PCB CAD software (was: Re: press-n-peel: any experiences?)

[Mikko Helin]

Hello,

I use Winboard (www.ivex.com). Its' shareware version is
for 100 pins, 200 if you register and you can buy extra
pins from their site. I have now 320 pin capability.

It can do all you want (print pads with holes), also
handy is the automatic copper zone filler (though I've
found that if you try to put there one large zone
instead of multiple small ones it runs out of memory
which is strange as it's win32 program).

Winboard also can output to gerber files. If used
with the Windraft (schematic editor) it can also input 
netlists. There's no automatic router, though with netlists
you can see what connections are not yet routed. Placing
components is not as fast s with some other "free"
pcb CAD's.

-Mikko

From: Christian Hofmann <chris at scp.de>
Hi folks,
I'm still absolutely clueless when it comes to this. Any recommendations?
I'm considering to leave the paper & pencil path. It was good enough 20
years ago, but now it's time to move on...

Doesn't _have_ to be free, as long it's reasonably priced for hobby
use...
Preferably something that's available in Germany. Juergen? Martin? Rene?

Ah, before I forget - what I need is:
* something for PC
* solder pads must be printable with holes, otherwise it's impossible to
drill by hand (years ago I had a look at some pro package which couldn't
do that)

regards & TIA
Christian

----- End of forwarded message from Christian Hofmann -----