Homebrew PCBs

Hi

Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a simple app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then I can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.

Thanks!



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Steve,
EAGLE  The demo works and allows all feature to be used. Restrictions on
the demo is
single sheet schematic and small double sided board.
They have a real good pricing schemes for non-profit it's cheap.
http://www.cadsoftusa.com
Best regards
Hans Wedemeyer

Steve wrote:

>  Hi
>
> Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw
> circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a simple
> app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then I
> can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to
> other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.
>
> Thanks!
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

If you're looking for something pretty easy to use, check out 
Target3001.
http://ibfriedrich.com/english/engl_vordownload.htm

I tried several other programs, and the learning curve was too 
steep. Most packages are ports from Unix programs and don't conform 
to any Windows GUI standards making them quite difficult.

Good luck.
-Ted

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> Hi
> 
> Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw 
circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a simple 
app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then I 
can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to 
other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.

> 
> Thanks!
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

If desparate, you can use MSPaint -- which is found 
under "Accessories" -- Nuts'n'Volts carried a series of articles 
using MSPaint for schematics.  You basically build a library of 
shapes and bring them into your bit mapped graphic.

The Eagle software looks good. 
I gave it a quick try but cannot print a board design with out the 
silkscreen type image of the IC's etc.. Is it possible to just print 
the traces and pads with the freeware version or am I just not doing 
something right?


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., Hans Wedemeyer <hans@c...> wrote:
> Steve,
> EAGLE  The demo works and allows all feature to be used. 
Restrictions on
> the demo is
> single sheet schematic and small double sided board.
> They have a real good pricing schemes for non-profit it's cheap.
> http://www.cadsoftusa.com
> Best regards
> Hans Wedemeyer
> 
> Steve wrote:
> 
> >  Hi
> >
> > Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw
> > circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a 
simple
> > app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and 
then I
> > can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to
> > other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and 
files:
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> >
> > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@y...
> >
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of 
Service.

> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Use the Layer control.
Everything you see is printed, so switch OFF what you don't want
printed.
I use a button in the layer dialog "NONE"  and then for
Top layer switch on:-
    TOP
    PADS
    VIA's
Then print.
Switch off TOP and Switch ON Bottom and then print again.
There are adjustments for scaling and mirroring for printout also.
Hans Wedemeyer

larrwill202wl wrote:

>  The Eagle software looks good.
> I gave it a quick try but cannot print a board design with out the
> silkscreen type image of the IC's etc.. Is it possible to just print
> the traces and pads with the freeware version or am I just not doing
> something right?
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., Hans Wedemeyer <hans@c...> wrote:
> > Steve,
> > EAGLE  The demo works and allows all feature to be used.
> Restrictions on
> > the demo is
> > single sheet schematic and small double sided board.
> > They have a real good pricing schemes for non-profit it's cheap.
> > http://www.cadsoftusa.com
> > Best regards
> > Hans Wedemeyer
> >
> > Steve wrote:
> >
> > >  Hi
> > >
> > > Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw
>
> > > circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a
> simple
> > > app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and
> then I
> > > can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to
>
> > > other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.
> > >
> > > Thanks!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and
> files:
> > >
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
> > >
> > > To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> > > Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@y...
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
> Service.
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>                    Yahoo! Groups Sponsor
                        ADVERTISEMENT
                            [Image]

>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Bookmarks and files:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> Homebrew_PCBs-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

At 01:25 PM 11/1/02 -0500, Steve wrote:
>Hi
>
>Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw 
>circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a simple app 
>to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then I can save 
>in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to other ppl who 
>don't require the app to view the schematic.

