PCB Software

[MrDEB]

I use Diptrace and asked for the free upgrade to 500 pins.
very nice easy program to design circuit boards for the hobbyist. A professional such as Jon uses Eagle.
As for having boards made, I have used several different board houses and Elecrow is far and away the best choice IMO.
Just export your Diptrace Gerber files and the n/c drill file. compress and send to board house.
Diptrace isn't perfect as it has some small work around querks. Example,making a new component w/ footprint, you save the component then close the program then reopen it.

 

[aardyvarky]

Superdat - If you ask DIPtrace very nicely (assure them it's for personal use only - it is for me) they'll upgrade you to 500 pins. That does not include vias so have any number of them. Personally I hate vias and try to do without, so have set the prog not to use them. My only complaint with DIPtrace is that I can't seem to force a s/s board... maybe there's something I'm missing. Anyhow, I can make it s/s easily enough. Have now added lots of components with their respective patterns, so am really pleased with it. Like I said before, I'm used to AutoCAD so I get on well with it.

MrDEB - sorry I replied before I saw your post.

 

[Superdat]

Hi Mr Deb and Aardvark,
I might try for the free 500, although I've only run out of holes once. The bit I didn't find intuitive was libraries.
I ususally know what I'm trying to make so I don't bother with a schematic, I just go straight to PCB layout. I usually make my own patterns, it's often quicker than trying to find them (if they exist) in the supplied or downloaded libraries. I either make them directly in the PCB layout, then copy to a library or use Pattern Editor.
Aardvark, when you say you can't force a s/s board, are you refering to the PCB layout? The default is always d/s but unless you select the other side it will remain on one side i.e. s/s.
The exception is SMD components which by default go on the copper side as they should.
Vias are useful for linking up to the other side of a d/s board. If you use through holes with d/s, when you print out the other side, you can leave out the pins (e.g. a MicroP) on the side that the IC is mounted. Same apples to any top mounted through hole components. The vias remain on both sides.
I make my own boards using toner transfer, I can't get them as small as professional ones but fine for me 1mm is about the smallest trace I attempt.
I don't do much smd stuff, voltage regs, 1206 caps and resistors, anything smaller I can't see let alone solder!

 

[aardyvarky]

I've just figured out how to force s/s.
Route>Autorouter Setup>Settings>layer section lower down
Choose either Top or Bottom and set Priority to "Off"

One day I will have to use vias I'm sure hehe.

 

[Superdat]

Just received my DipTrace upgrade to 500, thanks for letting me know.
Just need to think of something big now