Re: PCBCAD17



PeteS wrote:
Wrighty wrote:
Get PCBCAD17 a great pcb layout package from ebay.

http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cresswellavenue/pcbcad17.htm

Looked at the specs.. let's review

Schematic and pcb symbol designer.
Well, pretty useless without one, but I can get that free

Schematic and PCB entry with auto convert schematic to pcb ratsnest.
So what's the difference between you and a simple netlist import
(which, after all, does precisely that)?

Double autorouter with clearance and continuity check.
Ooooh - a double autorouter? Does that mean you can screw things up
*twice* as badly?
Which autorouting principle(s) do(es) it follow?

Component locator.
Well, duh - one would expect that, but I can get that free too (and
everything else so far)

Parts list and renumbering.
Ditto - when are we going to see something interesting?

RS274X Gerber file generator and NC drill file generator.
Well, it better have one or you'll find it difficult to get a board
made

Gerber file viewer.
Well, one would expect so if you are generating it, but I can get an
excellent viewer free too.

Component locator, blockmode for repeats, shifts, rotations etc.
Pretty standard in both commercial and free versions

Net optimiser for shortest routes.
Which technique? Does it blow up with 'fixed' nets in the way? Anyway,
we can get that free as well.

Auto component placers for minimum routing.
Auto component placers? Not sure I would find that useful.

Unconnected pin scanner.
Duh - read the netlist and compare against the device - really high
tech, that !

PCB's upto 32 by 32 inches.
Is that all?

7 copper layers.
Is that all? Why 7? ran out of depth at 3 bits?

7 resist layers.
Ditto (although one normally doesn't need more than 2 - I haven't seen
people trying to solder to an inner layer ;)

7 powerplane layers.
Powerplanes aren't copper? Or maybe you meant signal layers above? Why
the arbitrary limit?

2 silk layers (top/bottom)
Makes sense - everybody has that.

What about arbitrary layers for assembly, doc, ECO etc? Get all that in
free stuff as well

Comes with symbol libraries, 4000, 7400 and general as standard.

Are these for schematic? Layout? Both? If layout, which footprints?

Help files in each module, no real need for printed manual.

Translation: We don't provide a printed manual and prefer to give a
cryptic file instead.


All in all, nothing particularly special there. Looked at the
screenshot. Old DOS version Orcad looked better.

Copyrights?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Cheers

PeteS

I wonder if you can even rotate that capacitor in schematic mode? :->

Dave :)

.



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