RadioBanter - View Single Post

April 29th 04, 07:14 PM

(Fractenna) wrote in message ...
Hello,

I am working on a PCB-based antenna, with copper on both sides.
Believe it or not, the hardest part is figuring out how much the PCB
material would cost. Does anyone have any PCB costing numbers for
FR4, FR408, Nelco 40013, Rogers 4003, any other material? I
understand that thickness plays a major part in the cost so if
possible please include the board thickness with the cost number (I am
currently thinking of using 20mils thick PCB). It would probably be
easiest if the cost was in units of US$ per sq. inch or sq. cm. Many
thanks.

4003 is very good, but there are many less expensive alternatives, depending
on the app and freq required. I am puzzled why you haven't priced this with
manufacturer's reps or even board fab houses. They are not shrinking violets,
and happy to give you info

Also, it would be helpful to know who you are. Basketball and antennas don't
often get placed together.

73,
Chip N1IR

My name is Kevin, Mr. Fractenna. The reason I don't call the reps is
because I am not nearly as interested in the numbers they tell me as I
am in the numbers that folks have already negotiated. In this way
when I eventually call them I have an idea of how much I am getting
ripped off. Last time I called a rep he wanted me to pay 60 cents for
a nickel part. So how much I am overpaying is the answer I am after.

You indicate that you are aware of less expensive alternatives to
4003. Would you kindly let me know what those are. Are we talking
materials other than FR408? BTW the frequency is in the 3-4GHz band,
so loss tangent and other stuff only somewhat matters. There is a
price/efficiency tradeoff in play. I would like to 'see the whole
field' before I decide which way to run.

Thanks.
Kevin Smith