I have been using 'PCB Wizard' PCB layout software for a while now, but it does not support surface mount components, and has not been updated for over 6 years. Furthermore, their customer support has degraded from being atrociously poor to non-existent. They refuse to even reply to emails now.
So I am now seeking alternatives and recommendations.
My main requirement is that it is easy and intuitive to use, so simple click and drag for both components and tracks without lots of tedious invoking menus, and easy zoom/pan using the mouse. If it ran on a Mac, that would be a bonus, but not essential. It doesn't need to be free either.
So I am now seeking alternatives and recommendations.
My main requirement is that it is easy and intuitive to use, so simple click and drag for both components and tracks without lots of tedious invoking menus, and easy zoom/pan using the mouse. If it ran on a Mac, that would be a bonus, but not essential. It doesn't need to be free either.
KiCad or DipTrace are my favorite. A lot of people like Altium too. Don't touch Ultiboard or Eagle, I don't find them productive at all.
I have a paperback book for EagleCAD. If not for that I'd never get anywhere. It's a very "1980s" interface, like most CAD.
... for the simplicity Cadsoft EAGLE (or Farnell?) definitively (and I know ALL PCB layout tools).
Jean-Paul
Jean-Paul
Yes, Eagle is very traditional and does its thing quite good. The feeling is as with PADS 😉. But it is quite easy to work with after one have gone through the steps atleast one time - create symbol, create footprint and make a device, use the device in schema and make a layout, run the checks and fix whatever is wrong, export to gerber or whatever, get boards and solder, enjoy 🙂.
Regards
Regards
Perhaps the need for a simple EAGLE Tutorial? Sure, with LTSpice and Sketchup integration.
Finally, the libraries quality is the decision factor!
Jean-Paul
Finally, the libraries quality is the decision factor!
Jean-Paul
One good thing with learning onseself to use Eagle or any of the big eCad prgrams is that they are pretty much alike. Learn one and it is much easier to dig into any of them. The workprocess is the same in any of them. Using the webb based quick ones doesn't give one the depth of knowledge in my view. But as always - to everyone as they prefer.
Regards
Regards
I actually haven't gotten a chance to play with this one much but what I can say. It doesn't supposedly have any of the advanced features like the fpga stuff, and supposedly everything you make is visible online. Otherwise it is supposed to be really well featured.
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So it gives one everything, add devices to libs ( symbols and pads hopefully for everyne to use and correct), scema (of course), layout and export to usable netlists or gerbers? The obstacle or benefit may be that everything is open. I mean free is as in everything exept paying Altium a penny or have to use their affiliates to get the design thru the chain - then it is free...
Regards
Regards
Definitely going to try this one! as I am an old Altium user.
I would normally recommend Diptrace as that is what I have been using for simple projects and their licencing fee structure makes it easy.
Yep, free as in free. According to the Circuit Maker FAQ, you can output board files as:
You can also export Netlist files. There is no requirement that you use their affiliates. There are no board size limits, no pin limits (though they do advise that at 5000 pads some computers will begin to experience some lag and at 50,000 most computers will find the software virtually unusable), nor limits on the number of layers, nor any limits on what you do with the boards you have made. The only requirement is that any modified parts you make are free for ANYONE to use and edit themselves, same with any PCB or Schematics you make. You can keep at most two projects private at any one time (until you render a GERBER then they are made public). All public designs are on the Vault for anyone to use and fork as they wish. For people who don't want their designs published, this is a big problem and likely one that is enough to make them look elsewhere. For hobbyists who don't care, this is not a problem at all and they get a HUGE amount of functionality for it. Whether it stays this way in the future, I am really not sure. I am still trying to figure out how they make money off of this. My guess is that they know hobbyists were not buying Altium, but it gets the people learning familiar enough with Altium that they purchase it in the future when they work at a company.I do know that it even has tie ins to the Altium owned Octapart database for generating BOMs with full real time pricing.
I do not understand the 20 page EULA so I'll wait until I do. Understand that data of any kind has a value - it is a commodity these days. Whatever you do for free on the net is after you click enter or ok out of your hands. You do not own the information anymore. I thought this was common knowledge...
But again, I have nothing to hide and most people out there are smarter than I so I will amaze of the outputs and give input where I can and settle with that 🙂 Thanks PedroDaGr8 🙂
Regards
But again, I have nothing to hide and most people out there are smarter than I so I will amaze of the outputs and give input where I can and settle with that 🙂 Thanks PedroDaGr8 🙂
Regards
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I know that, I do not mind giving my knowledge away for free in certain areas. I enjoy the thrill of helping others and in general have not tried to monetize this. I could if I wish and I certainly don't begrudge those that do. I work for a living just like anyone else (which means in a way I am getting paid for my knowledge). I have not read the 20 page EULA only the FAQ. For my intents and uses, like many others, CircuitMaker is actually really powerful and really useful.
That being said, I am already fluent in DipTrace so it will be a while before I am able to justify taking the time to learn CircuitMaker.
Edit: one other thing, it appears CircuitMaker also includes EaglePCB export ability. This would provide a means for making a backup if necessary.
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I do very much enjoy and use the information you provide. Please keep up the good work 🙂
My main concern is that there ain't no free lunches and I´m curious about where to pay...
Regards
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It amazes me the differences in price you can pay for one package compared to the next.
Some free packages are good and providing you are careful can produce excellent pcb's.
Personally I prefer something with a decent amount of error checking.
Scrapped pcb's because of mistakes are expensive, much more expensive than the cheaper CAD packages.
Its well worth investigating PCBCAD packages before buying and make sure the error checking is very good.
Some free packages are good and providing you are careful can produce excellent pcb's.
Personally I prefer something with a decent amount of error checking.
Scrapped pcb's because of mistakes are expensive, much more expensive than the cheaper CAD packages.
Its well worth investigating PCBCAD packages before buying and make sure the error checking is very good.
Truthfully, that is a good question and one that I wonder as well. The only postulate I have seen is that the requirements for CircuitMaker are VERY targeted. All designs are "open source" is how you pay. Basically, no business is going to want to use this version because it is giving away their designs. This I'm sure was Altiums biggest worry, how do they create something for the hobbyist to use and become familiar with the Altium Family of products while at the same time not cannibalizing their bread and butter business. My guess is that they hope hobbyists get familiar with the Altium family and when it comes time to start their business transistion into paid Altium customers. It certainly costs them very little due to the nature of the product and has the potential to gain them some as well. Otherwise, I really don't know HOW they pay for this at this time.
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