Eagle ( was Re: best way to get PC boards from ExpressPCB to a board house
Archiver
Posts: 46,084
I think many of us have tired Eagle.
and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
that made it easier to learn.
seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
did not make it the beginners package.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> Stampers,
>
> If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
then
> look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
charm.
> I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
then
> print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
this
> tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like Express
> PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
and
> your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
fine
> traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light pressure.
> The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and enough to
> make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
that
> I have made with this package if you like.
>
> http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
>
> Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would be
> Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson. Trying
to
> clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there and
> tried that.
>
> http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
>
> Jason
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> verified they
> > go away on the printed copy.
> >
> >
> > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
that made it easier to learn.
seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
did not make it the beginners package.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> Stampers,
>
> If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
then
> look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
charm.
> I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
then
> print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
this
> tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like Express
> PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
and
> your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
fine
> traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light pressure.
> The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and enough to
> make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
that
> I have made with this package if you like.
>
> http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
>
> Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would be
> Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson. Trying
to
> clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there and
> tried that.
>
> http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
>
> Jason
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> verified they
> > go away on the printed copy.
> >
> >
> > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
Comments
and had a decent 2-layer board done in a couple of hours.
> I think many of us have tired Eagle.
>
> and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
>
> I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> that made it easier to learn.
>
> seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> did not make it the beginners package.
*really* like a schematic capture with an auto-router. MUCH fewer
mistakes. Granted I have used a different package some years back,
but Eagle is straightforward in my eyes.
--- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> I tried Eagle also, and got nowhere. I downloaded the PCB Express
software
> and had a decent 2-layer board done in a couple of hours.
>
> > I think many of us have tired Eagle.
> >
> > and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
> >
> > I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> > that made it easier to learn.
> >
> > seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> > did not make it the beginners package.
could use some work, but I found eagle very easy to manipulate.
On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Dave Mucha wrote:
> I think many of us have tired Eagle.
>
> and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
>
> I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> that made it easier to learn.
>
> seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> did not make it the beginners package.
>
> Dave
>
>
>
> --- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> > Stampers,
> >
> > If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
> then
> > look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
> charm.
> > I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
> then
> > print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
> this
> > tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> > import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like Express
> > PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
> and
> > your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
> fine
> > traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> > using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light pressure.
> > The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and enough to
> > make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
> that
> > I have made with this package if you like.
> >
> > http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
> >
> > Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would be
> > Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson. Trying
> to
> > clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there and
> > tried that.
> >
> > http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
> >
> > Jason
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> > verified they
> > > go away on the printed copy.
> > >
> > >
> > > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc. (ServNet)
Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma - Bremerton
email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
"Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
straightforward. There are a few odd things like "smash" to detach
text from a device. Also a couple parts of the tutorial aren't as
clear as they could be but... So far I'm finding it pretty easy.
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
wrote:
>
> Really? after about 2 hours, I found eagle very intuitive. The
autorouter
> could use some work, but I found eagle very easy to manipulate.
>
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Dave Mucha wrote:
>
> > I think many of us have tired Eagle.
> >
> > and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
> >
> > I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> > that made it easier to learn.
> >
> > seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> > did not make it the beginners package.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> > > Stampers,
> > >
> > > If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
> > then
> > > look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
> > charm.
> > > I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
> > then
> > > print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
> > this
> > > tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> > > import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like
Express
> > > PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
> > and
> > > your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
> > fine
> > > traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> > > using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light
pressure.
> > > The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and
enough to
> > > make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
> > that
> > > I have made with this package if you like.
> > >
> > > http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
> > >
> > > Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would
be
> > > Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson.
Trying
> > to
> > > clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there
and
> > > tried that.
> > >
> > > http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
> > >
> > > Jason
> > >
> > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > > > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> > > verified they
> > > > go away on the printed copy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
> Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
(ServNet)
> Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
Bremerton
> email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
> "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
already done in ExpressPCB.
I find the librarys not very intuitive. Believe it or not, I am
still looking for a simple 1/4 watt resistor.
Once you understand the concept of placement it starts to get easier.
(learning curve)
Like I said, Express PCB is so much easier, many use that as the
first step in learning. then are stuck with the drawings that are
somewhat pricey to convery.
and regarding specifc chips, if there is a close match, Eagle does
allow creating a chip with your specifics very easy. That is one
nice feature.
As yet, I have not found the tutorial, just a brief slide show style
introduction.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
wrote:
>
> Really? after about 2 hours, I found eagle very intuitive. The
autorouter
> could use some work, but I found eagle very easy to manipulate.
