Printing Switchercad schematic

[Myra]

1. If I print a Switchercad schematic, the circuit comes out very light and the component references come out in dark boldface. What do I have to do to let the circuit diagram also come out in dark lines when printed?
2. My goal is to lay out a PCB using Switchercad as the schematic software - how do I represent a connector, such as a 4 way terminal block, with Switchercad? Do I just create my own component with four circles inside a rectangular block, as an example?[/

 

[Papabravo]

For thick lines:
Tools | Control Panel | Drafting Options
Check the "Draft with Thick Lines" checkbox.

Using SwitcherCADIII for PCB layout is in my opinion a sub optimal thing to do. Since there is no linkage between the netlist and the layout, errors become much more likely. This approach is especially prone to adding traces that are not on the schematic, and eliminating traces that are on the schematic.

If the circuit you are laying has more than one IC or two transistors I would strongly urge you to find another way to do this. I understand that your options may be limited based of your location, but you have to ask yourself how many board turns you are willing to put up with before you get it right.

 

[Myra]

Thank you Papabravo for your efficient reply.
For some time now specialised people have been laying out my boards.
I am now learning this myself with free software available on the web. I am using freepcb for this. Yes, there are much more than three components.
Do you lay out boards? Which software are you using?

 

[Papabravo]

Personally I have only done one board and I used ExpressPCB. The downside to using their package is that only they can fab the boards. The price was OK and I wanted to try the process with minmal investment.

I've designed numerous boards in the past and had them layed out by other people using mylar and tape up to and including Protel. Although a good layout package is more expensive your choice of fabrication houses is much greater.