[sdiy] PCB service firms?

[Paul Schreiber]

Schematics are *no good* for a pcb layout tool except to generate the connection 
netlist.

If you want to lay out pc boards, you have to get a pcb program. The universal 
output
are 2 sets of files: the 'Gerber' files used for the traces/solder 
mask/silkscreen and the 'Drill file'
which is 99% of the time in what is called 'Excellon' format.

Gerber and Excellon are companies (both been around 40 years) that make pcb 
fabrication
machinery. These files a very simple ASCII text files.

In today's world, there is no 'extra charges' for SMT. 8mil lines with 8mil 
spaces is considered 'low tech'
nowadays (4mil/4mil is "high tech"). Analog boards with 12+mil lines is "a joke" 
to fab houses.

Paul S.