CAD program recommendation

[Imitheos]

Hello.

I would like a recommendation for a cad program.

I have used many but i liked best Protel DXP and CadSoft Eagle.
I use eagle now because of the large component database,linux support,etc.

I am verry happy with eagle but my problem is, that is has very small
pads and it difficults me when producing pcbs with chemicals and
soldering too.(I've read that the minimum pad size for convenient hand
work is 60mil).
I have played with restring but i didn't get very good results.

My problem with Protel was that while it had very extensive database
with companies (altera,burr brown,etc) it had only two databases (misc
connectors/devices i think).

I will appreciate your opinions about several cad programs.

Thank you for your time

 

[Active8]

Hello.

I would like a recommendation for a cad program.

I have used many but i liked best Protel DXP and CadSoft Eagle.
I use eagle now because of the large component database,linux support,etc.

I am verry happy with eagle but my problem is, that is has very small
pads and it difficults me when producing pcbs with chemicals and
soldering too.

if the artwork is opaque, you processed a good mask from it (the ink
should contact the pcb and a collimated light source is nice), and
you're having problems, it's in the etch process and then i'd expect
thin traces to be a problem. i get great etches even using crude artwork
transfer and resist technologies. you should be able to sign your name
with a permanent marker and see the tapers where you lifted the pen,
though you'll most likely see areas where the ink didn't "cover" well
for lack of a better term.

(I've read that the minimum pad size for convenient hand
work is 60mil).

if that were true, i'd be in bad shape. my current state of health
allows me to hand solder SMT with an iron if i have no hot air. i'm
definitely lucky to be able to deal with small stuff.

I have played with restring but i didn't get very good results.

"restring" ! is that in the same manual as "airwire"? maybe it hoses
your printed artwork. printouts can have voids that would need to be
touched up. i remember one pos program that always left voids in my
pours unless i filled in the blanks (left from the sorry pour graphics
algorithm) prior to printing.

My problem with Protel was that while it had very extensive database
with companies (altera,burr brown,etc) it had only two databases (misc
connectors/devices i think).

ugh! the company has also changed hands from a questionable one to an
even more questionable one, IMHO. SuperSpice and LT spice seem to have
the best customer service via [and with thanks to] usenet. but they're
just capsims, which is not to say they're not good programs.

I will appreciate your opinions about several cad programs.

none are perfect. none offer the most convienient way to do everything.

i prefer Orcad, though Protel is also powerful and you probably spent
time learning to drive it.

i just can't figure why you can't change your pad dimensions. if a
"part" comes with a pcb tool and you don't like the pad sizes, you're
stuck creating or finding a new part, i'm sure.

mike

 

[maxfoo]

Eagle allows you to create your own parts library.
that should solve that problem.
Here's a tutorial on how to do it in word format.
ftp://ftp.cadsoft.de/pub/userfiles/doc/eagapp3.zip