[sdiy] PCBs

[patchell]

    I learned to design printed circuits at my first job.  I would check the
layouts done by the layout guy (this was back in the bad old days when this
was done with tape on mylar).  Eventually, I started fixing the problems
myself, and then when the layout guy went to another job, I took over those
chores.  Doing layouts is more of an art.  If you want to see some good
examples of PCB layouts, you can go to my web site.

    As far as making PC boards....well, if you must do this, go ahead...I
used to do it myself, and there are lots of reasons I don't.

    1. It is a very messy process.  You do need to be somewhat careful of
the chemicals (they are not real dangerous, in fact, they make more of a
mess than anything).

    2.  It is time consuming and the results, if you are lucky, are only
fair at best.

    3.  When you can get PC boards in small quanties (2-5) for $33 each from
Advanced Circuits, or other places that have similar deals, there seems
little point in making your own boards.

    There might be other reasons, but those are pretty good.  Now, to help
you.  I used to get my chemicals at the local electronics store.  There used
to be several in my area (25 years ago when I used to do this).  The only
one left only stocks the materials ocasionally.  Another alternative is to
get them mail order.  I do believe that Jameco sells the nessesary materials
(or did at one time).

    You can also use Amonium Persulfate to etch as well.  However, this
stuff sometimes comes with a mercury activator.  The stuff I used to get
packaged the activator seperately, and I just never used it.  I found that
just heating up the ammonium persulfate was enough to speed up the etching.
Even back then I did not like the idea of disposing of murcury, although, I
am not sure what every became of all those activator capsules.

    I hesitate to mention hydrogen peroxide and sulferic acid.  This is what
the pro shops use, but this stuff is not exactly safe to deal with...

    My recomendation is just get yourself a nice cad program, and send
gerbers to the pros...the results are much nicer.

    Now,

David Reichert wrote:

> Does anyone know of a good source to learn about designing and making
> printed circuit boards. I've been to a few sites, but nothing has proven
> useful yet.
>
> Where do you guys get your ferric chloride?
>
> Thanks again,
> Dave

--
 -Jim
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