DIY layout question

[snoof]

I cobbled this together from the LERA schematic, and I'm wondering how I size this sucker properly??  Because it's obviously too big right now.  Do I print it out after trail and error resizing and see if the components fit??

[GREEN FUZ]

You need to Render PNP. You can then print out the render which should be the correct size and use that to see how your components fit.

[snoof]

when I do the render PNP, it's the same size as it is above, which is way too big.  I'll keep foolin with it.

[GREEN FUZ]

Odd! Anything to do with the print options or page setup of your printer software? Is the scale set at 100%?

[snoof]

nope.  I have to reduce it like 40% to even get it in the ballpark.  Maybe i'm just overestimating the software capability, i assumed it would render the graphics at the proper resolution or whatever the technical term is .  the solder pads get real pixel-ey too when I reduce it that much.

[96ecss]

when I do the render PNP, it's the same size as it is above, which is way too big.  I'll keep foolin with it.

Mine does the same thing. I have to open it in Photoshop, then print it. It works fine that way.

Dave

[snoof]

i'm opening/printing from paintshop pro 7 here at work, no dice, too big.  tried it in MS fax/photo viewer as well, no dice...

[Cardboard Tube Samurai]

I always have to resize the rendered pcb image in photoshop. I just use the size rulers on the side and work out if, say, a resistor can fit... you have a basic idea on how long a resistor is right!?

[GuitarLord5000]

Got to Project -> Print PNP

Should print out the PNP at the correct size, instead of using the Render tool.

[Barcode80]

also, you can size it properly by opening the rendered image in photoshop and printing at about 200 dpi. that should be the proper reduction. it defaults to 72 dpi on render because that is a rough standard for gif files.

[bumblebee]

I keep a piece of perf next to my PC and put up to the screen next to a print preview to get the holes and distance about right,if it looks good i print it.

Not the most advanced method but it works out ok. i could see it being a problem possibly with IC's...??!

[GREEN FUZ]

also, you can size it properly by opening the rendered image in photoshop and printing at about 200 dpi. that should be the proper reduction. it defaults to 72 dpi on render because that is a rough standard for gif files.

Bizarrely, when I render PNP it comes out roughly 200dpi and the correct size. I wonder why this is the case?

[mydementia]

My 'render PNP' works fine too...but I always check before printing.
I dump my PNP images into my photoshop program (cheapo Costco version).  I create a 0.1" x 0.1" box (an empty text box) and use that for my guide.  Since everything should be set up to 0.1" spacing (4x for resistors, 3x for caps, etc) it's easy to see whether your parts will fit.  When I print, I make sure that it is set for 100% (you might have to set this in your software and in your printer preferences - just make sure 'scale to fit page' is NOT checked).  This process should ensure that you are printing the right size every time.  I also print on plain paper before committing to PNPBlue...  Before this process, I made several boards that I couldn't get sockets into... but now I've learned!!

Good luck.
Mike

PS> In your layout below, you'll need to make R1 with a spacing of 3 holes in order to get off the regulator pad... or move R1 one column to the left.

[snoof]

PS> In your layout below, you'll need to make R1 with a spacing of 3 holes in order to get off the regulator pad... or move R1 one column to the left.

d'oh.  good catch

good info guys, thanks!