Homebrew PCBs

On Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:59:48 -0000, you wrote:

>I spent the last hour reviewing old threads about tt and have a question about making component pads thicker using Eagle.  The process I use is design the board using Eagle and print the board on Staples Basic Photo paper.  I prepare my copper board using a kitchen scratching pad, then rinse and dry.  I actually use a iron used for ironing monocoat on airplanes.  It heats up well over 300 degrees and it is easier to see where you are ironing. I iron for around 4 to 5 minutes, cool the board with cold water and peel the paper off.  The paper comes off with minimal effort under running water. Usually the board looks very good, except for the fact that I lose about 10 percent of the pads. I get a half moon on the pad, but not good crisp circles.  I think the thickness of the pads is too small.  What I would like to do is to make the pads thicker (Between the hole and outer edge, sorry I don't know the terminology). What is the best way to make the pads bigger (Thicker)  Thanks.
Carroll
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Eagle is optimized for board production houses, which means plated
though holes and the like.  You do want bigger pads for home
production.

I've made a custom library (make library, open it, using the control
panel, go to the desired part browsing through libraries.  Right click
and "copy part to library".  Then go change the pad diameter in the
custom library.)

When you upgrade, the old libraries are overwritten.  5.x allows you
to replace a part, which will preserve your layout while allowing you
to select a part from another library (yours).  

That's also a good thing for your own custom parts.  You'll find that
you'll create them.  Eagle libraries are good, but not perfect.

Change the part in the library, then run "update all libraries from
your design".  Changes will be automatic.  Be certain to run the ERC
and DRC to see if the rules have been violated.

Harvey

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