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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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?</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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?)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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 ; )</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Any comments at all would be most
appreciated.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Again, im in England, so any suggested
products need to be available here too.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Failing all that, if i want to get a company to do
it for me...</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>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)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Basically, id like to start on this, whichever way,
but id really like some pointers as to where to begin.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Cheers, Julian</FONT></DIV>
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