#Types of PCBs: PCBs come in different types

[hilelectronic]

What Are Mechanical Keyboard PCBs?

Mechanical keyboards have gained immense popularity due to their tactile feedback and durability. However, behind their satisfying keypresses lies a crucial component - the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). In this guide, we delve into the inner workings of mechanical keyboard PCBs, exploring their functions, features, and the key role they play in keyboard layouts.

The Role of a Mechanical Keyboard PCB

At its core, a mechanical keyboard PCB acts as the central nervous system of the keyboard, facilitating communication between the keys and the computer. Each key is linked to a specific switch on the PCB, and when a key is pressed, the switch sends an electrical signal to the PCB, which then translates it into a digital signal that the computer understands. This seamless interaction is what allows you to type, game, or perform any other function on your computer using your keyboard.

Features Supported by Mechanical Keyboard PCBs

Beyond basic key input, modern mechanical keyboard PCBs offer a range of advanced features that enhance the user experience. These include:

Stabilizers: Some PCBs support screw-in or clip-in stabilizers for larger keys like the spacebar and enter key. These stabilizers provide a more uniform and stable keypress.

Hot-swap Sockets: Certain PCBs come with hot-swap sockets, allowing you to easily replace switches without the need for soldering. This feature is particularly useful for users who enjoy customizing their keyboard's feel and sound.

RGB Lighting: Many mechanical keyboard PCBs support RGB lighting, allowing for customizable backlighting effects. This feature adds a vibrant and aesthetic element to your keyboard setup.

Mounting Options for Mechanical Keyboard PCBs

Mechanical keyboard PCBs can be mounted in several ways, each affecting the typing experience:

Top Mount: In this configuration, the PCB is secured to the top of the keyboard case, providing a sturdy typing platform.

Tray Mount: Tray-mounted PCBs are secured to the bottom of the keyboard case. While this mounting style is common, it can lead to uneven typing due to tension from the screws.

Gasket Mount: This mounting method involves using foam pieces between the PCB and plate. It provides a cushioned typing experience, reducing typing fatigue.

Keyboard Layout Support

One of the most appealing aspects of mechanical keyboard PCBs is their flexibility in supporting various layouts. Common layouts include:

60%

65%

75%

TKL (Tenkeyless)

100%

These layouts vary in size and key configuration, catering to different user preferences. Moreover, enthusiasts can design and create their own PCBs using online PCB makers, allowing for limitless customization possibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mechanical keyboard PCBs are the backbone of any keyboard build, dictating its functionality and layout. Understanding the role and features of a PCB is crucial for anyone looking to build or customize their mechanical keyboard. By familiarizing yourself with the intricacies of mechanical keyboard PCBs, you can create a personalized typing experience that suits your preferences and style.

[sneakyscarab]

its that time again! my touhou posting continues. this is the most important one though, so you definitely wanna read this one. trust me :P

nina's thoughts on Touhou 8 - Imperishable Night

Imperishable Night is the best game ever made it has Wriggle Nightbug in it and she's the coolest touhou so this game is the bestest of all of them 100% perfect game!!!

jk. kinda. 

Imperishable Night takes a big step forward in a lot of places, expanding on what worked well in PCB and making changes to what didn't, with a handful of really cool features unique to this game. 

for starters, the playable character roster has exploded from three characters to EIGHT characters, split into four teams of two each with a human and a youkai. unfortunately none of the teams have any alternate movesets so theres technically only 4 choices, but the characters in each pair have different enough shots that you basically have 8 different weapon types to utilize. Reimu returns partnered with Yukari, Marisa is joined by Alice, Sakuya is back again with her mistress Remilia, and Youmu and Yuyuko join in as a duo of newbies. i tried out all four pairs and cleared stage 6A with each (although i admit to using continues for most of those runs) but MariAli was my fav so i went with them to get the true clear with a 1cc-6B. i love how theres a technique for Marisa and Alice where you can make use of Alice's laser taking a half second to disappear and instantly reappearing on swap, swapping with a good rhythm to keep full uptime on Alice's laser while also shooting out bullets as Marisa to get really high damage output. not only is it a fun maneuver to pull off, but it has an amazing name given by the fandom: the MALICE BEAM! 

on the topic of swapping, what you do when playing as either human or youkai affects certain mechanics in IN, most notably the Time system. when you first start a run off IN the time starts at 11pm and if you reach 5am your run ends. using a continue takes a half hour, and clearing a stage typically takes an hour off of your total, but you can make a stage only take half an hour instead if you collect enough time points. the main source of time points comes from the human/youkai meter. when you do things as your human or youkai partner the meter moves in their respective direction; when its maxed on humanity you gain time points through shooting enemies, and when its maxed on youkai-ness you gain time points for grazing bullets. a couple other mechanics also work based on your human/youkai status, like enemy summons that dont damage youkai but also can't be hurt by their bullets. the time system is a bit tough to understand, but its theoretically optional since if you 1cc you won't really run out of time anyways, and it allows for wiggle room later in runs if you managed to clear earlier stages within the half-hour, and the game doesn't punish you with a bad end for continuing like others do.

for new characaters, all i have to say is WRIGGLE NIGHTBUG!! LETS GO BABY!! WRIGGLE SWEEP!!!! Wriggle is probably my fav character in touhou just in general, let alone from this game. is she just a first stage boss with very little to do? yes. does she basically never show up again outside this game? also yes. do i care? no! Wriggle is an adorable firefly lady and the self-titled queen of insects, she can talk to and command bugs to do her bidding, and she frequently hangs out with other characters i like such as Rumia and Cirno and the next character i talk about from this game. this is absolutely a biased take because i love bugs but i dont care, Wriggle is the best. (plus shes totally trans-coded, definitely not me projecting :P) Nightbug aside, the other characters in IN are pretty solid too! Mystia is great, although that one is also probably a bit biased because her izakaya fangame is incredibly good and does a great job endearing you to her. gotta respect the grind of a bird youkai opening a fried food stand but selling eels instead of the expected chicken cause she doesn't wanna feed birds to people. also the fact that she scams people by afflicting them with night-blindness without their knowledge and then selling her fried eels as a cure is so funny. Mokou is an all around solid character, i love the concept of this immortal phoenix lady who hates the immortal moon princess so much, and neither one can die so they just beat the shit out of each other all the time (and maybe kiss? classic enemies to lovers) and her design is really sick, the detail of having a bunch of fire-warding charms plastered all over so she doesn't light her outfit on fire is hilarious lol.

does Imperishable Night have flaws? yeah for sure. needing to unlock stage 6b is kinda lame, and stuff like the last spells are weird mechanics that don't really do anything. however, WRIGGLE NIGHTBUG IS IN THE GAME LETS GO BABY WRIGGLE NIGHTBUG BEST TOUHOU EVER WOOOOOOOOOOO-

[amy-hitechpcb]

Circuit Board, PCB assembly & electronics manufacturing service provider from China (hitechcircuits.com)

What is a prototype PCB assembly?

 PCB prototyping is the experimentation pilot stage of the product which is to be mass produced at a later stage. This is more of an experiment which is done after the initial discussions and the design. This offers a pre-production analysis of the boards that are to be manufactured, reducing the possible number of errors in the PCB design. PCB prototypes help the manufacturer analyze the strengths as well as weak areas of their proposed circuit boards. Prototypes also serve as a reference point for future versions of the same product. At Hitechpcba, we handle PCB prototype assembly in quantities from one to hundred printed circuit boards.

We have acquired capabilities that enable us to serve our clients better. All these years, we have worked on many complex prototype PCB assembly projects, and we believe the following capabilities have helped us serve our clients better.

Prototype PCB Assembly Services: We specialize in the following prototype printed circuit board assembly services.

SMT: We can provide single-sided and double-sided surface mount PCB assemblies in different specifications.

Plated Through Hole: We offer plated through hole assembly with selective soldering.

Mixed Assemblies: We often work on projects involving mixed assemblies – through-hole and SMT and electromechanical assemblies.

PCBA Testing: All the PCBA functional testing is performed in-house. Over the years, we have invested in various test fixtures and equipment, which helps us ensure the quality of PCBA. Currently, we provide the following types of PCBA testing services:

Flying probe testing for PCB

Functional testing including system and board-level testing

General PCB Assembly Capabilities: Our general PCB assembly capabilities are not limited to these:

RoHS, leaded or lead free, clean and no chemistries

PCB components including various types of QFNs, BGAs, 0105, 0201, 0804, and press fit components in small quantities.

