Microtron Ltd – IT Solutions NZ

Welcome to Microtron and the world of microcontroller units and applied Computer Technology.

Do you need a head start on the device that you wish to create? Data logger, stepper motor controller, economical robot controller. Microtron’s breakout boards have many of the features that you want already installed and running with sample C++ software sketches. The main requirement is to add some project specific code under one or two of the menu options. If the board is too big or unfocused, the recommended process is to discard all of the unused features in a final customised project board. Microtron can also assist with the process of designing this refined PCB version.

Microtron is a young company, however our team is Tertiary trained in computer programming. Microtron offers services in sensing and datalogging, adaptation of our break out boards, PCB design and customization of a PCB from a break out pilot project. If you set up a pilot project with one of our breakout boards, we can design a customised board that throws away any unused circuitry, to give a smaller optimised footprint. Microtron is also interested in analysis and simulation of biological systems, in collaboration with researchers and/or commercial companies. Data logging applications are our bread and butter.

Microtron is interested in sharing some technology contractually with Universities or Software/MCU Hardware companies around the world, for further development and marketing.

Microtron is also interested in contributing to free software/firmware that can still be developed for commercial applications. This can also include deals with Universities and perhaps businesses with similar goals, either commercial products or free. Not only can I provide a useful starting point, but I can help with some project details or even assist with direction. This might even include providing an updated circuit board. It may also be possible to share development of schematic drawings of PCBs.

Apart from projects and contracts, Microtron is willing to supply Microtron BreakOut Boards and a list of components and suppliers where, the components we use, came from. This would typically be for electrical engineering classes, but student electronics projects are also catered for and this can occur at many levels n.b. some devices use coin batteries e.g. real time clocks (if there were demand, a supercapacitor option could be provided – runs one or two weeks without power). Alternatively to boards only we can procure the components and send them to you with the PCBs. It will be necessary to prepay in each case, for these services. Procurement does take time beyond the first few units which we would usually stock. We are not set up at present to provide large numbers of assembled break out boards, but if we gained a large contract for this, then this service could be provided.

Boards (mostly kit-sets) can be provided without terminals, as these boards are designed to make use of many kinds of vertical terminal blocks. Standard pitch is used. You would select and purchase the type of terminal block that you prefer. Terminals can also be replaced; for this a solder sucker, solder station including a hot air gun are recommended.

When the blank PCBs are manufactured, there is an option to place some components by machine. This is particularly useful for surface mounted devices. This can save a lot of time when assembling your own Microtron board; it also takes care of the most error prone part of the process. The rest of the soldering that mostly occurs at 100 Mil spacing, can be done very reliably by a moderately experienced solderer. Furthermore, you can look at the board through a magnifier and see any errors such as solder bridges or joints where the solder did not melt properly and tin the surfaces or there is insufficient solder.

All hardware and software is provided as-is, as it is only part of a whole unit/project that the user creates and assembles. The user is required to satisfy himself that all components are working correctly and are not overloaded etc. and that they have been put together correctly and safely. Typically the user will limit voltage and power to levels that make a dangerous situation extremely unlikely. Critical applications are not catered for by Microtron and are the exclusive responsibility of the project designer/user. Microtron applies the MIT license to all original MicroPython software and LincolnCode offered on this site and attempts to properly acknowledge the origin of software that is updated or just passed on to other developers and users.

Dr Stephen Eichler (PhD Computer Science, MSc Lactational Physiology, BSc Chemistry, experience in immunochemistry) is Director of Microtron located at:

Sales Email: sales@microtron.co.nz

Email:  team@microtron.co.nz

Commission (Com) Registration

If you wish to sell Microtron products for commission, then please send a description of what your approach to selling would be to, also give an indication of your background in electronics, programming and possibly education and sales. Advanced learning is not essential, as these products are largely aimed at learners, but they offer scope for the learner to grow. It is expected that you would run some of the test programs, so that you can speak from experience with respect to the cheaper products.

Send your application for registration to:

Email:  team@microtron.co.nz

The rates for commission are shown with the listed price. If you wish to sell a product that does not yet have a listed rate of commission, then please inform me of your requirement.

• MCU units with sensors and datalogging.
• Break out boards with user interface. Suitable for datalogging and interactive function including stepper motors.
• Break out board customizations. Sensors, stepper motors, WiFi, SD cards and Fram.
• Design of circuit boards, including design of circuit boards that are a customization of a break out board pilot project.
• WiFi and server collection of data.