Express PCB/SCH for DIY

[bwanasonic]

I have found Express PCB and Express SCH to be pretty helpful with my rudimentary pedal making efforts. The netlist support helps me *idiotproof* my wiring, and simplifies designing a layout. The fact that it's free helps! If anyone else uses this software, I'd be interested in trading notes and SCH/PCB files.

www.expresspcb.com

Kerry M

[BILLYL]

I use it and it is Quick - Easy - and very simple to use.  Doesn't have all the bells and whistles like some other programs but I was able to create some pretty good stuff fast.

Check out Fuzz Central for some examples.

http://fuzzcentral.tripod.com

[bwanasonic]

http://fuzzcentral.tripod.com

I have, and have found it very useful! I patterned my Rangemaster perfboard layout after the layout there.

Kerry M

[BILLYL]

IF YOU WOULD LIKE COPIES OF THE EXPRESSPCB LAYOUTS LET ME KNOW.

[80k]

i'm used to using Eagle from Cadsoft, and have found some good places to get the boards made using that software (Olimex or APCircuits in Canada).

the ExpressPCB boards are quite nice.  i put a Noise Swash together using one from 4ms which i believe they got from ExpressPCB.  i just wish they offered service for people that use different software.

[bwanasonic]

i'm used to using Eagle from Cadsoft, and have found some good places to get the boards made using that software (Olimex or APCircuits in Canada).

Is it practical to have boards made for personal use, or are you manufacturing pedals?

Kerry M

[keninverse]

here are a couple of reasons why I choose pro boardhouses:

1)screening makes it easier to build
2)soldermask makes it look nicer and traces won't corrode (of course you can just tin your own boards and spray enamel on it...but once a component craps out...
3)plated through holes allow for easier/faster build and increased reliability
4)no nasty chemicals (let the boardhouse take care of it--there's epa guidelines)
5)they just plain look good


Which brings me to another point.  Why don't we pool our cash together for board runs.  Panelize, panelize, panelize...I think a lot of people will be interested if it's cheep, cheep.

[80k]

i'm used to using Eagle from Cadsoft, and have found some good places to get the boards made using that software (Olimex or APCircuits in Canada).

Is it practical to have boards made for personal use, or are you manufacturing pedals?

Kerry M

it definitely takes a little planning to make these places efficient for personal use.  (work around certain dimensions to make panelizing easier).  my friend and i are manufacturing a tap tempo sequenced tremelo pedal that is using a dual layer PCB with separate analog and digital ground planes, so we definitely want to go with a pro board done.  even small production runs of 10 or so would make it cost efficient enough to go with, especialy with the quality you can get.

here are soundclips of the pedal that we are manufactureing:

http://www.secondsun.net/tremclip1.mp3

http://www.secondsun.net/tremclip2.mp3

[keninverse]

Are you going to sell these pedals ready-made or do you plan on selling any of the boards?