How do I convert a schematic to a layout?

[bluesman1218]

I understand how to use DIY Layout Creator (and similar programs), but I don't know how to create the physical layout. Any help would be appreciated!
Give me a fish and I can eat today. Teach me to fish and I can eat for the rest of my life!

[Nasse]

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=679

[digi2t]

For veroboard layouts I use Layout Creator for laying out. I always start with an oversized board, say, 50 holes by 25 rows. As for the actual construction method, I go line by line, component by component, connecting the dots, and making the necessary cuts in the copper as I go. I tend to start with either the INPUT, or the +9 line. Once I have all the components on the board, I double check the circuit, line by line. Generally I do this by printing draft copies of the layout and schematic, laying them side by side, and then going over both with Highlighters. Once I'm convinced that my vero matches the schematic, I can then try to reduce the size of the vero. This generally consists of hour of staring at the board, trying to see how I can move components around to cut back on holes or rows. Being visual, and having a bit of imagination are key. Moving components around, reducing the number of holes/rows, and re-checking is the name of the game here. I tend to do this over several days, since my eyes go nutty after a while. Do a bit, leave it, go back the next day. After 4 or 5 days, I call it done and build it. Anything longer is flogging a dead mutt. So this;



ends up looking like this;



If you follow the lines, you should see that everything connects. Red dotted squares are cuts in the traces, and the black lines are jumpers.
I hope this helps. Or... save yourself the hassle, and pay someone to make the board for you. Depends how badly you want to learn I guess. Your call...

Cheers,
Dino

[nocentelli]

I don't know how to create the physical layout. Any help would be appreciated!

Are you starting with stripboard layouts? That's my preferred area. I tend to limit myself to 25x9 holes, because that is the size of small boards I buy in bulk. There is plenty of room to do a nice compact layout for a 3/4 transistor fuzz or overdrive, or a simple opamp gain device.

I start by putting the +9v across the top strip, and the ground across the bottom. Add the input wire to one of the middle strips from the left, then follow the schematic from input to output, adding components from left to right as you follow the schem left to right: In this way, you can use the coupling capacitors/resistors to jump across to a new strip, and add the required resistors or jumpers for the connections from that strip up to +9v, or down to ground. Keep checking whether there is already anything else "upstream or downstream" on that strip, and if there is, just put in a cut to keep it separate.

As with almost everything in DIY pedal building, start off with a simple fuzz/OD and try it out for yourself. Find a schem for a two/three knob fuzz/OD, and try out your own layout. Also, study layouts that others have done, and check that you can follow the schematic from their layout: Here's a couple that I've done (followed by the relevant schematic) -

[jbgron]

http://www.smallbearelec.com/Detail.bok?no=679

I second getting a copy of RG's book.  Its very well written and easy to understand.  Its not software specific so you can apply the techniques you learn in any software.  Personally, I recommend Eagle.

[ayayay!]

IMHO, there's no substitute for the real thing:  Go to the Rat Shack and buy a piece of perfboard.  Build a simple circuit like an LPB, or maybe check out some stuff at Beavis's site http://www.beavisaudio.com and get familiar with building. 

Just one is enough to familiarize yourself with what to expect when laying out components (how many holes does that resistor cover?) wiring (Oops did I forget to leave holes for ground for the jacks?) orientation (if I put that transistor in backwards, how hard will it be to reverse it?) and so on... you get the idea.

[chi_boy]

There are a lot of programs and a lot of opinions.  I chose to climb the Eagle learning curve and have found it to work quite well.  The airwires make it almost impossible to miss a trace.  It's a little overwhelming but with some help from gaussmarkov, http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/tools/software/eagle-cad/ it's possible to learn.

[ayayay!]

These might help.  Print them off and start drawing a simple circuit.    http://www.runoffgroove.com/perftemplates.html

[chi_boy]

I understand how to use DIY Layout Creator (and similar programs), but I don't know how to create the physical layout. Any help would be appreciated!
Give me a fish and I can eat today. Teach me to fish and I can eat for the rest of my life!

Should really ask: PCB, vero, or other?


FWIW, I started learning Eagle by copying existing (simple) layouts just to learn enough to get functional.  I started with a Fuzz Face and work up from there.  I've only done a handfull of layouts, but I've grown to like the program.  Your milage may vary........

[bluesman1218]

Thanks for all the great responses. While I can use vero, I prefer to start making my own PCBs. It just makes more sense in case I want to do additional builds especially since I perform and teach (keep 2 rigs). Checked out Beavis, guess I missed that one, but Chi Boy's link is very cool. Eagle sounds like it will be easier to use and more flexible setting up the PCB layout from the schematic.

[deadastronaut]

i'm on the eagle 'learning curve'....plenty of youtube tutorials too.....