Question concerning 2 layer PCBs [optical compressor]

[Anthony_87]

Dear All,

I'm making a certain project, its an optical compressor, I need it for sound designing.
here's the links that shows all details:

https://mnats.net/what_compressor.html
https://mnats.net/images/weak_joe_a_bottom.png
https://mnats.net/images/weak_joe_a_ground_plane.png

It's not much of a complex circuit, but I'm concerned about something, I can see that this PCB has 2 layers!! and I don't have the ability to make 2 layered PCBs, my question is, can I do it in a 1 layered PCB and I simply make those connections (on top of the PCB) using simple copper wires? if yes, how should I do it?

Thanks for all help !

 

[dougy83]

You could make all the top-layer connections using copper wires, just bear in mind that there's around 25 ground connections on the top-layer ground plane as well. You can use a star grounding method for the ground points, which should give reasonable results (or you could actually work out another routing strategy).

For the other traces on the top-layer, you can use wire on either side of the board to make the connections. Also note that at least four of those traces on the top can be moved to the bottom-layer without issue.

 

[Sangoma]

I would suggest you leave the top layer as a solid unetched ground plane, use a 3mm drill to remove the copper where leads pass through to the bottom layer, and then make the connections of the top layer with wire as you suggest.

That will give you the best of both worlds.

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

It's a simple and low-tech audio circuit, no need for a ground plane anyway (unless it's used purely for ground connections) - but as suggested it's NOT a double sided layout, just a single sided one - simply drill the copper off the top after etching and drilling (as Sangoma said) if you really want to use a ground plane.