I'm looking for software to input a schematic, and perform a board layout/auto trace route... but i want something that's quick and easy!
Why? Because I etch my own boards, i will never source them out, and I just use whatever parts I have laying around.
I tried a few others, and they work, but I'm sick of spending an hour to layout a dozen parts. I don't want to draw it by hand either, i like arranging the parts via computer.
I want to click on capacitor and just have two holes on the board... i don't want to sort through a thousand different libraries of suppliers.
anyone got a suggestion?
Why? Because I etch my own boards, i will never source them out, and I just use whatever parts I have laying around.
I tried a few others, and they work, but I'm sick of spending an hour to layout a dozen parts. I don't want to draw it by hand either, i like arranging the parts via computer.
I want to click on capacitor and just have two holes on the board... i don't want to sort through a thousand different libraries of suppliers.
anyone got a suggestion?
yep, express pcb works well. only bummer is if for some reason you need to put copper on top in which case need to mirror print, recall express pcb would not give you that.
i use sprint layout, but not free, 39 bucks.... has nice tiling feature for printing out multiples of your home ethes. even funnier, my black toner was running low and i could select copper color to print in some funky cyan to hit that toner cartridge (color laser). also hated made a layout, but couldn't get fabbed since no gerber export - although you say doesn't matter for yourself since home etch only.
i use sprint layout, but not free, 39 bucks.... has nice tiling feature for printing out multiples of your home ethes. even funnier, my black toner was running low and i could select copper color to print in some funky cyan to hit that toner cartridge (color laser). also hated made a layout, but couldn't get fabbed since no gerber export - although you say doesn't matter for yourself since home etch only.
I get great results with Sprint Layout from Abacom in Germany.
It's very easy to use, supports copper and silkscreen layers on both sides and it's real easy to whip up new parts that are not already in the libraries.
http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/sprint-layout.html
It's cheaper than Eagle if you want to make boards larger than the limitaions of Eagle allow. Did I mention it's easier to use?
It's very easy to use, supports copper and silkscreen layers on both sides and it's real easy to whip up new parts that are not already in the libraries.
http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/sprint-layout.html
It's cheaper than Eagle if you want to make boards larger than the limitaions of Eagle allow. Did I mention it's easier to use?
A powerful "free"/ open source program:
http://kicad.sourceforge.net/en/index.shtml
KiCad consists from project manager and four main programs:
* kicad - project manager.
* eeschema - schematic editor.
* pcbnew - pcb editor.
* gerbview - Gerber (photoplotter documents) viewer.
* cvpcb - footprint selector for components used in the circuit design.
Almost no limitations for size and layers. A bit of learning curve. Libraries are OK, and can be custom made for your own parts.
HTH
http://kicad.sourceforge.net/en/index.shtml
KiCad consists from project manager and four main programs:
* kicad - project manager.
* eeschema - schematic editor.
* pcbnew - pcb editor.
* gerbview - Gerber (photoplotter documents) viewer.
* cvpcb - footprint selector for components used in the circuit design.
Almost no limitations for size and layers. A bit of learning curve. Libraries are OK, and can be custom made for your own parts.
HTH
elementx, did you buy out mayfield radio shack's etchant?! know you work near where i work, went there to pick up a bottle for the weekend project and they said someone came and bought it all!
You know, it really is cheaper to make your own etchant using Muriatic Acid from the home DIY stores and Hydrogen Peroxide from the Drug Store.
It might cost $5 per gallon, versus the $5 for 16 oz you pay at radio shack.
It might cost $5 per gallon, versus the $5 for 16 oz you pay at radio shack.
pwillard said:
I've been looking for a nice easy CAD program for a long time now. This looks like worth trying.
pwillard said:
I've just looked at that. There doesn't seem to be any link between the schematic program and the pcb layout. At least it is not mentioned
If true, that is a BIG weakness and source of errors creeping in, as well as a duplication of data entry.
