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New to group and first attempt at PCB

New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-13 by teilhardo

Hi All,
I just joined this group because I am planning to make a homemade
motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 and
some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most popular
software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  Are
there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
Thanks,
Tei

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-13 by Stefan Trethan

On Thu, 13 May 2004 07:46:40 -0000, teilhardo <teilhardo@...> wrote:

> Hi All,
> I just joined this group because I am planning to make a homemade
> motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 and
> some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most popular
> software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  Are
> there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> Thanks,
> Tei
>
>

Very common is eagle layout. it is a bit awkward to use but very useable.
I think someone said a few days ago there is a free Protel version,
check it... there was also a orcad free version but i think no longer...

There are plugins for cad programs, but i am not sure how limiting it 
would be,
i have no experience there.

ST

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB FREE SOFTWARE

2004-05-14 by Dave Mucha

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
wrote:
> Hi All,
> I just joined this group because I am planning to make a homemade
> motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 and
> some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
popular
> software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  Are
> there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> Thanks,
> Tei


Hi Tei,

Eagle is by far the most popular free software.

Most vendors offer various types of demo packages.  some limit time 
of use (30 days) others limit no saving of files or other nonsense.

Check Olimex site for a list of 20 or more packages with links to 
their sites.

WinQCad is probably the easiest to learn, but lacks some of the 
expanded features of Eagle.

A hobbiest my never notice the difference.

Eagle limits board size, as does WinQCAD, but Eagle offers a larger 
board area.  4 x 3?  to Q's 2.35" x2.35"

Dave

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-15 by leon_heller

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
wrote:
> Hi All,
> I just joined this group because I am planning to make a homemade
> motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 and
> some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
popular
> software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  Are
> there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> Thanks,
> Tei

The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 100 
holes:

http://www.pulsonix.com

Leon

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-15 by teilhardo

Thanks for the link.
I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
Does anyone know how to do this?
Thanks,
Tei

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" <leon_heller@h...>
wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
> wrote:
> > Hi All,
> > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a homemade
> > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 and
> > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
> popular
> > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  Are
> > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> > Thanks,
> > Tei
> 
> The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 100 
> holes:
> 
> http://www.pulsonix.com
> 
> Leon

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-15 by Stefan Trethan

On Sat, 15 May 2004 19:29:35 -0000, teilhardo <teilhardo@...> wrote:

> Thanks for the link.
> I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
> traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
> series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
> Does anyone know how to do this?
> Thanks,
> Tei

I know there is a ulp for eagle layout, made by someone member here..
should be in the files.
(sorry i forgot who).
not sure about pulsonix.

ST

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-15 by Dave Mucha

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
wrote:
> Thanks for the link.
> I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
> traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
> series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
> Does anyone know how to do this?
> Thanks,
> Tei


In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first tries.  One 
thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.

Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper you 
want, and leave everything else.

I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.

What are you using to run the mill ?
What file type can that program accept ?
What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?

The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.

The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.


Dave











> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
<leon_heller@h...>
> wrote:
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
<teilhardo@y...> 
> > wrote:
> > > Hi All,
> > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
homemade
> > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 
and
> > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
> > popular
> > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  
Are
> > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> > > Thanks,
> > > Tei
> > 
> > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 
100 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > holes:
> > 
> > http://www.pulsonix.com
> > 
> > Leon

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by teilhardo

I am using TurboCNC for the mill.  But at this point I don't even know
how to get output from Eagle.  I have looked under export but it says
"netlist", "partlist" and "pinlist", no gerber output :(

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@y...>
wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
> wrote:
> > Thanks for the link.
> > I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
> > traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
> > series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
> > Does anyone know how to do this?
> > Thanks,
> > Tei
> 
> 
> In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first tries.  One 
> thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.
> 
> Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper you 
> want, and leave everything else.
> 
> I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.
> 
> What are you using to run the mill ?
> What file type can that program accept ?
> What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?
> 
> The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.
> 
> The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.
> 
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> > 
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
> <leon_heller@h...>
> > wrote:
> > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
> <teilhardo@y...> 
> > > wrote:
> > > > Hi All,
> > > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
> homemade
> > > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
> > > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
> > > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 
> and
> > > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
> > > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
> > > popular
> > > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  
> Are
> > > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
> > > > Thanks,
> > > > Tei
> > > 
> > > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 
> 100 
> > > holes:
> > > 
> > > http://www.pulsonix.com
> > > 
> > > Leon

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by Jeremy Taylor

You need pcb-gcode.ulp 
It does a great job for both holes, and milling tracks, and I believe it is perfectly written for turbocnc. I use Mach2, and I have to seriously edit the files, but they do work.
You can find the ulp at the cadsoft ulp downloads page (www.cadsoft.de), or in the files section of the CNC PCB design yahoo group, and Im sure there are other places. btw its free (as many holes as you want, or can fit in your version of eagle). 