What are the benefits of a prototype PCB assembly?

Prototype PCB assembly comes with several advantages. These benefits play a major role in the facilitation of your PCB manufacturing. Some of these benefits include:

Detection of Flaws Early

With prototype PCB, you will easily detect whatever flaws are present during the product’s development stages. This will allow you to solve the issues thereby saving you some money if you had gone ahead to make the production having the flaws in them.

If you go ahead to make changes during the production, there may be a need for more technicalities, and this may be expensive.

Testing of Each Component

With a prototype, you will be able to test all your system’s elements individually before you go ahead to set it up. You should do this because it is important especially for very complex projects composed of several parts that are PCB based.

When you validate each of these components, you will be able to identify those areas having issues that you should look into. This is the only way the project can function the right way.

Reduction in Total Costs

Utilizing the prototype bare PCB for any of your projects could go a long way in reducing what you’ll have spent in total for the project. With prototyping, you will be able to notice those errors in your project and then make corrections before you start the real production.

As soon as these flaws have been checked and rectified, then you may continue with the manufacturing of your Printed circuit boards in large quantities, thereby saving you unnecessary costs.

High-Quality PCBs

Why prototyping your PCB is important is to help you test if your project will function effectively. When we talk of testing, it involves the identification of errors present and then rectifying and making corrections to them.

Therefore, the eventual PCB after the prototyping will be of high quality that surely meets standards set internationally.

Less Turnaround Time

With prototype PCB assembly, you will be able to reduce the total time used in producing your printed circuit board. While making use of prototype printed circuit boards, you’ll be able to see the errors and then make corrections before you start the actual production.

Therefore, the eventual prototype will be free of defects. This implies that your PCBs will be produced quickly by your manufacturer.

What are the different types of prototype PCB assembly services you offer?

With years of market presence and experience, we specializes in the following prototype PCB assembly services.

Plated through-hole (PTH): We can provide the through-hole assembly with selective soldering.

Surface mount technology (SMT): We offer single-sided as well as double-sided SMT board assemblies in varied specifications.

Mixed Assemblies: Our experts often work on projects involving both PTH and SMT assemblies.

What are the types of testing Hitechpcba use for prototype PCB assembly?

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): This is performed before and after the soldering to identify the component placement, presence, and solder quality.

X-ray Testing: In this type of testing, the operator relies on the X-ray images of the PCB to check the solder joints and lead-less components such as Quad Flat Packs and ball grid arrays, which are generally not visible to naked eyes.

In-Circuit Testing (ICT): This method is used to detect manufacturing defects by testing the electrical properties in the SMT Assembly.

These techniques help us ensure the reliability and accuracy of the circuit boards. In addition to this, it ensures a long operational life of equipment, minimal production losses, streamlined processes, and much more.

What are the capabilities Hitechpcba offer for prototype PCB assemblies?

We specialize in offering IPC compliant, and quick turn PCB assemblies. We are very particular about our scheduled deliveries and timelines, and we deliver without compromising the quality. Our PCBA capabilities are not limited to these. Here are some capabilities we offer through prototype PCB assemblies.

RoHS compliance

Stringent testing procedures

Device encapsulation

Full turnkey, partial turnkey, and kitted/consigned services

Assemblies using Surface Mount (SMT), Thru-hole, Mixed Technology (SMT/Thru-hole), Single and double-sided SMT/PTH, Large parts on both sides, BGA on both sides.

Do you perform a component analysis for prototype PCB assemblies?

Yes, we check the quality and performance of components before mounting them on the circuit boards. This is because a malfunctioning component can affect the performance of the entire circuit board assembly and also pose risks.

What is your standard turnaround time for a prototype PCB assembly?

Our turnaround time for standard applications is two weeks. This timeframe varies depending on the complexity of the applications. However, we are committed to offering quick turnaround times without compromising on quality, functionality, and accuracy, which offers our client a competitive advantage and reduced time to market. You can also request any emergency assistance or queries related to any type of PCB assembly. Our experts will assist you in all possible ways.

How is the cost of prototype PCB assembly estimated?

PCBA costing varies based on the different factors, such as PCBA parts, type of materials to be used, order quantity, and much more. We can also offer quotes and customization options once you share the detailed requirement with us.

We focus on quality and customer satisfaction over anything else. This has helped us build a long list of happy and satisfied customers. So, if you wish to partner with a manufacturer of prototype PCB assembly in China, then don’t hesitate to reach us. Our experts will assist you through all the phases of the prototype PCB assembly process. We look forward to making your experience with us better and memorable.

How to choose prototype pcb assembly manufacturer?

Our pcb prototype assembly service includes the sourcing of components. This allows you to concentrate on what you do best: layout design. We have a dedicated sourcing staff that coordinates with multiple suppliers and distributors to purchase electronic parts as per client requirements, and our staff completes these purchasing particulars in a most efficient manner. We have advanced processes for optimal selection of packaging (cut tape, tube, bulk, etc.) to reduce the total cost. Furthermore, we are capable of cross-referencing parts and even locating hard-to-find and obsolete parts. Customers can be rest assured that when Hitech Circuits substitutes components that they are high quality: we only use the electronic component numbers and manufacturers specified in the BOM. We will not modify your original layout design. Part substitutions take place only with your permission.

The final pcb prototype assembly service cost includes assembly labor charges, bare circuit board rates, and part costs. We understand the importance of prompt delivery. The sooner the components are sourced, the sooner we can begin circuit board fabrication. We thoroughly evaluate engineering inquiries and concerns related to the related parts with our clients before commencing circuit board assembly. The average time taken for pcb manufacturing assembly is about two weeks, which can be further reduced if there are no hard-to-locate components or documentation mistakes.

We have specialized experts to deliver fast turnarounds for prototype circuit board assembly with surface-mount (SMT), through-hole (THT) and mixed-technology components.

Anyone interested in electronics and electronic circuit boards needs to understand the various stages of developing and producing a printed circuit board. It can come in handy when you are seeking a top prototype smt assembly provider. The various production stages of printed circuit boards entail design, prototyping (prototype PCB development and rapid prototyping pcb assembly), and PCB high volume production. Different entities will always seek part of the whole production process depending on their electronic circuit board needs.

However, this article seeks to help you understand everything about prototype PCB assembly, a fundamental aspect of the PCB production process.

Rapid prototyping pcb assembly represents a fundamental phase of the printed circuit production process. It is also inferred as PCBA prototype assembly, SMT or surface-mount technology PCB prototype, PCB sample assembly, etc. From these alternative names, the meaning of prototype assembly regarding printed circuit boards becomes apparent. So what is assembly prototype?

PCB prototype assembly service is a fast prototype printed circuit board assembly primarily used to test fresh or new electronic designs. Consequently, it assists with checking and ensuring quality assurance of the PCB. For instance, it verifies that no bug exists in the test PCB, updates the design, and finds bugs. In most instances, prototype assembly of an electronic project will require two or three iterations to ensure everything is perfect.

Why Choose Hitech Circuits PCB Assembly for Your Prototype PCB Assembly Projects?

There are several PCB manufacturers specializing in prototype PCB assembly services. However, Hitech Circuits stands out owing to the following:

1.Strong Supply Chain: Over the years, we have built strong supply chain relationships in the industry, which helps us fulfill the requirements of turnkey prototype assembly services easily.

2.Fastest Turnaround Times: Our engineering expertise coupled with our understanding of industry requirements and a well-equipped facility enables us to assure the fastest turnaround times of 24-48 hours.

3.Reliability: All the printed circuit boards that we produce are IPC compliant, which helps us assure reliability.

4.Competitive Pricing and Quick Quote: Our supply chain relationships enable us to assure competitive prices. The cost of the PCB prototype assembly will be made available within 24-48 hours.

[lilyblackdrawside]

Game balance is a pretty common topic and I think about it too sometimes. In the context of single-player games, specifically.

long post.

When it comes to multi-player versus games, things should remain balanced. They won't be, that's how we always end up with all the possible options a player can pick in different tiers, but there should be some striving towards not creating gross disparities.

However, in games where we don't have 2+ humans facing off against each other, I think it's absolutely fine to pretty much throw it out the window. There's really no harm in it and it opens up pathways for creativity to flow. Some things can be very difficult to bring in line with other options, so if a dev is afraid of having an unbalanced option, they might end up discarding something that could've been really interesting.

