The Unnamable

[pickdropper]

First of all, apologies for the lousy cell phone pics.  It was a bit overcast and this was the best of the lot.

This is a SMT version of the Timmy.  Pretty straight forward build.  The diodes are indeed very tiny, though.

There wasn't enough contrast with the laser etch, so I backfilled it with red paint.  Usually I would use red or black instead of red, but I may keep this.

[jkokura]

Sweet Dave. I like it!

What's the finish called on that one?

Jacob

[hammerheadmusicman]

Are you insane? I don't think I could see those to pick them up, never mind solder them on to a board!?!

In all seriousness, this is a frickin sweet build!

George

[pickdropper]

Sweet Dave. I like it!

What's the finish called on that one?

Jacob

Thanks Jacob.  It's the black hammertone from PPP.  I probably won't use it again for laser etching though as you could barely see the lettering before I back filled it.

[juansolo]

Hewn from purest awesome.

[pickdropper]

Here is a *slightly* better picture.

[wgc]

That's some really nice work!

The soldering looks great, is that your own layout?

I think the colors are cool, works great with the graphics.

[pickdropper]

That's some really nice work!

The soldering looks great, is that your own layout?

I think the colors are cool, works great with the graphics.

Thanks.  Yeah, I did the layout for this.  I've actually improved the layout quite a bit since sending this to fab, but this rev board works fine.  The clean-up was just to make the layout look nicer, nothing functional.

[nzCdog]

Teeny tiny and Super tidy assembly!  Even your cellphone does pretty good pics 

[wgc]

Let me know if you're going to offer pcbs for sale..!  Great layout.

Laser question, if you're willing?

When you etch your boxes, are you going right to the bare aluminum, or just marking the paint?

I tried a etching a few more powdercoated blanks the other day.  I had two colors that marked as a grayish variant of the original with halfway decent contrast.  2-3 more passes might improve it, though I think there's a point of diminishing returns. 

Another color marked but without much contrast, I think I would have to go deeper and then backfill, like you did here, or go right to bare metal.

So I could see using all three of these approaches, but curious to know your thoughts for better planning.  I'm thinking a lot of it for me is going to be trying something and reacting to results as appropriate.

[midwayfair]

Great work ... every time I see you post these SMD circuits, it makes me more and comfortable with the idea of trying one out.

I like the staggered knobs, too.

[Ettore_M]

Awesome, pickdropper! As always! You are the man who gets me even more interested in SMD every time I see your builds. 
Can I ask what diodes and IC did you use? Also, where do you send your boards for manufacturing?

Hector

[MattOcaster]

Well clearly size does matter!
SMD for the win!

[rowland1]

That "tiny Tim" is awesome. Love it. Nice work.

[Om_Audio]

Nice! Demo!