RhinoPower PD BDM interface PCB by mr_hollywood@cogeco.

ca (updated Sep 2017)

These instructions detail how to make a printed circuit board (PCB) for the RhinoPower parallel port BDM interface. This
BDM interface was developed by J.Holland and is used in conjunction with Psyche’s BDM Programmer software to read
and reflash CPU16 ECUs via the MCU’s BDM port. This information is provided “as-is”, and for reference only (no
technical support).

These instructions don’t go into the finer points of making PCBs, but rather focus on the details specific to this particular
design. This PCB layout only differs from the original design in the pinout of the BDM connector. This has been
rearranged to match the standard Denso 8-pin connector.

Required parts:

 Solder cup DB-25P (male) connector

 2-sided PC board (thickness must fit between the DB-25 rows)
 74HC74 and 74HC132 logic ICs (DIP)
 8-pin SIP connector (male or female depending on your jumper cable)
 Diode
 1500ohm resistor

Preparing the PCB for transfer:

 Print a test copy of the PCB artwork (using the high-resolution Word version) on your laser printer and ensure the
scale is correct (the DB-25 connector and 8-pin SIP connector align properly with the PCB holes on the artwork).
 Next, print the artwork onto a suitable PCB transfer paper and cutout the PCB section (outlined in blue).
 Using a pin, punch out the holes for C2 (outlined in red). Gently begin folding the transfer down the center
(outlined in orange) so the two sides face each other and ensure the C2 holes align perfectly. Once properly
aligned, fully crease the fold.
 Trim your PC board and artwork so that the board is slightly larger. Insert the PC board into the fold and secure it
to the artwork by taping the top and bottom edges with masking tape.

 The PC board is now ready to transfer (running through a laminator).

Preparing the PCB for etching:

 Once the transfer is complete and the transfer paper has been removed, visually inspect the board for any broken
traces or pads. These can be repaired with a fine point Sharpie before etching.
 After etching the board, hold it up to the light and inspect that the pads on both sides aligh properly.

Preparing the PCB for drilling:

 Trim the PCB to size and ensure that the edge with the DB-25 pads is flush with the pads and allows the connector to
be mounted and soldered properly.
 Drill all the pads (with holes) with a 0.025”-0.032” bit, then scrub the board lightly to remove any burrs and remove the
transfer material.
 The use of a tinning solution is recommended to protect the copper traces from corrosion.

Preparing the PCB for assembly:

 Mount the DB-25 connector and solder it in place.

 Mount and solder the remaining components, paying close attention to their orientation and ensuring they are
soldered on both sides of the board.
 The use of IC sockets is recommended for the two logic chips.
 Install a small piece of wire into the four vias (outlined in green) and solder on both sides of the board.

Testing the PCB:

 Using a continuity tester to test all connections on the board is hightly recommended. This can save you a lot of time
later, especially if you’re trying to debug a problem that is really caused by a bad board.

In closing:

Hat’s off to RhinoPower and Psyche for the innovative and groundbreaking work they did in developing this hardware and
the related software. Their pioneering spirit has done so much by putting these affordable BDM tools into the hands of the
DIY performance enthusiast.

Cheers gents!!!

mr_hollywood@cogeco.ca