topic PCB board size in EAGLE Forum

PCB board size

Anonymous — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 10:59:48 GMT

I am a hobbyist and using the free version of EAGLE. Would it be possible to expand the size of the pcb to 10 x 10 cm (100cm2) because the standard pcb production is 10 x 10 cm ?

Re: PCB board size

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 15:34:49 GMT

This might help you out;

"I hope you're doing well. Make sure that the bottom left corner of the board is located at (0 0) this makes sure that you don't have any issues with board size limitations. Components are only allowed in the positive X and Y axis in the free version of EAGLE so you have to make sure to that your board stays within the size limitations of EAGLE.

You don't mention which version of EAGLE you are working with, if you are using a version prior to 8 the board size is limited to a 10cm x 8cm rectangle. If you are using a V8 series release then you can use any board outline as long as the area is less than 80cm^2."

Full post here: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/eagle-forum/how-to-resize-a-pcb-board/td-p/7444404#:~:text=To%20change%20the%20size%20and,element%20placed%20on%20the%20canvas.

Re: PCB board size

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 16:15:12 GMT

Hi Judy,

Thanks for your reply.

I think I mentioned that I have a FREE version. I know that it is limited to 80 cm^2. So 8 x 10 cm^2 board.

I am a hobbyist so a monthly fee of USD 60 is out of the question.

If you look at the offerings of pcb suppliers, they offer standard 2 layer 10 x 10 cm boards for a very reasonable price.

What I am asking for is that the EAGLE limit is extended to 10 x 10 cm^2, an increase of only 25 %.

If I order 8 x 10 cm^2 boards then the pcb suppliers deliver 10 x 10 cm^2 with the 2 x 10 cm^2 wasted.

I presume that changing the 8 x 10 cm limit to 10 x 10 cm in the software can be implemented easily so that would not be a big deal for Autodesk Eagle.

And I cannot relate the choice for 8 x 10 cm size to any standard.

The commonly used Eurocard for example is 16 x 10 cm.

The EAGLE program is a very nice program. I am now familiar with it and I have made a few smaller boards but for my next application I need the 10 x 10 cm. The application is for a radio amateur project which keeps me busy in my retirement.

If the increase in board size cannot be done, I have switch to another program which would take me some time to familiarize myself with.

Anyway, lets see what happens.

Best regards, Koos van der Fluit

Re: PCB board size

one-of-the-robs — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 22:03:57 GMT

Koos,

Step back a moment and think about what you're asking from a commercial PoV.

You are using a FREE version of a commercial product. You are NOT paying anything, you're getting all for FREE. And you're GRUMBLING about it not being good enough for some arbitrary spec that you don't actually even have a declared need of, never mind a good justification. So what if J Random Other Corp happens to have picked a different threshold for cheapness? (and note that you're not proposing to deprive them of revenue, you ARE GOING TO PAY their asking price)

So we get to your random threat to change to a different tool, for which you, presumably, are not going to be willing to pay either. What have Autodesk lost if you carry out that threat? You're not paying them anything.

Frankly, your demands have a very strong air of unjustifiable sense of entitlement. The limit is what it is, live with it.

Re: PCB board size

sales3MPAD — Tue, 16 Feb 2021 03:32:19 GMT

Honestly You have to see what free versions really are. They are trials to get serious people to buy. Nothing more. There are so many crap EDA programs out there that a free trial allows somebody to see if Eagle fits their workflow. That is the reason. Not to give everyone Free EDA. Most of the other "free forever" products are honestly not very good or very intuitive like eagle is.

I too used the free version for some time. Then I realized the extra value I would get from the paid version. Serious value add. So when they offered their sale, I jumped on it. Given that it also included a fusion 360 license it was really a no brainer. You want 25% more board real estate. Then your next project needs 15cm2. Then somebody else just needs other features that are in the paid version. AutoDesk isn't in the business of free. Having bought several Autodesk products such as AutoCad back in the day and it was more than a grand and every year upgrades cost more money and every library add was more money, I honestly like this plan better. Affordable, and when I am done, I can be done.

As a hobbyist, I am sure you have bought other tools like VSWR, Power meters and such as well as soldering stations that can easily be $400. I have found Eagle to be a significant value to me. If I was only a hobbyist wanting to use all that eagle has to offer, I would be looking for projects that I could build and sell. Selling a few home brew items a month could easily pay the license fee for using a top grade product. There is a way if you have the will.

As one that is paying for Eagle/Fusion360 I for one would not be happy if they kept expanding the free offerings.