31 Jul
2006
31 Jul
'06
2:27 p.m.
Don Y wrote:
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.
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.
-brad