Arduino on the Breadboard
Perfboard and point-to-point wiring
Circuit Board (PCB) Design Software
- Eagle
- Commercial software but a free version is available for non-profit use
- Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux
- Board size in non-profit free version is limited to 100x80 mm (4x3.2 inches)
- Good tutorials and good community support
- gEDA
- Free open source software, no limitations
- Available for Linux and Mac (can be built for Windows)
- KiCAD
Tutorials for PCB Design Software
Parts Libraries for PCB Design Software
Different software packages and people use different terms for parts - you may see "part", "symbol", or "footprint".
Ordering PCBs
Some board houses will produce PCBs directly from Eagle files, but most will ask for Gerber format files.
- proven Gerber export settings for Eagle as a zip archive - instructions are included
- Gerber export from Eagle - scroll to "What's a Gerber?"
- FreeDFM.com - free "design for manufacturability" test. A good test to run before ordering PCBs as it will catch many common mistakes that might delay your order.
- Board houses:
- Barebones PCB - fast, cheap boards without soldermask (green coating) or silkscreen (white lettering)
- Batch PCB - slower, cheap boards with soldermask and silkscreen
- Expres PCB - more expensive, full-service board production
- Gold Phoenix - China-based manufacturer for when you need a lot of boards made cheaply
DIY PCBs
