AVR-Chat

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Chuck Hackett
To: AVR-Chat@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 24, 2004 10:29 PM
Subject: [AVR-Chat] PCB Routing/Layout software


I'll need to be laying out some boards for signal conditioning and I/O 
(optos,
relays, etc.) and I'd like them to have a professional look.  One offs for 
my
own consumption not for sale.

I've downloaded AutoTrax.  Nice program, but I don't think I can justify the
cost (after the free period) for the few boards I'd be doing.

Does anyone know of any layout tools available on the net that might be
suitable.  Possibly limited to x layers or y parts count?  I think I can 
live
with limiting it to double-sided possibly w/jumpers/cross connects.

For the few I'll be doing initially I'd expect to etch them myself and use 
my
(home conversion) CNC mill to drill them (I can use Ecelon <sp?> drilling
files).

I would like to also have the ability to send off drawing files, etc. to a
prototyping house if board complexity/quantity warrants.

For future use:  If you needed one or two boards made (possibly double sided 
at
most) what web resource would you use?

I can see how I would expose the boards using overheads printed on a laser
printer and photo-etch but how would one do the equivalent of silk-screening 
for
a home etched board?

I use Pulsonix for board design, it's excellent but rather expensive: 
http://www.pulsonix.com

The free demo (100 pins max.) might do what you want.#

Easy-PC (same company) is more suitable for hobbyists: 
http://www.numberone.com

I make single-sided PCBs at home by printing the artwork onto tracing paper 
and using that to expose resist-coated boards using a home-made UV exposure 
unit. Development is in sodium hydroxide solution and they are etched in 
warm ferric chloride solution.

You don't really need silk-screen, I assemble my home-made PCBs by referring 
to the layout on the screen.

Leon