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I’m a EE who has been off in the software field, and is slowly getting back into the electronics field. Naturally, you’d expect me to want to use computers to help design circuits. And being an Open Source guy I thought I’d start with geda.
It’s a hopeless disaster. At least, for novices it is. I asked, and Eagle is no better. EDA seems to be one of those things that people think is intrinsically hard, and so they don’t bother writing good software.
To get people designing electronics and circuitry we need to make it DEAD EASY. Like falling off a log. Radio Shack has a reasonably large and yet small sample of electronic parts. It would be quite feasible to write an EDA program which is designed from the ground up to be used by novices. This program would let you:
1) enter a schematic.
2) simulate the circuit.
3) design a PCB.
4) generate an order for Radio Shack.
5) generate an order for (some PCB house that Radio Shack contracts with to make the PCBs).
6) hand over your credit card … wait … then you get a message to come down to the local Radio Shack to pick up the parts.
The plan is to get Radio Shack to fund development of this program as an Open Source project, written portably so it runs everywhere. The program also makes it easy to publish your design, say, here on rsinventionlab.com.
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I agree that if were easier to get the parts at Radio Shack that are needed fro projects, this site would take off.
I do a bit circuit desisgn for my own amusement and have actually done a couple of pieces on request for others. They aren’t overly complicated but the largest issue is getting them to a final product. While the Radio Shack stores around here have plenty of blank copper boards the don’t have any etchant. I just did a quick search in the Austin Texas area and the closest store that has etchant in stock is over 70 miles away (one way).
I think a revisit to parts that they sell and what other items need to be sold to make them useful is very important. For example you sell copper clad boards, make sure you have etchant to go with it and maybe toner transfer sheets to print the circuit for the board. Also tools to finish out the boards….like small drill bits instead of the big clunky 1/16″ bit that comes in the pcb kit. Project boxes that actually fit the boards that you sell would be nice as well.
Years ago you could buy just about any part you needed at your local Shack. Now I’m having to purchase on-line and pay shipping from other distributers for just the basics and have to wait for them to arrive.
Again, having parts where a novice can go in, get the parts that they need and be able to walk away with a decent looking project is a HUGE win.
Just some thoughts that would help create a much better first time experience for newbies….