Homebrew PCBs

While its still in development and has few library parts, PCB123 is 
shaping up to be a great *free* schematic and layout program. Its 
almost the same deal as express PCB except the printing isn't 
sabotaged. Print whatever you want without booby traps. It even has 
auto-routing.

Like I said though, its in its infancy still. You'll have to make 
90% of the parts yourself as the libraries are miniscule. The good 
thing is that making parts is a breeze with the latest beta builds. 
Its tempermental, unrelated traces like to move with one another 
occasionally. Graphics corrupt frequently (though just choosing 
redraw clears up 99.9% of the time).

There is no requirement to purchase boards from the vendor but, its 
looking so good I'll probably get a few made as payment for the 
software. If someone does a good job they deserve a reward after all.

www.pcb123.com

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha <dave_mucha@y...>" 
<dave_mucha@y...> wrote:
> Hi Jan,
> 
> The problem you mentioned is not the one in the origional post.  
He 
> requested some software that is readily available.  Since the 
> software is free, it's hard to beat.
> 
> the problme you mention is hard coded into the software.  They 
force 
> you to use their services.  you must buy a prototype board, not 
their 
> mini-board and THEN you can send them another $60.00 for them to 
> convert into gerbers.
> 
> What I have done is to print-screen then manipulate until the 
print 
> is exactly correct allignment.  almost impossible for a larger 
board.
> 
> I wish there was a free raster to vector program that could accept 
> the screen shot and then export that into a dxf or dwg file.  That 
> would make the program very useful !
> 
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, JanRwl@A... wrote:
> > In a message dated 12/17/2002 8:41:25 AM Central Standard Time, 
> > dave_mucha@y... writes:
> > 
> > 
> > > try 
> > > ExpressPCB.  the latestest version has a schematic side.  I 
just 
> got 
> > > it, so cannot comment on it's usefulness.
> > > 
> > 
> > I got this, too.  It seems amazing, but HOW can you print 
a "camera-
> ready" 
> > copy?  It insists on "shading" the back ground, and LEAVING 
> the "dots" on 
> > 0.1" centers over the entire area!
> > 
> > Jan Rowland
> > 
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]