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QUICKSTART Using Easytrax
(By Craig Maynard)
Installing
- Download the archived Easytrax installer and unzip it into it's own folder
on your C: drive ( C:\easytrax might be a good name! )
- Run "easytrax.exe" from that folder and let the program unpack
in that directory
- You're done!
Using the software
There is a great tutorial available to you, but if you are interested in
"just the facts" to get you going, you've come to the right place!
Launch the application "easyedit.exe". You should come to a
black screen with grid-dots: that's your work area!
Use the mouse to move around the area, and left-click when you're ready to
select a floating menu... <enter> key works too!
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Command Summary
Here is a summary of the commands available to you with Easytrax.
All of these commands are available by pressing the first letter of each
command or all of the commands may be seen by left-clicking your mouse. |
| Other Useful Keys |
Description |
| HOME |
Centers screen on mouse arrow. |
| ESC |
Moves your menu choice back one level. |
| PGUP |
Zoom In |
| PGDN |
Zoom Out |
| END |
Redraws screen |
| * |
Changes the layer you're working on ( Blue
= bottom layer, Red = top layer, Green = Silkscreen ) |
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| Component Name |
Description |
AXIAL #.# v |
Axial component like resistors, capacitor,
etc... #.# is the number of inches between pads |
| DB #/F
|
Dual-Bayonette are connectors such as
Serial/parallel ports on older PC's The # is the number of
pins. M is male, F is female |
| DIODE #
|
Axial component with polarity marking...
like a diode! # is spacing between pads (inches) |
| DIP#
 |
Dual in-line package with # pins.
Standard through-hole chip package. |
| IDC#
|
Dual header strips with # pins.
Similar to the ones used on ribbon cable connectors. |
| RAD#
|
Radial component ( leads come out the same
end ) suce as some capacitors, LED's. # is spacing between pins |
| POLAR#
|
Polarized axial component such as
capacitors with # inch spacing between pads #. |
| RB#/#
|
Radial component with spacing between pins
of #inches. Capacitors are commonly used here. |
| TO-##
|
Transistor Outline part for transistors,
voltage regulators etc... 2n3904 like transistors would be
T0-92A. 7805 regulators would be TO-220 |
| VR#
|
Variable resistors or potentiometers |
| XTAL
|
Crystal |
Other Types of Printed Circuit Board Features.
| Pads
 |
Pad's are the points where the circuit board joins the
components to be attached. Pad's must have drill hole size and outside
diameter defined |
| Via's
|
Via's are similar to pad's, but don't accept wires.
The function of these are to electrically connect from the top of the board
to the bottom layer. |
| Traces
 |
Traces are the copper lines which connect the pads and via's
together. They may exist on the top layer (
RED ) or the bottom layer ( BLUE
). The width of the trace is to be defined, but is typically about 10
mil ( 1/10 " ). |
| Silkscreen
|
Silkscreen is the white documentation on the top of the
circuit board and has no electrical function. It's purpose is to
document the layout of the board. P1 Service from APCircuits does not
include silkscreen, so be sure to label your boards on the top layer copper. |
| Solder Mask |
This is the coloured (typically green ) coating over the
printed circuit board which protects the copper traces and improves accuracy
of soldering by surrounding pads. |
Placing a component...
Type 'P' ( for PLACE ) --> Type 'C'(Component)
Type '?' and <ENTER>. You should now see a menu of components
available int the standard library.
Use your arrow keys to select DIP14 and <ENTER> ( or use mouse and
left-click )
| Command String |
Description |
| P C ? <enter> |
place, component, showlist. You should see a selection
of components from the standard library |
| DIP14 IC1 7400 |
DIP14 package, designator, comment. This should place
a 14pin DIP package on your workspace |
| P T |
Place Track. Select layer with '*' key. Click on
starting point, click on ending point |
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