PCB design help - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: lolimpol
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 10:17:54 pm
content: so I will save you the details, because otherwise you will have a pissed off Lolimpol who won't shut up for 24 hours. an anyone help me with a circuit board? (single sided) shouldn't be more then 5 minutes work for an experienced guyi have eagle so eagle files? schematic is attached (green red and blue pwm go to arduino nano) i will be using an arduino nano on the board, so spacing for female headers would be pretty useful. J1 would be a screw terminal and 12v/gnd would be a 12V dc power connector. the USB on the arduino nano will constantly be plugged in so if possible that would be on the edge of the board (just like the dc connector and the screw terminal) thanks in advance.

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 04, 2017, 11:16:51 pm
content: Seems like the sort of simple circuit which is more quickly assembled on prototyping board:http://www.robotshop.com/en/protostick-shield-arduino-nano-compatible.html?gclid=CKPGhJv9vdICFYaYvAod9FIMfQOr since the headers are on a standard grid, just about any 0.1" prototype board you like:http://www.digikey.com/products/en/prototyping-products/prototype-boards-perforated/636

author: grouchobyte
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 03:34:37 am
content: Quote from: lolimpol on March 04, 2017, 10:17:54 pmShouldn't be more than 5 minutes? You sir need to rollup your sleeves and stop asking for a handout from the forum. Nothing takes 5 minutes. Just writing this took 2, including logging in and writing these words.You're welcome!

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 04:56:43 am
content: 5 minutes?Asking the questions just to clarify your requirements will take longer than that.Why don't you just do it yourself? Following a tutorial it still is less time trying to get someone else to do it.What size do you need the board to be?Mounting holes and their placement and size?Minimum trace and clearance?What kind of footprint do you want for the resistor?What kind of footprint do you want for the connector?...the list could go onJust try it yourself. The worst that could happen is that you learn something! Even if it might take you a bit more time than someone with a lot of experience... It's worth it.

author: lolimpol
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 10:26:57 am
content: yeah, I did number one, and the rest: ...I have no idea! I'm not even close to the logic of Dave or any of you guys, this is not even a joke, if I were to build a schematic myself, I would have no idea where to put any resistors! I hope that indicates my level of components/ electronics knowledge, really I just wanted to build up some experience with making a circuit board... and i assumed that because you guys do such stuff that I can't even word! that this would just be a matter of slapping components on a board, autoroute it and just see what size it turns out to be!but, if you don't want to do it;is there no complete autoroute button? where i can basically press a button that also optimally lays out a part?(PS: I'm sorry for writing such a crap post, as you can probably tell: I'm new here...)

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 11:41:36 am
content: Sorry. I thought you made the schematic, and presumed the rest. If you want to learn how to solder there are many kits out there. If you want to actually etch the pcb there are many gerbers out there too.Is eagle a requirement or would KiCAD source be acceptable?Apologies for being crass.

author: lolimpol
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 07:26:47 pm
content: No problem I have that sometimes too, I don't need soldering experience, I can do that. I just need help making a Gerber file to print out and transfer to copper clad to etch, so I can learn what I can do better next time. But the problem is that I've spent about 5 hours fiddling with eagle and I can not get it to work, that's why

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 08:38:20 pm
content: If you want I can teach you KiCAD for free. PM me to set it up. I think it will take approx one hour, the next time you can try yourself and ask help here if you need it

author: SMdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 05, 2017, 11:16:16 pm
content: Try diptrace. It is a complete design package and can also import and export to and from other common programs.I tried many public programs before I found diptrace and never looked back. It is very easy and intuitive and had my first design done in less than an hour after downloading it. Before that I used paint!

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 06, 2017, 01:00:24 pm
content: also, you can try to learn yourself from video and tutorials. I think diptrace would be easy to learn and work.

author: paulcav
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 01:47:44 am
content: Confucius say "the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step"With that in mind you need to clearly state your goal so that it is understood. If it is using a cad program or learning what makes a good PCB design then ask that question. I suggest that you do your research and find out what you want to achieve and make a list then step by step you will learn how to get to your goal of taking a circuit diagram that has been tested or prototyped to iron out any problems to create a work of art of a PCB design.If we were to take your diagram and spend hours not minutes, because engineers are perfectionists, creating a PCB layout what would you have learned? That it can be done.So in conclusion do your homework and let us know what you attempted to do and let us help you reach your goals.

author: lolimpol
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 06:33:04 am
content: OK, thanks I've started using easyEDA and diptrace, so I will see if they can lower themselves down to my level

author: SMdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 10:57:45 am
content: One thing to remember when using diptrace, if you are working on the bottom layer, the normal view is as if you are looking at the bottom layer through the top of the board.To view it how you would view it as if it was a board sitting on your bench upside down, go to view and select "mirror".This was one thing that confused the hell out of me when I started!A good habbit to get into is to make your schematic first, then convert the schematic to pcb. When you do this, your component footprints will be linked and it saves you from making silly connection errors. Been there done that!Good luck with it and when it starts to get frustrating, just remember, you can always make your pcb image with a paint programOr even a pcb marker pen. That brings back memories of the first ever board I etched. Made it with a pcb marker then etched the crap out of it! There were many holes in my (fat)traces, but to my surprise, it actually worked as intended.If you want something in life, do what you have to do to get it. Don't rely on othersOh and make mistakes. Just remember to learn from them!Cheers

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 07, 2017, 12:37:29 pm
content: Quote from: lolimpol on March 07, 2017, 06:33:04 amGreat. Best luck.You will love to learn diptrace. I have years of experience with diptrace. You can also ask any questions related to diptrace in diptrace forum website.