Netlist to Veroboard?

On Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 9:23:43 AM UTC-5, snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote :

ning up my shed workshop etc, I'm re-learning a lot of basic stuff I've fo rgotten during the last 15-20 years. This includes using my CircuitMaker 20

I don't know circuit maker. At one time Eagle had a "student" version that was free but only did 100 pins (or something). There is gEDA that I used some. I t hink on all of those you have to layout the pcb for yourself.

George H.

Google?

In my experience, for simple prototypes Veroboard has been sort of more trouble than it's worth. I just use ordinary "blob board" and connect things up with lines of solder/jumpers.

There is this program:

You could also look at 'Fritzing' which may be useful on protoboards that mimic the solderless breadboards- it seems popular with hobbyists. Never used it myself, but have been annoyed by others using it.

Nothing is going to automatically go directly from your netlist to anything usable- placement and routing- without a lot of input from you.

You might want to consider having real PCBs made .. a lot has changed in the last decade or two and you can get real PCBs (2 layer) made for really cheap prices if you're willing to wait a couple weeks. With solder mask, silk screen on both sides etc.). You'd need layout software that will output gerbers and NC drill files to get the most flexibility, but there are outfits with their own software (that ties you into using them for fab) and some will take the design files directly (okay for hobbyists).

--sp

Here is one way to do it:

Switch your layout software to 2-layer and 0.1" grid. Place the parts so the most connections can be done horizontally. Via and make connections that must be vertical on the 2nd layer. The 2nd layer is then hand-wired. Can be diagonal also if needed. Wherever there are new nets staring horizontally you have to use you finger-drill tool to sever the traces.

However, this all falls apart when you must use SMT parts. Today I have to and so it'll be Sauerkraut-style, can't wait for a PCB turn-around.

Hi Terry

I have the PCB making kit, but would not bother using it now.

One thing that has definitely changed in the last 15-20 years is the fact that you can get professional quality circuit boards made for next to nothing, and shipped too if you are prepared to wait.

The going rate is now $14 total, shipped, for 10pcs of a board

Like these guys:

There are half a dozen others with similar pricing,

In fact I bet it's cheaper to layout a veroboard pattern on a PCB, and get 10 made, than it is to buy actual real veroboard!

I like to Dremel copperclad FR4 instead of using Veroboard or those terrible plastic block things.

Thanks all, appreciate the suggestions. Not sure if my relatively simple circuits are worthy of PCBs but will check out UK suppliers.

My post was prompted by wasting half a day trying to isolate a problem with a simple Veroboard circuit. Turned out to be plain carelessness - failure to make one cut in a track.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

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UK suppliers will be 10 times the price for low quantities I'm afraid. It's fine, keep using veroboard if you are comfortable with it.

That'll do it!

good luck with your projects

Perhaps not 10 times. It might be worth trying

Chris

Hey nice I was not aware of them. The design rules are a bit restrictive but no problem for Terry if he is making things on veroboard!