Had a client who asked for a rapid development of a proof of concept prototype to demo in front of a few investors. You can't have screw holes orĪnything else that isn't plated.
#Express pcb software
I have requested many features in the pastĪnd their response is that they have no plans to do that.ĩ.) The software won't allow non-plated holes in the PCB. You cannot create foldersĨ.) Software is NEVER updated.
#Express pcb update
There is never an update to get.ħ.) No way to organize custom components, you just get one big long list. There is a small database of base components but anythingīeyond that you will have to create. Multiple drawings on different tabs on the same drawing then you can, but not different files.Ħ.) Component database is never updated. This can getįrustrating depending on what you are doing. If you have two drawings open,Īnd you want to cut some circuit out of one and past to another, you cannot. So you cannot route traces on 4 layers.ĥ.) You cannot copy and paste from one schematic to another. Highlights pads that are to be connected but if you don't connect them there is no error.Ĥ.) Four layer boards cannot have traces on the inner layers, only plane layers are allowedįor inner layers. This is not hard but makes forĪ less professional product and if you get a little dense it will be impossible.ģ.) There are no rat nest lines to show you where to connect traces to. Will have to put ID's in the copper layer if you want them. If you have components on the bottom, you Running a trace too close to the edge of the board.Ģ.) No silkscreen on the bottom of the board. To the wrong components that too will be over-looked. Lapping traces or pads, it will not alert you to that either. If you forget to place a footprint on the PCBįor a component that is on the linked schematic, it will not alert you to that. Other packages are a battle to get them to print 1:1 on paper.ġ.) There is almost no error checking on the PCB. So if you are building a board that solders to components thatĪre mounted on a panel for example and you need the holes in the board to line up exactly with the parts, youĬan print the board out and hold that up to the parts to insure that it will fit. Very quick.ĥ.) You can save your custom components easily.Ħ.) If you print the board, it will print exactly 1:1. You can just add a part, copyįor multiples and change values, etc. Is so easy to use and custom symbols are very simple to make.Ģ.) No component definitions required to add a schematic component. I use this for almost all my schematics because the tool Reasons this package is so easy to use is because it is not that
#Express pcb pro
Don't expect the freeĭesign package to be on a pro level like Altium or something. Larger quantity of production boards are significantlyĬheaper than most other board houses. Hard to beat for pricing on 3 boards, $75 or four layersĪre $90. Keep your board outline within 3.8" x 2.5" they are very The product is excellent quality and finish and fast service. I have been using ExpressPCB for about 5 years now.