Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "flyrgeorge" <jfritz@n...> wrote:
> Hi All,
> 
> Does anyone have a recommendation for a panelize software?  I did a 
> search for panelize, software, and checked the links section but 
> couldn't find any mention.
> 
> I am using EAGLE and would like to take advantage of Olimex's 
> http://www.olimex.com/pcb/index.html (click on the second choice on 
> the left, double side) free panelization offer.  I have 3 boards that 
> I would like to join the artwork together and submit to Olimex as one 
> 160 mm x 100 mm board.  They even depanelize for no additional 
> charge.  3 boards for 26 USD is a great price.  All I need to do is 
> join the artwork.  Thanks for your help.
> 
> John


You don't need to do that.

Olimex will put the board together for you, even if they are in
separate files. All you have to do is include a picture of how the
boards fit into the standard panel. I think they want you to name it
"PANELIZE.JPG" or something like that, or include a note when you
submit the quote.

The panelization and cut-apart service is another reason Olimex
completely destroys all other competition, at least on price. The only
drawback is initially setting up your account with someone in
Bulgaria, especially if you can't find a fax machine that does
international calls. I ended up putting a scan of the quote form on a
password-protected area of my web site, calling the guy and telling
him where to get the scan and what the remaining numbers of my credit
card were. That was a bit of trouble too, my cell phone won't do
international calls so I had to bounce through a Yahoo phone card
account to Bulgaria, and then had to work pretty hard to overcome the
language barrier. But it's all good now.