Hi George,
Yeah, as soon as one decides to buy something, a host of alternatives come
up! But I think I can work with this for a while. A little bigger board
would be nice, but 3" x 4" isn't bad for a lot of my uses. And depending on
how well the import/export works, I may even use my Orcad Capture
(schematic) with it. I did look at the DipTrace site mentioned.
It will probably be a while before I "move up"; I want to learn the complete
process first. And it sounds like I can apply my purchase price towards the
next level.
The board size is probably DESIGNED as a roadblock intentionally. BUT I
think it's really GOOD marketing to make at least one level of "full
product" available so that potential users can give it a good tryout. Also
gives us hobbyists something to use for free! Similar concept to the PICC
Lite compiler one can get from Hi-Tech, or limited line CNC controller
programs one can get. And of course, there are "clone" CAD programs out
there as well. All "REAL" tools!
True, the "almost but not quite Windoz" cut/paste and library maintenance is
a little weird, but I immediately got the hang of the schematic and layout
portions of the product (OK, a little help from Orcad work). Orcad is a
little weird as well (but I've used it at several companies). I'm a
Firmware Engineer doing hardware and software, but up to now no PCB layout.
Yeah, it's a shame to have to "squash" a good design down into too small an
area, but it keeps one on one's toes!
I'll probably take a while to really get a good idea of how Eagle works for
me. In the mean time, I'm HAVING FUN!
Thanks for the comments!
Alan KM6VV
> In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "jriggen55" wrote:
> > My bottom line is:
> > If you use Eagle, give DipTrace a try.
> > Jim
>
> Thanks from here too Jim! I'm always on the lookout for an
> alternative. I can't say I'm "fed up" with Eagle. I've actually gotten
> to where I'm quite comfortable with it, and all the features I'm not
> yet using are becoming useful and necessary, one at a time.
>
> Alan, I know you've bought the entry level Eagle bundle already, but
> if the "next level" you're talking about moving to, is referring to
> the Eagle "version" pricing, I'm trusting you'll carefully consider
> any limitations and alternatives. After struggling through some of
> it's "less than intuitive" interfacing, and becoming comfortable with
> it, that's really my only remaining gripe about the whole thing. There
> was a nice discussion here a few weeks ago on it. I've always seen the
> board size thing as ultimately being sort of an unnecessary "road
> block" for those using it for my purposes.
>
> I hang out in a DIY audio forum, where Eagle is the app of choice, and
> all the available boards are forcefully "squashed" into the freeware
> size restraints. It actually makes it a lot harder (or impossible) for
> most DIY etchers to print and etch simple circuits, which may have
> easily fit on a larger board, especially with the larger "control"
> parts like pots,buttons,etc.
>
> I admit, I don't know enough about that industry to know what they
> could afford to change in that area, but there has to be something. I
> was thinking that maybe if they limited some of the more
> "professional" features, like the milling and multi-layer functions,
> for those who obviously wouldn't be etching at home, it may allow for
> a size-unlimited, lower priced version, which would be too difficult
> to use commercially. (dunno??)
>
> If you agree with any of that, please drop them an email. I'm sure
> they get it a lot. I'm hoping they're the sort of company who won't
> disregard any customers who openly admit that they don't intend to
> eventually move into a career in the PCB field.
>
> Take Care,
>
> George