[sdiy] [SGSETDI] DIY PCBs

[Scott Bernardi]

Well, here's what I run into when considering having my PCB's outsourced:
I have about twenty boards in my current project. All different, different
sizes, etc. Setup costs would be prohibitive.
I spent $40 on an etchant tank, $40 for an exposure lamp, and buy 12" x 12"
presensitized boards that I cut to size for about $22.
Ammonium Persulfate crystals to make about 2 gallons of etchant for $15.
Developer concentrate to make one liter for $1.
Tinnit plating $5 covers about 600 sq in (that's a lot of traces)

I print transparencies on a laser printer. Yeah, sometimes I have to touch
it up with a Sharpie marker when the toner gets low.

I looked long and hard for a good schematic capture and layout program that
would give me over 200 nodes and not cost $500 or more. Proteus Light
(www.labcenter.uk.com) has schematic capture, PCB layout with unlimited
nodes and an autorouter, for $50 (30 pounds).  Limitations: Doesn't do
Gerber files, and you can't import a netlist from the schematic capture to
the PCB layout.  Since I didn't have a job where I had access to a $1500
layout program, it works great.


"nss at hevanet.com" wrote:

> >>Maybe the list should change it's name to 'Synth
> Get-someone-else-to-do-it'...
>
> I'm with Collin also!
>
> All the stuff I use to make boards was less than $150usd I wear gloves,
> and goggles and take the stuff to the local haz-mat center at the dump
> when done. I only make small boards, but I don't think people should be
> scared away from trying it themselves.
>
> The store I get my supplies at had signs posted by the cash register:
>
> "WARNING- the recipts you get are known to the state of California to
> cause cancer"
>
> If it ain't one thing...
>
> Making boards is fun!!! (at least one offs)
>
> -Al Fisher

--
Scott Bernardi
sbernardi at home.net