>From: Ted Huntington <thunting@...>It's a good idea to check any parts from provided libraries very thoroughly
>Reply-To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] free standard PCB software
>Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 11:24:33 -0700
>
>Thanks Dave, so WinQCad is easier than Eagle, and you do not hear about
>people using Protel (light) often.
>
>There is a program for linux at pcb.sourceforge.net, and that looks
>interesting, although I think there is no auto-rout.
>
>The one drawback, appears to be having a database table of all the
>components (basically millions of chips, although the packages are
>relatively few), I guess people add their own specific chips without too
>much difficulty, etc...
>
>Still, I guess that Gerber files are the standard for PCB production
>companies.
>
>Whatever program I use, I will probably stay with, because, as I said, I
>am only beginning and have limited CAD (circuit layout) experience. The
>coolest feature I see is the "auto-rout" where you simply place the
>components and connections (I guess), and the program finds the best
>routes between pins, that is awesome.
>
before using them, they occasionally have errors. Most people define their
own, anyway, for things like MCUs.
Experienced PCB designers very rarely use autorouters; even the expensive
ones don't do a very good job in many cases. The cheap ones are rubbish.
I use Pulsonix: http://www.pulsonix.com IMHO it's about the best of the
mid-range packages, competing with Protel, Cadstar and Orcad. It comes with
the Bartels router, which isn't bad, but I don't use it much.
Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM Tel: +44 1424 423947
Email:leon_heller@...
My web page: http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller
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