Okay I got a freeware version of the eagle 4.1 software. Now how do i use it. I need to be able to use it to design a simple PCB for wah pedal which is about 3 1/4" X 1 1/4". so i can send it to spark fun to make me some PC boards. haven’t got a clue how to start. I know how to use software like Illustrator & photoshop cause I have been to school for it and could draw out how I wanted the PC board designed in illustrator but I don’t know the first step in using this software and setting it up for spark fun to use for the job.
It will not be very easy at first. Just like art, it takes time an practice.
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Buy your components first to verify size and layout (data sheets can be buggy)
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Find or make library entries for all the parts
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Draw the schematic using said library parts
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Layout the board from the schematic
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Do a design rule check using the info at sparkfun.
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Run the CAD processor from sparkfun
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Send gerber files to sparkfun
yes, remember to check all libraries!
The number of times i have messed somming up cause my part number has a E on the end or somming is amazing!
Also remember to check the pcb output for the simple logic ic’s. They split them up and sometimes dont route the power if u use different signal names! Also Eagle defult DRC is ok for sparkfun.
don’t have a clue what you are talking about. don’t know anything about schematics or even how to read them little alone drawing one up. Quess I will look else where & try to figure out how to get this done some other way. I would have to have some detailed instruction on all of this.
Don’t give up yet. I just didn’t want to give you unrealistic expectations. The time spent learning Eagle is well worth it. Especially learn to make your own library of parts. I keep seeing new devices I want to use that are not included in the Eagle libraries and I just draw them up myself.
Go to Borders and buy “Building your own circuit board” by Al Williams. It is basically an Eagle tutorial.
Good luck,
Jamie
I can’t even figure out how to even place anything or draw anything with it. I don’t know what anything does or what you suppose to do
I ordered that book
The book is good.
Also, go to [this link and download tutorial-eng.pdf (the tutorial) and manual-eng.pdf (the manual).
Thank you much. The the tutorial & book ought to get me on track.
I have a follow up question, if people are still around…
I am climbing the same newbie learning curve, but I have my parts layed out and schematic is set and board layed out. My question is how do I create a hole for an external power supply wire to later solder to the board? I made a via and put a hole on it, but the signal button won’t let me connect to the via. Am I missing something?
Thanks for the help! This has been a mostly fun learning process … every new challenge overcome makes my weekend better, and it’s been a great weekend thus far!
Dan
Don’t add parts or pads to the layout, only to the schematic. In the schematic, use add and then navigate to wirepad and find one the right size. Now wire it up and it will also be present in the board as long as you have the board file open while you do the changes to the schematic.
Vias are tricky to add by hand, I just let the router manage them.
danstrider:
I have a follow up question, if people are still around…I am climbing the same newbie learning curve, but I have my parts layed out and schematic is set and board layed out. My question is how do I create a hole for an external power supply wire to later solder to the board? I made a via and put a hole on it, but the signal button won’t let me connect to the via. Am I missing something?
Dan
Yes, you normally won’t ever add a via manually. What I do is split the trace with the split tool, then ‘move’ (F7) and select the part of the trace that you want on the other side, then go to the layer box in the top left hand corner and select ‘bottom’ (or ‘top’ as appropriate) and voila! It will add the appropriate connected vias for you.
Michael.
That helped so much! Thanks guys. I appreciate the tips 
Dan