[kwlug-disc] Cheap Custom PCBs Online

[Khalid Baheyeldin]

On a KWLUG thread, home etching custom PCBs was mentioned, back in the day using
ferric chloride.

Just like technology moved on companies that sell electronic parts,
the state of PCBs
changed too.

There are a lot of FABs that can make your custom PCB. Many require Gerber files
produced using EagleCAD, KiCAD (open source), or their own CAD program (e.g.
Fritzing).

Now, there is a purely online service with their own online designer
for PCBs, and
they provide the cheapest service available (from China of course). The quality
of the PCBs is very good. You can check some Youtube videos for examples.

Here is an example of a custom board (for a telescope controller).

https://easyeda.com/hdutton/OnStepMaxPCB-38b1d02b4071474997e19d99033d3f9e

Maybe useful to some here.

The user interface is a bit tedious for me, but that is because of my
general irrational aversion
to CAD style GUI programs.

I am starting to make my own telescope controller with EasyEDA (GPL
licensed), with much
cheaper components than the one above (~ $15 vs. $70+).
-- 
Khalid M. Baheyeldin
2bits.com, Inc.
Fast Reliable Drupal
Drupal optimization, development, customization and consulting.
Simplicity is prerequisite for reliability. -- Edsger W.Dijkstra
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. -- anonymous