So I recently made a PCB order from pcbway.com of the 3 different boards for the UniSolder 5.2 (
http://dangerousprototypes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=7218)
I was originally going to order the full panel design, but then found out by ordering them as individual boards, it would literally cost 1/3 the price, and I had no specific need for the panels. I must say, the price and speed was both surprising, got 10 of each of the 3 boards, shipped to the US, for $35 total, and it took just about 1 week to get here (give or take a day). Sadly, after a quick inspection, I think either 9, or probably all 10 of the main front panel board appears to have a fatal flaw (at least fatal as far as I know). Basically, one of the rows of connectors for one of the smaller/denser microchips has at least 2 of the connectors merged together completely (sorry if I am using incorrect terminology, please correct me, will do my best to get it right in the future then). So far this was the only obvious flaw I found on that specific board. Sadly, the OLED board also had a similar issue... though I think not as severe, and only a few of the boards had it (at least it appears like I have a few that should work fine)... and considering I def don't need 10, that's not the end of the world (As long as I am correct, and these ones are functional). The 1 piece of good news, the 3rd board, the back, does not have any obvious flaws (to my untrained eyes).
Sadly, I don't have a good microscope to get a real good look at them, or take any highly zoomed in photos.... but I am currently seriously considering getting an Amscope, something along the lines of an SM-4TP (with no frills initially, tho might get a different stand than the standard). After having this problem, I am much more motivated to forking up the cash for the Amscope.
I'll attach a photo or 2 to show my issues/concerns, just in case I am not describing them correctly.... also in case I am wrong, and that there is a way to salvage these boards.
While it would be great news if I can salvage them, whether I can or I can't, I'm wondering if there are easy ways to prevent this kind of problem on future orders. This order I used all the default settings on pcbway (aside from changing the PCB to black, though I am assuming PCB color is irrelevant). As far as I was told, the default settings should have been good enough for the UniSolder board design, and there were no issues brought up during pcbway's audit of the design. Also, this is obviously a heavily tested design, not some prototype of my own that no one has successfully built yet. So I am thinking it's safe to assume that the problem was either my fault in the way I ordered, or just pcbway's fault in the way the built the boards.
Are there any adjustments on the PCB order form that would likely prevent this problem?.... ie. different surface finish... or min tracking/spacing, etc.
Thanks in advance for the help, was definitely disappointed, if I had 2 of each board without problems I'd be happy enough for now... but with none of the main board, at the best, I'm set back a week on this project, likely even longer.