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Ask HN: Can you recommend a PCB designer?

by zkirill on 10/5/24, 1:22 PM with 19 comments

Did anyone have a good experience and can vouch for their service provider?

I need help with taking a single-board computer (an existing open-source hardware project), converting from Eagle, removing unneeded components, and exporting KiCad/BOM that are ready to send to Eurocircuits/PCBWay/JLCPCB. Of course, the modified design would also be published under an open-source hardware license.

EDIT: Just saw that PCBWay offers design services. [1]

[1] https://www.pcbway.com/design-services.html

  • by Scene_Cast2 on 10/8/24, 3:28 AM

    Out of curiosity, which SBC? Helios4 / Helios64 by any chance?

    One gotcha could be that if some of the specified components aren't available (or, worse yet, EOL'd with no pin-compatible replacement), that could would necessitate more PCB work.

    This is coming from someone who is annoyed at ESD441 being out of stock at LCSC and Digikey.

  • by IndrekR on 10/8/24, 4:20 AM

    HN seems to be a really funny place for this question. You do not see many “Can anybody recommend a JS developer?” style questions here and monthly “Who is hiring” thread seems more appropriate for this.

    Disclaimer: am professionally a PCB designer/EE for last 22 years.

  • by mikesabbagh on 10/8/24, 4:46 AM

    JLCPCB.

    I got my pcb sample, 5 pcbs + assembly (had to make sure all components are in their library) How many days ? including shipping 6 days from order to delivery!!! cost ~250$ They are unbeatable!!

  • by gwbennett on 10/8/24, 4:05 AM

    I've used Embedded Engineering Solutions, www.eesaz.com, for several projects here in AZ. They've done quality work at a fair price.

  • by polalavik on 10/8/24, 3:01 AM

    If the modified will be open-source would you be willing to outline goals of the project on github or gitlab? I'd be happy to take a look. been a while since I've done PCB work I mostly do asic/fpga design now, but depending on the scope I could possibly help.

  • by rasz on 10/8/24, 9:55 AM

    If its anything vintage I might be interested. "references" https://github.com/raszpl/FIC-486-GAC-2-Cache-Module

  • by thesh4d0w on 10/8/24, 3:44 AM

    I've had decent luck with random people on Fiverr, of all things...

  • by jtolly710 on 10/8/24, 4:41 AM

    Hey, if it helps, We had a need for a consumer-focused product based on the ESP32 that I work with every day, and can vouch for DeepSeaDev. Were able to do the work and provide the IP.

  • by bmitc on 10/8/24, 3:17 AM

    JLCPCB also offers some services. Also, it's fairly easy to learn Easy EDA, especially if you leave the PCB layout to JLCPCB.

  • by elcritch on 10/8/24, 4:05 AM

    Seeed Studio also does custom CM4 designs. They might be an option.

  • by yanko on 10/6/24, 9:47 AM

    I have one that analyze the PCB design and prepare the line to onboard the elements.

  • by brudgers on 10/5/24, 5:36 PM

    Finding professionals is a reason to use LinkedIn. Good luck.