ExpressPCB

[Wimberleytech]

I have used ExpressPCB off and on for widgets and stuff for years.  Simple, quick, and good quality.

For a little over a year, I have been doing my own widget PCBs using toner transfer method.  I have gotten pretty good at it but would never attempt anything large.  And...I only do single sided.  But, I use ExpressPCB software to do the layout and then print and FAB.

Lately, I have started using Fritzing.  Wow, what an amazing little tool with a shallow learning curve.  I have also used the Aisler service to fab some PCBs.  They are incredible quality and cheap.  I just ordered three boards for $26.  Silkscreen...solder mask...excellent quality.

Anyway...back to ExpressPB--
Today, I checked their website to see if there were any changes lately.  Yes, they have ExpressPCB Plus.  It is an upgrade of their layout software.  I downloaded, installed.  Yes it is an upgrade.  Basically the same capabilities but a 21st century UI.  But here is the interesting thing...

If you order their miniboard service using Plus software, it costs $10 more ($51 versus $41).  Really??

I will probably still use ExpressPCB when I am in a hurry and need double sided.  But the rest of my proto goes via Fritzing and Aisler.

If I ever get to the point of needing some volume, I will try out one of vendors that have been listed/discussed on EEVblog--Fritzing will generate Gerber files.

[Pack34]

I used ExpressPCB right out of college, but at this point I have difficulty seeing the advantage.

You can get boards made the same price or cheaper through iTead and can get boards in faster through Pentalogix.

There may be extra steps even when using free tools like Eagle, Diptrace, etc but those extra steps are typically worth it in the long run.

[scopeman]

I'll bet that the output from their new version is not readable by the former "RobotRoom" CopperConnection which was 3rd party software that could read their files and output gerber files.

Robot Room sold out their product a couple of years ago.

Sam

[Wimberleytech]

I'll bet that the output from their new version is not readable by the former "RobotRoom" CopperConnection which was 3rd party software that could read their files and output gerber files.

Robot Room sold out their product a couple of years ago.

Sam

Had not heard of CopperConnection before.  Went looking and the links led me to Expresspcb who bought it.  The link says that it is compatible with Expresspcb classic.  Therefore, you are probably correct!!