PRICE CHANGES

              Alberta Printed Circuits first offered our prototype services in 1988.
              Since 1992 we have not changed our prices. Now, due to the large
              inequity between the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar, causing a
              dramatic rise in the cost of our raw materials which are all
              purchased from the U.S. we must adjust our prices to reflect the
              present economic conditions.

              These changes will take effect September 1, 1998. 

              Canadian dollars 

              (This change also effects US clients paying by Credit Card) 

                  P1 setup                 $67.00 
                  Square inch               $0.95 
                  Extra drills             $13.50 
                  Negative Image           $27.50 
                  Editing                  $27.50 per 1/4 hour increments 
                  P2 setup                $335.00($110 set up +  $225 base) 
                  Square inch               $0.38 
                  Screen set up            $40.00 
                  Screen application       $55.00 
                  Extra drills              $8.50 
                  High Density Drilling remains unchanged

TABLE OF CONTENTS

               ABOUT APC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
               SERVICES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
               PROTO 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
               ORDERING PROTO 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
               REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PROTO 1 (IMPORTANT NOTES). . . . . . . . .3
               PRICING (PROTO 1) INCLUDES ALL PLOTTING AND TOOLING . . . . . . . . .3
               DRILL SCHEDULE (PROTO 1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
               FREE DRILLS AVAILABLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
               HIGH DENSITY DRILLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
               SPECIAL LAMINATES (PROTO 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
               PROTO 2   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
               ORDERING PROTO 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
               REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PROTO 2 (IMPORTANT NOTES). . . . . . . . .5
               PRICING (PROTO 2)  PLOTTING AND TOOLING INCLUDED. . . . . . . . . . .6
               DRILL SCHEDULE (PROTO 2). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
               HIGH DENSITY DRILLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
               SPECIAL LAMINATES (PROTO 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
               JOB STATUS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
               READ ME FILES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
               PAYMENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
               SHIPPING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
               CAD DATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
               CAD PROGRAM SPECIFICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
               FREEWARE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
               DRILL CHART . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
                            AP Circuits Ltd. 
                            Fabrication Guide
ABOUT APC
AP Circuits is a unique circuit board manufacturing facility, specializing in fast turnaround prototypes and
short-run production.  We have served the commercial sector since 1984 making double sided plated-through
hole circuit boards.

The laminate used in the manufacture of our circuit boards is FR4 epoxy glass.  We add one oz. of copper to
half oz. laminate, and the finish is re-flowed solder.   Our resolution is .008" lands and .008" spaces.  This
means that there should not be any spaces less than .008" between the lands and there should not be lands any
less than .008" wide.

Our 24-hour bulletin board service (BBS) or our Internet link enables you to upload your files to us at any time. 
Our BBS will test file transfers and immediately  informs you of pass/fail integrity on your transfer.  After we
have formatted your data, a status message on the BBS E-Mail is posted during late afternoon on the day the
boards are to start processing.   Our Internet link DOES NOT test file transfers or issue a pass/fail status.  We
send a status message to you in the late afternoon on Internet E-mail.  If you FTP your order, you must send us
E-mail with your name, contact phone number and file name in order for us to have your E-mail address so
status can be posted.  This also gives us a contact if the file does not arrive or is corrupted.  SEE JOB
STATUS. 

SERVICES

We offer two distinctly different services.  Our Proto 1 service is our quick turnaround, no-frills service.   Our
Proto 2 offers solder masks, component masks, contour routering, etc.  We attempt to ship Proto 2 orders within
10 working days, however, contact us for actual delivery times.  The basic difference between the two services
is the total area of your order and your finishing requirements.

PROTO 1 

The purpose of Proto 1 is to provide plated-through hole circuits for testing or short run projects.  We require
the number of circuit boards ordered be two, or multiples of two.  The standard laminate used in the Proto 1
service is 1/16" FR4.  Component or solder masks are not available in Proto 1, and due to the small
quantities involved, we shear the boards out in simple rectangles, four straight lines cut per board.  The
maximum size of a circuit board we can manufacture is 13.2  inches long by 11.2  inches wide. The minimum
size for area calculations is 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches (ie: 13.2 inches x 1.345 inches will be billed at 13.2 inches
x 1.500 inches; 0.750 inches x 0.750 inches will be billed at 1.500 inches x 1.500 inches).

If you have multiple designs, you can panelize them to save setup costs, but be sure to leave space for you to cut
them apart.  We do not cut apart your pre-panelized boards. You can use a scroll saw or a band saw for this
purpose.

