Hand drawn PCB manufacture

Started by trjones1, March 27, 2011, 02:34:02 PM

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R.G.

Look here:
http://www.4pcb.com/free-pcb-layout-software/
Haven't used it, but they say they give you Gerber files after your first order, instead of trying to hook you forever to them. Apparently they are only trying to trap you into a first order.

Gerber files are the industry standard. Gerber lets you order from any supply house. Want freedom? Get Gerber.

Perhaps the best option you have is to convince someone who can do layouts on gerber-producing software to do a retrace/relay of your hand layout. I have done this (no, sorry, can't do this one, not enough time) and it's trivially easy to reproduce an existing layout from a picture by entering it into a layout system. Couple hours max for simple hand drawn designs. Perhaps the liberal application of some foaming mental lubricant to a new friend who does layouts would work.  :icon_biggrin:
R.G.

In response to the questions in the forum - PCB Layout for Musical Effects is available from The Book Patch. Search "PCB Layout" and it ought to appear.

Steve Mavronis

Consider the ExpressPCB $51 Miniboard option. You can fit a couple same or different PCB layouts within a 3.8"x2.5" space and cut them out yourself later. You don't have to use more than one bottom layer for your design or use the top layer as a psuedo silkscreen in tin plated copper:

> 2 or 4 layer boards
> Tin/lead plating
> Board size must be 3.8 x 2.5 inches  
> Fast manufacturing  
> $51 for three 2-layer boards, $98 for three 4-layer boards  

But I just use their software and haven't used their board making service. I print my single sided layouts to to PDF and get my own made by a family member, electroplated tinned and all.
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