.NET is the killer for me. Autotrax EDA is evolving into Autotrax DEX. According to the Autotrax Web site, it is my interpretation that DEX is easier to use in some ways than EDA. The deal killer for me is that DEX requires .NET framework. Been there, not going back, I had a lot of problems with .NET and see it as another security hole.
Also I can't find a printable manual for Autotrax on the site. Finally, I can't seem to figure out how to add custom 3D models. But I didn't dig too much.
I use KiCad, free open-source, cross-platform, 3D visualization and custom 3D models via the free open-source Wings3D application which is tightly integrated. There's a large KiCad Yahoo Group here. The learning curve with KiCad can be a bit steep though.
One possible advantage of Autotrax is that it has built-in SPICE simulation. But then again, KiCad can export the likes of LTSpice netlists. I don't know how good the autorouter in Autotrax is, KiCad's is so-so. I usually don't use an autorouter anyway.
There's an Autorax EDA Yahoo Group with 2,665 members here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autotraxNot to be confused with the Autotrax EDA Yahoo Group with only three members here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/autotraxEDA$99 for a full EDA package and 12 months of updates is a great deal provided it works as specified. Smart move on the part of the developer to offer it. If you don't mind eventually ending up with a .NET application when DEX overtakes EDA, then give it a try!
Regards, David
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "wb5kye100" <jflan@...> wrote:
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> This is not meant to be spam, I am a
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> http://www.kov.com/Purchase/SpecialOffer.aspx
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