Software for Schematics and PCB's

[Grumpy]

Any suggestions for schematic software?

I know Express PCB is free, but not portable to other vendors.

EasyEDA is a new cloud-based solution, but not sure how it works.

How about Pspice?  Wasn't it discontinued?

[Grumpy]

Anyone use KiCAD? or FreePCB?

KiCAD sounds pretty good and open source/free

[Peterae]

I used Kicad for years, but just recently switched to Eaglecad, and i have to say i am very happy with Eaglecad, i would advise you using Eaglecad it has loads of footprints and components already in it's database.

I am now getting a lady in China to make my PCBs its actually cheaper to order 10 boards than it is to piss around making my own, by the time you buy the ferric chloride, photo board, drill bits, developer etc which these days is not cheap, plus you get a pro finish that has plated holes if you go double sided.

If you need her contact details they were posted by Les Banki but i can pm them if you like 

[Grumpy]

How did you like KiCAD?  It's attractive being multi-platform.

Please PM me her contact info.

[Peterae]

Hi G
I did like Kicad but was for ever making up my own components and footprints, which was a real pain, maybe that's changed now, thing to do is give it a try, if you find it does not have your components and you cannot find them on the net then try eaglecad.

Eaglecad is also cross platform.

Here's a link to the PCB manufacturer information, please mention Les Banki & Peter Evans 
She is delightfull to deal with, please be nice to her.

http://www.overunityresearch.com/index.php?topic=2578.msg41594#msg41594

Here's a deal she did for me.
http://www.overunityresearch.com/index.php?topic=2599.msg41825#msg41825
Peter

[Grumpy]

thanks Peter!

[Grumpy]

Mouser just announced this new software, MultiSIM Blue:

http://www.mouser.com/multisimblue/?cm_sp=homepage-_-homeintro-_-multisimblue-launch

MultiSIM BLUE is the FREE version of NI's Multisim.   It incorporates the 50 part limit of Multisim Student, the simulation engine of Multisim Base and the full version of Ultiboard Power Pro. In addition, you get a 100,000+ part database and tight integration with the Mouser website.

50 part limit might be limiting.

[Peterae]

Yeah, even eagle is limited to a board size of 100 x 80mm

[Propellanttech]

I have 4 layer "Diptrace"

2 layer......is free but is limited to the number of connections.

James