[sdiy] very basic pcb

[Jason Tribbeck]

Hi,

> I haven't made a pc board in many years, so my knowledge is way out of date.
> 
> I want to make a very simple board that has 5 surface mount relays, some
> diodes, and a few connectors.
> 
> What's the way to make a cheap board? Does one print something, and then
> etch it somehow?
> Express PCB software good for anything if i don't want to send off to have
> a board made?
> (Seem a bit excessive for this tiny one off thing.)
> 
> I recall writing on copper with a marker, and then soaking a board, but
> that was 25 years ago.
> Things must have improved?

There are a number of techniques - probably the cheapest two are essentially the same kind of concept.

You can get sheets that you use a laser printer on and you iron on to a blank board - I've not had a lot of success with these. The similar technique is to print your design with a laser, and then iron the plain paper onto the board. This isn't something I've tried.

http://www.riccibitti.com/pcb/pcb.htm

is the first hit on Google - but everyone using laser printers are basically following the same technique.

Personally, I use a UV etch system because it's reusable - although it is a bit more expensive for the initial outlay (but I bought the box quite a few years ago). I can also use my inkjet printer and OHP sheets.

http://www.tribbeck.com/electronics/pcbs/

is my site on how I make them (may not necessarily be /how/ to make them, but works for me!)
-- 
Jason Tribbeck