switches in place of fuses, as they
reset themselves and do not require
replacing if the current rating has
been calculated properly.
Creating Opens
Just as important as a good
connection is a proper open trace. I
have seen some opens created by a
space barely wider than an Xacto
blade thickness. These may work at
first, but as the Vero ages it shrinks.
So, what was an open is now a
bothersome intermittent headache.
When creating an open, I
recommend removing one hole
width of copper. Smaller widths will
work but are not as visual or
consistent when compared to
removing a “whole” hole width.
The use of a two- or three-pin
header gives the option of selecting
which function you want by using a
.100 shorting clip. I typically use
four two-pin headers on my Vero
development boards; here, one
selects between Port B0 and INT
(Interrupt). Other uses could include
selecting whether an input is pulled
up or down.
MOunting VerO
Pictorial example.
beefing up the copper traces with solder. Of course, you
must take care not to short out adjacent traces. I’ve seen
almost invisible solder strands short traces out. It is a good
practice to run a small slot screwdriver between the
traces, followed by a hard brushing of the finished solder
side with a stiff horse hair brush. Of course, give it a visual
check for shorts, cold solder joints, missed solder
connections, and areas that should be beefed up with
solder but were missed. It is also a good practice to “ohm
out” power for shorts. Do all of this before powering up
for the first time.
When calculating a fuse size for your project, consider
all high current devices and current surges. Incandescent
bulbs will produce a current surge until the filaments heat
up and offer resistance. The use of a slow blow fuse here
may be required. For most of my Vero projects, I use poly
52 June 2013
Mounting Vero board in project
enclosures can be accomplished by
custom cutting it to a size that will
fit the circuit board receiver slots
inside the case. This makes it easy to
remove for servicing. Be sure to use
the proper size case to avoid a crowded Vero board
circuit (refer again to Figure 2). Other methods include
using standoffs and drilling holes to accommodate them.
If you’re not using the five solid traces on the edge,
this is a good place to drill the holes. Some designs are
too small and one must drill the hole traces for mounting.
Remove enough copper so nothing shorts to the standoffs,
and don’t drill too close to any edge. You would think this
is a clear concept, but I have seen many Vero problems
from not addressing these issues properly.
in-CirCuit serial
prOgraMMing
If I built this particular Vero board project today, I