Re: Low cost PCB layout software

From: Ralph Malph (noone_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 01/04/04 

Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 01:46:03 -0500

Leon Heller wrote:
>
> Ville Voipio wrote:
> > 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.
>
> Very easy and intuitive in EasyPC and Pulsonix.
>
> >
> > - the cut&paste method works is different from the "standard"
> > cut&paste.
>
> Very easy and intuitive in EasyPC and Pulsonix.
>
> >
> > - only the vector font can be used on silkscreen layers. Not a
> > very beautiful one.
>
> EasyPC and Pulsonix can use any Windows fonts.
>
> >
> > - the tutorial is not a good one. Most of the learning process
> > needs to be done through trial and error, especially with
> > libraries.
>
> EasyPC and Pulsonix are so easy to use that a tutorial isn't really needed.

That would all be great if I knew that the entire program was easy to
use and to do all the things I need. But their eval program is useless
for doing even the simplest job or even for evaluation since you can't
save any work. That means you have to start from scratch every time you
run the program. I have tried to evaluate similar tools before and
found this limitation to be impossible to work with, not to mention that
I would have to take time away from real work to evaluate the tool. At
least with Eagle I can get work done while I learn the tool. I think
they have an *excellent* evaluation process even if the tool is not easy
to learn. This way I can see for myself just how easy or hard it is to
use. With EasyPC I have to take the word of others.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: CAD software
    ... we still use it because it is quicker than learning new ... IIRR - from comments posted here - it's a derivative of EasyPC ... software in the UK in the 1980's - my employer bought a Smith Chart ... The people behind Pulsonix bought EasyPC when the company went bust, ...
    (sci.electronics.design)
  • Re: Low cost PCB layout software
    ... has fewer bugs and is cheaper. ... > Eagle is not perfect. ... Very easy and intuitive in EasyPC and Pulsonix. ...
    (comp.arch.embedded)
  • Re: Low cost PCB layout software
    ... >>Very easy and intuitive in EasyPC and Pulsonix. ... give you a month's unlimited evaluation if you ask them nicely. ... Leon Heller, G1HSM ...
    (comp.arch.embedded)
  • Re: advice on selecting new PCB design package
    ... EasyPC is just the low-end hobbyist version of Pulsonix, ... The following limitations apply to the EAGLE Light Edition in general: ... A 4" x 3.2" board with no pin, net, or component limit and two signal ...
    (sci.electronics.cad)
  • Re: Is EAGLE for hobbyist only ?
    ... If it gets too difficult, Pulsonix will import Eagle designs and ... > libraries. ... > Does it work on Linux and Mac? ...
    (sci.electronics.cad)