JT
Show quoted textHide quoted text
----- Original Message ----- 
  From: teilhardo 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 8:08 PM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB


  I am using TurboCNC for the mill.  But at this point I don't even know
  how to get output from Eagle.  I have looked under export but it says
  "netlist", "partlist" and "pinlist", no gerber output :(

  --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@y...>
  wrote:
  > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
  > wrote:
  > > Thanks for the link.
  > > I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
  > > traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
  > > series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
  > > Does anyone know how to do this?
  > > Thanks,
  > > Tei
  > 
  > 
  > In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first tries.  One 
  > thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.
  > 
  > Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper you 
  > want, and leave everything else.
  > 
  > I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.
  > 
  > What are you using to run the mill ?
  > What file type can that program accept ?
  > What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?
  > 
  > The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.
  > 
  > The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.
  > 
  > 
  > Dave
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > > 
  > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
  > <leon_heller@h...>
  > > wrote:
  > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
  > <teilhardo@y...> 
  > > > wrote:
  > > > > Hi All,
  > > > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
  > homemade
  > > > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
  > > > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
  > > > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 
  > and
  > > > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
  > > > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
  > > > popular
  > > > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  
  > Are
  > > > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
  > > > > Thanks,
  > > > > Tei
  > > > 
  > > > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 
  > 100 
  > > > holes:
  > > > 
  > > > http://www.pulsonix.com
  > > > 
  > > > Leon



  Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by Hugh Prescott

You need the gcode.ulp user loadable program fron the Eagle site. It downloads as a zip file.


Then you load and run the gcode.ulp file.


Hugh
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: teilhardo 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 7:08 PM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB


  I am using TurboCNC for the mill.  But at this point I don't even know
  how to get output from Eagle.  I have looked under export but it says
  "netlist", "partlist" and "pinlist", no gerber output :(

  --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@y...>
  wrote:
  > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...> 
  > wrote:
  > > Thanks for the link.
  > > I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to make the
  > > traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout as a
  > > series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD program.
  > > Does anyone know how to do this?
  > > Thanks,
  > > Tei
  > 
  > 
  > In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first tries.  One 
  > thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.
  > 
  > Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper you 
  > want, and leave everything else.
  > 
  > I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.
  > 
  > What are you using to run the mill ?
  > What file type can that program accept ?
  > What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?
  > 
  > The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.
  > 
  > The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.
  > 
  > 
  > Dave
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > 
  > > 
  > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
  > <leon_heller@h...>
  > > wrote:
  > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
  > <teilhardo@y...> 
  > > > wrote:
  > > > > Hi All,
  > > > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
  > homemade
  > > > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty new at
  > > > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using the
  > > > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried PCB123 
  > and
  > > > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all have the
  > > > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the most 
  > > > popular
  > > > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout design?  
  > Are
  > > > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
  > > > > Thanks,
  > > > > Tei
  > > > 
  > > > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with up to 
  > 100 
  > > > holes:
  > > > 
  > > > http://www.pulsonix.com
  > > > 
  > > > Leon



  Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 


        Yahoo! Groups Sponsor 
              ADVERTISEMENT
             
       
       


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Yahoo! Groups Links

    a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/
      
    b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
    Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
      
    c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service. 




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by Dave Mucha

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Hugh Prescott" <hugh345@a...> 
wrote:
> You need the gcode.ulp user loadable program fron the Eagle site. 
It downloads as a zip file.
> 
> 
> Then you load and run the gcode.ulp file.
> 
> 
> Hugh
> 

There is also a file from John K called titfortat.dxf in the files 
section that shows trace isolation as well.

also, this link (copyin files sectin under daves drill press.
http://www.eee.nott.ac.uk/wwwflr9/examples.pdf

I've just downloaded the turbocnc list with PGOffline

Here is a link I pulled.  I added a copy in the files section under 
isolation.pdf.

There was also a note that Eagle does the trace isolation output !

I'm going to have to look into Eagle !

