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cadillackid
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 35
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Posted: 26 October 2009, 17:41 PM Post subject: express PCB components for ZX controllers |
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im trying to draw up real schematics using the ExpressSCH and express PCB software..
all I could find was an express file showing suggested circuitry for the ZX-328n device..
so i tried to use it in a schematic and it all shows up as one component so the netlist doesnt work right..
is there anything that either has the suggested circuitry broken down into individual components or that just has the ZX chip as a custom and then I can build the schematic from that?
-CHristopher
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dkinzer
Site Admin
Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 2499
Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: 26 October 2009, 18:39 PM Post subject: Re: express PCB components for ZX controllers |
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| cadillackid wrote: | | is there anything that either has the suggested circuitry broken down into individual components or that just has the ZX chip as a custom and then I can build the schematic from that? |
Some time ago, in response to a similar question, I posted a reply with an attachment that was a .zip file containing ExpressSCH components. I have updated that archive (attached) with additional custom components for the ZX devices. Note that, except for the 24-pin ZX devices, the components are simply renditions of the respective Atmel devices. For example, for the ZX-328n, use the custom component "IC - Atmel - ATMega328P PDIP28".
As for the suggested ZX-328n support circuitry, I would suggest downloading the ExpressPCB support circuitry schematic found on the ZX-328n description page. Once you have that, you can select a portion of the schematic, copy it to the clipboard (ctlr-C) open the schematic that you're editing and paste it. Unfortunately, you apparently cannot copy/paste from one instance of ExpressSCH to another so you have to use the sequence open-copy-open-paste in a single instance.
| Description: |
| Updated ExpressSCH components. |
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Download |
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ZBasic_ExpressPCB_Components.zip |
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24.91 KB |
| Downloaded: |
1571 Time(s) |
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cadillackid
Joined: 22 Aug 2009
Posts: 35
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Posted: 26 October 2009, 19:24 PM Post subject: |
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works like a champ... yeah I was all gung hop thinking I could copy from one instance to another but that didnt work for me either.. I ended up getting it.. so im off and running now... first time ive ever used expresspcb.. but figured i ought to use their software since im planning to get my boards made there...
-CHristopher
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dkinzer
Site Admin
Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 2499
Location: Portland, OR
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Posted: 26 October 2009, 22:17 PM Post subject: |
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| cadillackid wrote: | | [I] figured i ought to use their software since im planning to get my boards made there... |
I could be wrong but I believe that that is the only choice - you have to use their software if you want to use their fab service. I like ExpressPCB for certain types of projects and I've used it a quite a few times (most often for prototypes and test fixtures).
If you can get your project (or multiple projects) to fit on a 2.5"x3.8" board you can get three of them made for $51 (shipping extra). The drawback to the MiniBoard special is that there is no solder mask and no silk screen.
The drawback to using ExpressPCB in general is that the only way to get Gerber files (which you'll need in order to have boards made elsewhere) is to pay them an extra fee. In most cases, it will probably be better to lay out the board again using a tool that generates Gerber files.
Personally, I favor FreePCB for board layout. It's a little difficult to get acclimated to after using ExpressPCB but once you learn its idiosyncracies its almost as easy to use as ExpressPCB. If you do use FreePCB, you'll need a separate schematic capture program. I've been using TinyCAD for that purpose lately. Both FreePCB and TinyCAD are free and open source.
Others here favor other programs - the topic has been discussed here from time to time.
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Don_Kirby
Joined: 15 Oct 2006
Posts: 329
Location: Long Island, New York
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Posted: 27 October 2009, 1:04 AM Post subject: |
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I have used ExpressPCB also, and can say that they do provide a nice service. Eventually, I stopped using them, as they have pretty strict limits on what they will and will not fab. Although I've never had a single problem using their service (quite the contrary), in hindsight, I probably should have spent the time learning a gerber friendly program rather than the ExpressPCB software. In their defense, the software is very easy to learn and use, so there wasn't much time wasted.
Regardless of the software or fab house you use, if this is your first time having boards made, be prepared to order them twice. The first time I had boards made, I must have checked everything a gazillion times, and then when I was ready to order, I checked another million times. They still had an avoidable error. Maybe if you wait for the stars to align, and pray to the PCB gods; perhaps sacrifice a virgin capacitor on the full moon, yours will work perfectly the first time.
-Don
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stevech
Joined: 23 Feb 2006
Posts: 657
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Posted: 27 October 2009, 2:40 AM Post subject: |
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what about the free version of DipTrace?
http://www.diptrace.com/
I tried/hate/won't again use Eagle.
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twesthoff
Joined: 17 Mar 2006
Posts: 191
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
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Posted: 27 October 2009, 3:02 AM Post subject: express PCB components for ZX controllers |
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I agree. DipTrace is excellent and very easy to learn. The forum help is
excellent and that makes all of the difference in the world. The new
version is very much improved too.
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