[sdiy] pcb layout (Win/Linux/Mac/OSX links)

[Paul Higgins]

On Saturday, January 17, 2004, at 04:58 PM, Cynthia Webster wrote:

> I've been on the Osmond List for a while now, but didn't realize that
> it was Mac OS X compatible or that there was a Mac OS X version...
>
> I just got a new Mac G5 and am finally switching to OS X and thus
> am now quite keen on finding a solid Macintosh PC layout solution.

Yep, Osmond comes in an OS X-compatible version now.  Check the website  
(http://www.swcp.com/~jchavez/osmond.html) for details.

> With all of the Unix-to-OS X possibilities, you'd think ~someone~ would
> port over a great PCB layout package to the Macintosh.

Well, Apple has the X11/XFree86 Unix window manager available for OS X  
("X on X"):
http://download.com.com/3000-2274-10193374.html?tag=lst-0-1  (beta, for  
OS 10.2.3+)
http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/x11/  (requires "Panther", OS 10.3)

I've only used the beta X11 so far.  They also have the developer tools  
downloadable at the Apple X11 site, which allows the computer-savvy  
(not me!) to port Unix/Linux apps directly to X.  Apple also has info  
on the "Fink" project and Unix/open-source software:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/unix_open_source/

> Douglas Electronics is a one-stop source for Macintosh ~and~ Windows
> PCB Layout Software with Gerber files and the whole works.
> There are several versions of their software including a free one
> as they also actually manufacture your PC boards for you from the
> files that you create.  (I don't know if the prices are competitive
> with all the PC Layout websites that are sending all those free coffee
> mugs in the mail?)
>
> I've never used them, but found their manual to be a good read.
>
> Wonder if they have or are planning an OS X version?
>
> Anyone familiar with their service?

Nope, I don't know anything about them, but I think some list members  
might.  (See link below).

>> There used to be an Easytrax available for the Mac as well, but it
>> seems to have disappeared.
>
> Arrrgg!  That would be perfect!  (Then us Mac Heads could trade PC  
> Layout
> files with Ken Stone, Jim Patchell, and other members of this list!)

I finally found the old URL in some old archived IE bookmarks:

http://www.edfac.usyd.edu.au/staff/fletcher/Files/ 
Electronics_CAD_Software_F.html

However, the link to the Easytrax Mac software no longer works.  (The  
link for the DOS version does, however).  I have no idea if an Easytrax  
for Windows is available.  If anyone finds a download site for Easytrax  
Mac (or Windows), please let us all know!

More Mac stuff:
http://www.capilano.com/
ftp://ftp.informatik.rwth-aachen.de/pub/packages/PCBWarrior/english/   
(680x0 + PPC Macs)
http://www.wildrice.com/MacTron/  (links)

>> You might also try Linux on the Mac; there
>> are lots of packages for the Linux world.  Other list members I'm sure
>> have ideas about this as well.
>
> Linux looks cool (especially the Black Dog Multi-Processor stuff)
> but if one were to try something off the beaten path, wouldn't it be
> simpler to run Virtual PC on the Mac and run Easytrax Windows instead?
>
> Cynthia

Well, yeah, you could run Windows on your Mac, but where's the fun in  
that?  : )  Seriously, Linux on the Mac is great--I use Yellow Dog, and  
Mandrake is supposed to have a good Mac version as well.  You might  
even say that OS X is becoming a "proprietary Linux" (yes, I know  
that's an oxymoron).

As for Linux:
http://pcb.sourceforge.net/
http://www.geda.seul.org/

multi-platform:
http://www.cadsoftusa.com/
http://www.pcb-pool.com/html_uk/uk_service_1.htm  (links)
http://www.terrypin.dial.pipex.com/ECADList.html (links)

Windows:
http://www.visionics.a.se/
http://www.protel.com/resources/downloads/index.html
http://www.expresspcb.com/
http://www.douglas.com/
http://www.electronicsworkbench.com/
http://atlas.csd.net/~rjwsoft/SchematicEditorPromo/ 
schempubdownloadpage.html (schematic capture, not PCB)

I thought there were even some more links I used to have, but can't  
find right now.  Anyone who can add to these (especially for Mac and  
Linux), please do!!

Regards,
-PRH


Paul R. Higgins
email: higg0008 at tc.umn.edu