In a message dated 08/25/1999 1:14:36 PM Central Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << I hope this is a valid question for this particular forum. Recently I have been transferred to the Engineering Department at the company I have been employed with for over eight years. This is a promotion for me. I have an A.S. degree in electronics and started out as a calibration/repair technician, moved up to Technician supervisor/trainer. I worked in the manufacturing side for most of my eight years here. I have been given the challenge to learn PCB layout. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some ideas on how to get started. I have AutoCAD and ORCAD experience, however, I have never performed any PCB design. My company is currently using Protel for the PCB layout software. (our former designer relocated, so I do not have the luxury of an experienced person in-house). I appreciate any advice you may provide. My boss signed me up with IPC immediately, so I figure that's a good start. Dewayne E. Lawson American Magnetics, Inc. Oak Ridge, TN USA 423-482-1056 (Ext. 30) [log in to unmask] >> Hi Dewayne! Seeing how you're on this email list, I'm assuming you're on the Designers Council too. If ya' aren't, I'd sign-up for that. Stay on this list too, 'cause you'll hear about the screw-ups that designers make and how us manufacturing guys have to deal with em' (hehehe...) 'course your not gonna be one of those guys, are ya'? (wink,wink...) I've pasted some stuff from the web page, 'course you could read it yourself...just go to http://www.ipc.org, then online resouces and databases. -Steve Gregory- What Is It? The IPC Designers Council is an international network of designers. Its mission is to promote printed board and printed board assembly design as a profession and to encourage, facilitate and promote the exchange of information and integration of new design concepts through communications, seminars, workshops and professional certification through a network of local chapters. The goals of the designers council are to improve communications, to provide designers a greater role in standards development, to improve educational opportunities for designers and to improve the recognition of the printed board design profession. What's In It For Me? IPC Designers Council provides Designers: Networking opportunities to solve design problem Educational programs to expand of your knowledge Design standards to improve quality of design Opportunities to search for career developments Subscription to Designers Council Newsletter where you can learn about the latest "happenings" in the world of printed circuit board design Discounted prices for IPC meetings IPC e-mail forums Professional Recognition and Certification Cost effective membership - $50.00 annual dues Additionally, IPC Designers Council allows CAM Engineers to: Learn the entire scope of design Achieve a better understanding of the process enhancements that compliment the design goals Develop better interfacing between CAD/CAM to promote Design for Manufacturability In turn, IPC Designers Council enables your company to: Get connected to applicable design information Keep "higher quality" designers via certification and education Save money on design by using IPC design standards How Do I Join? Individuals can join the IPC Designers Council for only $50. Simply fill out and submit the application or view the membership application online! Christine Myrick IPC 2215 Sanders Road Northbrook, IL 60062 tel 847/790-5322 fax 847/509-9798 e-mail: [log in to unmask] ############################################################## TechNet Mail List provided as a free service by IPC using LISTSERV 1.8c ############################################################## To subscribe/unsubscribe, send a message to [log in to unmask] with following text in the body: To subscribe: SUBSCRIBE TECHNET <your full name> To unsubscribe: SIGNOFF TECHNET ############################################################## Please visit IPC web site (http://www.ipc.org/html/forum.htm) for additional information. If you need assistance - contact Gayatri Sardeshpande at [log in to unmask] or 847-509-9700 ext.5365 ##############################################################