14 Apr
2004
14 Apr
'04
2:16 a.m.
That was back with V2.6, the DOS version with a
dongle. The current
version is Windows or Linux, and comes in three flavors. They all
have three parts: schematic, PCB layout, autorouter; you can get one
or two or all three pieces. The unlimited one is $400 per piece.
Having seen autorouting, I wonder if it wouldn't make sense to get the
version without it. Autorouting saves a bit of time some of the time,
but only that. And it's only useful for noncritical signals. (That's
true even for the most expensive industrial grade PCB tools, as I've
found out talking to the hardware designers here.)
I use and like the autorouter. Perhaps none of my designs have very many
signals that would be considered critical by today's standards :-). I have
use the "signal class" feature to expand power traces, change spacing, etc.
I have also done things like route power signals in a separate pass, etc.
You can always hand-draw the critical stuff before turning the autorouter
loose on the rest.
In addition to the "more open" nature vs pcb123, I wanted to mention that
the Freeware Eagle version will print schematics and layout, and even
generate Gerber files for big boards. You just can't edit them. (It works
a little like the "viewers" for various expensive Office products :-).)
That means that while it cost me $1200 to do the TC08 backplane, I could
share it with any of you, and you could get a board made, without shelling
out for a license.
Vince