Hello / PCB design and ordering in Australia - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: Calm7
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 09:55:56 am
content: First of all hello to everyone, as I'm new to EEVBlog Forum. New to this forum, new to Australia and newbie electronic hobbyist.Soon I will try to design and order my first PCB. From time to time I will be ordering some small amount, mostly for myself and my friends (so max. 3-10) pcs each. Thus wanted to get your advice: where you usually order - here in Australia or overseas? Any recommendations on particular service?Another topic I wanted to ask about is PCB design software. As said it will be purely for hobby usage, very small series and rather occasionally (maybe once per month ordering). Does it make sense to learn Eagle (in case hobby would become more and more serious) or for the beginning stick to EasyEDA or KiCad?Do I assume correctly that for small projects Eagle is free, but offers full functionality?EasyEDA is quite appealing, as I could order PCBs directly there. But I've heard some voices that libraries are not that complete.KiCad is free. But question if it comes with reasonable quality and usability?Thanks in advance for any advises and comments!

author: alexanderbrevig
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 10:34:38 am
content: Hello!I know nothing about Australia but I feel confident that you'd get the best price from overseas.Here's a nice service made by a member of this forum:http://pcbshopper.com/I would vote KiCAD as its free, open source and good enough for CERN.

author: sokoloff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 11:06:37 am
content: I found KiCad very usable and capable of doing way more than I'm capable of.At this point, I wouldn't consider Eagle as a new user (Autodesk situation).

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 11:44:13 am
content: Check out Dave's "How To Get A PCB Manufactured" video series for laying out a PCB and getting it manufactured.I've been usingDipTraceto layout my PCBs. It was very easy to learn and free.

author: jefflieu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 12:08:51 pm
content: I've used EasyEDA. They're good. Good support as well.The only problem with their library is that it is a bit messy since there's no standard way of naming or creating components. Everyone can create and share their components. So it's quite confusing when searching for components.But I find it it's easy to create symbols and footprints.They ship to Australia by SingaporePost which is also quick. It takes around 7 to 10 days.

author: Calm7
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 01:15:31 pm
content: Thanks for all prompt answers.Taking into consideration my planned volumes, I'm not so keen on getting cheaper service, but rather quick one and reasonable quality. I still have issues with calling 7-10 days delivery "quick". Is there any Australian PCB manufacturer I could use and get PCBs let's say in 3 days?

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 01:44:04 pm
content: Quote from: Calm7Gidday. I've been using OZ PCB companies for 40yrs, and finally moved to PCBWay app 1 year ago (I found them the better of the picks as per pcbshopper list).My last local supplier was PCBFast, 20mins away from me in SE Vic. He has anormal7 day delivery of app $400, then a 5 > 3 and a 1 DAY DELIVERY, which is approx$1,000+ for a small panel. In contrast, I get a 5-6 day delivery of 5+ complete designs, app 250-300 pcbs for ~$350-450I changed, after 40 yrs when my monthly cost went from $2,500 to ~$400 with 2x the PCBs. Don't get me wrong, PCBFast are nice people and do excellent work,but when you have multiple designs, prices go up dramatically. I used to use BEC in QLD for many years, they allowed infinite designs on a panel at no extra cost,but they're gone now. nb: PCBWay also have 4-5 day for an extra ~$30www.pcbfast.com.au

author: jefflieu
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 15, 2017, 11:46:06 pm
content: Quote from: Calm7 on May 15, 2017, 01:15:31 pmForgot to mention that 7 to 10 days start from submitting the order. They'll ship after 3 to 4 days.Since you posted in beginner, I thought it's for your hobby.... Making PCB in Australia would be difficult for hobbyists

author: Calm7
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 01:19:35 pm
content: Quote from: digsys on May 15, 2017, 01:44:04 pmMany thanks for comprehensive answer. However, from what you wrote, PCBfast seems much too big for my needs. At least for the moment.Quote from: jefflieu on May 15, 2017, 11:46:06 pmSeems so, and I start to understand that probably for small batches I will be forced to go overseas. In that case 7-10 days, including both manufacturing and delivery, sounds very much reasonable. Still - once you have your design completed, you want to have and try it ASAP, thus my initial hope that it can be done quicker locally.

author: IconicPCB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2017, 07:15:21 pm
content: We provide a 24 hour turnaround service from Brisbane for double sided work.Used to offer multilayer service as well but the cost of maintaining the process outweighed the benefit of supporting it. So no more multilayer service.We use Australia Post yellow satchel ( overnight service ) for delivery to capital and regional centers.

author: ansonbao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2017, 07:08:36 am
content: In my opinoin,You can learn KiCAD first.If you want to manufacture the boards oversea,you need to export the gerber file.Consider you are a newbie electronic hobbyist,you can try our sponsorshiphttps://www.pcbway.com/project/sponsor/,will help you save cost.