[sci.electronics] request info on PCB generation CAE tools

tac@sei.cmu.edu (Timothy Coddington) (01/20/88)

	CAD/CAE tools are in wide spread use today. I lack the experience,
	time, and/or money to locate and evaluate those products/tools
	which can help me generate printed circuit boards.  I would like to
	find any public domain, or commercial software tools which support
	the printed circuit board development process. For example,
	Schematic Capture, Net List Generator, PCB Layout Editor,
	Auto-Router, etc.  I have a Compaq Portable, PC AT, or MicroVax II
	to run the tools on (prefer PC compatible).  Many of the commercial
	vendors offer demonstration copies which can be freely distributed.

	I've purchased and attempted to use Advanced Microcomputer System's
	Cell, Pcpro, and Pcroute tools.  The so called users manual is
	inaccurate and incomplete.  So far I've provided AMS with a list of
	at least 30 bugs to correct.  Several of them have cause complete
	lockup of the system, and I've had to reboot.  The advice and 
	instructions I've obtained over the phone, from AMS, have half 
	the time been incorrect.  And, after all the trouble and hours of
	frustration I went through I found out it doesn't route on single
	layer boards, only 2 or more.

	If they could get rid of the bugs and make some of my suggested
	changes it would be a good product.  However, I'm now stuck without
	a way to generate several prototype PCBs, which I don't have time
	to do by hand.

	I would like to hear from anybody who can offer some advice, knows 
	where I can obtain this kind of software (or offer source code), 
	or has experience with a particular system/package.  

	I would also like some advice on etching boards, wave soldering, 
	and pricing and availability of commercial services to
	do this kind of stuff (since these are prototype, maybe one-time
	boards I want to do as much as possible myself).

	Any input would be greatly appreciated.  I prefer any response 
	to come through mail. Thanks for taking the time.   

	Tim Coddington
	412-268-7712(w)
	412-244-8557(h)

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	Disclaimer:  These are my opinions.