Homebrew PCBs

Has anybody here used either of these products (http://www.new-wave-
concepts.com/)? Would you recommed them for hobbyist use?

Thanks for any info!

Ryan

On Sun, 19 Jun 2005 22:56:03 +0200, Ryan C. Payne <ryan-payne@...>  
wrote:

> Has anybody here used either of these products (http://www.new-wave-
> concepts.com/)? Would you recommed them for hobbyist use?
> Thanks for any info!
> Ryan
>


I would think a solderless breadboard and a few components are better use  
:-)
If you get simulation, you would probably want a version of spice, weather  
"interactive" elements (such as leds in the schematic lighting when  
simulaition is done), which some of the products seem to have, are  
necessary is a matter of taste.
(Me personally, it frightens me that their first product requires  
macromedia flash).

I can't say anything about their layout software, cause i haven't seen it,  
other than the price appears at best average for a software you are only  
allowed "home use". It should be of reasonable quality before i would  
consider the price OK.

Note that some other packages also include schematic, simulation, and  
layout in a single product and are not more expensive while you are  
allowed commercial use. Of course there are also packages that do a  
similar thing and cost about as much as a shiny new car ;-)

I do not know how much guidance and "learning" help their products would  
offer and how much you would require. I would make sure it doesn't  
restrict me if i would consider these products.


Best download the trials, and compare to many other options before you  
spend any money. It is much a personal thing which software you like.

ST

FINALLY!

Somthing I can talk about that I actually know about! (this is 
somewhat a joke between me and Stefan - he knows my abilities).

Livewire is cute and cheap. It is fun to play with to layout a very 
basic circuit and see what happens when you press the "power" 
button.  It is also handy for making a quick schematic that looks 
pretty good.  Even though I am an absolute beginner with 
electronics, I have already ran into limitations with the 
software....

It only has a handful of components.  In nearly every case so far of 
using the software, I have had to "Fudge" in something to replace 
what should be a chip or some other device.  This could be ignorance 
on my part, but, it may not be either.  I would STRONGLY suggest 
downloading the demo and give it a test drive.  Depending on the 
types of circuits you are working with, the included components may 
be more than adequate.  

I only have the PCB Wizard demo package and am considering buying 
it, but frankly, I am leaning strongly towards one of the free 
packages by the many circuit board manufacturers - they are very 
capable.

For learning, Livewire is a very good tool to help me understand 
where the electricity is flowing and what it is doing.  It has been 
a very helpful tool to get me through some of the more basic stuff 
that I have a hard time understanding.  I think I paid $50.00 for it 
and it was well worth it based on what I learned from it so far.  
But, if you already understand the basics, it may be $50.00 down the 
toilet.

hope this helps a little!

Chris

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 23:30:49 +0200, lcdpublishing  
<lcdpublishing@...> wrote:

> FINALLY!
> Somthing I can talk about that I actually know about! (this is
> somewhat a joke between me and Stefan - he knows my abilities).


You know, i had a gut feeling you might have that software ;-)

You surely realize you know much more about electronics by now than most  
people.

ST

I sure do Stefan! Thanks to you for all you coaching and hand-
holding.  

About the software though, while it is rather basic, I trust it more 
than my.....


Are you ready........


my ............


TRUSTY DUSTY RADIO SHACK ELECTRONICS LEARNING LAB

You know the thing, the thing that has "magic powers" even with the 
power switch turned off :-)

Chris



-- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Stefan Trethan" 
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 23:30:49 +0200, lcdpublishing  
> <lcdpublishing@y...> wrote:
> 
> > FINALLY!
> > Somthing I can talk about that I actually know about! (this is
> > somewhat a joke between me and Stefan - he knows my abilities).
> 
> 
> You know, i had a gut feeling you might have that software ;-)
> 
> You surely realize you know much more about electronics by now 
than most  

> people.
> 
> ST

On Mon, 20 Jun 2005 23:46:58 +0200, lcdpublishing  
<lcdpublishing@...> wrote:

> About the software though, while it is rather basic, I trust it more
> than my.....
> Are you ready........
> my ............
> TRUSTY DUSTY RADIO SHACK ELECTRONICS LEARNING LAB


*lol*

Me too.


ST