I’m eagerly awaiting my first Batch PCB order, but already have improved one of the designs I ordered. Its not a problem, because the new design is only 1 component less and still takes the same board area, so little saving.
It got me thinking though. All of the components I use are through hole, which I find limiting. To reduce the size of my project I need to go surface mount. Larger surface mount devices are possible with a small tip on my iron, but I want to use even smaller ones, such as BGAs.
Is there a service like Batch PCB for prototype PCB populating?
Expect to pay $100 or more per board. There are several other companies out there, but they cater to the professional engineer who can afford to pay for the service. I don’t believe there are any companies that target hobbyist - that is that charge very little for their service.
I know we had 25 small boards made for work recently, all they had was a PIC, ADC, in-amp, analogue switch, push button, LED and buzzer. They cost over £45 each, plus tooling fee. There where two mistakes made with choice of components, luckily he overcome them in the firmware.
I really should look at getting some equipment at work (then I can use it after hours).
