[Roybot]

Wow thanks for the resources - I like the recommendation of getting feedback on your design via the forum. Going to check it out now. And also reading the software documentation for pcb.

Any considerations you'd recommend before deciding on kicad versus the other software available for pcb design?

[Jugurtha]

I have worked much more with CadSoft EAGLE, not much with KiCad. I mentioned its name for more choice, but at this point it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is to avoid analysis paralysis and searching for the optimal path to learning. Which means avoid any debate on the right soldering iron, the right software, the right board, etc. and just pick any single one and get started.

You can go down the rabbit hole and consume hours upon hours on YouTube videos delving into details on whether this soldering station is best, or this multimeter is best. Pick one that doesn't suck because at some threshold of quality/brand, the differences only matter to those who are advanced enough that a particular capability matters most. It's like optimizing to shave off a millisecond by reducing drag: sure it matters to Formula I drivers, but not to me at my level.

Jump both feet in, experiment, get a bunch of components, and build stuff. When you get into these forums, you'll hear about things and read conversations that recommend designs, or other resources such as books/blogs/courses, and you'll absorb a bit by osmosis. Then you make something with these resources to consolidate knowledge.

You can also follow a couple of channels or Twitter accounts. Even if you don't always understand, familiarizing yourself so you can act on things later is useful:

- https://www.youtube.com/user/EEVblog

- https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAmpHour

- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcs0ZkP_as4PpHDhFcmCHyA

- https://www.youtube.com/user/BTCInstrumentation/videos (more instrumentation, from Tony Kuphaldt)

- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCivA7_KLKWo43tFcCkFvydw (Ben Krasnow)

[Roybot]

Thank you.