I thought I’d try Advanced Circuits Barebones PCB prototype service, as they are comparable to BatchPCB in cost for my quantity, and they say they deliver so much faster.
I created my gerber files with the sfe-gerb274x CAM file. When I uploaded them to AC, it said some of them were in a 274D format instead of 274X. It also wanted me to identify which file was what.
Is that normal for AC? I’ve only ever used BatchPCB, which really does do a good job of being newbie friendly. I’ve searched for a CAM file specifically for AC, but I didn’t find one.
BTW, I need QTY 6 of 1.3 x 1.95 inch 2-sided boards. So if I’m barking up a sub-optimal tree, please set me straight.
The Pulsonix software I use generates Gerber files with names like:
Fred(Top).gbr
Fred(Bottom).gbr
Fred(Silkscreen Top).gbr
No PCB supplier I’ve used has had any problems with them, and they are very easy to understand. I’ve always found the standard Eagle ones to be rather confusing.
The SparkFun CAM file uses Protel file extensions, except for the drill file, rather than the standard Eagle ones. When you have your CAM file loaded you can change your file name/extension.
It looks like Pulsonix naming convention is not supported at all at Advanced Circuits Barebones, but I am sure Pulsonix could be changed to generate gerbers to any convention.