Low quantity pcb manufacturers

[AbeFM]

http://www.ourpcb.com/price.php

Wow, an ad on google, looks nice, no??

[Fred]

I don't think I do, there is only one viable option that I am aware of for Open Source use : KiCAD

This may have it's faults, but we can't use free eagle as that removes the possibility of commercial production (read cheap, readily available boards for the masses) and it has a board size limitation.

You can spam this thread with discussion on this if you like. It seems appropriate to be here.

Suggest another FOSS PCB/Schem package that is cross platform. Go! :-)

Admin.

[GartnerProspect]

Can't find any, other than KiCAD

I've been currently working on a proprietary windows software, PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits... Which works pretty choice and they claim you can generate Gerber files after your first order which does make me feel better about it.

But I really don't like being locked into a company like that.

But all the other options I've tried over the years haven't really inspired me to use anything else right now. I'm going to try KiCAD tonight and see how I like it before I get too deep into anything else. (though I've spent a while building components already...)

[thebigmacd]

National Instruments Multisim/Ultiboard 8 works pretty slick

Oh wait, you said free/open source

[GartnerProspect]

I'm not even going to look it up because I can only assume it's a multi-10-thousand dollar suite that I'll never dream of using!

Jerk!

[Fred]

I hope you can both agree that it's in the spirit of the project that we should use FOSS tools where possible. My mate was whinging about OpenOffice the other night :

Anon: is there a listing of what pin on the adapt card serves what function yet?
me: yes, in the pinout.ods
;-)
Anon: cheers
me: there are lots of docs in docs
nothing is final though, of course
Anon: hmmm
where is said pinout.ods file?
me: its not called exactly that
but similar
pin assignment
something
in the release package
Anon: ah got it
whats an ods file?
me: its fairly thorough
good reference for all the pins for future functions
tut tut
open office
open document spread sheet
Anon: u should save it in a generic format
i cant open that
!!!
me: that IS generic
its editable for free by anyone
Anon: like 0.001% of people use open office

Point is that anyone CAN get it at no cost. Not whether they like to use it. I actually actively enjoy using OO. Most FOSS tools I use I enjoy somewhat. KiCAD is still quite new and has it's issues, but perhaps we can help give it some good testing and feedback?

Admin.

[GartnerProspect]

I fired up KiCAD last night and I like a few things about it. But I basically need to relearn everything

Might be worth it!

[AbeFM]

Since my dual boot died a horrible death, and all my pro-linux friends say it never breaks but won't come fix it for me when it does...

Do they compile KiCAD for windoze?

[Fred]

I believe it is cross platform, yes. What's wrong with your linux distro? maybe I can help... start a thread in the lounge...

[GartnerProspect]

Yes, KiCAD is cross platform. And it's even totally straight forward to install the pre-compiled binaries. It went off without a hitch for me on Vista (gag), and the Wings3D worked too for totally swank 3D modeling of the board design. Which in my opinion is reason enough to switch! lol