Personalized PCB boards
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Posts: 46,084
Hi all,
I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
some tips if you have 'em.
Thanx
-Mike
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
some tips if you have 'em.
Thanx
-Mike
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Comments
to have a professionally made board? Doubles sided, plated-through holes,
solder mask, silk screen component designation?
I recently had a board made for a project that had a 16F877, plus 6 other
ICs, voltage regulator, a half dozen transistors and a bunch or resistors
and capacitors. I had the board made by Olimex in Bulgaria. It's a nice
piece of work.
If you want to make your own, there are a bunch of different ways - a
GOOGLE search will turn up bunch of sites with a lot of good information.
Larry
At 06:02 PM 4/13/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi all,
>I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
>I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
>skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
>some tips if you have 'em.
>
>Thanx
>-Mike
>
>
>[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
>Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Larry Bradley
Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
laxboy687@e... writes:
>
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
> I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
> some tips if you have 'em.
>
> Thanx
> -Mike
>
Mike,
Try <A HREF="www.expresspcb.com">www.expresspcb.com</A>
You download their easy to use free software, layout a two sided board. There
are several options on board sizes and cost. They have a standard service,
three 2.5 by 3.5 double sided board for $65.
If your board size is bigger, once you finish your layout, you can select an
option that will calculate board cost. Once you are satisfied, hit a "send"
button and depending on what service you choose, you will have your boards in
two to three days.
I have used this service many times and am happy with the results.......
Ken
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
lhbradley@i... writes:
> How complex is your project? Is it worth spending $34 (including shipping)
> to have a professionally made board? Doubles sided, plated-through holes,
> solder mask, silk screen component designation?
>
> I recently had a board made for a project that had a 16F877, plus 6 other
> ICs, voltage regulator, a half dozen transistors and a bunch or resistors
> and capacitors. I had the board made by Olimex in Bulgaria. It's a nice
> piece of work.
>
> If you want to make your own, there are a bunch of different ways - a
> GOOGLE search will turn up bunch of sites with a lot of good information.
>
> Larry
Larry,
$34???? Really? sounds too good to be true... I have been using
expresspcb. Looks like I might need to look into this company....
Ken
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
$21 for single sided board, $26 for double sided, plus $8 shipping.
Good quality. Reasonable turnaround times.
At 06:26 PM 4/13/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Larry,
>
>$34???? Really? sounds too good to be true... I have been using
>expresspcb. Looks like I might need to look into this company....
>
>Ken
>
>
>[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
>Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
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Larry Bradley
Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA
PCB Express doens't care as they use their own software.
I find it's easier to use PCBExpress for simplicity then to use Eagle
for it's strenghts. problem is that there are no simple and low cost
programs that output gerber files.
Another difference is shipping PCB express has them to you in a few
days. from Bulgaria, it takes a little longer or the shipping is a
little more.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/13/2003 3:24:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> lhbradley@i... writes:
>
> > How complex is your project? Is it worth spending $34 (including
shipping)
> > to have a professionally made board? Doubles sided, plated-
through holes,
> > solder mask, silk screen component designation?
> >
> > I recently had a board made for a project that had a 16F877, plus
6 other
> > ICs, voltage regulator, a half dozen transistors and a bunch or
resistors
> > and capacitors. I had the board made by Olimex in Bulgaria. It's
a nice
> > piece of work.
> >
> > If you want to make your own, there are a bunch of different
ways - a
> > GOOGLE search will turn up bunch of sites with a lot of good
information.
> >
> > Larry
>
> Larry,
>
> $34???? Really? sounds too good to be true... I have been using
> expresspcb. Looks like I might need to look into this company....
>
> Ken
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw some sort
of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some stickers
and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get a PCB.
Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it really isn't
worth getting that kit.
Thanks again everyone!
-Mike
Original Message
From: Mike Dillon [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=jq_yC28gfFuxK0yA5tuo22pk6e1mvkhLreRyGr1kstJ7CsIt1uHZFg0pOfdCE0ItBztlzWZf9HmmzbBX5Q]laxboy687@e...[/url
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
Hi all,
I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
some tips if you have 'em.
Thanx
-Mike
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
and Body of the message will be ignored.
