I started to work with a free layout program that I had loaded some time ago but had never opened until today. It was VERY different from all previous layout programs I have used. This thing came with a steep learning curve! I went through the tutorial, and then began to look at what it would take to make this thing run the way I want. It would take a lot!
Before jumping headlong into this program, I figured it might be wise to at least look at some other free tools that were available, and ask a couple of “paid” program places how much they charge. If the rest of the free tools turn out to be as cumbersome as I think they’ll be, I might just plunk down a couple of thou for a “real” program if I know I’m going to use it for years. Company #3 intends to purchase my favorite layout tools once they begin to make a profit, but that won’t be for at least a few chips. I need cheap or free tools now; but tools that work for me.
It took me no time at all to load another free tool, but then I tried loading a third free tool that I had found, and that one required a Linux emulator of some type, so I loaded that… and it didn’t work. Unfortunately, that third piece of software took a long time to load and set up, and by the time I had finished (and realized that all my efforts were for naught), it was time to go to band rehearsal.
Day 88 mood: My brain is absolutely numb from going through that tutorial. I can now draw boxes and lines with the program, but not quickly, and I need to be quick.