Author Topic: black or green circuit board? (Read 3414 times)

Admin · « **on:** April 16, 2009, 01:55:52 AM »

This is a question directed mostly towards the beginners out there.

If you were to buy a device, say a motor controller or a microcontroller, would you feel more intimidated by it if it was colored black?

I mean, even if it looked cooler in the color black, would you be more afraid of learning how to use it as opposed to the normal green color?

(I'm trying to understand the psychology of PCB colors

)

SmAsH · « **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2009, 02:49:36 AM »

well to me it would depend on the amount of components and their spacing. but generally if the pcb was black i may find scary as the components may be harder to see. i like the look to green ones better too;D although one of my favorite colors is black i would most likely steer towards green as it is the most common and always found in most appliances.

but if it was a microcontroller 'chip' then i couldnt care less unless it was a 100pin quad plat package

but still, if it was a plug in and play module i couldn't give a rats ass about colors unless i was taking it apart/modding it.

Ro-Bot-X · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2009, 06:27:16 AM »

Take a look at the Iluminato board. It's black and it's cool. The name comes from the SMD LEDs on the back of the board. It's an Arduino compatible board with an extraordinary design.

If you plan on making the Axon II black, go for it! It will look better on the back of the bipeds or hexapods, or any other robot!

SmAsH · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2009, 06:29:40 AM »

i have to agree on that the axon 2 would look awesome in black, maybe have a special limited edition black run?

BANE · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2009, 06:36:57 AM »

this is the first micro controller i had

It looks cooler black but i personally think green is more professional

superchiku · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2009, 07:06:51 AM »

red would be a better option

madchimp · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2009, 07:17:31 AM »

Being from a computer background myself and I would assume a lot of other beginners are as well I like the nonstandard colors for PCBs. The standard green board is boring, having it a different color makes it look a little more custom. Personally color would have no bearing on weather or not a board was intimidating to me that would depend more on the features that are left to me to implement and how it's programed.

GearMotion · « **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2009, 07:28:45 AM »

Quote from: Admin on April 16, 2009, 01:55:52 AM

This is a question directed mostly towards the beginners out there.

If you were to buy a device, say a motor controller or a microcontroller, would you feel more intimidated by it if it was colored black?

I mean, even if it looked cooler in the color black, would you be more afraid of learning how to use it as opposed to the normal green color?

(I'm trying to understand the psychology of PCB colors )

My opinion (even though I'm at the other end of the spectrum from beginner): You can make the board black for the "cool" factor. Reduce the intimidation beginners might feel with the board (no matter what the color) with exceptionally friendly documentation.

jka · « **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2009, 07:47:39 AM »

You could categorize the boards by colour. Processor boards in black, motor controllers in blue, servo controllers in red, sensors in yellow etc.

SmAsH · « **Reply #9 on:** April 16, 2009, 07:51:10 AM »

Quote from: jka on April 16, 2009, 07:47:39 AM

You could categorize the boards by colour. Processor boards in black, motor controllers in blue, servo controllers in red, sensors in yellow etc.

that could work, but most people buy sensors that are a different brand to their mcu and a different motor driver etc... its not very common to have the same brand everything as most companies try to focus on one aspect be it mcu's, sensors, motor drivers etc...

Weird Fishes · « **Reply #10 on:** April 16, 2009, 09:14:17 AM »

I personally don't think board colour has much effect on intimidation. Like someone already said, part density/spacing is what'll get you.

On the subject of colour preference, I like boards that are different colours, especially black.

galannthegreat · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2009, 10:31:13 AM »

hey, you saw my post on the Axon 2 thread

sweet (that is if you're implying this). But to answer the question, black is much cooler especially with the white writing.

dellagd · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2009, 11:22:11 AM »

Quote from: BANE on April 16, 2009, 06:36:57 AM

this is the first micro controller i had

It looks cooler black but i personally think green is more professional

same with me
except I think green looks cooler and more professional
(maybe that is why my favorite color is green)
as for intimidation, I think color has no effect

lanamor · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2009, 05:32:58 PM »

I'm a beginner in the robotics field and I don't feel that PCB color has any affect on my confidence. However, I've been in the computer world where I build my own for years... so PCB isn't new to me.

