PCB manufacturing and software recommends

[Steve]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of designing some of my own PCBs and would like any recommendations for small scale pcb ordering & good choices of suitable pcb design software I could use (nothing too hard-core, easy to use)

Cheers,
Steve

[exxos]

I use a old version of Eagle, I wrote some guides for it also. Though IMO Ki-Cad is probably what I would go with now as its open source software.

Most people now use JLC for PCBs, though service & support is pretty dire (get what you pay for I guess) . If you want good service I have used http://www.jetek-pcb.com/ a lot. They will check boards properly, offer advice on making them cheaper etc They only use properly certified glad boards etc.

[rubber_jonnie]

I've used PCBWay and they were very good, I had my order in 7 days including a weekend.

I got a voucher on signup, so my first oder was free, I just had to pay shipping.

[Steve]

Thanks guys, awesome Ki-Cad, I love open source & I use Linux so this is perfect! Cheers

Okay, I'll check these businesses out, thx a lot for the advice. ;D

[PaulJ_2.0]

Yeah Ki-cad is great, it's become fantastic.
I personally use JLCPCB, the board quality is great, but as mentioned, the support isn't the best.

[DoG]

I use free version of EAGLE but I have KiCAD as well. I use JLCPCB.

[beel1]

I used KiCAD v4 and JLCPCB, worked great for a quite simple board (0805 & SOIC packages). No problems with LCSC too to source parts.
I'm working with KiCAD v5 since yesterday

[Steve]

I used KiCAD v4 and JLCPCB, worked great for a quite simple board (0805 & SOIC packages). No problems with LCSC too to source parts.
I'm working with KiCAD v5 since yesterday

LCSC you say? Cool. That is another thing - in the past I've always ordered from mouser or farnell, but usually I need to wait until I have a large enough order to justify the postage and handling charge. Are there any other suppliers, perhaps local, that are more cost effective for smaller orders?

[beel1]

LCSC you say? Cool. That is another thing - in the past I've always ordered from mouser or farnell, but usually I need to wait until I have a large enough order to justify the postage and handling charge. Are there any other suppliers, perhaps local, that are more cost effective for smaller orders?

I don't know for other countries but in France, the hobbyist version of RS has free shipping when placing an order on week-ends
https://www.rs-particuliers.com/
This is not the complete catalog of RS (products difficult to export such as chemicals are missing) but SKUs are the same, so are the VAT-included prices

[Steve]

oh that is so good, I'll check if they have a uk local service too. thx