[OT]Homebrew PCB fabrication

[Paul Koning]

>>>>> "woodelf" == woodelf  <bfranchuk at jetnet.ab.ca> writes:

 woodelf> emanuel stiebler wrote:
 >> Just in case it is obvious, but did you check the prices for 2
 >> layer boards ? I think the prices are as low as never before, so I
 >> wouldn't even start to do it on my own.

 woodelf> The prices may be low but what about good cad software?
 woodelf> Free or under $100 US would be nice.  Here in Canada I was
 woodelf> looking at about $75? setup and $1.00 can per sq inch.  Of
 woodelf> course two boards minum. Unless you plan to do 3x4 inch
 woodelf> pcb's or thousands I too think getting the pros to do it is
 woodelf> a better idea.  Ben alias woodelf.  PS the homebrew computer
 woodelf> using CPLD's is going to need a far bigger board than demo
 woodelf> PCB software gives.

You should be able to do a whole lot better for board prices -- grab
any copy of EE Times and look at the ads in the back.

As for layout software, there are a bunch that are free, with
limitations perhaps.  I'm a long time user of Eagle Cad (from Cadsoft,
a german company).  They have a freeware version that will do boards
up to 3 by 4 inches ("half eurocard"), as well as a low price
"non-profit" license for a more powerful version.  Check out
www.cadsoftusa.com.

Some PCB shops offer free layout software, but chances are that isn't
such a good deal because you're tied to that shop for fab and are
charged extra.

	paul