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.ch...@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 <shali...@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 >_______________________________________________ >time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com >To unsubscribe, go to >https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts >and follow the instructions there. -- Sent from my Moto-X wireless tracker while I do other things. _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts@febo.com To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.