Custom PCB for Tactile switches

[Guppy]

Hey Guys -

 

So I'm pretty fluent in designing things in CAD and I'm working on my own UFC. I'm a bit disappointed in most of the cut-out hole button options, which obviously leads me to the use of tactile switches. As you probably know tactile switches are mostly used with some sort of PCB.

 

Since I'm designing my own UFC I want to also design my own basic PCBs that I can have some manufacturer make.

 

Does anyone have great tutortials/free software guides to do this? It seems relatively easy, but I also feel like it's probably more complicated than I think.

 

I've been toying around with Design Spark... I'm having some issues getting things placed in the exact measurements I need.

 

Curious for any KB articles or advice on this endeavor.

[bnepethomas]

Give Kicad a go - there is a bit of learning curve - but it isn't overly crazy

[Vinc_Vega]

Or try fritzing.

 

https://fritzing.org/home/

 

 

.

[Gruman]

Aren't you a fusion 360 user? Why not use the included Eagle CAD?

 

But before I switched to Altium Designer 20 (--> Work), I was very happy with the Open Source KiCad software. Normally I would recommend it over Eagle, but since you already running Fusion 360 I would take the software included in your familiar software suit.

 

But... I'm not sure if Eagle CAD is included in the free licence for enthusiasts, but it's included in my school licence. And there was a free eagle licence before with some limits. ;)

[Brewnix]

Currently free license doesn't let you use Eagle you have to subscribe to Fusion 360 monthly or yearly.

Edited April 7, 2020 by Brewnix

[Gruman]

Right, just checked. 480$ a year license :music_whistling: to get Fusion 360 with ECAD.

 

Well, go with KiCad then. Great Open Source ECAD tool.

[lesthegrngo]

My method is to use Qcad community edition (free) to design the board, and engrave and drill and cut the PCB using my cheap Chinese CNC engraver and GBRL (I use Universal Gcode Sender). I've made loads of PCB's this way, including double sided ones, by drilling little reference holes and via holes.

 

Cheers

 

Les

[Gruman]

Is cutting and engraving still a cost effective way if you can order the PCB in China for next to nothing and have them in great quality in a couple of days? And you have no exposed copper, can order a SMT stencil and have way more complex designs?

 

Don't get me wrong, we used to engrave and cut PCB as well for prototypes and it was fun. But the work to clean up the copper gravings, connect the top and bottom layer with inserts was just a hassle. Still wich to have a CNC now to do other projects, but I will always just order my PCBs from any of the many online services (private projects ofc).

[jrlhun]

Eagle is free with Fusion 360 for personal use - which is free as per the following restrictions - https://www.autodesk.com.au/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists#get-started

 

Fusion 360 is available for free personal use for individuals who are:

 

Using for personal projects outside of their primary employment.

Engaged in hobby businesses.*

Learning for personal use, outside of a company environment or commercial training.

Creating YouTube videos, blogs or other web content.**

 

Edit: https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/free-download

[lesthegrngo]

Is cutting and engraving still a cost effective way if you can order the PCB in China for next to nothing and have them in great quality in a couple of days? And you have no exposed copper, can order a SMT stencil and have way more complex designs?

 

Don't get me wrong, we used to engrave and cut PCB as well for prototypes and it was fun. But the work to clean up the copper gravings, connect the top and bottom layer with inserts was just a hassle. Still wich to have a CNC now to do other projects, but I will always just order my PCBs from any of the many online services (private projects ofc).

 

The problem for me is that there are a couple of issues. Firstly, each board I make is essentially a prototype, and I often have to make an adjustment or even realise I have got it completely wrong and start again. Depressingly often, to tell the truth!

 

Secondly, due to my engineering based way of making my parts, I find that the software for PCB design doesn't click with me. I have tried a number of them, including Fritzing, and just can't get on with them. If I had someone who knew what they were doing sit down with me and work with me to show me how to design the boards with my 'designs' then I am sure it would be better, but I don't think there is anyone here in Hungary near me to show me.

 

Cheers

 

Les

[Brewnix]

Eagle is free with Fusion 360 for personal use - which is free as per the following restrictions - https://www.autodesk.com.au/campaigns/fusion-360-for-hobbyists#get-started

 

 

 

Edit: https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/free-download

 

 

 

 

Nice! I stand corrected. This is good find. I just downloaded the free version one. One thing about Autodesk webpage you have to dig. Thanks I wanted to learn Eagle but didn't want to learn while paying for it.

