PCB DESIGN

[woodone]

WOW! These last couple of posts have left me way behind the curve.
All I need is a Gerber file made, or that is what I was told.

[C855B]

Sorry about that... John and I had been working on some serious server issues I was having earlier this year and we were just chatting about the fallout; the KiCad system requirements underscored some of the problems we were having. Shouldn't have any bearing on your using the PCB drawing software.

Bottom line for Gerber output: draw your board in KiCad - http://www.kicad-pcb.org

[woodone]

No problem,
I was just confused with the high tech terms you guys were using.
The last time I did any PCB work was 30 + years ago. Then I used a 1/10 grid graph paper to lay out the boards.
Now the Boards are using traces that are the size of what was inside an 8 pin DIP IC.
BIG change in 30 years.
Still looking for help on this.

[peteski]

Before Jerry started this thread, he PMd me his question (while I was on vacation, not reading the forum). I hope he doesn't mind I if I post my reply here.

Pete,
You have or know anyone that does PCB design that could print an GERBER FILE.
Want to make a PCB with wires to replace the socket on the decoder.
Remove the socket 100%, then replace it with the PCB with wires attached.
Idea is to solder the PCB to the NEXT18 pads. At .05 MM space is too close to solder # 30 wire to. Can be done but takes too much time .
Will give an installer separate wires and gain vertical room.

Hi Jerry,
I have no direct experience in the industrial PCB design, but I'm somewhat familiar with the process.  There are many companies out there which offer low-volume PCB manufacturing for prototyping and for hobbyists, but I  have never used their services. 

Few years ago, here on TRW, I got involved in Jim Hale's PRR position light signal project.  See https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=39438.0 . You might also read the earlier chapters (links are provided in the initial post of that thread).
He had no PCB design background, but with my basic guidance he ended up getting the PCBs manufactured.  It was a long and painful project.

I believe that Gerber file is one of 2 or 3 files needed to manufacture a PC board.  I recall that one file is used for etching the copper traces, while other files are needed for drilling holes and routing (cutting) out the boards out of the larger panel, then a solder mask is another file.  I might be wrong on which files contain what info, but more than one file is needed.

I also have few questions about your design.

First, how do you propose for a modeler to cleanly remove the existing Next18 connector from the decoder?  All the pins would have to be unsoldered at the same time, or the the connector would have to be mechanically ground down. Both processes can weaken the bond between the tiny solder pads, or even rip them off the decoder board.

Then how a modeler will be able to solder your board to the tiny pads on the decoder? Again, it all would have to be done in single soldering operation.

Maybe I'm just not properly visualizing tour design.