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Bigman80
22-02-2018, 17:55
Hi all,

Does anyone know how to go from having a Circuit Diagram to actually getting a PCB made?

I'm totally out of my depth here so any advice is welcome.

Thanks
walpurgis
22-02-2018, 17:59
If you know the circuit and can lay it out on a board you could make your own.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PRO-PCB-PHOTO-BOARD-ETCHING-ETCH-SIMPLE-SET-KIT-NEW-UK-STOCK/112446120504?hash=item1a2e4fa238:g:iykAAOSwCM5XPtB 2
Primalsea
22-02-2018, 18:23
You could have a look at PCB Wizard 3 from Maplin. This does have a auto layout feature That will get you most of the way there. You would then have to send the artwork file to a PCB service for a quote.
Bigman80
22-02-2018, 18:39
I need some help with the Layout Geoff. A program like the one mentioned would be ideal BUT I'd prefer free. LOL
Bigman80
22-02-2018, 23:35
You could have a look at PCB Wizard 3 from Maplin. This does have a auto layout feature That will get you most of the way there. You would then have to send the artwork file to a PCB service for a quote.Thanks for this.
Svend N
23-02-2018, 10:58
Oliver, I have a friend who's an electrical engineer and does his own design work at home. If you still need help I can ask him what he uses.
RothwellAudio
23-02-2018, 11:19
Can I ask why you want a PCB? In my opinion, this isn't a trivial undertaking. It takes me ages to lay out a PCB to my satisfaction and then I have at least 100 made, which isn't particularly cheap. I've heard of places that will make 1 offs, but I've never used them. Besides, you still have to generate the artwork (the PCB layout) before they can do anything.
At the other end of the spectrum it is possible to very simple circuit boards by simply drawing the tracks onto a copper clad board with an etch resist pen and then etching it in ferric chloride solution. Then you have to drill all the holes neatly and accurately. And you have some nasty chemicals to dispose of.
Can I ask what you're planning to make?
Bigman80
23-02-2018, 11:22
Oliver, I have a friend who's an electrical engineer and does his own design work at home. If you still need help I can ask him what he uses.Thanks Svend
RothwellAudio
23-02-2018, 11:35
If you still need help I can ask him what he uses.
Knowing what he uses is one thing. Being able to use it is something else.
Edward
23-02-2018, 11:57
If the proposed project is relatively simple what about just point-to-point wiring?

I'm thinking of building some crossovers and am hoping to get away with just point-to-point wiring. I imagine designing and getting printed a circuit board would not be cost effective for simple circuits - especially if one does not intend to produce many items.
Bigman80
23-02-2018, 12:07
Well, it's not really a simple circuit. I am confident of creating the Circuit Diagram in a program as that's pretty easy. It's the diagram to PCB layout that is where the difficulties lie. I can call upon Alan who can advise.

The Circuit is for a Valve Phonostage. The cost for a small amount isnt really an issue. I've found a few places that'll do it for £40 ish. Probably cheaper in China too.
Bigman80
23-02-2018, 12:46
For a one-off valve phonostage I would recommend tagstrip or point-to-point wiring. The advantage is that it's much easier to make amendments and changes when you're evaluating and testing. An apparently trivial change to the wiring/earthing scheme can actually make a tremendous difference, but you're stuck if it's committed to PCB tracks unless you start cutting tracks and soldering bits of wire to the board - which rather undermines the point of a PCB.I see your point, Andrew. It's valid.

There is a working prototype of this Phonostage which has already been tweeked and is in final form. The PCB is really to make life easier. I can't really expand on that yet but it's a finalised version. I just want to get a few PCBs made. A very small run and see how it Looks, sounds, fits in a case etc.

As we know P2P Is the best way but it's a PCB or nothing.
wee tee cee
23-02-2018, 16:28
Oliver,
I would maybe PM Colin Wonfor see if he can give you a steer.
Stratmangler
23-02-2018, 17:36
https://www.texaslonghorn.com/longhorn_info/Legacy/P_3665.jpg:eek:
wee tee cee
23-02-2018, 17:40
its certainly got the horn!
Bigman80
23-02-2018, 17:45
its certainly got the horn!Might be an idea cheers Tony
Colin Wonfor
24-02-2018, 10:28
SEE PM best Col or Cow or Horny you choice he he
Stratmangler
24-02-2018, 10:58
A decent Steer was mentioned.
The one pictured is a Texas Longhorn.
struth
24-02-2018, 11:07
a queer steer:lol:
Bigman80
24-02-2018, 11:36
SEE PM best Col or Cow or Horny you choice he heHave done and replied. Thanks Colin.
Scooby
24-02-2018, 14:56
Really enjoying watching your journey, Oliver. It's inspiring to see someone "dare to try". More power to you, mate ;)
Bigman80
24-02-2018, 15:33
Really enjoying watching your journey, Oliver. It's inspiring to see someone "dare to try". More power to you, mate ;)Cheers mate. Its been great fun.

I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm really hopeful of getting this project off the ground. I may have to just try and see how I get on but that's all part of the journey.