I've been using the products from Advanced Microcomputer Systems since
they first came out a LONG time ago (the schematic capture software was
then called Cell). Before AMS, I used software from Dasoft of Berkeley,
CA on a Cromemco CP/M system.
        Anyway, I'm currently using AMS's DOS version of EZ-LOGIC and EZ-BOARD.
It works very well for my purposes, though I wish it did thermal relief
on copper flows. They have a new Windoze version that looks nice (though
it's the same look and feel of the DOS version, and the data files are
compatible). I'm currently doing a project where we have to trace out an
old board where there's no documentation (what a pain! but the pay is
good...). We are keying the netlist in using a text editor, adding parts
descriptions, then calling it the "update list". EZ-BOARD then generates
an unplaced board where all pins know their netnames. The parts can be
dragged around to the right place, a routing schedule generated (a rats
nest of the routing). As the traces are run, they are removed from the
routing schedule.
        Have a look at the demo at http://www.advancedmsinc.com/ .

Harold


On Sat, 12 Aug 2000 11:03:37 +0100 Andy Howard <musica@UKONLINE.CO.UK>
writes:
> > From: "Ramana" <ramanabv@DANLAWINC.COM>
> Hi,
> I have used PCAD quite some time back and I like PCAD. I have tried
> evaluation model of Protel and it looks very good especially for
> mulitple developers and seems to give an entire project development
> solution. I dont like ORCAD.
> I would also like some recomendation since I also have to buy one of
> these.
> rgds
> ramana
>
>
>
> I've been going through a similar process lately and I think we'll
> probably
> opt for Eagle. There is a board-size limited demo which can be
> downloaded
> from www.cadsoft.de. There's also a large number of libraries and
> user-contributed add-ins available on the site.
>
> Others we looked at were PADS from www.pads.com, Ultiboard
> www.ultiboard.com
> and WinDraft/WinBoard from www.ivex.com.
>
> We concluded that there a large numbers of packages out there but
> many of
> them are either underpowered hobbyist products or well featured but
> over-specified for our needs. Some were just plain over-priced.
>
> Oh yes, I forgot to mention Mentor. If you work for a
> money-no-object
> corporation then Mentor Graphics do some very nice software suites
> that
> costs more than my car did. www.mentorg.com
>
> For our modest needs Eagle looks like the best compromise, but I'd
> be keen
> to know what else you find as we've not made a final purchase
> decision yet.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> .
>
> --
> http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different
> ways.  See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.

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