Hi all,
I wonder if there are any people here who like making their own PCBs?
If so, I'd like some advice on which PCB design program to use please, as I've tried loads and they're either no good, too expensive for the full version, or they only support a minimum of 2 layers (top and bottom copper layer) when I only make simple single-sided PCBs.
I like using the autorouting function of most programs but if they inly support top and bottom layers, then it routes to a bottom layer that I don't use since I'm making PCBs from single-sided laminates.
I want a good component base, the ability to make my own component layout or change the properties of a new component (so my awkward 25 staggered pin amplifier IC can have a home for it on the PCB, since no programs have the layout in them for this one), autorouting which is quite good, preferably the type which picks up and moves components to ease routing, etc., and basically easy to use. Oh, and free would be even better since I only make 1 PCB a year! I'm busy with many other things...
Crocodile RealPCB is the best I've tried so far, it moves components when autorouting to make the best PCB possible and seems very easy to use, but it isn't properly available in full version yet and is for schools, etc., so isn't cheap.
Drawing the circuit in a partner schematic program helps, which is then exported to the PCB program with nets, ready for routing.
Thanks to all who give advice,
James
I wonder if there are any people here who like making their own PCBs?
If so, I'd like some advice on which PCB design program to use please, as I've tried loads and they're either no good, too expensive for the full version, or they only support a minimum of 2 layers (top and bottom copper layer) when I only make simple single-sided PCBs.
I like using the autorouting function of most programs but if they inly support top and bottom layers, then it routes to a bottom layer that I don't use since I'm making PCBs from single-sided laminates.
I want a good component base, the ability to make my own component layout or change the properties of a new component (so my awkward 25 staggered pin amplifier IC can have a home for it on the PCB, since no programs have the layout in them for this one), autorouting which is quite good, preferably the type which picks up and moves components to ease routing, etc., and basically easy to use. Oh, and free would be even better since I only make 1 PCB a year! I'm busy with many other things...
Crocodile RealPCB is the best I've tried so far, it moves components when autorouting to make the best PCB possible and seems very easy to use, but it isn't properly available in full version yet and is for schools, etc., so isn't cheap.
Drawing the circuit in a partner schematic program helps, which is then exported to the PCB program with nets, ready for routing.
Thanks to all who give advice,
James