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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Time to up my game with EasyEDA

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PhenixRising
Guru

Joined: 07/11/2023
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1893
Posted: 04:35pm 13 May 2026
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I really need to up my game because the Picomite has given me too many ideas. I plan to start designing whatever can be produced (assembled) by JLCPCB. When I need a particular device, I ask Gemini to recommend one that JLCPCB/LCSC stocks.

Mick, I remember you having issues(?) getting to grips with EasyEDA but I have forgotten what they were.

Just starting on the YouTube tutorials and wouldn't you know it, they even have one for the Teardrops  

AI is of the opinion that EasyEDA will soon have it's own AI. Just keeps getting more and more exciting  

Anyone else, besides Pete, using EasyEDA?
 
lizby
Guru

Joined: 17/05/2016
Location: United States
Posts: 3750
Posted: 08:07pm 13 May 2026
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I've done dozens of EasyEDA designs. I'd love to see vibe easyEDA PCB capability,  but don't quite see how it would handle things like placement.  I've never tried autorouting.
PicoMite, Armmite F4, SensorKits, MMBasic Hardware, Games, etc. on FOTS
 
Mixtel90

Guru

Joined: 05/10/2019
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 8826
Posted: 07:13am 14 May 2026
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I quite simply never gave EasyEDA a fair chance. :)  For the stuff I've designed to date I've generally just used modules as building blocks and, TBH, I think SL6 is probably as good as anything else for that. EasyEDA would be *far* better if I was building from discrete components rather than modules. The package I really had problems with, and which put me off PCB design for years, was KiCad.

Unfortunately, building completely from components means surface mounting stuff like the RP2350B, which I don't think I'm capable of doing. I can't afford to have JLCPCB do the SMD work. The alternative approach is to use a mix of the more difficult bits on modules and discrete bits, and that's the direction I'm starting to head in.

It does lead to the problem that there is no definitive RP2350B module at all; until Raspberry Pi produce one I have no standard to design around. At the moment I'm preferring the PGA2350 because it's often easier to lay out than anything else, especially if you want access to the USB port. For most efficient power usage you have to disable the onboard regulator and power it at 3V3 from a separate switcher though.

Ultimately I want my designs simple enough to be built by almost anyone capable of wielding a soldering iron. If they have to have them assembled by robots in a factory, like any other consumer electronics, then they aren't going to learn anything about electronics as a hobby, will never get that lovely "I made this!" feeling and I've failed.
Mick

Zilog Inside! nascom.info for Nascom & Gemini
Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
jvanderberg
Newbie

Joined: 06/05/2026
Location: United States
Posts: 1
Posted: 02:25pm 14 May 2026
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I used EasyEDA for a good bit, and I can definitely recommend it as the best starting point for JLCPCB for hobbiests. I do have a YouTube tutorial series on building your first PCB using EasyEDA - I won't spam it without you asking for it. It focuses on using AI for part picking and to assist more 'beginner' users. It's pretty honest about not trusting everything AI says, showing some examples of where it failed.

I've since moved on to Kicad, just because it's easier to share designs and there's more collective community knowledge around kicad, even for beginners.
 
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