Matt,

The Microchip library in DipTrace has over 1,000 entries. What part did you not find?

 

Matt,

The Microchip library in DipTrace has over 1,000 entries. What part did you not find?

I didn't find the library!

EDIT: Found it. Not sure how I missed that....

I take it all back--these libraries are very thorough!

EDIT EDIT: Fixed the graphic. Thank you very much for pointing these things out. DIPtrace is looking much better now. This is exactly why I posted it here--so that experts with each software can point out any errors I've made (which appear to be very extensive )

 

I, personally don't see the big deal over 3D or no 3D. Its just a gimmick. As long as the part placement is viable why is 3D necessary?

 

I, personally don't see the big deal over 3D or no 3D. Its just a gimmick. As long as the part placement is viable why is 3D necessary?

A 3-D view in Eagle has been indispensable for me. I find it very useful to see what the board will actually look like, so that I can know if something might be in the way of another, or if it's off-center, or whatever. It's just a good way of separating the layers and seeing how it'll actually be set up in real life. I imagine the same goes for other programs with a 3-D view.

 

ExpressPCB was actually the first design software I ever used. It's okay for your average hobbyist, but when it comes to designing boards professionally, or even for serious hobbying, it just doesn't cut it. I also don't like that they require you use their manufacturing service. That's a dealbreaker for me--I like to be able to choose the company that makes my boards.

I don't know if it was the first package I used but I've used ExpressPCB multiple times professionally. True, mostly for test fixturing but at least once for a rush production product. Today we have other tools and sources so that need may no longer exist, but it is there.

We got boards in a week, and once you get the boards ExpressPCB will sell you the gerbers (for about what the boards themselves cost). They don't want production orders, just prototypes, but will accommodate you.

I still like the schematic capture for simple items, fast throwdowns that I'll make to post here.

 

I just started work on a simple board in DIPtrace, to try to get the hang of it. I don't like the limits, but I will settle for them anyway, just so that I can make a more educated decision. I was trying to find the MIC5219 voltage regulator and was surprised to find that DIPtrace does not have a Micrel library?

Tracecom, you seem to be the DIPtrace expert here. Am I missing it like I missed the Microchip library, or is it nonexistent?

Matt