[time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.

wb6bnq wb6bnq at cox.net
Fri Aug 12 14:22:42 UTC 2016


Hi Didier,

I use ExpressPCB as well, but I send the ExpressPCB file to a company 
called Futurlec
( http://www.futurlec.com/PCBService.shtml ).  They have reasonable 
prices.  Because it is overseas it takes about three weeks to get the 
product back.  So far I have been very impressed with the product I 
recieved.  I have even had notches done in the four corners to fit a 
plastic box that came out very well.

Also, There is a person who started to write his own version  of layout 
program based off of the ExpressPCB program called  "Copper 
Connection."  (  http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/index.html )  
It is a bit more involved than the ExpressPCB program and does have 
GERBER files as a selection.  However he charges for the program but it 
seems the prices are reasonable ( 
http://www.robotroom.com/CopperConnection/Buy.html ).

73....Bill....WB6BNQ


Didier Juges wrote:

>The way ExpressPCB works is that their free software produces boards in a proprietary format, and you have to pay to convert their design file to Gerber.
>
>Your mileage may vary but I found the combination of design tools learning curve, board quality and quick service to be worthwhile to me.
>
>I have tried Eagle twice and never could manage to build the models I needed. It may have been an issue of not finding the right tutorial but I have produced several ExpressPCB designs in less time than I have tried (unsuccessfully) to produce a single schematic in Eagle, let alone a PWB. Since it is a hobby that has become a business, time matters to me, design time and delivery.
>
>At that point, the cost of the Gerber becomes somewhat irrelevant.
>
>Note that you can make boards of any size in ExpressPCB.
>
>I am not advocating it is the best solution for everyone, I personally would like to be proficient with Eagle, but Express PCB works for me.
>
>Didier KO4BB
>
>
>
>
>On August 11, 2016 10:45:45 PM CDT, Chris Albertson <albertson.chris at gmail.com> wrote:
>  
>
>>This seems totally backwards.  Typically a Gerber file is something
>>you make yourself on your computer then send it in for a prototype.
>>Seems odd to buy them.
>>
>>I checked ExpressPCB prices and they are very high.  I can get PCBs
>>made quickly in the US for $3 per square inch, shipping included with
>>$9 minimum order.  And  you don't buy the Gerbers.
>>
>>I notice ExpressPCB offers free software.  But it is totally
>>non-standard and you can't use it for anything other then for their
>>service.  Most people needing free PCB software use Eagle, some use
>>Kicad or some others.  But Eagle seems to be kind of a universal
>>standard.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>On Thu, Aug 11, 2016 at 8:55 AM, Didier Juges <shalimr9 at gmail.com>
>>wrote:
>>    
>>
>>>I concur. I have been using ExpressPCB extensively over the last 2
>>>      
>>>
>>years
>>    
>>
>>>with great satisfaction now that it is possible to get Gerber files
>>>      
>>>
>>from
>>    
>>
>>>them.
>>>I typically use the mini board pro service (3 bare boards, 2 sided
>>>      
>>>
>>with
>>    
>>
>>>solder mask and silk screen) for prototypes and then buy the Gerbers
>>>      
>>>
>>-- 
>>
>>Chris Albertson
>>Redondo Beach, California
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>>
>
>  
>




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