Re: Low cost PCB layout software

From: Ville Voipio (vvoipio_at_kosh.hut.fi)
Date: 01/03/04 

Date: 03 Jan 2004 12:27:18 +0200

Leon Heller <aqzf13@dsl.pipex.com> writes:

> EasyPC is *very* much easier to use than Eagle (it's a proper Windows
> application), has fewer bugs and is cheaper.

I've been using Eagle for several medium-complexity designs
(two layers, TQFP/MLF chips, around 100 components), and have
not found many bugs. There were some GUI crashes (not data-corrupting)
in earlier versions, but haven't seen them in 4.11.

Eagle is not perfect. But it seems that it gets most jobs done.
There are a few complaints I have:

- making new components is clumsy, as copy&pasting from
  one library to another requires opening the libraries several
  times. Separating the component layouts and symbols to different
  places would simplify the process significantly.

- the cut&paste method works is different from the "standard"
  cut&paste.

- only the vector font can be used on silkscreen layers. Not a
  very beautiful one.

- the tutorial is not a good one. Most of the learning process
  needs to be done through trial and error, especially with
  libraries.

Other than these, I have been rather satisfied.

- Ville 

-- 
Ville Voipio, Dr.Tech., M.Sc. (EE)

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