thor73 posted:sinclair posted:That's a nice small package. Where do you get the PCB from?
I use DipTrace for the schematic capture and pcb design. It's a really nice package, easy to use (keeping in mind it's a complex cad tool), good integration between schematic and pcb design, really good design verification tools, and a thorough library with a nice pattern editor for defining your own parts. It also has an integrated 3d viewer and step file export. This is especially useful when doing a complete design with enclosure, etc. like I did for my Arduino turnout project. It's also reasonably priced - there is a 'starter' version for $75, which supports two layers and up to 300 pins, more than enough for anything I've needed so far.
They partner with Bay Area Circuits for the pcb fab. There is a handy 'Order PCB' option on the menu, so you can get estimates and order right from within the design tool. Really quick and easy, and I've been impressed with their service and the quality of the boards. They also have an online design analysis tool, which you can use to check your design for manufacturing issues prior to ordering. You can of course export Gerber and a bunch of other formats from DipTrace if you want to use another shop.
If you want to try it out on your own installs, PM me your address, and I'll throw a few in the mail. I had like 50 or 60 of them made, lol.
Hey Thor,
I appreciate I may be a bit late to the party here, but if you have any boards left over, I wonder if I could politely request a couple; I have a pair of USA Trains smoke units that I'm keen to run from ESU LokSound decoders?
Thanks too for sharing in this thread. I've been trying to work out for a while, how to interface the two and was so glad to have stumbled across these posts. Hugely informative. Thanks everyone who's shared their knowledge and passion for the hobby. It's truly what makes it a richer experience for all.
Kind regards
Darren
