PCB & Perfboard design Question

[DiamondDog]

Hi,

I've mentioned before, I'm learning to use DIY Layout Creator, as it appears to be the weapon of choice around here.

I'm going through and looking at some of the perfs and pcbs in the galleries pages on Aron's site. From time to time I see things like this:



(I've only put in an excerpt to not identify the specific layout so no one thinks I'm picking on someone.)

To me, it seems as though having an axial cap going all that way doesn't make a lot of sense. You'll have to trust me when I say there's nothing else nearby on the board. If the trace had gone up, not down, and the resistor shortened by one "hole", there could have been a radial cap used. As I said it's something I see from time to time as I'm going through, not confined to this layout.

Is this probably a hangover from converting the layout from a vero/strip board to perf/PCB? Or am I missing something technical?

Thanks for any enlightenment. 

[caress]

this is just a guess...but i think it has more to do with the layout creator and having things be easily readable - of course that cap's trace could be closer, but going by that image, the cap symbol would have to be shifted to the left and up and wouldn't be very symmetrical or aesthetically pleasing...   i usually have resistors going from one trace to an adjacent trace, but i don't think it would be easy to convey that in that layout software..

[markm]

I'd recognize one of my layouts anywhere! 
What you say is true however, that's the Red Llama layout which uses a 330uf filter cap for the power supply and an axial was what I had.
I re-designed the layout sometime ago and forgot actually to add provisions for a radial cap.
It was positioned where it is for the reason of making it fit the board better with other components.
Although a 330uF electro isn't WAY HUGE  , it's certainly not small by any means.
Lastly, the layout you snipped the pic from was corrected as if you'll notice, the orientation of thae cap was incorrect.

[DiamondDog]

I'd recognize one of my layouts anywhere! 

I don't know what to say to that, Mark...

What you say is true however, that's the Red Llama layout which uses a 330uf filter cap for the power supply and an axial was what I had.
I re-designed the layout sometime ago and forgot actually to add provisions for a radial cap.
It was positioned where it is for the reason of making it fit the board better with other components.
Although a 330uF electro isn't WAY HUGE  , it's certainly not small by any means.
Lastly, the layout you snipped the pic from was corrected as if you'll notice, the orientation of thae cap was incorrect.

And you're absolutely right! Scary...

I'm glad you did recognise it, so we got to hear from the horse's mouth.

Thanks for the info!

[markm]

Thanks for the info!

Anytime, Glad to have helped. 
You make a very good point thought so, I may just re-design that one.
I do have a "Condensed" version of the Red Llama that hasn't been posted....maybe I'll do that one too!

[DiamondDog]

I do have a "Condensed" version of the Red Llama that hasn't been posted....maybe I'll do that one too!

There's a Red Llama on the list of to dos, so go for it! I'll wait!

But why not call it a Red Lemur?

A lemur is smaller than a llama, and has just as way huge a cult following. 


(You started it.)