The Rectifier Board Schematics
The very first thing I had to do creating the PCB for the rectifier was to draw a schematic in Eagle. Because I am entirely new to electronics and creating PCB's with a milling machine I'll go into some detail about how I created the schematic.
During my time in the lab I found out I could have prepared a lot before my visit if I had better a knowledge of Eagle, the milling software (cad.py) and the milling machine. Maybe someone else can benefit from my experience.
1. Start a new project
After installing and launching the Eagle software you'll want to create a new project. (File>New>Project) I've called mine "Gainclone".
2. Create a new schematic
Now it's time to create a new schematic. (File>New>Schematic). Because this will be the rectifier board I'll go ahead and call it "rectifier".
3. Add component libraries
Because I am completly new and don't know where to look I started by adding all available libraries. That makes finding the right component a bit harder, but the chance the needle actually being in the haystack is increased a lot.
4. Add some components
From the bar on the left of your screen select the "Add" button. If you're unsure what button it is, look in the lower left of your window while hovering over the icons to get all their functions. After pressing the "Add" button a new screen will pop up with all the available components, the list is quite extensive and finding the correct part is a bit of a challenge.
Where to find the right components:
I found most of the parts I needed in these libraries:
>rcI (Resistors, Capacitors, Inductors)
>diode (Diodes)
>wirepad (Single Pads)
If these libraries don't offer the components you're looking for, use the search, that's how I found out about these libraries.
Identifying the correct parts to add:
If you have the datasheet or the sizes of the components printed on the packaging, use those to find matching component from the libraries. The values, or even the names don't have to match the exact component you have, as long as the physical dimensions and component type are correct. Given the choice I selected the version with the larger pads, that might make my life easier when I have to solder the components to the PCB.
After placing all your components on the working area you'll end up with something like this:
5. Rename components and set values
After putting all your components on the schematic it is time to give them the correct names and values. Go through all your components and give them the correct names and values using the "Name" and "Value" button from the toolbar on the left. The schematic hasn't changed dramatically, but at least now it's clear which component is which.
6. Draw connections and shuffle components around.
Now we got all our components on the working area it's time to connect them all up to eachother. To do this we'll have to use the "Net" tool from the left toolbar. If you find your components are not placed where you like, use the "Move" tool to shuffle them around. Rotating components can be done by right-clicking while moving a component, or with the "Rotate" tool. Should you make any mistakes, you can delete lines and components with the "Delete" tool.
7. Your schematic is now finished!
Remember to save your schematic, then we can start to design the PCB.
