Electronics > Beginners
PCB design: Copper Connection was bought out, looking for replacement :(
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leham:
So I found this really easy to use PCB and schematic design software a few months back, called Robot Room Copper Connection.


As a beginner I found it really easy to learn how PCB design worked, there where two main 'versions';
Free, which was the full program, you just couldn't export gerbers (transfer printing was available for DIY pcbs)
Paid (about $70AUD), this enabled you to export gerber and go through a pcb manufacturer

You can do up to 4 layer boards, I think as big as you want, with silk screen.. There is a large library included for various types of components and a tool to design your own..

This software worked really well for me and I had saved up over the last few months to purchase the one off licence (keys aren't authenticated with a external server), I'm thinking "you ripper!"

Go to Robot rooms site, click on the purchase link and BOOM! I am teleport-ed through my crappy ADSL connection to.... Express PCB!!

___Now a little backstory, I had tried express pcbs software in the past and didn't like it, that's why I went with copper connection___ 

Hmmm, I thought, looks like express pcb bought them out.... But look! the software is still available!  I'll download it and see if the full export options are now free, this would mean a royal trip to KFC to spend the money I had saved!

Downloading................ remember ADSL......... downloading.............DONE!  -microwave ping!-


Ok I'm just going to make a simple pcb and expor...... OH WAIT I CAN'T!!!

Ahh yes, ALL export options have been replaced with "pay ExpressPCB monies" :/


So now I'm looking for a similar program that is just as easy to use, I only want to make simple 2 layer PCBs  :'(  Doesn't have to be fancy new software, even if I have to run it in a VM that is ok!

The other option and I know this is a long shot.. Does anyone have a key, that they are no longer using, that I can buy off them?  (I have the non-butchered version of the software and it seems to do key checking internally)


I should be looking at other programs, however I am yet to find something this simple to use.

PS: I have been trying to learn how KiKad works but not good so far hahhaha


Thanks heaps in advance for any software recommendations or any other assistance :)
sleemanj:
DipTrace
Rerouter:
I began with pcb express for print transferd, and agree about the learning curve for kicad.

But it does get better. Mainly comes down to learning the new way to make footprints.

As for how to get a code, might see if you can find someone familiar with dissasembling programs and forward your $70 to have them locate the key authenticating code. And nut out something that will be valid.

Once a manufacturer stops providing licence keys i hold much less reservations towards this method.
leham:
Hmmm I wonder if such a person is lurking on this forum?
james_s:
Just grab KiCad, for hobbyist use there aren't many reasons to use anything else. It's not super intuitive but it's not hard to use either and there are lots of tutorials. All of the hobbyist oriented PCB products I tried were crap.
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