Sch & Layout Free Program

What is the best FREE Schematic & PCB Layout software available that will run on Windoze XP?

I've looked at PCB123.com and Expresspcb.com and they have pretty good programs available. Unfortunately if I use either one I'm stuck getting the prototypes through them. (Because they won't output Gerbers)

I've also looked at Eagle Layout at cadsoft.de, but the size limitation of 100 x 80mm on the free version is a negative. It would work for my current project.

I'm just curious at what other people's opinions are.

Thanks,

Eric

look for KICAD (totally free)

Stef Mientki

No just 5 years too early ;-) Stef

I'm not trying to "milk the system" I'm just trying to get list of free programs and there limitaions, so I can choose which one I should learn how to use.

I'm using these programs for a hobby non-profit project.

Eric

Maybe it is time for you to install linux. gEDA and PCB are free on linux. They are very good.

vax, 9000

In terms of freely available downloads that are useful up to a level I would suggest you have a look at VuTrax . If the pin limit is too low for your needs the cost of upgrading to the next level is quite reasonable. It is also available for Linux too.

IME, pcb doesn't run that well on Windows.

--Mac

Have you considered TinyCAD and FreePCB? Both open source and free.

I use the free version of Target downloaded from

Which does up to six layers and and has no pin limit or board size limit.

Ken

And limits to only use pcbpool.com service...which is around same price excluding shipping/vat as here in europe including shipping/vat (o;

rick

Thank you for all your suggestions. I think Eagle is going to be the best choice for me, and it sounds like people have had good success with it.

Eric

Define best.

Other than that try Eagles at cadsoft.com. Works on all platforms, has a free version and an upgrade path.

ian

"Eric" schrieb im Newsbeitrag news: snipped-for-privacy@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...

Eagle is nice. I used it for a lot of homebrew stuff. There is a software called BAE, which is less limited and for only 49 Euro (AFAIK). But I did'nt use it, just heard good comments about it.

Regards Falk

I'm quite happy with Eagle (also on Linux). Don't underestimate the value of a big component library and how important it is that you can create your own components easily. For non-profit, there's a non-free but cheap version of Eagle which will do full eurocard format (100x160). Eagle is also extensible my user programs, there is such an 'ULP' to export to spice for simulation by e.g. SwitchCadIII (I've never tried that though).

Mat Nieuwenhoven