I wanted to ask you your thoughts on PCB design software. I'm just now starting to design my own PCBs. I started out using Frizting because that's what a lot of hobbyists were using. It seemed really capable until I noticed the parts database was limited and many parts had pin errors. I tried designing my own parts and I gave up. It is very complicated. I've resorted to simply placing solder pads with holes on the PCB.
Then I tried ExpressPCB. They offered a simple design application. I really liked how easy it was. Basically, all it does is allow you to place solder pads in a configuration and supplement it with a silkscreen layer. Making your own parts was a breeze. So I spent a few hours learning it and building a board. Then I tried to order the board. Oh my God, $75 for a board JLCPCB can sell for $2! Then I discovered ExpressPCB also won't output Gerber files. Oy Vey!
So, do you know of any PCB design software that isn't so complicated, but can output Gerber files? So far, I've only required 2 layers. I don't require a parts database because essentially all I need are hole configurations and silkscreen layers. ExpressPCB got that part right, in my opinion.
I wanted to ask you your thoughts on PCB design software. I'm just now starting to design my own PCBs. I started out using Frizting because that's what a lot of hobbyists were using. It seemed really capable until I noticed the parts database was limited and many parts had pin errors. I tried designing my own parts and I gave up. It is very complicated. I've resorted to simply placing solder pads with holes on the PCB.
Then I tried ExpressPCB. They offered a simple design application. I really liked how easy it was. Basically, all it does is allow you to place solder pads in a configuration and supplement it with a silkscreen layer. Making your own parts was a breeze. So I spent a few hours learning it and building a board. Then I tried to order the board. Oh my God, $75 for a board JLCPCB can sell for $2! Then I discovered ExpressPCB also won't output Gerber files. Oy Vey!
So, do you know of any PCB design software that isn't so complicated, but can output Gerber files? So far, I've only required 2 layers. I don't require a parts database because essentially all I need are hole configurations and silkscreen layers. ExpressPCB got that part right, in my opinion.
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