PICKINI V3 - an easy to build PI detector

[6666]

Ok I have gone through the order system at oshpark, fairly easy but you must read the info carefully,

The minimum order of 3 pcb's with postage is US$31.05
I paid with paypal so ended up costing me AUS $45.00, will take about 3-4 weeks to arrive.

If I receive the pcb's ok, I only need one, so will sell off the other two at cost price plus postage and padded bag.


Mike what software package did you use to design the PCB ?

[6666]

Got the 1st pcb stuffed and turned up today - circuit works as advertized on the OSH PCB, so I'm opening up sharing of the project.
I only know the designer as Bernard F117 and will add the credit when I get his name - unless that's all he wants known
Here's the link to the Pickini shared pcb https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/9M6scvoy

Mike

This is a very cool system thanks.

[N0QBH]

Got the 1st pcb stuffed and turned up today - circuit works as advertized on the OSH PCB, so I'm opening up sharing of the project.
I only know the designer as Bernard F117 and will add the credit when I get his name - unless that's all he wants known
Here's the link to the Pickini shared pcb https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/9M6scvoy

Mike

[BC547]

Came across a issue with programming the PIC12F1840 with my PICkit3 programmer, it wouldn't see the PIC in the programming socket.

My 2cts so far:
I have never had any trouble with my good old PICKit3 programmer in combination with any of the Microchip controllers supported.
I always provide power from the programmer and never had to lower the Vcc.
I plug in a homemade breadboard with an 8 pin socket and pin header to match the PICKit connector.
I have also placed a 10 microFarad elco in parallel with a 100nF ceramic capacitor between pin 1 and 8 of the socket ( Vcc and Gnd). Maybe this can make the difference when current peaks occur during the programming phase ?



Best regards,
- Bernard

[N0QBH]

I've had this programmer for several years now, it replaced a PICkit2 that got flaky, so I'm pretty sure it's authentic.
What I suspect is going on has to do with the PICkit3's lack of guts when providing Vdd.

I have had some issues with the Chinese made pickit3, bought an authentic pickit2 never had a problem with the 2.

[6666]

I have had some issues with the Chinese made pickit3, bought an authentic pickit2 never had a problem with the 2.

[N0QBH]

Came across a issue with programming the PIC12F1840 with my PICkit3 programmer, it wouldn't see the PIC in the programming socket.
Google was my friend.
Run across a tip to lower the voltage in the dialog window a notch when you enable power from the programmer.
Did the trick. The PICkit3 recognized the PIC and programmed as normal.
Forgive me if this is old hat, but I did a quick search and didn't see any thing on the forum.
Mike

[bernte_one]

please test first with unshielded coil and the with shielded and compare the differences
i often made bad experience with heavy copper shield

i hope all works and you can take your had off from the osh park pcb files
would save me some time with self etching

[N0QBH]

Here's a photo of my Pickini V3 project so far. The pcb looks nice and my 20cm coil measures at 344 uH.

[Dabbo]

T
hanks to all, I try to follow your advice. Quickly will let you know

[bernte_one]

Signal in pin3 if poic controller looks good

[BC547]

The damping resistor in the Pickini detector is not optimized to the coil. It is a generic - relatively low - value of 500 ohms.
You can optimize it to the coil you are attaching to it.
When you change it, make sure the resistor can handle 0.5W or 2x .25W in parallel, like 2x 1K in parallel to get 500 ohms. Increasing the resistor value should make it more responsive, but less stable ( ringing).

There is a circuit somewhere on the forum, designed by Qiaozhi to tune the damping resistor:

Replace the 500 ohm with:

1K2 in parallel with ( 10K trimmer in series with 200 ohm).

Measure the value ( eg 600 ohm). Multiply by 2 = 1200 ohm and replace the 2 resistors of 1K with 2 resistors of 1K2.

Succes,
- Bernard

[Dabbo]

Thank you very much.

[bernte_one]

can read something here

http://www.geotech1.com/forums/showthread.php?13810-Whites-Surf-PI-schematic&p=86210&highlight=damping#post86210

posting131

[Dabbo]

Good morning to all, since you talk ebaut damping resistance, I would like to know what is the damping resistance in pickini V3 and Pickini V2. if i change damping resistance, the flyback current is modified? i would like to do some experiments. Thanks to all Dabbo.