Topic: anyone know about software for designing circuits?

[JBMorse]

This is something I know very little about, so forgive me.  In a past life I took an electronics course in high school.  We learned about the components and what they do, how to read a schematic, etc.  But we never got into designing circuits.  I am interested in taking a given schematic and creating a layout for a PC board or other type (breadboard?). 
Here's what I wish to do.  A couple of years ago I built a guitar overdrive pedal, a copy of an Ibanez Tube Screamer.  It was really fun, and sounds neat, but I used a pre-made layout on a PC board.  I want to be able to design my own layout based on a schematic for future projects like this.  Is there a software that helps you with this? 
And if I wanted to change some parameters of a circuit can a similar software do that?  Say if I wanted to add some stuff (like a different type of switch, jacks, LEDs), can the software assist me with that? 
I don't know much about the theory of circuit design so I am trying to find something to help, short of some more courses (those are more expensive!)

[SD750F]

JB,

Here is a great site: http://www.everythingpcb.com/p14120.htm

Electronics Workbench is a good program for a medium price. The industry is going to Altium but the price is starting to reach for the stars ($4k to $10k per seat)! I hate how some CAD programs become expensive once they start being accepted by industry.

Scott

[EverythingPCB]

SD750F,
Thanks for recommending my web page, EverythingPCB to JB.
First off, I'm a former Honda enthusiast, but never had a machine bigger than a 305!
But I did go through quite a few bikes: Sport & Trail 50 & 90, Dream 150, Street 160 and Trail (Scrambler?) 305.
Showing my age eh? LOL.
However - I am also a semi pro guitar player that performs regularly and am always eager to help a fellow musician.
I wanted to let JB know that there are quite a few PCB design programs out there that are free to use. See the quick links on the same page that SD750F recommended. There's one simply called "PCB" at the bottom of the quick links - I just updated the URL for them today.
As far as getting help with designing or building your board, there are all kinds of links on my page that could help you out:
Technical / How to Pages / Hobby - DIY / Technical Bulletins / Tips & Techniques:
http://www.everythingpcb.com/p13426.htm
PCB & Electronics Hobby Kits & Tools:
http://www.everythingpcb.com/p15926.htm
PCB & Engineering Industry Forums:
http://www.everythingpcb.com/p16338.htm
Printed Circuit Design Schools / PCB Technical Training / Engineering Schools
(see FREE PCB ASSEMBLY TECHNIQUES E-MAIL COURSE By Harvey Twyman)
 http://www.everythingpcb.com/p15283.htm
Industry links, Information Services, Directories & Portals:
http://www.everythingpcb.com/p12655.htm
By the way, check out the pedals by EarthQuaker Devices:
www.earthquakerdevices.com
He designs his pedals on a MAC using Corel Draw. I've been doing his data conversion for him for years.
Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you have any questions.
Best,
Danny
Danny@EverythingPCB.com








 

[1080]

Thanks EverthingPCB I like finding helpful electronic sites also.

1080.