Crash course in Eagle CAD: video demo of schematic to layout

[culturejam]

This is a rough desktop capture video of me running through the process of making a schematic and then a PCB layout. There is no audio or text annotation. Just some background music and me going through the process. Fast.   

I plan to do a more detailed version in the future with either voice audio or text. But for now, this will give you an idea of how it all works.

Obviously, I didn't spend much time optimizing the layout. I didn't even load any design rules, which is important for fabrication. The idea was to show the whole process from start to finish, and I think the video is fairly representative of that process.

Note: I'm using the Guass-Markov parts library found here: http://gaussmarkov.net/wordpress/tools/software/eagle/eagle-2-libraries/  I've modified the bejesus out of my libraries, but everything I do in the video you can do with the default set.

Note 2: I use the command bar several times to type in commands. So keep your eyes on that (at the top of the screen).

I've posted it on vimeo:


Or, you can download the uncompressed version from DropBox and watch it non-streaming:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dlzu3nqg61wym2h/tLaZf0HZhb


It's interesting for me to watch it so that I can see how non-linear my thought process is.   

[culturejam]

And oh yeah: I missed one of the tie points (on the output coupling cap). Didn't notice until I watched the video.

[jubal81]

This is great. Picked up a ton of tips. What's the hotkey to redraw/update after drawing a trace?

[culturejam]

What's the hotkey to redraw/update after drawing a trace?

Just type "rat" and hit enter. 

[Haberdasher]

thanks effdub I'm sure we all appreciate this effort
I need to re-watch at some point as I'm sure I missed a bunch

[plesur]

Nice video.

POLY GND is a sweet little shortcut.

Any reason why you use WIRE instead of NET to connect up your schematic?

[culturejam]

Any reason why you use WIRE instead of NET to connect up your schematic?

Hmm, never thought about it. I guess that's just how I saw other people do it.

[gtr2]

I think eagle converts the any placed WIRES to NETS when it's a part to part connection.

Josh

[culturejam]

Just looked in the Eagle 5 manual. It says not to use WIRE, but to use NETS. But it doesn't say why or what happens if you don't.

I've never had an issue with using WIRE, but I suppose I should start using the right tool. I guess.

[plesur]

Just looked in the Eagle 5 manual. It says not to use WIRE, but to use NETS. But it doesn't say why or what happens if you don't.

I've never had an issue with using WIRE, but I suppose I should start using the right tool. I guess.

You get free junctions if you do! 

[culturejam]

I think I found the answer on this forum:
http://www.electro-tech-online.com/electronic-projects-design-ideas-reviews/25569-eagle-cad-connector-problem-cant-hook-up-wires.html

also be sure to use NET command and not the WIRE command when drawing your schematic ... the netlist (made with nets) tells the autorouter connect A to B ... the wire command just creates signals, and will confuse the heck out of the autorouter (if you dont care about the autorouter, then it doesn't make much difference)

[gtr2]

Free Junctions are a bonus!!! 

[thetrend77]

Ok, this was my first time I've ever tried my hand at Eagle so I tried something simple (your Dead Easy Dirt project, CJ).

Does this look correct?

[culturejam]

Yes, that looks correct.

I would add the connectors to the junctions (the dots) to make it more by the book. Or you could use the NETS tool instead of WIRE, as discussed above. 

[thetrend77]

Awesome! I had never wanted to try Eagle before since it seemed so complicated, but your video obviously helped a ton lol

Also (a little off-topic), not that I'm going to get THIS one made, but where do you guys get your fabbed boards from? That Dorkbot site?