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OT: PC Board Etching — Parallax Forums

OT: PC Board Etching

ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
edited 2003-09-30 14:20 in General Discussion
I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
following would be appreciated:

a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
and Cincinnati often . . .

b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid / hydrogen
peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?

Thanks . . . sorry for the OT but this board has the right folks
IMO.

Comments

  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 03:19
    My 2002 Radio Shack catalog (nearly 2 years old now) shows etching solution
    as a stocked item. Don't know if that's still the case, since they seem to
    be rapidly cutting back on components and hobbyist stuff.

    Our local "real" electronics store has a good selection of boards,
    chemicals, and equipment. You shouldn't have any trouble finding supplies
    in the cities you mentioned.

    Randy
    www.glitchbuster.com



    > I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
    > following would be appreciated:
    >
    > a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    > chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
    > and Cincinnati often . . .
    >
    > b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid / hydrogen
    > peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
    > off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?
    >
    > Thanks . . . sorry for the OT but this board has the right folks
    > IMO.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 04:05
    Radio Shack usually has Ferric Chloride. If you fly, keep in mind you can't
    fly these chemicals!

    Be sure to check out http://www.wd5gnr.com/pcb.htm

    Also, I don't know how big a secret this is, but my next book is:
    http://tinyurl.com/hisc

    Not out yet. It contains a copy of Eagle, and details on using Eagle,
    building your own (laser and photolithography), and sending out boards
    to a service bureau, among other things.

    It should be out any day now!

    Al Williams
    AWC
    * Control 8 servos at once
    http://www.al-williams.com/awce/pak8.htm

    >
    Original Message
    > From: jrem123 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=P9kJe3deDhDUHVUSQEsjfxzfMO3TAuRoNEsJdHYECp5hnAlCooWb7OmHDslOEtDQ3Frtz4THkMv4AA]jrem123@y...[/url
    > Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 8:59 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] OT: PC Board Etching
    >
    >
    > I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
    > following would be appreciated:
    >
    > a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    > chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
    > and Cincinnati often . . .
    >
    > b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid / hydrogen
    > peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
    > off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?
    >
    > Thanks . . . sorry for the OT but this board has the right folks
    > IMO.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > 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/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 04:34
    My first baord ws done with the radioshack kit.

    a 2.5 x 3 board, ferrice chloirde, resist pen and in a plastic case
    that doubled as a container to etch in.

    The pen was dried out, but a sharpie did just fine.

    If you're new to board design, Eagle has a decent package free
    limited pin count. WinQcad seems to be similar, and seems to be
    simplier, but the first registered version, 500 pin is only 100 bux.


    Dave




    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "jrem123" <jrem123@y...> wrote:
    > I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
    > following would be appreciated:
    >
    > a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    > chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit,
    Chicago,
    > and Cincinnati often . . .
    >
    > b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid /
    hydrogen
    > peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
    > off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?
    >
    > Thanks . . . sorry for the OT but this board has the right folks
    > IMO.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 13:28
    In a message dated 9/28/2003 7:01:51 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    jrem123@y... writes:
    a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
    and Cincinnati often . . .
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Considering your time involved making a board, drilling STRAIGHT holes etc,

    you may want to consider www.expresspcb.com

    Free layout software that is easy to use. For $62 you get three double sided
    2.5 X 3.8 inch boards in 3 working days.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 13:39
    thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure my
    artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the 70's,
    but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the hobby
    minded anymore.

    And, yes, I realize I can't fly with that stuff . . . my whole point
    is to try to beat the hazardous material shipping fee, it's like $50
    for $5 worth of product. I've just had a hard time trying to nail down
    a biz that will sell retail off-the-street.

    Regards, John.


    <snip>
    > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    >
    > Considering your time involved making a board, drilling STRAIGHT
    > holes etc,
    >
    > you may want to consider www.expresspcb.com
    >
    > Free layout software that is easy to use. For $62 you get three
    > double sided
    > 2.5 X 3.8 inch boards in 3 working days.
    >
    >
    > [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/
    >
    >


    __________________________________
    Do you Yahoo!?
    The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
    http://shopping.yahoo.com
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 14:17
    > I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
    > following would be appreciated:
    >
    > a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    > chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
    > and Cincinnati often . . .
    >
    > b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid / hydrogen
    > peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
    > off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?