To stop with vague words, I'll go to my go-to series: Touhou.

In the Touhou games there is hardly a game where you don't have one or two character or shot options that stand out as being noticeably stronger or weaker than the rest.

Sanae in Ten Desires just sucks. Her shot deals no damage and is awkward to get the most out of in boss fights.

Meanwhile Marisa B in Double Dealing Character might just be the most powerful shottype in the series.

There are many such cases, I could keep listing them. Marisa in UFO is kinda terrible overall: A-type has a bad bomb for that game (Master Spark kills your movement and instantly annihilates UFOs, making it ill-suited for playing into the game's gimmick) while B-type has the worst shot (nice idea, but deals negative damage) but a good bomb. She just can't win in that game.

To stick with UFO for a moment longer, Sanae A's homing snakes have a tendency to miss if you make them travel too far. (They still do that even in later games, but only in very specific situations. In UFO it happens kind of a lot.)

Subterranean Animism is also full of off-beat shots. They're all on Marisa, too. Marisa A(lice) has a focused shot when unfocused and a spread shot when focused. Naturally, this is deliberate and I like it, but it is undeniably awkward to use. She's also the only one who loses more Power on death when full than she drops, because Alice gives her 8 Options instead of 4, but only increases Power gains by half or two thirds, I don't exactly remember, so you're always in the hole so to speak. Marisa B(atchouli) has like two useful formations - Fire and Water. Wood is a super-spreadshot that has a 90° dead zone in the front, Metal shoots to the right and left and Earth shoots behind you.

Marisa C(appa) has good damage but no spread (pretty normal for Marisa), but it has a bomb that deals 1 damage. It can't kill any enemy. C sucks for the main game and is godlike in Extra.

On that note, all of Marisa's bombs just suck ass in some way. Alice's and Patchouli's need you to go into melee range. Alice's does have long-range damage, but it's not much and Patchouli's is just a melee blast. Nitori's is a barrier. Barriers are nice, we know that from PCB, but between that and a narrow forward shot, Marisa C struggles to generate initiative during stage portions. You don't have a button that just handles things.

However, what do all of these wonky, sometimes underpowered shottypes in common? They're fun to use. I love messing around with Marisa B's formations, finding the optimal spots to use them. Can you clear the whole game with just Fire and Water formations, treating them as your Focus and NoFocus shots? Yes. But there is room to master it.

While I don't love to play UFO, I think Marisa B might be my favourite shot-type because it's so bad. It feels good to make it work.

Now on the other end of the spectrum there's DDC's Marisa B who is incredibly plain and breaks the game in two. It's just Missile Marisa and her bomb is some dinky circle that slowly travels upwards, deals mediocre damage and has invincibility time that's less than half of its total duration.

It also converts any bullets it erases into P-items. You can generate more resources with this bomb than it uses. It gets stronger the higher you set the difficulty. Marisa B scales with the difficulty. There is no other shottype in the series that does this. Okay, SA Reimu B also does this, but her bomb just converts enemy bullets into friend bullets so it's not anywhere near game breaking.

So what am I getting at here? The games would be worse if every shottype was "balanced", however nebulous the idea of that may be.

If every shot-type had to not suck, we wouldn't have gotten SA Marisa C, which is pretty annoying to use for 90% of the main game. We probably wouldn't have gotten a third of Mountain of Faith's shot-types or TD Sanae either. (nobody seriously plays MoF Reimu C for some notion of that being the most powerful shot-type in that game. It's a close-range type attack that you have to be insane to get the most out of. Just pick Marisa C like everyone else who's too cool to play normal shots.)

I like the wacky stuff. I want more Touhou games with weird shots like we had in MoF, SA, UFO and DDC. I want another Cold Inferno, I want Marisa's piercing lasers back, I want another SA Marisa A who has a focused unfocused shot for really no reason at all. Give me jank. Give me another shot-type that wasn't thought through to the end and accidentally breaks the game in the best way possible. Or just another MoF Marisa B.

Honestly, Mountain of Faith's Marisa B is a great example of where imbalance can hit a peak, because due to a glitch it deals so much damage that until like Stage 6 it clears all spellcards and nonspells so fast that bullets won't even reach you. There's no sense in it at all, but it is funny. It's funny! You can avoid this glitch from triggering; Its activation is somewhat specific. It's not something I want all the time, because that one just ruins the game, but is there any harm in it? No! Nobody is harmed by it. I get to laugh at the glitchy laser and have a good time.

Similarly nobody is harmed by someone having an easier time clearing DDC because they picked Marisa B and I'm not harmed from struggling through UFO on that Marisa B.

The bottomline here is that people shouldn't worry about whether or not a game is "balanced", so long as there's no element where players can abuse imbalanced elements against other players directly. And even then, fighting games have always and still have joke characters that are way weaker than the rest of the cast and it's fine. People love the challenge these things bring with them. They love to pick some crusty guy in a fighting game who has no movement, no options, bad frames or whatever and get the most out of it. It feels good to prevail from a disadvantaged position.

[jonphaedrus]

epomaker mini cat 64 build talk

ok i guess a couple people said theyd be interested so let's talk to most recent custom i did, for my friend @jowritesfantasy, of an epomaker mini cat 64.

the final build is an epomaker mini cat 64, with kailh box white v2 switches, and a great wave off of kanagawa (dark) cherry profile keycap set. total cost for what is essentially a full (budget) custom build is about $150USD without tax (off of bezoshell).

note: i am a vision-impaired hobbyist with shitty, shaky hands. i am by far not an expert. this is literally just "all the crap i've had to figure out from the ground up as a basic guide". there are more comprehensive references out there, and build guide videos for most custom kits, and do more research, not less, before building. nothing here is gospel and many people do it differently.

anyway, let's talk turkey.

BASIC GLOSSARY:

keyboard: the whole shebang. case, pcb, switch, caps, everything. the thing you type on.

case: the acrylic/aluminium/ceramic/whatever body that the pcb, switches, and keys live in.

pcb: the brain of the keyboard. you can have one where the switches must be soldered in, or you can have one where the switches can be hot swapped, which means you can change them out without any need to use a soldering iron. pcbs can be bought separately from cases.

group buy: when a bunch of people buy in to get a custom keyboard made by pooling resources up front.

switch: the mechanical switch that you solder or hot swap into a pcb to make the button press. there are thre (standard) types: linear, tactile, and clicky. switches work just fine without lubing. this is optional.

stabilizers/stabs: the support stabilizers for your wider keys that help keep them steady and don't let them wobble. there are two standard types—pcb mounted (screw-in, usually) and plate-mounted (click-in). please lube your stabs. krytox 205g0 is good. otherwise trust me, they will rattle. oh, god, will they fucking rattle.

keycaps: the thingy that goes on top of the switch that you actually press. they come in about a million profiles and in every possible permutation or color you can think of. if they're cherry/mx stem, they'll be compatible with most modern mechanical keyboard switches on the market.

QMK/VIA: software that lets you change what buttons on your keyboard do what.

keyboard %/keyboard #: how many keys are on the keyboard. the 64 mini cat has...64 keys. a 78ish key is the full f-row and most standard laptop keyboards. TKL is tenkeyless, or no numpad. 100%/180 is the entire keyboard, numpad and all. 40% is babymode aka "you like layers? i'll give you layers". each board has its use, everyone has their preferences.

ergo: a keyboard designed to be more ergonomic. ergo boards have different layouts and spacing and height. some are split, some aren't, these days one of the more standard ergo layouts is the alice/arisu. it's nice. i recommend it. (my custom is an alice)

custom: you build it, you decide everything you want on it, you buy all that shit, and you put it together.

prebuilt: open box, plug and play.

from the getgo, while epomaker does offer this for sale ready to plug and play, i knew we would not be buying this premade (both because i wanted to build it, the whole point was i wanted to build it and jo wanted it) and also, epomaker didn't offer clicky switches. jo's previous board had cherry/gateron (not clear which? one or the other) blues, which are the "standard" clicky switch: they're 65g actuation, they click, and there are better options. (note: this blog is a cherry mx hatezone. sorry.) i also knew that i was going to have to get a bit creative with VIA layers because jo works on spreadsheets and this is a 64 key board—no numpad. you kinda need a numpad for spreadsheets.

i didn't know much about clicky keys before this (i personally have sad shitty little goobaby hands that can barely even handle 43g linear switches and most people i know use tactiles), so i had to do a bit of research. you can hear (cherry only) sound profiles and comparison here, and this gives you a pretty standard idea of what mechanical switches sound like.

