home made circuit board
Have you ever wanted to make a circuit board at home? Now you can, for use in all types of homemade electronic components.
[[Category:Maintenance and Repair]]
[[Image:Populated 4096.jpg|thumb]]
== Steps ==
=== Design ===
#Have a procedure in mind before attempting the task. Remember, a good design comes first.
#Draw the circuit schematic on either graph paper or a simulation programs such as [http://www.ni.com/multisim MultiSim] or [http://www.cadsoft.de Eagle CAD]. The schematic should contain a detailed description of all parts, as well as easy to follow connections. Keep in mind that a basic form of the schematic will be drawn on the circuit board. For help drawing schematics, please visit: [http://opencircuitdesign.com/xcircuit/goodschem/goodschem.html Open Circuit Design]
#If a simulation program is being used, test the circuit thoroughly in the simulated environment. If no simulation program is used, assemble and test one or more prototypes of the circuit on a breadboard. Breadboards are very easy to use, and allow one to view the results of a circuit in real time without the need for solder or permanent etches. For help with breadboards, please visit: [http://www.iguanalabs.com/breadboard.htm Iguana Labs]
#Make sure the circuit functions on the breadboard, or in the simulation software.
=== Drawing ===
#Acquire a circuit board. Circuit boards are about a dollar apiece, and are simply a layer of copper over an insulator. The typical size is usually 3.5 inches by 5 inches. Drawing is simple; all that is required is an indelible marker, such as a Sharpie. A ruler is also helpful.
#Draw out your circuit on your board with the Sharpie. Keep in mind that copper cannot be between components, for example, if connecting an LED, there must be a gap in the copper between the positive and negative points of connectivity. Without a gap, the electricity would flow around the LED, as opposed to through it. Remember laws of electricity, all circuits must
[[Category:Maintenance and Repair]]
[[Image:Populated 4096.jpg|thumb]]
== Steps ==
=== Design ===
#Have a procedure in mind before attempting the task. Remember, a good design comes first.
#Draw the circuit schematic on either graph paper or a simulation programs such as [http://www.ni.com/multisim MultiSim] or [http://www.cadsoft.de Eagle CAD]. The schematic should contain a detailed description of all parts, as well as easy to follow connections. Keep in mind that a basic form of the schematic will be drawn on the circuit board. For help drawing schematics, please visit: [http://opencircuitdesign.com/xcircuit/goodschem/goodschem.html Open Circuit Design]
#If a simulation program is being used, test the circuit thoroughly in the simulated environment. If no simulation program is used, assemble and test one or more prototypes of the circuit on a breadboard. Breadboards are very easy to use, and allow one to view the results of a circuit in real time without the need for solder or permanent etches. For help with breadboards, please visit: [http://www.iguanalabs.com/breadboard.htm Iguana Labs]
#Make sure the circuit functions on the breadboard, or in the simulation software.
=== Drawing ===
#Acquire a circuit board. Circuit boards are about a dollar apiece, and are simply a layer of copper over an insulator. The typical size is usually 3.5 inches by 5 inches. Drawing is simple; all that is required is an indelible marker, such as a Sharpie. A ruler is also helpful.
#Draw out your circuit on your board with the Sharpie. Keep in mind that copper cannot be between components, for example, if connecting an LED, there must be a gap in the copper between the positive and negative points of connectivity. Without a gap, the electricity would flow around the LED, as opposed to through it. Remember laws of electricity, all circuits must