Re: [avr-chat] ATmega644 : dual USART... or not dual usart.. that, is the question !

[Vincent Trouilliez]

On Sat, 7 Feb 2009 20:55:04 -0600
David Kelly <address@hidden> wrote:
> Am guessing the PCB is a big step for Vincent. We have sources in the  
> USA where one can get 5 double sided PCBs with plated through holes,  
> silkscreen on top, soldermask top and bottom, for under $100 in 5 days.

Yes, problem is cost indeed (double sided Euro sized PCB (160x100mm)
cost around 75 Euros, about $100 USD..... plus the time it will
take me to learn how to use the CAD software, since I have never really
done more that quickly playing with them ! During my idustrial
placement, I did develop a prototype.. but I was doing mostly the
programming of the MCU, for schematic capture, routing etc, I had an
assitant who would do it all for me on Protel ! 
I am on Linux so no Protel anyway. Last time I checked, the two CAD
suites that looked viable were gEda and Kicad, with the latter being
more user friendly than the former I found. Any feedback on CAD suites
on Linux, recommendations ?
So for now, I draw my schematics by hand on paper, and when the
hardware will be stabilized (enough), I will take (a lot probably!) of
time to learn some CAD suite and route the bloody thing.

But yes, I can't wait to have a nice PCB, so it looks more
professional if anything, but also so that it's less fragile than my
crappy prototype board with its forest of wire wrap wires underneath,
that lets avrdude talk to the AVR ONLY when it feels like it. Usually
wiggling the ISP connector on the board, convinces the board to
cooperate ! ;-)
I hjave already made a lovely varnished wooden cabinet to host the
board, with a facia with cut-outs for the LCD and keypad and
everything. A nice PCB would be the ice on the cake ! ;-)

--
Vince