Single-sided PCB's are manufactured as plated through holes in the Proto 1 service. **Quotations are not offered for the proto 1 service; please see the proto 1 pricing formula below. **

ORDERING PROTO 1

If your order is received by 7:00 A.M. Mountain any business day we will ship the circuit boards on the
next business day, providing there is no problem with the data or information you have provided.
For us to be effective in delivering your order on time, we must get all the information we need from the initial
transmission.  Please use the "ORDER.TXT" form which is included in the Newuser file you have down loaded
from the BBS or received via Internet.  

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PROTO 1 (IMPORTANT NOTES)

There are six (6) files needed for basic board manufacturing:

OUR ORDER FORM (this form is computer-read, DO NOT change its format or add any other information) 
Top Gerber file foil layers
Bottom Gerber file foil layers
Aperture files (defining Gerber codes)
NC drill file (locations of the holes)
Tool files (define the size of the drill bit for tool numbers)

note: one (1) order form and  board design per zip file.   ALL ZIP FILES MUST BE SUBMITTED
SEPARATELY.    If this is not followed it will cause your order to be delayed.  This occurs simply because the
computer reads every order for the above specific information and if anything is missing or altered the order is
automatically put on hold pending operator intervention.

We strongly suggest you identify your board with text on the top foil layer.  This is one of the few ways we can
check for layer swaps and flips.  Please place crop lines at all four corners of the board on each of the foil
(conductor) layers, or draw a box around your design on the top layer, and ensure that there is nothing outside of
the crop lines such as title blocks or other text or it will be included in the calculation of your image area. 

PRICING (PROTO 1) INCLUDES ALL PLOTTING AND TOOLING

To calculate the price of a circuit board, multiply the maximum measurements in the X and the Y direction to obtain the
area in square inches, then multiply by the number of boards you want ie.  2, 4, 6 . . . (even number quantities only)
to get the total area of your order.   Take the total area and apply it to the following formula.  The minimum order is two
circuit boards.  The minimum size, for billing purposes only,  is 1.5 inches by 1.5 inches.

             TOTAL AREA x $0.95 + $67.00 = THE COST IN CANADIAN$

             5 in. x 4 in. board = 20 in. sq. x  2 boards (minimum) = 40 in. sq.
             40 in. sq.  x $0.95 + $67.00 = $105.00 

             Increasing your order may reduce the cost per board.   This
             reduction occurs as the base tooling fee ($67) is amortized over the
             number of units you order.

             5 in. x 4 in. board = 20 in. sq. x 6 boards =120 in. sq.                           
             120 in. sq. x $0.95 + $67.00 = $181.00

             This works out to $30.17 each compared to $52.50 each when
             ordering  only two boards.

DRILL SCHEDULE (PROTO 1)

We have listed the most common drills for you to choose.   You can use any or all of the sizes marked with a
single "*" at no additional charge.  These are our standard drill sizes.  If you require a size not indicated with a
"*", there will be a $13.50 Canadian additional charge for each extra drill size.  Sizes available are
.020 inches to .228 inches, or  wire sizes 76 to 1.   Be sure to allow for plating in the holes which decreases the
diameter of the hole by about .003".  Please specify ALL SIZES for drilling in .000" (mil/thou).  You may spec
your drill data using these exact sizes or as finished sizes (-.003) from actual size.  Whichever method you use
please indicate it in YOUR READ ME file.

                          FREE DRILLS AVAILABLE

               drill number                           decimal inches
                       70                                   .0280
                       65                                   .0350
                       58                                   .0420
                       55                                   .0520
                       53                                   .0595
                       44                                   .0860
                      1/8"                                  .1250
                       24                                   .1520

HIGH DENSITY DRILLING

An average of 24 holes per square inch over the board area is the maximum number of holes to qualify for the
standard pricing.  There is an extra charge for boards with more than 24 holes per square inch.  Boards
exceeding 24 holes per square inch are charged extra to compensate for additional drilling time.  The charge is a
$0.01 per hole per square inch. 

      eg: 600 holes / 20 sq. in. (single board area) = 30 holes per sq.in. 
          30 holes - 24 free holes = six holes per sq.in. extra.
          6 holes x 20sq. in. = $1.20 per board premium.
          $1.20 x number of boards required = total drilling premium.

