Layouting techniques

[mnordbye]

How do you guys start out when making a layout from a schematic? Do you start with the ICs, trannys or anything etc.. I'm trying my hand on an own design, using DIY layout creator btw.. Great program.

Magnus N

[CGDARK]

From input to output and then if any the switching circuit, LFO, etc. In this way you have less probability for missing parts or traces.

CG

[R.G.]

At the risk of blowing my own horn, I did an entire book about just that. "PCB Layout For Musical Effects" is exactly about starting with a schematic and progressing to a professional quality PCB layout. Small Bear has them in stock now.

[96ecss]

At the risk of blowing my own horn, I did an entire book about just that. "PCB Layout For Musical Effects" is exactly about starting with a schematic and progressing to a professional quality PCB layout. Small Bear has them in stock now.

When I read the question, I was also going to recommend your book. http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=679 It has helped me incredibly. Now I don't stare at a schematic and wonder where to start anymore. It's also helped me to clean up some layouts I found in the gallery that I wanted to build. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Dave

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Yeah, I have the earlier version of Jack's book, and it is pretty inspirational. And clear.

But, in the meantime -
1. think about where you want the wiring to go to the PCB.
2. place the ICs.
3. power and ground to the ICs.
(because, you can always get an opportunity to hop over a power or ground trace by a resistor or cap that is carrying a signal. But it is difficult to go the other way).

But, like anything else - try, then look at what the Masters have done (GGG etc).
Layout isn't a strong point of mine.. but, fortunately, effects are pretty simple & easily broken into separate stages.

One thing, although a TL074 quad op amp is cheaper than two TL072 duals, the latter gives you more layout freedom.

[R.G.]

Yeah, I have the earlier version of Jack's book, and it is pretty inspirational. And clear.

Jack's book? Did Jack write a book on layout?

One thing, although a TL074 quad op amp is cheaper than two TL072 duals, the latter gives you more layout freedom.

Absolutely correct.

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

Yeah, I have the earlier version of Jack's book, and it is pretty inspirational. And clear.

Jack's book? Did Jack write a book on layout?

Oh God how embarassing... that's it, it's 2.30 AM here in Melbourne Australia & I'm going to bed
Of course I meant...R.G.

[R.G.]

Hey, no problem. I thought there might be one and I'd missed it.

[Dragonfly]

Hey, no problem. I thought there might be one and I'd missed it.

Just a moment of derailing here....

RG... Bill Webb said to say hello to you , so I thought I'd pass it on !

AC

[R.G.]

Didja play a Fulton-Webb? Killer amps. Bill really knows his stuff.

[Dragonfly]

Didja play a Fulton-Webb? Killer amps. Bill really knows his stuff.

Yep. Steve is a good friend of mine, and I like Bill a lot. KILLER sounding amps. I just dropped off a Stromberg-Carlson Signet 22 for Bill and told him "Convert it to a guitar amp...make it whatever YOU want. Make it something you're proud of. " I have no idea what he'll turn it into, as those particular amps are easy conversions for AC15's, Marshall 18 watts, and some of the Watkins amps....I just told him to "have fun and do whatever you like to it." 

Bill speaks VERY highly of you.