Blog suggestion: Getting started with Altium - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pdjh
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 10, 2012, 10:45:18 am
content: I've always used Proteus, but Altium looks far more versatile. Trouble is the interface is a bit daunting for those of us not used to it.How about it Dave? I know, there's heaps of tutorials around, but they all seem to be task specific. or just not very good!

author: Bored@Work
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2012, 10:55:31 am
content: I think Dave made it clear in the past he won't do an Altium tutorial. Something about not being too happy with his previous employer.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 10, 2012, 12:24:59 pm
content: It's also not a package hobbyists can afford to buy, so providing tutorials on using it to the hobby community is a bit dodgy.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 10, 2012, 12:54:29 pm
content: Not a chance, sorry.Altium missed their opportunity to get me to do videos for them when I was employed there, so I'm not going to give them content for free now.There is no point doing tutorial videos for a commercial package that has no free version, and most people can't afford.If they come to their senses and offer something for that market, then maybe I'll reconsider. But until then, I'm dropping Altium after having used it for over 20 yearsFYI BAW, I'm not unhappy with my previous employer as such, I like them and I like the product, it's just their bat-shit crazy market decisions.Kinda like how I love America, and Americans, but hate the stupid American government decisionsDave.

author: firewalker
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 11, 2012, 09:44:24 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 10, 2012, 12:54:29 pmThey could sue you with the reason "He isn't using our product according to our vision"...Alexander.

author: rubdub
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 22, 2013, 09:00:41 pm
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 10, 2012, 12:54:29 pmHi Dave,When you say you're "dropping Altium" what exactly do you mean? Given that I'm serious about developing my skill set in embedded system design, do you recommend learning Altium or Eagle?I'm a recent college grad in mechanical engineering with a strong background in mechanical design for small scale robotics. I've been playing around with Altium and Eagle and I honestly find both packages very usable. Each have their own fair share of nuances neither of which are much of a bother.ThanksPS: Didn't mean to hijack the thread, just thought it would be a good place to ask this question.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 23, 2013, 02:39:43 am
content: Quote from: rubdub on May 22, 2013, 09:00:41 pmAltium is a proper industry tool. Eagle is more hobby level. If it's for resume skills, use Altium.I had the intention to drop Altium and use something else, but never got around to devoting the time.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2013, 08:24:39 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 10, 2012, 12:54:29 pmWell hell, that would make you a good American then! I think we could squeeze you in.

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 14, 2013, 10:48:28 am
content: Quote from: Stonent on June 14, 2013, 08:24:39 amI'm probably on a terrorist watch list or something

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2013, 06:39:04 pm
content: Most likely, as there is a David Jones on the list. lots of bad data on those lists anyhow, no good info just a lot of hits.

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 05:54:13 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on June 14, 2013, 06:39:04 pmThere's been at least what a dozen or so Washington DC officials that have shown up on the no fly list. The one I remember best was Ted Kennedy.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 06:00:30 am
content: Quote from: SeanB on June 14, 2013, 06:39:04 pmIs the list publicly accessible?

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: June 20, 2013, 06:03:20 am
content: Typical - throw as many names and other identifying factors on as many lists as you can, and then when you decide to screw someone over for personal or political reasons, you've got your justification.Quote from: AlfBaz on June 20, 2013, 06:00:30 amThere are a number of lists, many of which are.

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 31, 2014, 06:31:18 am
content: Quote from: EEVblog on March 10, 2012, 12:54:29 pmIt's only because they won't allow American companies to sell you parts!Quote from: EEVblog on June 14, 2013, 10:48:28 amWell, you now know what you suspected back then is now true!

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 12:38:41 am
content: Quote from: pdjh on March 10, 2012, 10:45:18 amThe 1000 & 2000 pin versions of Proteus are incredible value for the powerful features it offers. It is also pretty intuitive which means it is easy to drive. I believe that Proteus have been forced to keep their pin restricted prices down as there are so many competing pcb packages around these days.Proteus have worked out that people often start with a low priced model and as their needs grow, they move up to the next level (and you only pay the difference between the versions).This is something that Protel/Altium have not been able to yet work out after 25 years. Talk about slow learners!I agree, the Altium Designer menu's have become increasingly complicated as the package has offered new features.Altium PCB will allow you to do pretty much anything you want with the layout .............. but is there anything "you want" to do that can't be done in Proteus? If there is, I haven't found it yet.QuoteActually the Altium made videos are very good. The reason that most are task specific is because the software is powerful & offers so many features. This in itself brings about complexity that needs to be carefully explained to a new user.Don't forget that Altium gives you many keyboard shortcuts (that often work while nesting within an existing mouse action - and this is what many other packages should try & emulate).Many large companies use Altium Designer, so if you are listing a package on your resume you probably will need this (or at least P-Cad which is no longer supported) .............. otherwise I would stick with Proteus.Remember, you are likely to be far more productive if you understand how 99% of your current package works, than swapping to a more powerful tool ............... but only understanding how 50% of it works.I use Altium ver 6.9 & DipTrace for work, but 3 years ago I used Proteus while doing some work for another company ............... and I must say, I miss Proteus very much.

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 12, 2014, 02:02:24 am
content: >> Blog suggestion: Getting started with AltiumAnd then a 'how to drive a Pagani' video please. Just as useful for me.;-)