freestompboxes.org

ndlm wrote:

azrael wrote:Eagle's ability to show unconnected wires with airwires is pretty goddamn amazing. I use to get terrible layouts in DIYLC all the time.

I really admire all the people that use DIYLC.. They must have nerves of steel, constantly worrying about connecting components. I draw my schematic, and the program takes care of my connections.

Here are my software explorations:
I used Eagle, then switched to Altium. In my opinion, Altium is the best PCB design software in the universe. Downside: a little expensive
Tried Kicad - controls were too user-unfriendly, tried Dreamspark, seemed okay, but not too great. Tried Autotrax, looks excellent, but it is a little slow on my laptop.
I finally tried Diptrace - and fell in love with it

Are there any guides or videos that Altium may have that would make it easy to get started doing the basic schematic and pcb designs that common effects pedals call for? I haven't used any 'pcb' software as of yet only Adobe Illustrator to design the boards.

yeah here's their wiki
http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Tut ... PCB+Design
i think there are tutorials on youtube.
But I must admit, it is a difficult program to master. Give Diptrace a try - everything is easy and logical

ndlm wrote:yeah here's their wiki
http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Tut ... PCB+Design
i think there are tutorials on youtube.
But I must admit, it is a difficult program to master. Give Diptrace a try - everything is easy and logical

I have at times used diptrace to design PCB's as I'm quite used to it, then I can import it into Altium to do the rest of what I need it to do. I should really spend some time with Altium and get to learn it more.

I agree, EAGLE is the best software available right now.
Beside the Software, the PCB Tutorials and Videos are great, too.
I've learned so much with this stuff

other = kicad

ndlm wrote:yeah here's their wiki
http://wiki.altium.com/display/ADOH/Tut ... PCB+Design
i think there are tutorials on youtube.
But I must admit, it is a difficult program to master. Give Diptrace a try - everything is easy and logical

Definitely takes a lot of practice, and there are still a lot of problems I encounter while using, mostly when changing footprints or parts. It's not very intelligent at updating the PCB haha.

other = KiCad
Example 4 layer pcb


JCM800 tube preamp
KiCad

Real

I would like to retract my earlier post/comment about "AutoTRAX Design Express 2020".... I use KiCad, Diptrace, Sprint and they are all excellent!

I am posting this to warn others about AutoTRAX Design Express 2020 (DEX)!!! I saw it in late November 2012 and purchased it (MISTAKE!) registered it and it worked for about 6 months until I launched it one day and this woman's voice came blasting over my speakers and said "OH NO!!!" and a message that said "Demo Period Has Expired" wanting me to purchase again. So, I tried to sign in with the "Sign On ID and Password" that they sent to me... Guess what, yup, no longer valid.. shocker huh.. So then I emailed them and sent them messages online and got no response, at all! I don't know about other people but I work hard for my money so, I don't like it when somebody or some company bends me over and gives it to me up the pooper!!! I have trolled other forums and have seen a lot of complaints about this software, a lot.. It looks impressive with all the features.. And guess what, not all that easy to use as they claim! I am just glad that I could contribute to this company's success with my FREE donation of $49.00

For $49 this is the claim:
This is the FULL version and includes free upgrades for 12 months and never expires.
Unlimited pin count, sheets, layers, parts, PCB size - in other words : everything unlimited! Yeah!? Bullsh!t..

Check it out, but be warned!
http://www.kov.com/

Not cool

Not cool indeed.

And 49 dollars is dirt cheap. From a pro users experience I'd consider that almost the fee for a monthly use.

Been doing PCB's since 1974, cad in 1992 with Pads 2000. Mentor Pads VX is my current tool set with either Power Logic, DX designer or Orcad for Schematics.

J0K3RX wrote:I would like to retract my earlier post/comment about "AutoTRAX Design Express 2020".... I use KiCad, Diptrace, Sprint and they are all excellent!

I am posting this to warn others about AutoTRAX Design Express 2020 (DEX)!!! I saw it in late November 2012 and purchased it (MISTAKE!) registered it and it worked for about 6 months until I launched it one day and this woman's voice came blasting over my speakers and said "OH NO!!!" and a message that said "Demo Period Has Expired" wanting me to purchase again. So, I tried to sign in with the "Sign On ID and Password" that they sent to me... Guess what, yup, no longer valid.. shocker huh.. So then I emailed them and sent them messages online and got no response, at all! I don't know about other people but I work hard for my money so, I don't like it when somebody or some company bends me over and gives it to me up the pooper!!! I have trolled other forums and have seen a lot of complaints about this software, a lot.. It looks impressive with all the features.. And guess what, not all that easy to use as they claim! I am just glad that I could contribute to this company's success with my FREE donation of $49.00

For $49 this is the claim:
This is the FULL version and includes free upgrades for 12 months and never expires.
Unlimited pin count, sheets, layers, parts, PCB size - in other words : everything unlimited! Yeah!? Bullsh!t..

Check it out, but be warned!
http://www.kov.com/

And the website name is now gone. failed.

I've been using Abacom Sprint for about 7 years. I'm very satisfied with it for my needs. I like how easy it is to make new footprints. Before that, I had used Eagle for a long time, but Sprint is a bit faster for me, and much more affordable. You'd need to buy the top level version of Eagle to beat Sprint's abilities. (maybe that has changed, I'm saying based on the time I bought Sprint, I know someone else owns Eagle now).

soulsonic wrote: ↑31 Oct 2021, 19:59 I've been using Abacom Sprint for about 7 years. I'm very satisfied with it for my needs. I like how easy it is to make new footprints. Before that, I had used Eagle for a long time, but Sprint is a bit faster for me, and much more affordable. You'd need to buy the top level version of Eagle to beat Sprint's abilities. (maybe that has changed, I'm saying based on the time I bought Sprint, I know someone else owns Eagle now).

I have also been using Sprint Layout for many years.
I like this software because you can insert a scalable template for the components and the solder side.
Also the tracking function for the connections is a great feature.
It is easy to use and quick to learn.
The price performance ratio is very good in my opinion,
and with the low price of 49,90 Euro you don't have to think about buying it.
There are some PCB manufacturers that accept Sprint layout files.

I vote for Sprint. I am using version 6.0 and it is very easy to use. The price was reasonable too.

I also use DIYLC for schematics.

When you see that I still draw boards using Protel 99, you will know how old I am

The truth is that I am very reluctant to change this program and have to go through the entire learning curve all over again.

cheers,
Jose

Abacom Sprint Layout 6.0 - very long time user - quick to learn, easy to use PLUS, you can import a different bitmap image to both board sides - makes tracing a breeze
It can also export gerber and drill files for sending off to your favourite fabricator !

I'm on the Altium bandwagon, I tried kicad but it is hard to navigate, tried eagle and felt suicidal

diylc is great for layouts though, to add your pcb image into it etc

I'm surprised no one here uses EasyEDA. I've been using it for 4 years now and they have been updating and adding new features all the time. It's cloud based for the free version (hmmmm I wonder why) but is very easy to use and there PCB fab prices can't be beat. 10 PCB's, any color up to 100mm x 100mm for $4. Check 'em out.

I'm using DIYLC for vero, tagboard and p2p layouts. I use EasyEDA for pcbs, and love that it's free, easy to use and web based.