[time-nuts] OT: Eagle PC CAD now Autodesk, $500/year

[Bob Stewart]

I used KICAD for my GPSDO.  I've never used Eagle, so I don't know what differences there are.  I had used ExpressPCB, so it did take some getting used to.  Even at my early entry-level stage, a number of components supplied with the program were unusable.  This was mainly due to the size of the component on a schematic being much too large.  IIRC, a couple of supplied footprints weren't acceptable, either; though I can't remember which ones.  And, of course, it didn't have the PIC I was using either on the schematic or the footprint for the board, as well as a couple of other smaller components.  But, I've got a usable library built now, and it's easy enough to add stuff as needed.
I've only used it for 2-layer boards so far: some complex, and some trivial.  I don't think the microwave trace stuff is in a completed state, yet.  There is no auto-routing of the board.  There were some licensing issues with the one they were using, and it was disabled and disappeared.  But, you get used to picking and placing and adjusting after you've done it for awhile.  It does make Gerber files that are accepted by OSHPark; who I use to make my boards.
The schematic section has the ability to use hierarchical layers.  There is a 3D viewer for the routed board.  I usually use that, as well as using the OSHPark pictures for final inspection before ordering.

And, the price is right.

HTH,

Bob
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AE6RV.com

GFS GPSDO list:
groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/GFS-GPSDOs/info

      From: Tom Curlee <tcurlee at sbcglobal.net>
 To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement <time-nuts at febo.com> 
 Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2017 11:32 PM
 Subject: Re: [time-nuts] OT: Eagle PC CAD now Autodesk, $500/year
   
KiCad is an open source pcd cad package that looks interesting.  Has some microwave/RF features, 8 layers (I think),  both schematic capture and layout.  Just started to look at it.  Doesn't have the libraries that Eagle does, but you can create your own.  Worth looking at.
Considering how Autodesk works (pay $$$$), I'm surprised that their Fusion 360 3D cad package is free for hobbyists.  I use Solidworks at work, but definitely not going to pay $6K for home use.  Just starting to learn Fusion 360, and, at least at my level, it seems to have all the functionality of Solidworks.  My only beef is that it's cloud based, but it will work off line for a few weeks before needing to call home.  My fear is that some time in the future Autodesk will either discontinue the program or start wanting $$.  Again, well worth looking at.
Tom, WB6UZZ


      From: Richard (Rick) Karlquist <richard at karlquist.com>
 To: Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement <time-nuts at febo.com> 
 Sent: Thursday, January 19, 2017 7:52 PM
 Subject: [time-nuts] OT: Eagle PC CAD now Autodesk, $500/year
  
Off topic, but probably a lot of disgrunted Eagle users on this list.
Its official, you will now have to pay $500 per year for a
professional license from Autodesk.  The spin meistering of the
announcement would make George Orwell proud.  I don't see any way they
can keep me from just using the license I currently own, at least
on the OS's it supports.  (Parenthetically, like many users, I
am also digging in my heels in terms of staying at Windows 7).

Still, the question arises:  are there any affordable alternatives?
Don't have to be entirely free.  I am looking for any trends out
there as to what tool will attract a critical mass of users in
the future.  There is strength in numbers.

Comments?

Rick N6RK
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