    I bought Sodium Persulfate from Kepro (now owned by D&L). It's cleaner and less

    noxious than Ferric Chloride.

    Paul
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 14:25
    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, John Remington <jrem123@y...>
    wrote:
    > thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure my
    > artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    > prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the
    70's,
    > but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the hobby
    > minded anymore.
    >
    > And, yes, I realize I can't fly with that stuff . . . my whole
    point
    > is to try to beat the hazardous material shipping fee, it's like $50
    > for $5 worth of product. I've just had a hard time trying to nail
    down
    > a biz that will sell retail off-the-street.
    >
    > Regards, John.


    The radio shack stuff is current and should be in the stores. they
    are required to carry a core group of products and I'm pretty sure
    this is one of them.

    http://www.radioshack.com/

    PC Board Kit $14.99 Brand: Catalog Number: 276-1576

    PCB Etchant - Extra Etching Solution
    $3.99 Brand Catalog Number: 276-1535

    If you are in any large city, there should be a couple stores you can
    check.

    but, if you are just checking the circuit, get a proto board, verify
    the circuit works, then use ExpressPCB.


    Dave
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 14:32
    You might check MG chemicals to see where you can buy there stuff locally.
    Also, you can fly the dry form of Ferric Chloride - check out
    http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=ER-3. I think this
    ships normally. Just be sure to add it to water and not vice versa. Also be
    outside or in a ventilated area.

    Al Williams
    AWC
    *New kits: http://www.al-williams.com/kits.htm


    >
    Original Message
    > From: John Remington [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=MMQmTTjvoL826y54XE-_Z72CBrvlS8Rf1-98fdFGcUyBHTAP9Fy1xGpWP89oWtheYyMH5fSPBRAl0ns]jrem123@y...[/url
    > Sent: Monday, September 29, 2003 7:39 AM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: Re: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] OT: PC Board Etching
    >
    >
    > thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure my
    > artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence
    > the prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat
    > Shack in the 70's, but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they
    > don't sell much for the hobby minded anymore.
    >
    > And, yes, I realize I can't fly with that stuff . . . my whole point
    > is to try to beat the hazardous material shipping fee, it's
    > like $50 for $5 worth of product. I've just had a hard time
    > trying to nail down a biz that will sell retail off-the-street.
    >
    > Regards, John.
    >
    >
    > <snip>
    > > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    > >
    > > Considering your time involved making a board, drilling
    > STRAIGHT holes
    > > etc,
    > >
    > > you may want to consider www.expresspcb.com
    > >
    > > Free layout software that is easy to use. For $62 you get
    > three double
    > > sided 2.5 X 3.8 inch boards in 3 working days.
    > >
    > >
    > > [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/
    > >
    > >
    >
    >
    > __________________________________
    > Do you Yahoo!?
    > The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
    > http://shopping.yahoo.com
    >
    > 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/
    >
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 14:40
    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBs/ is the place to be. nice big
    archive to search and lots of helpful folks.

    >
    Original Message
    > From: jrem123 [noparse]/noparse]mailto:[url=http://forums.parallaxinc.com/group/basicstamps/post?postID=mWLiXvPGk18M4M1QQiC4vG4E3xGOrxObzkM1o6OMx7dFZeC215zOq66qg-zmVnqRwIT7NN_LGKpS]jrem123@y...[/url
    > Sent: September 28, 2003 6:59 PM
    > To: basicstamps@yahoogroups.com
    > Subject: [noparse][[/noparse]basicstamps] OT: PC Board Etching
    >
    >
    > I'm looking to proto a board at minimum cost. Any input on the
    > following would be appreciated:
    >
    > a) anyone know where I can "walk in off the street" and buy ferric
    > chloride or amonium persulfate? I am in Cleveland, Detroit, Chicago,
    > and Cincinnati often . . .
    >
    > b) anyone have success/failures with the hydrochloric acid / hydrogen
    > peroxide / water etchant strategy? Or any other readily avialable
    > off the shelf chemicals to make a prototype board?
    >
    > Thanks . . . sorry for the OT but this board has the right folks
    > IMO.
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > 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/
    >
    >
    >
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 15:02
    In a message dated 9/29/2003 5:39:57 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
    jrem123@y... writes:
    thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure my
    artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the 70's,
    but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the hobby
    minded anymore.

