PCB layout software

[jorgen.bergfors at idg.se]

I use Corel Draw both for PCBs and schematics. It is of course completely manual, but the automatic routing programs won't give you optimised results anyway. I have found that I can do quite a bit more compact boards with fewer wire links than the automatic programs. It is actually rather fun. A bit like laying a puzzle. Another big advantage is that you don't have to learn another program. A general drawing program can be used to so many other things. I design and print my front panel layouts with it too.

/Jorgen




MIME:hhelland at usa.net on 99-01-10 15:31:25
To:  synth-diy at mailhost.bpa.nl @ SMTP cc:  (bcc: Jorgen Bergfors/IDGSE)
Subject: PCB layout software 

Hello,

What are you all using for PCB board layout?

I've just started on my synth-project at school, and
I'll be needing software to help me design the PCB's.
At school they have somthing called OrCAD, but it's
very complicated and nobody have used it for a long time. (so noone knows how it works.) So I'm looking for a simple but effective PCB/schematic tool. 

I visited the Protel web page, and I'll probably get
a time-limited demo version of their program. But
it probably costs a whole lot of money to register
it. 

So.... any suggestions? I'll be thankful. :-)

Hallgeir