PCB Design Programs?

[PolyPill]

I was wondering what software people here like to use to design PCBs.

I used PCB for Linux and Eagle, Eagle is ok, but I was hoping to find something in the area of Free and the free version of Eagle doesn't give you much room to work with.

Windows or Linux works for me, I've looked at lists of different programs, but I thought I'd get better results by asking people that actually use this stuff.

I was also wondering if there's anything that will do the design for you, everything I see you have to manually place the tracks. Which is ok, but I go through a lot of trial an error.

[AndyOne]

Try Easy PC from Number One Systems. http://www.numberone.com/
Their demo download used to be a full featured non time-limited version for personal use. It's not obvious if the demo has any limitations on it now though. I use an earlier version which is an integrated schematic capture and layout package which allows complete checking of the design.

Andy.

[rogerb]

Have a look at Diptrace go to www.diptrace.com

The program is so much easier to use than eagle cad and the autorouter is pretty good

[Malc C]

Yeah, but at almost $500 for the full version it's on par with Eagle. The freeware version limits to 250 pins (?).

In addition to Eagle I use Proteus software from Labcenter Electronics http://www.proteuslite.com the lite version is only £20 and distributed as shareware.

[Jon Etheredge]

Looks like DipTrace limits you to 250 pins and it won't export Gerber files.

Looks like Proteus Lite doesn't transfer the net list from the schematic capture to the board layout portion of the program so you have to reenter the connections in the layout. Sounds tedious. The unregistered version limits you to 100 pins.

For the simple projects that I do, Eagle still comes out on top when the board size limitation is acceptable.

Another option that hasn't been mentioned is Vutrax (http://www.vutrax.co.uk/). The only limitation in the freeware version is a 256 pin limit. Their license is the most reasonable/realistic of the lot. The learning curve is a little steeper than Eagle but their tutorials are pretty good. I have only used the WIndows version but they also offer a Linux version.

[Norman Adlam]

Hi,

Yup, Eagle is the one I use! Works great - and I directly print to an overhead projector foil via an ink-jet printer.

Cheers,

[MAVA]

Here are free ones:

http://www.pcb-pool.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm

http://lupinesystems.com/easytrax/

http://www.expresspcb.com/


Hope that helps

Martin

[PolyPill]

I tried a few more programs, I really like Dip Trace, was easy for me to figure out and the autoroute works really well. For one project I had no problems with the demo limitations, but my latest one I quickly went over the pin limitation. I don't need to export files....I take a screen shot of my board and trace it in adobe illistrator, then I can cut some copper on a vinyl cutter. Works awesome for low budget testing....that's if you already have the vinyl cutter for other purposes.

pcb-pool looks like it might work well, I'm going to take a look tonight.

[Masto]

What about KICAD?

http://www.lis.inpg.fr/realise_au_lis/kicad/

Its a open source software and have autoroute function...

[markmi]

Hi Guys

To change on the subject a little, has anyone Electronics Workbench v4.1c as my disk No 1 is corrupt and I cannot reinstall it.

Mark

[ZAGNUT]

that KICAD looks real nice! gonna try it, thanks


dave