[sdiy] IVEX WinBoard/WinDraft comments?

[THOMAS, Mervyn]

Mike;

I've been using this for a while now and I almost like it. While not coming
close to the full-on packages we use here at work (UNIX based) it's adequate
for the sort of boards I'm doing at home.

The schematics side is fine, they give you a substantial library to get you
started and adding your own parts is straightforward. Running to/from
schematics into PCB is also very easy. The PCB side has a few quirks and a
few limitations that took some getting used to and I've found it to be a wee
bit flakey at times. Save often!

Their web site www.ivex.com has a pin limited version you can download to
try out and I would suggest that you do this before parting with your hard
earned cash. Everyone has different views on requirements and this may or
may not suit yours.

The other package that seems popular with the list is Eagle www.cadsoft.de
or www.cadsoftusa.com. These also have a pin/size limited demo version
available for download. I have a feeling that this one also includes an
autorouter, while Ivex just provide a link to the Specctra router.

Hope this helps...


Regards,

Merv Thomas
UNIX CAE SysAdmin - Portsmouth
*Email:	mervyn.thomas at astrium-space.com
*Tel.:	 +(0)23 9270 5394 
 * Fax.:	 +(0)23 9270 8663



-----Original Message-----
From: Mike McCaughey [mailto:mrmike at clickbang.com]
Sent: 24 October 2001 11:33:PM
To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: [sdiy] IVEX WinBoard/WinDraft comments?


Does anyone have an opinion on the IVEX schematic capture program 
WinDraft or the companion WinBoard PCB layout software? They're 
running a sale and I was curious if this would be a reasonable 
package for small board design.

Thanks!
mrmike
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