[Diy_efi] free/cheap PCB tools

[Bill Shaw]

I've been using ExpressPCB.  They have free schematic capture and PCB layout
software that is sufficient for medium complexity work.  Prototypes are
cheap,  $51 for 3 PCBs if you fit their criteria.  Production quantities are
price competative with other services.

http://www.expresspcb.com/

PCB123 also has free software that is slightly more capable,  but the board
costs are slightly higher.  Their software also only runs on XP/2K,  which
is a problem for me since I'm still stuck in 98.

Neither of these freebie software packages will do autoroute,  you have to
do that yourself.  Also,  the data is stored on your computer in a
proprietary format.  You have to pay a $50 to $60 file processing fee to get
the gerbers if you want them.

I've also been using Stencils Unlimited for the solder paste stencils.
About $150 gets you a frameless stencil that's good for prototypes or low
volume work.  If you have a gerber editor you can create the splder paste
file from the cover layer pads,  otherwise there's an extra charge for that.
http://www.stencilsunlimited.com/

Note that I'm selling an oven controller on the Stencils Unlimited site,  so
I am a bit biased :-)
http://www.stencilsunlimited.com/tools_and_accessories.php

And for anyone interested... a tutorial on building SMT PCBs....

http://ArticulationLLC.home.comcast.net/sm0402.htm

hth,

Bill


> From: "Steve Ravet" <Steve.Ravet at arm.com>
> Reply-To: diy_efi at diy-efi.org
> Date: Sat, 28 Jan 2006 22:20:00 -0600
> To: <diy_efi at diy-efi.org>
> Subject: [Diy_efi] free/cheap PCB tools
> 
> Any recommendations for free/cheap PCB software?  I have pretty simple
> requirements:  2 layer, couple hundred nets, schematic capture, PCB
> layout, autoroute would be great.  Also it needs to generate all the
> board files:  gerber files, drill files, solder mask, silkscreen, etc.
> I did a google search and found a surprising amount of stuff, but I'd
> rather not try out a bunch if I can get a recommendation.
> 
> Any suggestions for a quick turn prototype PCB service?
> 
> --steve
> 
> 
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