Best PCB Design Software for £1K

[ChocoHolic]

Originally Posted by Hurtig

Wow.... Looks NICE!!

It is!
Recently I finished my KiCad-learning-project.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid...et-relais.html
And I am pleased by the KiCad functionality, also the synchronization between schematic and board did work in a fully satisfying way, when introducing changes.

[Andrew*Debbie]

Originally Posted by simon dart

Mostly through hole technology, although SMD might be used. Board size up to 400x200mm ish! Easy PC any good?

I design 1 to 6 small PCBs a year using the $125 eduction version of Eagle. Full features but limited to 160x100mm boards. For the price it is a good value.

Good:
Schematic capture is good. There is a fairly good component library and adding new components isn't hard. Manual layout is easy. The design rule checks work.

Bad:
Eagle's Autorouter is nearly useless. I wouldn't pay extra for it.
No SPICE either. You have to design outside of Eagle.

Eagle has a freeware version to download and try. I also tried a couple of free programs but none of them were as good as Eagle.

A few of my boards -- Eagle is ideal for simple projects like these:

[Ivey]

Simom:

I say old man, I hope that I am not too late with this information. But right in jolly old England, they are selling a complete PCB system for a mere 14.99 pounds.

It is located on eBay (UK). It is an excellent package, and if I was not so heavily invested in Protel and CircuitMaker 2000. I would check it out.

Cheers old fellow


Ivey

[BrianVG]

I use Multisim/Ultiboard. I got it cheaper because I'm a student, it's pretty expensive if you buy the full version.
It has autorouting and you can see a 3D model of your PCB.