What does one do with these files?

[ErinCall]

Hi, I've been interested in getting into electronics work and I thought I'd like starting with an Ergodox. I was hoping to treat it as a kit project, and that's mostly worked out, but I'm not sure what to do with the case/PCB files. I assume I send them to a supplier and they send me a physical object, but I don't know what specific services I need a supplier to provide and I don't know which files to send them. If you could point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it! :)

[ErinCall]

oh, I just found the forums on input.club. Is that a better place to ask?

[parak]

Ohai - sorry about only seeing this now, as my notifications have been apparently dropped into an inbox blackhole. Anyway:

The gist of it is that circuit board manufacturers need the gerbers to make a circuit board. This varies drastically in terms of cost and time. Then, you can solder on the components yourself if you know how to, or have the same (or different) fab solder them on for you. Again, this can be pretty expensive as a one/few-off.

Repeat with the case files, just replace circuit board manufacturer with some show that laser cuts acrylic or other material that you might prefer. Both steps can be a bit tricky if you're just starting out.

Alternatively, of course, you could grab the ready kit from massdrop when it's for sale (like it is now) :)

[ErinCall]

Thank you very much! I've ordered a Massdrop ergodox and I'll level up soldering that together before I start messing with custom cases :D