My batch of PCBs arrived. This is my first time using PCBWay, so I was keen to see how they looked. I am quite happy with them and cannot identify any flaws visually (even after zooming in on a photo). I was convinced to try PCBWay because they contacted me offering to send a free batch of PCBs, so I took them up on the offer.

I've soldered up a module but so far, things are not looking great - when I apply power, every LED lights up. I've already checked the connection on the PCB itself, so either:

• MAX7219 is not working properly
• PIC is not sending proper instructions, or timing of signals is wrong
• I've done something wrong in my schematic

More investigation is required.

I will most likely use PCBWay again. The prices and quality are not much different from JLCPCB, but PCBWay has the following advantages:

• Delivery is much cheaper through PCBWay for me - JLCPCB charges $30 "remote fee" since I don't live in a major city
• The PCBWay Kicad plugin is very slick - you click a button and the order gets put into your cart ready for checkout

When I first started ordering PCBs, it was different - PCBWay delivery was the same for both, and JLCPCB's manufacturing fee was cheaper. So I started sending the finished boards to my sister-in-law in Melbourne and waiting a few weeks until I could get them from her. But now that I've tried PCBWay and got the PCBs delivered directly for the same price, I will definitely continue to use them.

Below you can see the excellent quality of the PCBs. My LED module PCB is on the left. On the right is a different project that is more complicated and uses ICs with finer pitch leads. I could not find any flaws (only some dust!).