Tagged Questions

10
votes
5answers
215 views

What’s the simplest Linux capable board I could make at home?

I'd like to make a single board computer capable of booting Linux, with my low-tech garage tools (2 sided PCBs, reflow skillet, no plating through holes). What's the simplest hard …
4
votes
8answers
209 views

Where can you get PCBs fabricated in Australia?

Hi everyone, I'm pretty new to all this, only having used an Arduino for a couple of weeks now. Having said that I'm preparing to build my first "proper" circuit from the ground …
4
votes
3answers
51 views

Is there a common netlist format?

Is there a common netlist format that is portable between different schematic/pcb/EDA/CAD tools, and if so where is the format or reference so I can implement it? If not, does eac …
5
votes
9answers
244 views

How do you cut PCB?

I just spent about 20 minutes trying to cut through a PCB with a hacksaw. These things are really tough. What is the correct tool to cut PCB material, and get a nice straight line …
7
votes
5answers
145 views

Best methods to fix broken tracks

I've made a couple of PCBs which need the odd few 10 mil tracks, but are mostly 20/30 mil. Unfortunately the etching process isn't fantastic and there are numerous breaks in the tr …
8
votes
9answers
315 views

What are low cost circuit and PCB design software?

Do you know of any freeware or low cost circuit / PCB design software? I know a few which I have listed below but I was wondering if there were more of its kind. Please mention th …
5
votes
5answers
212 views

PCB prototyping with Presensitized copper boards

Hi all. Not entirely sure if this applies to ChipHacker, if it doesn't, I apologise for posting. But it definitely applies to the subject of electronics in general. Im currently wo …
4
votes
7answers
197 views

Custom PCBs… what can go wrong?

I'm anxiously awaiting the delivery of my second set of custom designed PCBs from BatchPCB. The first board I designed was pretty darn simple and didn't have any problems. This s …
3
votes
4answers
113 views

What are some ‘gotchas’ of high-frequency board design?

I'd like to design a PCB for an analog loop controller.. something with an A/D, D/A, and processor on board. (Either DSP or FPGA, I haven't decided.) Since this should modulate a …
2
votes
3answers
68 views

PCB etching with transparent film

After etching a PCB I discovered a big spot across some of the traces - proberly from a finger. I transferred the PCB layout from a transparent film. What would be the best way t …