Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: reildawg on March 29, 2010, 11:23:45 PM

Title: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: reildawg on March 29, 2010, 11:23:45 PM

Looking for a local robotics/electronics shop in toronto that sells PCB boards. im building the 50 dollar robot and have had trouble finding one that doesnt require expensive shipping (more then twice the cost of the actual board). any and all input would be appriciated.
-alec

Title: Re: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: Metal Slug 2 on March 30, 2010, 01:05:50 AM

I was having the same problem when I built my $50 robot.  I live in London, only 2 hours from Toronto.  I just buy my PCB's from e-bay, (or stock up when I go to the US).  Some may not be the best quality, but they are cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/2pcs-Prototyping-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-Prototype_W0QQitemZ260549113747QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca9eff793 (http://cgi.ebay.ca/2pcs-Prototyping-PCB-Printed-Circuit-Board-Prototype_W0QQitemZ260549113747QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca9eff793)

or:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/10x-Prototyping-PCB-70-x-50mm-w-432-Pads_W0QQitemZ220539299752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item33592aa7a8 (http://cgi.ebay.ca/10x-Prototyping-PCB-70-x-50mm-w-432-Pads_W0QQitemZ220539299752QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item33592aa7a8)

From my experience, the above mentioned boards have weak pads. i.e. if you heat the copper pads too long, they will break off... just don't  solder and de-solder the same pad several times and you will be fine.

If you search long enough you may find higher quality PCB's.  Good Luck!

Title: Re: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on March 30, 2010, 05:18:51 AM

Oh my, you HAVE to check out the Creatron (http://creatroninc.com/index.php) store! They are Sparkfun distributors and have many robotics related items, like motors, sensors, servos, microcontrollers, and all the electronic parts you may need, including the board needed for the $50 robot in a few sizes and double sided.

BTW, can all Torontonians get together for a live chat sometime?

Title: Re: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: fabguy on March 30, 2010, 05:46:36 PM

Wow I wish I know there was a robot place in toronto.  I couldnt find one.  Ive had to order all the parts I needed for my first robot.  I know where to go for my second now.

Title: Re: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: Metal Slug 2 on March 30, 2010, 07:48:41 PM

Yea, Thanks a lot Ro-Bot-X, I had no idea they existed!. +1 karma for you =)
btw, would you know how much they charge for shipping?

Title: Re: PCB board in Toronto?
Post by: Oz on April 01, 2010, 07:21:28 PM

There are plenty of stores in Toronto and area , you will be amazed by the distributors. http://www.creatroninc.com/ (http://www.creatroninc.com/) has pretty much all you need though the stuff you get from them are little bit expensive in the long term or bulk order. The chinese dude there has good knowledge about the stuff he sells .

Ill post some of the stores around where you can get stuff directly :

http://www.sayal.com/ (http://www.sayal.com/) :mostly electronic parts, no servos or more expensive parts.

http://hobbyhobby.com/store/ (http://hobbyhobby.com/store/) the biggest variety on servos and some other parts, you might be amazed, though no microprocessors , sensors etc.

http://www.bugnbots.com/index.php?ID=5 (http://www.bugnbots.com/index.php?ID=5) heard about it never been there , don't know if its still operational


http://avnetexpress.avnet.com/store/em/EMController?langId=-1&storeId=500201&catalogId=500201&action=home (http://avnetexpress.avnet.com/store/em/EMController?langId=-1&storeId=500201&catalogId=500201&action=home) any chip currently on the market but I think they only ship even if they have huge warehouse here, though use them for PDF file references on parts :P


There are some others but not worth mentioning if you visit those posted above . They have everything you might need for now!