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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Homemade Pico Computer 3 clone

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Mixtel90

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Joined: 05/10/2019
Location: United Kingdom
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Posted: 02:21pm 19 Aug 2026
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Yay! I think I've managed to modify my PC3x (well, it needed some sort of a name - it'll be PC3x WS) board for the CORE2350B. The point to point checks are OK and nothing of consequence on the DRC.

Waveshare swapped some pins around on the controls side but, worse than that, they reversed even and odd numbered pins on the opposite side. It's really quite a bit off "compatible" even if it looks similar.

I'll try to sort out gerbers soon.
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
Mixtel90

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Posted: 03:58pm 19 Aug 2026
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@lizby
I've just tried uploading the board to JLCPCB and it put a "Materials charge" on for me too. I did wonder if it's because I've used smaller vias than I usually do. I can't think of anything else that's changed. The size isn't the problem, they seem to allow up to 102mm square for the cheap price.

It makes quite a difference to the final price - in the wrong direction. :(
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
matherp
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Joined: 11/12/2012
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Posted: 04:03pm 19 Aug 2026
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Mick the smallest I use are 24mil/12mil and they never get surcharged
 
Mixtel90

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Posted: 04:36pm 19 Aug 2026
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I increased the via holes from 0.4mm to 0.5mm and uploaded again. It came up with a different price so I ordered the cheaper one. :)  Neither of the prices in the basket was as expensive as it would have been based on the quote. Weird.

These are the gerbers with the bigger holes:
PC3x-2.zip
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
Mixtel90

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Posted: 05:25pm 19 Aug 2026
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This is the gerber set for the Waveshare CORE2350B module on the PC3x WS.
Everything else is the same as for the PGA2350B so you can use the circuit diagram and BOM (with the obvious change) for that. I've used the bigger via holes just in case it made a difference to the cost - it shouldn't have.

PC3x-WS gerber.zip
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
javavi

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Joined: 01/10/2023
Location: Ukraine
Posts: 596
Posted: 05:43pm 19 Aug 2026
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Meanwhile, I attached a Wii game controller connector to my breadboard. I don't know how popular it is here, but I'm using it.


I'd also be interested in user opinions on which PС3 port pins are best for connecting two three-wire NES/SNES gamepads?
 
Mixtel90

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Posted: 05:49pm 19 Aug 2026
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The NES/SNES gamepads are simple clock/data/latch signals and are completely software driven. You can use any pins except GP20/GP21 which are used for system I2C.
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
lizby
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Joined: 17/05/2016
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Posted: 05:53pm 19 Aug 2026
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  Mixtel90 said  What have you selected? 1.6mm FR4 in green?


I didn't change anything in the selections. 1.6mm in green is selected. FR4 is grayed out and S1000H was pre-selected. All other "Material" options are grayed out. That's probably it--I'll ask why.


PicoMite, Armmite F4, SensorKits, MMBasic Hardware, Games, etc. on FOTS
 
lizby
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Posted: 06:22pm 19 Aug 2026
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  Mixtel90 said  I increased the via holes from 0.4mm to 0.5mm and uploaded again


Chat with JLC also asked me about the hole size and then for the gerber files, which I uploaded. He then suggested I upload again. I uploaded the latest set and still got the higher base price and the $11 Material Type charge.

I was just looking to see what the price would be anyway.
PicoMite, Armmite F4, SensorKits, MMBasic Hardware, Games, etc. on FOTS
 
Mixtel90

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Posted: 06:31pm 19 Aug 2026
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Odd. TBH I'm not sure which is which in my basket as both show minimum hole size as 0.3/0.4mm when I know that for the second upload it's 0.5mm! Consequently I'm not sure which was the cheaper one, but that's what I ordered. It was the usual special offer price that I usually pay.

Unfortunately SL6 has no concept of vias - they are merely PTH pads. You opt to let the solder mask cover them individually. Consequently special arrangements or settings for vias don't make sense.
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
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