While we love PCB Wizard, it is important to acknowledge its limitations compared to modern tools:
In the world of electronic engineering and hobbyist circuit design, few names evoke as much nostalgia and practical utility as PCB Wizard 3.50 Pro Unlimited. While the industry has since moved toward cloud-based EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools like Autodesk EAGLE, KiCad, and Altium Designer, PCB Wizard 3.50 remains a legendary lightweight solution for rapid prototyping, educational projects, and legacy system maintenance.
This article dives deep into everything you need to know about PCB Wizard 3.50 Pro Unlimited—its features, why the "unlimited" version matters, how to use it effectively, and its place in the modern design ecosystem.
If you have a copy of the software, here is the standard workflow to build your first board:
PCB Wizard 3 Pro is a specialized design package by New Wave Concepts
used for creating single-sided and double-sided printed circuit boards. While the specific "3.50 Pro Unlimited" designation often appears in educational site listings or older multi-user license contexts, the "Pro" version is the commercial-grade edition of the software. New Wave Concepts Limited Core Capabilities Schematic Capture & Design
: You can draw circuit diagrams using an extensive library of over 2,000 components, including power supplies, resistors, and integrated circuits. Automatic Routing
: The software can automatically convert a schematic into a PCB layout, placing tracks and pads with minimal manual intervention. Realistic Visualization
: It features multiple viewing styles, including a "real-world" style that provides a 3D-like photograph of the designed board. Manufacturing Output
: The "Unlimited" or Pro versions generate the necessary files for physical production, including Gerber files (RS-274X) and NC Drill files for CNC machines. New Wave Concepts Limited The Production Process
To "produce a piece" (a physical PCB) using this software, you follow these sequential steps:
1.11 PCB Production and 1.22 Electrical safety - BBC Bitesize