SPECIAL LAMINATES (PROTO 1) 

You may request  .031 and .092 laminate thicknesses.  If you order special material, your charges are based on
the panel area, minimum two panels, rather than the actual image area.  Your cost will be $0.85 per square inch
for the .031 laminate and $1.00 per square inch for the .092 laminate.  Our standard panel sizes are 8.2 inches x
11.2 inches, 11.2 inches x 11.2 inches, and 13.2 inches x 11.2 inches.  The maximum number of boards will be
placed on the appropriate panel size, depending on quantity required.

We will cut all panels that are greater than our minimum shearing size of 1.5 x 1.5 inches.  If your board size is
less than 1.5 inches in either dimension, you may choose to cut your boards to size yourself as our minimum 1.5
x 1.5 inch billing size applies here as well.     


WE CUT YOUR SMALL BOARD TO SIZE

	   1.0 in.  x .5 in. will yield 160 pieces per panel x 2 (min) = 320 PCs.

             Billing:   1.5 in.  x 1.5 in.  x  320  = 720 square inches
             720 sq.  x $.95 (square inch charge) = $684.00
             $ 684.00 + $ 67.00 (setup fee) = $ 752.00 

YOU CUT YOUR SMALL BOARD TO SIZE

             1.0 in.  x .5 in. will yield 160 pieces per panel x 2 (min) = 320 PCs.

             Billing:   8.2 in. sq.  x 11.2 in. sq.  x 2 (min)= 183.68 in. sq. 
             183.68 sq. x $.95 (square inch charge) = $174.50
             $174.50 + $ 67.00 (setup fee) = $241.50 

If we have other customers requesting the same material, you may be able to share the panel which will provide
further savings to each order.  If a quick turn is not essential, we can hold your order for a few days to see if
another order comes in requiring the same material.  Please advise us about your requirments when placing the
order.

PROTO 2  
     
Proto 2 provides the full range of services the designer may require, such as laminates of different thicknesses,
solder/component masks, cutting to unusual shapes,  etc.  The set-up or base fee for Proto 2 service includes
plotting for component and solder layers and tooling charges.  Maximum size of boards is the same as the Proto
1 service.  Proto 2 orders not requiring solder/component masks are shipped within 10 to 15 working days. 
Orders with masks take 15 to 25 working days.

ORDERING PROTO 2

For us to be effective in delivering your order on time, we must get all the information we need, from the initial
transmission.  Please use the "ORDER.TXT" form which is included in the Newuser file you have down loaded
from the BBS or received via Internet.  

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION FOR PROTO 2 (IMPORTANT NOTES)

There are six  (6) files needed for basic board manufacturing and three (3) optional files:

OUR ORDER FORM
Top Gerber file foil layers
Bottom Gerber file foil layers
Aperture file (defining Gerber codes)
NC drill file (locations of the holes)
Tool file (define the size of the drill bit for tool 
numbers)

OPTIONAL FILES:
Solder Mask Gerber file
Component Mask Gerber file
Router file in Gerber format (make cut line traces
.001 thous thick if possible, then they are removed
during routering)

Solder/component masks require a Gerber file for each mask.  If you require solder masking in Proto 2 service
please ensure your solder mask pads are .015 to .020" larger than the pad on the foil layer. Note: some systems
refer to Solder masks and/or Component ID's as Silk Screens.

note: one (1) order form and  board design per zip file.  All zip files must be submitted
separately. 

We suggest you identify your board with text on the top foil layer.  This is one of the few ways we can check for
layer swaps and flips.  Please place crop lines at all four corners of the board on each of the foil (conductor)
layers, and ensure that there is nothing outside of the crop lines such as title blocks or other text or it will be
included in the calculation of your image area. 

PRICING (PROTO 2)  PLOTTING AND TOOLING INCLUDED


             The pricing for Proto 2 service is based on fixed panel area .  
             Currently there are three panel sizes available and they are: 

                 8.25 inch x 11.25 inch - Area = 92.813 inches sq. 
                 11.25 inch x 11.25 inch - Area = 126.563 inches sq. 
                 11.25 inch x 13.25 - Area = 149.063 inches sq. 

             The minimum billing in P2 is based on two panels.  

             We can also add in additional designs to the master setup provided
             the maximum panel image area is not exceeded (11.25 x 13.25).
             Each additional design adds $38.50 to the tooling fee.

             Please note:  once additional designs are added to the master you
             can not remove them for future orders or revisions with out
             incurring complete first run tooling charges.

