PCBCAD40

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KatieandDad

KatieandDad

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Joined 2011
#1
Is PCBCAD40 compatible with Windows 7 Ultimate?

I've got a legitimate copy but it keeps coming up with this error when installing.
 

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#5
I've contacted Nigel but all he wants to do is sell a more up to date version. My Dad paid good money for this and never got it to work.

It does install using Admin rights but it doesn't work. Why is the original publisher so difficult to approach ?
 
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#6
I have no idea about pcbcad40, but I am evaluating DesignSpark v7.1, which does not seem to be too bad. Within a couple of days after reading the Elektor tutorial I am off to the races. the modelsource libraries are helping to get me going.
I resurrected the old designspark thread if you want to follow along using support software!
 
#12
Then do not waste your time with PCBCAD40, switch to designspark v7.1. Get your self registered so you can access modelsource libraries and follow along with me. i guees I have an advantage that I have all teh elektor articles and they are copyrighted so I can not distribute them freely.
I can see that Nigel is trying to defend his product, it is rubbish.
Click to expand...
I think he is losing his battle with me.
 
#13
KatieandDad said:
I've contacted Nigel but all he wants to do is sell a more up to date version. My Dad paid good money for this and never got it to work.

It does install using Admin rights but it doesn't work. Why is the original publisher so difficult to approach ?
Click to expand...

That really is not true !
No one has contacted me re: pcbcad40 for a long time as it is long obsolete !


It hasn't installed because you didnt follow the instructions in installation sheet. I have sold 1500 copies so know what problems arise.
 
#17
I've tried DesignSpark but I can't seem to locate any component libraries. The raw libraries don't have many through hole components.
Click to expand...
Yes the raw libraries are as you say but the ModelSource Libraries are available and usable. Some of them need work and all need checking to some degree, no diff than any other ecad pkg.
This will be free and offer of good will to a previous customer.
Click to expand...
Wise guy turns out to be a nice guy after all = cheers.
 
#20
KatieandDad said:
I've tried DesignSpark but I can't seem to locate any component libraries. The raw libraries don't have many through hole components.
Click to expand...

Regardless of which PCB layout program you use, PLEASE learn to make schematic symbols and component footprints, and develop a way to organize libraries that works for YOU!

I have laid out boards with half a dozen professional-grade programs, and gone through tutorials and demonstrations for at least that many more. These ranged from no-cost programs (e.g., KiCAD), through hobby-grade programs (like Ultiboard), to many-kilobuck packages (Altium). PWB layout was never my main job function. I did it for one-off prototypes or concept-demonstration units, specialized test sets, hobby projects, etc. Consequently I never knew any of the programs to the point where using them was effortless or routine

None of them - not a single one - had a library system that I could use efficiently. None of them - not a single one - came with component libraries that contained more than about 75% of what I needed. On any given project I spent anywhere from around 20% to 75% of the total effort doing "library work". And I'm not alone: every corporation I've worked for, where I was familiar with the in-house PCB design process, created and maintained their own libraries of PCB layout components.

As a hobbyist there are several reasons you may want to create your own symbols and patterns, even if the program already includes a symbol or pattern. These include:

  • Using components in ways that are unusual or impractical for automated production, but advantageous for hobbyists (e.g., resistors mounted "on end")
  • Increasing pad sizes and/or copper spacing to simplify manual soldering
  • Aesthetic uniformity of symbols, pad sizes and styles
In conclusion, I wouldn't judge a PCB layout program by its supplied component libraries, but rather by my ability to use it for creating symbols and patterns, and organizing them into libraries.



Dale
 
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