PCB production for the dummies

[Roland]

Hi guys,
I'm new to this forum so pardon me if the topic is covered in another thread...
I'm really impressed by the quality of the PCB used for most projects here and would like to know what software / solutions you usally use / would recommend for designing the layout and for the production of the actual PCB?
I have some basic knowledge in electronics and would probably want to take a little dive into tweating my CPCs like you guys do (at a newbie level though )

Thanks in advance for your answers, I'm looking forward to reading from you!

Cheers!

Roland

[Bryce]

Hi Roland,
          for an absolute beginner I'd recommend Eagle. It's free, has a relatively good library which is easy to expand. The freeware version will allow you to do PCBs up to 10cm x 10cm 2 Layer which should cover most CPC expansions. The Autoroute is ok for Freeware. It's also very easy to use and doesn't overload you with options that you won't understand. There are loads of guides to using it online too. Another choice is DIPTrace which is also free and similarly powerful. Download both and see which one you prefer.

Bryce.

[Roland]

Hi Bryce,

Thanks a lot for your quick and precise answer, I didn't know about the freeware version of Eagle! For the rest, do you then produce the PCB using your job facility or are you using online services?
I was wondering about, for instance, ordering samples online for a reduced batch. Is it worth the try?
Cheers,

Roland

[TFM]

Hi Roland,


Welcome to the forum! Yes, PCBs in these days are awesome. 

[Bryce]

Hi Bryce,

Thanks a lot for your quick and precise answer, I didn't know about the freeware version of Eagle! For the rest, do you then produce the PCB using your job facility or are you using online services?
I was wondering about, for instance, ordering samples online for a reduced batch. Is it worth the try?
Cheers,

Roland

For one off prototypes I have my own etching equipment at home. As soon as you get to about 10 boards or more it makes sense to use an online service. Although the place I work designs quite a lot of electronics, we also use online services for prototypes and other manufacturers for mass production.

Bryce.

[Roland]

Thanks Bryce & Stefan for your answers/comments!
Hopefully I'll get the time to come back and expose any relevant ideas soon  .

In the meantime, if some users have had some experience regarding online services. Please share here  !

Cheers,

Roland

[CraigsBar]

Thanks Bryce & Stefan for your answers/comments!
Hopefully I'll get the time to come back and expose any relevant ideas soon  .

In the meantime, if some users have had some experience regarding online services. Please share here  !

Cheers,

Roland

I had a couple of single sided boards made by these guys Further Information Request | GJG Electronics Ltd they were very reasonable and very efficient.


Regards
Craig

[Piotr]

For design pcb and schematic i use Diptrace software. Is a very easy to learn . Free version have limit up to 500 pads but is enough for small project. Pcb board i order in few companies in China. Is very good quality, fast and reasonable price .