Making PCB, best software

[Charlie]

I've been using an old version for quite some time; Qcad v28.3. I found it very easy to learn and it was my introduction into electronics. Now I make double-sided PCBs with it.

The free version works up to 500 pins, no other limitation, autorouter included.

The new payware version is expensive though; $400 for 1000 pins, $800 for unlimitted pins. A little too rich for my blood.

WOW, you're right! The last time I bought the pay version (I had a technical question) it was $25. I guess he decided to make a business out of it. At any rate, 500 pins still covers all my needs, so the free version would be fine, or my paid version which I think is 51.7.

[rsocor01]

I use the software from pad2pad. It is very easy to use. The downside is that you have to make your PCBs with them. I tried Eagle once but it was too complicated so I decided not to put too much effort into it since I had a lot of other stuff that I needed to learn.

[Dave]

rsocor01 , If you ask them when ordering they can supply you with the gerbers for a one time charge of $25.

Dave Purola,
N8NTA

[Acetronics2]

Hi,

Multisim/Ultiboard 11 ...

somewhat complicated for a newbie ( I've used Ultimate suite 5.7x for 10 years before , but new motherboards lost their // port ( for the Dongle ...) and serial port ( for the Picstart + ) ), but VERY VERY VERY nice result ...

and Overall the 3D view !!!

here is a small example ...

Alain

[dhouston]

Multisim/Ultiboard 11 ...

For the price ($3600+ Utiboard) it should do 3D manufacturing - not just simulation.

• http://www.3dsystems.com/

[dhouston]

I was wrong - you could do 3-D manufacturing and have money left over.

• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/14/ar...ref=technology
• http://www.makerbot.com/

[tiger_bel]

using ultiboard for 20 years , still today. (european favorite) looking for another program.
yearly update and maintenance fee is very high, and no support from NI.
changing to another system is a pain, i must redraw all the designs, (more than 500.)

and what abt altium ???

rgds
tb