Straining to reach for any impressions on a black PCB, I do get a vague sense that a device on black PCB is somehow "sturdier" or less susceptible to damage. I can't explain it but that is a very vague sense I have. This could both be a positive and a negative.

dellagd · « **Reply #14 on:** April 16, 2009, 05:42:59 PM »

Quote

Straining to reach for any impressions on a black PCB, I do get a vague sense that a device on black PCB is somehow "sturdier" or less susceptible to damage. I can't explain it but that is a very vague sense I have. This could both be a positive and a negative.

I agree.

offy · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2009, 06:19:17 PM »

I can see how colors can make beginners worried.

Beginners usually only see green MCU's and PCB boards so they are use to it. Once they see a color change they get scared, they think it will not work with what they are building, and think it is different so they avoid it. Beginners want to follow a tutorial step by step and have everything 100% the same so they don't get lost or confused.

TrickyNekro · « **Reply #16 on:** April 18, 2009, 11:07:13 AM »

B for Black!!!
I got a board similar to Wiring (the Atmega128 board???)
Well... I was just awsome...
I know that nothing is different, but green is boring as said before...
Plus black is my favorite color!!!!

And HEY!!!
I know you are adding a 7seg to the Axon 2...
If it isn't a great cost... place some blue ones...
The look very good!!!
Tested on a Datsun tachometer I had made!!! xexexexexexexe

BANE · « **Reply #17 on:** April 20, 2009, 04:08:29 PM »

Admin, Can you render a picture of the Axon 2 in black for us?

SmAsH · « **Reply #18 on:** April 20, 2009, 04:12:52 PM »

Quote from: BANE on April 20, 2009, 04:08:29 PM

Admin, Can you render a picture of the Axon 2 in black for us?

oh please god yes!

HDL_CinC_Dragon · « **Reply #19 on:** April 20, 2009, 07:40:53 PM »

I was about to post my opinion but decided it would be best to read the posts before me to make sure no one already said it and sure enough Offy took my opinion

(Forum etiquette FTW!)

So basically exactly what Offy said. Im sure most beginners start out taking apart some 8 year old computer and looking at all the boards and such which during that time they were pretty much ONLY green. Now-a-days of course you have all kinds of different colors (glances through PC window at the red, purple, black, etc PCBs). But im sure the average beginner (mostly the younger ones) will see a different color as an entirely different board/technology altogether. Personally I would rather have a different color than green for the same reasons stated above

. I also like the idea afore mentioned about color coding the PCBs. Im sure any hobbyists making a large scale multi-board system could easy ask their PCB mfg for some custom colors and such.

Personally, I think black PCBs look totally BA

SmAsH · « **Reply #20 on:** April 20, 2009, 07:50:18 PM »

Quote from: HDL_CinC_Dragon on April 20, 2009, 07:40:53 PM

Personally, I think black PCBs look totally BA

BA?

HDL_CinC_Dragon · « **Reply #21 on:** April 20, 2009, 07:54:13 PM »

BA = Bad Ass

SmAsH · « **Reply #22 on:** April 20, 2009, 08:03:41 PM »

hah, sorry im not as hip as some of you kids these day

HDL_CinC_Dragon · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2009, 08:05:57 PM »

Who you callin' "kid"? Im classified as an adult!

We should probably get back on topic now

SmAsH · « **Reply #24 on:** April 20, 2009, 08:18:06 PM »

DEAL! i do have to admit that different coloured boards may attract more customers as some people may be picky and say the want a completely one colour robot to make it look cool...

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Author Topic: black or green circuit board? (Read 3414 times)

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