[sdiy] Where do I go to have PCBs made?

[John Luciani]

On 8/1/07, Sam Ecoff <secoff at execpc.com> wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> O.k.... so I have another big old noobie question. Adam's incredible
> WSG demo got me itching to build one of my own, but thus far, I've
> only built stuff when I could just order a finished PCB. So... the
> question now becomes, what do I need to do to get some PCBs made?
> Some kind soul (Lorenzo) did a layout which is available on Ray's
> site (http://www.musicfromouterspace.com/analogsynth/YOUR_FIRST_SYNTH/
> YOUR_FIRST_SYNTH.html). So... here are my specific questions:
>
> 1. Can someone recommend a vendor in the US who could make a PCB for me?

I have been using PCB Express (http://www.pcbexpress.com).
They will be more expensive for small quantities of boards
but have always produced excellent quality boards.

I typically do a 12"x14" panel with multiple circuits and cut the
boards using either a bandsaw or hacksaw. For a 12"x14" panel their
prices are good. Not all vendors allow you to panelize PCBs.

A few more notes at --
http://www.luciani.org/getting-it-done/getting-it-done-index.html


> 2. I know that there are several options available when ordering
> PCBs, phrases I don't yet understand like solder mask, silkscreen (I
> assume that's the white lettering like R1, R2, etc. I see on most
> boards?) So what I'm wondering is which options do I need?

Silkscreen refers to the marking ink. Soldermask is a coating used to
prevent solder from adhering to places you don't want it. For a
prototype that is not too dense you could live without soldermask or
silkscreen. For your final boards it is nice to have.

> 3. I don't have EAGLE or any other layout software, so at the moment
> I'm left using what's already available. I'm open to purchasing a
> package at some point down the road, but I simply can't afford it
> right now.

I have been using gEDA/PCB (http://www.luciani.org/geda/geda-index.html)
Pictures of some of the boards that I have done with this software are at
http://www.luciani.org/works-in-progress/works-in-progress-index.html
and my PCB footprint library is at
http://www.luciani.org/geda/pcb/pcb-footprint-list.html

I use gEDA on Linux. I believe that it works on OS/X. I am not sure
about Windows.

(* jcl *)

-- 
http://www.luciani.org