dbtoutfit

I have my circuit schematics completed but I need the layout done.

I have a few programs but I am a little behind the understanding of the pcb layout design.

I would like a dxf of the pcb layout. This way I can convert it to gcode so I can mill out the trax with my cnc machine.

I would like the layout to be as small as possible.

So simply put I am asking if any one would help me convert my circuit schematic to pcb layout.

I have the circuit schematic completed in Circuit Maker 2000 file.

Thanks for any help.

jpanhalt

How about attaching the schematic? John

dbtoutfit

I would rather email it to those that are willing to help me than to post it.

Thanks

3v0

Use Eagle to layout the board. (create a version of your schematic in Eagle, then use it to create the PCB layout, ensures that the PCB agrees with the schematic)
Then use PCB-GCode from within Eagle to generate GCODE

The aurthor of PCB-GCode has an active support group and they will help you setup the script to generate GCODE for your CNC.

Google PCB-GCode.

I use the above setup but only to drill the holes. I use toner transfer to etch the traces.

blueroomelectronics

Is it a commerical product? Or is it your laptop turn on device?

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

dbtoutfit

Thanks,

Yea, I am in the middle of getting Eagle.
I don’t really need the GCODE so to speak just the DXF, I can convert it from there. Many of the programs I have will convert and save it to dxf.

The problem I have is i have some IC's in my layout and the schematic doesn’t look like the IC. I do not know how to go about making sure the PCB layout insures that each connection or track is going to the correct leg on the IC. Or even if when i try to convert it the program will convert the schematic IC's to PCB IC's.

Needless to say I know about enough to get in trouble and do not know all the terminologies for this and that, so bare with me and my lack of knowledge in the dim areas.

dbtoutfit

That's irrelevant.

blueroomelectronics

Just wondering why you're reluctant to post the schematic. Sometimes the folks here can spot something before you make it into a PCB.

I layout all my PCBs using Sprint Layout. Personally I can't stand Eagle but lots of people like it so can't be all bad.

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

dbtoutfit

Sprint easier?

blueroomelectronics

In my opinion yes. The autorouter is very simple (useless) but most inexpensive autorouters are.
The drawing tools are excellent, the libraries are fine (I make my own, easy as pie). Limited to four layers but I only work with two. Try out the demo, I took to it in no time. The test tool is handy too (highlights all the current trace connections in purple)

Good PCB artwork is as much science as an artform.

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com

3v0

Not to worry. If you use Eagle and draw the schematic first. Then when you layout the board provides airwires (aka rubber bands) which are thin lines between pads showing where the traces need to go. It forces you to route the board the same as the schematic.

Why generate DXF then generate the GCode from there? With PCB-GCode you generate the GCode directly from the Eagle board layout. The setup program allows you to specify feed rates etc.

Eagle has a load of useful scripts. For example BOM generates a bill of materials list. Center-Drill makes the hole in center of pads smaller to help center drill. There are scripts to renember parts, etc.

The first time I tried Eagle I hated it. After a while I came back to it. Now that I have used it for a while I have come to mostly like it. Esp since I can have CNC drilled holes.

In case I have not been clear. PCB-GCode generates GCODE to route the board and drill it. I prefer to use toner transfer to etch the board after drilling it.

Worth every penny

dbtoutfit

Sounds good.

Well I grabbed Eagle and Sprint.

I should get this one way or the other.

Almost everything i have seen involved Eagle.

Nice how it generates the toolpath (gcode) for you.

Well I guess I better get to installing the programs.

I am sure i could still use some help along the way.

Any one got my back?

Thanks all

SYE

I agree, Sprint Layout rules !! I've tried dozens of other packages but nothing comes close to Sprint Layout. The only other program that even comes near is an old DOS program called Boardmaker, unfortunatley they "upgraded" this to Boardmaker3 some time ago and in the process removed everything that was good about it.

3v0

Does it do schematic capture and then use that to put the rubber bands into the layout for you ?

Does it do ERC checks on the schematic?

Does it have scripting ?

Can it generate a BOM for a project ?

blueroomelectronics

Nope, just a board layout program. But a PCB tweakers delight

__________________
Bill
Smart Kits build Smart People
http://www.blueroomelectronics.com