31 Jul
2006
31 Jul
'06
3:07 p.m.
Brad Parker wrote:
Don Y wrote:
Sure. "Therapeutic" to some degree.
Nowadays, with 3 day boards (order *one*...
they'll probably
make 3 - 6 and GIVE you the others! :> ) it's easier to get
the design out of the way early and spend those few days
getting together the components you'll need, etc.
I have to agree. I used to make boards (long ago) with a light
sensitive resist, negatives and a tank, and I'd drill the holes and cut
the boards, etc... it was a huge pain and a huge mess. And mind you I
enjoyed it at the time (but it was still a huge pain). The results were ok, sometimes even nice, but not as good as what I can
get today.
I use pcbexpress and 4pcb (advanced) and others and you just can't beat
the price.
I do little 2 layer boards all the time for customers and they cost $99
for 4-6 boards depending on the size. I don't think I could buy the raw
boards and the chemicals for less than that. And the time... well.
If you want "bragging rights" (i.e. to say you've done it), then
rational arguments are useless. ;-) But, it's sort of like
mowing the lawn when you are a kid; the first time is *cool*.
After that, you quickly understand why they call them CHORES! :>
And, I just don't have time to live without plated
vias anymore, to be
honest :-) maybe I've just gone soft, but I could never get the press on
letters to look as good as they do now with CAD.
it is possible I just love the magic of emailing a file and having the
UPS man deliver finished boards. it's just so nice and clean.
I'd just rather spend my time doing something *creative* instead
of mundane! :-/ I've got *really* nice wirewrap tools -- sitting
in a box in the garage! :>