Description

An easy way to start a hardware project is by prototyping using a breadboard.  Once a successful prototype has been completed, one of the next tasks is to implement the hardware design in a more robust and permanent package, which is usually a Printed Circuit Board (or PCB).

The first step is to design the PCB circuit, using a PCB design package, such as Eagle (free, but limited version) or gEDA (open-source) or others.  Based on demand, HackerSpace members will run tutorials on PCB circuit design.  The first tutorial will be using Eagle, given by Luke Weston in the Tuesday meeting on 23rd June 2009.

The second step is to manufacture the PCB circuit, either by yourself or by sending your PCB design off to a company that specializes in producing custom PCBs.  Based on demand, HackerSpace members will run tutorials on PCB manufacture, so that you can make your own board.  The first tutorial on D.I.Y PCB manufacture was given by Michael Borthwick in the Tuesday meeting on 2nd June 2009.  This was a very popular tutorial and we'll see if Michael can be persuaded to give it again.

The HackerSpace will also acquire the equipment and consumables required to make PCBs, so that members can create their own boards during the HackerSpace weekend meetings.

Further reading on making your own PCB by Bryan Ackerly (using Kinsten PCB material and process).

Some of Michael's results @ Flickr ...

• Educational resources web page
  
• Hardware resources web page
  
• Local component suppliers discussion thread
• PCB manufacture discussion thread (7th entry down, starting with Michael Borthwick)
  

• Arduino prototype shield starting point
  
• Breadboard
• Electronic circuit simulator (Java Applet) ... [excellent]
  
• Printed Circuit Board ...
  
• Eagle - Commercial PCB design tool by CADSoft (free, but limited version)
• gEDA - Open-source PCB design tool
  
• PCBCart - Custom PCB manufacturer (China)