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
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laxboy687@e... writes:
> Hey thanks all,
> I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw some sort
> of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some stickers
> and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get a PCB.
> Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it really isn't
> worth getting that kit.
> Thanks again everyone!
> -Mike
>
The "home kit"radio shack thing works for very simple boards and even not so
simple boards, however, the quality is not that of boards you would get from
the sources previously posted..
Ken
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
http://www.dynaart.com/DTF/A.PCB.html
Original Message
From: "Mike Dillon" <laxboy687@e...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 8:52 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
> Hey thanks all,
> I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw some sort
> of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some stickers
> and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get a PCB.
> Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it really isn't
> worth getting that kit.
> Thanks again everyone!
> -Mike
>
>
Original Message
> From: Mike Dillon [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=zV-ofr9uK4dpAkp4dlYu1HadYFLXtcySbcNwFV5rx9ey8bGEqhZRdgORNIs3bzAE23cM_JMYSerBhH4zyEv89w]laxboy687@e...[/url
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
>
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
> I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
> some tips if you have 'em.
>
> Thanx
> -Mike
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
> and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
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>
>
>
>
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> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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of the message will be ignored.
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>
>
Eagle software from www.cadsoftusa.com is available for free non-commercial
use and the program generates all the gerber files necessary to make a pc
board.
Jim
http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/
Original Message
From: Dave Mucha [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=HfMBf6Q_UaPL4t5bQ1_I56qryEYo4oKGwD2S8dZuGVLHBTab5fgCB5aAzMtiN6jbwgQesHagG6c]davemucha@j...[/url
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 8:17 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
The difference is that your gerber files must be complete and correct.
PCB Express doens't care as they use their own software.
I find it's easier to use PCBExpress for simplicity then to use Eagle
for it's strenghts. problem is that there are no simple and low cost
programs that output gerber files.
Another difference is shipping PCB express has them to you in a few
days. from Bulgaria, it takes a little longer or the shipping is a
little more.
Dave
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/13/2003 3:24:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
> lhbradley@i... writes:
>
> > How complex is your project? Is it worth spending $34 (including
shipping)
> > to have a professionally made board? Doubles sided, plated-
through holes,
> > solder mask, silk screen component designation?
> >
> > I recently had a board made for a project that had a 16F877, plus
6 other
> > ICs, voltage regulator, a half dozen transistors and a bunch or
resistors
> > and capacitors. I had the board made by Olimex in Bulgaria. It's
a nice
> > piece of work.
> >
> > If you want to make your own, there are a bunch of different
ways - a
> > GOOGLE search will turn up bunch of sites with a lot of good
information.
> >
> > Larry
>
> Larry,
>
> $34???? Really? sounds too good to be true... I have been using
> expresspcb. Looks like I might need to look into this company....
>
> Ken
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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> I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
> I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
> some tips if you have 'em.
I recommend making them at home with Kepro parts. I shoot my
own PCBs as I need them. I have made mostly single-sided and a
few double-sided PCBs. I don't have plated through holes or a top
silk, but other than that, the quality is as good as a board house.
Add to that that I can design, shoot, and etch a 4" by 6" board
within a few hours for about $5. I use my setup to create PCBs for
my high altitude balloon program and robots. My students make
several PCBs a year.
Paul
> of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some stickers
> and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get a PCB.
> Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it really isn't
> worth getting that kit.
Check out Circuit Cellar for my article on making PCBs at home.
The quality of the PCBs will run circles around PCBs make with
rub-on decals.
Paul
> > I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw
some sort
> > of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some
stickers
> > and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get
a PCB.
> > Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it
really isn't
> > worth getting that kit.
>
> Check out Circuit Cellar for my article on making PCBs at home.
> The quality of the PCBs will run circles around PCBs make with
> rub-on decals.
>
> Paul
That calls for a link Paul !
I use the laser printer toner method with great sucess, and it only costs
about $50 or less to get it set up. I use a Pyrex baking pan with a lid for
my etchant and tinning solution, and have a lab type hot plate to put it on.
I can easily make pretty complex boards up to about 4" * 6". Take the
trouble to tin, it makes assembly MUCH easier.
If you go this route, ontact me off list anf I'll be happy to detail my
procedure and equipment.
