[sdiy] did anybody use PCBcart.com manufacturing service?

[Tony Clark]

> OK, so you all have me interested in Advanced circuits now
> (http://www.4pcb.com/instant_quote/), I want to see if they are cheaper
> than Suntone (http://www.sunstone.com/) who I currently use.
>
> But when I try to register, it never sends me name/password email. Tried
> a couple of times now. (nothing in the spam folder either...)
>
> Anyone else have issues?

   I tried to get a quote from Advanced Circuits once.  Like you, I use
Sunstone (PCBExpress).  Their (AC's) prices seemed to be much better
for less-than-panel sized runs, but I found out that what seemed like a
good deal, really wasn't.  But this is mostly due to my unique way of
running circuit boards.
   I prefer to do panelized job runs to maximize effective use of area. 
Most board houses charge more for smaller boards, less for larger
boards.  So I usually try to make a larger board out of smaller ones to
get a better rate.  This is extremely cost effective as I routinely fit
upwards of 30 different circuit boards on a full sized 12x14 panel!  A
few times I have run small adapter boards, I can fit literally
hundreds.
   Unfortunately the last time I checked (sometime last year, I think),
Advanced Circuits refuses to do multi-image panelized jobs on their
quick-turn prototype level service.  Sunstone, however, has no problem
with this.  Not only that, but you can also use board perforation
schemes to do complex contours and cutouts which normally can't be done
on a prototype or quick-turn service (usually you can't get board
routing on proto runs).
   For those reasons, I will be sticking with Sunstone.  Their quality has
been top notch, they save me a ton of money, and I get my boards in 3
days.
Not much else I could ask for, except maybe SN100CL HASL and 5/16" drill
size...

   Cheers,

   Tony

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