Homebrew PCBs

More power to you on the better tutorials. 

I been wanting to switch to KiCad to get free 4 layer design, but I expect it will be quite a learning curve. So I've been procrastinating and sticking with the free 2 layer DipTrace that takes about 15 minutes to learn to the point of significant usability.




--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "drmail377" <drmail377@...> wrote:
>
> KiCad, Free Open-Source (GPL), cross-platform (MAC too), schematic capture, project manager, part editors for schematics and footprints, library management, Autoroute, Auto-Annotate, 3D viewer (Open-Source Wings3D required). Generate netlists to various formats (works with free but no open-source and windows-only LTSpice), embedded Gerber viewer, export Gerbers for other viewers. Decent native part and footprint library, much more available online. Active user and development community.
> 
> That said, there are some small edges to KiCad. But they get addressed fairly soon once reported to the Community IMHO. I wish there were better tutorials for KiCad. Perhaps that's where I can contribute.
> 
> http://kicad.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
> 
> http://iut-tice.ujf-grenoble.fr/kicad/
> 
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Steve Greenfield <alienrelics@> wrote:
> >
> > Interesting... it has been impossible to get a consensus about which software package(s) are "industry standard". However, Manpower.com lists two on their "skills" list, OrCAD and Eagle.
> > 
> > Drat, Dip Trace has been really easy to use...
> > 
> > OrCAD is out of the ballpark on cost. No way I can afford it.
> > 
> > Eagle has the free and cheaper versions, and has a lot of users of those cheap and free versions.
> > 
> > Gosh darn it, I like Dip Trace!
> > 
> >  Steve Greenfield
> > Electronic Engineering Technician student
> > Electronic Technician 20+ years
> > CET Computers and Consumer Electronics
> > IPC-A-610D CIS Specialist
> >
>