PCB design software

[Mylithra]

Ive been using ExpressPCB's software for doing quick and simple designs. I really like the layout tools and the fact I can throw a quick design together within a hour or so. The bad news, You cant get Gerber files out of the software. I was able to translate the Top, bottom copper layers as well as the silkscreening but I cant output the drill pattern nor the solder mask on either side. (I guess thats how they lock you into their service)

Im looking into getting a simple to use PCB design package. An onboard simulator would be nice but not absolutely necessary. A schematic input or the ability to generate a PCB from the netlist would be nice.

What software packages are people here using to do PCB designs?

[Jim Williams]

You can log on to the Cadsoft web site and download the freeware version of Eagle lite. If you want larger pcb's you just pay them for the upgrade. It has ground pour, schematic capture, autorouting, gerber check, everything. It's free.

Jim Williams
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[A27Hull]

Also, there's Osmond for Macs,

but..it seems to be made for the experienced engineer/designer.

Its worth a check, and is a free download for the lite version. All you have to do is become part of their yahoo group.

I have Osmond quartz.

[ulysses]

I really like ExpressPCB's software and I would gladly pay good money for it if they would release a version that produced Gerber files (and ran on the Mac OS). You can order Gerber files ($60) from them IF you've already bought boards from them, but they no longer allow you to make changes between buying the boards and buying the Gerbers. These factors are what forced me to switch over to Eagle. It's a much more powerful program, but sometimes the simplicity of ExpressPCB is what made it very useful. I'm using Eagle 4.1 on a Macintosh (it runs under X11, which is kind of annoying), but I'm just about to start using version 5.1 (which runs native on the Mac, without X11). One nice thing about Eagle is that since it's very widely used, it's pretty easy to find technical assistance, parts libraries, and user language programs to perform helpful little (and big) tasks.

Eagle does create boards from schematics, which is very helpful and powerful. The free version is only limited to small circuitboard size, a limited number of signal layers (2?) and single-page schematics. Other than those limitations, it's just like the Pro version. I don't think you get the autorouter for free though: I paid for the Pro version of the Schematic and Routing portions, but since I didn't pay for the Autorouter, I don't get it.

[A27Hull]

very nice to know!

Thanks

[owel]

Another +1 for Eagle.

FYI, the serial # for your Eagle 5.1 OSX license will also work in the X11 version. And your 5.x license will also work with your 4.x installation.

I do find I prefer the X11 version for some reason, it is snappier and faster for me, compared to the native OSX version.

And also, if you use eagle and need to upgrade to the next bigger version, you only pay for the difference in price compared to the previous version you already bought.

Also, Eagle project files created in a PC can be opened and work just fine in the Mac version.

[tuckpunk]

Speaking to the large user base of Eagle....I've seen more US based, short run, pcb houses that will accept Eagle layout files for conversion to their format. ULP scripts cover a wide range of uses and most are publicly shared. For example, there's a script that will generate the gcode for a cnc router to do trace isolation versions of your board, and generates drill gcode files too. The gcode can then be used to cut a copper clad board. Here's some pics of the first board off of my new cnc machine.

[Mylithra]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I tried a couple of of the packages recommended and I think its going to be Eagle.
Again,
Thanks for the recommendation.