Hi Jerry,
The DesignSpark support is only via email and is really only for software issues.
Direct help is mostly in the user group forum.
Try looking for other sources like SparkFun, they have an interesting set of items for DS.
Things like switches are so variable that one often has to make up ones own footprints and symbols.
DS has a different way of putting thing together in the library than you might be used to from other packages. It certainly gave me a headache as I am conditioned from many decades of using what is now Mentor PADS and DxDesigner.
Be warned, the current version of DS does not have net list locking so it is easy to lose nets when routing from inadvertent deletion.
So I would say that DS is okay for small projects, but has the potential to be a complete nightmare if one has big BGAs etc. (imagine losing a net into a 1000+ pad BGA for example).
Also does NOT support partial and buried vias.
But for "Free" and serious it is good start in electronics design with integrated schematic capture and PCB layout. Very suitable for students and hobbiest, but I could not recommend it for any other than basic commercial work (e.g. designing Arduino boards, shields, capes and such stuff).
Personally I use Mentor PADS ES suite (with DxDesigner rather than Logic). It is only "Free" in the sense that it preserves my sanity, still has a high $ cost to buy and maintain.
Best wishes,
Susan.
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Hi,
Sorry for the wide search but I want to find someone to help get me started with Designspark. a free pcb design package. I have not been able to find a connection to their support. Right now I cannot find switches like 3pdt in their library. I also need advice on changing text size in their symbol creation utility.
What free stuff do most use? Sorry again.
Jerry Massengale
Susan Parker