Just tried out Eagle on the weekend and it is pretty good (only other experience is with Protel). Thanks to those who suggested it. One annoying thing I've come across though - haven't been able to figure out how to copy "packages" (i.e. footprints) or "symols" (schematic) between libraries. I think I understand Eagle's reason behind their Device = [1 symbol + 1-n packages] structure (for strict management of pinouts etc) but I'd like to be able to copy packages/devices/symbols between libraries. Perhaps some Piclisters have suggestions before I have to go wading into Eagle forums/e-lists? Also, does anyone have some general hints on Veroboard design? I've been spoilt at Uni with PCBs, and now I'm out I thought I'd give Vero a go as an inexpensive option for permanent (hobby) designs. ATM I'm thinking of using a combination of uninsulated tinned copper, enamel RF winding wire (strip ends to copper) and normal plastic-insulated multi-strand hookup wire (i.e. individual bits of ribbon cable) for interconnects. I've also made up a "package" of the current Veroboard I'm using (a Dick Smith variety - yep, I'm an Aussie) so I can try various placements in Eagle. One thing though - using it currently breaks my forward/backward annotation :( Still thinking on a way around this (possibly use of holes instead of pads). I'm willing to post these boards as a library, and my findings if people want. So yeah - I'm after some general hints on using Veroboard, and maybe doing it with CAD (Eagle, Protel) rather than good ol' paper and pencil (Vutrax site is sketchy/product-specific on this, but it was a start). And some help with those darn libraries. TIA, -Dave. "Robert E. Griffith" wrote: > I just went through this search myself. Vutrax and Eagle are two that I > tried. The free download version of each is slightly limited (Eagle limits > the board size to 3 x 4 in.) I tried Vutrax first and for several days > struggled with the tutorial. The UI is very haphazard - huge learning curve > because the UI concepts are not well thought out. > > Then I switched to Eagle and I love it! The concepts are very clear. Much > easier, and for me, much better. Some would say Vutrax is more powerful once > you master it - maybe good for someone using it hours a day. > > Get Eagle at www.cadsoftusa.com . $50 registration gets you printed docs > and a little lager boards. Full version more $$. > > --BobG > > -----Original Message----- > From: pic microcontroller discussion list [mailto:PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU]On > Behalf Of Duane Brantley > Sent: Wednesday, July 25, 2001 2:30 PM > To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU > Subject: [EE]: Inexpensive schematic/PCB CAD > > Hello everyone, > > Does anyone make an inexpensive schematic/PCB CAD program for the home > hobbyist? One that is not to expensive nor crippled? > > Thanks for the input, > > Duane Brantley > KD5NFQ > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList > mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList > mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu -- David Venz (Software Engineer) Foxboro Australia Pty Ltd (ACN 000 522 261) 10 Brandl Street, Eight Mile Plains, QLD, 4113, Australia Direct Line: +61 (0)7 3340 2192 Switchboard: +61 (0)7 3340 2111 Facsimile : +61 (0)7 3340 2100 Email Address: davidv@foxboro.com.au World Wide Web Site: http://www.foxboro.com.au -- http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us! email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body