Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Andrew" <andrewm1973@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2006 6:37 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Eagle smells and i dont like it - was - Re: What is 
your favorite free PCB-CAD


>> Leon wrote:
>>
>> It will export netlists for:
>>   a.. Accel PCB
>>   b.. PADS PCB
>>   c.. Zuken Rinf (Cadstar and Visula)
>>   d.. P-CAD PCB
>>   e.. OrCAD II DOS
>>   f.. Viewdraw
>> and there is a 'Part Mapper'. Orcad seems to
>> use EDIF, which is the closest thing to a
>> common format. The report writer can be used
>> for user-defined netlists.
>
> How about after the PCB is drawn ?  Eagle
> seems to have the ability to import and export
> documented ascii files that can describe a
> PCB and can also I/O protel PCB.

It obviouisly can, because it can be used with other autorouters like 
Specctra. It would be best to ask Pulsonix about it.

>
> gEDA and KirCad are lacking - but have an
> openness that is well above the others.
>
> I have looked at pulsonix enough to almost
> think the 10K+ price could be worth it for
> productivity.  But any gain made there may
> be lost by not being able to share.
>
> Eagle may be crap.  But it is common crap
> is how I am still feeling.

I wouldn't say that it is crap, it's just difficult to use. It will usually 
get the job done, albeit with a lot of difficulty. I don't think that anyone 
is using it for complex multi-layer boards.

>
> I WILL still download the demo of pulsonix
> and give it a try.  But I think the closed
> format gives it a cross against its name.
> (I could be wrong about the closed format
> I just could not find any details)

Just email Pulsonix with any questions: support@...

Leon