easyEDA noob standard

[PerranOak]

As a total noob to PCB making (well I did once hand-draw and etch one when I was 17) I am wondering if easyEDA is a good start?

I've never used any CAD-type software for PCBs or had any manufactured so I need a service on which I can schematic/layout/order: the whole caboodle. It will be a very small run of 10 max.

Cheers.

[Spirit532]

EasyEDA locks you into a system that is quite different from the rest, so I wouldn't recommend it.
Start with KiCAD - watch tutorials, such as the series by Chris Gammell.

[PerranOak]

Thanks both.

[Wilksey]

I believe KiCAD 5 allows you to place Vias freely?

[xaxaxa]

OTOH, I had a lot of trouble playing with KiCAD and Eagle. First, being a Windows person, I hate *nix UI philosophy.

Second, I want to break the rules. Eagle doesn't allow me to assign a random package to a schematic symbol, and KiCAD doesn't allow me to place vias freely.

AD, on the other hand, allows me to do anything. I can start a PCB without SCH, and I can place anything anywhere. I don't like to do things properly, I like to hack things so they just work.

gEDA might be worth looking into if you hate the UI of kicad and eagle

[sokoloff]

I believe KiCAD 5 allows you to place Vias freely?

Even older versions allowed you to accomplish it.


But yes, KiCAD5 has an explicit tool in PCBNew (the KiCAD layout tool) to add vias. (see screenshot below)

[Microcheap]

I never tried easyEDA, I've used Altium before but I decided to give a try to Kicad. I just watched a series of video tutorials from Digikey and was good to go. The videos are very informative and easy to watch (just skip the annoying intro, as all intros from youtube) https://youtu.be/vaCVh2SAZY4
I am very impressed with it and would recommend it, for what I do as a hobbyist it is more than adequate.

[sokoloff]

I am very impressed with it and would recommend it, for what I do as a hobbyist it is more than adequate.

I agree, and believe that KiCAD has critical mass combined with being the far and away leading open source platform, meaning it's likely to continue to improve and the investment in learning its quirks and warts will continue to pay off.

[Wilksey]

I thought older versions did, but I definitely knew V5 did, but don't have V4 to hand to see. 

[PerranOak]

So, in KiCAD how do you then get the PCB made?

(remember: this is a noob question)

[sokoloff]

So, in KiCAD how do you then get the PCB made?

(remember: this is a noob question)

If you have no other preferences, I'd use JLCPCB and follow their cookbook guide here:
https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/44-how-to-export-kicad-pcb-to-gerber-files

Basic process is to export "Gerber" files (the manufacturing data), check the files for sanity, upload them as a zip file to JLC, and wait for boards to arrive.

[JackJones]

I'd say easyEDA is a decent starting point for a complete beginner. It's more approachable than the "real" programs. That's how I started anyway, I made my first couple PCBs with that.

I moved on to Kicad after one of the parts they provided had a wrong pinout. I know you're supposed to check them, but since I was a beginner that was an easy mistake to make. It was an official part too, not a community made one.

[Wilksey]

In KiCAD, you need to "plot" the Gerbers, along with the drill file, there are tutorials on YT.

[Microcheap]

So, in KiCAD how do you then get the PCB made?

(remember: this is a noob question)

In that series of videos I linked above, It is explained all the details, step by step, from installation of the software to sending the files for manufacturing, including how to order the components (well, the videos are sponsored by Digikey after all...) and solder them to the pcb.

[PerranOak]

Brill, thanks all!

P.S.
BTW how do you pay for the PCBs mostly? Is PayPal common or do you have to use a credit card?

[sokoloff]

I don't recall whether I used paypal or direct CC, but there are definitely places that take Paypal. If that's important, you'll find one for sure. (PCBShopper search I did the other day for a project I recall seeing a few that said "price includes Paypal fee", so there's definitely some that take Paypal.)

Thinking about it a little differently, if taking Paypal vs direct credit card is a common use case, (at least some) businesses who want to succeed will comply and satisfy that use case.

[whalphen]

A while back I needed to teach some high school students how to design PCBs.  After looking at various tools, I selected EasyEDA.  There were two main drivers for this selection:  1) It is relatively easy to learn and use, and 2) it required only a browser and I didn't have to be concerned about installation and support on various computers.  It turned out to be a good selection.  The students were able to learn it quickly and it got the job done.

The tool I usually use is Kicad.  The learning curve is a bit steeper, but it's a much more capable software package.  If you intend to keep doing PCB design, you'll be better off with Kicad.  As you do more complex designs, Kicad will continue to meet your needs.  If you decide to use Kicad, I recommend that early on you spend some time learning how to create your own components and footprints.  Then, over time, build up your own library.

When you have a design done, use the 3D viewer to see what it's going to look like.  Then use the Plot icon to generate the gerber files.  Use the gerber viewer to look at the results.  When satisfied, put the gerbers in a zip file and send it to the fabricator.  They'll do another check and let you know if they have the right files.

Here's another tip:  use the OSH Park website to process and render your files.  They'll generate an image of what your end result will look like if they make the boards.  This way you can confirm that you sent good files that have everything the fabricator needs.

Another thing I've learned from experience is to not send the files the day you finish the design.  Wait a day or two and then carefully review your work.  It's always amazing how errors can become more obvious when you return to a design after being away from it for a while!