So this project started as an idea for a PCB project, as i quite enjoy them. I was sitting around, googling and scratching my head. Than it clicked, a "DIY PCB Ruler" So i got on the phone to my good friends at JLCPCB and asked them if they would be interested in sponsoring the project and they agreed. So that being said, This project is brought to you by JLCPCB, JLCPCB make high quality prototyping PCBs for people all over the world. They have over 300,000 worldwide customers with over 8000 orders per day! They have over 10 years of manufacturing experience and are super reliable. Try it for your self and get 10 PCBs for just $2 at JLCPCB, Thanks JLCPCB

Step 1: Designing

I started to look around for ideas on what to put on the ruler, whether to put component pads, bga arrays, information-all that kind of stuff. To design it i use the free software EasyEda, it is free to use and just operates in the browser, and there is an offline desktop app if you need it.

I first started with the board outline which is pretty easy to do with the board outline track tool, the Ruler measured 32cm by 2.5cm. I than added some IC Packages through the EasyEda library, some Resistor/Capacitor packages.

I than made some pads to the dimensions of trace widths. I also added some holes for a cable gauge with mm and AWG sizes.

After all that i added my logo, and the JLC PCB logo and the design was complete.

Step 2: Final Check and Ordering

I went over the PCB and used EasyEda DRC (Design Rule Check) to make sure every thing was okay and proceeded to order it from JLCPCB.

Ordering from JLCPCB is easy, just upload your gerber files, choose your configuration and quantity and order it.

Step 3: The Actual PCBs

After about 7 Days i received my PCBs.

As per normal JLCPCB delivered some super high quality and amazing PCBs.

The only problems were that some of the holes weren't plated but that is only a minor issue.

Step 4: Conclusion

I hope you all enjoyed this fun little project and i hope to see some of you make your own version of this ruler. I will make the project public and the link will be in the comments below.

I am doing a giveaway on these rulers and if you would like to win one, send your email to social@clebstech.com

and tell me in 25 words or less why you want to win one.

Make sure to include the following: