Where do I begin my project

[dbanner]

I have always started my project with the circuit and PCB construction, ending in the construction of the chassis and hardware shaft and coil housing etc.
However I was thinking of doing it reverse way, beginning with chassis with pots and switches and nice graphic design label on control panel etc. Seeing what the final product looks like then might provide inspiration to make the pcb circuit. Sort of like Making the duck first, then trying to make it quack.How do you guys start off?

[waltr]

For home hobby projects I start with circuit on PCB then find case, controls, etc.
I usually do have some idea of finial design in mind when doing PCB. I do like having a case before finishing the PCB to check that all will fit and controls are convienent.

At work we do both the finial look of the product (Marketing and Sales) and and internal circuits (RnD) at the same time.
There is much back and forth to obtain all desired features in a nice looking package.

If starting with exterior design then the PCB can be shaped to fit into the case then place and route the components. Getting an odd shape PCB is not expensive and this approach allows a nice looking case without wasted space inside.
With modern design tools (even the free & low cost 2D/3D CAD tools) it is not hard to work on both as virtual designs on the PC. Then make adjustments.
I have also done many cardboard models to see/feel fit and ergonomics. These are great for checking PCB mounting holes and ensuring enough room for battery and pots.

[dbanner]

For home hobby projects I start with circuit on PCB then find case, controls, etc.
I usually do have some idea of finial design in mind when doing PCB. I do like having a case before finishing the PCB to check that all will fit and controls are convienent.

At work we do both the finial look of the product (Marketing and Sales) and and internal circuits (RnD) at the same time.
There is much back and forth to obtain all desired features in a nice looking package.

If starting with exterior design then the PCB can be shaped to fit into the case then place and route the components. Getting an odd shape PCB is not expensive and this approach allows a nice looking case without wasted space inside.
With modern design tools (even the free & low cost 2D/3D CAD tools) it is not hard to work on both as virtual designs on the PC. Then make adjustments.
I have also done many cardboard models to see/feel fit and ergonomics. These are great for checking PCB mounting holes and ensuring enough room for battery and pots.

Thanks, I sometimes lose interest when having to populate over 100 components, the end seems far, far away. It is reverse engineering I had in mind, so the device is copied from original, no need for designing thing to fit etc, so I know exactly what everything needs to be.
I just thought that seeing a complete detector hardware chassis, shaft, coil(off the shelf) assembly would allow the light at end of tunnel to be visible.
Helps when having to populate 200 components.

[kt315]

DB

in my opinion you have to take ideas from Sven projects one-in-one. Sven reached highest peak in the matter DIY. THE leader.
you do not need housing to buy. just look how Sven buys oldest BFOs and uses their constructives.
i bought aliuminum housing on ali... waiting it.

[dbanner]

I am building clone of Nautilus, so it is big aluminum "lunch box". I start with box drill holes,put pots switches etc. With graphics labels, everything. Then I mount on shaft and make battery pack and everything. Now turkey is ready for stuffing.

[dbanner]

Here is another project, my minipulse plus, I use original layout, but modded for NE5532

[dbanner]

And yet another project, this is deepseeker ads clone