[sdiy] getting started with a PCB/schem application

[Justin Owen]

-----Original Message-----
From: Jason Proctor [jason at redfish.net]
Received: 17.02.2009 21:53:54
To: synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl
Subject: [sdiy] getting started with a PCB/schem application

>i'd like to try my hand at making PCBs in the forseeable. what is the 
>panel's favoured Mac application for schem entry and board layout etc?

Hi Jason,

I'd suggest sticking with Eagle. You'll have to deal with a big learning curve and a few 'quirks' but it's a powerful, reliable  application - and there's loads of resources/tutorials online. Sparkfun has some good info.

Get a good, programmable, scroll-wheel and multi-button mouse (3 is good, 4 is better) - it will make Eagle much easier to use.

Get a decent news-reader (I use Unison) - that will give you access to the support groups which are very helpful.

Learn how to deal with making/adapting your own library parts - hard work initially - but worth the time saved in the long run.

If you're looking at making boards yourself - you can export your layout as an EPS from Eagle via the CAM processor, open it with Preview, print it out - then you don't need to be dealing with Gerber files until you start sending boards for production.

The gEDA package will compile and run quite happily on the Mac using Fink/X11 - I use gerbV as a Gerber Viewer - but that will mean some time spent in the Terminal - which may or may not phase you. I'd definitely like to spend more time sussing this package out - it's currently the only thing I'd consider using to replace Eagle.

HTH

Justin