    And, yes, I realize I can't fly with that stuff . . . my whole point
    is to try to beat the hazardous material shipping fee, it's like $50
    for $5 worth of product. I've just had a hard time trying to nail down
    a biz that will sell retail off-the-street.

    Regards, John.
    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    In California Radio Shaft still sells ferric chloride in small bottles, as
    part of the kit yuo previously mentioned.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 15:56
    perfect, thanks for the catalog number, I called the local radio shack,
    they don't have it but another one nearby has three of the 16 ounce FE
    bottles in stock.

    Thanks ! ! !


    --- Dave Mucha <davemucha@j...> wrote:
    > --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, John Remington <jrem123@y...>
    > wrote:
    > > thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure
    > my
    > > artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    > > prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the
    > 70's,
    > > but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the
    > hobby
    > > minded anymore.
    > >
    > > And, yes, I realize I can't fly with that stuff . . . my whole
    > point
    > > is to try to beat the hazardous material shipping fee, it's like
    > $50
    > > for $5 worth of product. I've just had a hard time trying to nail
    > down
    > > a biz that will sell retail off-the-street.
    > >
    > > Regards, John.
    >
    >
    > The radio shack stuff is current and should be in the stores. they
    > are required to carry a core group of products and I'm pretty sure
    > this is one of them.
    >
    > http://www.radioshack.com/
    >
    > PC Board Kit $14.99 Brand: Catalog Number: 276-1576
    >
    > PCB Etchant - Extra Etching Solution
    > $3.99 Brand Catalog Number: 276-1535
    >
    > If you are in any large city, there should be a couple stores you can
    >
    > check.
    >
    > but, if you are just checking the circuit, get a proto board, verify
    > the circuit works, then use ExpressPCB.
    >
    >
    > Dave
    >
    >
    >
    >
    >
    > 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/
    >
    >


    __________________________________
    Do you Yahoo!?
    The New Yahoo! Shopping - with improved product search
    http://shopping.yahoo.com
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 17:09
    Won't help you find the stuff, but may be useful:

    Etchant can be rejuvenated by recovering the copper from it.

    The scheme is to plate it out on a copper or stainless steel
    cathode.

    The guy who told me about this uses a copper cathode and plain
    steel anode. A graphite or lead anode would also work.

    10 cm electrodes at 6 cm separation in a glass jar on a 1 Amp
    constant-current source seems to work OK - Just at the point
    where tiny bubbles form on the electrode is where you want the
    current. More is'nt better, outgassing is undesirable, fumes are
    toxic...

    About ten minutes seems to suffice. If you're curious and have a
    balance you can track the process by weighing boards and cathode
    before and after.

    YMMV. Any electroplating scheme is potentially hazardous and best
    done outdoors.

    regards, Jack

    John Remington wrote:
    >
    > thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure my
    > artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    > prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the 70's,
    > but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the hobby
    > minded anymore.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 20:08
    After spending some time (several months) with a board I was trying to
    etch, my lesson:

    Outsource, outsource, outsource. It's cheap, it will save your sanity.

    Sean T. Lamont, Chief Mad Scientist |-- lamont@a...
    Zen Chemical Productions |-- http://www.zenchemical.com
    Fabricators of Unnecessary Amazement
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 21:11
    In a message dated 9/29/2003 12:09:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    lamont@a... writes:
    After spending some time (several months) with a board I was trying to
    etch, my lesson:

    Outsource, outsource, outsource. It's cheap, it will save your sanity.
    Agree!!!!!!!!!!!!


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 22:35
    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, "Sean T. Lamont .lost."
    <lamont@a...> wrote:
    >
    >
    > After spending some time (several months) with a board I was trying
    to
    > etch, my lesson:
    >
    > Outsource, outsource, outsource. It's cheap, it will save your
    sanity.


    May I add that if you are still protptyping, use ExpressPCB, and use
    the whole board, and put in extra holes and traces so you can add
    caps and resistors if/when needed. 2 holes connected by a trace
    here and there to allow a resistor in and another device out.
    espically around op-amps.

    Dave



    >
    > Sean T. Lamont, Chief Mad Scientist |-- lamont@a...
    > Zen Chemical Productions |--
    http://www.zenchemical.com
    > Fabricators of Unnecessary Amazement
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-29 22:39
    I have had good luck etching my own boards. Even 2 sided boards with
    toner transfer paper have been fairly easy.

