Re: Low cost PCB layout software

From: Leon Heller (aqzf13_at_dsl.pipex.com)
Date: 01/04/04 

Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 10:19:17 +0000

Ralph Malph wrote:
> 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.

The Pulsonix demo (100 pins limit) lets you save files. Pulsonix will
give you a month's unlimited evaluation if you ask them nicely.

Leon 

-- 
Leon Heller, G1HSM
Email: aqzf13@dsl.pipex.com
My low-cost Philips LPC210x ARM development system:
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller/lpc2104.html

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
    ... But it seems that it gets most jobs done. ... >> one library to another requires opening the libraries several ... > Very easy and intuitive in EasyPC and Pulsonix. ...
    (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: ANN: new Pulsonix version 3 PCB software released
    ... > Leon Heller wrote: ... >> Pulsonix support is excellent and bugs get fixed very quickly, ... Support is also available via the Pulsonix ... Pulsonix will provide a full 30 day license on request. ...
    (comp.arch.embedded)