prototyping methods

[Grant Richter]

> 
> Ok guys, what prototyping methods do you use on your boards?
> I'm used to digital, either solder-less breadboards or wire  wrap.
> And these days I'm spoiled, we can get 2-5 pieces of PCB with
> turn around times of a couple of days, so the first prototype
> I deal with tends to be etched in copper.
> 
I use  the GC Electronics single sided pre-sensitized boards. Use a layout
program that lets you make "donut" pads with a 0.010 inside diameter. Laser
print a positive and get a positive "stat" copy made onto clear acetate
(around $8 - 12 US). I expose the board with a photoflood and develop it
with the GC developer. Etchant is available a Radio Shack. The local
surplus store sells #65 carbide drill bits for $0.50. Drill the holes with
a mototool (the donut pads will self center). Then I tin plate them (also
GC). A 4"x6" board costs about $5 and takes four hours or so start to
finish. Chemicals are somewhat expensive, $5 for enough developer to do 10
4 x 6 boards. The nice thing is, you can't tell the difference from a
commercial single sided board and you can turn a prototype in two days.

Just my $0.02