PCB's

[23]

IM looking at producing a pedal for sale and am trying to figure out the best way to make or get made PCB's first in small numbers then hopefully in larger ones. Will making them myself be the most cost effective way or getting them made? Being that Ive never made a board and always did vero this would be a new venture. Any opinions or recommendations?

anyone out there who has pedals in stores I could use some advice on how that works, Ive sold a few one offs, but this one Im putting on the net and will try to get some stores to carry it and i really dont know the deal of how this is done.

thanks scott

[Processaurus]

There's lots of information on this forum both about peoples experiences making PCB's, and on selling effects pedals.  The selling part has occasionally turned into a sore subject as this is a DIY community (as opposed to a community of manufacturers, who would be much more reticent to help the competition) that has lots of people contributing designs and information for free.  But I think it's fine asking for manufacturing advice here as long as it's stated it's for a commercial venture, people can take it or leave it, you know?

As for your question, I would learn a PCB design program that can output Gerber 274x files, then you can shop around for getting PCB's manufactured.  They will be better quality than you can etch at home (double layer, soldermask, silkscreen, routed to any shape, etc).  Also take a look at how commercial pedals are put together, one brand I learned a lot from was Foxrox, if there's one of those pedals around.  There is a book at small bear electronics called "PCB layout for musical effects" that is specific to pedal building.  That and any tutorials that come with the PCB design software would be a good start.

As for selling, peoples general consensus is that it isn't a gold mine, at the end of the day, probably easier to make money with those same electronics skills in an arena that isn't as saturated by people doing it for fun.  An exception, I think, are really unique pedal designs, there is a niche market for that, and much honor.