| I'm on the exact same boat so I don't think there is much advice I can offer as I'm in the midst of working through similar challenges. But designing pcb layouts for my projects is also one of my goals. Take a look at the book Hacking the Xbox by andrew bunnie huang - read Appendix C "Getting into PCB Layout". It's good and informational - it won't give you a solid understanding but it will expose you to the terminology, tips and tricks, and the software you'll need. Read it. Right now. Then you can work backwards on what you need to know. Design a simple circuit and see it all the way through to pcb fabrication. Doesn't matter if it's dead simple or that designing and fabricating it on pcb is overkill. It will expose you to the entire process. Invaluable. The feeling lost bit is probably common but when that's the case focus on your end goal. Here's my general approach so far. - I got a personal project that I have no choice but to see through to the end. Having this as an end goal helps direct my focus. - I avoid most rabbit holes - especially when it comes to learning theory. The rabbit holes are endless. I focus only on the rabbit holes that help me meet my end goal even if that means skipping fundamental stuff. This is really hard sometimes but if it's fundamental it'll come up again and again until ignoring it is not an option or maybe you just become curious enough to explore. My curiosity is dangerous here so I try to curb it the best I can. (maybe I should block time off specifically for exploring my curiosities and go deeper on concepts that may not be immediately relevant) - I work on some aside prototypes to build an understanding of fundamental circuit components/concepts e.g. LEDs, resistors, voltage, current, resistance. Once I put something together I read a little bit of theory behind the components. Or sometimes it's the other way around - I read the theory then I put a simple circuit together using a breadboard and some wires. - I bought tools based on advice I found in Books, YouTube, HN, and Reddit. For me this meant buying passive components, a breadboard, pre-cut wires, 22-gauge wire spools, soldering station (and various soldering equipment), hand-held tools (e.g. wire cutters, multimeter, tape measure), a power supply, safety equipment, and a 3d printer. I went on a spree. With that said I bought tools aligned with my goals. - It also helps when I recognize that it takes time. Picking up and mastering a skill or at least becoming competent is a multi-year process. More importantly - I have that time. I have today, tomorrow, next week, next year to keep getting better. So there's no pressure. Man what a gift. - I look to people that have the expertise and listen to what they have to say. That either means watching youtube lectures by people like bunnie, dave jones, authors of books. And just reading books like the Art of Electronics, Hacking the Xbox. Or finding material online and reading some more. What an awesome time to be alive. Resource are endless - it's just a matter of paring stuff down based on your goal. Good luck on the projects. |
There's already a PCB with a simple curcuit from a tutorial on it's way. I hope it works out.