Jonathan
www.madlabs.info
Original Message
From: "Mike Dillon" <laxboy687@e...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 5:52 PM
Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
> Hey thanks all,
> I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw some sort
> of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit with some stickers
> and then you pour some sort of solvent over the board and you get a PCB.
> Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this company if it really isn't
> worth getting that kit.
> Thanks again everyone!
> -Mike
>
>
Original Message
> From: Mike Dillon [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=xfdv7JhgrTKSzpgBp3j6_f4dnSylHVWSYekGOeIfsQ5TvboMJE32JAnVAz2BI2Uv2wJiFvEl7UFivU4Il-_S6DU]laxboy687@e...[/url
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
>
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
> I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
> some tips if you have 'em.
>
> Thanx
> -Mike
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject
> and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Body of the message will be ignored.
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>
>
>
>
Al Williams
AWC
* Easy RS-232 Prototyping
http://www.al-williams.com/awce/rs1.htm
>
Original Message
> From: Jonathan Peakall [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=pQEylrZ7xrZUwD26eiw_FOS1iuL4dsKcLlNzkv4RS0Aq0jhd3es67lX50B39ooX4-xL6xLNXdEgLB6XT3F6Mlw]jpeakall@m...[/url
> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2003 9:19 AM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
>
>
> Mike,
>
> I use the laser printer toner method with great sucess, and
> it only costs about $50 or less to get it set up. I use a
> Pyrex baking pan with a lid for my etchant and tinning
> solution, and have a lab type hot plate to put it on. I can
> easily make pretty complex boards up to about 4" * 6". Take
> the trouble to tin, it makes assembly MUCH easier.
>
> If you go this route, ontact me off list anf I'll be happy to
> detail my procedure and equipment.
>
> Jonathan
>
> www.madlabs.info
>
>
Original Message
> From: "Mike Dillon" <laxboy687@e...>
> To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 5:52 PM
> Subject: RE: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
>
>
> > Hey thanks all,
> > I was actually looking for something I could do at home. I saw some
> > sort of kit at radio shack where you layed out the circuit
> with some
> > stickers and then you pour some sort of solvent over the
> board and you
> > get a PCB. Ill look into it a bit more. But ill try this
> company if it
> > really isn't worth getting that kit. Thanks again everyone! -Mike
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: Mike Dillon [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=2S1LcW-wpaGQq-ZiNRqDsad7cT4SXzYzrggTMLMLlxMz1fhNRQM3JV4pRhAzFbe-XliQO0qM3W0dgDgDkgHE]laxboy687@e...[/url
> > Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
> > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
> >
> > Hi all,
> > I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB
> > boards. I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good
> > soldering skills I was just confused about what to get and
> maybe yall
> > would share some tips if you have 'em.
> >
> > Thanx
> > -Mike
> >
> >
> > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in
> the Subject
> > and Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
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> the Subject
> > and
> Body of the message will be ignored.
> >
> >
> > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> > http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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home using an ink jet printer. It worked in conjunction with the Express PCB
software. The issue was August 2001 and is still available from Nuts and
Volts http://www.nutsvolts.com
-Kerry
At 08:40 AM 4/14/03 -0400, you wrote:
>For general information:
>Eagle software from www.cadsoftusa.com is available for free non-commercial
>use and the program generates all the gerber files necessary to make a pc
>board.
>
>Jim
>
>http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/
>
>
Original Message
>From: Dave Mucha [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mlffltG3Ue9UQMPdAObfKIaaDkuDRyMIDigWQZ5dPzabE3q-ieNxezGurZGF0yP0A3QyiWH16gl3D20]davemucha@j...[/url
>Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 8:17 PM
>To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
>
>
>The difference is that your gerber files must be complete and correct.
>
>PCB Express doens't care as they use their own software.
>
>I find it's easier to use PCBExpress for simplicity then to use Eagle
>for it's strenghts. problem is that there are no simple and low cost
>programs that output gerber files.
>
>Another difference is shipping PCB express has them to you in a few
>days. from Bulgaria, it takes a little longer or the shipping is a
>little more.
>
>Dave
>
>--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
>> In a message dated 4/13/2003 3:24:27 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
>> lhbradley@i... writes:
>>
>> > How complex is your project? Is it worth spending $34 (including
>shipping)
>> > to have a professionally made board? Doubles sided, plated-
>through holes,
>> > solder mask, silk screen component designation?
