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PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:05 pm
by 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

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:13 pm
by 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.

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:18 pm
by 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.

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:27 pm
by 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

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:30 pm
by 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.

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 1:45 pm
by DoG
I use free version of EAGLE but I have KiCAD as well. I use JLCPCB.

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:00 pm
by 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 :D

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:19 pm
by Steve
beel1 wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:00 pm 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 :D
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?

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:59 pm
by beel1
Steve wrote: Fri Jul 24, 2020 2:19 pm 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 ;)

Re: PCB manufacturing and software recommends

Posted: Fri Jul 24, 2020 3:10 pm
by Steve
oh that is so good, I'll check if they have a uk local service too. thx