Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?


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    Default Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I have a Mac so this site (http://www.mactech.com/articles/mact...are/index.html) was interesting but I really only need to produce the odd PCB and in single quantities. I do have Windows so I'm not going to limit myself to just Mac options, but is there a good, reasonably priced schematic > PCB layout (knows PICs, can do double-sided) that you all would recommend?

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I have not tried this (I have a Windows PCB app that I'm very happy with) but...

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I run a MAC, i love it. BUT the best PCB design tools and routers seems to be Windows based, as do a few 9 growing smaller) number of other applications...PBP3 :-)

    So for those Windows based applications that i cannot live without, i run Parallels Desktop and with the Windows applications in coherence mode, they sit on my Dock just like any other Mac app, I run Windows apps on my Mac and have the best of both worlds.

    You might want to look at Design Spark its Free http://www.designspark.com/knowledge/pcb

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I have been using DipTrace, it is for Windows and is free to use for moderately-sized boards:

    http://www.diptrace.com

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I´ve been using Cadsoft EAGLE. The best PCB software in my eyes. Its easy to use for beginners.
    More informations here: http://www.cadsoftusa.com/eagle-pcb-design-software/

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    Thanks supermann. I found Eagle CadSoft a few months back and have been using it since. The schematic editor is great, once you figure out how to find the parts you need. As for the board layout editor, I'm finding it a bit tricky in terms of doing the traces and getting it ready for a PCB maker.

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    I use Easy PC. http://www.numberone.com/easypc.asp
    Not too bad for the price and a free try before you buy.
    The help desk is quite useful too. We do some pretty big/small designs on it, multi layer etc.

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    Dave
    Always wear safety glasses while programming.

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    Kicad worked for me...
    My first design... autorouter (web based) very effective.

    bottom line ... they all have a VERY STEEP learning curve.

    which ever one you choose, google for any associated guides/tutorials and take advantage of them.

    good luck
    Dwight
    These PIC's are like intricate puzzles just waiting for one to discover their secrets and MASTER their capabilities.

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    Default Re: Schematic and PCB Layout Software Suggestions?

    Quote Originally Posted by Heckler View Post
    bottom line ... they all have a VERY STEEP learning curve.
    Not all. Sprint Layout is inexpensive and has an extremely simple, intuitive interface. You can be doing complex layouts almost immediately. It's multilayer.

    However, there is no integrated schematic capture and its autorouter is very rudimentary.

    They have a demo version: http://www.abacom-online.de/uk/html/sprint-layout.html

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