Manipulating Printed Circuit Boards for Crafting Enclosures and Control Panels through Hacking Techniques
In the intriguing world of DIY electronics, a remarkable project is underway: the replication of the historic PDP-1 computer. One of the key components in this modern-day recreation is the use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) for the case sides and instrument panels. This article will guide you through the process of creating a KiCad file for a PDP-1 replica PCB, following the standard practices of KiCad PCB design.
First and foremost, the process begins with Schematic Capturing. This involves drawing the PDP-1 circuit schematics using KiCad, ensuring that the correct symbols are used and that all nets are properly connected.
Next comes Footprint Assignment. In this step, physical footprints are assigned to the schematic components to match the actual physical components that will be used in the replica.
Once the schematic is ready, it's transferred to the PCB editor for PCB Layout. Here, components are placed and PCB traces are routed. It's essential to keep in mind that updates to the layout should be made whenever changes occur in the schematic.
The design process is iterative, with Design Iteration being a crucial part. This step involves going back and forth between the schematic editor and the PCB editor to refine the design as needed.
Finally, when the design is complete, Generate Manufacturing Files are produced. These files include Gerber files, Bill of Materials (BOM), and CPL files that are needed for board fabrication and assembly orders.
After the fabrication, the PCBs are assembled and tested in the PDP-1 replica. The case/panels are assembled using sticky tape as scaffolding, and solder joints are soldered on each edge of the assembled case/panels.
This approach to designing and manufacturing PCBs for the PDP-1 replica is not only applicable to this project but is also demonstrated in resources showing how to design and layout your first PCB with KiCad. The PDP-1 replica project, with its novel use of printed circuit boards, is particularly remarkable and is featured on the website.io.
It's worth noting that before the widespread use of PCBs, they were scarcely used. The history of PCBs is an interesting topic, and more information can be found on the website.io, where you can also find a category named "PCB Hacks". If you're interested in learning more about the history of PCBs, be sure to check out the articles written by Oscarv.
An example of the assembly process can be seen in a video on the website.io, where Angelo and Oscarv are shown creating a replica of the PDP-1. The pieces created from the KiCad files can be ordered from a board house, making this DIY project accessible to enthusiasts of all levels.
The design process for the PDP-1 replica PCB in this DIY electronics project includes using KiCad for PCB design, starting with Schematic Capturing and ending with the Generation of Manufacturing Files. The use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) in the replica demonstrates the importance of this technology in modern electronics.
