[sdiy] DIY pcbs - how difficult is it, and where to begin?

[Julian]

Right, Its something ive wondered about for a long time, but never made a start with, so im wondering -  etching your own board: how much of a black art is it?

How many attempts is it likely to take before i get it right (i know thats an open ended question, but, is it like 'wow - he got it to work first time - amazing!' or what?)

I have a friend who tried twice in the past, with no success, i suspect that they were reasonably carefull, so thats what worries me ; )

Is there some fool proof technique?  Im guessing that the variables of temperature, time, and chemical makeup all affect things, so im wondering if i can get a specific set of one make of chemicals / boards and just follow the directions to the letter - ie to take out any human skill on my behalf.

I know some of you make boards all the time, but, as i say, im aware my friend had no success, so it cant be that easy either.

Any comments at all would be most appreciated.

Again, im in England, so any suggested products need to be available here too.


Failing all that, if i want to get a company to do it for me...

To go from the schematic to pcb, i need to do the layout in some program (any free and easy suggestions?) and upload the file to a company (i know there have been threads in the past on companies), but, having never used the layout software, im wondering how automated it all is?  Ie. is there stuff i need to *know* about board layout rather then just being careful with inputting data off schematic?  (Will i have decisions to make)

Basically, id like to start on this, whichever way, but id really like some pointers as to where to begin.

Cheers, Julian

 
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