[jrlhun]

Yeah, it's not easy to find or clearly listed at all!

[Icebeat]

Currently free license doesn't let you use Eagle you have to subscribe to Fusion 360 monthly or yearly.

 

you can use both for free with the annual license for hobby and indy companies (less than 100K per year)

[Tantalum7]

I recently had a PCB made for 12mm tactile switches for an F-16 ICP. I had tried all the free layout programs and found them cryptic an frustrating. I run CAD for a living, and I can usually manage most interfaces. A colleague at work suggest I try Express PCB. They have a free PCB layout program that I found was extremely intuitive to use. You can place your order directly through the PCB layout program. I think you have to order your first board through them, but you can request the Gerber files and take any subsequent copies to any shop. If you're in the states, which it appears you are, it's worth checking them out. Price wasn't rock bottom but quality and turnaround time were excellent.

[Brewnix]

I recently had a PCB made for 12mm tactile switches for an F-16 ICP. I had tried all the free layout programs and found them cryptic an frustrating. I run CAD for a living, and I can usually manage most interfaces. A colleague at work suggest I try Express PCB. They have a free PCB layout program that I found was extremely intuitive to use. You can place your order directly through the PCB layout program. I think you have to order your first board through them, but you can request the Gerber files and take any subsequent copies to any shop. If you're in the states, which it appears you are, it's worth checking them out. Price wasn't rock bottom but quality and turnaround time were excellent.

 

 

Nice I'll check it out for I'm new to PCB making I have made a few PCB for my self and had them built thru OshPark! How does ExpressPCB prices compare to OshPark? I was looking at ExpressPCB's webpage and there prices are a little confusing. Only thing is Oshpark requires minimum of 3 boards to be made.

[Tantalum7]

Nice I'll check it out for I'm new to PCB making I have made a few PCB for my self and had them built thru OshPark! How does ExpressPCB prices compare to OshPark? I was looking at ExpressPCB's webpage and there prices are a little confusing. Only thing is Oshpark requires minimum of 3 boards to be made.

 

 

I had also never designed a PCB before (first time ever getting one fabbed). Their pricing is a bit confusing because there are a couple of tiers of pricing depending on the features you want. Some require you to buy only one board, and others a couple. I wanted a mask on the top and bottom which put me in a certain category. You can expect to spend 50-100 USD on a under about 11" sq board depending on the features. This is not very forgiving of prototypes that might be wrong, but I found the software so simple to use that I was willing to risk it a bit. You have nothing to lose by downloading the software and playing around a bit. I was amazed by how well the switches fit based on the measurements form the spec sheets. Can't comment on OshPark since I haven't used them before. it would have been nice to create the board in CAD and import it, but I haven't looked into the ExpressPCP software that far yet. Good luck.

Edited April 22, 2020 by Tantalum7

[Sokol1_br]

Sprint Layout is the most easy PCB software I have tried, is just point, click and drag.

Ways more easy than Eagle an similars.

[zippoa]

Would reccomend using http://jlcpcb.com/ I ordered there two times PCBs for my MFD. Extremely cheap production and good quality. I also ordered PCB assembly for tons of resistors and SOIC-16 shift registers.

Here is one of board what I got

 

And how it looked in Altium designer

[Brewnix]

Sprint Layout is the most easy PCB software I have tried, is just point, click and drag.

Ways more easy than Eagle an similars.

Thanks I have looked at Sprint a couple times in the past. Forgot about it actually and its not a bad price. Well a really good price if its easy to use. I know like Fusion 360 longer I use it the more i'll learn its maker's way of thinking.

 

Would reccomend using http://jlcpcb.com/ I ordered there two times PCBs for my MFD. Extremely cheap production and good quality. I also ordered PCB assembly for tons of resistors and SOIC-16 shift registers.

Here is one of board what I got

 

And how it looked in Altium designer

 

 

Those look awesome! So am I correct you didn't have to buy 10 of those? Before they would build?

[zippoa]

Minimum order was 5 PCBs

[bnepethomas]

Hi guys - I know this thread is about the PCB - but just a quick heads up - found these switches on Alibaba - backlighting and tactile. Ordered a 100 last Friday and turned up yesterday.