Hi,
Have a look at DesignSpark.
This is a free, unlimited, multi-layer program from RS Components that has just gone in to version 4 - I'm still using v3 at the moment.
The program allows imports of Eagle CAD files, circuit designs and libraries. Large parts library as standard. Custom parts are easy enough to make and it also has tutorials to ease the learning curve.
It also does 3D visualisation quite well.
Download from Designspark.com
No connection with the company - just a very happy user who found the transition from Ultiboard not too painful.
Regards
Ron.
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Kevin Byrne <kbyrne10@...> wrote:
>
> I also down loaded diptrace and have one question. How can I generate a schematic ulp or research that to upload Eagle files in to it? Do you know? Kevin
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Howard Chester <howard.chester@...>
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 6:37 AM
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Newbie
>
>
> Â
>
>
> --- On Sun, 14/10/12, n1bru <bkramer@...> wrote:
>
> From: n1bru <bkramer@...>
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Newbie
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Sunday, 14 October, 2012, 22:12
>
> Â
>
> >Hi everyone, I am really new to circuit board construction. I came here in >hopes of learning everything there is to making circuit boards.
>
> >1. what program is the best for free?
>
> >2. what materials do I need to make circuit boards?
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> >3. Where is the best place to purchase the euipment, chemicals boards etc?
>
> >As you can see I need much guidance and information. If this has been >brought up before, please point me into the right direction, I want to get >going ASAP. I am eager to learn.
>
> >Thank You all in advance for your help and guidance in making circuit >boards.
>
> >Bruce 73
>
> ?N1BRU
>
> Hello Bruce,
> As to your question 1) about the best schematic/PCB programmes, both DIPTrace and Eagle provide a free version of their programmes.
> I personally prefer DIPTrace for ease of use(over the years I have compiled large component/PCB footprints for users to incorperate in their designs).
> DIPTrace has a large following with a forum, shared libraries and one-to-one problem solving with the owners and staff.
> An added feature( besides a 2-layer auto-place, auto-route, DFX and Gerber Import/Export, 3D-Viewer and PDF/BMP output formats) is the ability to covert between Eagle and Diptrace and vise-versa.
> As well as these two programmes, a lot of board manafacturers provide "freebies",with the drawback that you cannot print the board yourself.
> I hope this is of some help
>
> Links:-
> http://diptrace.com/
>
> http://www.cadsoft.de/?language=de&lang=en
>
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