> Ahh - Russell - I also live in NZ
>

It's been a while since I did any PCB making myself so my asnwers don't
nevessarily reflect current status BUT should be a good guide. I tend to use
the Circuit Graphics protoype service in Auckland. Not as cheap as doing it
yourself but reasonable value for money - especially if you can combine  a
number of designs onto an A3 panel. A3 is better value than A4 overall but
both are dear for single one offs.

> 1. In what form do you submit your artwork JPG, BMP etc

Depends on the photo house.
The best ones will accept Gerber which many PCB packages produce. If you are
producing artwork from an "art" or drawing package or scanning it in then
they will certainly accept one or more standard image formats. TIF is
arguably the most unoiversal due to its lossless storage. Ask who you use
what they want - converting from what you produce to anything else can
usually be done with a free utility. (The marvellous free Irfanview will
handle most www.irfanview.com).

> 2. What is the name of the photo house you use?

I used Compucolour in auckland (357 6234) who were excellent but I think
they may no longer offer this service. They charged $10 for an A4 sheet with
internet submission and a 4 hour turn around (sometimes as little as 2). I
have also used a company in Lansford Crescent in Avondale when I got some
PCB work done by Advanced Circuits. They would probably be happy to tell you
who they use.

> 3 Were do you get your presensitised pcb's from?

I got Riston coated board from a local PCB supplier (probably Circuit
Graphic afair). Cut to size and on single or double sided board. I was
surprised that they were happy to do this as it was in competition with
their prototype service but they didn't seem to mind at all. Prices were
good compared to small volume PCB material sourcing elsewhere. They don't
make any great money on prototypes I imagine so others may also be happy to
do this.

> I guess most photo developers would be able to create a negative.

There are many photographic companies who serve industrial needs (advertsing
and other) and thgey are probably your best targets - yellow pages.


        Russell McMahon

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