I have been making simple circuits for some time using a variety of tools for schematic capture, simulation, and PCB creation. It's time to simplify and standardize my tool set. I would like some ideas on an integrated tool set that a hobbyist can use to go from start to finish.

Can someone recommend something? Free would be best but I could handle something inexpensive.

Which tool sets are you using?

Thanks

 

I don't have all 3in1 but use Kicad for schematic capture and PCB design/layout. Free.
Max.

 

I'm not aware of any hobby-priced three in one. I absolutely love DipTrace for schematic capture and PCB layout. It's free or cheap depending on layers, commercial vs personal use, etc. I use LTSpice for simulation.

Doing each schematic twice is a nuisance, but it does occasionally make you rethink some aspect of the circuit and come up with a better solution.

 

I don't have all 3in1 but use Kicad for schematic capture and PCB design/layout. Free.
Max.

Apparently KiCAD now has integrated SPICE support via ngspice. I don't know if this has made it into a stable release yet nor have I used the feature.
http://docs.kicad-pcb.org/doxygen/md_Documentation_development_compiling.html#spice_opt

 

Doing each schematic twice is a nuisance, but it does occasionally make you rethink some aspect of the circuit and come up with a better solution.

Yes indeed.

 

I'm not aware of any hobby-priced three in one. I absolutely love DipTrace for schematic capture and PCB layout. It's free or cheap depending on layers, commercial vs personal use, etc. I use LTSpice for simulation.

Doing each schematic twice is a nuisance, but it does occasionally make you rethink some aspect of the circuit and come up with a better solution.

I have now been using DipTrace for a week and it rocks. Simple to learn and easy to use.

Thank You!

 

I have now been using DipTrace for a week and it rocks. Simple to learn and easy to use.

Thank You!

Excellent. I'm glad you like it. Happy I could help!