>
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Dave Mucha wrote:
>
> > I think many of us have tired Eagle.
> >
> > and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
> >
> > I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> > that made it easier to learn.
> >
> > seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> > did not make it the beginners package.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> > > Stampers,
> > >
> > > If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
> > then
> > > look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
> > charm.
> > > I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
> > then
> > > print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
> > this
> > > tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> > > import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like
Express
> > > PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
> > and
> > > your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
> > fine
> > > traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> > > using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light
pressure.
> > > The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and
enough to
> > > make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
> > that
> > > I have made with this package if you like.
> > >
> > > http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
> > >
> > > Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would
be
> > > Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson.
Trying
> > to
> > > clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there
and
> > > tried that.
> > >
> > > http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
> > >
> > > Jason
> > >
> > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > > > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> > > verified they
> > > > go away on the printed copy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
> Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
(ServNet)
> Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
Bremerton
> email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
> "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
Original Message
From: "Dave Mucha" <davemucha@j...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 3:31 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Eagle ( was Re: best way to get PC boards from
ExpressPCB to a board house
| I spent a couple hours putting together a schematic of a board
| already done in ExpressPCB.
|
| I find the librarys not very intuitive. Believe it or not, I am
| still looking for a simple 1/4 watt resistor.
=> Have a look into the RCL (R=resistor, C=capacitor and
L=inductors) library...
|
|
| Once you understand the concept of placement it starts to get
easier.
| (learning curve)
|
| Like I said, Express PCB is so much easier, many use that as the
| first step in learning. then are stuck with the drawings that are
| somewhat pricey to convery.
|
=>I've seen on this list that obtaining a correct printout is a bit
tricky with Express PCB...
| and regarding specifc chips, if there is a close match, Eagle does
| allow creating a chip with your specifics very easy. That is one
| nice feature.
|
| As yet, I have not found the tutorial, just a brief slide show style
| introduction.
=> Have a look there :
=>
http://www.cadsoft.de/cgi-bin/download.pl?page=/home/cadsoft/html_publ
ic/download.htm.en&dir=pub/program/4.0
=> ...and get the tutorial-eng.pdf... it's a 57-page tutorial...
|
| Dave
|
|
Phil.
try searching for R-US for the American symbol or R-EU for European. Also
look at RCL library 0207/10. There are also all the surface mount devices
in the libraries. Several additional libraries are available for download
at the cadsoftusa.com web site.
Good luck,
Jim
Original Message
From: Dave Mucha [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=anTyapTWsEXazUEG7RIRPWc5jcxpEMgU-QBLjyTB1KudTHSQeTM8w6KtDzGIPqZtJz1sm2RXHNT7p1E]davemucha@j...[/url
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:31 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Eagle ( was Re: best way to get PC boards from
ExpressPCB to a board house
I spent a couple hours putting together a schematic of a board
already done in ExpressPCB.
I find the librarys not very intuitive. Believe it or not, I am
still looking for a simple 1/4 watt resistor.
Once you understand the concept of placement it starts to get easier.
(learning curve)
Like I said, Express PCB is so much easier, many use that as the
first step in learning. then are stuck with the drawings that are
somewhat pricey to convery.
and regarding specifc chips, if there is a close match, Eagle does
allow creating a chip with your specifics very easy. That is one
nice feature.
As yet, I have not found the tutorial, just a brief slide show style
introduction.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
wrote:
>
> Really? after about 2 hours, I found eagle very intuitive. The
autorouter
> could use some work, but I found eagle very easy to manipulate.
>
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Dave Mucha wrote:
>
> > I think many of us have tired Eagle.
> >
> > and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
> >
> > I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> > that made it easier to learn.
> >
> > seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> > did not make it the beginners package.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> > > Stampers,
> > >
> > > If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
> > then
> > > look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
> > charm.
> > > I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
> > then
> > > print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
> > this
> > > tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> > > import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like
Express
> > > PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
> > and
> > > your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
> > fine
> > > traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> > > using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light
pressure.
> > > The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and
enough to
> > > make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
> > that
> > > I have made with this package if you like.
> > >
> > > http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
> > >
> > > Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would
be
> > > Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson.
Trying
> > to
> > > clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there
and
> > > tried that.
> > >
> > > http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
> > >
> > > Jason
> > >
> > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > > > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> > > verified they
> > > > go away on the printed copy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
> Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
(ServNet)
> Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
Bremerton
> email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
> "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
new schematic capture and auto router but I've not been through it
completely yet. In playing one of my new complaints is the size of the
component library. All parts in one list, damn long. It could use some
additional tweaks and feature but still a good package. Easy to use and
good for what I do. The cost is high up front but the boards with no
silkscreen or solder mask is three days and not too bad.
