I'm after some advice for a friend (seriously!). He needs some reasonable PCB design software with schematic to PCB connectivity, he doesn't need auto-routing. DXF output of the PCB would be good. User friendliness is important, as he needs to get up to speed fairly quickly. Up to £1000 is possible. Any suggestions appreciated.
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I did some layout in Eagle from CADsoft some years ago. It seems quite user friendly, and there are tons of tutorials online.
It does have limitations comapred to systems like Protel/Altium, Mentor Graphic and so. But again... these are totally out of range (price) and not that user friendly.
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/prices.htm
It does have limitations comapred to systems like Protel/Altium, Mentor Graphic and so. But again... these are totally out of range (price) and not that user friendly.
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/prices.htm
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What is the technology/complexity that is going to be designed.
Ie SMD, number of components/pads, number of connections, size of boards etc.
Preferable output for having boards manufactured would be RS-274X (extended Gerber) or second RS-274 (basic gerber).
I would second Eagle as probably the only one thats gonna come near on price range though
Ie SMD, number of components/pads, number of connections, size of boards etc.
Preferable output for having boards manufactured would be RS-274X (extended Gerber) or second RS-274 (basic gerber).
I would second Eagle as probably the only one thats gonna come near on price range though
Mostly through hole technology, although SMD might be used. Board size up to 400x200mm ish! Easy PC any good?
Hi.
I use Easy PC at work and have no troubles with it, but i have limited experience to compare it to anything else. If you are going to do a lot of SMD the optional SMD library saves a lot of time. The standard (included) auto router is not much cop though.
Chris
I use Easy PC at work and have no troubles with it, but i have limited experience to compare it to anything else. If you are going to do a lot of SMD the optional SMD library saves a lot of time. The standard (included) auto router is not much cop though.
Chris
How often are you gonna use this?? Only once?? Then you might consider asking one of us to do it for you 😉
It is!
Recently I finished my KiCad-learning-project.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/155939-mosfet-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.
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:
Attachments
PCBCAD 30 or 40
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
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
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