>-----Original Message-----
>From: Edward Cooper [mailto:edpgc@DSL.PIPEX.COM]
>Subject: [EE:] My first PCB production

>I'm about to order a couple of PCBs from Olimex, this is the first time
>ever I've done this, and just wondered what the common mistakes maybe?
>Does anyone have a link to a website with helpful hints?  I've looked
>at the Olimex site which seems quite helpful just looking for any other
>suggestions is Olimex a good idea for a beginner like me?
>
>I've used Eagle and am not entirely sure what format is best to send
>them too, they mention taking eagle files directly, those who use
>Olimex, what format do you use?
>
>The double sided boards, will they look like professionally mad boards,
>ie with an insulating mask over the traces, and a silk screen of all
>the stuff i've written in Ealge on the front?
>
>Sorry if anyone feels these questions are answered in help or online
>files, I just want to hear some personal feedback from anyone who have
>used Olimex or similar to make their first PCB recently!  I just don't
>want to throw away money or look like an idiot....
>
>Thanks for any help.


I recently used Olimex for the first time, and this is probably only the
third or fourth time I've had boards made anywhere. I'll try to address=20
your questions first.

Olimex offers lots of good suggestions on their site. the time spent =
reading
it is well spent.
I sent them Eagle files directly.
The board quality was excellent (by my own standard anyway) and included
solder mask and silk screen.. though the resolution on the silk screen =
is=20
limited. There is a ULP that might help, or you can pay a few extra =
dollars=20
to get your silk screen "fixed" to wider lines.

Watch your drill sizes.. every drill size not in the "default" rack will =
cost
extra. It can take a lot of part editing to get them all to the olimex =
standard.

I am in the US, and the cheapest method of shipping took WAY longer than =
they=20
estimated, and no tracking was available. I will definetly spend more =
for shipping
next time.

I am a happy Olimex customer, and expect to do more with them in the =
future. Just
watch your drill sizes and understand that the silkscreen is a bit =
low-res. For
myself, I don't mind paying a few extra dollars to get extra drills =
and/or
getting their help fixing the silk layer.

Somewhere on their site they specify exactly which layers are used from =
Eagle for
top, bottom, silk, and mask. by displaying only those layers, you should =
be able
to check your work before sending it off.

Print a copy of the board and make sure all your parts fit.. Better to =
measure twice

Have Fun,
Lyle

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