these videos are a gold mine of info, more so than the title really describes. I've watched similar kicad videos before but its great to have the info synth focussed.
It's good to see how other make the gerbers and have new inputs how to do things, so I learned something new today. I really need to check out the plugins you showed!
Thanks Patrik! I learn new things every day too, when I work with KiCad. There's really no right or wrong way of doing it as long as you get the results you are looking for.
In eagle, value and names are on different layers, i disable the names and only leave the values, so i don't need to look at computer to see schematic. I have a dedicated eurorack power connector foot print. my version of the eurorack 3.5mm jack is precision made and the part drops right in on the exact right spot, uses minimal lead and the solder joints look great. it based on the exact data from the datasheet. the same counts for the alpha pots witch has a additional layer for the knob size, slotted holes. The best absolute ADSR on the planet: Befaco VCADSR, i have 2 of them, DIY ofcourse, reduced to 5hp. optional curved envelops, i also made a DIY version of the HEX VCA also with curved shapes, best VCA on the planet, VCA can make it sound like if there is a echo or so.
I also have a curated footprint and symbol library that I use for my Eurorackj modules. It have developed over the years and I have added loads of information and 3d-models to it. But for this video series I have chosen to use as much "off-the-shelf" (i.e what gets shipped with KiCad) as possible to make life easier for those who want to give KiCad a try without struggle with importing symbols and footprint or write their own. Thanks for the tips about envgen and vca, I will check those out.
@@MeeBilt Another must have module: Mutable Instruments Kinks .... but requires to have Eagle Installed. contains AND/OR port (usefull to mangle bi-polar signals like LFO, VCO), half wave / full rectifier (usefull to mangle bi-polar signals like LFO, VCO) and noise generator + sample and hold and that on 4HP.
From my past experience: 1. Add guard ring (3mm trace of CGND with closely spaced vias) around edge of the PCB. It decreases noise it makes (edge fired emissions). Will greatly increase EMI compatibility in tight spaces. That ring should be connected to chassis ground (I always separate it from power ground). 2. I don't know which caps you use in SMT mount, but go with at least 3x max DC voltage rated NP0/C0G ones. Otherwise they will f-k up your audio quality. 3. Keep any high frequency traces away from other high frequency traces (or power traces). At least 3x dielectric thickness (3H rule) 4. Always add vias in pair. Each signal/power via should have ground via tightly spaced near it. (As tight as DRC allows, also makes placement of decoupling caps a bit easier). 5. Use 4L boards. They're damn cheap nowadays and controlled impedance makes huge difference in signal integrity. 6. Don't be afraid of 0603. It's still easy to solder it by hand (TBH I recently moved to 0402 for spacing purposes, but I'm running them on paste... mostly because it's too annoying to solder 240pin sockets and 100 pin ICs by hand). 7. Just for reference, as your design meets it: components should be placed 100 mil from edge of PCB and 40 mil apart from other components. (Manufacturability rule), may be useful for someone reading comments. 8. Add test points. Debugging is so much easier with them... That's probably everything I can spot in this design.
@@MeeBilt Addition to point 2: decoupling capacitors for OpAmps can be X5R/X7R. NP0/C0G should be used always on audio / RF traces (aka. anything that touches audio lane in this case).
these videos are a gold mine of info, more so than the title really describes. I've watched similar kicad videos before but its great to have the info synth focussed.
Thanks a lot, Clive!
It's good to see how other make the gerbers and have new inputs how to do things, so I learned something new today. I really need to check out the plugins you showed!
Thanks Patrik!
I learn new things every day too, when I work with KiCad. There's really no right or wrong way of doing it as long as you get the results you are looking for.
Happy 909 day!. Happy 909 day!.
Cheers!
Happy 909 day!
Thanks Bas!
In eagle, value and names are on different layers, i disable the names and only leave the values, so i don't need to look at computer to see schematic.
I have a dedicated eurorack power connector foot print. my version of the eurorack 3.5mm jack is precision made and the part drops right in on the exact right spot, uses minimal lead and the solder joints look great. it based on the exact data from the datasheet. the same counts for the alpha pots witch has a additional layer for the knob size, slotted holes.
The best absolute ADSR on the planet: Befaco VCADSR, i have 2 of them, DIY ofcourse, reduced to 5hp.
optional curved envelops, i also made a DIY version of the HEX VCA also with curved shapes, best VCA on the planet, VCA can make it sound like if there is a echo or so.
I also have a curated footprint and symbol library that I use for my Eurorackj modules. It have developed over the years and I have added loads of information and 3d-models to it.
But for this video series I have chosen to use as much "off-the-shelf" (i.e what gets shipped with KiCad) as possible to make life easier for those who want to give KiCad a try without struggle with importing symbols and footprint or write their own.
Thanks for the tips about envgen and vca, I will check those out.
@@MeeBilt Another must have module: Mutable Instruments Kinks .... but requires to have Eagle Installed. contains AND/OR port (usefull to mangle bi-polar signals like LFO, VCO), half wave / full rectifier (usefull to mangle bi-polar signals like LFO, VCO) and noise generator + sample and hold and that on 4HP.
From my past experience:
1. Add guard ring (3mm trace of CGND with closely spaced vias) around edge of the PCB. It decreases noise it makes (edge fired emissions). Will greatly increase EMI compatibility in tight spaces. That ring should be connected to chassis ground (I always separate it from power ground).
2. I don't know which caps you use in SMT mount, but go with at least 3x max DC voltage rated NP0/C0G ones. Otherwise they will f-k up your audio quality.
3. Keep any high frequency traces away from other high frequency traces (or power traces). At least 3x dielectric thickness (3H rule)
4. Always add vias in pair. Each signal/power via should have ground via tightly spaced near it. (As tight as DRC allows, also makes placement of decoupling caps a bit easier).
5. Use 4L boards. They're damn cheap nowadays and controlled impedance makes huge difference in signal integrity.
6. Don't be afraid of 0603. It's still easy to solder it by hand (TBH I recently moved to 0402 for spacing purposes, but I'm running them on paste... mostly because it's too annoying to solder 240pin sockets and 100 pin ICs by hand).
7. Just for reference, as your design meets it: components should be placed 100 mil from edge of PCB and 40 mil apart from other components. (Manufacturability rule), may be useful for someone reading comments.
8. Add test points. Debugging is so much easier with them...
That's probably everything I can spot in this design.
These are very good advices. Thanks!
@@MeeBilt Addition to point 2: decoupling capacitors for OpAmps can be X5R/X7R. NP0/C0G should be used always on audio / RF traces (aka. anything that touches audio lane in this case).