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Open-source circuit CAD software? — Parallax Forums

Open-source circuit CAD software?

VermonterVermonter Posts: 8
edited 2008-02-28 04:06 in General Discussion
I'd like to make schematics on my computer. I'd like to find some open-source software that is designed for it. Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Comments

  • Max WoodenMax Wooden Posts: 112
    edited 2008-02-27 23:02
    Vermonter,

    You might want to check out gEDA, it would be perfect for what you are wanting.
    www.geda.seul.org/

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    Max Wooden
    Reedley, California
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2008-02-27 23:03
    Are you specifically looking for open source, or just something thats free?

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    Paul Baker
    Propeller Applications Engineer

    Parallax, Inc.
  • VermonterVermonter Posts: 8
    edited 2008-02-27 23:06
    Max - Thanks, that looks good.

    Paul - I'm mainly looking for free, but Open-Source stuff tends to be better quality and less likely to be crippleware.
  • Paul BakerPaul Baker Posts: 6,351
    edited 2008-02-27 23:26
    In this case it really isn't true, gEDA is still in it's growing pains and is still a hassle to deal with especially for someone with little experience. If all you're looking for is schematic drawing then PCBExpress' software is quite easy to use and is free. If you are also looking to do board layout then PCBExpress' software isn't so good because you must use PCBExpress' service to make the board. In this case Eagle CAD is free for boards up to 3x4" dual sided (and any size single page schematic) and exports industry compatible file formats accepted by fab houses.

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    Paul Baker
    Propeller Applications Engineer

    Parallax, Inc.
  • VermonterVermonter Posts: 8
    edited 2008-02-27 23:33
    Hmph, gEDA is only for Linux. I'd prefer to spend my time using my computer rather than getting it to work.

    Post Edited (Vermonter) : 2/27/2008 11:40:31 PM GMT
  • terry_bearterry_bear Posts: 84
    edited 2008-02-28 00:48
    Vermonter,

    kicad works on Linux and Windows, and the resulting files can be called up in either environment. It's got its' quirks, but all of the open-source systems do, from what I have read. there is a kicad users group on yahoo...

    I have just begun, and it has its' moments, but it DOES work. (the auto-routing doesn't appear to work all that well, but I am hearing that most of the pros don't like autorouting either)

    The price is right, it's open source, and it runs on both platforms...

    Terry
  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2008-02-28 00:49
    Vermonter said...
    Hmph, gEDA is only for Linux. I'd prefer to spend my time using my computer rather than getting it to work.
    Ah, so: a Mac user. Too bad; otherwise you could use the new (and free) DesignWorks Express for Windows. But all is not lost, the $39 DesignWorks Lite for OS/X is an excellent value. I use the $39 DesignWorks Lite for Windows and love it. The learning curve is almost non-existent, and the Lite version has never crippled my efforts or cramped my style.

    -Phil
  • VermonterVermonter Posts: 8
    edited 2008-02-28 00:53
    I can't afford a Mac yet. Still stuck with Win XP. Even with XP I only have to spend a few hours every couple months cleaning things out, and 15 minutes a day waiting for reboots. Whenever I've started playing with Linux it was going to be a huge hassle to get it up and running, and then a hassle every time I wanted to install anything or change anything. etc etc. I like the idea of Linux, I just don't think it's mature enough yet.

    But that's for another thread......sorry for going there.

    Thanks for all the tips folks. I'll check them out.
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2008-02-28 04:06
    Use Eagle in the demo version. You are limited to small boards and only double sided, but that is enough for most of use. If you want, the license is $50USD.

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