Dave

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by teilhardo

Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does anyone know
the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  
Thanks


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" <dave_mucha@y...>
wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Hugh Prescott" <hugh345@a...> 
> wrote:
> > You need the gcode.ulp user loadable program fron the Eagle site. 
> It downloads as a zip file.
> > 
> > 
> > Then you load and run the gcode.ulp file.
> > 
> > 
> > Hugh
> > 
> 
> There is also a file from John K called titfortat.dxf in the files 
> section that shows trace isolation as well.
> 
> also, this link (copyin files sectin under daves drill press.
> http://www.eee.nott.ac.uk/wwwflr9/examples.pdf
> 
> I've just downloaded the turbocnc list with PGOffline
> 
> Here is a link I pulled.  I added a copy in the files section under 
> isolation.pdf.
> 
> There was also a note that Eagle does the trace isolation output !
> 
> I'm going to have to look into Eagle !
> 
> Dave

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by Leon Heller

----- Original Message ----- 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
From: "teilhardo" <teilhardo@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:38 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB


> Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does anyone know
> the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  

With the Pulsonix software I use, a bus contains several nets.

Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-16 by Phil

a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically connected 
together - kind of the way you would logically think of it.  It has a 
name.  You dont have to actually draw them as connected.  Any nets 
you name Gnd, for example, will be connected together.   This is 
great for doing a schematic with out making a wiring mess in the 
drawing.  I use it all the time.  

A bus is a set of parallel nets with a common name, say "Bus", and 
each net has a sub name - Bus1, Bus2, Bus3...  Its used mainly for, 
shock!, creating busses and keeping them tidy on the schematic.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Leon Heller" 
<leon_heller@h...> wrote:
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...>
> To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:38 PM
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB
> 
> 
> > Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does anyone 
know
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> > the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  
> 
> With the Pulsonix software I use, a bus contains several nets.
> 
> Leon
> --
> Leon Heller, G1HSM
> http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-17 by Jeremy Taylor

pcb-gcode ulp does Isolation 
It also comes with decent documentation. John Johnson did a great job with these files. 

JT
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dave Mucha 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:19 AM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB


  --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Hugh Prescott" <hugh345@a...> 
  wrote:
  > You need the gcode.ulp user loadable program fron the Eagle site. 
  It downloads as a zip file.
  > 
  > 
  > Then you load and run the gcode.ulp file.
  > 
  > 
  > Hugh


  I have not run Eagle, but I would assume it will only export a trace 
  file, and not an isolation file?

  Take a look in the photos section under Daves drill press folder.

  There is a shot of a trace file around some pads.  The red is a 
  second pad isolation cut to allow more room for soldering.

  Dave






  > 
  >   ----- Original Message ----- 
  >   From: teilhardo 
  >   To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  >   Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2004 7:08 PM
  >   Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB
  > 
  > 
  >   I am using TurboCNC for the mill.  But at this point I don't even 
  know
  >   how to get output from Eagle.  I have looked under export but it 
  says
  >   "netlist", "partlist" and "pinlist", no gerber output :(
  > 
  >   --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha" 
  <dave_mucha@y...>
  >   wrote:
  >   > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
  <teilhardo@y...> 
  >   > wrote:
  >   > > Thanks for the link.
  >   > > I didn't mention that I have a CNC mill that I could use to 
  make the
  >   > > traces.  Unfortunately, I don't know how to export the layout 
  as a
  >   > > series of component footprints and then draw lines in a CAD 
  program.
  >   > > Does anyone know how to do this?
  >   > > Thanks,
  >   > > Tei
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > In your attempts, use a paper and a marker for the first 
  tries.  One 
  >   > thing you need it 'trace isolation' and not cutting traces.
  >   > 
  >   > Cutting the traces of the Gerber files will remove the copper 
  you 
  >   > want, and leave everything else.
  >   > 
  >   > I think it is best to start at the mill and work backwards.
  >   > 
  >   > What are you using to run the mill ?
  >   > What file type can that program accept ?
  >   > What conversion is needed to get that from your PCB software ?
  >   > 
  >   > The easy part is getting output from Eagle or others.
  >   > 
  >   > The hard part is getting a file your mill can use.
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > Dave
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > 
  >   > > 
  >   > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "leon_heller" 
  >   > <leon_heller@h...>
  >   > > wrote:
  >   > > > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "teilhardo" 
  >   > <teilhardo@y...> 
  >   > > > wrote:
  >   > > > > Hi All,
  >   > > > > I just joined this group because I am planning to make a 
  >   > homemade
  >   > > > > motor controller using the LMD18201 H-Drive.  I am pretty 
  new at
  >   > > > > circuit design but I wanted to attempt this project using 
  the
  >   > > > > computer. Inevitably, I ran into some problems.  I tried 
  PCB123 
  >   > and
  >   > > > > some other "free" Cad programs on the net but they all 
  have the
  >   > > > > handicaps that limited a succesful product.  What is the 
  most 
  >   > > > popular
  >   > > > > software used on this forum for PCB schematic/layout 
  design?  
  >   > Are
  >   > > > > there any plugins for more common CAD programs like Rhino?
  >   > > > > Thanks,
  >   > > > > Tei
  >   > > > 
  >   > > > The free demo version of Pulsonix will handle boards with 
  up to 
  >   > 100 
  >   > > > holes:
  >   > > > 
  >   > > > http://www.pulsonix.com
  >   > > > 
  >   > > > Leon
  > 
  > 
  > 
  >   Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and 
  files:
  >   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 
  > 
  > 
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  > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-17 by teilhardo

