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QRPLabs Cad System

 

Wondering what CAD system(s) Hans uses for schematic and PCB capture.

73, Rick K8BMA?

Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.”? Henry Ford
 

Hi Rick
?
Wondering what CAD system(s) Hans uses for schematic and PCB capture.

I use Eagle since 2010. It was a bummer in 2020 when I had to start paying for it when I designed?the QCX+ with its PCB larger than the Eagle free limits (80 cm2 and 2-layer). And an even bigger bummer when they merged it into Fusion 360, and now I have to pay something like $500 a year for it, even though I don't use anything else in Fusion 360 (my mechanical design and simulation is still pen and paper).?

I know that now KiCad does very well, it got very advanced. But I calculated that if I assign on myself a reasonable daily cost, and work out how long it would take to migrate all my projects and custom-made part libraries, learn the new KiCad skills and get as good at it as I got at Eagle (even though I do say so myself), it would cost more $ than paying Fusion 360 license fees for the rest of my days.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

Hans,

Than we had better hope EAGLE never goes the way of the Dodo bird!?

Justin N2TOH
 

?FYI KiCad includes the ability to import EAGLE designs.

Typically, the schematic file is uploaded and the board file is created automatically. At this point, the process can get complicated, as there is no dedicated function for accessing EAGLE library files. There are scripts available from the KiCad community; however, finding one that meets your needs for process simplicity and component data integrity may be time-consuming or challenging to incorporate. Another option is to use a trusted?, where you can be assured all component data is accurate and validated.

Ultra Librarian claims to??offer free access to schematic symbols, PCB footprints, 3D STEP models, and reference designs in multiple CAD formats so you can quickly and easily search and download what you need.

I have done some Kicad designs and there is definitely a steep learning curve but I like its cost (free) with no limitations.? Hermes Lite uses Kicad for its design tool.

-Steve K1RF

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------ Original Message ------
From "Hans Summers" <hans.summers@...>
Date 5/30/2024 2:11:06 AM
Subject Re: [QRPLabs] QRPLabs Cad System

Hi Rick
?
Wondering what CAD system(s) Hans uses for schematic and PCB capture.

I use Eagle since 2010. It was a bummer in 2020 when I had to start paying for it when I designed?the QCX+ with its PCB larger than the Eagle free limits (80 cm2 and 2-layer). And an even bigger bummer when they merged it into Fusion 360, and now I have to pay something like $500 a year for it, even though I don't use anything else in Fusion 360 (my mechanical design and simulation is still pen and paper).?

I know that now KiCad does very well, it got very advanced. But I calculated that if I assign on myself a reasonable daily cost, and work out how long it would take to migrate all my projects and custom-made part libraries, learn the new KiCad skills and get as good at it as I got at Eagle (even though I do say so myself), it would cost more $ than paying Fusion 360 license fees for the rest of my days.?

73 Hans G0UPL
 

He has about two years before they have it completely end-of-life; they are forcing everyone to Fusion 360.? They won't sell or support Fusion past June 2026 (unclear on whether you can still keep using it if already installed since it moved to a subscription model...)

Their announcement is here:??

73

-- Matt N3AR


On Thu, May 30, 2024 at 3:57?AM Justin Kelly via <freefuel=[email protected]> wrote:
Hans,

Than we had better hope EAGLE never goes the way of the Dodo bird!?

Justin N2TOH

 

Hi Matt

To be clear, I AM on Fusion 360, Eagle is part of Fusion 360. I understand in a couple of years it will be just named differently but the functionality is the same.

73 Hans G0UPL



On Thu, May 30, 2024 at 4:40?PM Kaufman, Matt - N3AR via <matt.d.kaufman=[email protected]> wrote:

He has about two years before they have it completely end-of-life; they are forcing everyone to Fusion 360.? They won't sell or support Fusion past June 2026 (unclear on whether you can still keep using it if already installed since it moved to a subscription model...)

Their announcement is here:??

73

-- Matt N3AR


On Thu, May 30, 2024 at 3:57?AM Justin Kelly via <freefuel=[email protected]> wrote:
Hans,

Than we had better hope EAGLE never goes the way of the Dodo bird!?

Justin N2TOH

 

Because of the all profit based models made for inconsistency of tools
because of pricing models and out right failure or buyout killing
the products.? ?I went KiCad over a decade ago and also LibreOffice CAD.
?I need consistency over time as projects I have span from the before
the days of DOS. KICAD made it easy to move old designs to a
current format.

I still use Dave Dunfiields Microcad (runs on DOS)!

--
Allison
------------------
Post online only,?
direct email will go to a bit bucket.

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