Tools

[chief mushroom cloud]

http://saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit.htm

https://www.kicad.org/
https://www.autodesk.com/products/eagle/free-download

Mod Edit: Fixed kicad link

[pompeiisneaks]

I have used expressPCB and expressSCH for doing schematics and pcb design on windows, but for mac it doesn't work, but you can edit and open the .sch files with another guys app called Jschem.

Just other options, if people want to try something different.

https://www.expresspcb.com/
http://jschem.bplaced.net/


~Phil

[pompeiisneaks]

I've stickied this thread as having a common list of tools is best, I think that mine are only good backups for people that already use them and know them, because there is no pcb design version for mac that I know of, so it's not cross platform. Not sure yet if they can share file formats either, but I'll have to test.

~Phil

[pompeiisneaks]

Well after a bit of tinkering I can't get the KiCAD to open anything I can export or save from expresspcb, of course With that being the case, I'd wager that KiCAD is the best option since it's cross platform

[chief mushroom cloud]

Well after a bit of tinkering I can't get the KiCAD to open anything I can export or save from expresspcb, of course With that being the case, I'd wager that KiCAD is the best option since it's cross platform

Well, let's see how much traction this gets, then maybe take a poll. If people decide they want to stick with what they already use, hopefully everyone can export pdf images for others to see and review.
In the meantime, I'll load KiCad and get a handle on it. I already have Eagle 7.7. I normally use PADS and I know of one other member that uses it as well. I can post pertinent industry articles, white papers, links to trade publications, etc if anyone would be interested, here.

[pompeiisneaks]

Sounds good, basically I think to provide the best cooperation we should settle on something cross platform so people can edit on mac, pc and hopefully linux

~Phil

[erwin_ve]

I've been using Sprint Layout 6.0 lately. It's a fairly simple, intiutive program, which suits me, and doesn't have any schematics, but does Gerber and Drilling export. In a matter of hours I had most of it's functions down.
Alkuz, a member here, made some files a few years ago and I used them to get started. After that I made some files on my own.
here's some examples.

[mhuss]

http://saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit.htm

This is a 404 now. I'm not sure from the name what is was?

[erwin_ve]

http://saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit.htm

This is a 404 now. I'm not sure from the name what is was?

The website is updated, this is the link now;
http://saturnpcb.com/pcb_toolkit/

[maint_tech]

Received a PCB-Ruler gratis from Digi-Key with an order but they are also available for purchase for 5 bux.
Pretty handy reference for sizing, patterns, ampacity, fonts, etc. for PCB work. Check the data sheet.
https://www.digikey.com/en/products/det ... kAREAXQF8g

[themaninthesuitcase]

The correct url for KiCad is now https://www.kicad.org/

The -pcb.org url got sold under their feet and should be considered compromised now. https://www.kicad.org/blog/2021/10/Avoi ... ad-domain/