Asia is a haven for anything and everything that can be copied..... For the budget that you have, you can get the best software you want... ORCAD, PCAD, CAMTastic, etc... Of course, I am not a supplier of pirated software... Do I use one(several) --- maybe? I am using PCAD (company software installed in my laptop). Very easy for easy designs - very difficult for complex designs (especially those that do not have schematic/footprints) - I am not a PCB designer though just an enthusiast. I use a presensitized positive acting printed circuit board (very cheap locally), an ordinary laser printer (using a parchment paper), a homemade UV exposure unit (<$50 to build), and an ordinary FeCl solution bubble bath. Very cheap, very quick, very messy! I would rather recommend www.olimex.com for my PCB solution. Enjoy. -----Original Message----- From: Victor Faria [mailto:victorf57@COX.NET] Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2003 11:47 AM To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU Subject: Re: [EE:] Recommendations on Home PCB Layout Software and Technique Hi,Kelly Do your self a favor, and look here. www.dynaart.com I have the laminator it works great. you should be able to buy what ever you need here. I do also own pclogic, very easy to use. regards victor ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kelly Miller" To: Sent: Monday, November 10, 2003 9:55 PM Subject: [EE:] Recommendations on Home PCB Layout Software and Technique > I'm looking for some recommendations on creating PCB boards (for PIC and > related projects). > This is for "at home" personal projects to increase my knowlege and > capabilites. My requirements: > > 1. Should be in the $400-600 (USD) range . This includes a $200 HP > laser printer. This leave $200-400 for > software and first batch of supplies. > 2. Software runs on either Windows/XP or LINUX. > 3. Teaches me the basics of computer layout. Automated routing a big > plus. I need part libraries. > I'm a rookie with electonics but learning. Professional > SysAdmin/programmer by trade. > 4. Has simple and robust board construction techniques that are > repeatable and economical. I must > build the boards myself. Boards must be not be too hard to solder. > 5. Isn't overly dangerous or involves extraordinary care in handling > materials. > > One approach (possibly not a good one) I could imagine: > 1. Download "Eagle" software to start with. Find cheaper software when > need to upgrade. > 2. Buy HP Laser printer, hook to Wintel PC running XP. > 3. Create design on special paper product or foils. Print with laser > printer. > 4. Either "iron on" or use "UV" lights to create pattern on board. > 5. Remove pattern. Etch board with etchant. Careful with materials. > 6. Use "tinit" on board for appearance and oxidation. > 7. Drill board with Dremel hand tool mounted in Dremel drill press > attachment. > 8. Spray some soft of lacquer or paint all over board for professional > appearance. > 9. Populate board (I use "pin thru hole", NOT smt technology). Test and > evaluate design. > > Any recommedations are appreciated. And NO, I do not want to use a > commerical service. > > Thanks, Kelly > > -- > http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different > ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details. > -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details. ********************** ** LEGAL DISCLAIMER ** ********************** This E-mail message and any attachments may contain legally privileged, confidential or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient(s), or the employee or agent responsible for delivery of this message to the intended recipient(s), you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this E-mail message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete this E-mail message from your computer. -- http://www.piclist.com hint: The PICList is archived three different ways. See http://www.piclist.com/#archives for details.