PCB layout software tip

[moosapotamus]

These PCB layout packages are great for all kinds of other simple CAD purposes. I've been using ExpressPCB for a while. But, in addition to laying out PCBs, I recently discovered that it's great for making drilling templates for enclosures, too.

You can download mechanical drawings of Hammond enclosures here...
http://www.hammondmfg.com/dwg.htm
... and use those dimensions to accurately duplicate the outline of your enclosure in ExpressPCB (or whatever PCB layout or CAD package you've got).

Then you can create your own custom components (pots, jacks, switches, etc...) and just drop them in where you want them. Makes it real easy to explore different enclosure layouts to find the one you like best. Way easier than marking up an enclosure or drawing out drilling templates by hand.

And, I also used ExpressPCB to draw a new layout for our basement, which we recently refinished. Worked great! :mrgreen:

~ Charlie

[ExpAnonColin]

And, I also used ExpressPCB to draw a new layout for our basement, which we recently refinished. Worked great! :mrgreen:

~ Charlie

That's excellent!

I tried to use a PCB program again today and did fine, it was just too much work though... I don't think I'll be designing PCBs until I want to make 50+ of a certain design.

-Colin

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

And, I also used ExpressPCB to draw a new layout for our basement, which we recently refinished. Worked great! :mrgreen:

~ Charlie

Maybe instead of "pour copper groundplane" in PCB packages, they will add "pour cocrete floor"

[bwanasonic]

I just downloaded Eagle CAD and it seems pretty cool. Might be overkill for my needs though, and I may just stick with ExpressPCB/SCH. For enclosure templates I use Adobe Illustrator.

Kerry M