
smiller29

How To Design Custom PCB's
In my Inmoov project I need to develop some break-out PC boards for the signal lines and power to different parts of the robot. I have seen others that have done this and would like to ask what they may of used to do the designing with? I myself like working with Mac software but can also use Windows based products. I am looking for the easiest to use program that is free to makers like us. I have searched Google and found a lot of packages but not sure which one would be best for what I want to do.
If anyone has already done this and would be willing to share their work, it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
FYI: After I post this question I found this post "Pcb's In Larger Robot Builds". https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/Pcb-s-In-Larger-Robot-Builds-4310
This has good information in it but it is a bit out dated and I am sure more options maybe available.
It's okay for something quick - but it sure isn't the best lol!
https://easyeda.com/
You talked about break-out boards with signal and power.
Would these do for you?
They are servo power boards with a extra pin for the signal.
If so, let me know, I have several I'm not using.
My email is in my profile.
As smiller29 has stated, most people don't power the servos from the EZB and they would improve wire management.
This to me, seems to be an easy way to accomplish both task.
I agree that they should come in different sizes.
On this particular style board you can use a servo cable turned sideways for the signal wires.
This is prefer by me as I make my own cables.
Also agree with smiller29 that a terminal block would be much better then having to buy a extra plug but amperage would also have to be taken into consideration when using one.
I question how many people would use them on EZ-Robots?
More for the DIYer's.
My 2 cents.
Hope I helped you here Jeremie.
That is one real nice lay-out.
Very organized.
You can see already how much thought you have put into this build.
Well done!
I love the idea of having a board like this available. I always bypass the EZB when powering servos and DC motors. I'm ashamed to say that my wiring job has turned into a rats nest from designing and building additional parts of my robot on top of each other as I went over the years. Using something like would have made it easer to expand and keep my wiring less messy.
@Smiller29, That is a beautiful wiring job. I'm jealous. LOL.
One thing to consider is that if using many different servos and motors that they may have different voltage needs. Offering different size boards may make it easer to send different voltages to different servos. However this can be easily managed by placing a BCC or DC to DC power converter just before the servos.
Also amperage needs to be considered. I'd request using components that could handle high amp levels. Make it somewhat universal to use from micro to super HD servos. I know this would cost more to produce and add to the price but it would be nice to have. Perhaps two different models. One for lower amps, one for higher amp demands.
Just a few thoughts. Thanks for asking. It's wonderful that EZ Robot is open to new products like this!
I don't t have a lot of patience I guess. You're an inspiration.
If you ever need any of the servo boards let me know I have some to sell.
My email is in profile.
https://czh-labs.com/products/screw-mount-6-position-rocker-switch-dc-power-distribution-strip-module