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.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
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