First PCB

Abstract Dissonance · 2006-02-15T00:34:06+00:00

This is my first PCB,The first page is in color with some reference blocks I used so I knew what components were what... the second is only the copper.Anyone have any suggestions? I had to cram a lot of crap, IMO, into a small space... much more than I wanted to but I didn't have much of a choice.Basicaly contains a dual split regulated power supply with a +12 and +5 fixed (that will be used to run another pcb board and a fan and for general use).V+ is the 317 and V- is the 337 while the 12 and 5 are the 78MXX series. (I actually don't have a +5 ;/ I might have to try to fit a resistor in there some how and use an LM317 as a fixed 5 ;/)Anyways. The main thing I'm after is how the overall pcb design is... if there are any major problems that I should not do that is obvious to someone with more experience. Unfortunately(or maybe fortunately) I had to "draw" all the stuff by hand so it was kinda tough. I tried to use those "automated" programs but it seemed like more of a hassle for a simple job.Two notes, the larger pads are either for the variable resistors or input/output... except for the one next to the cap in the center which is actually used for another cap that will be sitting on top of the first cap and I will run some wires down to those pads... just didn't have enough room(I think) to do all that with another large 1in cap in there. I also didn't use any vias or jumpers cause I didn't really needed them and thought it would look messy(although it would have been nice to get all my outputs grouped together but its impossible the way I have it.Thanks,Jon

First PCB

Feb 15, 2006 43 Replies

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JeffM 20 years ago

Bingo!

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Ben Jackson 20 years ago

1/16th is terrible for PCBs. Solder will not bridge the hole easily. Go to Ace Hardware and get yourself some .032 (resistors) and .040 (diodes, ICs) bits. More if you don't have a drillpress, since you'll break them. It's easier to drill than you expect because the missing copper guides the bit.

Ben Jackson http://www.ben.com/

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ehsjr 20 years ago

I considered what you can do an *unknown*. The probability of someone who has never even used one of these presses being able to build one is very low. I am sorry you elected to find an insult where none existed.

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Joseph2k 20 years ago

Jem, your hand may be steady enough for that, mine isn't. I never had good coarse/fine motor control in my hands. That does not mean that i did not do several boards this way, i started long before resist pens and laser printers; i had to use nail polish. Even so, the then new (and crappy) Dremel drill press was out of reach (financially). I made several sloppy boards along the way. Never got an acceptable (no wire bridges) double sided board (plated thru holes was way out of the question).

JosephKK Gegen dummheit kampfen Die Gotter Selbst, vergebens. --Shiller

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