Write a new PCB autorouter for KiCAD! If that is not appealing you could integrate the Topological autorouter with KiCAD.

http://anthonix.resnet.scms.waikato.ac.nz/toporouter/

I really like KiCAD and use it often. However the built in autorouter needs some serious rework and someone with a mathematical background to fix the PCB autorouting. It is a very complicated problem.

Thanks!

Andrew Lynch

PS, yes, I am aware of and use FreeRouting.net. They are great but are a closed source proprietary tool.

Build a low cost home brew computer. The N8VEM SBC is designed to teach basic principles of computer hardware and software. The hardware is cheap, readily available, all the information is free (beer/speech). It is designed for quick, easy, and reliable construction using simple tools.

The N8VEM project is open and all design information for hardware and software are freely and publicly posted. There are many N8VEM builders (>100) and an active community. The design is scalable from a single board computer with minimal parts and simple IO (serial & parallel) to a complete microcomputer.

mailing list http://groups.google.com/group/n8vem

wiki http://n8vem-sbc.pbwiki.com/

Everything old is new again... 8 bit microcomputers have been doing things like this for years. It is exactly how the N8VEM home brew computer boots its OS. The Z80 boots CP/M from a 1 MB "ROM drive" and uses the SRAM for its temporary storage. There are many other examples of similar implementations.

http://groups.google.com/group/n8vem

http://n8vem-sbc.pbwiki.com/

Does your cost computation take into account the disposal costs associated with getting rid of the old machine? What about the costs of procuring, operating, and disposal of the replacement router? Does your cost computation involve the environmental impact and remediation necessary to clean up the mess of trashing still useful equipment?

If you are assuming that you can dispose of the machines for free by dumping them in a trash dumpster then I suggest you should reread the article as that is the root cause of the problem to begin with. I think you will come to another conclusion if you take into account the true life cycle costs of procuring new equipment compared to just the delta cost of $/KWHR of operating a dedicated router vs an old PC.

Unsafe dumping of electronics with toxic metals is creating a massive "unfunded liability" similar to the shipping industry did with the unrestrained usage of asbestos several decades ago. Yes, it is cheaper in the short term but those local optimizations have a nasty habit of coming back to bite you many years later.

Andrew Lynch