PCB layout software

EricE · 04-05-2007, 11:36 AM

What do you guys suggest for free PCB layout software?
I’ll be producing the boards myself.

I went through and designed one using ExpressPCB but there are a few things that are plaguing me.
1) I am not sure I can get it to print in actual size for an iron on print.
2) I can’t seem to connect planes to wires properly. I am using through holes to connect them but the software always wants to print voids around the pads (even if you tell it bottom layer is Thermal pad connected to plane).

Would you suggest different software or is there a way to make this one work.

Update: I think I figured it out. (always happens just after I post, hehe).
I figured out I can right click the trace that enters a plane and tell it to use zero clearance through a plane thereby connecting it to the plane.

I also figured out how to change the thickness of the wire trace. I wanted them to be all thicker than default.

So as long as I can get it to print in real size I think am set.

bibaja_llc · 04-07-2007, 05:49 PM

I recommend Eagle from www.cadsoft.de. That's what I use for all of my projects. The largest project I've done is an embedded Linux computer with over 1700 nets, 6 layers. Eagle worked like a charm.

The free edition of eagle allows you to do 2 sided boards around 3x4 inches. The library that comes with Eagle has all kinds of great parts already made too.

I also recommend that you export the gerbers and have a real PCB fab house, like www.4pcb.com, make your boards. They have a 2 board minimum for about $66, at least last time I checked. That way you get 2 really clean boards with soldermask and silkscreen. Less headache during assembly from shorting, and you can produce some fairly fine-pitched stuff.

Then when all your friends want your cool widget too -- you just have to repeat your order instead of spending hours in your garage with nasty chemicals etching boards yourself. ;-)

Good luck,
Mark Stubbs
http://www.bibaja.com

uncle_Ho · 04-11-2007, 04:47 AM

Nothing is wrong with ExpressPCB, plus, you can have an unlimited board size should you prefer one. All you need to make sure is that the paper size in the printer dialog panel of the expressPCB is the same as the paper size of the printer driver (via control panel) . I have made a dozen of PCBs already using this software and my Canon MF3110. Also, if your printer driver is having some "ratio printing" ( ie print A4 designed document on A5), then you have to turn it OFF to get the actual size. Regards,

Cross_ · 04-23-2007, 04:16 PM

The freeware Eagle version is pretty good. It is somewhat overwhelming to start with and the autorouter is not too smart, but it has all the features you will ever need. You will need to adjust the design rules for single sided boards. Do a google search to get the approriate dru file.

Beehphy · 05-16-2007, 06:36 PM

I have used ExpressPCB for a long time (5 years). Both purchasing through them (6 times) and using thier software to manufacture my own (4 times).

If you need any help just contact me.

For an example of my work check out the middle of this page .
Its part of my other hobby
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