A beginner needs help

[Sven]

Hi, i have a pc board kit and books and stuff about making all of this stuff but i am unsure of how to design my own pc board and stuff. How will i know if it works correctly and how do i know when things need to be put in and where. Also if anyone has some PCB Designs that i can try as a newbie i would love a pic of a layout. Thanks,
-Steve

[Mike]

PCBs aren't exactly easy to make for a beginner.<p>for the easiest way, you need glossy laser paper, a laser printer, a layout on the PC, an iron, etchant, and rubbing alcohol.<p>Try searching the forum. I've posted many times how to make pcbs, and don't feel like going over it again and again. Maybe I'll add this to my website someday.<p>As for making the design, use Eagle Layout editor. www.cadsoft.de

[Sven]

I have etchant and circuit board and all that stuff i just dont understand how i would figure out what is needed to build a working circuit board. Like how do i figure out were a small resistor goes on the circuit board and why is it there etc.

[Mike6158]

I second the recomendation to use Eagle. Someone here told me about it and I couldn't be more pleased with it. The freeware version is sufficient for a beginner.

[Mike6158]

Do you have any electronics background?<p>Placing components was, for me anyway, something that came with practice. Download and install Eagle. Find some simple circuits on the web. They are everywhere so that's easy. Once you have something to "copy" use Eagle to build the schematic. Then use the board editor and place your components. It will make more sense once you see what Eagle needs you to do.

[Sven]

I have a bit of electronics background just from being a curious kid and loving audio and electronics

[Mike6158]

Good enough... A lot of people are like that. Email me if you need any help. I'll do what I can. If nothing else I can send you my links.<p> [email protected]