I'm fooling around with the PCB programs in an attempt to better understand this peculiar obsession with PCB (just joking!)

I'm current on Express PCB  and I find it incredibly easy to use. Yes, I am aware about the "output problems" so I am going to try some others. I created a schematic and then linked it to the PCB.

They could have made this software way easier by restricting the component list to only the schematic components and pads/lines. Even cooler would be to have it reduce the component list as you place them.

Aron

I'm working through this book.  

http://geofex.com/bookpages/bookblurb.htm

Thanks for writing it R.G.!!!!!!!

Aron,

I would highly suggest  Proteus Lite.

It is a little more straightforward than others and can export a bitmap.

Some hints are if you need to exceed 100 pins, use vias and make your own shapes, and export the bitmap at 400dpi and then shirk it to 25% original size.

Email me if you have any questions...

Jay

where can I buy R.G's book?

jason

I know it's not a freebie (or even a cheapie), but Adobe Illustrator (I'm a graphic designer, supposedly) has been a dream for me to use for PCB's. I especially use it when there is a .gif file or something that isn't that clear or is a little low-res after being scaled down; it's just easy to make 'master PCB's' with some images and Illustrator artwork combined.

I use Express PCB too. I print the output to a "virtual" printer that creates a PDF. I edit the PDF later to remove all the "not needed stuff"

QuoteI would highly suggest Proteus Lite.

I'm aready on it Jay  

Like I said, I'm going to try some of the most popular ones and I already have that one on my list. The only "problem" is the limit on the pins.

I have read your suggestions (it's in the archives).

I will let everyone know what I find.

Thanks!

Aron

QuoteI use Express PCB too. I print the output to a "virtual" printer that creates a PDF. I edit the PDF later to remove all the "not needed stuff"

Thanks! I will experiment with this approach.

Joep,can you explain more on how you do that "virtual" thing.
Thanks
Aharon

Hi Aharon,

Check one of these links:
http://www.go2pdf.com/
http://www.visagesoft.com/pdfprinter/
http://www.win2pdf.com/

The last one is for "free" if you download the normal version. It adds some lines or extra page but that doesn't matter.

I have access to Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat now, so I use these to create (Acrobat) and edit (illustrator).

Bye,

Joep

BTW, this software add a new printer to your printer list. If you select this new printer, the page you are going to print is converted to a PDF file instead of a real print from a printer.

That's why I used the term "virtual printer"

RG's book rules~!
thats how i learned also..

Thanks for the Proteus link!  Looks good.

I've been using Express PCB for my layouts.  Usually I just print out the bitmap and tape it to the blank board as a drilling guide.  Then I join the dots with an etch resistant pen using the original .pcb file as a guide.

Talk about being needlessly labour intensive.

my favorite program for PCB layout is probably Eagle and OrCad Capture for schematic design.

QuoteI use Express PCB too. I print the output to a "virtual" printer that creates a PDF. I edit the PDF later to remove all the "not needed stuff"

Yeah, I use Express PCB.  But I simply hit the "PrintScreen" button, then paste the image into PhotoEditor.  If you don't have PhotoEditor, IrfanView or LView are good shareware/freeware options.  From PhotoEditor it's a cut and PasteSpecial (as a picture) into MS Word.

I work on-creen with white tracks on a black background and use PE to invert the colours of the image (for making PnP).  For the parts overlay I use yellow parts on grey tracks, which inverted gives blue parts on grey tracks.

I paste a circuit description, PCB, parts layout and a parts list onto a single page, then print a few copies.  One copy goes with me to the shop to buy parts, another is used to make the press-n-peel and another goes into the filing cabinet in case I want to refer back to it or it disappears off the web, or whatever.

And I swear that I'm not usually chronically over-organised!! :oops:

Thanks Joep.
Aharon