2nd YAPP in production - Seatalk to USB

[nigelmercier]

There's enough interest to get a second batch of PCBs made now which I will order tomorrow. It takes 3 weeks for them to arrive, so I'll bounce this back up when they do.

Who do you use?

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Who do you use?

All the information here for getting PCBs from ITead using DesignSpark as the CAD package...


http://store.iteadstudio.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_20

In DesignSpark pcb editor...

Output|Manufacturing Plots
Tick...
Top Silkscreen
Top Copper
Top Solder Mask
Bottom Copper
Bottom Silkscreen
Bottom Solder Mask
Drill Data - Through Hole

Select Top Copper
Choose Layers Tab
Set [Board Outline] to Y

Select Drill Data - Through Hole
Choose Output Tab|Device Setup
Untick Separate Files for plated and unplated holes
OK

Click Run
Delete .txt and .mop files

Gerber files needed for 2-layer PCB boards:

Top layer: pcbname.GTL
Bottom layer: pcbname.GBL
Solder Stop Mask top: pcbname.GTS
Solder Stop Mask Bottom pcbname.GBS
Silk Top: pcbname.GTO
Silk Bottom pcbname.GBO
NC Drill: pcbname.TXT

Send gerber files to ITead.
Order number should be mentioned in e-mail subject.
Gerber files for one design must be zipped into one file.

 

[nigelmercier]

All the information here for getting PCBs from ITead using DesignSpark as the CAD package...
http://store.iteadstudio.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=19_20
...

I was going to suggest http://www.pcb-pool.com/ppuk/order_productconfiguration_js.html#00 but your guys look cheaper. Pity they don't accept native DesignSpark PCB files though.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

PCB-Pool cost for 12 2-layer 50mm x 50mm boards with double sided silkscreen and solder mask, 3 week lead time...£382

ITead studio for the same...£9.20 including delivery.

Lummy! I think I will be happy creating Gerbers to save £370. The cost of the board alone would be £32 each for YAPPs.

 

[nigelmercier]

Lummy! I think I will be happy creating Gerbers to save £370...

Didn't realise the price was that much higher. Might be worth contacting ITS and ask if they have plans for DSPCB support, it's getting very popular.

I normally make my own SS boards, but I'll give them a try.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Didn't realise the price was that much higher. Might be worth contacting ITS and ask if they have plans for DSPCB support, it's getting very popular.

Creating the Gerbers in DS takes seconds now I've figured out the above procedure. It takes longer to rename the files to those required by ITS, but I have a batch file for that.

 

[nigelmercier]

Creating the Gerbers in DS takes seconds now I've figured out the above procedure. It takes longer to rename the files to those required by ITS, but I have a batch file for that.

Yes, thanks for that. Any chance of a copy of the batch file?

I've just seen a snag. I've created custom designs for most of the components I use, none of which have a solder mask

 

[AngusMcDoon]

This works if you call your PCB design file schematic.pcb...

ren "schematic - Top Copper.gbr" pcbname.GTL
ren "schematic - Bottom Copper.gbr" pcbname.GBL
ren "schematic - Top Solder Mask.gbr" pcbname.GTS
ren "schematic - Bottom Solder Mask.gbr" pcbname.GBS
ren "schematic - Top Silkscreen.gbr" pcbname.GTO
ren "schematic - Bottom Silkscreen.gbr" pcbname.GBO
ren "schematic - Drill Data - Through Hole.drl" pcbname.TXT

I've created some custom footprints for some components and have never done a solder mask layer. I guess Design Spark knows that pads should not have a solder mask over them and everything else should. You could always just give one a go. It's only £9.20 for a 50mm x 50mm order.

 

[nigelmercier]

This works if you call your PCB design file schematic.pcb...

ren "schematic - Top Copper.gbr" pcbname.GTL
....

Oooh! That looks like a challenge to add batch parameters using %1

Do they actually need the files to be called "pcbname.*" to me that means it is only the extension that matters, the rest is the PCB name.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Oooh! That looks like a challenge to add batch parameters using %1

Do they actually need the files to be called "pcbname.*" to me that means it is only the extension that matters, the rest is the PCB name.

1) Update and repost!

2) I doubt it. Have a look on their website.