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Components and Circuits For discussions about component types, alternatives and availability, circuit configurations and modifications etc. Discussions here should be of a general nature and not about specific sets. |
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20th May 2019, 11:25 am | #1 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 632
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Double sided PCB manufacture.
Back in the days when I worked in electronics, we had the full set up for producing double sided PCB's using UV etch resist film, and even had a roller tinning machine.
Sadly this is long since gone, and I have a pair of negatives for the PW Meon transverter, that I would like to make some more boards from. I really don't want to invest in all the kit to produce a few boards, and I was wondering if there are still companies out there who will provide this service, for, say a run of 5 boards ? TIA |
20th May 2019, 12:39 pm | #2 |
No Longer a Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia.
Posts: 2,679
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Most companies now can make pcb's from just a scan of the artwork. You do not need Gerber files or other pcb files. My pcb maker can simply capture jpg images with their software and convert that to an Altium file for example.
Here is an example of a circuit board with more than 65 IC's that was drawn just as a png and then a jpg, that was converted into a pcb file with the clever software tricks the pcb makers can now do: http://worldphaco.com/uploads/ARCADE_MINI-PONG.pdf Have a look at the pcb on page 14, its double sided plated through hole. Just check with the pcb maker what is the minimum file type they can use. Also, provided there is a single object on the board with some known pin spacing (like a DIL IC) the whole diagram is easily scaled to the correct size. |
21st May 2019, 11:01 am | #3 |
Heptode
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Posts: 632
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Thanks.
Saved myself a job. A ten-tec 1209 turned up on an internet auction site |
21st May 2019, 12:44 pm | #4 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: St Jean d'Angely, Charente-Maritime, France
Posts: 81
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Can anyone name a good pcb maker in the UK or mainland Europe?
Thanks |
21st May 2019, 1:46 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Forget the European or UK ones unless you want to spend £200 on a board and wait two weeks while they faff around and do nothing. China is where it's at. JLCPCB are pretty amazingly good and dirt cheap: https://www.jlcpcb.com/
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21st May 2019, 6:54 pm | #6 |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
I have used the Chinese makers, superb service, super boards and very cheap. They know their stuff and will communicate any queries very quickly.
Example... 5x 1" square double sided boards 0.8mm thick with solder resist and screen print. Five dollars the lot with 25 dollars postage by TNT (longer and cheaper available), arrived in 5 days!!! This was from PCBWay. Last edited by Guest; 21st May 2019 at 6:55 pm. Reason: Price! |
23rd May 2019, 5:22 pm | #7 |
Octode
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,782
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
I also use PCBWAY......Send them a gerber file and drill files..... produced and shipped within 2 days..DHL is a bit expensive.. but most convenient..... but if you use them more than once the TAX man gets involved with import duty.
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Should get out more. Regards Wendy G8BZY |
23rd May 2019, 7:13 pm | #8 | |
Guest
Posts: n/a
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
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24th May 2019, 1:04 am | #9 | |
Heptode
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester, UK.
Posts: 827
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
They are nowhere near as cheap as sending Gerber files to China, but for the first batch of "Sussex" PCBs, did etch-only, undrilled, no silkscreen from Swordholder's originally published .pdf for a price that compared well with buying materials for DIY. |
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24th May 2019, 2:00 am | #10 | |
Nonode
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Tintinara, South Australia, Australia
Posts: 2,324
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
For amateur radio kits and parts and assembled gear it's 8525600000 |
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24th May 2019, 5:07 pm | #11 | |
Heptode
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Gosport, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 597
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
Or do you mean a JPG of an already designed PCB? John
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GQRP Club 4704 - BVWS Member |
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24th May 2019, 5:42 pm | #12 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: St Jean d'Angely, Charente-Maritime, France
Posts: 81
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
I am designing a stereo preamp/control unit for the Hi/fi. Bob |
24th May 2019, 5:55 pm | #13 |
Octode
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,453
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
There's a program called Image to Gerber that converts .JPG or .PNG files to gerbers.
I can't vouch for it as I've never wanted large numbers of the same board making. |
24th May 2019, 6:48 pm | #14 |
Nonode
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Resolfen, Wales; and Bristol, England
Posts: 2,588
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
I have just ordered boards for a Wireless World Linsley Hood modular pre-amp. By some mistake I’ve ordered ten so if you want a couple send me a pm…
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Richard Index: recursive loop: see recursive loop |
24th May 2019, 7:39 pm | #15 | |
Octode
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Newbury, Berkshire, UK.
Posts: 1,770
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
https://www.pcbtrain.co.uk/products-and-services To date they have always been reliable and there is a sensible level of technical support.
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Chris |
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24th May 2019, 8:24 pm | #16 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: London, UK.
Posts: 3,687
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Even the cheapest 10 day turnaround from them is an order of magnitude more expensive than JLCPCB
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24th May 2019, 9:28 pm | #17 |
Nonode
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Resolfen, Wales; and Bristol, England
Posts: 2,588
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Ouch! 20x the price…
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Richard Index: recursive loop: see recursive loop |
25th May 2019, 9:21 pm | #18 | |
Octode
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Liss, Hampshire, UK.
Posts: 1,870
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
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25th May 2019, 11:17 pm | #19 | |
Dekatron
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 4,941
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
Quote:
I tried hard to find a UK supplier. PCBtrain quoted £400 for ten day turnround for the same boards I got for $30 (plus $27 for DHL, and a tenner for VAT and clearance - so fifty quid for five boards) from China. And Cleveland's quoting system requires you to estimate how many per annum you might order before quoting for prototype quantity. The UK board houses need to wake up. Craig |
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30th May 2019, 7:14 pm | #20 |
Tetrode
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: St Jean d'Angely, Charente-Maritime, France
Posts: 81
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Re: Double sided PCB manufacture.
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