09-02-2019, 09:06 AM
I have been using ExpressPCB for laying out my PCBs for some years but today (finally) got around to trying the ExpressPCBPlus free software : https://www.expresspcb.com/
I imported all of my custom components, opened my old ExpressPCB layout files (.PCB) all without issues. When I selected to print a layout, it gave me several print options including the photo transfer method that I use with pre-sensitised positive resist PCB that I buy from RS Components, direct to PCB (ie mirrored) if your printer will support that, etc..
The layout can quickly be flipped to show the other side of the board where previously it was a matter of hiding the top and/or silkscreen layers to see what was below.
It does NOT do auto-routing but does interact with a netlist from a ExpressSCH schematic file.
In all, ExpressPCBPlus looks like a really good candidate for amateurs to use for their PCB-based projects.
The PCB123 (same web page link) may look good but is probably a little harder to get used to. It doesn't seem to open the ExpressPCB (or Plus) layout files and has different library options - which may be good for some users but not when you have 130-odd custom parts layouts that you might have to re-create.
There are 3 versions of the software available from the website at https://www.expresspcb.com/ , all free to download and use. The 'catch' is when you want to order PCBs - the cost for 1-off is high - but if you do your own print / expose / etch processes at home then it is a great free software tool.
I imported all of my custom components, opened my old ExpressPCB layout files (.PCB) all without issues. When I selected to print a layout, it gave me several print options including the photo transfer method that I use with pre-sensitised positive resist PCB that I buy from RS Components, direct to PCB (ie mirrored) if your printer will support that, etc..
The layout can quickly be flipped to show the other side of the board where previously it was a matter of hiding the top and/or silkscreen layers to see what was below.
It does NOT do auto-routing but does interact with a netlist from a ExpressSCH schematic file.
In all, ExpressPCBPlus looks like a really good candidate for amateurs to use for their PCB-based projects.
The PCB123 (same web page link) may look good but is probably a little harder to get used to. It doesn't seem to open the ExpressPCB (or Plus) layout files and has different library options - which may be good for some users but not when you have 130-odd custom parts layouts that you might have to re-create.
There are 3 versions of the software available from the website at https://www.expresspcb.com/ , all free to download and use. The 'catch' is when you want to order PCBs - the cost for 1-off is high - but if you do your own print / expose / etch processes at home then it is a great free software tool.