RohKo

Oh wow, what have you tried thus far? Dyou have a similar story re many PTs etc.?

Banger. Confirmed my suspicions about flex PCBs and the viability of European manufacturing (unviable). Being able to shoot to Gaungzhou would also be useful. I've got a couple more questions - I'll dm you on twitter.

Gotcha - thanks for the advice. The IC performance on the flex circuit is a key part of the product so will figure out how to test that in a lofi manner.

We've avoided local shops due to cost until now, but when put like that, we should consider them now.

Yep we've been optimising to reduce reruns, but the time spent doing so + the lead time is super frustrating. Standard engineering woes I suppose...

Great idea! I've never soldered SMDs but can defo learn. We're getting are boards assembled rn because soldering LGA-12 package ICs by hand is unfeasible, and it seems pointless to pay the setup fee and not get the other components done as well. Does that change your answer at all?

Lol that's defo true - I'm driven to this thought as lead times are super frustrating!

I see, I'm also based in Europe (London) so hopefully shipping time ends up being similar!

Interesting I see. I'm moving from breadboarding to PCBs because I'm using ICs which are way too small to solder by hand and I've already prototyped with their off-the-shelf dev board versions.

PCB manufacturing. They said the assembly is just about to start and they'll be shipping day after tomorrow. I'm in London so will have to see how long shipping takes!

Using flexi pcbs with SMD parts on one side only - does that change your answer at all?