price has increased. we are finding a new manufacturer.
JLC Buying Guide
JLC is the manufacture we have used so far for the V2 PCBs. There are pros and cons when it comes to using their services. We will list those below. All cons will be shown in the guide.
​
PROS:
-
JLC is fully automated. This makes things a breeze when you know what you are doing and are confident in the parts that have been picked.
​
-
Generally JLC has been cheaper to work with per BT PCB board.
​
-
Production time is determined by parts they have on hand. The build time for PCB's is quite fast when compared to other companies.
​
CONS:​
-
Website often malfunctions and gives errors making your restart the order process.
​
-
If the stock for the parts is to low the build can not be finished and you must find new parts edit the files and reupload them. This makes picking them a nightmare if you are just trying to accomplish a DIY project.
Instant quote
Its best to make an account first so you can keep track of your order easily. Once that is done just hit instant quote.
Upload gerber file
You will need the gerber file from Stephens gitub page. If you don't have that yet you can get those files here
PCB assembly
No settings need to be changed. Just scroll down and make sure you click PCB assembly. That will let them know you want them to put the parts on for you.
Basic price is not the real price.
You will get your instant quote but that is just for the PCB not the parts cost. Hit next to upload the rest of the files.
Error number 1!
When you click next you should see the PCB displayed on this page. If your page looks like this you will most likely get an error when trying to render the BOM file. Its best to just start over and hope that this page loads right.
BOM and CPL files
Once this page loads right and you can see your rendered PCB click on the bill of materials tab to upload the BOM and CPL files.
Error number 2!
I often get this error message when processing the files. If you get this error try adding the files again and it should fix the issue when you press "process BOM and CPL" again.
Parts List
Once the files have all been processed correctly you should be directed to a parts list page. If you don't know what any of this means don't change anything. Scroll down and hit next. This is where an error can some times be seen if the part is out of stock. See con 2 above for more details.
PCB fully rendered
You will next see a page with all the parts rendered on the PCB you can take a look at what part goes where. Nothing needs to be done on this page hit next again.
Save to cart and chose import option
This is yet again another fake price. This is what the cost is to JLC shipping and tax will be added next. I choose DIY for the import reason but this might be different if you live outside of the USA.
Final and total price
This price will vary widely by where you live and what shipping option you pick. If you are willing to wait a while you can save 10-15$ on shipping. That all depends on what you want to do though.
