[volt-nuts] Design Spark PCB Design Package

[Didier Juges]

I am there too. I have used ExpressPCB because it is actually very fast and
easy for small projects.
I also use the schematic capture for illustrations (when I just need a
schematic, no PWB) because it also makes decent looking schematics without
fuss. Creating component models bot both schematic and layout is quick and
easy.
It is decidedly not for professional uses, but for small projects, it is
hard to beat.

I have installed KiCad (a month ago) and got extremely frustrated trying to
create models for schematic components. Whatever I did I could not find a
way to get the component in a library and I eventually lost the work.
Instructions/tutorials are sorely missing. Then I found out it had problems
dealing with mixed metric and imperial units, so I abandoned it. Aside from
prototypes which I do with ExpressPCB,

For the last 10 years, I have been having my (good) boards done by a
professional PWB designer who is using a $15,000 package. It costs more,
but it is done quickly, 100% error free and there are 0 issues in
manufacturing :)

Didier


On Tue, Jan 6, 2015 at 11:11 AM, BIll Ezell <wje at quackers.net> wrote:

>
> On 1/6/2015 12:00 PM, volt-nuts-request at febo.com wrote:
>
>> Re: Design Spark PCB Design Package
>>
>  It depends on what you need PCBs for. I've used ExpressPCB for years.
> They have proprietary layout software, all very manual, no routing, and
> free. It will also do multilayer, vias, fills, etc. The reason I use them
> is that you can get 3 3x5 boards from them for $60 if you use their app.
> They also have a schematic capture app that works with the layout app and
> does some basic netlist checking. I find them very convenient for one-off
> projects that will fit.
>
> --
> Bill Ezell
> ----------
> The day Microsoft makes something that doesn't suck
> will be the day they make vacuum cleaners.
>
>
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