db Electronics is a pass-time of mine, I run this little project out of my basement shop in Kapuskasing, Ontario. I have a full-time job outside of db Electronics so things don't move as fast as I would like them to move concerning projects here :(

I studied Electronics Engineering in Ottawa in the early 2000's but I've always had a penchant for gaming electronics. My first project demonstration in school was how to adapt SNES controllers for use on a PC. Later in school, we built a robot which was radio-controlled via an NES controller.

I also design much audio electronics for guitar rigs - having built my own 4 channel tube amp from scratch, MIDI footcontroller, countless distortion pedals, etc...

Every PCB I generate is a custom design; I use Protel 99SE (because I'm a dinosaur!) to design my schematics, libraries and PCBs. I also do not use any external library components, every component is modelled in my PCB library - this is an old habit I got from my first job where we were not allowed to use external libraries.

PCB builds are outsourced to China unfortunately due to high North American costs for a similar service. I generally use Smart-Prototyping for PCB builds. Their service is rather quick and I've never experienced any issues with build quality or incompetent service. 

Once blank boards arrive, I assemble everything by hand. Depending on the quantity being made I will use a soldering iron and/or hot-air gun, or, when building large quantities, I will order a solder paste mask for a board (also from Smart-Prototyping) to speed up the process. I use eutectic (63/37) solder paste and reflow boards on a simple electric griddle. I find this gives awesome results for a reasonable price. Here is a video of the electric griddle process.

My workshop is a simple room in my basement; it is here where all the assembling and development take place. I have a PC which is just off-camera which serves as my CAD station for schematic-entry and PCB generation.

Pictures to come soon...