[sdiy] PCB Pool CAD software: Target 3001

[Wayne Dubois]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if there's a comparable service in
the states?  Although I could probably get in to the PCBPool thing, I'd
rather avoid the intercontinental shipping (and customs) hassles if I can.

 - w
----- Original Message -----
From: "Theo" <t.hogers at home.nl>
To: "Neil Johnson" <nej22 at hermes.cam.ac.uk>
Cc: "Sven Windisch" <mai00fpz at informatik.uni-leipzig.de>; "synth-diy"
<synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 12:25 PM
Subject: Re: [sdiy] PCB Pool CAD software: Target 3001


> Hi Neil
>
> Agreed, just sent the design file and let them handle the Gerber export is
> easier.
> Then again, creating the files needed is not that difficult and
> you get a "plot" back from Eurocircuits for approval before they make the
> PCBs.
> They also check your layout for design rule/production class violations
and
> report this back to you.
> I don't see the "higher risk" compared to PCB pool.
>
> IMO for protos and small series Eurocircuits is ok.
> If I can wait a few weeks and need some more then Olimex gets the call.
> If it is a bulk run (at least 1 pack),
> we have this local company that acts as a agent for a Taiwanese PCB house.
> They are hard to beat, better quality, faster and cheaper than Olimex.
>
> CU
> Theo
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Neil Johnson <nej22 at hermes.cam.ac.uk>
> To: Theo <t.hogers at home.nl>
> Cc: Sven Windisch <mai00fpz at informatik.uni-leipzig.de>; synth-diy
> <synth-diy at dropmix.xs4all.nl>
> Sent: Friday, June 06, 2003 5:02 PM
> Subject: Re: [sdiy] PCB Pool CAD software: Target 3001
>
>
> > Hi Theo,
> >
> > > I tried a free demo version of target 2001 some time ago. Seemed
> > > "better" than Eagle to me. Then again I never liked Eagle, even in its
> > > Atari days and IMO it only got worse.
> >
> > *sigh*  Yeah, nothing seems to get better these days!!
> >
> > > PCB pool is ok, but there are similar services in Europe that are
worth
> a
> > > look and cheaper to use.
> > > Although I don't think any of them offer free PCB software.
> > > The one I use is:
> > > http://www.eurocircuits.com
> >
> > Thanks for the link.  After looking at their site (which does not work
in
> > Netscape running on Linux---BIG NEGATIVE---had to fire the remote
desktop
> > server) I did a quick comparison with PCB Pool, for a 100mm x 160mm
> > double-sided PTH board, with solder mask and silk screen, 10 day
delivery.
> >
> > * PCB Pool: E 97.01
> >
> > * EuroCcts: E 75.75
> >
> > So, EuroCircuits are about 22% cheaper.
> >
> > Then I looked at what file formats each accepts.
> >
> > * PCB Pool accepts 12 different formats, many direct from the supported
> > CAD packages (Eagle, Target, OrCad, Protel, etc) as well as Gerber.
> >
> > * EuroCircuits accept Gerber, and you also need to supply drill plots.
> >
> > Perhaps if if I was going for production I might lean towards
> > EuroCircuits, but for one-off prototypes I much prefer the ease (and
lower
> > risk) of the PCB Pool route.  Nothing worse than getting top and bottom
> > layers mixed up, especially on surface-mount boards!!
> >
> > Anyway, if I were doing a bulk run I'd check out Olimex.
> >
> > Certainly if were a beginner I'd find the PCB Pool service easier to get
> > into---just send them the file from your CAD package, no need to faff
> > around with exporting Gerber files and drill plots.
> >
> > But, each to their own!!
> >
> > Cheers,
> > Neil
> >
> > --
> > Neil Johnson :: Computer Laboratory :: University of Cambridge ::
> > http://www.njohnson.co.uk          http://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/~nej22
> > ----  IEE Cambridge Branch: http://www.iee-cambridge.org.uk  ----
> >
>
>