linear keys tend to be the lightest actuation, since they're for gaming most of the time; tactiles are all over the place and have the most options since theyre the most popular; clicky tend to be a little heavier overall. the "actuation" force in grams is how much pressure it takes to make a keypress go through, the "bottom out" is how much it takes to make the key hit the bottom of its arc. tactiles and clicky keys both make sounds/have texture bumps when the actuation of the key happens; linears you just push.

a short list selection:

cherry mx blue (the "standard" click): 60g actuation, 60g bottom out.

gateron blues (the original clone of the standard): 55g actuation.

cherry mx green/gateron green: 80g actuation, 90g bottom out

kailh box white v2: 45g actuation, 55g bottom out. (note: this is the same actuation/bottom out as the v1; the v2 has increased stability and stronger springs)

we ended up picking the kailh box white v2s because of comparative sound testing, the revision being even sturdier than the original box whites, they were on sale when we bought them and came in a closer to 64 switch pack, and they're about 65¢ a switch. not bad, all things considered. they're lighter than the standard mx blue, have a brighter, springier sound (even unlubed) and the "box" around the stem of the switch makes the connection between switch and keycap more reliable, which is a problem that happened to jo's old keyboard (the stem housing of the keycap broke; there's basically no way to get a replacement without shelling out a good bit of cash for an entire set, the box should help prevent that in the future).

the next thing was keycaps—you can do research about keycap profiles until the cows come home, but there's basically two types. "flat" keycaps are interchangeable per row (so work great if you aren't using a qwerty layout or you don't have a standard layout keyboard), "differentiated" have different heights per row (so work great if you have a hard time finding the right keys or are using a condensed keyboard model where you might get lost in the sauce if everything is the same).

the most common profile is cherry—if you want to find something super fun keycaps-wise, cherry is probably what you'll end up with. every keycap profile presents a slightly different sound because of how the plastic housing handles the noise of the switch (sa has more hollow thock; xda has a little more rumble because it's flat; cherry is a little snappier). frankly, imo, the texture/shape of the key is more the question to keep in mind (as well as the type of plastic they're made with—pbt is much, much more reliable). jo wanted dark wave with whale, we found dark wave with whale, it was cherry profile. success.

(note: knockoff keycaps can be a mixed bag—they use different fonts, the stems can be less reliable, even if they are doubleshot (two different kinds of plastic, layered on top of each other for more stability) and pbt. however, they're a lot more affordable. i like having more keycaps. im also cheap. that said, groupbuy or direct from source keycaps are also rad as hell. it's your call)

the epomaker mini cat is a hot-swap board, which means all that the switches had to do was to be popped into their housing. when popping switches into hotswap, always test the pcb beforehand. always. if you fuck up the pcb during switch installation, that is what it is, and you want to know if there's a problem before that happens. (shit can get weird. trust me. my custom pcb is currently getting replaced because of a freak usb-c daughterboard soldering incident that basically cannot be fixed, and everything worked fine in testing... but it's uncommon).

to build this board, i took it in a series of steps:

1: disassemble the entire board, flip the pcb (the "brain" of the keyboard) over, and manually test all the keys with a keyboard tester website and a paperclip. to test the diodes, you want to put your paperclip/tweezers/whatever into the outsides of the diode, not directly into the slot where your switch pins will go

you shouldn't need to shove. just set them there. your key tester should click, light up, or, if you're me, say "josh"

2: once i knew the pcb was good, it was time to disassembe the plate and the stabs. the stabs that came with the mini-cat 64 were plate-mounted and came unlubed, so i clicked them out with my tiny screwdriver, took them apart, and lubed them. if i had a buck for every stabilizer build and lube guide that actually refused to show the parts of a stabilizer, i'd have a lot of bucks, so here's some photos from me. these are akko transparent pink pcb-mounted, screw-in stabilizers. my hands are shaky as fuck so i apologize for any blurriness.

there are three basic components to the stabilizer—the bar, and the two-part housing. when you take a stabilizer apart, whether or not it's screw-in or clip-in, the bar clips and unclips, and the housing works the same.

less lube is always better (you can always add more): when lubing stabs, you want to lube the inside of the larger housing on the two wider portions and the back, where the smaller portion is levered up and down and will hit the plastic, and the part of the bar that goes into it. this is all the stuff that will click and clack if it touches each other.

sorry this is a transparent stab so it's kind of hard to see, but when reassembling your stabilizers, the smaller piece will have one side with two holes, and one side with one hole. two holes goes in the front. business in the front, party in the back, whatever. you can see here where the clicky space thing that you click the stabilizer bar into.

i apologize for my shaky ass hands. sorry. the realy nice thing about transparent stabs, otoh, is you can see where the actual bar goes—it goes into the bottom of the two holes, so that the interior part of the housing is lifted up and down when the bar moves. that's it! click it in once it's in the right hole, you're done.

3: it is time to Insert the Switch. most switches tend to be plate-mounted. the "plate" is the part of the case that goes above the pcb, and is what aligns (and holds in) the switches, so that they land in the right spot. here's an example of a pcb and a plate

the plate fits on over the stabs, and then you have your "alignment" for your switches in place. now you know where your switches go, it's time to stick them in. the smaller, metal holes on each switch location are where the pins go—this is a "south facing" rgb pcb, meaning the pins go in up top, with the smd led (the little per-switch light) facing toward, not away from, the user. north-facing switches are more common. (for anyone curious, this is a mechloving adelais en ciel rv3 pcb, akko transparent pink screw-in stabs, and a switchcouture aluminium plate)

take your switch, align your pins, push in the side with the pins first to be sure they go into their sockets straight, and then push them the rest of the way in to click. hot swap sockets can be finnicky and a little fragile, so when installing switches into a hot swap pcb, you want to push straight down into something below—i.e., take the back off of the case and put the pcb flat on a soft, but sturdy, surface, like a deskmat. then click them in.

and now you've got a keyboard! time for the fun part. put those keycaps on and give it a test.

well, now you have a working keyboard. except for one small issue... the person using this keyboard needs a numpad! okay, so that means that you need to get CREATIVE.

all our keyboards have some level of "layer mapping"—shift + a = A. that's a layer, becuse it changes the key input. on my keyboard, because i use a mac with the extended international keyboard, alt + a = ¯. that's another layer. most people are more familiar with fn + 1 = f1. that's a layer.

for this keyboard, since jo needed a numpad, the way to do that is to make use of it being via compatible and to build that in as a layer. via is a great program (wish it worked with firefox!) in that it's as close to plug and play as you can really get for something like this. it's all overlay, you just click what you need. i am stupidbad at tech, and i can figure it out. let's take a look at the layers that are mapped into this keyboard:

here we have layer 0 (the "home" layer, what the keyboard's base state is), layer 1 (the "modifier" layer), and layer 2 (the "spreadsheet") layer. i made a few changes after i took these screenshots pgup/dwn/home/end are on the modifier layer now and not just the spreadhseet layer), but this is pretty much the final version. in via, the upside-down triangle means that the button naturally defers down to the layer below it. this means, on all layers, the red circle is always the fn/modifier button. if you're on the spreadsheet layer and press fn+1, it will be f1, because that button is always fn.

the "modifier" layer came baked into the keyboard, since that's the way that the function row buttons/the keyboard light adjustment works. all i added was the blue "toggle" layer button, which, when pressed with the fn button, turns the spreadsheet layer on.

even more simply, if you push fn+ralt, it makes the keyboard be for spreadsheets.

on the spreadsheet layer, the right-hand side of the keyboard becomes a numpad, the arrows automatically work as up/down/home/end, and, most importantly, a/s/z/x/c/v are all macros. what those look like, in the via programming, is {KC_LCTL,KC_C} (that's "ctrl+c" as one button press), with the KC_[] changed out for the key you're swapping in as a shortcut. when on the spreadsheet layer, pressing "z" is the same as "ctrl/cmd+z" normally is—only now you only have to hit the button once. that's true for that entire set of macros. so, if you need to save? hit s. if you need to select all? hit a. if you need to cut? hit x. paste? hit v. there's no need to push ctrl at the same time—that's baked into the keys.

you can do this with any keyboard that is qmk/via compatible, by the way. it's fucking amazing. if you work on spreadsheets all the time? awesome. now you can numberpunch one-handed, and copy/paste/undo with the other, no need to use multiple keys.

the macro building and layering on via for this keyboard was waaaay better than what i did on my wife 1.0 (sorry, wife 1.0) and i'll be using the same setup on wife 2.0 (whenver wife 2.0 gets here). overall, this is honestly a really affordable custom board with a lot of adjustment options built in. it was a ton of fun to build, really simple and straightforward in terms of setup, and it's got bongocat on it.

also honestly if i had to get clickies, i'd do the box whites. they're really nice and dont make my fingers feel like they're about to break when typing.

