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Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Finished boards

From: Stefan Trethan <stefan_trethan@...>
Date: 2016-02-29

If you are looking for free software, I would have a look at DesignSpark PCB from RS components.
<http://www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/>
It's a variant of Easy-PC, made by the Pulsonix people.
The mechanical software is also nice for 3D printing, and easy to learn.

I think Mouser also offeres a sponsored PCB software (something blue), but I don't have any experience with it.

Eagle is owned by Farnell now, not sure if they are happy with it, there was talk of them dabbling in a customized Altium version.

ST

On Mon, Feb 29, 2016 at 8:53 AM, Bill Verstelle verstelle@... [Homebrew_PCBs] <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:


I'm curious what software are you using to have the boards made? That would be another learning curve for me. Right now I use Eagle cad but I can only do basic work on it right now.  
Bill N7OQ

Sent from my iPad

On Feb 28, 2016, at 5:57 AM, richard@... [Homebrew_PCBs] <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

I'm really not wanting to start a war, or drag up discussions that have already been fully discussed, so please ignore or delete if this if it's contentious.

I've spent 40+ years in the electronics industry, and made my own home boards through a lot of that, but have you seen the price you can buy finished boards for now?. It really questions whether if it is financially worth making your own. As an example, Pcbway will make 10off through hole plated boards, up to 100mm x 100mm (4" sq), solder resist both sides, legend both sides, routed how you want, for 13 US dollars and quality is excellent. Bigger boards are more expensive, but still rediculously cheap compared to domestic boards. ITead are even cheaper and there are many more Chinese companies making cheap boards of good quality. Only downer is delivery - you've got to wait ~3 weeks or pay 25 dollars for a courier.