>> >
>> > I recently had a board made for a project that had a 16F877, plus
>6 other
>> > ICs, voltage regulator, a half dozen transistors and a bunch or
>resistors
>> > and capacitors. I had the board made by Olimex in Bulgaria. It's
>a nice
>> > piece of work.
>> >
>> > If you want to make your own, there are a bunch of different
>ways - a
>> > GOOGLE search will turn up bunch of sites with a lot of good
>information.
>> >
>> > Larry
>>
>> Larry,
>>
>> $34???? Really? sounds too good to be true... I have been using
>> expresspcb. Looks like I might need to look into this company....
>>
>> Ken
>>
>>
>> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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>Body of the message will be ignored.
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>
>
>To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
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>from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and
Body of the message will be ignored.
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>
>
>
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
Kerry
Admin@M...
WWW server hosting [url=Http://mntnweb.com]Http://mntnweb.com[/url]
Kerry Barlow
p.o. box 21
kirkwood ny
13795
607-775-1575
> For general information:
> Eagle software from www.cadsoftusa.com is available for free non-
commercial
> use and the program generates all the gerber files necessary to
make a pc
> board.
>
> Jim
>
> http://www.geocities.com/jimforkin2003/
>
>
Original Message
> From: Dave Mucha [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:davemucha@j...]
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 8:17 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
>
>
> The difference is that your gerber files must be complete and
correct.
>
> PCB Express doens't care as they use their own software.
>
> I find it's easier to use PCBExpress for simplicity then to use
Eagle
> for it's strenghts. problem is that there are no simple and low
cost
> programs that output gerber files.
I think SIMPLE and LOW COST makes an oxymorn ? Eagle is not simple,
and the free version, last time I looked has limits of board size.
Probably not a conecern for the hobbiest, but once you get over about
3x4 inches you are up against the wall.
Dave
is called "A Class Act", in case someone can find it before me.
Paul
> > Check out Circuit Cellar for my article on making PCBs at home.
> > The quality of the PCBs will run circles around PCBs make with
> > rub-on decals.
> >
> > Paul
>
>
> That calls for a link Paul !
>
>
>
>
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
For simple projects you can get from Radio Shack a PCB that has the same
hole pattern as their prototyping boards.
You can get the proto working and then solder the circuit to the PCB or
you can place the PCB over the prototype board while you are debugging
then lift the board with the components and solder. I use the former
method because not all parts will attach to the prototype board with the
PCB in-between.
Another way to make a circuit that's permanent is to use stick-on copper
traces and pads over a plain board that has a 0.1" pattern of holes.
Yet another way to make a soldered circuit is to use board with a
pattern of holes on 0.1" centers where each hole has a solder pad. Just
install parts and solder wires between them as needed.
Regarding PCBs, I have found that the best you can expect from a single
sided process is to route a single 0.020 trace between two IC pins that
are on 0.1" centers. Express PCB can now do 6 mil lines so you can
easily get two traces between adjacent pins and maybe even 3, but I have
not tried this new narrow line.
Have Fun,
Brooke
I got exactly what I needed, I think ill try the laser printer/toner
method, with Viewpoint 8.2. I got it off the ExpressPCB website and will
try that out.
Thanks again, some great info!
-Mike
Original Message
From: Mike Dillon [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=Zlxw3oGGL2C1xXswYJnJyJ4ywXEZTnGkdpoAqJMEFof-bMcsdDWTXYIaURIwn60CmpIiysVkfbQDH-xq3a2K]laxboy687@e...[/url
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
Hi all,
I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB boards.
I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would share
some tips if you have 'em.
Thanx
-Mike
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to be inked in with a
sharpie in places. The paper package warns about 'finicky' results
with a narrow window of success. And yes it was the first two boards
that worked. That figures. The toner washes off the boards with MEK.
Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed transparency to
presensitized boards with perfect results. The toner washes off the
transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
But hey good luck. I hope your success is better than mine.
Paul
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Dillon" <laxboy687@e...>
wrote:
> Thanks everyone,
> I got exactly what I needed, I think ill try the laser printer/toner
> method, with Viewpoint 8.2. I got it off the ExpressPCB website and
will
> try that out.
