[sdiy] PTH vias

[Seb Francis]

Michael Buchstaller wrote:
>> Maybe ok to just close the hole on one side then?  I'm still trying to 
>> get an answer about this from my PCB house.  While they have been quite 
>> prompt at answering some other questions I had, they seem to be taking a 
>> long time to answer this one.
>>     
>
> There are different opinions about the "doability" of that. Even just covering
> one side of the PCB will create pits that allow accumulation of moist - maybe
> the silver plating makes this not bettet, if i think at my grandparents silver
> knifes that always got black just from sitting at the shelf.
> But the most of that knowledge will surely come from the PCB makers; they
> have done way more different boards and have experience what will work
> well and what should better be avoided (at least i hope so).
>
>   

Actually I've got a feeling my PCB maker uses liquid film for the 
soldermask which probably wouldn't actually block a via hole.  I guess 
ideally I would specify the soldermask to cover the via pad, but not the 
hole.  But unfortunately this isn't possible in my PCB software :-(

I think I have to wait for the answer from my PCB maker whether it's ok 
or not if a liquid film soldermask is made on top of a via hole.

> I am currently using a PCB manufacturer in bulgaria, who cannot do
> lead-free HAL, but will gold-coat the complete PCBs for the same price :-)
> (not that thick couating as used for card connectors, but should be enough
> to make for a nice shiny look): http://www.bilex-lp.com
> sadly the page is only available in german, french and italian...
>
>   

Actually it's not really in French or Italian (lots missing), so I'll 
have to struggle through with my German!  Looks quite cheap though 
(about 20% less than my current manufacturer for 5x 100x150mm PCBs).  
And they do non-RoHS finish :)

On the price calculator it didn't ask me for my country and is only 
quoting 6 euro for delivery, so I'm not sure if this is right.

Thanks,
Seb