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[meetmeatthezenith]

Flexible customization for cheap

One of the joys of working from home is you can personalize, get into the finer details of your work environment and make them as comfortable and pleasant to all senses as possible. To achieve that sweet ASMR experience.

That said, I just got into enthusiast mechanical keyboards. I'm so happy with my recent keyboard purchase I've been using for almost a month now. It's a pre-built enthusiast mechanical keyboard. It checks all my boxes and it doesn't cost as much compared to the GMMK pro.

Three things I look for in a keyboard: First, it has to be in a 75% layout because I don't want to get rid of the function keys or have to press a combination of buttons to access them as in the case of 65% keyboard layouts. 

Second, it has to have a solid, dense, non-hollow knob. The less obvious the gap between the knob and the keyboard outer shell the better. And the knob has to appear to be placed cleanly on top of the shell and not thru it (just my weird personal preference).

Third, it should be decent enough in stock form.

It can connect to three different devices and switch on the fly between them via Bluetooth. Compatible across different operating systems Windows/Mac/Linux which I've personally tried and tested.

The one thing I've overlooked and only found out later after some browsing is that I wouldn't be able to use shine thru key caps with it if I ever decide to.

Since most keyboard PCB LED placements tend to be north facing, most if not all backlit key caps are made to have top legends.

Although south facing LEDs are much preferred due to not having the problem with interference when paired with Cherry key caps, the downside is it doesn’t work well with backlit key caps.

At least I'll still get to have the option to use illuminated side printed key caps. Those are pretty neat too.

It comes in two colorways, black and white which makes it flexible enough to match with any type of key caps suited for dark or light colored keyboard outer shell / frame.

What's interesting about this affordable model is that it is just one of the number of clone models offered by the different brands that get their products made by the same original equipment manufacturer. Something that could work to my advantage, which I’ll get into later.

Epomaker TH80, Lychee G80, Keydous NJ80, Mathew Tech MK80, Tech Veil 80 and Feker IK75 Pro (not the V3) are all the same albeit with varying configuration, brand and packaging.

I got mine from Mathew Tech brand which I’ve chosen because they offer different options for the plate (brass/steel), foam (Poron/EVA) and switches. And theirs' have dual stage flip up risers. Yes, these materials affect how thocky, clicky or clacky sounding the keyboard would be. I personally prefer the thocky setup.

The advantages of it being a clone are if I ever decide to go with a different outer shell color I have the option to buy only the shell from Keydous which other brands don't provide you the option to. Then I can spray paint any choice of color over it.

I can also buy different knob colors from whichever clone brand since they offer different colors for their respective clones. Feker also has theirs different from the rest since they are the only ones who have their LEDs north facing. This crosses another checkbox with customization (Hello shine thru key caps).

You can buy the Feker brand just for the north facing PCBs in a different shell color from the one you already have then have the shell or PCB mix and match to your liking.

Edit: I later realized Ik75 isn't a clone (the exploded arrows and 4 right side keys give it away) but it's a nice alternative nonetheless since it ticks the first two check boxes (75% layout w/ a solid knob) I look for in a keyboard.

With Akko brand not getting their inventory restocked for some reason (the wireless units) this is not a bad alternative at all.

Not to say that I have the time nor the luxury to splurge for the time being but it's the variety of options down the line that gets me excited.

While I don't plan on owning a lot of keyboards like the hobbyists do, I do like the customizability from just owning two.

This could be a very good therapeutic occasional hobby.

 Here is how it looks like with the backlight turned off.

This stock construction themed key caps meet the retro tinkerer look that I'm going for. This key cap theme will serve me for now until I get my ergonomic chair that I'm saving up for which is what I'll be reviewing next (maybe). After which I'll modify this to get it to look like this Akko keyboard soon. 

[rickyhansel]

Mechanical keyboard craze

You guys probably have heard about keyboard, no not the one that produces music, but the one that you use to type on your computer screen, and do you know that there are a group of people that willing to spend and take their time to buy, build, and customize their own keyboard up to their liking. Let me introduce you to the world of custom mechanical keyboard, you probably heard the word mechanical keyboard and its usually relates to those gamer and very loud and clicky keyboard.

This niche hobby started and documented on Geekhack.com, a place where people with keyboards and similar interest on keyboard gather and discuss and continue to grow bigger and bigger until today with lots of layout, colorful keycaps and keyboard with various age and variants, availability and many different custom mechanical keyboard forum appear in the wild such as Reddit thread, Facebook groups and Discord Communities.

This niche hobby of building a keyboard took a blast back when Nathan “ Taeha-types” Kim built a keyboard for a professional Fortnite player name Tfue, that cost a whopping 3500 USD which translates roughly to around 55 Million IDR today and gather around 8 Million views on his youtube channel, and after that video released, COVID-19 happens and all people were forced to work from home, and people still doesn’t know when will this pandemic going to end, so many people decide to revamp their work setup to make it as comfortable as they want, and some of them were fallen into this niche hobby and one of the discussion forum on reddit that commonly known as r/mk or r/Mechanical Keyboards, as for today the forum got 1.1 Million members with top 1% ranking on the entire reddit community.

After the whole brief history of the hobby, let’s get into what you need and how to make a custom keyboard for yourself. There are 6 main components that were required to make a keyboard.

Case: It’s the shell to keep your keyboard together, you usually come by a case that were made out of wood, plastic and aluminium,

Printed Circuit Board or PCB: This is the heart of the keyboards, where you put all your components together, the feature on a keyboards were determine by the PCB you use, maybe your PCB supports Bluetooth connectivity or your PCB got the RGB lighting and other stuff.

Plate: a plate functions as an alignment tool so your switches sit straight right on top of your PCB, plate material can be found in a plastic, brass, carbon fibre, and aluminium.

Switches: this is the part that makes every keys you press register a keystroke, switches comes in many colour and many flavours, the most commonly seen were Blue for clicky and tactile feeling on your switches, Red for linear type of switches without any feedback on the feel, and Browns for the soft tactile feedback every time you press on the switches.

Stabilizers or “stabs”: Stabs were used to help support the longer keys such as spacebar, enter, backspace and shift, this comes in various different sizes such as 2u that commonly used on shift, enter and backspace, and there is 7u and 6.25u that used on the spacebar.

Keycaps: the keys with letters and symbols on it with different colours and different shapes.

You might be wondering, why do I need to go through this many process just to build a keyboard, meanwhile I can buy a Logitech keyboard of from computer store for less money. Building or buying a custom keyboard really is a big game changer, you can choose the size of the keyboard, if you need numpad and function rows, you can go with something bigger, but if you don’t need those, you can go with something with a small form factor, or do you have a specific typing method, you can go with something more ergonomic, are you a loud typist or a silent typist, do you want it to be very heavy or portable, you can customize everything from the outside to the inside of the keyboard and from the sound to the feel of the keyboard.

[usapcbpowermarket]

One of the most crucial things you come across when you get deeply into the production of Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) is surface mount device (SMD) parts. Surface-mount devices (SMDs) are a necessary parts of modern electronics because of their efficiency, small size, and simplicity of automation in assembly. Therefore, a detailed understanding of SMD packages components is crucial.

[rimpcircuits]

Understanding PCB Quotes: What to Expect and How to Get the Best Value

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics, serving as the foundation for virtually every electronic device. When embarking on a project that requires PCBs, obtaining a PCB quote is a crucial step in the planning process. This blog will guide you through the essentials of PCB quotes, what to expect, and how to ensure you get the best value for your investment.

What is a PCB Quote?

A PCB quote is a detailed estimate provided by a PCB manufacturer or supplier outlining the costs associated with producing your PCBs. This quote includes various elements such as material costs, manufacturing processes, assembly, testing, and any additional services required. Understanding the components of a PCB quote can help you make informed decisions and manage your project's budget effectively.

Key Components of a PCB Quote

Design and Prototyping Costs:

Design Services: If you need assistance with the PCB design, the quote will include costs for design services. This can range from layout design to schematic capture.

