SV: [basicstamps] Re: PCB etching
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Posts: 46,084
Greetings!
I've also downloaded Eagle, and it's a GREAT package...
But...
Like all CAD systems, it takes time to learn to use it.
If it's not a large/complicated design, go for the manual approach.
Most hobby-electronics stores sells rub-on transfers with IC-pads,
various sizes of circles, straight and angled tracks.
Just be careful to clean the PCB throughly first, and check the
transfers after you've rubbed them over.
Also, draw the entire project in 1:1 on tracing-paper first. That way
you can place it on top of the PCB as you work and make certain that you
haven't forgotten anything. :-)
Using a pen, though...
It's easier said than done to make a decent print with those.
(They're more suited to touching up a poor quality photo transfer)
Those with a special ink tend to make very thick lines, and doesn't do
well if you use a ruler, and ordinary permanent Penol's doesn't do well
at thick lines or large areas.
(If using a Penol, use a weak etching solution, so that you can monitor
the process better and rescue it if it looks as if the copper shines
through the ink)
:-)
Trygve
Opprinnelig melding
Fra: Peter NL [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=6EQeQdn_QXyvU2BZmKc7LuUMp6vedO_zblZa4jfFgEPClSUMwiJrRCDJ7v7BhgekZfMW5nCCY_L1DQ]tfro@b...[/url
Sendt: 12. januar 2004 10:20
Til: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Emne: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: PCB etching
I've just downloaded eagle. This is Freeware PCB design software.
Output is 1:1 with the real PCB. Is has some big libraries with lots
of components.
There is more software like this, so the software should not be a
reason to go manual. http://www.cadsoft.de/
Peter
I've also downloaded Eagle, and it's a GREAT package...
But...
Like all CAD systems, it takes time to learn to use it.
If it's not a large/complicated design, go for the manual approach.
Most hobby-electronics stores sells rub-on transfers with IC-pads,
various sizes of circles, straight and angled tracks.
Just be careful to clean the PCB throughly first, and check the
transfers after you've rubbed them over.
Also, draw the entire project in 1:1 on tracing-paper first. That way
you can place it on top of the PCB as you work and make certain that you
haven't forgotten anything. :-)
Using a pen, though...
It's easier said than done to make a decent print with those.
(They're more suited to touching up a poor quality photo transfer)
Those with a special ink tend to make very thick lines, and doesn't do
well if you use a ruler, and ordinary permanent Penol's doesn't do well
at thick lines or large areas.
(If using a Penol, use a weak etching solution, so that you can monitor
the process better and rescue it if it looks as if the copper shines
through the ink)
:-)
Trygve
Opprinnelig melding
Fra: Peter NL [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=6EQeQdn_QXyvU2BZmKc7LuUMp6vedO_zblZa4jfFgEPClSUMwiJrRCDJ7v7BhgekZfMW5nCCY_L1DQ]tfro@b...[/url
Sendt: 12. januar 2004 10:20
Til: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Emne: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: PCB etching
I've just downloaded eagle. This is Freeware PCB design software.
Output is 1:1 with the real PCB. Is has some big libraries with lots
of components.
There is more software like this, so the software should not be a
reason to go manual. http://www.cadsoft.de/
Peter
Comments
about the 8 by 10cm restriction. The board I'm thinking to create
is about a semicircle with 10 and a half cm radius, so it's quite
large, the thing is, I think I may need all that space.
If anyone else knows of any other software without any size
restrictions any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
James
wrote:
> yeah thanks, the package looks quite good, although it's a pity
> about the 8 by 10cm restriction. The board I'm thinking to create
> is about a semicircle with 10 and a half cm radius, so it's quite
> large, the thing is, I think I may need all that space.
>
> If anyone else knows of any other software without any size
> restrictions any help would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks
> James
Express offers unlimited board size.
Unfortunatly, you have to use MS-PAINT to clean it up for a good
print.
But, if you are trying to save the cost of getting a prototype board
made, it offers the work-around pretty well.
You can make the board double sided and then print each side
seperatly.
One recomendation is to put in registration marks and use large
pads. the largest you can fit. That will allow for misalignemnt if
you try to use double sided.
Dave