While its still in development and has few library parts, PCB123 is
shaping up to be a great ∗free∗ schematic and layout program. Its
almost the same deal as express PCB except the printing isn't
sabotaged. Print whatever you want without booby traps. It even has
auto-routing.
Like I said though, its in its infancy still. You'll have to make
90% of the parts yourself as the libraries are miniscule. The good
thing is that making parts is a breeze with the latest beta builds.
Its tempermental, unrelated traces like to move with one another
occasionally. Graphics corrupt frequently (though just choosing
redraw clears up 99.9% of the time).
There is no requirement to purchase boards from the vendor but, its
looking so good I'll probably get a few made as payment for the
software. If someone does a good job they deserve a reward after all.
www.pcb123.com
--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Dave Mucha <dave_mucha@y...>"
<dave_mucha@y...> wrote:
> Hi Jan,
>
> The problem you mentioned is not the one in the origional post.
He
> requested some software that is readily available. Since the
> software is free, it's hard to beat.
>
> the problme you mention is hard coded into the software. They
force
> you to use their services. you must buy a prototype board, not
their
> mini-board and THEN you can send them another $60.00 for them to
> convert into gerbers.
>
> What I have done is to print-screen then manipulate until the
print
> is exactly correct allignment. almost impossible for a larger
board.
>
> I wish there was a free raster to vector program that could accept
> the screen shot and then export that into a dxf or dwg file. That
> would make the program very useful !
>
>
> Dave
>
>
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, JanRwl@A... wrote:
> > In a message dated 12/17/2002 8:41:25 AM Central Standard Time,
> > dave_mucha@y... writes:
> >
> >
> > > try
> > > ExpressPCB. the latestest version has a schematic side. I
just
> got
> > > it, so cannot comment on it's usefulness.
> > >
> >
> > I got this, too. It seems amazing, but HOW can you print
a "camera-
> ready"
> > copy? It insists on "shading" the back ground, and LEAVING
> the "dots" on
> > 0.1" centers over the entire area!
> >
> > Jan Rowland
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]