Charles
Two free PCB programms I use are ExpressSCH and ExpressPCB. I use this for quick toner transfer PCB designs for one off. It does not give a Gerber file for volume production. The second is FreePCB with autorouter and uses TinyCAD for schematic capture and netlist generation. Will produce Gerber files for multiple boards from manufacturer and has an add on that generates printable circuits for toner transfer from Gerber files.
Malcolm
I don't suffer from insanity I enjoy it!
--- On Tue, 4/13/10, ae5ew <ae5ew.us@...> wrote:
From: ae5ew <ae5ew.us@...>
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: another layout question
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 5:56 PM
Hi. I'm new here. How about a list of the 'best' free programs? Charles AE5EW
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@ yahoogroups. com, "James" <jamesrsweet@ ...> wrote:
>
>
> >
> > Have you checked into the student/non- profit version? It might be
> > useful if you qualify. Remember that the parts placement is within
> > the limits, but traces and text can go anywhere. That might help.
> >
> > I'd go for the schematic and layout, but skip the autorouter upgrade
> > if it saves you money.
> >
> >
>
>
> Why anyone would go with one that costs ∗anything∗ or is crippled when there are perfectly capable and completely ∗free∗ packages out there is beyond me though! If my employer were paying for it and a commercial package offered features that would make me significantly more productive then I'd look at costly packages, but I can't fathom spending hundreds in personal money.
>
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