             To calculate an approximate yield of a panel:   A typical 4 x 5 board,
             for example:  2 of the 5in axis will fit in the X direction and 3 of the
             4in axis will fit in Y.  Each board will require a route perimeter of
             .052 and a minimum  .150 gap before the next tile.  This spacing is
             suitable for boards that are not required to be left in a breakout
             panel.  The image area plus the route path must be no larger than
             11.25 x 13.25 

             Total Area x $.38 + $335.00 = COST IN CANADIAN$
             MASKING = $95.00 (includes the plot)

             The masking fee is per side and will cover up to sixteen panels.  For
             example, solder masking 2 sides and adding a component legend
             on one side = 95.00 x 3 = $285.00 and will cover 16 panels (it does
             not matter how many boards are in the panel)

DRILL SCHEDULE (PROTO 2)

Proto 2 service has two fixed drill diameters and they are .052 inches and .125 inches (1/8"); you may also add
ANY  other six (6) Drills between .020 and .228.  All holes more than .228 will be routed out after processing
and will not be plated through (Proto 2 option only).   Finished hole size is approximately .003" smaller than the
actual drill.  If you require more than the above mentioned eight (8) sizes an Additional drill fee of $8.50
per drill diameter is applied.  You may have a maximum of 14 drill sizes plus the two (2) fixed sizes, making 
possible a total of 16 drills.

HIGH DENSITY DRILLING

An average of 24 holes per square inch over the board area is the maximum number of holes to qualify for the
standard pricing.  There is an extra charge for boards with more than 24 holes per square inch.  Boards
exceeding 24 holes per square inch are charged extra to compensate for additional drilling time.  The charge is a
$0.01per hole per square inch. 

      eg: 600 holes / 20 sq. in. (single board area) = 30 holes per square inch. 
          30 holes - 24 free holes = six holes per square inch. extra.
          6 holes x 20sq. in. = $1.20 per board premium.
          $1.20 x number of boards required = total drilling premium.



SPECIAL LAMINATES (PROTO 2) 

You may request  .031 and .092 laminate thicknesses.  You will be charged $0.38 a square inch for the .031
laminate and $0.50 per square inch for the .092 laminate.  

JOB STATUS

The Proto 1 orders are set up on a daily basis.  Any orders that we cannot proceed with, have to be held for
attention by the set-up technician.  This can cause a delay of a day.  After the set-up is complete we post status
on the BBS or Internet depending on how the job came to us.  A "processing" status means we had no problems
and your job is in the work stream.  A "hold" status means that we have a problem and there is a message
following detailing the nature of the problem. Most problems are due to insufficient information such as
incomplete order forms or drill information missing.

Status postings are:     1) Processing = data formatted and in the production cycle.
               2) Holding = unusable information or missing data, which is clarified in the message.
               3) Received -  means we have the data but it has not been evaluated as yet.

READ ME FILES 

Since our order form is computer-read, special instructions should be placed in a separate read me file with your
order.  This will make sure that the instructions will be read before the job is started.

PAYMENTS

In order for us to begin work on your order immediately, we require either a money order, company cheque, or
your VISA or Master Card number with an expiry date and the name of the cardholder.  Credit cards are billed
in Canadian dollars and are converted by the credit card company on your statement.  Business accounts are
available to companies averaging $300 monthly.  All accredited educational institutions are eligible for
accounts.  AMEX is not accepted.

SHIPPING

The fastest method of shipping your order is by our overnight courier.  FEDEX is our EXCLUSIVE carrier. 
There is a minimum charge of $25.00 that covers most Proto 1 orders.  In some remote areas the service is a
two-day service.   There are no extra charges for customs clearance as PCB blanks are covered under
N.A.F.T.A.   If you supply a FEDEX account number there is a $5.00 handling fee.

CAD DATA

In order to manufacture your boards, we require Gerber and NC Drill files, preferably in 2.4 format.  That is two
digits leading the decimal location and four digits trailing.  There should be no decimal points in your data. 
Your CAD system will have several file generation options.  All data files should be ASCII text.  Your Gerber
images should be sent to us exactly as you drafted them.   A component side with text right-reading and solder
side viewed through the board with text reversed.  Do not flip or rotate any of the images or drill data.  Negative
image plotting to produce ground planes is available, at an extra cost of $25.00 per layer.  When you convert
your drafting file to Gerber, the program uses an aperture table to define the codes used in the Gerber files.  In
order for us to plot your Gerber files we must have your aperture table.  Be sure to include that file with the data
you send us.  If your CAD system will produce the newer RS274-X formats, then a companion aperture file is
not necessary.