> Thanks again, some great info!
>
> -Mike
>
>
Original Message
> From: Mike Dillon [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:laxboy687@e...]
> Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
> To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
>
> Hi all,
> I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB
boards.
> I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would
share
> some tips if you have 'em.
>
> Thanx
> -Mike
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
Subject
> and Body of the message will be ignored.
>
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> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
prcoy@y... writes:
> I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy results. Out of 20
> tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to be inked in with a
> sharpie in places. The paper package warns about 'finicky' results
> with a narrow window of success. And yes it was the first two boards
> that worked. That figures. The toner washes off the boards with MEK.
> Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed transparency to
> presensitized boards with perfect results. The toner washes off the
> transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
Is what you speak of the same as an Iron on transfer? I have had good
results with the iron on transfer. With a laser printer, you print you layout
onto a special paper. Then iron the paper onto a clean copper board, peel the
transfer off the board and etch.
What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I can never
seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
difficult at times.
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
the same happened to me with a plastic blue sheet, until I found the paper based
white sheet from DynaArt Designs and used their Superfuser to iron the toner.
The tricky part is trying to transfer the toner with an iron, you have to test a
lot to get it right. I paid $300 for the Superfuser, there is a better
substitute for $150 see:
http://www.dynaart.com/DTF/E.DTF/E.DTF2.html
Original Message
From: "Paul" <prcoy@y...>
To: <basicstamps@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 10:11 AM
Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Re: Personalized PCB boards
> I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy results. Out of 20
> tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to be inked in with a
> sharpie in places. The paper package warns about 'finicky' results
> with a narrow window of success. And yes it was the first two boards
> that worked. That figures. The toner washes off the boards with MEK.
> Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed transparency to
> presensitized boards with perfect results. The toner washes off the
> transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
>
> But hey good luck. I hope your success is better than mine.
>
> Paul
>
> --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Mike Dillon" <laxboy687@e...>
> wrote:
> > Thanks everyone,
> > I got exactly what I needed, I think ill try the laser printer/toner
> > method, with Viewpoint 8.2. I got it off the ExpressPCB website and
> will
> > try that out.
> > Thanks again, some great info!
> >
> > -Mike
> >
> >
Original Message
> > From: Mike Dillon [noparse][[/noparse]mailto:laxboy687@e...]
> > Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 6:03 PM
> > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] Personalized PCB boards
> >
> > Hi all,
> > I just wanted to know what was the best way to make your own PCB
> boards.
> > I need my project to be permanent, and I have pretty good soldering
> > skills I was just confused about what to get and maybe yall would
> share
> > some tips if you have 'em.
> >
> > Thanx
> > -Mike
> >
> >
> > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> > To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the
> Subject
> > and Body of the message will be ignored.
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>
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>
>
using a laser jet printer. One trick
is to wait until the pc board cools down to room temp before peeling off the
blue paper.
As for drilling the holes for the DIP packages. I used a cad program for the
art work.
For the pads for each pin of the DIP, I used a donut with very small hole in the
center. This helps the drill bit
get centered when you start to drill.
Fred
smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/15/2003 7:25:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> prcoy@y... writes:
>
> > I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy results. Out of 20
> > tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to be inked in with a
> > sharpie in places. The paper package warns about 'finicky' results
> > with a narrow window of success. And yes it was the first two boards
> > that worked. That figures. The toner washes off the boards with MEK.
> > Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed transparency to
> > presensitized boards with perfect results. The toner washes off the
> > transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
>
> Is what you speak of the same as an Iron on transfer? I have had good
> results with the iron on transfer. With a laser printer, you print you layout
> onto a special paper. Then iron the paper onto a clean copper board, peel the
> transfer off the board and etch.
>
> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I can never
> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
> difficult at times.
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
of the message will be ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
http://www.fullnet.com/u/tomg/gooteepc.htm
http://www.beamrobotics.com/library/techniques/buildpcb_trnsfr.html
http://www.rwc.yertiz.com/pcb.htm
I have tried using the release paper from a large 'sticker/label' run thru
a copier (link #3), but it was hard not to smear the design. I use Eagle
software. I am building a small CNC pcb mill. It has been very time
consuming but fun and educational!
http://www.hobbycnc.com/
http://www.crankorgan.com/brute.htm
Dan
> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the IC
> difficult at times.
