Homebrew PCBs

DJ,

Basically eagles ULP language contains all information about the 
internal data structures of every existing object. All you need to write 
export scripts along with detailed structure documentation can be found 
in the online help. This is also true for the evaluation versions and 
even the most restrictive version can load the most complex design (just 
not change it) and run a ULP on it. So, it's relatively simple for 
anyone intersted and somewhat savey with writing software to write a ULP 
that even directly builds up an ascii (or even binary format for that 
matter) that directly matches what virtually any third party software 
would use. Btw, the ULP is VERY similar to standard 'C' programming 
language alas if you know 'C' your almost instantly up and running.

One can think of eagle what he wants, it's not THAT bad IMHO. It's of 
course not compareable against the big names in this field (PADS etc.) 
but one can do quite sophisticated stuff with it and add missing 
functionality with the help of writing ULPs. That's at the same time 
also the worest thing about it cause one can solve many many problems 
using ULPs which eventually kind of hide the issue/problem from CadSoft. 
I.e. I wrote ULPs to make eagle even out digital busses lenght wise, or 
to route impedance controlled signal pairs etc. The aproach is not as 
good as it would be if native support for stuff like that would be 
present, but at least if you are on a budget (like me) there is a way to 
help yourself out.

I later made quite good experience with CadSupport. It apears like they 
act just quite paranoid if they suspect that they might deal with 
someone useing illegal copies of their software and in my case they 
definately went beond any common sense back then...

With regard to STs comments on eagle - well, I once tried to use target 
and miserably failed cause I did not found it to be ergonomical for me. 
Aparently there are reasons why there are different packages on the 
market and to me it's fine if everyone finds a product that matches 
his/her needs. I respect other peoples opinions and preferences. I don't 
say I'm absolutely happy with eagle. I admit that I think I'm somewaht 
outgrown of it and if I would have the money I definately would consider 
something in the upper end (PADs, Allegro - you name it).

Markus

DJ Delorie schrieb:
>
>
> Markus Zingg <homebrew-pcb@... 
> <mailto:homebrew-pcb%40shdesign.info>> writes:
> > ULPs which export ANY design and library part into ascii format which
>
> Are these ascii formats documented? I suppose they could be used to
> convert to/from gEDA format, too.
>
>