In a message dated 2/12/2013 7:05:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
rgsparber@... writes:
The reason that having the ferric chloride dark is an issue for me is that
I
use a translucent tub that sits over a 200W incandescent bulb. I am able to
slowly slosh the liquid back and forth while looking at the board being
etched. As light shines through the copper free areas, I am able to monitor
the process.
Rick
Good point Rick. It sounds like you are trying to see up through the
board from the bottom up. Have you tried placing a bulb over top of the
etching tub?
I use one of those hand-held trouble lights and hold it directly over
my etching tray so I can see what is going on with the board
and check it every few minutes. Usually it is pretty easy for me
to see when the copper is etched off the board. Not making the etchant
level more than
an inch deep over the board helps also. But I guess when the etchant gets
too dark
it can make it hard to see the board when it is submerged. The Ferric
Chloride
is already pretty dark to begin with.
73 Todd WD4NGG