PCB Questions

**AudioJunkie** · 07-13-2003 05:29 PM

I'm a relative newbie to DIY electronics. I've done a couple small point-to-pint kits. I'm working on the PAiA tube mic pre (two channels and the rack chassis) along with the Matt Newport mods from TapeOp. This is my first PCB project and i've got a couple of questions.

1: Some of the replacement caps that Matt says he used are huge, relative to the board, and i don't see any real way to make them fit in the small real-estate. Is it possible to mount the couple of parts on the underside? I could insulate the leads and use some foam between them and the board so there's not any contact between the board and components.

2: Are there any programs for Mac OSX for designing PCB's? I see all sorts of free programs for PC's. But it would be nice to be able to design boards that i could send to one of those companies to make them for me. I don't want to mess with the whole PCB etching process. If there are no programs that are compatible with requrements the various PCB makers, then i suppose i could infect my computer with Virtual PC.

Many thanks,
Daniel

**alk509** · 07-13-2003 09:53 PM

Originally posted by AudioJunkie:
Some of the replacement caps that Matt says he used are huge, relative to the board, and i don't see any real way to make them fit in the small real-estate. Is it possible to mount the couple of parts on the underside? I could insulate the leads and use some foam between them and the board so there's not any contact between the board and components.

Usually there will be no problem with this, but it's hard to tell without looking at the actual board, mods, parts, etc... Just remember to keep all your polarities straight! But you may want to try and find smaller caps with the same values. Look at the mechanical drawings on manufacturers websites and go from there.

Originally posted by AudioJunkie:
Are there any programs for Mac OSX for designing PCB's? I see all sorts of free programs for PC's. But it would be nice to be able to design boards that i could send to one of those companies to make them for me. I don't want to mess with the whole PCB etching process. If there are no programs that are compatible with requrements the various PCB makers, then i suppose i could infect my computer with Virtual PC.

We're a rare breed indeed, my friend! but there are a couple of options for us, most supreme of computer users :D : I use Osmond PCB, which is still in beta stage, but works great and has tons of nice features (I haven't found any bugs or had any problems using the beta). Go here to get it.

Peace,
Al.

**AudioJunkie** · 07-14-2003 02:05 PM

Thanks Al,

Shortly after posting the question about PCB programs I, by stroke of luck, came across a link to the Osmond program from another site. Amazing how the net works... go around in circles until you stumble upon what you're looking for... kinda like wondering throughthe desert.. :)

**Mundox** · 07-14-2003 11:37 PM

Speaking of PCBs, I have a question about UV lights and presensitized boards. After a terrible experience with marker and Radiowhack etching system(!) I decided to go with the better way.My question is can I use four 75W blacklight bulbs for a 10cm/16cm board?Or blacklight is not good enough for this sort of stuff?
please help before I mess up my presensitized board. [img]graemlins/silly.gif[/img]

**cjenrick** · 07-15-2003 05:45 PM

http://www.atm-workshop.com/light-box.html

http://www.mgchemicals.com/techsupport/photo_demo.html

http://www.electricstuff.co.uk/pcbs.html

All from GroupDIY

Jake has some info but I think he is rewiring his website.

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