Homebrew PCBs

>From: Ted Huntington <thunting@...>
>Reply-To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] free standard PCB software
>Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 11:24:33 -0700
>
>Thanks Dave, so WinQCad is easier than Eagle, and you do not hear about
>people using Protel (light) often.
>
>There is a program for linux at pcb.sourceforge.net, and that looks
>interesting, although I think there is no auto-rout.
>
>The one drawback, appears to be having a database table of all the
>components (basically millions of chips, although the packages are
>relatively few), I guess people add their own specific chips without too
>much difficulty, etc...
>
>Still, I guess that Gerber files are the standard for PCB production
>companies.
>
>Whatever program I use, I will probably stay with, because, as I said, I
>am only beginning and have limited CAD (circuit layout) experience.  The
>coolest feature I see is the "auto-rout" where you simply place the
>components and connections (I guess), and the program finds the best
>routes between pins, that is awesome.
>

It's a good idea to check any parts from provided libraries very thoroughly 
before using them, they occasionally have errors. Most people define their 
own, anyway, for things like MCUs.

Experienced PCB designers very rarely use autorouters; even the expensive 
ones don't do a very good job in many cases. The cheap ones are rubbish.

I use Pulsonix: http://www.pulsonix.com. IMHO it's about the best of the 
mid-range packages, competing with Protel, Cadstar and Orcad. It comes with 
the Bartels router, which isn't bad, but I don't use it much.


Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM Tel: +44 1424 423947
Email:leon_heller@...
My web page: http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller

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