New PCB version 1.6. is here, and I have started to put all components on it. All I had at home already is there and it is good so far. New switching power supply is delivering right around 4V required for SIM900. GSM module is starting up and when I put SIM in the socket it registers automatically to home network. W5500 also lights up the ACT and LINK leds when Ethernet cable is plugged it. I have to wait mainly for the UART multiplexer/demultiplexer to really start the tests.
As the new node PCB is in transit, have some time to move forward in the design of the new PCB for the main board. It will be bigger with all the necessary components on it. As I have moved from Eagle to KiCad, I will wait for the new node PCB to see what mistakes it will bring. While in search of a new fabrication house, we find boards bigger than 10x10cm are rather expensive. My new board will be most probably 10x13cm and it is about 50USD without shipping for 5 pcs at least. It became a bit expensive fun, hope to not make a serious mistake.
It has a WizNet W5500 Ethernet chip, SIM900 for GSM, and also some other improvements like better analog protection, and RFM69HW. It will be drop-in replacement for any old wired burglar alarm. It will also have new nice big and 45° angled screw terminals.
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