Anyone use this pcb layout tool?

[Charles (Upstate NY)]

I ran across this while browsing through the $400-$9,999 pcb layout tools. Its free. What are others using for layout tools?

http://www.pcb123.com/

[Carl-NC]

I use Easy-PC (http://www.numberone.com). Love it.

Also use PADS-PCB at work. Hate it.

- Carl

[Bill]

I use Eagle, you can download a free version. I also use Express PCB, they have their own free software as well. They make great boards and have fast turn around times.

Will

[Geo]

I use Protel 99SE http://www.protel.com/. It is very strong and very difficult (and heavy ) program. Very...very professional tool . (sorry i don't know about new version (Altium)

[kt315]

much people use Sprint Layout and are very glad of it. yes, it is very simple cad, but you can get even GERBER format and order qualitative PCB in a factory.

[Qiaozhi]

I have access to several PCB tools, but at home I use Eagle (Freeware). Also have Express PCB, but Eagle is better.
If you want to make stripboard (Veroboard) layouts, then you can use VCAD -> http://veecad.com/

[Qiaozhi]

I ran across this while browsing through the $400-$9,999 pcb layout tools. Its free. What are others using for layout tools?

http://www.pcb123.com/

Hi Charles,

I've downloaded the PCB123 software, and I'm trying hard not to get sidetracked into looking at it.
It's a shame that the pan and zoom facilities are different in the schematic and PCB.

[Chris2]

PCB programs

Hi,

I uesd Eagle, Orcad, PCad, Protel98, Pads, Altium and a few other PCB layout programs but my favor is still with my old Protel 99SE program. That's for me the best. Easy to use and quick results.

Chris

[kt315]

I have access to several PCB tools, but at home I use Eagle (Freeware). Also have Express PCB, but Eagle is better.
If you want to make stripboard (Veroboard) layouts, then you can use VCAD -> http://veecad.com/

I have read many times that Eagle has not able to convert his files into another CAD formats. sort of because Eagle is not so good CAD. what your opinion?

[Geo]

Hi,

I uesd Eagle, Orcad, PCad, Protel98, Pads, Altium and a few other PCB layout programs but my favor is still with my old Protel 99SE program. That's for me the best. Easy to use and quick results.

Chris

Hi Chris.
Do you know if Protel 99SE has option for "one side pcb design" ??.
I can't find it and i don't like every time to make a "double side" pcb .

[Qiaozhi]

I have read many times that Eagle has not able to convert his files into another CAD formats. sort of because Eagle is not so good CAD. what your opinion?

This true for most PCB CAD packages. It makes it harder for you to transfer your designs to a competitor's tool.
The only way this can happen easily would be for all CAD vendors to use Open Access as their database, but even then the internal device representation would be different in each case. It's not impossible to do, just not easy. Some tools can transfer schematic data using EDIF, but again this is a "standard" that can be interpreted in many ways, so it doesn't always work very well.

[6666]

silly question I guess
but does pcb123 or eagle actually let you print the finished PCB
on your own printer ? or do you have to send off the file to them
its not really clear on the websites

[Qiaozhi]

silly question I guess
but does pcb123 or eagle actually let you print the finished PCB
on your own printer ? or do you have to send off the file to them
its not really clear on the websites

In Eagle you can print the design to your own printer. You can even print to a PDF file by downloading CutePDFWriter (freeware).
The same is true for PCB123, but in this case you need to use File > Print_Artwork instead of File > Print.
Example1 is from Eagle (Hexapod), and example 2 is from PCB123 (OrionFinished) - attached below.

[goldfinder]

I concur - Express PCB

I use Eagle, you can download a free version. I also use Express PCB, they have their own free software as well. They make great boards and have fast turn around times.

Will

--
I have been using Express's software for several year and their fast proto service - outstanding - The tools superb and FREE !

Goldfinder

[6666]

Thanks for the info on printing the pcb, much appreciated