Useful PCB design software

I often make my own PCBs for projects, but many times have been frustrated by the learning curves involved. Sometimes, I just want to lay out a simple board, and don't need all the nerdware that goes with the software.

I recently came across this, for all OS's - it does seem to be still in development, but is useable - I designed the circuitry and PCB for an Arduino-based solar control unit and was able to do it with little reference to the manual, so it may be worth a look.. I have no connection with the developers.

**LINK**

Thanks for the link

Good to see something like this with Mac OS X support.

MichaelG.

AnO,

I sent you a private mesaage...please.

Interesting, looks like it addresses my main carp about Eagle (aside from the typical Autodesk 'lets have an interface that ignores standard conventions' approach) which is that you need supernatural powers to locate parts in the libraries.

Neil

.

Oh well ... That burst of enthusiasm was short-lived

“ The application requires OS X 10.12 or later. ”

Thanks anyway.

MichaelG.

Not real keen on things that install direct from the internet. The portable package looks more like my kind of thing though.

Michael Gilligan:

Sorry about the support for Mac OS X. - but it might be worth dropping a line to the author of the software on line, and ask if he will extend support - the software is under development, and there seems to be a healthy interest with responses from the designer. I do know from other software that designers often have problems testing Mac software, because Apple don't make the hardware or software available - I guess this explains why some stuff doesn't make it to the Mac - I keep coming across the same thing with Linux - its soul-destroying to find suitable software, then find it is Windows only.

John Rudd:

I PMed you with some info - problem with your email address.

Neil Wyatt:

I agree with you Neil. I have spent years messing about with PCB development software, from early DOS days, and I think I can really say that I have never found anything that is close to 100% suitable. I suppose like many people, I am usually building for myself, so maybe one or two boards, and want the ability to make them quickly for testing purposes. In many case, all I have wanted was a simple PCB layout function. I have used Linux for many years, and tried PCB from the LInux MInt repository (again) - and couldn't really be bothered with both the complexity of the application, and the obfuscation of the User Manual - same comment for much other PCB design software - then I found this LibrePCB by accident, had a play, and was quite impressed - bearing in mind that the author openly states it is still under development. It was also interesting to find that it is still in development, and was not 'dead' after an initial rush of enthusiasm. Also, as I have said before on this forum, I believe new applications like this should be encouraged - all too often we seem to flog along using ancient software which has not kept pace with modern technology, and is saddled with obsolete code due to continual additions to handle updates. It is sometimes good to clear the crap out.

.

Thanks for the thought:

I note this, from the web-page:

[quote]

Note for macOS users

Because Apple doesn’t provide the ability to run macOS without purchasing their hardware, we’re not able to test LibrePCB on macOS. Don’t hesitate to open an issue if LibrePCB doesn’t work as expected.

[/quote]

I’m impressed that the developer has managed to do anything for Mac users, on that basis.

MichaelG.

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 24/12/2019 18:51:25

Hi

I have been using KiCad for a number of years. I was able to learn it quite fast. It enabled me to order some custom made thru hole pcb's from China. I've spent years making pcbs at home (46) but this worked out better than i expected. Solder masked, thru hole plated, and screen print and cut to size. I think they were £ 6.00 for 10 boards delivered nut they were small about 55mm X 30mm

Kicad supports various OS including Linux & Mac . The current version is for mac os 10.12. HERE

You can however go back for an earlier version. If you use the wayback machine you can view previous releases. So KiCad version 4.06 requires OSx 10.7 as an example. It can be obtain from HERE

do download the kicad file and extras file

regards

Steve

Thanks, Steve ... I must have a look at that

MichaelG.