CAD PCB Software

[Mattylad]

Before getting too involved with ExpressPCB, ISTR that it can only be used by ExpressPCB themselves for quoting, or does it also produce Gerber files now?

IMO there are far cheaper PCB suppliers and better CAD software.

Designspark was AFAIK written by the same people as EasyPC.

[Wendymott]

Hi Matty. I am only using Express, for home use, I print my own artworks... the only drawback I can see is that you cannot place smaller artworks in any area of a page, as you can with Diptrace...... Thus I suspect you are right......... the printout function is for observation only, not to be a useful feature.
I may look at Designspark again...........
Pity Tango or Autotrax did not convert to "non Dos " formats.

[Mattylad]

Any package with a Gerber output should get you the ability to have a true 1:1 printout, however PDF output is IMO a bit dodgy as it' harder to control the size correctly.

When you have Gerber files you can use GC-Prevue (free) to view and printout, even panelise for multi up boards. It's been several years since I last did an "at home" type hand etched board however PCB layout is part of my day job using a mid range PCB program rather than the hobby stuff.

Finding the one that meets your needs and has a good user base is best, Eagle has a big user base & there is plenty of help for it however I struggle with it's clunkyness, I have used EasyPC (and hence designspark as its basically the same) but whichever you do go for the big problem your going to come across is the need to make your own parts (symbol & component) which is essential to learn.

[Oldcodger]

Only problem I've had with Express is the size of IC stuff on schematics. No two ICs seem the of the same proportions. OP amps are one size, CMOS are another.

[Wendymott]

Hi codger..... I have noticed that the symbols are rather big, and on A4 size, you cant get too many items... I think the best thing is to "upscale" to A3 and do a "page fit" when printing.

[Oldcodger]

I've done the opposite- I create a library of custom stuff of a constant size.

[Wendymott]

Hmmmmm... As I had already spent loads of time editing the PCB symbols, I decided not to change the schematic items... still as I always say..."no right, no wrong"..

[Wendymott]

Well... it seems the Spirit 5 is the winner at the moment...now I have found out how to use it...Thanks Howard. Editing components for custom parts is so easy. Might even consider buying a later version...now that must be good..