Original Message
From: Dave Mucha [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=lp-DClmh6Z_Y380hYD6i5Rs9ezU1gW7nXiMqhLuXMFxupY_s2ZcPY68ly5fwa0_AzWWBLsKKK47hYtkt2A]davemucha@j...[/url
Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 9:31 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Eagle ( was Re: best way to get PC boards
from ExpressPCB to a board house
I spent a couple hours putting together a schematic of a board
already done in ExpressPCB.
I find the librarys not very intuitive. Believe it or not, I am
still looking for a simple 1/4 watt resistor.
Once you understand the concept of placement it starts to get easier.
(learning curve)
Like I said, Express PCB is so much easier, many use that as the
first step in learning. then are stuck with the drawings that are
somewhat pricey to convery.
and regarding specifc chips, if there is a close match, Eagle does
allow creating a chip with your specifics very easy. That is one
nice feature.
As yet, I have not found the tutorial, just a brief slide show style
introduction.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@y..., "Sean T. Lamont .lost." <lamont@a...>
wrote:
>
> Really? after about 2 hours, I found eagle very intuitive. The
autorouter
> could use some work, but I found eagle very easy to manipulate.
>
> On Tue, 29 Oct 2002, Dave Mucha wrote:
>
> > I think many of us have tired Eagle.
> >
> > and most never got over the sheer cliff of a learning curve.
> >
> > I would have hoped they would have come up with a tutorial
> > that made it easier to learn.
> >
> > seems the buisness model of giveing away the low end
> > did not make it the beginners package.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In basicstamps@y..., "jbirnsch" <jbirnsch@v...> wrote:
> > > Stampers,
> > >
> > > If you all are looking for a free PCB editor and you have a Mac
> > then
> > > look no further. Osmond PPC is a free PCB editor. Works like a
> > charm.
> > > I output a mirrored Postscript file and then convert that to PDF
> > then
> > > print to laser printer. I have made a dozen or more boards with
> > this
> > > tool on my iBook and using DynaArt toner transfer paper. It can
> > > import net lists but I usually draw the traces by hand like
Express
> > > PCB software. Building new parts is easy. Just set your pad size
> > and
> > > your grid spacing and build your parts. I've had good luck with
> > fine
> > > traces(10 mil) and small parts such as 0603 resistors and TSSOPS
> > > using a Monokote iron with the max heat setting and light
pressure.
> > > The key is not too much pressure to squish the traces and
enough to
> > > make the toner stick to the board. I can send pics of the boards
> > that
> > > I have made with this package if you like.
> > >
> > > http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html
> > >
> > > Now if you are a Windoz user then the best I can suggest would
be
> > > Eagle Cad. but there is limitations with there free verson.
Trying
> > to
> > > clean up the ExpressPCB files are a waste of time - been there
and
> > > tried that.
> > >
> > > http://www.free-pcb-software.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm
> > >
> > > Jason
> > >
> > > --- In basicstamps@y..., Rodent <daweasel@s...> wrote:
> > > > You can turn off the grid dots on the screen, but I have not
> > > verified they
> > > > go away on the printed copy.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I just printed out something with mine (V2.6.2) and it
> > > > > also printed the grid dots, therefore making it
> > > > > unusable for photo trasfer...Is your version older?
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@y...
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
>
> Sean T. Lamont, CTO / Chief NetNerd, Abstract Software, Inc.
(ServNet)
> Seattle - Bellingham - Vancouver - Portland - Everett - Tacoma -
Bremerton
> email: lamont@a... WWW: http://www.serv.net
> "Do not fear mistakes, There Are None" - Miles Davis
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
some new boards to do and would rather make a board from a schematic.
I was really pleased with the service from Express PCB -- I submitted my
layout online and had high-quality boards in my hot little hands in a couple
of days. They solder well and I had no problems with holes sized wrong,
mis-drilled, etc...
The other PCB programs may be alot fancier and do alot more, but for someone
with no PC-based schematic or PCB layout experience, the Express PCB
software is great.
************
> I have a copy of the new beta from ExpressPCB. It is supposed to include
a
> new schematic capture and auto router but I've not been through it
> completely yet. In playing one of my new complaints is the size of the
> component library. All parts in one list, damn long. It could use some
> additional tweaks and feature but still a good package. Easy to use and
> good for what I do. The cost is high up front but the boards with no
> silkscreen or solder mask is three days and not too bad.