Homebrew PCBs

Mechanically, getting double sided printing to line up isn't all 
that difficult, we have already covered that issue - One edge 
against a rail, then the use of a center locator of some sort.

However, I just did a test this morning and realized my PCB design 
software (that I am currently using) won't work easily for it.

When printing the component side traces, I have to turn on mirror 
image.  When it prints it, it mirrors the "whole page".  Thus, if my 
design isn't exactly in the center of the "page", the solder and 
component sides will be shifted from each other.

I am using PCB Wizard at the moment - it is fast and easy, but very 
limitted.  I am also working with another package but don't know 
enough about it yet to figure out the printing and such.

So, just another "thing" to think about as we all dive into this.

Chris

On Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:57:33 +0200, lcdpublishing  
<lcdpublishing@...> wrote:

> When printing the component side traces, I have to turn on mirror
>
> image.  When it prints it, it mirrors the "whole page".  Thus, if my
>
> design isn't exactly in the center of the "page", the solder and
>
> component sides will be shifted from each other.


That's why you make that little center mark on the edge exactly where the  
mirrored result is mirrored around.
e.g. print a vertical line and print it again mirrored, the mark must be  
exactly centered between the two.

ST

Ah yes, I see what you are saying.  The test I did this morning was 
a very small board about 2" x 2" in the upper left corner of the 
sheet.  This moved the sheet center off of the PCB area on the print 
out.  If I just make sure I keep atleast part of the PCB on the 
centerline of the paper, I should be alright...

Phew.. drove myself nuts with that this morning!  I should know 
better than to roll out of bed and start thinking right away!

Chris



--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan" 
<stefan_trethan@...> wrote:
>
> On Tue, 25 Apr 2006 16:57:33 +0200, lcdpublishing  
> <lcdpublishing@...> wrote:
> 
> > When printing the component side traces, I have to turn on mirror
> >
> > image.  When it prints it, it mirrors the "whole page".  Thus, 
if my
> >
> > design isn't exactly in the center of the "page", the solder and
> >
> > component sides will be shifted from each other.
> 
> 
> That's why you make that little center mark on the edge exactly 
where the  
> mirrored result is mirrored around.
> e.g. print a vertical line and print it again mirrored, the mark 
must be  

> exactly centered between the two.
> 
> ST
>

You can make an envelope out of paper if you are using the toner transfer method.

With Inkjet you have to use one fixed line and a supplementarry point.

It is usefull to convert the PCB layout to DXF and then use AutoCAD to line up and modify the DXF file.

I use OrCAD and AutoCAD 2000.

Victor

lcdpublishing <lcdpublishing@...> wrote:    Mechanically, getting double sided printing to line up isn't all 
 that difficult, we have already covered that issue - One edge 
 against a rail, then the use of a center locator of some sort.
 
 However, I just did a test this morning and realized my PCB design 
 software (that I am currently using) won't work easily for it.
 
 When printing the component side traces, I have to turn on mirror 
 image.  When it prints it, it mirrors the "whole page".  Thus, if my 
 design isn't exactly in the center of the "page", the solder and 
 component sides will be shifted from each other.
 
 I am using PCB Wizard at the moment - it is fast and easy, but very 
 limitted.  I am also working with another package but don't know 
 enough about it yet to figure out the printing and such.
 
 So, just another "thing" to think about as we all dive into this.
 
 Chris
 
 
 
 
     

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