RS has just released DesignSpark PCB, a free PCB design package:
http://uk.rs-online.com/web/generalDisp … ary-Banner
It’s actually a version of a well-known PCB package that I used for over 15 years, from shortly after it was launched.
RS has obviously done it to annoy their main competitor, Farnell, who took over CADsoft (Eagle) a few months ago.
That looks promising enough to try out! If it can truely import Eagle libraries and other files, it will be a keeper. Hopefully it will encourage CadSoft to improve its free version of Eagle.
Now I just have to find a waking moment to give it a whirl!
-Bill
It’s got a few shortcomings compared to the full package, like no bused connections, but it should be usable for quite complex designs.
Thanks Leon. I’m downloading it now.
Looks like it’s activate-ware. I hate that, but I’ll give it a try anyway.
Got it and activated. First looks are very good. It has a nice tabbed system(sch/brd) and supports RS part numbers(if it had farnell numbers to it would be ideal).
I’ve not tried any layouts yet, as documentation is lacking a little, but it is possible to import eagle designs/librarys somehow. I’ve not yet figured it out nor have I found the said tutorial.
Overall it looks nice and simple to use.
I think that grateful users will be contributing their own libraries as they create new parts.
I created a Parallax Propeller part in a few minutes. I just had to create the schematic symbol, as it already had the DIL footprint, and add the pin names in the part editor. I copied and pasted them from the package I use. Of course, it was easy for me as I used to use the software it’s based on. Someone new to it might find it a bit tricky at first, but it’s the most complex operation with any PCB software. It’s a lot harder with Eagle.
Im going to try making a new part, the trouble I had with Eagle was the sizings, I could never get my head around using metric/imperial next to each other.
Looks good. Point of activation: no idea.
OT:
Still interesting how many people give up EAGLE because of having trouble making footprints…
If i need a quick footprint, i use the script named “make-symbol-device-package-bsdl.ulp”, job done!
Better documentation is needed for these programs to help get beginners going…
I got it activated on my laptop, but trying to get a second activation for my desktop seems to have choked their system.
It’s many years since I last used the software it’s based on. I had a fit of nostalgia and designed a minimal system for the Parallax Propeller with it. Some people on the Parallax forum are playing with it on my recommendation, and it might prove useful for them.
Here is the schematic file:
http://www.leonheller.com/DesignSpark/Propeller.sch
and here is a PDF of it:
http://www.leonheller.com/DesignSpark/P … matic).pdf
I’ll create the PCB tomorrow.
Is that a special type of PDF output by it, if so that is swish 
Never seen that before.
Yes, one can either output to the Windows printer or a PDF. It saves having to install something like PrimoPDF as a virtual printer. It’s not all that long since I had to print to a file using a Postscript printer driver, then convert the PS file to a PDF.
got a mac version? :mrgreen:
No. RS has mentioned the possibility of a Linux version.
Thanks Leon for the post, this piece of software looks very promising. Looking forward to test driving it…
Funny how these companies are now competing. Can only hope this will result in Eagle discarding the maximum board size in the free version…
In my opinion they better work on their pricing, especially Farnell is horribly expensive for eveything that weighs more than a chip or a resistor…
Farnell isn’t particularly expensive and provides an excellent service, as does RS, with a vast selection of components available. I get top-quality parts delivered free the next day, or the day after if they come from Belgium. Things are different outside the UK, of course.
Living in Belgium, we get everything the next day, also items coming from Leeds…
They do provide a very robust service and the parts never fail, but what I meant was they are quite expensive for electrical stuff, compared to local distributors. As this typically weighs a lot, I think it might have to do with their transport costs being calculated into the price. Eg large metal enclosures, or recently an ordinary 100 m of UTP cable…