    Here is a few pictures of what I have been able to do with the toner
    transfer paper:

    http://my.vbe.com/~jbirnsch/MyPhotos

    Click the basic stamp album

    Jason

    > lamont@a... writes:
    > After spending some time (several months) with a board I was trying
    to
    > etch, my lesson:
    >
    > Outsource, outsource, outsource. It's cheap, it will save your
    sanity.
    > Agree!!!!!!!!!!!!
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 00:22
    In a message dated 9/29/2003 2:43:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    jbirnsch@v... writes:
    I have had good luck etching my own boards. Even 2 sided boards with
    toner transfer paper have been fairly easy.

    Here is a few pictures of what I have been able to do with the toner
    transfer paper:
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Looks pretty damn good. All surface mount stuff.....Two sided with holes is a
    pain, agree?


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 05:09
    I've been doing both double sided and surface mount (only brave
    enough to try the SOIC 1.27 stuff). I use photoresist method instead
    of transfer paper. Lining up the holes on both sides is actually
    pretty easy.

    A tip from the homebrew PCB board: Poke some holes in your
    transparancies - choose Three pads, one in each bottom corner and
    one in a top corner. The top corner is a visual aid so you don't
    accidently get the PCB flipped side to side during exposure.

    Take a long thin piece of scrap PCB and scotch tape one edge of the
    transparency to it. Slip your PCB underneath and mark the three hole
    positions. Remove the PCB and drill the holes. Note: This is with
    the protective plastic still in place! You don't want to expose the
    photoresist!

    Flip your scrap PCB&Transparency over so the transparancy is on the
    bottom, the poke some resistor leads up through the two bottom
    corner holes. Lay your good PCB over it (taking note of the third
    hole position so you get the proper side) and slip the resistor
    leads through the PCB holes. I usually hang the holes just over a
    table edge with a piece of paper underneath to keep the resistors in
    place.

    Take the second transparency and lay it on top. Slip the resistor
    leads through the matching holes so the two sheets are (almost)
    perfectly aligned.

    Now carefully wiggle the top tranparency around until the leads
    stand straight - tape the top sheet to the scrap PCB. Now you have
    something that looks sort of like a book, the covers being
    transparencies and the single page being the PCB. When you want to
    expose, slip the PCB between the sheets and poke resistor leads
    through to the PCB. When the leads are vertical, you have everything
    lined up. Remove the leads, lay your glass over it, and expose away.
    Repeat for the opposite side.

    The only problem I've run into doing this is transparencies that
    slip a bit during printing so they don't line up even when held flat
    against one another. IBM laser transparacies slip in my el-cheapo
    Samsung ML-1210 laser. 3M Laser transparancies seem to do ok.


    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, smartdim@a... wrote:
    > In a message dated 9/29/2003 2:43:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > jbirnsch@v... writes:
    > I have had good luck etching my own boards. Even 2 sided boards
    with
    > toner transfer paper have been fairly easy.
    >
    > Here is a few pictures of what I have been able to do with the
    toner
    > transfer paper:
    > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    >
    > Looks pretty damn good. All surface mount stuff.....Two sided with
    holes is a
    > pain, agree?
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 05:19
    In a message dated 9/29/2003 9:12:37 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    ghidera2000@y... writes:
    I've been doing both double sided and surface mount (only brave
    enough to try the SOIC 1.27 stuff). I use photoresist method instead
    of transfer paper. Lining up the holes on both sides is actually
    pretty easy.

    A tip from the homebrew PCB board: Poke some holes in your
    transparancies - choose Three pads, one in each bottom corner and
    one in a top corner. The top corner is a visual aid so you don't
    accidently get the PCB flipped side to side during exposure.

    Take a long thin piece of scrap PCB and scotch tape one edge of the
    transparency to it. Slip your PCB underneath and mark the three hole
    positions. Remove the PCB and drill the holes. Note: This is with
    the protective plastic still in place! You don't want to expose the
    photoresist!

    Flip your scrap PCB&Transparency over so the transparancy is on the
    bottom, the poke some resistor leads up through the two bottom
    corner holes. Lay your good PCB over it (taking note of the third
    hole position so you get the proper side) and slip the resistor
    leads through the PCB holes. I usually hang the holes just over a
    table edge with a piece of paper underneath to keep the resistors in
    place.

