John Tartar wrote:
"Dr. Grok" wrote in newsx6_i.1105$OJ.401@trndny06:


John Tartar wrote in
. 3.70:


Does anyone know of a simple, but free PCB layout software.

Or a way to convert .pcb files from EXPRESSPCB to industry standard
format.

I currently use ExpressPCBs layout s/w which is fine for my
applications and great for prototypes. But I want the option to use
other vendors when the volume gets high, i.e. selling kits.


Try gEDA -- free. Full suite of design software. Contain gschem to do
the schematic, then export to pcb [also in the package]. You can print
the layout 1:1 on a transparancy and make your own boards if you want.

Dr. G.



Thanks for all the suggestions. However, I should have mentioned that I'm
using Windows 98.

1) gEDA appears to be only for Linux & Mac.

2) I installed PCB artist, but thee's no component libraries, and the
prices for the small runs are about $100 higher than Express PCB

3) I'm not doing this for porfit, Ham radio is my hobby not my job, so
anything boards I make I will either give away, or sell at cost.

4) I'm off to try Eagle that Tim receomnded, 80x100mm 2 payer boards are
fine, all my designs are in PCB Expresses miniboard format.

I have used Protel Autotrax downloaded from
http://www.altium.com/Community/Support/Downloads/
It is DOS program but works perfectly with Windows 98
It can generate gerber files (industry standard) and has no board size
limitation