Making my own PCB

ToplessZ

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I'm planning on designing my own pcb . It's just a small 2x4 pcb, can any suggest a cheap company that can print them for me. I'm not looking to have them build a 100 or anything just like 10. I've googled around but I just wanted to see if anyone here has a certain company they use and how much they generally cost.
 
10? Make them yourself, or improvise on a breadboard. Having a pro shop do such a small run would be scary expensive.
 
well, I want them to look legit and professional enough to sell. So making them myself wont accomplish this. I only wanted 10 to start with but I may end up making a large number of them if it works out.

Basically I am making a Naomi Compact Flash adapter that is "similar" to the official sega naomi compact flash adapter .
 
How much does these usually run you?

Their pricing is mentioned in the FAQ: http://batchpcb.com/index.php/Faq#what_is_this_place

"$10 setup fee (per order - appears as a handling fee), 2 layer - $2.50/sq. inch 4 layer - $8.00/sq. inch"

You wouldn't want to use them for large production runs, but for prototypes and small quantities they're pretty cost effective. They usually send me more boards than I order too, so it works out to be cheaper than quoted. Last time I ordered 5 PCBs and they sent me 10.
 
well, I want them to look legit and professional enough to sell. So making them myself wont accomplish this. I only wanted 10 to start with but I may end up making a large number of them if it works out.

Basically I am making a Naomi Compact Flash adapter that is "similar" to the official sega naomi compact flash adapter .

This technique produces pretty professional results.
 
I've used ExpressPCB, and was quite pleased with the results. Traces were good, and it's through-hole plating.

You get three 2.5x4" two-sided boards for $51.

-Jim
 
Here's one of the boards from ExpressPCB.

wpid-IMG_20100827_213212.jpg


It's an arduino-type board that takes input from an RC receiver, and controls an invacare wheelchair base.

I actually laid-out two projects on one board, and cut them apart (which is why one edge is a bit rough).

I didn't bother with solder-mask, which is why it isn't green. I also accidentally swapped two pins, which is why there's some rework. All the traces/pads/holes are pre-tinned which makes soldering a lot easier.

-Jim
 
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I've used ExpressPCB, and was quite pleased with the results. Traces were good, and it's through-hole plating.

You get three 2.5x4" two-sided boards for $51.

-Jim

That's not too bad. Now is $51 the mininum or is that just for the boards you got? I was thinking a small PCB for an adaptor circuit for dumping DECO cassette tapes.
 
I used PCB Universe for these small Gottlieb Interface boards. Aside from it not arriving as fast as my local shop, the quality looked good and the price was reasonable.


100_3106.jpg
 
I like that one . My next issue is the schematic I have is Protel PCB format, it looks like most companies use the gerber format. Is there an easy way to convert a Protel to gerber? Or do you think most companies can use Protel as well?
 
I don't know about Protel, but you should be able to get a gerber file out of most CAD programs. Again I am going to point to Eagle, which I think has a size limit on its layout, but will output the gerbers most places accept.
 
I just checked and I can convert it from Protel to Gerber for you if you want. My OrCAD program can import Protel and then output Gerb files. PM me if you want me to do that for you.
 
I just checked and I can convert it from Protel to Gerber for you if you want. My OrCAD program can import Protel and then output Gerb files. PM me if you want me to do that for you.

awesome, I just might have to take you up on that. I gotta do some tweaking still first but Ill let you know.
 
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