Definitely best PCB program yet - use it.
It is not something I consider a killer feature but it does show that guys behind this program do care. Program is very actively developed and next version will bring (free of charge for current owners) 3D preview and bunch of other changes. I don't say this too often for programs that are not Visual Studio, but I think that it might be worth it. If you want to use it for proper work there are versions ranging from 125 to 585 € (approx. There is a freeware version that is limited to 300 pins/pads and two layers (but no limits on board size) and for hobbyist that limit goes to 500 pins (non-commercial usage only). Single reason why not to use this packet would be that it is not free. You can do all work on single pin basis if you need to (or if you are half crazy).īad points, there are few. Level of detail that you can achieve is pretty unbelievable. I forgot all dreams about my own PCB editor - this was what I wanted my editor to be.
And best of all - almost every function is where you would expect it. After few hours I felt at home with most of functions. PCB Editor itself looks and feels like a standard Windows application (of course within reason). And DipTrace has quite a good component library to start with. Since creating packages is not something I do every day, standard and logical interface is the way to go. This was first program where I could create components without any issues. I am pain in the ass when it comes to uniformity - that is why I usually create all component packages myself. Originally it was just one of programs that I wanted to check in order to improve my own. And then I made mistake of downloading DipTrace. I managed to bring it into semi functional state and I even made couple of boards in it. I knew that this was monstrous task but I figured that I might as well do stuff that I need first and then make it proper package somewhere into far future.
It would be as powerful as Eagle but with interface that humans can use. I decided to make my own PCB editor (named it Dove :)). Our relationship was full of pain but it lasted for quite a few years.Īt one point I decided that I had enough. However, it was only decent PCB editor that I knew and it was free (non-commercial use and up to a 100x80 millimeters). I hated it's non-standard interface, I hated it's component editor, I hated it's export pictures, you might say that I pretty much hated it's guts. This was defacto standard program for any cheap PCB creation. My first rendezvous with PCB design was with almighty Eagle. As with probably half of my review, I will start with some personal history.
0 kommentar(er)
