Homebrew PCBs

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