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How to open .dip file — Parallax Forums

How to open .dip file

NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
edited 2014-07-23 11:17 in General Discussion
I am trying to open this file but am unable to. What program do I need to open these files with.

Comments

  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-07-21 21:14
    NWCCTV wrote: »
    I am trying to open this file but am unable to. What program do I need to open these files with.

    I believe that's a Diptrace schematic file. I'm pretty sure there's a free version of Diptrace available.

    I personally really like Diptrace. I found it much easier to learn than Eagle.
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-07-22 03:28
    Yup. Diptrace.

    I opened it with the free version.

    Diptrace.jpg
    1024 x 819 - 131K
  • NWCCTVNWCCTV Posts: 3,629
    edited 2014-07-22 14:02
    Thanks guys. Will download now.
  • garyggaryg Posts: 420
    edited 2014-07-22 14:47
    Good to know about DIP files.
    Duane or Publison, what do you find easier and more convenient using DipTrace over Eagle?
    I don't get along with Eagle very well.
    Maybe there is a message thread that would be more appropriate for this question?
    Any advantage to using the $75.00 version over the Free non profit version?

    Thanks
    Garyg
  • Duane DegnDuane Degn Posts: 10,588
    edited 2014-07-22 15:40
    garyg wrote: »
    Good to know about DIP files.
    Duane or Publison, what do you find easier and more convenient using DipTrace over Eagle?
    I don't get along with Eagle very well.

    I didn't get along with Eagle well either. I found DipTrace more intuitive. It sure seems like connections snap to where you want them better in DipTrace than in Eagle.

    I wouldn't have switched if I had felt comfortable with Eagle but with my limited experience with Eagle, it didn't take long for my DipTrace skills to surpass my Eagle skills.
    garyg wrote: »

    Maybe there is a message thread that would be more appropriate for this question?

    There have been several threads where the benefits of DipTrace vs Eagle have been debated. The one which convinced me to switch to DipTrace was this one.

    I'll try to find one or two other threads on the topic and add a link to this post.
    garyg wrote: »
    Any advantage to using the $75.00 version over the Free non profit version?

    Making a profit?

    I purchased a license for the four layer version. You can add power and ground layers with all versions but to add additional signal layers, you have to get an upgraded version.

    The upgrades let you use more pins too. I doubt I would have been able to design the big(ish) LED arrays with the free version.

    I use OSH Park for small boards but use the ten at a time houses for larger boards.

    It's a lot of fun getting PCBs back from the fab house.

    Edit: The only other DipTrace vs Eagle thread I recall is where Gary and I discussed some of the pros and cons in my NeoPixel thread.
  • garyggaryg Posts: 420
    edited 2014-07-23 11:12
    I will be trying to use DipTrace on my next project.
    and
    I will definitely consider using the 4 layer version.

    Thanks
    Garyg
  • PublisonPublison Posts: 12,366
    edited 2014-07-23 11:17
    garyg wrote: »
    I will be trying to use DipTrace on my next project.
    and
    I will definitely consider using the 4 layer version.

    Thanks
    Garyg

    I have found Diptrace much easier to use than Eagle.

    Parallax tends to produce some of their Open Source projects in Diptrace, rather than Eagle. That's why I whet there. And Parallax is behind Diptrace:

    http://www.parallax.com/search?search_api_views_fulltext=Diptrace

    I
    used to teach CAD software at Gerber, so I know what students pick up the fastest.
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