Open Wave Height Logger revision C

The Open Wave Height Logger (OWHL) project has reached another minor milestone with the release of a new hardware revision, RevC.

This is a redesign of the three printed circuit boards, breaking physical compatibility with the older revisions, but it maintains software compatibility with the existing OWHL code (hardware designs and code available at the GitHub repository: https://github.com/millerlp/OWHL). The goal was to make the hardware a bit easier to assemble, and make certain parts (the micro SD card) easier to reach. All of the tiny surface mount components, save a few, are now on a single side of each board, which makes it easier to use a toaster oven to do reflow soldering (the video below shows the new steps).

Here’s the list of changes:

  • I removed the footprint for the 32.768kHz crystal that was on revision B. This was an experiment that didn’t bear fruit, so it no longer needs to be on the board. The system is timed via the 32.768kHz signal from the real time clock chip.

  • Molex_reverse_mount_microSD The microSD card now resides on the bottom surface of the bottom PCB board (referred to as the power board). This should make it easier to reach in certain housing designs. The microSD card slot has also been changed to a different part,  Molex part number 5027740891, which is easier to hand-solder and to check, since the pins are all exposed on the back of the housing instead of hidden under the metal housing.

  • JST_connectors The extra JST battery connectors on the power board have been removed to make room for the microSD card. A single JST PH-series connector remains for connecting the battery.

  • tantalum_capacitor A 22uF tantalum capacitor has been added near the microSD card to make sure it has sufficient power when it wakes up. This didn’t appear to a be a problem in the previous hardware revision, but this should ensure that it doesn’t become a problem. Note that the tantalum capacitor is polarized, meaning you need to put the end with the white stripe on the + positive pad on the board.

  • MS5803_revC_top The sensor board (MS5803 board) has been altered to add an additional triangular hole pattern, alongside the original 2-hole pattern. This should help stabilize the board in designs where the sensor is mounted to a bulkhead with screws. Ultimately it may make more sense to pot the sensor to a bulkhead with epoxy since there aren’t any serviceable parts on the sensor board, rather than using the screw mounting. If you kill the $35 MS5803 for some reason, you might as well replace the whole sensor board since it just has one little capacitor and some 6-pin headers on it.

  • RevC_template_top I have also created an extra template board that can be produced by the circuit board fab house that has the mounting hole layout on it. If you were hand-drilling mounting holes, this board could come in handy for laying out your hole pattern. It is completely optional and won’t be necessary for some folks.

If you want to order copies of the circuit boards, they are available as shared projects at OshPark.com:

CPU board: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/BKAWGvvS
Power board: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/FcxfPHlq
MS5803 board: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/Zr2csAMy
Drill template: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/QqxQIda4  (optional)
RevD_CPU_top_OshPark
CPU board
RevD_power_board_bottom_OshPark
Power board
RevD_MS5803_board_OshPark
MS5803 board
RevD_template_OshPark
Drill template

 

You may also want to order solder paste stencils to speed up the application of solder paste to all the pads. I get my stencils from OshStencils.com. At this time I can’t just put links to the stencils, so you need to upload your own copies of the 3 .brd files found in the Eagle_files/OWHL_revC directory of the Github repository.

Stencil_positioning
A kapton stencil for the new circuit boards.

The parts list, including Digikey.com part numbers for most of the parts, is also in the repository: https://github.com/millerlp/OWHL/blob/master/Eagle_files/OWHL_RevC_parts_list_20160414.xlsx
Note that some of the parts, particularly the MS5803-14BA pressure sensor, and the long-tail 6-pin headers, are still not available from the common parts vendors, so you need to find them on a site like Amazon.com or Aliexpress.com.
Long-tail 6-pin headers
Long-tail 6-pin headers

The first versions of revision C hardware were deployed in the field during Summer 2016.

The sensor and battery pack in a PVC pipe housing. The pressure port with a oil reservoir over it is housed under the cap on the left side.
The sensor and battery pack in a PVC pipe housing. The pressure port with a oil reservoir over it is housed under the cap on the left side. The union fitting (large diameter portion) allows relatively easy assembly of the 2 housing halves. Clear PVC pipe is an expensive glamour option for the truly discerning.