Homebrew PCBs

Hi Bpb,

I used EAGLE LITE for a number of years, but have
moved over to DipTrace.

www.diptrace.com

Diptrace Free has a 250 pin limit but no limit on
board size. 

It's a lot easier to learn and use than EAGLE. Making
new components is a snap.

TANSTAAFL!

Myc

--- newaag <newaag@...> wrote:

> I would add a few fine points to this point to point
> layout discussion
> using PCB software. 
> 
> From what I see, the most important thing is size
> your components
> first. Measure the size of the resistors, caps, etc,
> then either find,
> in the parts database, or make yourself, with the
> component editor,
> the parts to correct size. I also use Eagle lite,
> and if you go to
> their website, you'll find quite a few parts
> libraries you can
> download. A few of those contain tube with correct
> pinouts as well. 
> Then do the layout of the circuit just like you are
> making a circuit
> board. Using a laminator or iron, print the top
> component layout, and
> the bottom wiring diagram onto an unclad fiberglass
> board (I recommend
> .125 thick). With this method, it's not so picky
> that things are
> perfect, so label backing paper and a hot iron would
> likely work just
> fine. 
> 
> Then using the component layout, drill the board for
> turrets or
> eyelets. Attach these, then install components, and
> point to point
> wire the board using the bottom side black traces as
> a wiring diagram. 
> With point to point, one thing you are allowed to do
> is cross wires.
> You can also do this by using a two layer design,
> and using top and
> bottom wiring for crossed wires. 
> 
> The problem with Eagle lite is the board size limit.
> I work around
> this in some cases by doing subassemblies, which can
> then be
> conveniently all "printed" onto on big board using
> the toner transfer
> technique. Of course a better solution is to use
> another program cheap
> layout that doesn't limit board size. The two I have
> used are Protel
> (free DOS version) , and Ivex Winboard.
> http://www.nteinc.com/cad/prodwb.html
> The cheap version of the Ivex Winboard program is
> 39. and limits you
> not to board size, but to 200 pins. 
> 
> This technique is also perfect for large component
> layouts like power
> supplies with big electrolytic caps and board
> mounted transformers. I
> like things to be sturdy, and don't feel good about
> using 1 oz. copper
> pads to hold a multi-pound transformer in place.
> Copper eyelets on a
> 1/8" board is fine, though.   Just some thoughts.
> 
> Bob
>  
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "dl5012"
> <dl5012@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dave,
> > 
> > Yes, I'm using PCB layout software to plan boards
> that I wire by 
> > hand.
> > 
> > There are several techniques to facilitate layout.
>  The first is to 
> > draw a "pretty" schematic.  If you minimize wire
> crossings and 
> > routing lengths; it's easier to translate that
> into good layout.  If 
> > you size the components on the schematic to
> reflect their relative 
> > sizes, that helps too (i.e. if you're using a
> transistor in TO-3, 
> > draw it larger than one in TO-92).
> > 
> > I only started making boards again last year. 
> Before that, I used 
> > PCB layout software to help me do point-to-point
> wiring.  Minimizing 
> > wire crossings will address the rats nest issue
> you mentioned.  Not 
> > to mention that it makes reworking the board
> easier.
> > 
> > Doing the layout gives you the documentation
> you'll need anyway 
> > (component diagram, schematic diagram, wire
> routing).  I also size 
> > the traces depending on current requirements and
> having that 
> > documented makes assembly go faster.
> > 
> > If you're working on amplifiers, minimizing wire
> crossings also 
> > helps you avoid unintentional feedback; which can
> turn amplifiers 
> > into oscillators...
> > 
> > Regards,
> > Dennis
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, David
> Frascone <dave@> 
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I meant for the point-to-point wiring technique?
>  Do you use 
> > layout 
> > > software for that?
> > > 
> > > -Dave
> > > 
> > > dl5012 wrote:
> > > > Hi Dave,
> > > >
> > > > It boils down to component placement to
> minimize wire lengths 
> > and 
> > > > crossings.  I used to do it on paper; now I
> use PCB layout 
> > software.
> > > >
> > > > For simple circuits, I just do the layout and
> routing manually.  
> > For 
> > > > more complex circuits, I might draw a
> schematic so the program 
> > can 
> > > > make routing easier and check connectivity.
> > > >
> > > > In general, I don't use autorouting.
> > > >
> > > > I use Eagle Lite. It's free, but can only
> autoroute small boards.
> > > >
> > > > Regards,
> > > > Dennis
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 


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