DIY Layout Creator - software for easy drawing PCB, vero and perfboard layouts

[Kipper4]

I know it's a big ask but this would be really handy for an iPad app. Any chance?

[glops]

Hey guys and gals,

I've been using the old version of DIYLC. Never thought to check for an update. Did that today and the new version looks so awesome. I'm downloading the new java now but I am thinking that maybe the new version of java and DIYLC won't work with my outdated Mac OSX 10.4. Am I right?

[glops]

Sheit, looks like I gotta get a new computer, 

[polifemo]

Just downloaded DIYLC and have been trying it out for a while.
The components do not line up as intended and everything ends up in between the solder points...

I'm on a Mac running OSX 10.6.8.

[deadastronaut]

^ everytime ive downloaded the newest version i have to resize bits to 'actual' size..pots/resistors/diodes etc...chips are always ok though.. are ok though.

once done, everything is fine..

check the 'snap to grid' option ....pad size/ board etc....use the chip as a reference.

[nosamiam]

I finally had to retire my 2007 Macbook and get a slightly newer one. I figured it was time to get the latest DIYLC version too. It's not been an easy transition for me, but I'm sure it's just me.

Anybody have trouble with resistors only being "standing"? I can't seem to get them to lie down nicely. When I place one on my board I can only get a vertical orientation. Any help, Bancika or anybody else?

[deadastronaut]

^ make them thinner,  i have mine set at 2mm by 5mm...(tick the box to the right of your size selection...then they will always stay that size.

like i said, go through your components till they look ok, use the chip ad board as a reference, thats what i do anyway...

[nosamiam]

WEIRD!! I didn't even have to do that! I just opened up the program again and it worked fine with no fiddling.

[Kipper4]

I've been making new templates for my resized componants and its a lot tidier.
All i need to do now is figure out whats a good trace width that etchers can use . Also what is a good size for an etched pad?
Anyone throw any light on it for me please.

[GGBB]

All i need to do now is figure out whats a good trace width that etchers can use . Also what is a good size for an etched pad?
Anyone throw any light on it for me please.

If you are using DIYLC to export your PCB transfers to either PNG or PDF, you do not have precise control over your trace, pad, and holes sizes because DIYLC rounds them off - traces to the nearest .005" increment  and pads and holes to the nearest .01" increment on the halves (e.g. .075", .085" etc.).  I don't know if this is different if you are using metric sizes.  See: http://code.google.com/p/diy-layout-creator/issues/detail?id=199.

There is also an alignment issue between pads and traces.  Pads are .0025" to the right and below where they should be (center of traces).  These values might be different depending on your trace and pad sizes - I haven't tested that.  I had filed this problem but it is no longer on the list.

I import DIYLC PDFs into Inkscape to get around these problems.  I also do ground fills in Inkscape.

So that being said, I use .04" traces and .085" pads with .028" holes.  Holes go to .035" for chunkier leads (e.g. power diodes) and off board connections.  Pads go to .1" for off-board wires and board-mounted pots.  But my boards are chunky-sized - probably not to everyone's tastes.

[Kipper4]

Thanks Gord
excellant stuff

[Mach]

Hi all ! this is my first post here !
this forum is amazing !

please, the layout creator works on W7 ?

tnx

Mach

[GGBB]

please, the layout creator works on W7 ?

Welcome to the forum!  Yes - works fine on Windows 7.

[wheyface]

Has anybody run into a problem when trying to run things on Mavericks? I just updated and now can't get DIYLC to work!

[koky]

Hello!
I think my first post here and have a question.
From what I have read in this thread I understood that I have to create my own library of components (res, caps, diodes etc.). Am I right?

Great community you are. 

Kostadin

[GGBB]

Hello!
I think my first post here and have a question.
From what I have read in this thread I understood that I have to create my own library of components (res, caps, diodes etc.). Am I right?

Great community you are. 

Kostadin

Welcome to the community!

DIYLC has a built-in set of components that covers probably everything you would need to use.  They are also configurable for things like size, pin spacing, colour etc. and you can save different variations of a component as templates for re-use.  So you do NOT need to create your own components, but you can create your own customized versions of the built-in ones.

[koky]

My fault!
I meant templates (customized parts) not library.
Thanks for the kind words. 

Kostadin

[duck_arse]

ahh, well. I love linux, never a dull moment. this week, it's ubuntu, precise pangolin, the name itself causes problems.

so, has anyone here managed an install? I've gone around a few circles, typed my password a million times, but I just end up going other places and looking at blank web-pages.

anyone?

[booshirayray]

If Linux users are having issues installing I'd gladly write a bash script to help installation. I am new here but I'm not new to that, being a CS PhD student.

[duck_arse]

hmmm, a script. if it starts with putting the correctly syntaxed repository link into the software manager thing, it would be a start. even with the correct link, the program didn't show in the menus of programs. when I went to the repository, and searched, it turned up a link, to a page that just sat blank.

and the funny thing is, I didn't follow the steps properly at the start (who does?), and I have a zip version on my hdd already. I'm just not going to mess with that now that I've found the "install instructions for linux users".