Introduction: Make Your Own PCBs With JLCPCB
It's easy to design your own PCBs and have them made in about a week. I'll show you how in this instructable.
Step 1: Design Your Circuit on a Breadboard
The first step in making your own PCBs is to design and test the circuit on a breadboard. This gives you the flexibility to move things around and switch components until it works just right.
Step 2: Use Layout Software to Draw the Schematic
Now that your circuit works you need to draw the schematic. I used EasyEda because it's cloud based and free but you can use any that you like.
Step 3: Drag Components
Drag your components in the design area. Most layout software has thousands of components to choose from.
Step 4: Make Connections
After your components are on the board, use the track tool to draw in the connections. Don't forget to add power and ground!
Step 5: Switch to PCB Mode
When you switch into PCB mode, the software will bring all your components so you can lay them out.
Step 6: Drag and Drop
Drag and drop your parts where you want them on the PCB.
Step 7: Lay Tracks
Lay your tracks on the bottom and top layers to interconnect your components.
Step 8: Final Touches
Dont forget to add labels on the silkscreen layer and other touches like mounting holes.
Step 9: Download
Download your gerber files from the layout software. You will need to send them to the PCB manufacturer to have your boards made.
Step 10: Go to JLCPCB
Go to JCLPCB.com and upload your files. Select any options you want. You can get 10 pcb's for just $2 plus shipping.
Step 11: Upload
Upload your gerber files and pay for your order.
Step 12: Wait About 7 Days
In about 7 days your new PCBs will arrive!
Step 13: Solder It Up!
Solder up all of your components.
Step 14: Test It Out
Test out your design. You just made your own circuit on a PCB!
Step 15: Watch My Videos for the Full Build
You can see the full build of this circuit along with hundreds of other electronic videos on my YouTube channel: learnelectronics.
How to design your own PCBs - Part 1