Prototyping: Before full-scale production, prototypes are often necessary to test the design. The cost of creating these prototypes is included in the quote.

Material Costs:

Base Materials: The type of materials used, such as FR4, aluminum, or copper, significantly affects the cost. High-performance materials for specialized applications will be more expensive.

Components: The quote will list the components needed for the PCB, including resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors.

Manufacturing Processes:

PCB Fabrication: This includes costs for drilling, plating, and etching to create the circuit patterns on the board.

Layer Count: PCBs can be single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer. The number of layers directly impacts the manufacturing cost.

Assembly and Soldering:

Component Placement: Automated or manual placement of components onto the PCB incurs additional costs.

Soldering: Different soldering techniques (wave soldering, reflow soldering) can influence the overall price.

Testing and Quality Control:

Inspection and Testing: Ensuring the PCB functions correctly through various testing methods (AOI, X-ray inspection, functional testing) is crucial for quality assurance.

Quality Standards: Adherence to industry standards such as IPC-A-600 or ISO certifications can add to the cost but guarantee a higher quality product.

Additional Services:

Turnkey Solutions: Full turnkey services, including component sourcing, assembly, and testing, provide a hassle-free experience but come at a premium.

Custom Features: Specialized requirements like conformal coating, specific surface finishes (ENIG, HASL), or unique board shapes may also be reflected in the quote.

Factors Influencing PCB Quotes

Several factors can affect the pricing of a PCB quote:

Order Volume: Larger orders typically benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost.

Lead Time: Expedited services for quicker turnaround times will generally be more expensive.

Complexity: More complex designs with higher layer counts, finer pitches, or specific material requirements will increase the overall cost.

Geographic Location: Manufacturing costs can vary significantly by region, with some countries offering lower labor and material costs.

How to Obtain an Accurate PCB Quote

Provide Detailed Specifications: Clearly outline your design requirements, including dimensions, layer count, materials, and any special instructions. The more detailed your information, the more accurate the quote will be.

Request Multiple Quotes: Contact several manufacturers to compare quotes. This will give you a better understanding of the market rate and help you identify any outliers.

Check for Hidden Costs: Ensure that the quote includes all potential costs. Ask about any fees that may not be immediately apparent, such as setup charges, tooling costs, or additional testing fees.

Evaluate Manufacturer Capabilities: Choose a manufacturer with a proven track record and the necessary certifications. Quality should not be compromised for the sake of lower costs.

Consider Value-Added Services: Evaluate the benefits of additional services like turnkey solutions, which can save time and reduce the complexity of managing multiple suppliers.

Conclusion

Obtaining a PCB quote is a vital step in the development of any electronic project. By understanding the components and factors that influence the cost, you can make informed decisions and ensure that you receive a fair and comprehensive quote. Remember to provide detailed specifications, compare multiple quotes, and consider the overall value offered by the manufacturer to get the best return on your investment. With the right approach, you can secure high-quality PCBs that meet your project’s requirements without exceeding your budget. For more details visit our website www.crimpcircuits.com

[harshmishra8726]

Innovative Uses of RFID Tags in Different Industries

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is changing many industries by providing new solutions to old problems. RFID tags store and transmit data using radio waves and are crucial in retail, healthcare, and logistics. This article looks at how RFID tags are used in these industries through practical applications and real-world examples.

What is RFID Technology?

RFID technology confidently utilizes electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags affixed to objects. These tags contain electronically stored information that can be read from a distance without requiring line-of-sight. RFID systems are comprised of three essential components: the RFID tag or chip, the RFID reader, and the RFID software:

RFID Tags: These are small devices containing a microchip and an antenna. The chip stores unique data about the item, and the antenna transmits this data to RFID readers.

RFID Readers: These devices emit radio waves and receive signals back from the tags. Depending on the application, they can be either handheld or fixed.

RFID Software: This software processes the data collected by the readers and integrates it into the organization's management system.

Types of RFID Tags

There are three main types of RFID tags, each suited for different applications:

1. Passive RFID Tags

Passive RFID tags are definitively powered by the electromagnetic energy transmitted from an RFID reader, thus eliminating the need for an internal power source. These tags are small, inexpensive, and have a long lifespan, making them ideal for inventory management and asset tracking.

2. Active RFID Tags

Active RFID tags have their power source, usually a battery, which allows them to transmit signals over longer distances. These tags are larger and more expensive but are useful for tracking high-value items or assets over large areas.

3. Semi-Passive RFID Tags

Semi-passive RFID tags, also known as battery-assisted passive (BAP) tags, have a small battery to power the microchip but rely on the reader to communicate. These tags are a hybrid between passive and active tags, offering a balance of range and cost.

There are some Examples of RFID Tags for Various Applications Uses -  

These tags have various applications such as security, tracking, identification, access control, inventory management, warehouse management, process automation, and other customized solutions. They come in different types, including passive tags (without battery) and active tags (with in-built battery). These tags are commonly used for assets management, automotive component tracking, industrial manufacturing, and more.

Tyre Tags

Windshield Tags

Railways Tags

RFID Garment Tags

RFID Jewelry Tag

High Temperature Tag

Mount on Metal Tags & Labels

Hang Tags

Library Tags

RFID Active Tags

RFID Electronic Seals

Solar Tags

Sports Timing Tags

Nail Tags

Bolt Tags

High-Temperature PCB Tags

Strip Tags

RFID Tags in Retail

The retail industry has embraced RFID technology to enhance inventory management, improve customer experience, and streamline operations.

Inventory Management

Retailers like Walmart and Zara use RFID tags to keep track of their inventory in real time. Each item is tagged, allowing for accurate and instant updates on stock levels. This reduces the time spent on manual stock checks and minimizes the risk of stockouts or overstocking.

Theft Prevention

RFID tags are crucial for theft prevention. Retailers embed tags in products to trigger alarms if items are removed from the store without being paid for. This deters theft and helps recover stolen goods.

Enhanced Customer Experience

Innovative retailers are using RFID-enabled interactive mirrors. When a customer brings a tagged item close to the mirror, it displays product details, available sizes, and styling suggestions. This integration enhances the shopping experience by providing instant, personalized information.

RFID in Healthcare

The healthcare sector has adopted RFID technology to enhance patient care, improve asset management, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Patient Tracking

Hospitals use RFID tags to track patients in real time. Patients are given wristbands with embedded tags, allowing healthcare providers to monitor their location and ensure timely care. This is particularly useful in emergencies where quick access to patient information can be life-saving.

Asset Management

RFID tags are attached to medical equipment and supplies to track their location and usage. This ensures that critical equipment is readily available and reduces the time staff spend searching for misplaced items. It also helps maintain accurate records for equipment maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Medication Management

RFID tags are used to monitor medication distribution, ensuring that patients receive the correct dosage at the right time. By implementing this, we can significantly reduce the likelihood of medication errors and greatly improve overall patient safety.

RFID in Logistics

The logistics industry relies heavily on RFID technology to optimize supply chain operations, enhance security, and improve tracking and visibility.

Supply Chain Optimization

RFID tags provide real-time visibility into the movement of goods throughout the supply chain. This allows logistics companies to monitor shipment status, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency. With RFID, companies can quickly identify bottlenecks and take corrective actions to maintain smooth operations.

Enhanced Security

RFID tags enhance the security of goods in transit. Each tagged item is monitored from the point of origin to its final destination, reducing the risk of theft or tampering. In the event of a security breach, the RFID system can quickly identify compromised items and provide detailed information about their last known location.

Improved Tracking

RFID technology enables precise tracking of goods within warehouses. RFID readers placed at strategic locations automatically update the inventory system as items move through the facility. This eliminates the need for manual scanning and reduces human errors.

Conclusion

RFID technology is a game-changer across various industries, offering innovative solutions to improve efficiency, security, and customer satisfaction. From retail to healthcare and logistics, RFID tags are pivotal elements reshaping how industries operate, ensuring more streamlined, secure, and efficient processes. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative uses of these tags in different industries, driving further advancements and benefits.

[sneakyscarab]

touhou 19 time! this game was literally not even released when i started this, so this is really fresh! this post is probably the closest i will ever be to a real games journalist lol.

nina's thoughts on Touhou 19 - Unfinished Dream of All Living Ghost

the most recent touhou, coming out just a few weeks ago, so this review is hot off the presses! UDoALG (wild abbreviation by the way, this name is so long) is a pretty neat game, being a direct sequel to Wily Beast and Weakest Creature story-wise, and a sequel to Phantasmagoria of Flower View gameplay-wise.

