What Prog for PCB design (Freeware)

[diskers]

Hi again,
So I'm trying to make my first PCB design and found FreePCB and ExpressPCB as free alternatives but the first one seems a little bit harsh and the second (that I didn't tried yet) is connected with ordering designed PCB through this company. (iI don't know even if it's possible to print it's own design). Anyway can someone give me an advice and a link to a free software for hobbist.

Thanks in advance for your help,
diskers

 

[hooverphonique]

did you check out eagle?

autorouting is not part of the free version, though..

 

[Bryce]

The free version of Eagle does Autorouting. The limitations of the free version are only the PCB size and component count, but both of these limitations are large enough for most small projects.

You can get it here: http://www.cadsoftusa.com/download-eagle/?language=en

Bryce.

 

[diskers]

Hi again,
I even called Eagle's "producer" asking about it but they barely speak english - I only get an information that the hobbist licence costs 140 Euros... I will check the free version. I also came across KiCAD, it's free and look quiet well, anyone used it?

 

[Bryce]

There's also the free version DipTrace: http://www.diptrace.com/

Haven't tried this one myself, but I know it's also used by quite a few hobbiests. If you intend having the PCBs produced professionally, it's also important to check that the output file produced by the software is one that's accepteed by the company you intend using. Eagle files are accepted by most PCB manufacturers, not sure about dipTrace though.

Bryce.

 

[80sFREAK]

+1 for kicad

 

[diskers]

Hi again,
Is there a possibilty in KiCAD of duplicating a board to add more than one copy on one sheet?