It is highly recommended that you examine your Gerber and NC Drill files with a Gerber viewing utility prior to
sending them to us for processing.  It's a large leap of faith to assume the cad program will generate the Gerber
and the drill files exactly as you intended.  We recommend a third party software package be used for accurate
results.  If you do not have access to a Gerber view program, we have one available, without charge, on the
BBS, called GERBVIEW.
We prefer that you not send "CWK" files from GerbView.  Please use it as a viewing utility and send gerber
data.
The GCPREVUE program (GERBVIEW) will display the layers, drill data, aperture and drill definitions
provided you load them and you can send us the "WRK, PWK or CWK" file from GCPREVUE instead of the
Gerber files if you choose.  Be sure all the necessary files are loaded if you take this route.

CAD PROGRAM SPECIFICS

Orcad USERS:   Drill generation, use the EXCELLON  LZ option.
Tango USERS:   CAM generation, use the 2.4 option no parity, report format is TANGO PRO, include 
               apertures as mass parameters if option is available.
Protel DOS USERS:   Supply *.ETL or .TOL file and *.APT file - do not send the .MAT file.
               Title Block OFF + Match tolerances to ZERO.   Set PADS, VIAS, TRACES to ON

Drill files should be viewable with any text editor, and must not contain any graphics characters.

FREEWARE

We have freeware that you can download from our BBS at no cost.  If you would like us to send you a diskette,
please include $10.00 for shipping and handling. (IBM compatible only).  3 1/4 inch disks only.

EASYTRAX (BBS FILE: EASYFREE.EXE/ZIP)

Protel has released this software to the public sector.  This is an entry level PCB layout program, with Gerber
file and  NC drill file generation.  This program is not limited in any way.  All work files are upward compatible
with the rest of Protel's product line.

PKZIP (BBS FILE: PKZ204G.EXE)

This program is a compression utility that should be used to reduce the size of files to be sent by modem or to
pack a diskette. It also ensures your files stay together in our input directory if you use the Internet or the BBS.  

GCPREVUE (BBS FILE: GERBVIEW.EXE/ZIP)

This program is used to view Gerber files.   We recommend that all files be examined with a Gerber viewing
program before you send them to us.  
                                    
All information and data supplied by our clients is held in the strictest  confidence.   
            Information will not be released  to a 3rd party 
             without express written consent by the client.

        AP Circuits Ltd.  (403) 250-3406 Voice (403) 291-9342 BBS
       #3, 1112 - 40th. Ave. N.E.  Calgary, AB  Canada    T2E-5T8
                      E-Mail: staff@apcircuits.com 
                   WEB Page: http://www.apcircuits.com
DRILL CHART

                 ** = NOT AVAILABLE - FOR REFERENCE ONLY
           *  = STANDARD TOOLS FOR PROTO 1 SERVICE - NO CHARGE
           = OPTIONAL DRILLS AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL CHARGE ON
                                 PROTO 1

Drill Number            Decimal Inches  
                       
**     79                 .0145          
**     78                 .0160
**     77                 .0180       
         76                 .0200      
**     75                 .0210
         74                 .0225      
**     73                 .0240      
         72                 .0250      
**     71                 .0260
*       70                 .0280      
         69                 .0292      
         68                 .0310
         67                 .0320                     
  
         66                 .0330                     
  
*       65                 .0350                     
  
         64                 .0360                     
  
         63                 .0370
         62                 .0380
         61                 .0390
         60                 .0400
         59                 .0410
*       58                 .0420
         57                 .0430
         56                 .0465
*       55                 .0520
         54                 .0550
*       53                 .0595
         52                 .0635
         51                 .0670
         50                 .0700
         49                 .0730
         48                 .0760
         47                 .0785
         46                 .0810
         45                 .0820
*       44                 .0860
         43                 .0890
         42                 .0935
         41                 .0960
         40                 .0980


Drill Number            Decimal Inches  
                        
         39                 .0995
         38                 .1015
         37                 .1040
         36                 .1065
         35                 .1100
         34                 .1110
         33                 .1130
         32                 .1160
         31                 .1200
*       1/8"                 .1250
         30                 .1285
         29                 .1360
         28                 .1405
         27                 .1440
         26                 .1470
         25                 .1495
*       24                 .1520
         23                 .1540
         22                 .1570
         21                 .1590
         20                 .1610
         19                 .1660
         18                 .1695
         17                 .1730
         16                 .1770
         15                 .1800
         14                 .1820       
         13                 .1850
         12                 .1890
         11                 .1910
         10                 .1935
         09                 .1960
         08                 .1990
         07                 .2010
         06                 .2040
         05                 .2055
         04                 .2090
         03                 .2130
         02                 .2210
         01                 .2280




