[time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.

Tom Miller tmiller11147 at verizon.net
Fri Aug 12 12:28:06 EDT 2016


Bill, that is a great deal for $99 for the full package. Very easy to use 
and learn.

Thanks for the link.

Regards,
Tom
WA3PZI



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "wb6bnq" <wb6bnq at cox.net>
To: "Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement" 
<time-nuts at febo.com>
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2016 10:22 AM
Subject: Re: [time-nuts] Working with SMT parts.


> 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
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>time-nuts mailing list -- time-nuts at febo.com
>>>To unsubscribe, go to
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>>>and follow the instructions there.
>>>
>>
>>
>
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