this board would be a perfect first project to hone your skills.

[hightekrednek2396]

I know but he asked a question so i gave him an answer. And a first etching project i think should be something someone would want todo not just something easy