PCB layout software recomendations...

dionisio · 21st February 2009, 09:26 PM

Hi
I'm looking for a free, relatively simple PCB layout program to play with..
I'm not planing anything fancy,,, just thought I'd try the toner method to etch some amp and PS boards..

Any recommendations would be appreciated as I've had minimal luck trying to find something that suits well...

Thanks in advance...

sean

psychosteve · 21st February 2009, 09:59 PM

i use eagle, the hobby version is free and its pretty good. Quite alot of ppl on the forums ues it.
the graphical image output is a .PNG file which opens in most printing software, but be aware of size changes when opening.

http://www.cadsoft.de/

one tip, i always include a square or something you can measure,do a test print and check the size before you print to preess n peel or photo paper.

try pcb pool aswell, they do a free download although yuo need to register and i cant remember what its image output is.

hope that gives you a start, steve.

Conrad Hoffman · 22nd February 2009, 02:21 AM

I like TinyCAD and FreePCB from Sourceforge. They're a little odd until you get used to them, but I can't stand the bugs and limitations of most other software, even the more expensive commercial stuff. Also download a copy of the Pentalogix Viewmate gerber viewer. That will help you with a lot of checking and printing tasks. I've had great success using the toner method, but now I'm too lazy and just send the darn things out to one of the inexpensive quick turn places.

es44 · 22nd February 2009, 07:17 AM

I've tried various schematic/layout programs, including Eagle, but must admit, that learning is not that easy anymore. Maybe because i'm in the process of changing hair color

Then i stumbled upon Diptrace. The free version is more than enough for me, with 250 pins limit. It has been relatively easy for me to use without, without too big headache.

Have fun
Ebbe

rocco gibralter · 22nd February 2009, 09:02 AM

thats a good free program, fully featured and easy to use!

http://www.freepcb.com/

rocco gibralter · 22nd February 2009, 09:04 AM

Sorry conrad just read your post!

dionisio · 22nd February 2009, 03:06 PM

Good Stuff!

Now to begin the learning process.

Thanks for the replies!!

fjr · 22nd February 2009, 08:45 PM

Try Sprint-Layout!
Cheap (40EUR), simple, effective. The best unprofessional PCB software on the market!

nigelwright7557 · 22nd February 2009, 10:05 PM

There is a sub £20 package on ebay called PCBCAD30.

It has all sorts of extras you wouldnt expect for £20 like Gerber viewer and 3D PCB viewer.

Bonsai · 5th April 2013, 06:21 AM

My Circuit2000 crashed this morning and I have lost my user library. All of it. Of course, it's my fault for not backing I up.

I tool a look at Sprintlayout from Abacom, but it does not seem to have net list support. Anyone know if this is the case or not?

21st February 2009, 09:26 PM	#1
dionisio diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: 10 miles north of the Golden Gate	PCB layout software recomendations... Hi I'm looking for a free, relatively simple PCB layout program to play with.. I'm not planing anything fancy,,, just thought I'd try the toner method to etch some amp and PS boards.. Any recommendations would be appreciated as I've had minimal luck trying to find something that suits well... Thanks in advance... sean

21st February 2009, 09:59 PM	#2
psychosteve diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: coventry england	i use eagle, the hobby version is free and its pretty good. Quite alot of ppl on the forums ues it. the graphical image output is a .PNG file which opens in most printing software, but be aware of size changes when opening. http://www.cadsoft.de/ one tip, i always include a square or something you can measure,do a test print and check the size before you print to preess n peel or photo paper. try pcb pool aswell, they do a free download although yuo need to register and i cant remember what its image output is. hope that gives you a start, steve. __________________ you all laugh because im different, i laugh because youre all the same.. ..

22nd February 2009, 02:21 AM	#3
Conrad Hoffman diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Canandaigua, NY USA	I like TinyCAD and FreePCB from Sourceforge. They're a little odd until you get used to them, but I can't stand the bugs and limitations of most other software, even the more expensive commercial stuff. Also download a copy of the Pentalogix Viewmate gerber viewer. That will help you with a lot of checking and printing tasks. I've had great success using the toner method, but now I'm too lazy and just send the darn things out to one of the inexpensive quick turn places. __________________ I used to be an audiophool like you but then I took an arrow to the knee.

22nd February 2009, 08:45 PM	#8
fjr diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2009	pcb design software Try Sprint-Layout! Cheap (40EUR), simple, effective. The best unprofessional PCB software on the market!

22nd February 2009, 10:05 PM	#9
nigelwright7557 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Carlisle, England	There is a sub £20 package on ebay called PCBCAD30. It has all sorts of extras you wouldnt expect for £20 like Gerber viewer and 3D PCB viewer. __________________ http://www.murtonpikesystems.co.uk PCBCAD50 pcb design software.


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

22nd February 2009, 07:17 AM	#4
es44 diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Fredericia, DK	I've tried various schematic/layout programs, including Eagle, but must admit, that learning is not that easy anymore. Maybe because i'm in the process of changing hair color Then i stumbled upon Diptrace. The free version is more than enough for me, with 250 pins limit. It has been relatively easy for me to use without, without too big headache. Have fun Ebbe

22nd February 2009, 09:02 AM	#5
rocco gibralter Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Aug 2008	thats a good free program, fully featured and easy to use! http://www.freepcb.com/

22nd February 2009, 09:04 AM	#6
rocco gibralter Account disabled at member's request Join Date: Aug 2008	Sorry conrad just read your post!

22nd February 2009, 03:06 PM	#7
dionisio diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: 10 miles north of the Golden Gate	Good Stuff! Now to begin the learning process. Thanks for the replies!!

5th April 2013, 06:21 AM	#10
Bonsai diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Taipei, Taiwan	My Circuit2000 crashed this morning and I have lost my user library. All of it. Of course, it's my fault for not backing I up. I tool a look at Sprintlayout from Abacom, but it does not seem to have net list support. Anyone know if this is the case or not? __________________ bonsai Amplifier Design and Construction for MUSIC! http://hifisonix.com/

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