Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: Homebrew PCBs

previous by date index next by date
previous in topic topic list  

Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: UV Light Box Bulbs

From: Harvey White <madyn@...>
Date: 2012-01-24

On Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:07:37 +1100, you wrote:

>On 22/01/12 07:50, matrice197 wrote:
>>
>> I am going to be building my first UV exposure box here soon. As a rule I
>> like to source as much as I can locally. For a UV source, I looked to Lowes.
>> I found replacement bug Zapper bulbs (purple, 'u' shaped), or clear mercury
>> vapor bulbs. Both were priced around 15 dollars. Which would be best?
>> Considerations for ballast?
>>
>> As a secondary I thought about getting UV leds since I wouldn't have to fuss
>> with a ballast
>>
>> Can I still use hydrochloric as my etchant?
>
>Hi,
>I'd guess the clear mercury vapor bulb would deliberately have the UV filtered
>out, but i'm only guessing.

Clear mercury vapor may emit short wave UV light, and if so, can
seriously damage your sight. The germicidal UV lamps are very
dangerous to watch, and should be used only in a light tight housing.
The longwave UV lights seem to be significantly less dangerous.

There's a similar, but less dangerous, warning on UV leds, which
suggests not observing them directly.

Check to see what your resist needs to develop it.

Harvey

>
>I'd think the easiest and cheapest way to get UV lights and fittings is from
>hacking some uv nail curing lamps off ebay:
>
>http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=uv++nail&_sacat=See-All-Categories
>
>Hydrochloric acid doesn't etch much on its own. A bit of it (like 1-10%) mixed
>with ferric chloride works very well and doesn't go off or need heating like
>ammonium persulphate.
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
>Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>