I finally got his batch of displays out , after weeks of 18 hour days .
Note to self, and anyone considering farming out pcb assembly ( I know its fairly obvious ) :-
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Get samples of components - the latest batch of ultrabright LEDs that I have coming from China next week, have the Anode with the short leg, and the flat on the rim ! When I queried the sample , the supplier said " thats right, we call it reversed polarity " ????
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Chat to the pcb manufacturing guy, take samples of each component, agree hole size, solder mask clearances , and silk screen.
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Take sample board to assembling guys, run through their routine.
I supplied a perspex jig this time to drop over the LEDs when the boards go over the solder bath to keep the aligned, and they say its much easier to put on than the aluminium one I gave them before, they can see which LED is crooked.
Thier feedback is priceless. -
Don't just give up and get it made in China ( even if most components are )
I put " Proudly made in South Africa " on my products ( even if I sit all weekend drilling out holes 