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Registered Member #3037
Joined: Mon Jul 26 2010, 06:42PM
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 20
Hi there,
Thanks for taking a look at this. I was wondering if anyone has any guidance as to the best PCB boards for DRSSTC? Is there a "best" method for etching/cutting/manufacturing? Also, what is the most popular schematic and PCB layout program used for DRSSTC design?
Registered Member #2939
Joined: Fri Jun 25 2010, 04:25AM
Location:
Posts: 615
'best' method is to get a fab house to make the boards - then you get plated holes, soldermask, silkscreen overlay etc. As for cad, I've just started using Kicad - its free, open source, no limitations. Been using Altium and Pads for decades, and I have to say Kicad is actually pretty good. Does all the basics, plus a few nice extras like pad to pad autoroute, and sch<->pcb crossprobing. Takes a little getting used to - but its hard to beat the price.
Registered Member #46164
Joined: Wed May 07 2014, 08:16AM
Location: California, USA
Posts: 89
TeslaJunky wrote ...
Hi there,
Thanks for taking a look at this. I was wondering if anyone has any guidance as to the best PCB boards for DRSSTC? Is there a "best" method for etching/cutting/manufacturing? Also, what is the most popular schematic and PCB layout program used for DRSSTC design?
Thank you for your time! Amir
If you don't want to go through all the hassle of designing and building your own.
Registered Member #1403
Joined: Tue Mar 18 2008, 06:05PM
Location: Denmark, Odense C
Posts: 1968
I make my own layouts for through hole components with ExpressPCB, print them on my laser printer, etch them with FeCl and that is plenty good for any DRSSTC.
Registered Member #3037
Joined: Mon Jul 26 2010, 06:42PM
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 20
2Spoons wrote ...
'best' method is to get a fab house to make the boards - then you get plated holes, soldermask, silkscreen overlay etc. As for cad, I've just started using Kicad - its free, open source, no limitations. Been using Altium and Pads for decades, and I have to say Kicad is actually pretty good. Does all the basics, plus a few nice extras like pad to pad autoroute, and sch<->pcb crossprobing. Takes a little getting used to - but its hard to beat the price.
Thank you for the recommendation -- I will look into Kicad as an option. Sounds like you've had success with it. I appreciate the advice!
Registered Member #3037
Joined: Mon Jul 26 2010, 06:42PM
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 20
Justin wrote ...
TeslaJunky wrote ...
Hi there,
Thanks for taking a look at this. I was wondering if anyone has any guidance as to the best PCB boards for DRSSTC? Is there a "best" method for etching/cutting/manufacturing? Also, what is the most popular schematic and PCB layout program used for DRSSTC design?
Thank you for your time! Amir
If you don't want to go through all the hassle of designing and building your own.
That's a great option -- looking to design my own, but thanks for the suggestion. Will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks, Justin!
Registered Member #3037
Joined: Mon Jul 26 2010, 06:42PM
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 20
Mads Barnkob wrote ...
I make my own layouts for through hole components with ExpressPCB, print them on my laser printer, etch them with FeCl and that is plenty good for any DRSSTC.
Registered Member #55219
Joined: Tue Jun 09 2015, 11:21PM
Location:
Posts: 80
Mads Barnkob wrote ...
I make my own layouts for through hole components with ExpressPCB, print them on my laser printer, etch them with FeCl and that is plenty good for any DRSSTC.
Fritzing is also a "good" one to try (built for micro-controllers mainly. I just use it for Simple custom pcbs.) though it does take some getting used to.. Breadboard, Schematic, and PCB. an array of parts as well as definable custom parts/options. Exports to pdf's both normal and mirrored also 2 sided. Its free and maintained with updates etc... worth a try at least, if nothing else for the shield blanks :)
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