I never said it was an EDA suite... if you want that, go with the limitations of Eagle or buy something like AUTOTRAX EDA from KOV
The original poster was just making ONCE-OFF layouts, as I am myself. I personally can design a PCB with Sprint Layout from an existing Schematic I snag from from the WEB (or hand draw) with little effort or mistakes. I don't need to spend time drawing the schematic unless I want to. Then I just use SPLAN from the same folks.
The SPRINT LAYOUT tool does what the original poster wanted...
Sprint is designed to be easy and is more geared to the hobbyist, which most of us seem to be. The issue with the error "Board and Schematic are not consistent!" in EAGLE is not something a DIY'r like me is always wanting to spend time on.
To each his own... I like the simple solution sometimes. The DEMO versions from ABACOM.DE should show you how easy they are. If that's what you like... great.
The original poster was just making ONCE-OFF layouts, as I am myself. I personally can design a PCB with Sprint Layout from an existing Schematic I snag from from the WEB (or hand draw) with little effort or mistakes. I don't need to spend time drawing the schematic unless I want to. Then I just use SPLAN from the same folks.
The SPRINT LAYOUT tool does what the original poster wanted...
Sprint is designed to be easy and is more geared to the hobbyist, which most of us seem to be. The issue with the error "Board and Schematic are not consistent!" in EAGLE is not something a DIY'r like me is always wanting to spend time on.
To each his own... I like the simple solution sometimes. The DEMO versions from ABACOM.DE should show you how easy they are. If that's what you like... great.
I settled for PCB123, I used it in the past and it's not too bad. They offer a free editor with built in purchasing feature... But I never need more than one board so I just print the drilling artwork, tape it on the board, drill it, and trace it by hand with a sharpie. Works really good, and the software does 2 sided boards (which is easy to do if you have the drill holes for reference)
haha, I tried to get some at the Mayfield store this weekend too, they were out (Did get the only/last pcb though🙂). Thrasher in Chardon was out (or don't carry it) as well. Luckily I had half a bottle left! I was just there a few hours ago (monday evening) and they're still out. They used to stock 4 bottles or so at a time last summer.
traw said:
haha, I tried to get some at the Mayfield store this weekend too, they were out (Did get the only/last pcb though🙂). Thrasher in Chardon was out (or don't carry it) as well. Luckily I had half a bottle left! I was just there a few hours ago (monday evening) and they're still out. They used to stock 4 bottles or so at a time last summer.
Hi guys,
I'm sorry I have to revive this thread that's more than half a decade old 😀. But I couldn't find one that's better suited for my question, I'm afraid.
I'm wondering what the difference between the free version of EAGLE and generally free layouting software really is? Does it make any difference which software I'm using as long as I'm just doing some really basic stuff?
Thanks in advance!
I'm sorry I have to revive this thread that's more than half a decade old 😀. But I couldn't find one that's better suited for my question, I'm afraid.
I'm wondering what the difference between the free version of EAGLE and generally free layouting software really is? Does it make any difference which software I'm using as long as I'm just doing some really basic stuff?
Thanks in advance!
The things you have to consider are:
- limitations: The free edition of Eagle can do 100x80mm boards max. This may not be enough for what you want to do. It's also limited to two layers - but I would argue that 4 layers don't count as 'really basic stuff' anymore.
- file compatibility with manufacturer: If you are having your PCBs made, you need a format that your manufacturer understands. Pretty much all of them take Gerber files, many are happy to take Eagle files.
- ease of use: Really depends on your preferences. Simply try a few and see what works for you.
- availability of parts libraries, or the option to create your own parts in the software.
I understand that you need a simple PCB layout software with which you can avoid the hassle and DesignSpark DesignSpark - Home DesignSpark has probably everything you need. It has a bigger component library which you don't want but you can simply set default components. You can also design pads for your components according to your desired requirements and keep using them again and again. The one main advantage of this CAD software is the availability of online help, you can get countless reference circuits online and the online community of design spark users mostly shares the circuits and design files to help others with the commonly used circuits. It'll be interesting which software you choose for your future work. You can also try freepcb.com. Keep us posted with results.
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