Re: Do PCB-fab sites free layout pgms TRAP you ?
From: Mac (foo_at_bar.net)
Date: 02/03/05
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Date: Thu, 03 Feb 2005 06:42:52 GMT
On Wed, 02 Feb 2005 16:57:51 +0000, BlackWater wrote:
> I recently looked-into several of the well-know
> PCB fabricators ... the ones who will do small
> runs ... like ExpressPCB, Pad-2-Pad etc.. They
> offer free layout software for designing your
> boards and then uplinking the info to their
> sites.
>
> Thing is, when I tried to import some old TraxMaker
> files I got messages like "Not an ExpressPCB .pcb
> file". Now this worries me ... have they made this
> software SO proprietary that once you design boards
> using their software you can never move it to any
> OTHER software or fabricator ??? Is it a trap
> thereafter - "US, or redesign from scratch" ?
>
> I remember there's one company, PCBexpress I think,
> that can just use the standard Gerber files my old
> TraxMaker (and many other programs) output. Is this
> the better way to go ?
>
> PCB-layout programs are SO incredibly expensive
> nowdays ... and there seems little between "total
> junk" and "full-time professional designer" to
> choose from that's gonna be compatible with
> commercial fabricators and/or other layout programs.
>
> Please reply to group.
I have used expresspcb a few times. It is definitely a "trap," but one
where all the terms are disclosed or evident up front. Their software does
what they say and is easy to use.
In my limited experience, they deliver exactly as advertised.
So for quickie jobs that save you the trouble of bread-boarding, there is
no problem with using expresspcb.
If I had a board I may be making a bunch of, or if the board is
complicated, I would probably not use expresspcb. But if the board is
simple, I figure I can always redo it in pcb (or whatever) later. I do
find expresspcb's software very easy to use, and it runs on windows, which
is what I use at work. I haven't been very happy with pcb under cygwin. I
may try to set up a linux box at work for gschem and pcb. Have to convince
boss that it is a worthwhile investment of my time.
I think that the folks at expresspcb actually can make gerbers from the
proprietary files you send them, although I don't think they will give
them to you.
The only thing you can get is a soldermask file which you may need to
make a solder mask if you do automated assembly. They charge for creating
the file.
--Mac
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