BESTProto Building Electronics Fast and Right

BESTProto Winter 2010 Newsletter

BUILDING YOUR BOARD ASSEMBLIES FAST AND RIGHT

In This Issue

Quick Links

Gadget Review

Here's a useful tool you can carry in your pocket or in your PC bag. It's a USB powered
soldering iron. here.

BESTProto to have ISO Certification

In early 2010 BESTProto will be audited by a registration firm to meet the ISO 9001 standards. More information will be forthcoming in the next newsletter.

Dear Subscriber,

BESTProto proudly announces the latest addition to our "toolbox". Recently, we brought on-line an additional Pick and Place machine. Not only is it significantly faster than currant machines, it also gives us the ability to produce large format PC boards and back planes up to 29" X 24" in size. At the same time it increases our overall capacity and accommodates even the smallest part sizes as well as the finest pitch parts currently available.

Based on an innovative two-head design, it maintains our ability to test and verify the value of the resistors and capacitors before placing them on the board. The machine also tests and verifies the correct package geometries at the same time. These features act as a sort of built-in "safety net" just in case the components are improperly marked, two important factors when you're doing time sensitive short runs. Once all the parts have been verified as being of the correct value and size, the machine switches heads and completes the assembly high speed mode saving both time and money.

The added benefit of having the high speed head (10X faster) is that it allows for quicker build times and hence, offers a potential cost savings based on reduced machine run time. It also facilitates quicker turn times especially on boards with high part counts.

As has always been the case at BESTProto, we don't need the parts to be loaded on reels, we have the ability to feed pieces that are cut from reels without the need for "leaders" and "trailers". Pretty much the sort of stuff you'd receive as samples or from distributors such as; Digi-Key, Mouser, Newark etc.

Maintaining our commitment to serving the evolving needs of designers and developers is important part of what we do here at BESTProto. With the dynamic changes that are ever present in the electronics industry, this additional capability keeps us at the leading edge of board assembly. Whether it's 0201 devices, micro BGAs, Package on Package (PoP), QFNs or fine pitch devices, BESTProto is here to help you complete your project on time and within budget. "Electronics built fast and built right"

"Garth's Gargage"

Many of you that know me realize that I'm a bit of a gear head. In my off hours when I'm not working or thinking about PC Board Assembly, I can often be found tinkering around in my garage. Whether it's cars, motorcycles, vintage bicycles or anything else with wheels and/or an engine, it's all good stuff to me. I've also done a lot of reading on those subjects and have a host of otherwise useless knowledge that I hope you find interesting and informative.

Premium vs. Regular Gas I'd like to shed some light on the subject of whether it's worth paying the extra for premium fuel in that new 2010 Whizbang SE that you just bought. Gasoline is measured in octane levels. In our area we see a range from 87 to 91 octane. Octane is a measure of a fuel's tendency to self ignite (detonate, knock, ping) the lower the octane number, the more likely it is to self ignite which is harmful to your engine. Most cars built in the last 10 years have what's known as a "knock sensor" built in that can detect detonation that you and I can't even hear. When it does detect knock, it adjusts the ignition setting to eliminate the knocking.

Contrary to popular belief, higher octane gasolines don't contain any additional power or energy compared to regular gas. The oil companies simply mix octane enhancing additives with the fuel as they're filling the underground tanks at your local gas station. The only difference is they may also throw in some extra fuel system cleaner in the gas because they can afford to.

Bottom line; if you have a high performance (high compression) engine in your car and the manufacturer recommends premium fuel and you want to get all the performance you paid for, you'll want to use the highest octane gas available. If, on the other hand, you want to save a few bucks at your next fill up, you can try a lower octane rating and as long as you don't hear any knocking or pinging noises coming from the engine, particularly when you accelerate, you're engine will humming a sweet tune all the way to the bank.

Feedback and comments are always welcome. Please feel free to contact me any time

Sincerely,

Garth Cates
BESTProto Inc.
847-797-9250

This is the fine print text where you might tell your customers how the item will be shipped and, for example, if they are overseas that there will be additional shipping charges and must contact you.