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--- how-to-pcb [2020/03/12 16:59] – 143.215.93.31
+++ how-to-pcb [2021/01/11 14:04] (current) – benh
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-==== How to start making PCBs at The Hive ====
+==== The Guide ====
-This page details some of the common questions regarding how to make PCBs at The Hive.
-=== Table of Contents ===
+Which process are you interested in?
-  - Basics
-  - Training Sessions
-  - Quiz and Checkoffs
-  - Fabrication
------
+  - [[process_1S-noHoles|Single sided, no holes]]
+  - [[process_1S-holes|Single sided, with holes]]
+  - [[process_2S-noPlate|Double sided, no plating]]
+  - [[process_2S-plate|Double sided, with plating]]
-=== Basics ===
-**Will the PIs at the Hive make a board for me?**\\
-No, even better: we’ll train you! That’s right, for a mere four hours of your time, you will gain the ability to make as many PCBs as you want for free and can reserve time on the equipment! What a great deal, what a time to be alive. Only making one board? It can take several tries to get it right. In other words, if you think you only need one board done, you might actually need two!
-**What’s the process for getting trained?**\\
-Training is a three step process that is handled through SUMS.
-  - Complete the training session itself.
-  - Pass the 10 question quiz.
-  - Successfully fabricate our training board under the guidance of a PCB trainer during a Checkoff.
-** What is SUMS? **\\
-If you have no idea what SUMS is, have no fear. SUMS (Shared User Management System) is a user access control system made here at Tech that The Hive uses to control access to some of the more sensitive or complicated tools. For PCB fabrication, it is also used to manage training and checkoff sessions, and users can schedule time on the tools through it, as well. You can get many more details in our [[https://drive.google.com/open?id=1XLLOS43sQd6rzWll8cAxkvRiArmIGGvpcC-y9uXCOek|SUMS Guide]].
-** How do I join a training session OR request a new one? **\\
-If you haven’t been to The Hive, you’ll need to join our “Equipment Group” first:
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, click "Equipment Groups" > "Equipment Groups List".
-  - Search for "The Hive" (no quotes). Click the link.
-  - Click "Become a member". Follow the prompts to join. Note that the "exam" is simply our liability policy.
-Congrats! Now you can begin the PCB training process.
-//To register for a training session that has already been created://
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - In the main toolbar on top, in the middle, click "Equipment Groups" and then "Hive - Training".
-  - You should see all the available training sessions that The Hive is offering through the SUMS system. Sign up for the one that works for you.
-//If there are no training sessions, or none of the scheduled ones work for you, you may request a new one://
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - Somewhere in the main area of your main screen, you will find a section called, "Find training requirements". Click it and search for "pcb plotter" (no quotes). Select S116.PCBPlotter-01 to get to the PCB plotter's training requirements screen.
-  - Click on "Request a new training session". Please make a selection for all five slots. If you are available more times, add those in the notes section. More availability is better than less! However, even though you have requested one, it is possible that none of these times will work for our trainers (we’re students too!). If this is the case, we will try to email you to find another time.
-Training sessions can be held anytime (including (and preferably!) when The Hive is closed).
------
-=== Training Sessions ===
-**What should I expect out of a training session?**\\
-Training sessions cover the fabrication process of a basic 2-layer copper circuit board using the PCB plotter and PCB laser, as well as a discussion of the electroplating process for vias. Training sessions do not address board design or layout. For questions regarding design, find one of our PCB MPIs.
-**Do I have to have any prior knowledge before coming to a training session?**\\
-Nope! However, if you are unfamiliar with PCBs, we recommend reading up on some basics on the internet before your training. We also have a PCB Fabrication Guide that might be of interest. This way, the training session will (might?) make more sense.
-**How do I register for a training session?**\\
-The PCB trainings, checkoffs, and reservations are all handled on SUMS. If you want to know more about SUMS, you can find in-depth information and a lot more FAQs in our SUMS Guide. (If you have never been to The Hive before, see this question for how to join our “Equipment Group”.) To register for a training session that has already been created:
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - In the main toolbar on top, in the middle, click "Equipment Groups" and then "Hive - Training".
-You should see all the available training sessions that The Hive is offering through the SUMS system. Sign up for the one that works for you. If there are no training sessions, or none work for you, you'll want to request a new one (see next question).
-//Please note that there are no training sessions during the last two weeks of Hive open hours.//
-**I don’t see any training sessions available. Can I request one?**\\
-Absolutely! This is also processed through SUMS.
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - Somewhere in the main area of your main screen, you will find a section called, "Find training requirements". Click it and search for "pcb plotter" (no quotes). Select S116.PCBPlotter-01 to get to the PCB plotter's training requirements screen.
-  - Click on "Request a new training session". Please make a selection for all five slots. If you are available more times, add those in the notes section. More availability is better than less!
-However, even though you have requested one, it is possible that none of these times will work for our trainers (we’re students, too!). If this is the case, we will try to email you to find another time. Please note that there are no training sessions during the last two weeks of Hive open hours.
