--- In
Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Jim Miller" <jim@...> wrote:
>
> I know that placing metal in a microwave can produce "interesting"
results.
> However is there any experience with a piece of copper in a cup of
water?
> I'm speculating that the water may keep the copper from being the
primary
> load on the microwave and also provide a cooling surface for the
copper.
>
> Just interested in heating a persulfate etching solution.
>
> tnx
> jtm
>
That is an interesting concept. I usually use a Pyrex tray on the
Propane fired stove. I like my Ferric-Chloride at about 135 to 140
degrees F when etching my PCBs.
All I can recommend is try it for a few seconds. If you don't see
lightning bolts streaking across the inside of the microwave, try it
again for a bit longer time, gradually increasing the time until you
see success, or lightning.
The thing about metal in a microwave is that, the metal represents a
substantial load on the microwave tube - especially when the metal is
in the shape of a ring. So the size of the PCB will be very
limited. How limited will depend on the power rating if the
microwave oven.
Carl W. Livingston, KC5OTL