Build Your Own Printed Circuit Board [With CDROM]

I have worked with schematics for a few years, they're fairly easy to understand once you get the basics of electronics; but PCB-building had always been a great mystery for me until I got this book and started experimenting with Eagle CAD software and some chemicals (not tranquilizers). First I learned how to extend the libraries, then to prepare the PCB layout - and autorouting, and finally, to develop the board using a laser printer and necessary chemicals. First trial was pathetic, but I got better with every new board, and my 5th board was perfect! Practice does pay off, and there is nothing like starting from scratch and succeeding. So, if you want to learn about building PCB's from your schematics, get this book, read through, and do a LOT of google'ing to read any available sources, practice a lot, and don't give up if you fail at the beginning. You'll get better with practice. Only weak point of this book is that there aren't enough pictures to illustrate the etching process. Otherwise, it is a perfect source of information.

This is a great book for the price. Delivers what it promises, teach you how to make a PCB starting with the design software, intro to materials needed, and various methods for creating the boards. Great book for those interested.

You can screw it up a few times with incomplete internet guides or you can read this detailed account of the most popular techniques for manufacturing your own pcb's. You will probably figure it out either way, but the wasted money on pcb's and other materials will pay for simply buying the book! I used the "laser printer" process and it worked perfectly, exactly as described. I even have my name and the name of the year "professionally" printed into the copper! If you want to send to a board house and don't know exactly what to do, buy this book! The author describes the file types and layers that are expected, along with everything you need to know about gerber files and other formats. The book is also well-structured for use as a reference. I found myself cross-referencing many times and specific passages were always found within a few seconds. Read it once and keep it around as a reference! Good luck, I hope that you are as happy with the results as I am.

This is a very useful book as the author walks the reader through the different steps necessary to build a PCB. The book is focused on a particular software tool although it does not make it less useful. However, it would have been better if the author had used the name of the software package described as part of the title of the book... I would have bought it earlier! In a new edition, Mr. Williams should rewrite and expand Chapter 5 (Custom libraries). This is the most difficult part of using the software, and I feel that it was treated quite lightly. It would have been much better if he would walk the reader step by step in this complex process. I would like to see this chapter with additional, detailed information. Overall, this is a good book that will save a lot of time and frustration!

Mr. Williams has provided a unique guide for the neophyte and experienced designer in the art of designing circuit boards on a shoestring. The book and accompanying CD contains everything required to gain proficiency in schematic capture and PC board layout. The book goes beyond design and provides the processes and procedures to interact with contract board houses to produce high quality professional circuit boards. I recommend this book to anyone involved in the design and fabrication of electronic circuits.