PCB programs and etching companies?

[Eduardo Saponara]

I just had Eagle lite recomended by list member Theo,  which has a freeware
version that's pretty adequate for DIY stuff.
get it here
http://www.cadsoft.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Clark <clark at andrews.edu>
To: Synth-DIY <synth-diy at node12b53.a2000.nl>
Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2000 2:43 AM
Subject: Re: PCB programs and etching companies?


> > 1)  what program(s) have diy users found to be helpful for creating the
> > pcb layouts?
>
>    Listen to the other guys on the list.  I use a $10K packaged called
> OrCAD.  I think there are some other guys that use higher end packages in
> the 40K range (great to be able to use tools at work!).  But unless you
> have access, there are a number of free or near-free tools which are about
> your only option unless you want to shell out a fairly good sized chunk
> of change.
>
> > 2)  what company do you send your pcb's to?  what's the timeframe for
> > turnaround, the file format needed (do they handle online submissions?)
> > and the $$$?
>
>    I use Alberta Printed Circuits (www.apcircuits.com) out of Canada.
> Been extremely happy with their prices and turnaround times.  A batch of
> 10 boards double sided thru-hole plated (no soldermask) and tin-reflowed
> with guaranteed trace width down to 8 mils(!) will set you back around
> $100 USD, including same day processing (if you get it in in time, next
> day if not) and 2-day FedEX shipping.  I find it extremely fast and
> reliable.
>    There are some rules that you'll always have to follow in order to get
> the great rates though.  You'll most likely have to restrain your board
> size (which shouldn't be a problem unless your Jim Patchall ;) ), and
> you'll have to stick to a set of standard drill sizes.
>    You CAN have odd shapes, but you won't get them routed out.  You'll
> have to do that stuff yourself.  Easily accomplished with a good band or
> scroll saw.
>
>    PCB Files usually go something like this:
>
>    Top layer GERBER file.
>    Bottom layer GERBER file.
>    Aperture List.
>    Drill Tape Summary
>    "Excellon" drill file.
>
>    The GERBER files are what actually contains your PCB foil pattern.
> There are a number of different "formats" that GERBER files can have and
> you should find out from the PCB house you choose what format they like.
>    For instance, there are two basic flavors of GERBER:  Generic and
> Extended.  Some of the options that you might find in a GERBER format are
> things like:  2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.2, 3.3, or 3.4 coordinate format; leading
> or trailing zero suppression; including G-commands; various character
> sets; plus some other things, such as metric coordinates, included
> netlists, etc.
>
>    The aperture list is a list of the various "pens" used to draw your PCB
> foil pattern.  This list must go along with your GERBER file since the
> GERBER file references the arpeture list codes.  The list will include a
> unique code for each "pen" and the size that the "pen" should be.
>
>    The drill file is the file used by the CNC drilling machines to drill
> all of the holes on your PCB.  The most common format is "Excellon"
> (which is a company that specializes in drilling machines, BTW).  There
> are some other formats, but they are probably archaic at this point.  The
> drill file will contain a drill code and a list of coordinates.
>
>    And finally, the drill tape summary file is where the drill codes used
> in the drill file are normally kept (similar to the aperture list).
> Typically you will have to edit this file to change the drill sizes to
> use a PCB house's standard sized drills (or "free drills" as they are
> sometimes referred to).
>
>    Hopefully that will explain some of the details about PCB files!
>
>    Tony
>
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