About the nicest free schematic package that I've seen is SwitcherCAD from 
Liner Technology <http://www.linear-tech.com/software/>.  This is a 
full-blown SPICE simulation package but you can ignore all that if you 
don't need it.  But the schematic capture portion of the package is a thing 
of beauty.  It is easy to use and definitely produces a professional result.

dwayne

--
Dwayne Reid   <dwayner@...>
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd    Edmonton, AB, CANADA
(780) 489-3199 voice          (780) 487-6397 fax

Celebrating 18 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2002)
  .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-.   .-
     `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'   `-'
Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address.
This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited
commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email.

t j byers wrote in nuts and volts  to try circuitmaker2000   the free
student version down loaded at www.microcode.com   for schematic drawing

Hi Steve,

if you are still looking for a simple schematic program, try 
ExpressPCB.  the latestest version has a schematic side.  I just got 
it, so cannot comment on it's usefulness.

I also tried a pair of programs ISIS and ARIES from PROTEUS  these 
are demo vesions and do a nice job.
http://www.labcenter.co.uk/
shareware tab on left.

Dave


--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> Hi
> 
> Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to draw 
circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a simple 
app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then I 
can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to 
other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.

> 
> Thanks!
> 
> 
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

In a message dated 12/17/2002 8:41:25 AM Central Standard Time, 
dave_mucha@... 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]

Hi,

This is the one I use and find it very easy but I must admit it is also the only one I have ever used. If you register it the email backup for any problems is very good.

Regards,

Terry

  I also tried a pair of programs ISIS and ARIES from PROTEUS  these 
  are demo vesions and do a nice job.
  http://www.labcenter.co.uk/
  shareware tab on left.

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You may have seen this one already 

http://www.cadsoft.de/freeware.htm

It is really good for freeware. Just use the schematic part if that's 
all you need. Once you get the hang of finding the parts in the 
library and placing them, it is pretty decent.  You can export images 
to BMP files. or copy to the clipboard and paste in your document, 
with adjustable resolution. Very large parts library. Not bad for 
free.  

Also, the IVEX software from www.ivex.com (WinDraft ver. 3.12
Schematic Design) is pretty good as well. OK for simple small pin 
designs, and the registered version is only around $29. from NTE 
dealers. 

Bob

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha <dave_mucha@y...>" 
<dave_mucha@y...> wrote:
> Hi Steve,
> 
> if you are still looking for a simple schematic program, try 
> ExpressPCB.  the latestest version has a schematic side.  I just 
got 
> it, so cannot comment on it's usefulness.
> 
> I also tried a pair of programs ISIS and ARIES from PROTEUS  these 
> are demo vesions and do a nice job.
> http://www.labcenter.co.uk/
> shareware tab on left.
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Steve" <scp2000@h...> wrote:
> > Hi
> > 
> > Can anyone suggest a nice software (shareware or freeware) to 
draw 
> circuits?  I don't need an analysis or nothing fancy.  Just a 
simple 
> app to draw a schematic, not PCB, just a simple schematic and then 
I 

> can save in .jpg or .gif or some simple format which I can send to 
> other ppl who don't require the app to view the schematic.
> > 
> > Thanks!
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

It looks good and it's also friendly.
Just display/hide the layers from view menu and you can print what 
you want.

regards,
work.

P.S. The freeware is fully functional but restricted to a limited 
size of the board.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "larrwill202wl" 
<larrwill202wl@y...> wrote:
> The Eagle software looks good. 
> I gave it a quick try but cannot print a board design with out the 
> silkscreen type image of the IC's etc.. Is it possible to just 
print 
> the traces and pads with the freeware version or am I just not 
doing 
> something right?

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "workaholic_ro 
<workaholic@c...>" <workaholic@c...> wrote:
On Eagle board, the menu selection to hide layers is under "View", 
then "display/hide layers", then check /uncheck under "Nr" column on 
left. 

Bob

> It looks good and it's also friendly.
> Just display/hide the layers from view menu and you can print what 
> you want.
> 
> regards,
> work.
> 
> P.S. The freeware is fully functional but restricted to a limited 
> size of the board.
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "larrwill202wl" 
> <larrwill202wl@y...> wrote:
> > The Eagle software looks good. 
> > I gave it a quick try but cannot print a board design with out 
the 

> > silkscreen type image of the IC's etc.. Is it possible to just 
> print 
> > the traces and pads with the freeware version or am I just not 
> doing 
> > something right?

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]

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]