Proteus Software

[mister_e]

I never found any trusty sim software for Microcontrollers, Proteus being the worst each and every time their sale representative spam my e-mail box with their sh*tty Demos... but every time, I said.. OK i'll try it.. it failed everytime with some really simple test so I wouldn't recommend it unless it is tax deductible for you (Woohoo, once again I'll make friend with that one, like I care )

You want the truth, use real and true components with a simple USB/Serial terminal or ICD (if you know, agree and understand their limitations), period. You're brain and knowledge are going to like it, mentaly, it is better than anything else! Invest the cash you would have wasted in Sim in parts and equipment, that will last.

PCB software, Eagle seems to be pretty standard. I found it a tad harder to move on Eagle than on other while testing them though. Must be the over 15 year background with PCAD. No regret.

Conclusion: I'm not a good reference for sim, but... good luck. Let's see what the other will suggest, let see the fame goes down from the clouds above and see my post being edited or deleted for sanity purpose

[cncmachineguy]

Thanks Steve. I have been using ICD and real components for about 14 years now. Also have been using the free software and services of Express PCB.

I guess I am looking for a little more convience. I realize nothing will take the place of actual parts and brain.

[mackrackit]

Are you planning on etching or machining your boards?

[cncmachineguy]

No Dave, I have them made. Its Just SOOO much better then when i made them myself years ago. Of course, I guess if I went back to that it would be easier (and cheaper ?) to prototype that way. Hmmm....

[mister_e]

Home made pcb is still good for small production and/or proof on concept, but yes you need to play a little bit with chemicals and stuff like that. Home made SMD, double side PCB is not a problem. I still do it here, then once I'm sure everything's o.k I go for the outsource.

Does ExpressPCB software allow you to export to gerber or you need to stick with their service only? Beauty of third party one, is the ability to generate standard gerber format so you can have your PCB made everywhere. Some place even accept Eagle files directly, not only generated gerber ones.

[cncmachineguy]

Express PCB is strickly stick with their service. Mind you their service is good. I have never had any problems with it.

[Darrel Taylor]

Everyone probably already knows my oppinion of Proteus, but I'll say it again.
It's totally awesome. Best SIM I've ever seen. I'll never be without it again, unless I quit programming PIC's.

I just recently started using ARES (the PCB part) at work, and I've never made PCBoards so easily. It was actually fun for once. I always hated doing PCB's before.

It isn't exactly cheap, but if you can afford it, I would recommend it above anything else.

And NO, you don't need the "Advanced Simulation" stuff.
The real strength of Proteus is the simulation of your code in a microprocessor.
The analog parts work, if your design is good. Out of spec designs give results you wouldn't see in real life, so it's not a "Proof of concept" if you don't have a good design to start with.

It is invaluable for debugging code though.
Especially when you're debugging other people's code.

[mackrackit]

No Dave, I have them made. Its Just SOOO much better then when i made them myself years ago. Of course, I guess if I went back to that it would be easier (and cheaper ?) to prototype that way. Hmmm....

Around nine months ago I purchased my first cnc mill. Never again to use chemicals. For prototypes and small runs it is great. When I learn more about machining, jigs and fixtures it may even be good for relatively large runs. No silks though..

[Ioannis]

For home made pcb's look also at http://www.pulsarprofx.com/pcbfx/main_site/pages/

I liked very much the idea of having etching with a sponge and a few drops of etchant fluid.

Ioannis

[cncmachineguy]

@Dave, I would love to see pics of your mill! Also, mill size, speed and feed. Have you tried cutting any solder mask's? I saw someone doing that on you tube with some .005 brass I think. Seems like I remember them holding it down with 3M or some other spray glue.

@Ioannis, That is a GREAT link! I think I have read the entire site, and I must say, it looks like a wonderful technique. Still unsure on solder mask and the via's sound a bit cumbersome. but for prototyping, sounds like fun.

@Darrel, Thanks for jumping in and carrying the flag for VSM! Without the advanced sim stuff, are you able to watch outputs like on a scope? So being able to compare timing between signals and such?