Carl Denk wrote:
> I will have 3 boards, 2 sided, to be etched and drilled, will be looking 
> for 3 or 4 copies of each board. I have Autocad
> that I have been working on the prototype boards which I have etched 
> with moderate results using the laser printer iron on method. I would 
> like to try having the boards fabricated out. Maximum size is 4" square. 
> This is in the USA.
> 
> 1: Suggestions on software to either convert the Autocad to Gerber and 
> drill files, or use some other software to start with.

I like Eagle; it can do 4" square in the free version, is not too hard 
to learn, and is popular among hobbyists.

ViewMate is a free Gerber viewer from pentalogix.com that might be 
useful in doing a direct conversion.  It imports from a lot of different 
file types, including BMP; I don't see DXF listed, but maybe it can use 
something that Autocad can export.

> 2: Suggestions on a house to fabricated the boards, including ones to 
> stay away from.

I use Advanced Circuits.  They're not the cheapest, but they're high 
quality, very reliable, excellent service, made in the USA, and fast. 
(Plus they include free popcorn.)  Their weak point is ordering, from a 
hobbyist perspective - there are several different "front door" web 
sites you have to choose from if you want to get the best price on a 
small quantity.  If you don't need silk screen or solder mask, their 
barebonespcb.com site is cheapest and very fast.  If you do, their "3 
for $33" at 33each.com is the cheapest.  For more than 3 or 4, their 
standard prototype service may start to be cheaper.  I wish they would 
just roll this all together into one form, but there it is.

Hope that helps.
-- 
Timothy J. Weber
http://timothyweber.org
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