Recommended PCB layout software?

[DavidS]

I've been using EagleCAD, I'm relatively comfotable with the basic featureset, but there are some things about it that make me want to die.

Specifically, I'm working on PCB layouts for the NTMB bass preamp and Joe's Obsidian, and I've got them nice and compact. But the default resistor pad size is too small for home PCB making (it works, I've used it, but it SUCKS) and to perform the simple operation of enlarging these pads, one must create a completely new component and define new pad sizes, forcing you to completely redesign the component with enough info for the schematic editor, layout editor, and electrical and mechanical design rule checkers to fully comprehend all aspects of the resistor. Which it already understands, goddamn it!

And the built-in library is a little limited in some areas.

This is a colossally stupid arrangement. I need more flexible software.

I've tried ProTel, but I'd really like something closer to Eagle in terms of complexity. ProTel is a little overwhelming to me.

So, what do people recommend?

[markusw]

It takes a while to get used to Eagle, but basically it's a nice software. You can easily change the pad size without having to redraw the packages.

* Click the DRC button (in the left menu, right column, lowest button)
* go to "Restring"
* here you can define the min and max diameter of your pads (top layer, bottom layer and inner), then press apply. voila. thats it.

takes just a few seconds to do it. took me several hours to find it.

Markus

Edit:
PS: It also took me several days until I found all the parts within the libraries.
* library rcl: resistors, caps, some inductors
* library linear: opamps
* lib supply: here you find V+ and V-, makes life easier because e.g. opamps supplies automatically get connected once you've set V+ and V-

BTW:  on the Eagle hp there are lots of other libs available (e.g. all libraries for Wima caps, which was very useful for me)

[Andi]

It takes a while to get used to Eagle, but basically it's a nice software. You can easily change the pad size without having to redraw the packages.

* Click the DRC button (in the left menu, right column, lowest button)
* go to "Restring"
* here you can define the min and max diameter of your pads (top layer, bottom layer and inner), then press apply. voila. thats it.

takes just a few seconds to do it. took me several hours to find it.

Doh - I wish I'd found that - thanks!

I have library files for a 3PDT if anyone wants to try sticking the footswitch on a PCB. Takes a bit of work on the board itself to get the holes right, but it can look quite neat.

[markusw]

I have library files for a 3PDT if anyone wants to try sticking the footswitch on a PCB.

Me, me, me..  

Would be great. Thanks a lot in advance!!

Markus

[DavidS]

OK, there's a little egg on my face over the pad sizes :)

Thanks for clearig that up for me, Eagle just got alot better!

[moosapotamus]

ExpressPCB... It doesn't take days to learn how to use it.

~ Charlie

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

ExpressPCB... It doesn't take days to learn how to use it.

~ Charlie

expressPCB is wonderful software, but it's a real pain to make a good toner transfer from. that grid is ALWAYS THERE  :shock:

[moosapotamus]

Turn off the grid, hit 'print screen,' paste to whatever (MSPaint, Word...), and size to match the dimensions as shown in ExpressPCB.

~ Charlie

[DavidS]

Umm, another quick question:

What about drill sizes? The holes are a good bit bigger than I need. Is there an easy way to change this that I'm missing?

I tried hitting the "Change" button on the lefthand toolbar, and selecting a different drill size from the menu and left-clicking on a pad, but it doesn't seem to do anything.

[Connoisseur of Distortion]

Turn off the grid, hit 'print screen,' paste to whatever (MSPaint, Word...), and size to match the dimensions as shown in ExpressPCB.

~ Charlie

hey! wish i had thought of that... i really like using the program, it's simple and has a nice library already available for your use.

thanks for the suggestion, i just wish there was a way in the program itself...

[moosapotamus]

...i just wish there was a way in the program itself...

I know, that's my only complaint about ExpressPCB. But, the workaround is so easy, it doesn't really bug me at all.

What about drill sizes?

Well, I don't know about Eagle (you didn't say which prog you have), but there is a button on the left for selecting different size pads (pad size & hole size), and I think you can even create your own.

~ Charlie