So, if I put nets together with my components, and then switch to
layout editor, isn't the program supposed to logically come up with a
layout?
In my schematic, I connected the components together using these
"buses" and then some pop up error came up and said that they need to
be connected using nets.  So I put the nets on top of the busses, is
this right?  Or do I only need nets OR busses?
Thanks,
Tei
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically connected 
> together - kind of the way you would logically think of it.  It has a 
> name.  You dont have to actually draw them as connected.  Any nets 
> you name Gnd, for example, will be connected together.   This is 
> great for doing a schematic with out making a wiring mess in the 
> drawing.  I use it all the time.  
> 
> A bus is a set of parallel nets with a common name, say "Bus", and 
> each net has a sub name - Bus1, Bus2, Bus3...  Its used mainly for, 
> shock!, creating busses and keeping them tidy on the schematic.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Leon Heller" 
> <leon_heller@h...> wrote:
> > ----- Original Message ----- 
> > From: "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...>
> > To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
> > Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:38 PM
> > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB
> > 
> > 
> > > Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does anyone 
> know
> > > the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  
> > 
> > With the Pulsonix software I use, a bus contains several nets.
> > 
> > Leon
> > --
> > Leon Heller, G1HSM
> > http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-17 by Jeremy Taylor

You have to place the components on the board, then run the autorouter. It will not place components for you, thus it can not autoroute till you do so. It will put all the components that you use in your schematic, on the board page, but they will all be off to the side grouped together, yet connected by the air wires you specified in the schematic. .
I find it very useful to name all related components and name the nets in the schematic so it's easier to tell which resistor goes with which cap when you start laying out the board.
I never use "buses"  in the software, I just use airwires, that get called nets. IMO a trace is a trace whether it be a bus or a net. 

http://www.soundclick.com/jtsound
Show quoted textHide quoted text
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: teilhardo 
  To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 11:03 PM
  Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB


  So, if I put nets together with my components, and then switch to
  layout editor, isn't the program supposed to logically come up with a
  layout?
  In my schematic, I connected the components together using these
  "buses" and then some pop up error came up and said that they need to
  be connected using nets.  So I put the nets on top of the busses, is
  this right?  Or do I only need nets OR busses?
  Thanks,
  Tei
  --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> wrote:
  > a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically connected 
  > together - kind of the way you would logically think of it.  It has a 
  > name.  You dont have to actually draw them as connected.  Any nets 
  > you name Gnd, for example, will be connected together.   This is 
  > great for doing a schematic with out making a wiring mess in the 
  > drawing.  I use it all the time.  
  > 
  > A bus is a set of parallel nets with a common name, say "Bus", and 
  > each net has a sub name - Bus1, Bus2, Bus3...  Its used mainly for, 
  > shock!, creating busses and keeping them tidy on the schematic.
  > 
  > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Leon Heller" 
  > <leon_heller@h...> wrote:
  > > ----- Original Message ----- 
  > > From: "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...>
  > > To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
  > > Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:38 PM
  > > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB
  > > 
  > > 
  > > > Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does anyone 
  > know
  > > > the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  
  > > 
  > > With the Pulsonix software I use, a bus contains several nets.
  > > 
  > > Leon
  > > --
  > > Leon Heller, G1HSM
  > > http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller



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  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 


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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-17 by Phil

yup, pretty much what Jeremy said.  dont use busses.  go ahead and 
delete the busses you made.

nets can be a bit tricky to actually get connected.  Run the ERC 
(engineering? rule check) to see if you have any unconnected 
pins/nets.  Its easy to actually not make the connection.  erc will 
tell you if you have any.

when you switch to board view, you will see all your components 
sitting outside the board outline.  You'll have to move them inside 
the outline before you can do anything.

