The Fort Processor #6: PCBs ORDERED!

We have ordered the PCBs for the Fort Processor synth! Initially we tried to use JLCPCB, one of the biggest PCB manufacturers, but getting them to cut the irregular shape we need turned out to be impossible without some redesign work (we would have had to manually panelize it ourselves). So we went with AllPCB instead, they accepted our files without issue and we will hopefully have the finished boards very soon.

Here are some screenshots showing the PCB design process using Kicad:

Initial experiments with irregular routing of traces, very early version of the circuit

a later more complete version of the Kicad PCB file

3D preview of the circuit in Kicad.

Image of the final Gerber file we sent to the PCB manufacturers

Diagram showing the functions of the ICs and the controls:

Here is a video about process of making a PCB, interesting if you can get past the presenter's irritating style:

Never before has a list gradually updating itself seemed so exciting.