PCB Construction Advice
TeslaJunky, Mon Jul 25 2016, 10:12PMHi 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
Re: PCB Construction Advice
2Spoons, Tue Jul 26 2016, 05:48AM
'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.
2Spoons, Tue Jul 26 2016, 05:48AM
'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.
Re: PCB Construction Advice
Justin, Tue Jul 26 2016, 07:08AM
If you don't want to go through all the hassle of designing and building your own.
Justin, Tue Jul 26 2016, 07:08AM
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
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.
Re: PCB Construction Advice
Mads Barnkob, Tue Jul 26 2016, 07:35AM
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.
Mads Barnkob, Tue Jul 26 2016, 07:35AM
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.
Re: PCB Construction Advice
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:32AM
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!
Best,
Amir
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:32AM
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.
'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!
Best,
Amir
Re: PCB Construction Advice
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:33AM
That's a great option -- looking to design my own, but thanks for the suggestion. Will definitely keep that in mind. Thanks, Justin!
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:33AM
Justin wrote ...
If you don't want to go through all the hassle of designing and building your own.
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
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!
Re: PCB Construction Advice
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:35AM
Awesome! Thanks!
TeslaJunky, Wed Jul 27 2016, 01:35AM
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.
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.
Awesome! Thanks!
Re: PCB Construction Advice
jdub1581hv, Tue Aug 09 2016, 11:57PM
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 :)
jdub1581hv, Tue Aug 09 2016, 11:57PM
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.
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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