[sdiy] pcb-fab help

[Scott Bernardi]

I'm using The Proteus series Isis (schematic capture) and Aries (PCB layout)
light from http://www.labcenter.co.uk/shareware/index.html.  This was about the
only package I could find that had no limitations on number of nodes in their
cheap (i.e., non-professional grade) package. I paid 50 pounds (about $50 US).
This version did not have Gerber output, but for an additional $50 I upgraded it
to include ability to output Gerber files.
Aries, The PCB layout program, does have an autorouter and an extensive pacakge
library, plus the ability to define your own package components. The same is
true with Isis the schematic capture program. The one limitation the Lite
version has compared to the professional version is that you cannot export
netlists from the schematic capture directly into the PCB layout.
The package also does circuit simulation, although there are other limitations
set.
It is available as shareware to try out. Unregistered shareware does have node
count limitations.
You can see examples of the schematics and PCB layout (exported graphics) on my
website
http://home.attbi.com/~sbernardi/elec/og2/og2_waveanim.html

Luís Marka wrote:

> Now that the subject was raised, I would like to know from you folks what
> software are you using to generate your PCBs layouts. I am using Eagle
> Light, and it's OK for small boards (the Light vesion is limited to some 4"
> by 3.2"). What are you folks using??
>
> > hi!
> >
> > i have been working on some DIY processing stuff, and would like
> > to get my own PCBs made. i need a quantity of around 30-50, because i plan
> > to modify them by using different parts/etc, and will be building several
> > of the same circuits up for some musician friends of mine.
> >
> > however, i have no experience in laying out a PC board, which is
> > why i am writing the list. i would be glad to pre-pay anyone with some PCB
> > layout experience to create a board from my schematic, and to draw up
> > adequate files so i can have a fabrication place make the boards for me.
> > (or even to get the boards done and have them sent here.) they will be
> > relatively small (2"x3" max, i'm guessing), single-sided, and relatively
> > simple.
> >
> > some experience with designing PC boards is preferable. if you are
> > reading this far, i will be glad to pay you a very decent price for a few
> > hours' layout work... this is not something i would ask people to do for
> > free! :)
> >
> > please do contact me if you have any tips, even if you are not
> > interested in doing layout, because i would love to know how much i should
> > expect the fabrication to cost, and what is a fair price to pay for
> > something like this!
> >
> >
> > thanks again!
> > andy