Can anyone tell me if it is possible to build the new Stepper controller without using SMD parts, inparticular the ATMEGA168.If it is, does anyone have the pcb layouts for it.Thanks in advance.David

G'Day from Australia David.I've had a look at it as well and also prefer non-SMD on ICs, but like them as resistors and Caps. Do you or anyone else know if anyone is making PCBs yet. If not, can anyone convert the file to gerber or protel, because futurlec can make them fairly cheaply, and I'm happy to give it a go with them,Regards,Rob.

Hi Rob,I don't know of anyone building these yet as I have seen no posts here or on mycockpit.org regarding the stepper controller (long long awaited but thanks Dirk, most grateful).Now I can start interfacing my gauges, but I prefer through board mounting as it's easier to solder etc.I have never got a quote through Futurlec to make the boards, but I do buy all my components from them. Good prices compared to other retail shops here.I'm assuming your in Australia if so, have a look at www.tayloredsolutions.com.au for atmega and other IC's. I bought 3 Atmega8535 16PU from them for $6AUD each. They are over $22 each at retail stores. RegardsDavid

Hi Rob & David,Yes I'm building the first one right now, with SMD parts.I've the PCB boards from Rob van Dijk, 3 euro/piece.Please contact Rob at [email protected] luckBest regardsJan Geurtsen

I bought 4 ATMega16-16PU from Ebay for 2.5 Euro each (shipping excluded).I suggest you to have a look there, you can find some interesting offer sometime.Regards,Roberto

Hi Roberto,I got a good deal on the atmega16 on Ebay as well.I just couldn't find a good price on the 8535 until I found the place listed above.David

Hi all,let me note that it's possible to use the steppers also completely without the stepper controller - just using DIO or DO64 card - it takes 4 data pins, but it works fine.A started some experiments before I found the stepper controller.The stepper motor can be connected directly to the pins - behind the ULN2803 - you only need extra power supply.Rada

Good morning all.Just received my stepper boards today.I had them made by futurlec and was impressed by the quality. I comes pre-drilled and was done acurately. Board also comes tinned, so the copper is protected. It cost $18-00 for the artwork, plus $2.50 for each board. I ordered 5 but they sent six. I think they keep the artwork on file, so from now on it only costs $2.50au (1.25euro) for each board. On top of that is shipping. Unfortunately I ordered the parts to populate it from them and most are on back order. With them it's just a matter of luck sometimes.Attached is a photo of the board.I'm also interested in the setup of the dirct connection to a DO64 card. Can you send something (A drawing will do regarding how you did this and some sample code.Regards,RobMelbourne Australia.http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/194309.jpg