Re: [N8VEM-S100:4331] FreeRouter No longer available. Long term plans for Board layouts

[Todd Goodman <t...@bonedaddy.net>]

Hi John,

I'd prefer to keep using KiCad as it's free (both as in beer and as in lunch)
and is available for all current major platforms (Linux, Windows, and
OSX I believe.)

We also have access to all the FreeRouter code so have a complete
solution available.

I understand it can be finicky.  I'm working on learning it myself.

As a group we're building up some good experience with KiCad so
hopefully with time we'll all benefit and become used to it.

But, if you're the one designing the boards then I don't really get a
say in what tools you use.

Thanks and Regards,

Todd

* monahanz <mon...@vitasoft.org> [140622 18:41]:
> It looks like the http://www.freerouting.net/ web site for FreeRouter is no 
> longer available!
> 
> This leaves us with a big problem making PC boards with KiCad.  
> (Fortunately I happen to have the PC version here for my own use), but it 
> opens up a general question as to how we do PC boards (S100 and others) in 
> the future.  
> 
> Personally I'm having a hard time getting things done with KiCad. The 
> PCBNew program seems (to me) very "finicy" in making files for Freerouter.
> 
> I'm wondering what other people think about a more "All-in-one" PC CAD 
> program. I once used a program called DipTrace (they have a free version 
> for up to 500 pins to try it out).  See here http://diptrace.com/. The 
> thing that impressed me was the speed in which it converted the schematic 
> into an actual board file and Gurber files.  There was only one program, 
> one interface.  Personally I would spring for paying for the 1000 pin 
> commercial version (or heigher) , I and perhaps others, could run batches 
> for others.
> 
> The main issue is that for any program we would have to build a library for 
> the S100 connector, board dimensions and presumably a number of other 
> things.
> 
> I would be interested in hearing comments by others on a way to proceed.   
> Has anybody else used CAD programs they like.  Anybody got experience with 
> DipTrace
> 
> 
> John
> 
> 
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