If you are looking for a free PCB layout program there are a few around. 1) Eagle cad https://cadsoft.io This one is the most popular by far. The free version is some limits, only two layers and only up to about 4 x 3 inch PCBs. Yes it can output Gerber files. For larger size PCBs and more layers you need to buy a license
2) Kicad http://kicad-pcb.org is completely free, No limits on size of number of layers. This is used in a lot of projects 3) gEDA tries to do everything. You enter the schematic and that can go into simulation or PCB layout http://wiki.geda-project.org There are more. The Wikipedia lists about a dozen of them https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_EDA_software On Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 9:28 AM, Tom Miller <tmiller11...@verizon.net> wrote: > Bill, that is a great deal for $99 for the full package. Very easy to use > and learn. > > Thanks for the link. > > Regards, > Tom > WA3PZI > > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "wb6bnq" <wb6...@cox.net> > To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" > <time-nuts@febo.com> > Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 10:22 AM > Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Working with SMT parts. > > >> Hi Didier, >> >> I use ExpressPCB as well, but I send the ExpressPCB file to a company >> called Futurlec >> ( http://www.futurlec.com/PCBService.shtml ). They have reasonable >> prices. Because it is overseas it takes about three weeks to get the >> product back. So far I have been very impressed with the product I >> recieved. I have even had notches done in the four corners to fit a plastic >> box that came out very well. >> >> Also, There is a person who started to write his own version of layout >> program based off of the ExpressPCB program called "Copper Connection." ( >> http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/index.html ) It is a bit more >> involved than the ExpressPCB program and does have GERBER files as a >> selection. However he charges for the program but it seems the prices are >> reasonable ( http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/Buy.html ). >> >> 73....Bill....WB6BNQ >> >> >> Didier Juges wrote: >> >>> The way ExpressPCB works is that their free software produces boards in a >>> proprietary format, and you have to pay to convert their design file to >>> Gerber. >>> >>> Your mileage may vary but I found the combination of design tools >>> learning curve, board quality and quick service to be worthwhile to me. >>> >>> I have tried Eagle twice and never could manage to build the models I >>> needed. It may have been an issue of not finding the right tutorial but I >>> have produced several ExpressPCB designs in less time than I have tried >>> (unsuccessfully) to produce a single schematic in Eagle, let alone a PWB. >>> Since it is a hobby that has become a business, time matters to me, design >>> time and delivery. >>> >>> At that point, the cost of the Gerber becomes somewhat irrelevant. >>> >>> Note that you can make boards of any size in ExpressPCB. >>> >>> I am not advocating it is the best solution for everyone, I personally >>> would like to be proficient with Eagle, but Express PCB works for me. >>> >>> Didier KO4BB >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> On August 11, 2016 10:45:45 PM CDT, Chris Albertson >>> <albertson.ch...@gmail.com> wrote: >>> >>>> This seems totally backwards. Typically a Gerber file is something >>>> you make yourself on your computer then send it in for a prototype. >>>> Seems odd to buy them. >>>> >>>> I checked ExpressPCB prices and they are very high. I can get PCBs >>>> made quickly in the US for $3 per square inch, shipping included with >>>> $9 minimum order. And you don't buy the Gerbers. >>>> >>>> I notice ExpressPCB offers free software. But it is totally >>>> non-standard and you can't use it for anything other then for their >>>> service. Most people needing free PCB software use Eagle, some use >>>> Kicad or some others. But Eagle seems to be kind of a universal >>>> standard. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 8:55 AM, Didier Juges <shali...@gmail.com> >>>> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I concur. I have been using ExpressPCB extensively over the last 2 >>>>> >>>> years >>>> >>>>> with great satisfaction now that it is possible to get Gerber files >>>>> >>>> from >>>> >>>>> them. >>>>> I typically use the mini board pro service (3 bare boards, 2 sided >>>>> >>>> with >>>> >>>>> solder mask and silk screen) for prototypes and then buy the Gerbers >>>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> Chris Albertson >>>> Redondo Beach, California >>>> _______________________________________________ >>>> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >>>> To unsubscribe, go to >>>> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >>>> and follow the instructions there. >>>> >>> >>> >> >> _______________________________________________ >> time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >> To unsubscribe, go to >> https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >> and follow the instructions there. >> > > _______________________________________________ > time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com > To unsubscribe, go to > https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts > and follow the instructions there. -- Chris Albertson Redondo Beach, California _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.