Let's make PCB design easier #sponsored by NextPCB

In this video I talk a bit about PCB fabrication and design, specifically using NextPCB's DFM software, a tool which helps you identify issues in your designs before you send them away for manufacturing. It's great for hobbiests just getting into PCB design and helpful to catch basic mistakes even for experts!

[abetoday]

As mentioned in the short, this is sponsored by HQ NextPCB, a lovely PCB fab house I've really enjoyed working with. you can check them out at NextPCB.com

Although this short is sponsored, their DFM software has genuinely been a HUGE help for me. As a total beginner at circuit design, catching issues in the physical designs of my boards is sooo helpful. I'm pretty sure I've saved myself a few dozen headaches. Plus their online version is free, no sign-up required. Just toss up your designs and get your report instantly.

HQDFM free online PCB Gerber viewer:

Enjoy free PCB assembly for 5 boards:

[TealTechie]

I have been stalking this channel almost daily. Excited to see a new video!

[gdawgpwnsall]

If you do this, typically it's easier to get a properly mounted connector. Something with PCB pins instead of just relying on the circuit board thickness being right and using this inline connector.

[DocXango]

he's back! Just the other day I wondered where you've been

[aritraghosh]

A really underrated channel. Subscribed!

[inues]

There are also breadboards for proof of concept for more (but not too) complex boards. Making your own PCBs is great.

[jacek-jan]

In sinular design I used to laserprint mirror layout on glossy paper, iron it ob blank copper plate bath in sodium presulfate cut it out and drill holes manually. Oh these puppy days.

[marcdraco]

DFM is built into KiCAD. if you get that set right your boards should always be perfect and it can check your schematic is correctly wired. No more “ooops” missed that trace….

[caseyhamm]

i saw this in my notifications and went ‘is this the pokédex guy? is this the dude that does crazy diy video game stuff?’ and immediately clicked. so glad i found this channel because WOW is your content right up my alley. pls don’t stop i love you man

[Linkachus]

Abe’s magic and tricks with those microcontrollers never fail to entertain me :)

[BlUsKrEEm]

Excited to see why you needed to interface a seed with a db9!

[IIGrayfoxII]

Been a while since I tinkered with KiCad, but I am sure it can also do these tests.
You just have to specify some rules like spacing between pads and vias.

[Andrew-pdey]

I feel like PCB design is a stepping stone to making firmware.

[Karnet]

The cutout is so smart. I have the same exact footprint and I was wondering what the best way would be to get contact to the bottom pads.

[thelonestead]

Circuits are hard when you have no clue what all the different connectors are called

[BunkerSquirrel]

This is very impressive for a first go!

[myriadtechrepair]

I’ve made a few PCBs. But I didn’t know about those reports. I bet they’d all fail something 😅. Excited to run them through

[roqeyt]

Okay this is crazy
You're giving me the confidence to try this hobby with your videos!

[AndersNielsenAA]

One of these days I'm going to fork kiCAD... and change nothing but the name to KaiCAD... A lot of people seem to prefer that to kiCAD.

[Jortdf]

is this what's called a Monte Carlo test? Basically a simulation of what the circuit would do in the real world?