Help a newbie with a basic hardware project

[tiffers]

Good Morning, (hey, it's morning _somewhere_ in the world right now!)

I sit here on a.org reading about all the neat (and astounding) projects going on and just wish I could do something myself. I've got the basics underhand after finished senior high school physics etc. (ALthough that _was_ 16 years ago *ouch*)

If I wanted to make my own kickstart rom switcher for an A500, what size parts do I need (ie physical dimensions of the ROM socket etc)

And what free software can I use to design the circuit and PCB and give files to someone to make the PCB(s) for me?

tiffers

[tiffers]

@davideo

As Astral posted above, where's the fun and education in that?  :-D

@skurk

Greetz! Enjoying our country?

Yes the kickstart ROM is a 40-pin DIP. Try buying a 40-pin DIP socket on digikey, and look at all the options you get *sigh*

Dick Smith seems to have what looks like the right type. Dual-wipe contact.. and surprisingly, they're only $0.78 each!  :-o Can anyone confirm these are the correct size?

The 'best' design on aminet for a 3 chip switcher has tracks on both sides, and describes the board as component side and solder side. Does this mean it has thru-the-board links for those tracks?

tiffers