UDoALG is another in the competitive-danmaku type gameplay, similar to PoFV but with a number of evolutions to make the gameplay more balanced and easier to control. i won't go over every little change, since theres quite a lot, but ill point out some interesting changes, mostly in relation to story mode. for starters, Ability Cards are back again from UM, although with a much smaller role. each character has 2 cards themed to them, and whenever you beat an opponent in story mode you're randomly given one of their two cards. the three animal spirits are added, but they work completely differently to WBaWC, now being stronger variants of the generic spirit enemies from PoFV. a change that i think is only in story mode is that a new win condition is added, where if you defeat your opponent's boss summon an amount of times then your opponent loses. this is also pretty much the only wincon in story mode, since the AI has insane dodging skills. i literally only saw them lose a life one (1) time across 19 characters' stories (if you're curious, it was in Chiyari's stage 1).

one really interesting aspect of this game is the storytelling. i usually don't bring up the story in these posts outside of how certain characters relate to it, the story usually is a fairly simple affair that just gives the characters a reason to fight, but UDoALG has a much more complex story, which im kinda mixed on. i'll start with the cool part: the story actually progresses as you play through and unlock various characters in story mode, every set of character unlocks represents a later time period of the story, so you don't get the full story and resolution until you play through it all. this is a super cool idea, and gives good incentive to keep playing different routes and see how it all plays out. its a cool idea that uniquely plays off of the large character roster and unlocking method of these competitive vs games.

unfortunately, in order to make this happen and make every character be relevant, the plot is needlessly convuluted, especially in the first couple campaigns. there are so many factions at play, all with their own motives and double-agents and subterfuge. by the end of the 19 story scenarios you will be absolutely sick of the phrase "this is exactly as i had planned", and yet i still dont fully understand What the "main villain"s plan was. i commend ZUN for trying something new with the narrative, both in doing a direct sequel with most of the same characters as a former game, as well as this way of unfolding the story over time through different character routes, but i can't say it was Good. maybe im just biased since it mostly revolves around the WBaWC cast, and that game already had pretty rough plot and characterization, but i dunno. i will say i liked the story more at the end than i did after doing the first couple routes, but some of that early confusion never really goes away, and characters like Ran and Tsukasa dont really get their stories resolved.

time to talk about the characters! UDoALG is furry city, pretty much every character besides the human incident resolvers is some kind of animal-person, plus a few Onis. for returning characters we have Reimu, Marisa, Sanae, Ran (from PCB), Aunn (HSiFS), Nazrin (UFO), Seiran (LoLK), Rin (SA), Tsukasa (UM), Mamizou (TD), Yachie (WBaWC), Saki (WBaWC), Yuuma (the 3rd Animal Realm leader, coming from a fighting game i think?), and Suika (also a fighting game, and SA). for the new characters, we have 3 new youkai who have each joined one of the animal realm families respectively, plus the 'main villain' Zanmu and her assistant Hisami. since theres only 5 new guys, ill just give them each a quick review.

Son Biten is a monkey youkai, based on Son Wukong, recruited to Yachie's Kiketsu family. she's pretty goofy, and has a really neat musical theme. i dont have much to say about her, besides that she has a cool inspiration, and some of her interactions are pretty funny.

Enoko is a dog-type youkai, loosely based on the idea of Cerberus, who was recruited to Saki's Keiga family. instead of literally having 3 heads, she has bear traps on her wrists that act as analogues to the jaws of two additional heads, which is a really neat interpretation of a cerberus concept, as well as having tons of comedic potential. i love all the jokes people make about her offering up a Totally Normal Handshake, dont worry about it. she apparently lived in the Forest of Magic as a dog before awakening as a youkai, so she joins the crew of Marisa's funny forest friends.

the third new Youkai is Chiyari, who is NOT a chupacabra, despite what everyone says. she's based on a Tenkajin, which is apparently an obscure youkai that sucks blood, obscure enough that i could only find a single source for it online, being a Japanese blog post written by who i assume is a youkai enthusiast. Anyways, nobody in Gensokyo knows what a tenkajin is either, so everyone calls her a chupacabra instead since its another bloodsucking creature who is 'pretty popular right now'. most of her interactions are her being annoyed by being called a chupacabra, and eventually coming to terms with it. poor tenkajin gets no respect. shes very funny, and also apparently completely broken in pvp. great character.

Hisami is a 'guide of Hell', who is also inexplicably based on grapes for some reason (or eggplants, depending on who you ask, but im in grapes camp.) she pretty much just finds people in hell and helps them find their destination, although 'their destination' is up to Hisami's interpretation, and multiple times in the story she leads characters somewhere else. apparently she does her job wrong because she wants Zanmu to notice her, and it doesn't work cause apparently that was part of Zanmu's plan all along, so she doesn't care. Zanmu is too busy playing 4d chess to give her suboordinate some attention, so sad.

speaking of, Zanmu is an Oni, and the 'main villain' of the game. i say that with quotes because, despite being the final boss in most routes, and being the chessmaster supposedly laying out the big plans and manipulating everyone, she also is simultaneously resolving the incident, kinda?? its a bit hard to understand her motivations. well i guess her motivations make sense, but its hard to understand how exactly she plans to get what she wants from this plan. like her plan involves getting beat up by Reimu multiple times? hello?? not a fan, and she doesn't even have a cool design inspiration to make up for it, shes just another oni.

alright, lets wrap this one up. i was surprised to see another VS type game come out, and it seems to deliver a lot more balanced and interesting combat than the first one (granted, story mode plays pretty differently from what i can tell). the story is weird though, and the roster doesn't really have many characters i'm excited to play as compared to PoFV, and the characters i do like are pretty bad. (Sanae in particular is really weak in this format, her homing snakes are a huge disadvantage against bosses since they turn as soon as they see an enemy, meaning they wont hit the boss unless every random spirit or fairy is dead first). complaints aside though, at the base level its still pretty fun, and im glad that this type of gameplay is being given another chance.

i said it in my PoFV review, and ill say it again here: if any of you reading this have UDoALG, and are interested in playing the PvP with me, hit me up! itd be fun to try playing this with another person (although i heard the online is rough so i dunno…)

thank you so much for reading, especially those of you that have stuck with me through each post! this is the end of the mainline series, but there's still a lot out there i havent done. im not sure where this will go from here, especially since my college semester just started so i'll have a lot less free time, but ive had a lot of fun working on this project, and i hope that youve had fun reading it! if i do keep going, i might do the PC-98 quintilogy next, or maybe talk about cool fangames like Luna Nights or Mystia's Izakaya, i dunno. whatever comes next though, i hope to see you again! consider this the end of 'volume 1' of my grimoire. farewell!

[ecswire]

Connecting the Dots: Exploring Different Types of Wire Terminal Connectors

Wire terminal connectors are essential components in electrical and electronic systems, providing secure and reliable connections between wires and devices. With a variety of types available, each designed for specific applications and environments, understanding the different wire terminal connector types is crucial for efficient wiring and connectivity. Let's delve into the various types of wire terminal connectors and their unique characteristics.

1. Ring Terminals

Ring terminals, also known as ring connectors or eyelet terminals, are one of the most common types of wire terminal connectors. They feature a ring-shaped metal terminal that is crimped or soldered onto the stripped end of a wire. Ring terminals are used for securing wires to terminal blocks, studs, or screws, providing a secure and durable connection that can withstand vibrations and mechanical stress.

2. Spade Terminals

Spade terminals, also called fork terminals or blade terminals, have a flat, spade-shaped metal terminal that is crimped onto a wire. They are designed to be inserted into terminal blocks, connectors, or screw terminals for quick and easy connections. Spade terminals are available in various sizes and styles, including insulated and non-insulated versions, to accommodate different wire gauges and applications.

3. Bullet Connectors

Bullet connectors, also known as bullet terminals or barrel connectors, feature cylindrical metal terminals that are crimped onto wires. They are commonly used for quick and reliable connections in automotive wiring, electrical appliances, and low-voltage applications. Bullet connectors come in male and female pairs, allowing for easy mating and disconnection of wires.

