PCB Metro Map - Hackdot

Re:PCB Metro Map by exmadscientist on Sunday September 19, 2021 @11:12PM (#28590049)

Pulling back soldermask is a useful trick to know if anyone's trying to do something like this themselves. It's another bit to play with: twice the number of visually distinct areas! And if you're willing to pay for multilayer boards, having different copper structures on layer 2 and (N-1) can create really interesting lighting effects.

And never use JLCpcb if you care about quality silk.

Still, nice project!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:PCB Metro Map by contingencies on Monday September 20, 2021 @06:27PM (#28599855)

JLC "have" multiple factories, ie. they outsource board production to one of a number of third parties. You are mostly exposed to this with boards that do not have SMT components, since AFAIK SMT will automatically route your PCB to the SMT-capable PCBA (one factory only).

I am really nonplussed with them recently for a number of reasons and have begun to reach out to PCBAs here in China independently. As I would prefer to have a decent frontend for handing off work (quote, pay, support, etc.) I hacked one together last night. Let me know here if anyone else would like such a service. Ideally you pick your own PCBA and both parties communicate via the platform. Conceptually reputation should accrue with volume, with turnaround times and quality issues recorded publicly.

[ Parent | on HN ]