KiCad vs. Diptrace vs. TARGET3001! vs. others

[ezalys]

Hey all,

I recall a few threads comparing KiCad and Diptrace a while back, but both have evolved pretty substantially so it doesn't really feel like a fair comparison anymore. Can someone out there compare KiCad and Diptrace who has worked with them recently? A comparison with other sub-$500 EDA software would also be very helpful! I remember trying target 3001! a while ago and liking it.

[nctnico]

What kind of boards do you want to design with the PCB package? Do the boards need to be assembled professionally by an assembler?

[ezalys]

Two and four layer boards. Relatively simple stuff. I might have them assembled at some point but for the moment I just use a hot plate and stencil or even just drag soldering.

[ezalys]

Most of the stuff is analog and power electronics. I do a lot of RF... microstrip, DXF import, controlled impedance and all that would be very nice to have but I understand if it's not realistic and I'd have to hack it in these lower end programs.

[bson]

I'm pretty sure KiCad will only import DXF for outlines, slots, silk, and as a general purpose user placement canvas.  While I think you can import it to a copper layer, it won't inherently be part of a net, but it might be possible to wing it by running a trace through it.

[MarkF]

I tried KiCad.  But found it too difficult to use.

I have been using Diptrace for personnel projects for several years now.  I found it easy to learn and use.
However, the free version is only 2 layers and 500 pins.  Which meets my needs.
I don't do imports but here is a screenshot of the Diptrace menu.

   

[jeremy]

Yes, kicad cannot import DXF to copper afaik. It’s the one feature keeping me from changing away from diptrace. Although I still really like diptrace, I just wish it had push and shove routing

[Doctorandus_P]

Quite a lot happened in the last 5 years.

KiCad can easily import graphics (DXF or SVG) onto a copper layer, and you can even assign a net name to graphics to integrate it better with DRC rules and clearances and such.

I also saw the screenshot of import of Gerbers into the PCB editor of Diptrace. KiCad does not have that function exactly, but KiCad can create a PCB file (with all layers) from a set of Gerber files. Similar functionality, just different approach.

Diptrace has also just now announced it has push and shofe capability now.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/diptrace/push-and-shove-router-is-available/?topicseen

[DerekG]

Attached (below) are the current PCB Import & Export filters for DipTrace V5.

Like all filters, sometimes they are not perfect. Even Altium could not get perfect import filters for PCAD (which Altium bought several decades ago).