4. Quick-Disconnect Terminals

Quick-disconnect terminals, also called quick-connect terminals or push-on terminals, are designed for rapid and tool-free wire connections and disconnections. They feature a male or female terminal that can be easily pushed onto a corresponding terminal or stud. Quick-disconnect terminals are commonly used in automotive wiring, electrical appliances, and industrial equipment for fast and convenient installations and repairs.

5. Butt Connectors

Butt connectors, also known as splice connectors or wire joiners, are used to join two wires end-to-end. They feature a cylindrical metal tube with insulation and crimping ends that securely hold the wires together. Butt connectors are available in insulated and non-insulated versions, with heat-shrinkable options for added protection and durability in harsh environments.

6. Terminal Blocks

Terminal blocks are modular connectors that provide a convenient way to connect multiple wires or components. They consist of insulated blocks with metal terminals or screws where wires can be attached. Terminal blocks come in various configurations, including barrier strips, DIN rail-mounted blocks, and PCB-mounted blocks, making them versatile for different wiring applications in control panels, machinery, and electrical enclosures.

7. Pin Terminals

Pin terminals, also called male disconnect terminals, feature a pin-shaped metal terminal that is crimped onto a wire. They are designed to be inserted into female disconnect terminals or receptacles for electrical connections. Pin terminals are commonly used in automotive wiring, electrical appliances, and industrial equipment for secure and reliable connections that can be easily disconnected for maintenance or repairs.

8. Ferrule Terminals

Ferrule terminals, also known as wire ferrules or cord end terminals, are used to terminate stranded wires before insertion into terminal blocks or connectors. They feature a metal sleeve that is crimped onto the stripped end of a wire, providing a secure connection and preventing wire strands from fraying or coming loose. Ferrule terminals are available in insulated and non-insulated versions for different applications.

Conclusion

Wire terminal connectors are essential components in electrical and electronic systems, providing reliable connections that are crucial for proper functionality and safety. From ring terminals for secure wire attachments to quick-disconnect terminals for fast and tool-free connections, the variety of wire terminal connector types allows for efficient wiring and connectivity in various applications. Understanding the characteristics and applications of these connectors is essential for technicians, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts to ensure proper installations, repairs, and maintenance of electrical and electronic systems.

[gtsmt]

Enhancing SMT Production with Advanced AOI Inspection Machines and Reflow Ovens

In the dynamic world of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) production, achieving high-quality and reliable assemblies is crucial. Key components that play an integral role in this process include AOI inspection machines, reflow ovens, reflow soldering ovens, SMT reflow oven machines, and solder paste printers. Companies looking to optimize their production lines can rely on advanced solutions from industry leaders like GTSMT.

AOI Inspection Machine: Ensuring Precision and Quality

Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) machines are essential in the SMT manufacturing process, providing precise and reliable inspection of solder joints and component placements.

Enhanced Accuracy: AOI inspection machines utilize high-resolution cameras and sophisticated algorithms to detect defects that may not be visible to the naked eye. This ensures that each board meets the required quality standards.

Improved Efficiency: By automating the inspection process, AOI machines significantly reduce the time required for quality control, allowing for faster throughput and increased production efficiency.

Cost Savings: Early detection of defects minimizes the need for costly rework and reduces the risk of defective products reaching the market, ultimately saving on production costs.

Reflow Oven: Optimal Soldering for Reliable Assemblies

A reflow oven is a critical component in the SMT process, responsible for the controlled heating and cooling of solder paste to form reliable solder joints.

Uniform Heating: Modern reflow ovens provide precise temperature control, ensuring uniform heating of the entire PCB. This results in consistent and reliable solder joints.

Energy Efficiency: Advanced reflow ovens are designed to be energy-efficient, reducing operating costs while maintaining high performance.

Versatility: These ovens can handle a variety of solder paste formulations and component types, making them versatile tools for different production requirements.

Reflow Soldering Oven: Achieving Perfect Solder Joints

Reflow soldering ovens are specialized for the reflow process, ensuring that solder paste melts and solidifies correctly to form durable connections.

Precision Control: These ovens offer precise control over the heating profiles, allowing for fine-tuning to match specific solder paste and component requirements.

Reliability: Consistent temperature profiles ensure that all solder joints are formed correctly, reducing the risk of joint failures and increasing the overall reliability of the assembly.

SMT Reflow Oven Machine: Streamlining the SMT Process

An SMT reflow oven machine integrates seamlessly into the SMT production line, enhancing efficiency and throughput.

Integrated Systems: These machines often come with integrated conveyor systems and automated controls, streamlining the reflow process and reducing manual intervention.

Scalability: Suitable for both small-scale and large-scale production, SMT reflow oven machines are scalable solutions that can grow with your production needs.

Solder Paste Printer: Foundation of a Strong Assembly

A solder paste printer lays the groundwork for a strong and reliable assembly by accurately applying solder paste to the PCB.

Precision Application: High-quality solder paste printers ensure precise application of solder paste, which is crucial for forming strong solder joints during reflow.

Consistency: Consistent application of solder paste minimizes defects and ensures uniformity across all boards, enhancing the overall quality of the assembly.

Flexibility: Modern solder paste printers can handle a variety of paste types and stencil designs, providing flexibility to meet different production requirements.

Why Choose GTSMT for Your SMT Production Needs?

GTSMT is a trusted provider of high-quality SMT production equipment, including AOI inspection machines, reflow ovens, reflow soldering ovens, SMT reflow oven machines, and solder paste printers.

Expertise: With years of experience in the industry, GTSMT offers expert solutions tailored to your specific production needs.

Quality: All products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards, ensuring reliable performance and long-term durability.

Support: GTSMT provides comprehensive support and service, helping you optimize your production process and achieve the best results.

For more information and to explore our range of products, visit GTSMT and discover how we can help you enhance your SMT production capabilities.

[themodwrap-blog]

Anti Static Zip Lock Bags

Anti-static bags are bags that are used to protect electronic components from static electricity. Static electricity can damage sensitive electronic components, so using an anti-static bag when handling them is important.

These bags are made of a special material that dissipates static electricity and comes in various sizes to accommodate different types of components.

Anti-static bags are used in many industries, including the semiconductor industry.

Features:

It prevents the buildup of static electricity and protects the contents from electrostatic damage.

Intended for use in commercial applications.

Provides an excellent static safe environment for sensitive electronic components and PCB assemblies.

A must-have product for users dealing with electronic components and assemblies.

[cynthia-hitechpcba]

5 Tips to choose an ideal Ceramics Manufacturer

Ceramic printed circuit boards are causing a storm in the electrical industry. With a wide range of uses in different electrical devices, its ease of use, cost, durability, and versatility makes it one of the most sorted PCBs in the market. However, because of highlighted benefits, it has become increasingly difficult to choose the right ceramic PCB manufacturer to invest in. Below are things you should consider before you pick your ceramic PCB manufacturer.

High quality

As expected, choosing a PCB manufacturer that assures you of high-quality products should be your priority. Ideally, a good manufacturer is one that provides you with a board that has no errors. When choosing, take an interest in the ceramic PCB manufacturing process as it will alert you to their business perception. This includes the ability to deliver boards that have the right dimensions, accurately drilled holes, high consistency, and ability to pass the bare board test.

Ability to meet requirements

When looking for multilayer ceramic PCB manufacturers, getting confused by their jargons can be easy. Make it easier by asking them if they can meet your specific requirements. Gauge them by how they will react to inquiring of the standardized formats. Research how they delivered a previous clients request of production of ceramic PCB type and remember to focus on any special offers granted.

PCB manufacture cost

When considering a printed circuit board ceramic PCB manufacturer examine the cost of their services. Ideally, cost reduction with large orders is a good enough reason to settle for a manufacturer. However, when doing so ensure that they offer high-quality products. Overall, it’s better to choose a pricier manufacturer who assures you of high quality than settle for a great deal that offers low-quality PCB.

Materials sourcing

To fully enjoy the various benefits of ceramic PCB advantages take time to consider where they get their materials from. A manufacturer that aims to source from the cheapest place will assure you of a low cost of production. However, with this comes the risk of attaining low material quality as they sacrifice quality for quantity. The right PCB manufacturer will have a select number of places to sort their materials hence provide consistently high-quality PCB from batch to batch.

Board testing

Before you settle and decide to purchase anything long lasting investment, a test drive is always recommended. A good PCB manufacturer will give you the opportunity to test out their boards, possibly under random sample basis. This allows you to check if their product conforms to required standards. When choosing a ceramic PCB manufacturer, aim to pick one that offers you this opportunity to avoid disappointments later on.