EMRFD Message Archive 10779

Message Date From Subject
10779 2015-02-25 10:10:30 Ronan McAllister Input on free or inexpensive eda

Hello EMRFD

Many years ago at work  I used Orcad EDA for pcb capture/ autorouting/spice simulation (before cadence ).  Nearly 20 years have passed and I am now with a need for such online or windows application for small DIY HAM projects.

A friend's friend uses EasyEDA.  I know little about it other than its tied to the vendor's prototype pcb sales.  I have played with LTSPICE snd was very impressed however I am hoping to avoid free software if I will be tied to a manufacturers products / outlines / models. 

I hope to reuse my designs as and if I upgrade to more professional eda software.

I have only the need to develop boards/designs I can assemble myself without 3d stereo - microscopes, smd equipment = $$$$. 

Also my designs will likely only be two layer at least initially.  As well i will be sourcing junk box / surplus components only buying new parts when I must.  No "cutting edge" components.

Unfortunately my board sizes will likely exceed the max x/y of the entry level eagle pcb I could afford (would like to keep under 200-300$)

If any of you are using eda software for similar purposes and could advise me on your experiences I'd appreciate it.

I suppose I could consider building a Linux system if gEDA is a viable option.

Thanks
Ronan
KB6NHQ

10780 2015-02-25 10:28:19 Lasse Moell Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
You will get a lot of suggestions. Each and everyone has its favourite!

Now hobbyist "industry" standard seems to favour Eagle CAD which has a free version for small PCB. I cannot get used to the UI though.
KiCAD is free and runs on both UNIX and Windows, but not sure if it ready for prime time!
DesignSpark PCB free from RS component... seems similar to Eagle

Diptrace very intuitive and huge library. Might worth to look into.... Free version for small circuits.

Orcad, Altium and PADS still here but cost arm+leg and not very userfriendly.

Other seem to tie the PCB to having propriatary output for PCB making forces you to use their services... still people uses them and are happy!

Good Luck in choosing :D

/Lasse SM5GLC

25 februari 2015, Ronan McAllister bass.woofer@gmail.com [emrfd] skrev:

 

Hello EMRFD

Many years ago at work  I used Orcad EDA for pcb capture/ autorouting/spice simulation (before cadence ).  Nearly 20 years have passed and I am now with a need for such online or windows application for small DIY HAM projects.

A friend's friend uses EasyEDA.  I know little about it other than its tied to the vendor's prototype pcb sales.  I have played with LTSPICE snd was very impressed however I am hoping to avoid free software if I will be tied to a manufacturers products / outlines / models. 

I hope to reuse my designs as and if I upgrade to more professional eda software.

I have only the need to develop boards/designs I can assemble myself without 3d stereo - microscopes, smd equipment = $$$$. 

Also my designs will likely only be two layer at least initially.  As well i will be sourcing junk box / surplus components only buying new parts when I must.  No "cutting edge" components.

Unfortunately my board sizes will likely exceed the max x/y of the entry level eagle pcb I could afford (would like to keep under 200-300$)

If any of you are using eda software for similar purposes and could advise me on your experiences I'd appreciate it.

I suppose I could consider building a Linux system if gEDA is a viable option.

Thanks
Ronan
KB6NHQ

10781 2015-02-25 10:55:15 J van Scheindelen Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
Ronan,
 
I use for many years SPLAN 7.0 and SPRINT-LAYOUT 6.0 and make professional Pcb's with it.
Excellent price-performance ratio
See the info from ABACOM.de 
Make my one components and GERBER files to send it to the PCB factory.
You can download a trial version and the the key for aprox 40 euro.
 
73’Joris PE1KTH
 
 
 
 
10782 2015-02-25 11:59:20 n5ib_2 Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
One thing to keep in mind before passing over the very easy to learn, and free and fully functional ExpressPCB/ExpressSCH combo is that the "Copper Connection" program
            http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/ 
can import ExpressPCB files and produce the industry standard gerber set. It ain't free, but at $50 my copy has paid for itself many times over.

I do the initial schematic drawing, PCB layout, and cross-checking in Express, since it has such nice schematic/layout linking. The pop the file over to Copper Connection to make it more beautiful and make the gerbers.

Jim, N5IB
10783 2015-02-25 12:31:23 rodwall1234 Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
I started to use Multisim Blue which is free. But found that I was limited in the number of components that can be used. And there were component footprints that I could not get or make. Couldn't finish my project.

I now use KiCAD which is open source and is free. I note that a lot of university students and companies are using KiCAD, which I think says something about KiCAD. It is also used in many countries around the world. A great thing about KiCAD is that there are no limitations to get you to purchase a versi
10784 2015-02-25 12:44:00 Dave Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
Ronan:
  I use KICAD for all my projects.  It is open source, free, works on Windows, Mac,and Linux, and outputs Gerber files(the industry standard for PCB's) so is not tied to a board house.  It can be used in a commercial application(I sell pcb's).  The learning curve is a little steep and the included libraries somewhat limited.  But, it is easy to add parts.

Dave - WB6DHW


10786 2015-02-25 15:40:56 Dave Daniel Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
I recently saw an article on the CERN website that indicates that CERN is using KiCAD and adding significant capabilities to KiCAD.

DaveD

10787 2015-02-25 15:52:17 Lasse Moell Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
Looks promising!!
http://www.ohwr.org/projects/cern-kicad/wiki

/Lasse SM5GLC

26 februari 2015, Dave Daniel kc0wjn@gmail.com [emrfd] skrev:

 

I recently saw an article on the CERN website that indicates that CERN is using KiCAD and adding significant capabilities to KiCAD.

DaveD

10788 2015-02-25 16:17:59 radioaustralia123 Re: [emrfd] Input on free or inexpensive eda
I forgot to say.
When I got stuck using KiCAD, I just went to Youtube and did a search. There are heaps of KiCAD Youtube videos. Nearly a complete course on how to use KiCAD.

I 1st started to use KiCAD. And when I got to the next stage I just did a Youtube search for a video on how to do the next section. It’s like having a personal teacher.

Regards,

Roderick Wall, vk3yc.

10790 2015-02-26 05:53:35 kg9dk_john Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda

I will mention another software that that is CirCad, you can find it at CIRCAD -- World's Greatest CAD Package

They use to have a limited free version I do not know it that is still offered.  They have a special price for Hams, I have tried and use others but so far have not found anything better for what I do.

john.kg9dk 

10791 2015-02-26 09:43:58 kg4rll Re: Input on free or inexpensive eda
I will recommend Eagle software for schematic capture and board design.
I use the press n peal blue iron on method to make the board after the design is completed.
The ease of making custom component devices and the vast library of parts that are included with the software is a huge plus.
The 3"x4" max size of the board for the free version is suitable for my needs.
Just my two cents worth.

Scott