rtr12 posted:It sounded to me like Stan was looking at DipTrace for compatibility with your files and libraries so as not to complicate things. I get your point on other programs though and maybe not all folks would be using the same design program.
It's a good point about the libraries, those would be specific to a design program.
rtr12 posted:The Nuts & Volts magazine I read seems to like that Eagle PCB program that you didn't like. I will give that one some more thought.
I may have been having a bad hair day when I tried Eagle, but the component creation seemed inordinately complex. After struggling to make a simple component and pattern, I decided to expand my search for a PCB layout application. If you do any amount of PCB work, you'll find yourself making quite a few new components and patterns, so ease of use of those functions is very high on my list. Eagle seemed fine generating the schematic, that went fine. Even creating the board was not an issue, it was just making new parts.
rtr12 posted:I would be happy to add more PCB fabrication houses, if you wouldn't mind assisting. The one you posted here is the only thing I know about them and have absolutely no experience with anything like this. I do think that's a good idea to have options. I was thinking more along the lines of green horns like me wanting to tinker that would be relying on the recommendations from others as to where to get the PCBs made.
Well, I would only post about PCB fabrication places that I actually had experience with. I'm expecting that my experience with OSH Park will be good based on how responsive they were to questions, and the smoothness of the ordering process. Obviously, I've done a lot with Bay Area Circuits, and I have no complaints about the service or product.