In general, I only use autorouting to get a sense of how good my 
component placement is. The autorouter is kind of stupid and will 
often rout the worst possible net first so you need to give it a lot 
of guidance. I'll autorout, ripup, move components, try it again 
until I can get pretty far.  Then I ripup all and start manually 
routing.  It may take some time but you will start getting a sense of 
the best placement and rotation of a device.  

When you are done with routing, you really aren't done.  You will 
need to run DRC (design rule checking) to ensure that your component 
placement and routing is good.  dont be dismayed if you get a lot of 
DRC errors.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Jeremy Taylor" <jeremy@e...> 
wrote:
> You have to place the components on the board, then run the 
autorouter. It will not place components for you, thus it can not 
autoroute till you do so. It will put all the components that you use 
in your schematic, on the board page, but they will all be off to the 
side grouped together, yet connected by the air wires you specified 
in the schematic. .
> I find it very useful to name all related components and name the 
nets in the schematic so it's easier to tell which resistor goes with 
which cap when you start laying out the board.
> I never use "buses"  in the software, I just use airwires, that get 
called nets. IMO a trace is a trace whether it be a bus or a net. 
> 
> http://www.soundclick.com/jtsound
>   ----- Original Message ----- 
>   From: teilhardo 
>   To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com 
>   Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 11:03 PM
>   Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB
> 
> 
>   So, if I put nets together with my components, and then switch to
>   layout editor, isn't the program supposed to logically come up 
with a
>   layout?
>   In my schematic, I connected the components together using these
>   "buses" and then some pop up error came up and said that they 
need to
>   be connected using nets.  So I put the nets on top of the busses, 
is
>   this right?  Or do I only need nets OR busses?
>   Thanks,
>   Tei
>   --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Phil" <phil1960us@y...> 
wrote:
>   > a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically 
connected 
>   > together - kind of the way you would logically think of it.  It 
has a 
>   > name.  You dont have to actually draw them as connected.  Any 
nets 
>   > you name Gnd, for example, will be connected together.   This 
is 
>   > great for doing a schematic with out making a wiring mess in 
the 
>   > drawing.  I use it all the time.  
>   > 
>   > A bus is a set of parallel nets with a common name, say "Bus", 
and 
>   > each net has a sub name - Bus1, Bus2, Bus3...  Its used mainly 
for, 
>   > shock!, creating busses and keeping them tidy on the schematic.
>   > 
>   > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Leon Heller" 
>   > <leon_heller@h...> wrote:
>   > > ----- Original Message ----- 
>   > > From: "teilhardo" <teilhardo@y...>
>   > > To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
>   > > Sent: Sunday, May 16, 2004 9:38 PM
>   > > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt 
at PCB
>   > > 
>   > > 
>   > > > Eagle has some nice ULP's but it is sort of awkward.  Does 
anyone 
>   > know
>   > > > the difference between a "bus" and a "net"?  
>   > > 
>   > > With the Pulsonix software I use, a bus contains several nets.
>   > > 
>   > > Leon
>   > > --
>   > > Leon Heller, G1HSM
>   > > http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller
> 
> 
> 
>   Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and 
files:
>   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs 
> 
> 
>         Yahoo! Groups Sponsor 
>               ADVERTISEMENT
>              
>        
>        
> 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
----------
>   Yahoo! Groups Links
> 
>     a.. To visit your group on the web, go to:
>     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/
>       
>     b.. To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>     Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>       
>     c.. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of 
Service. 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-17 by JanRwl@AOL.COM

In a message dated 5/16/2004 6:59:03 PM Central Standard Time, 
phil1960us@... writes:
a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically connected 
together 
Hmmm...  Learn summin new each day!  And I thought a "net" was for catchin' 
bugs!


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Re: New to group and first attempt at PCB

2004-05-18 by teilhardo

Hi Guys,
Thanks a lot for all of your helpful input, it really paid off.  I
finally got the eagle software working and printed out a "beautiful"
pcb negative on photo paper, put in on copper clad and etched it using
the 2:1 3% H2O2 to 30% HCL mixture, it worked out just great.  So now
I'm working at putting in the components...and trying to bare the
smell of rosin core solder.  But anyways, I just wanted to say thanks
for all the help and input, you all made it possible to complete 
-Tei

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, JanRwl@A... wrote:
> In a message dated 5/16/2004 6:59:03 PM Central Standard Time, 
> phil1960us@y... writes:
> a net in eagle is a number of pins that are electically connected 
> together 
> Hmmm...  Learn summin new each day!  And I thought a "net" was for
catchin' 
Show quoted textHide quoted text
> bugs!
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Move to quarantaine

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