> Jeff Kroll wrote

> I was planning to etch the board myself
> using the iron on transfers so I would appreciate any comments from people
> who have tried that also.

Use this only if your time in not worth a lot.
You can generate the gerber files in the cad package of your choice
ftp them to ap circuits in canada   (www.apcircuits.com)
and have excellent quality double sided, plated through,
boards in 3 days.  about $50 artwork and then about 0.60/sq inch.
This is way better than trying to do it yourself.
they have a new user file to download that explains all the details.
If you only need single side and are not looking for quite as high
quality and not quite so fast (5 days)
then try ep circuits in canada.  They don't have FTP site so you have
to call canada and use their BBS.
They will ship via priority mail rather than Fedex if you are
concerned about cost and are not in a hurry.

As far as PCB layout program, I currently use AMS
it isn't bad but crashes my win95 system regularly.
reasonable cost, not bad for 2 sided.  Don't expect any support.

hope this helps,
Gary Skinner   gskinner@csd.net
Electronic Solutions, Inc.
design of custom electronic controls