A Remotely Programable Relay Controller (Christmas Lights or Home Automation Controller)

Step 3 The Board

Here is the PDF that I used for Toner Transfer PCB manufacturing - As long as you print the sheet out in full size, then you won't have any problems with size.

Also included is the parts overlay, for the top and bottom of the PCB.   As was suggested, I re-wired the protection diode across the coils - so the PCB changed, but not enough to warrant replacing the parts overlays!

There is a small number of surface mount components on the board, but, like the Arduino Ethernet controller, their use is minimal.

I have also loaded up a PNG of the board from KiCad.  It is sooo pretty!

Comments

[dweith]

Great Job! Would the native KiCad project and custom library files be available for download? I would like to adjust the layout for some relays I have in inventory, and then send it out for fabrication.

[mantux100]

what size is this board?

[drj113]

It is about the size of two credit cards side to side. The PDF is sized to print out correctly for Toner Transfer

[hightekrednek2396]

where can i get ki cad

[drj113]

Kicad is an open source PCB tool -

It is here

http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

[hightekrednek2396]

do you have the gerber file

[drj113]

Sorry, I do not have Gerber files - I use Toner transfer, so I just print out a layout using the laser.

Were you successful in getting Kicad installed?

[hightekrednek2396]

no i couldnt figure out where to download from

[drj113]

Give this link a go.

http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Download

[hightekrednek2396]

ive been there how do is save the file to run it

[drj113]

Ahh - there is a problem with their wiki.

Don't click on the windows logo - click on the text below it - that will take you to a download page with both linux and windows versions.

Here is a direct link - savethe file and run it on your machine - that will install the program.

http://iut-tice.ujf-grenoble.fr/cao/KiCad-2010-05-05-BZR2356-final-WinXP_full_with_components_doc_autoinstall.exe

[hightekrednek2396]

thanks its installing

[hightekrednek2396]

thanks i got it

[crazymacleod]

I was wondering what program your using for your drawings? If it's Ki-CAd is there a toutorial available some where?
Thanks,
Marc

[drj113]

I use Kicad - it is free and open, and can be used for any size PCB, unlike Eagle.

The tutorial that I found that was most use was:

http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Mini_tutorial

and

http://www.kicadlib.org/Fichiers/KiCad_Tutorial.pdf

It is well worth the effort to learn how to use the tool.

Doug

[crazymacleod]

Right on! thanks for the info.

BTW Awesome job on your many different designs and project ideas.
Good stuff