Trouble ordering from 4PCB

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sturnfie
 
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Trouble ordering from 4PCB

Post by sturnfie »

Hi all,

This is my first time ordering PCB boards, so I am hoping my trouble is from a lack of understanding (and that someone here can help me out).

I am attempting to place an order for RC1a using the pre-tiled gerber files that the little lady put together. My problem is, I can't figure out how to successfully do this. 4PCB seems to require that I go through their FreeDFM thing first, but I am having trouble accurately labeling each of the files in the Gerber zip file.

I am assuming every piece of information they need is included in these files.....is there a conversion I am supposed to do prior to sending in the files?

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EDIT: FreeDFM not FreeDRM (albeit ironic, no?)

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sturnfie
 
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Post by sturnfie »

There is another thread on this topic: http://www.ladyada.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3182

The recommended solution was to contact a sales rep.

As for my own attempts, I got FreeDFM to accept the files and am waiting to hear back on a report. I found the information I "needed" using Gerbview and wikipedia:


http://www.softwarecompanions.com/gerbview.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerber_File

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sturnfie
 
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Post by sturnfie »

The report I got back when using www.4PCB.com indicated that it would cost me $400 a unit for a single unit, or $135 each for 3!!! Tooling costs aside, that was a bit more than what I would find reasonable.

Luckly, www.33each.com was mentioned, and although it seems to be the same company, I was able to get 3 sets of the boards for $114.

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budzeg
 
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Post by budzeg »

hey stunfie pls can you tell me the dimensions you put for the board while ordering on 33each?
thanks

MightyGuru
 
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Post by MightyGuru »

I used 82mm x 210mm. FYI - 33each gave me a hassle with having all 4 boards in one. They wanted to charge me an extra $50. After speaking with a sales rep. he waived the fee and approved the order. So far they have been excellent to work with.

ewo
 
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Post by ewo »

sturnfie,

1. What did you come up with for the file descriptions?

I just came across this project and have been trying to order the PCB boards through www.33each.com. I didn't find the answers in the webpages you posted.

2. Are the files on the website ready to be sent to 33each as is, or do they need to be converted?

I tried calling the 1-800 # but was sent back to the webpage.

3. I am using the 4" by 12.8 inch dimensions. Is this correct?

4. Does anyone have a screen shot of their order for the PCB boards and components?

MightyGuru
 
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Post by MightyGuru »

1 - File extensions:

Software: Eagle File Extension Description
cmp Top Copper
sol Bottom Copper
stc Top Soldermask
sts Bottom Soldermask
plc Top Silkscreen
pls Bottom Silkscreen
drd NC Drill

Software: Orcad File Extension Description
top Top Copper
bot Bottom Copper
smt Top Soldermask
smb Bottom Soldermask
sst Top Silkscreen
ssb Bottom Silkscreen
thruhole.tap NC Drill

Software: Protel File Extension Description
gtl Top Copper
gbl Bottom Copper
gts Top Soldermask
gbs Bottom Soldermask
gto Top Silkscreen
gbo Bottom Silkscreen
drl NC Drill

2 - The files can be sent as-is

3 - Per my previous post: 82mm(3.23") X 210mm(8.27")

4 - no

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treepcb
 
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Re: Trouble ordering from 4PCB

Post by treepcb »

We supply one stop pcb&pcba service, our professional and skilled team will work out time critical,high performance pcb&pcba solutions quickly after understanding your specific requests.

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