    Take the second transparency and lay it on top. Slip the resistor
    leads through the matching holes so the two sheets are (almost)
    perfectly aligned.

    Now carefully wiggle the top tranparency around until the leads
    stand straight - tape the top sheet to the scrap PCB. Now you have
    something that looks sort of like a book, the covers being
    transparencies and the single page being the PCB. When you want to
    expose, slip the PCB between the sheets and poke resistor leads
    through to the PCB. When the leads are vertical, you have everything
    lined up. Remove the leads, lay your glass over it, and expose away.
    Repeat for the opposite side.

    The only problem I've run into doing this is transparencies that
    slip a bit during printing so they don't line up even when held flat
    against one another. IBM laser transparacies slip in my el-cheapo
    Samsung ML-1210 laser. 3M Laser transparancies seem to do ok.
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    Ahhhhhh,

    So that is how it's done. I have made several single sided boards. Recently
    however, I have found to save time (at much greater expense) is to go the
    www.expresspcb.com route and have been very pleased with the results.

    Must be damn sure that your artwork is correct though.

    I just might try the double sided method you just mentioned.


    [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 13:42
    what are you using for a power supply, a model train transformer?

    --- In basicstamps@yahoogroups.com, goflo@p... wrote:
    > Won't help you find the stuff, but may be useful:
    >
    > Etchant can be rejuvenated by recovering the copper from it.
    >
    > The scheme is to plate it out on a copper or stainless steel
    > cathode.
    >
    > The guy who told me about this uses a copper cathode and plain
    > steel anode. A graphite or lead anode would also work.
    >
    > 10 cm electrodes at 6 cm separation in a glass jar on a 1 Amp
    > constant-current source seems to work OK - Just at the point
    > where tiny bubbles form on the electrode is where you want the
    > current. More is'nt better, outgassing is undesirable, fumes are
    > toxic...
    >
    > About ten minutes seems to suffice. If you're curious and have a
    > balance you can track the process by weighing boards and cathode
    > before and after.
    >
    > YMMV. Any electroplating scheme is potentially hazardous and best
    > done outdoors.
    >
    > regards, Jack
    >
    > John Remington wrote:
    > >
    > > thanks to all for the replies . . . I really want to make sure
    my
    > > artwork is accurate prior to ordering any pro boards, hence the
    > > prototype. I recall buying ferric chloride from Rat Shack in the
    70's,
    > > but alas as Al or Dave mentioned, they don't sell much for the
    hobby
    > > minded anymore.
  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 14:18
    I've shot over 100 boards without a problem. I find it is cheaper and faster.
    There's
    a satisfaction I get when I think of a circuit Friday after work and have a
    working
    project by Sunday afternoon. The materials and process you use are probably the

    greatest factor in whether making a PCB is a fun hobby or a frustrating chore.

    Paul

    > I have had good luck etching my own boards. Even 2 sided boards with
    > toner transfer paper have been fairly easy.
    >
    > Here is a few pictures of what I have been able to do with the toner
    > transfer paper:
    >
    > http://my.vbe.com/~jbirnsch/MyPhotos
    >
    > Click the basic stamp album
    >
    > Jason
    >
    > > lamont@a... writes:
    > > After spending some time (several months) with a board I was trying
    > to
    > > etch, my lesson:
    > >
    > > Outsource, outsource, outsource. It's cheap, it will save your
    > sanity.
    > > Agree!!!!!!!!!!!!
    > >
    > >
    > > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
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    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
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  • ArchiverArchiver Posts: 46,084
    edited 2003-09-30 14:20
    I've shot two sided with success as has one of my students. You need to use
    more
    care than you do with a single sided, but it's not too difficult.

    Paul

    > In a message dated 9/29/2003 2:43:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
    > jbirnsch@v... writes:
    > I have had good luck etching my own boards. Even 2 sided boards with
    > toner transfer paper have been fairly easy.
    >
    > Here is a few pictures of what I have been able to do with the toner
    > transfer paper:
    > ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    >
    > Looks pretty damn good. All surface mount stuff.....Two sided with holes is a
    > pain, agree?
    >
    >
    > [noparse][[/noparse]Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
    >
    >
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    > basicstamps-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
    > from the same email address that you subscribed. Text in the Subject and Body
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