Posted on Monday, 23rd June 2008 by Auw Jimmy

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Well, this is a surprise news for me (at first). A “Made in America” PCB? Seriously?

Few months ago, my friend introduced me to TubeCAD (and finally led me to John Broskie). Actually, I knew his TubeCAD Journal and even his famous TubeCAD software 1-2 years ago (or more). But at that time, I didn’t have any interest on such technical things (like Broskie’s journals). Until finally, I heard his Aikido pre-amplifier and quite stunned how come a simple pre-amplifier (with cheap components) could lead into magical sound! Then I changed my mind and started to read some of Mr. Broskie’s journal.

My interest in some of his articles led me into a personal communications via e-mail (well, I do enjoy the modern technology, I wonder if I should send him an ordinary air mail to ask about his article – it will take years before I can get myself answered! With e-mail, within a night – due to different time zone, almost all of my questions could get the answers).

Finally, I decided to order his Aikido 9pin Mono PCB. John sent the package via express mail. It arrived around 2 days but due to custom issue, I accepted in around 5-6 days. Still quite a fast delivery ;)

Here is the PCB. Dual sides, plated-through 2 oz copper traces. Don’t forget that both sides are silk-screened.

aikido-mono-9pin.jpg


You can see below that the quality and detail are amazing! Proudly and expensively made in America, right John? :)

aikido-mono-9pin_2.jpg

The PCB is 4×6″ with 0.094″ thick (or 2.3876 mm). It’s even better than the most Taiwanese PCB (usually most audio PCBs are made in Taiwan and the quality is also very good). If I could rate the most Taiwanese PCB as “excellent”, then I have to rate this one as “superb”!

At first, most of us may consider the US$ 24 price tag for one mono PCB is a little bit too much. But after you see yourself the quality of this PCB, then I should say that you are very generous Mr. Broskie. PS: You can even get more discount if you buy more than 5 PCBs.

aikido-mono-9pin_3.jpg

I enjoy the quality of this PCB. Thick, solid, and seriously built and designed PCB. Excellent copper traces and copper through-hole quality. Silk-screen on both side also and advantage if you want to create “extraordinary” design (tubes on the top and components on the back side maybe?)

aikido-mono-9pin_4.jpg

I found an “extra” PCB on the package. This John “generous” Broskie sent me a special, not yet released PCB. I think he will post it in his online store within few days/weeks. Just want and check his online store.

I only could give some “small clue” with the photo below. Hope you don’t mind, John ;)

aikido-special.jpg



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Posted in Collectible Stuff, Personal | Comments (9)

9 Responses to “PCB Made in America”

  1. hiens huang Says:
    July 5th, 2008 at 06:23

    hi bro jimmy…
    btw proyek aikido ini akan menghabiskan dana sekitar brapaan ya??
    emg mantabs bgt tuh pcb amerikanya,
    thx



  2. Jimmy Auw Says:
    July 6th, 2008 at 21:39

    Kalo kamu beli kit, paling 1.5 jt-an belum termasuk Power Supply.

    Kalo mau bikin sendiri (beli PCB kosong aja), ya hanya langit yang menjadi batasannya… :)
    Kalo diisi komponen super premium, dengan mudah nembus 5 juta deh…

    Thanks.



  3. Arie Says:
    July 29th, 2008 at 11:55

    Pak jimmy, ongkos kirim dan pajak impornya dikenakan berapa?



  4. Jimmy Auw Says:
    July 29th, 2008 at 12:17

    Wah lupa… mungkin total-total ama pajak bisa US$ 40 deh.
    Kalo barang dari Amrik pajaknya suka lebih gede deh.

    Harga kirim USPS naik sejak awal tahun ini… Jadi yah memang terasa agak mahal.

    Kebetulan saya ambil beberapa pasang PCB… jadi memang ongkos kirim dan pajaknya juga lebih tinggi. Kalo cuman ambil sepasang rasanya lebih murah.

    Thanks.



  5. Simon Says:
    August 3rd, 2008 at 00:25

    Salam kenal dari Gorontalo bung Jimmy…

    Rencananya volume controlnya pake apa?
    Gimana kalo pake Slagle autoformer + relay controlled switch dari http://electronics.dantimax.dk/Kits/Selectors_-_attenuators/index.html
    Just my 2c. Good luck dah dgn proyek Aikido-nya!

    Regards,

    Simon



  6. Anonymous Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 07:48

    Pak Jimmy…
    Apakah di jakarta ada yg jual pcb atau kitnya ?
    thks….



  7. Jimmy Auw Says:
    October 8th, 2008 at 09:20

    Kit sepertinya tidak ada Pak. Lagian ini kan ada hak cipta-nya, tidak boleh sembarang dijiplak (tidak etis lah). Kecuali mau point-to-point tanpa PCB… kalo untuk yang ini diperbolehkan.

    Silakan pesan langsung aja dari tubecad-nya Pak. Sekitar US$ 25 untuk satu buah PCB Mono-nya. Ongkos kirim sekitar US$ 30-an. Pajak dan cukai sekitar 17.5%.

    Dulu saya beli beberapa bareng teman sekalian. Jadi ongkos kirim dan pajak2nya bisa dibagi sehingga lebih murah. Saya sendiri masih simpan 1 pair PCB Mono 9 pin-nya buat jaga-jaga hehehe…

    Thanks.



  8. apuy Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 00:55

    om kalo pcbnya masih ada



  9. Jimmy Auw Says:
    October 15th, 2009 at 17:18

    Silakan pesen langsung ke TubeCAD saja Pak.
    Thanks.



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