Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

[AJ]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I have read there are several good companies out there that do PCBs, but I'm looking for someone who has the time to actually design the board.

I know ground planes are important when working with higher speed op-amps. I also have a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to run the positive and negative rails.

Ground planes can be good, but aren't really necessary for anything audio. When restricted to a two layer board I find it better to use both layers for signal, power, and ground runs.

I've been using the free version of Eagle for awhile now and really like it. The size limitations are a drag though, so I've started learning Kicad.

[foxfire3]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

Express PCB is easy to use. It's not as tough as you think. A 2 sided board will be easy to do. Start with the schematic and the PCB becomes very easy to complete.

This is one I did for an amp recently.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]36507[/ATTACH]

Show off! :p

[Pete Schumacher]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I started with expresspcb.com and downloaded their free software. I was surprised how easy it was to use.

There are several good videos on YouTube showing how to use the software as well.

Express PCB is easy to use. It's not as tough as you think. A 2 sided board will be easy to do. Start with the schematic and the PCB becomes very easy to complete.

This is one I did for an amp recently.

[foxfire3]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I'm interested in learning how to do this, and have a little time and the inclination to try. If you can offer something to point me in the right direction to start?

I started with expresspcb.com and downloaded their free software. I was surprised how easy it was to use.

There are several good videos on YouTube showing how to use the software as well.

[foxfire3]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I have been using Eagle PCB by Cadsoft for years. I have the Pro version at work. They also have a freeware version that is limited to 2 layers, 4" x 3", but you can do a lot with that. It seems to work well, and the price is right for hobbyists. Disclosure: I have no interest in the company, but I like the product.

I have read there are several good companies out there that do PCBs, but I'm looking for someone who has the time to actually design the board.

I know ground planes are important when working with higher speed op-amps. I also have a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to run the positive and negative rails.

[msibilia]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I have been using Eagle PCB by Cadsoft for years. I have the Pro version at work. They also have a freeware version that is limited to 2 layers, 4" x 3", but you can do a lot with that. It seems to work well, and the price is right for hobbyists. Disclosure: I have no interest in the company, but I like the product.

[TN Allen]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

I'm interested in learning how to do this, and have a little time and the inclination to try. If you can offer something to point me in the right direction to start?

[foxfire3]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

Yeah, I saw AJ's thread on the buffered passive volume control. His boards look REALLY nice.

I just don't know if he has the time to fool with my stuff.

[tc]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

Yeah, AJ is your dude. (Don't know NeilDavis, he may be too....)

[Mark65]

Re: Anyone Here Good at PCB Design?

AJ or neildavis are your guys there, probably among quite a few others, but those are the guys that I've really seen doing some great work.

[foxfire3]

I've been trying to design a PCB for a relatively simple op-amp based preamp. using one dual op-amp like the OPA2134 followed by (2) single current-feedback op-amps used as buffers. All op-amps are DIP-8 style so I can use sockets on the board.
I just don't have the time or knowledge to such a board(s).

I've used Express PCB in the past only because their design software was something I could actually figure out how to use. Their turnaround time was also pretty fast.

If someone is interested, please PM me and I'll send a schematic or PCB Express file of what I have come up with so far.
I'll be glad to pay someone for their help.

Thanks...