-**Are training sessions really 2-3 hours? Can I come late or leave early?**\\
-Training sessions are indeed this long, yes, due to the amount of material covered, though the time will vary depending on the level of detail discussed, number of questions asked, and other factors. Therefore, please make sure you are able to attend the entire session. If you cannot, please refrain from registering out of courtesy to others. Our training sessions are generally capped at five or six people. We will not mark your attendance if you come late or leave early, meaning you'll have to take the session again.
-----
-===Quiz and Checkoffs===
-**What should I expect for the quiz?**\\
-It's a 10 question quiz, all multiple choice. It's designed to just make sure you were paying attention during the training session. You have to get 9/10 to pass and be able to request a checkoff. If you don't get at least 9/10, you have an hour to study up, and the you can retake it. There's no limit to the number of retakes, but we do get emails when people fail.
-**What should I expect at a checkoff?**\\
-The purpose of a checkoff is to demonstrate your ability to safely fabricate a board without assistance. You will be making the same board created at the training session, followed by a quick run-through of the electroplater.
-**I don’t see the quiz! Where is it?**\\
-**How do I schedule a checkoff?**\\
-The quiz and checkoff request link are both found on the Training Requirements page for the PCB Plotter on SUMS. To access this page:
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - Somewhere in the main area of your main screen, you will find a section called, "Find training requirements". Click it and search for "pcb plotter" (no quotes). Select S116.PCBPlotter-01 to get to the PCB Plotter's “Training Requirements” screen.
-  - Scroll down to find the “Take Exam” button to take the 10 question quiz. Note that you must get 9/10 to pass. If not, you have an hour until you can re-take it.
-  - Once you have passed the quiz, return to the Training Requirements screen (step 3, above). Scroll to the bottom and press, “Request new checkoff”. //Please make a selection for all five slots.// If you are available more times, add those in the notes section. More availability is better than less! After-hours is good, too.
-However, even though you have requested one, it is possible that none of these times will work for our trainers (we’re students, too!). If this is the case, we will try to email you to find another time.
-//Please note that there are no checkoffs during the last week of Hive open hours.//
-**I didn’t get a checkoff scheduled and all of my requested dates have passed. What now?**\\
-Due to the large volume of checkoff requests, we are not able to schedule every checkoff on the first request. If this happens, request another one with new dates and times. Remember, more times offered by you means more opportunity for our schedules to align. //Please note that there are no checkoffs during the last week of Hive open hours.//
-**What if I don’t successfully complete the checkoff?**\\
-Schedule another checkoff following the same procedure. If you wish, you may also attend another training session. Read up on the fabrication process with our [[https://drive.google.com/open?id=176ZKdEShIhRyrmAtxOkkLg0mS56d2DdM-HPr8YBaL6s|PCB Fabrication Guide]].
-**Can I bring my own design to fabricate instead of the training board for my checkoff?**\\
-Probably not. It is, however, at the discretion of your trainer. If the board is small, simple, and on FR4/FR5, (i.e. very similar to the training board), then it might be fine. However, large boards can take an hour or more to etch just one side. Since most boards are larger than the training one, you will likely have to stick with the training board. It will be easier for everyone (especially if it fails), and afterwards you can simply schedule time on the tools to fabricate whatever you’d like.
-----
-===Fabrication===
-**Do I have to be with my board during the entire fabrication process?**\\
-Yes! You must be present for the entire process. This is for safety reasons. PIs have the authority to cancel any unattended boards. You may, however, leave the space //if and only if// you leave a note with a phone number and accept the possibility that something may happen to your product while you're gone (because PIs are not watching your process).
-**Can I somehow reserve time on the equipment?**\\
-Yes! Although you are not required to, we //highly// recommend that you do as it guarantees equipment priority. You may reserve time up to 96 hours in advance though SUMS. See the SUMS Guide for more details.
-  - Go to sums.gatech.edu and login (button is on the top right of the screen).
-  - In the main toolbar on top, on the right, click "Set Active BG/EG". Make sure your Billing Group is "Interdisciplinary Design Commons" and your Equipment Group is "The Hive".
-  - On the main page, locate the Schedule section. Under the drop-down menu that says, “My Schedule - Select a tool to schedule time”, select the tool in question. Note that you cannot reserve time on a tool until you have completed training for it.
-  - Click and drag on the calendar itself to reserve time. Release the mouse button to bring up the reservation screen. You must enter a description in order to reserve time! Click “Save” to save the reservation.
-We highly advise you to schedule time on all the tools you’ll need, i.e. if you’re fabricating a standard board, you should reserve time on both the Plotter and the Laser. If you do not, and someone schedules time on only the laser, they have priority on the tool.
-//Reservations are limited to the following://
-Non-PIs (i.e. those who are not volunteers at The Hive) may schedule a maximum of 4 hour block per tool per day during The Hive’s open hours, and up to 4 days in advance.
-PI’s may schedule up to 8 hours per tool per day, up to 7 days in advance.
-**How long does it take to make a board?**\\
-It depends on the size and layout of your board. A small board with no electroplating (i.e. no vias) can easily be made in under an hour, while a very large board with lots of copper removed can take over 4 hours not including electroplating.
-**How long does electroplating take?**\\
-Between 2 and 3 hours, regardless of board size. This will plate between 8-15 um of copper onto your surfaces. Less than this processing time can cause unreliable vias with variable thickness of the plating.