Schematic Capture Software
Schematic Capture Software
(OP)
Is there a easy to learn schematic capture software for very simple circuits. Would like be able to port the schematic to an on-line PCB supplier or to a Gerber file. Capability to link with Digi-Key and pull in components with cost and part numbers would be a big plus. A simulator is not important. Thank you.





RE: Schematic Capture Software
RE: Schematic Capture Software
I started with open source software just to get a feel and also tried several PCB supplier's "free" schematic capture programs. All have their own limitations.
Any other recommendations would be welcomed including commercial software. My work is usually at the concept level where the design easily fits on an A3 or A4 sheet size.
Thank you.
Bob
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Best regards,
Bob
RE: Schematic Capture Software
http://www.seetrax.com/prices.htm
Thinking aloud, have you considered some of the simulation tools? I think Maxim had a GUI-based SPICE simulator which was a free download and might be useable as a schematic tool, although whether it can export to a PCB netlist I honestly don't know.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: Schematic Capture Software
I have used the LT Spice sim. It is good for small circuit simulation and could suffice for the small one time and one board projects I am working with.
Up to now I have been using the EE package with Microsoft Visio and sending the schematic to a supplier. With time becoming scarce I began to look for solutions.
I started working with Eagle's LT software today.
Like most software I will need to be patient and give Eagle a fair shake. If all is okay then I would purchase the Eagle Standard version.
Thanks to all for sharing your insights.
Best regards,
Bob
RE: Schematic Capture Software
EAGLE is a little more professional, but still easy to use. It is free for limited board space and layers.
Stephane Constantin
Freelance Embedded Designer
http://pages.intnet.mu/constantin/
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Check out diptrace also (www.diptrace.com).
They have a new version with a good autorouter.
Also cheap like eagle. Very easy to learn.
Joaquim
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Schematic Capture Software
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Some things in Eagle are so incredibly stupid, it's mind boggling.
Example: If you want to copy and paste a symbol from one symbol to another symbol you're making your have to:
Close the symbol you are editing.
Open the symbol you want to copy.
Group select the pieces you want from the existing symbol.
Click cut - not copy! And this doesn't actually cut anything!!
Then you must right click somewhere in current symbol editor.
Close this symbol.
Open the original symbol you were working on.
Paste.
That defies any trace of logic!
That's just one tiny example. It's all like that. You can do anything, but figuring out how, transcends pain.
Keith Cress
kcress - http://www.flaminsystems.com
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Depending upon costs I could also have a need for the small firm to provide a simple programmed uP - perhaps a Microchip or whatever on the PCB along with LED or other low level drivers.
Best regards,
Bob
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Dan - Owner

http://www.Hi-TecDesigns.com
RE: Schematic Capture Software
Also don't trust Eagle's DRC at 100%. I had to trash some boards a while ago. DRC works, but if you change the board a lot and mix manual and automatic routing, double check your work.
Besides that and some peculiar things like Keith pointed out, is a nice program.
RE: Schematic Capture Software
ExpressPCB might be a good fit for you. The software is free and okay for simple layouts like you describe. While you'll need to get the boards manufactured at ExpressPCB, they do make good boards. For a low cost you can get the Gerber files from them after the first production run if you want more boards made elsewhere.
PCB123 as someone mentioned earlier can get boards fabricated through Sunstone Circuits, with the option to get the parts installed on the board too at a neighboring facility. I use them often for prototypes even though i don't use PCB123.
John D