PIC Programmer

[jessey]

As regards the cad program, perhaps you may consider PCB123. It is working fine for my hobby needs.

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

[mackrackit]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

The program I told you about works fine, I etch my own boards too. And the program is FREE.

[mvs_sarma]

Hi mvs_sarma,

I like to design and etch my own circuit boards so I need a program that will print out the art work to the correct size, anyone know of a program that will do that and is easy to use and under $100.00?

Thanks
jessey

Jessy, basically you have asked for a cad that could work with Vista. now you want a program that could print out the artwork.
please tell where is the artwork work and in what format. if already you use a cad, i would suggest to make a pdf of the concerned layer at 1:1
once you make it perhaps you can take a laser print by configuring the printer with no change in set up and at 100%. you can see and measure the sample print wrt the dimensions compare with artwork or try placing few chips to check whether they fit in
this is what i do from the artwork developed using PCB123 software on WIN XP and generate a PDF at 1:1 as I have to get it printed outside.
If you have Laser printer, the software directly gives you a print of the specified layer at defined size .

OK, Vista supported CAD software, i am not sure.

[mackrackit]

You can use an ink jet printer.

Currently I use a HP Deskjet D4160 with 3M transparency film part #CG3460.
No, not as good as a laser, but works well enough for non production runs.

[mister_e]

I found the InkJet produce better results than Laser... probably because the ink of InkJet is really Dark, while toner is a bit lighter.

[Archangel]

I found the InkJet produce better results than Laser... probably because the ink of InkJet is really Dark, while toner is a bit lighter.

Really, my HP 6L I can adjust the DARKness.

[mister_e]

Yup mine too, but still inkjet is a bit much dark... toner remain toner i guess... Laser work without much problem, i just had better (slightly better) results with Inkjet. Well, my own experience so far

[mvs_sarma]

I fear that the topic is not about ink quality.

After printing, Jessy might need to transfer it to copper clad by some process and there after it should be etch resistant? I don't expect Inkjet print to be able to transfer the image for a toner transfer?

BTW, whether Jessy is aiming photographic transfer using pre sensitized copper clad?

[jessey]

Jessy, basically you have asked for a cad that could work with Vista. now you want a program that could print out the artwork.

The program I told you about works fine, I etch my own boards too. And the program is FREE.

Hello,

Thanks for the feedback, I appolizse for not getting back to you guys sooner. I already have a CAD program called SuperPCB that I purchased years ago for my PC running Windows ME but it dosn't work very good on my laptop running Windows Vista. I just checked and I can get an upgrade for SuperPCB that's compatable with Vista for $95.00 USD but if PCB123 and KICAD are free and works like you say then I'll look at them for sure and save the money for some other Pic related gadget. I've ordered a PICkit 2 Debug Express and a RJ-11 to ICSP Adapter from Digi Key so I'm really looking forward to trying them. This is a great hobby!


Thanks again guys
jessey