I don't have a trick here other than to drill carefully (tough to do
when you have so many of them).
Paul
components directly on top of the etched copper? The
traces are drawn in the normal sense instead of
inverted so you don't have to be backwards to start
with. The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
the copper as are the related discrete components.
Troubleshooting is easy as you can follow the copper
traces between parts.
This is something that I have done to save on drilling
and for low run prototyping.
--- smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/15/2003 7:25:15 AM Pacific
> Daylight Time,
> prcoy@y... writes:
>
> > I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy
> results. Out of 20
> > tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to
> be inked in with a
> > sharpie in places. The paper package warns about
> 'finicky' results
> > with a narrow window of success. And yes it was
> the first two boards
> > that worked. That figures. The toner washes off
> the boards with MEK.
> > Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed
> transparency to
> > presensitized boards with perfect results. The
> toner washes off the
> > transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
>
> Is what you speak of the same as an Iron on
> transfer? I have had good
> results with the iron on transfer. With a laser
> printer, you print you layout
> onto a special paper. Then iron the paper onto a
> clean copper board, peel the
> transfer off the board and etch.
>
> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for
> DIP packages? I can never
> seem to get all the holes straight which makes
> installation of the IC
> difficult at times.
>
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>
> To UNSUBSCRIBE, just send mail to:
> basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> from the same email address that you subscribed.
> Text in the Subject and Body of the message will be
> ignored.
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to
> http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
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kc6pob@y... writes:
> The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
> the copper as are the related discrete components.
>
Deadbugged???
Would I be correct to assume this means you bend the leads of your components
and turn them into surface mounts?
[noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/15/2003 9:52:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> kc6pob@y... writes:
>
> > The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
> > the copper as are the related discrete components.
> >
>
> Deadbugged???
>
> Would I be correct to assume this means you bend the leads of your
components
> and turn them into surface mounts?
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Two solutions to drilling, #1 clamp a perf board (with .1 holes) to
use as a guide and use #60 (.040") carbide drills (not "high speed"
type) #2, We have a Dremel drill press bolted to a small 8"x11" X-Y
table we got from Ebay. altogether came to around $100 but makes
perfect .1 spaced holes or even .01 if you want to get picky. We plan
on adding some stepper motors to it later to make a router/drill out
of it.
Paul
--- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
> In a message dated 4/15/2003 7:25:15 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> prcoy@y... writes:
>
> > I've tried the toner transfer method too..lousy results. Out of
20
> > tries I got maybe two boards and they still had to be inked in
with a
> > sharpie in places. The paper package warns about 'finicky'
results
> > with a narrow window of success. And yes it was the first two
boards
> > that worked. That figures. The toner washes off the boards with
MEK.
> > Now we're using Eagle Cad to a laser printed transparency to
> > presensitized boards with perfect results. The toner washes off
the
> > transparency too btw. So they are reusable.
>
> Is what you speak of the same as an Iron on transfer? I have had
good
> results with the iron on transfer. With a laser printer, you print
you layout
> onto a special paper. Then iron the paper onto a clean copper
board, peel the
> transfer off the board and etch.
>
> What is everybody doing for drilling the holes for DIP packages? I
can never
> seem to get all the holes straight which makes installation of the
IC
> difficult at times.
>
>
>
> [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
It used to be used in the context of having to add an IC to a PC board
after it had been built. You glued the IC on the board (or on top of
another IC) upside down (with the legs pointing up, like a DEAD BUG!), then
wired it into the circuit. The UPSIDE DOWN is necessary to call it
"deadbug" - if you do it right side up, to copper pads, the bug ain't dead!
Larry
At 12:58 PM 4/15/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 4/15/2003 9:52:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
>kc6pob@y... writes:
>
> > The ICs are deadbugged and soldered directly to
> > the copper as are the related discrete components.
> >
>
>Deadbugged???
>
>Would I be correct to assume this means you bend the leads of your components
>and turn them into surface mounts?
>
Larry Bradley
Orleans (Ottawa), Ontario, CANADA