Homebrew PCBs

Bingo, I've been using DigiKey and Mouser a lot lately.  I'm going to use
DigiKey more 'cause I've noticed I'm getting hit with serious
brokerage/customs fees when I buy from Mouser.  Even if I pay Federal sales
tax with DigiKey Canada, I still get better prices.  I'd have to buy some
serious volume from Mouser to make a difference.  Oh yeah, shipping is
sometimes overnight with DigiKey (only $8 on most orders), it took over a
week for my last Mouser order.

I've been fortunate to get QCAD for a bargain.  I think it's one of the best
softwares out there.  I tried many of the freeware/shareware when I first
started 2-3 years ago, but they all lacked in one way or another.  You can
get the limitted QCAD demo version for free, the only limitation is 100
pins.  But if you stick to SMD components, that's a lot of vias.  More info
here:
http://www.winqcad.com/features.html

I like QCAD 'cause it generate CNC code and that's where I ultimately want
to go.  I like how I can edit any footprint, any component, it's very
intuitive to learn once you've tried at least one of these softwares.  I
don't even know what the limit is for layers, but it's so easy to work with
them.  I don't care any more for the auto-router feature, I've learned I can
do it better myself.

Robert
:)



-----Message d'origine-----
De : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com] De
la part de Herbert E. Plett
Envoyé : avril 13 2006 23:13
À : Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Objet : Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE : Surface mount VS Through-hole comparison


your luck is that you are only $5 and 48hours from Digikey (or whoever).
Elsewhere in the world it's different...

what layout package are you using that allows so easily to mix-and-match
pads and through holes? I use Eagle and it's a hell of work to create new
packages.