Gerber Files Needed

[Robert Kelch]

Anyone know how to make Gerber files for PCB production?  I am working on a project that will need a couple of boards made with Nixie tubes in the mix.

[Terry S]

Well yes, spent 40 years doing just that.....

[Michail Wilson]

Depends on the software you’re using.

 

Eaglecad?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXWwHbusicM

 

Michail

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[David Pye]

Kicad is currently the best free PCB program by a mile.

I've used it for years, having transitioned from Eagle.

Lots of free resources to show you how to get started.

David

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[Robert Kelch]

Ok, I have a prototype already built, but I don't know enough to make a proper schematic and file for submission to JCLPCB. It is a MOSFET board using thirteen IRF840s, pull down resistors, limiting resistors and a 48 diode matrix. The following drawing is one example of displaying '01' on the Nixie tubes. The indicated MOSFETs are incorrect, they are not IRF480, they are IRF840.  I will need to have DSUB 25 ports for shared output signals on the MOSFET board.  I am also thinking that it would be better to have my rectifiers, buck converters and fuses all on one board.  I will pay for services.  I have been communicating with someone for the last 6 weeks and he has yielded no results.

Diagram of one selection:

https://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/custom-audio-amplifier-and-receiver-selector-swtich.206204/page-4#lg=post-1977784&slide=0

Video of operation:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-ZZSxoUzWGR22MpWbU1f9uX-ZocAprYI/view

[Terry S]

He is not just looking for gerber files. He's looking for a complete layout. Quite a different request.

[David Pye]

Indeed.  It's a big ask, and while there are lots of people who can do it, the cost involved in an entire "Make the schematic, validate it, and design the PCB" is likely to be uneconomical for someone to pay for their own personal 'fun' project.

Unless you're expecting to pay a huge amount of money Robert (Well into 3 digits, probably 4?) I'd get on with some of the "How to get started with Kicad" tutorials, and work up from there.   It *is* achievable.

David

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[Robert Kelch]

So having the foundation sorted is key.  Right now I have a solid working board, but for production, I need a real board.  I am looking to go commercial with this endeavor and a little seed money to get it going is what I anticipate it would take.  I think since it already proven, what now needs to be done is make a board that will work long term and is cost effective to build.  I really only need one board made and the other can be done on a perf board of needed.  I would like to demo my prototype by April of next year.  If anyone is interested, great, if not I understand.

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[newxito]

9 years ago I built my first nixie clock, it looked terrible, but it worked... https://groups.google.com/g/neonixie-l/c/1BhB7tWE_oo/m/bJFBSUfjBQAJ

Shortly after completing this project, I discovered EasyEDA. I only have basic knowledge of electronics and was already quite old at the time but after just a few hours, I was able to draw schematics and design PCBs for my projects.

[Robert Kelch]

I am working on getting my feet wet with EasyEDA.  Not the best at it, but I think I can build a schematic.  If I do come up with a schematic, can someone proof it and see if it will work for a Gerber file?

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[Terry S]

You don't quite understand PCB design, do you? A schematic does not allow you to generate Gerber files. A completed layout does.

[Robert Kelch]

True, but having a schematic and giving to a designer who IS familiar with PCB design is better than trying to start from scratch.

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[Richard Scales]

+1 for EasyEda, I found it the easiest to learn and does everything I need - over 200 designs in it now. Love it.

 - Richard

[liam bartosiewicz]

I really enjoy EasyEDA, it’s super intuitive, and there are plenty of plugins available. TONS of community made layouts and schematic symbols are available without having to download them all individually, too.

On Jun 11, 2025, at 8:48 PM, Richard Scales <ric...@scalesweb.co.uk> wrote:

+1 for EasyEda, I found it the easiest to learn and does everything I need - over 200 designs in it now. Love it.

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