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lew247

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Joined: 23/12/2015
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1702

Posted: 06:50am 18 Apr 2016

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Anyone good with Diptrace? I have a problem I'd like to solve

I'm "trying" to design some pcb's but so far it's cost me over �150 UK in getting pcb's made in China, the post and import duties, making corrections then doing it all again.
I now have 3 sets of pcb's where something is wrong.

I need to save some money as I have none!

I want to try and make my own pcb this time and then IF it is correct maybe get some made up.

I can use Diptace and it's pretty easy but I cannot figure out how to get the circuit to print so I can transfer it to laminate and a laser printer

When I try and print it - it never comes out the exact size it's meant to be
it's always a bit smaller

I print it in Adobe PDF

OR

Is there an easier way? Can I use the gerber files to print it the correct size?

Anyone able to tell me how to do it properly please?

matherp
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Joined: 11/12/2012
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 10180

Posted: 07:37am 18 Apr 2016

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FWIW my secret of getting PCB correct is always to prototype on stripboard by exporting the netlist from your PCB program into VeeCAD (use DIL/SMD adapters as required). Build the prototype and fix the issues by editing the schematic and re-exporting the netlist, iterate as required.

Doing this I have never needed more than two goes at the PCB and in most cases it works first time.

lew247

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Joined: 23/12/2015
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1702

Posted: 08:43am 18 Apr 2016

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I'd never heard of that program, I had to look up all you mentioned.
I wish I'd knew before I spent all the money on pcb's, it would have been handy, but we learn something new each day so they say.
I'll definitely keep it in mind for the next project

circuit
Senior Member

Joined: 10/01/2016
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 274

Posted: 10:53am 18 Apr 2016

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Assuming that, when you say you print in Adobe PDF, you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader to print the document, I would ask if you are setting the print options correctly. Acrobat has a "shrink to page size" option or "print actual size". There are also such options in most printer drivers - have you checked these out?

palcal

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Joined: 12/10/2011
Location: Australia
Posts: 1982

Posted: 06:29pm 18 Apr 2016

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I used Diptrace to make my own boards for a couple of years and the circuit printed out the correct size, no problems.
I now always have them made in China.
Paul.

"It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all"

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