Dear PCB Design/Engineer Professionals:

     For several years now, Printed Circuit Design has sponsored the PCB
     Benchmark held each spring during the PCB Design Conference West. It
     has become, if you will, one of the trademarks of our annual West
     Coast show.

     On October 12-16 at the third annual PCB Design Conference East in
     Marlborough, MA, we plan to modify that concept by providing a venue
     where users can strut there stuff by participating in the FIRST ANNUAL
     PCB TOP GUN SHOWDOWN!

     That's right, we're looking for a few good men and women who are
     willing to put their talents and skills where their mouths are--in a
     "face off" of the best of the best.

     To pull this off, we're asking for YOUR HELP!!! But first here's what
     we know so far.

     * The intent is to identify and recognize some of the best PCB
     designers in the industry.

     * The event will be open to the first 10 people to register with
     Ronda. Anyone with extreme confidence and a sense of adventure can
     enter, except for Pete Waddell, his relatives (including ex-wives) and
     his current or ex-girl friends. (Pete will NOT be involved in grading,
     but you can never be too careful).

     *We will probably induct two people into the PCB Top Gun club this
     year, shower them with love and affection, make a big fuss over them
     in the magazine and come up with some nifty prizes chosen just for the
     "Top Guns."

     * We will keep doing this every year, adding more "Top Guns" to the
     club.

     Now, we have general ideas about how to conduct this. First, the
     showdown will take place during PCB Design Conference East, on October
     12-14 in Marlborough MA. Entrants will be responsible for their own
     expenses. We will (probably) provide hardware. Entrants will be
     required to provide their software (get an EDA sponsor?). There should
     be written as well as physical criteria.

     * Given that the Showdown must take place during the first three days
     of the conference, what tasks/tests should we ask the participants to
     do? Please be specific.

     * Should we supply the participants with a starting point (netlist,
     schematic, etc.) or wait until the first day of competition to provide
     them with the information they'll need to design a board?

     * Who should grade the participants? (Future events could be graded by
     existing Top Gun members.)

     Please provide us with as much feedback as you can. Don't be shy! And
     if you're interested in being recognized as one of the elite by
     participating in the 1998 PCB Top Gun Showdown, let us know! Don't
     worry, at least one Top Gun shoe-in (PCD Publisher Pete Waddell) has
     disqualified himself from participating due to the fact that he'll be
     in charge of organizing the Showdown.

     We look forward to receiving your Top Gun ideas via fax (770-952-6461)
     or e-mail ([log in to unmask]).

     Best regards,

     Ronda and Pete

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