Open source PCBs...

[LinuxMan]

Hey.

I just thought of something. After puting together another layout of an
effect in Protel I thought to myself. These should be downloadable
somewhere so people wouldn't have to redraw them again and again in
order to change something they don't like in a PCB.

I got an idea of a PCB that starts with a version (let's say v1) and puting
that on a website. Than another member contributes something. We have
a discussion that results in a better PCB. After consideration we put that
improved version of a PCB on a site (v2). That way there would be an
easy evaliable library of most popular circuits out there avaliable free and
easily changed in a PCB design program (in case different lead spacing is
required, wider leads, etc.). Good thing is these are constantly evolved
and we finaly end up with a well thought and designed PCB. Also by
supporting multiple formats you could have these made in a PCB
company anytime.

Who's with me?

Cheers
LM

[The Tone God]

I don't really think there is a major need for it. Anybody can layout a PCB if they don't like the ones offered. Regularly people offer fixes for bad/other layouts when needed. Not too many people are going to spend time and money pumping out PCBs just to check for minor things. People are generally contant with "it works and sounds good". The corrodination is going to be horrible too in terms of file formats.

In theory nice idea but not very practical in my opinion.

Andrew

[Gilles C]

I also like the idea. I think about that once in a while.

But the problem is that not all people use the same softwatre.

Like Eagle that I like to use, for example. Some prefer PCB123 or ExpressPCB. Some prefer Paint Shop Pro, I prefer Paint. I "try" to learn how to use TurboCAD, some use AutoCAD etc...

What could be done is just upload the original Protel file on a site, along with the JPG or GIF file that is normally used and just specify that people can download and modify the pcb layout if they want to, as long as they sent a modified copy back to you to put on your site, or something like that.

Normally people will prefer to use the PDF format to protect their work...

It all depends on how you see it.

Gilles C

[RedHouse]

Hmmm,  Open source PCBs from LinuxMan

Whooda thunkit?  

[LinuxMan]

Hmmm,  Open source PCBs from LinuxMan

Whooda thunkit?  

Heheh...

The thought never crossed my mind...

Cheers
LM