FWIW, I started using Kicad as a complete novice, and have not found the learning curve to be too hard. There are one or two things that work in non-obvious ways, but the tutorials are pretty helpful.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "roycepipkins" <royce.pipkins@...> wrote:
>
> More power to you on the better tutorials.
>
> I been wanting to switch to KiCad to get free 4 layer design, but I expect it will be quite a learning curve. So I've been procrastinating and sticking with the free 2 layer DipTrace that takes about 15 minutes to learn to the point of significant usability.
>
>
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "drmail377" <drmail377@> wrote:
> >
> > KiCad, Free Open-Source (GPL), cross-platform (MAC too), schematic capture, project manager, part editors for schematics and footprints, library management, Autoroute, Auto-Annotate, 3D viewer (Open-Source Wings3D required). Generate netlists to various formats (works with free but no open-source and windows-only LTSpice), embedded Gerber viewer, export Gerbers for other viewers. Decent native part and footprint library, much more available online. Active user and development community.
> >
> > That said, there are some small edges to KiCad. But they get addressed fairly soon once reported to the Community IMHO. I wish there were better tutorials for KiCad. Perhaps that's where I can contribute.
> >
> > http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
> >
> > http://iut-tice.ujf-grenoble.fr/kicad/
> >
> > --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Steve Greenfield <alienrelics@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Interesting... it has been impossible to get a consensus about which software package(s) are "industry standard". However, Manpower.com lists two on their "skills" list, OrCAD and Eagle.
> > >
> > > Drat, Dip Trace has been really easy to use...
> > >
> > > OrCAD is out of the ballpark on cost. No way I can afford it.
> > >
> > > Eagle has the free and cheaper versions, and has a lot of users of those cheap and free versions.
> > >
> > > Gosh darn it, I like Dip Trace!
> > >
> > > Steve Greenfield
> > > Electronic Engineering Technician student
> > > Electronic Technician 20+ years
> > > CET Computers and Consumer Electronics
> > > IPC-A-610D CIS Specialist
> > >
> >
>