jhallenworld
2 days ago
This is cool, but seriously I don't understand why you wouldn't just use Verilog (or VHDL) along with the wide number of associated tools available for it. It's trivially simple to create modules for TTL chips. Also you could design the schematic in KiCad and then export the netlist to Verilog for simulation. Verilog has VPI- a method to connect the simulation to external programs (C/C++), from which you could make a GUI for LEDs and switches. Once your design is in Verilog, you could compile it into C++ [Verilator], an FPGA or even an ASIC.
It's like choosing to use LabView for a large programming project (or IMHO, even a small project) instead of something like Python.
creack
2 days ago
As I often prototype on breadboard, I wanted to tool that could realistically model what I work on, especially when it comes to wire size, length, bends, etc.
I used KiCad a lot and I took direct inspiration from it for the schematics view, and when designing a PCB it is great, but when it comes to play with breadboards, there is a void.
The goal is to experiment and mirror reality, but I would agree that if you want to do a serious project that is not just a one-off, BBRouter is probably not the tool for you. If you want to have fun, follow along tutorials like Ben Eater's, experiment various changes in branches without spending money, time and frustration on components/wires, then it fits quite well :)