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

----- Original Message -----
From: "onenastyviper" <oneNastyViper@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 02, 2005 7:43 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] RE: Plotter PCB


>
>
> Hi to all.
> I just used a modified stubby plotter pen to hold a steadler
> lumocolor pen (sold in maplins as etch resist pen) and I have plotted
> my first circuit ready for etching.
> I bought a maplin etch starter kit (tray, ferric chloride, a pen &
> some pcbs) and gave the plotted circuit a quick etch...
> It took about 10-20 minutes to etch (swishing cold etchant straight
> from the bottle in the tray).

I use a deep plastic food container in a larger outer one, half-filled with
boiling water. Etching takes about 5 minutes, with constant agitation.

> I will try to upload an image of the etched PCB for everyong to see
> but sufficed to say the surface finish isn't great (lots'o pitting)
> but I think this is because of the pen ink slightly dissolving during
> the etch (On my plot tests, I left the ink on the board overnight and
> coldklene had problems taking the ink off the day after...ideas
> anyone?).
> Anyhow, I checked the board for continuity and it was fine. Under 3x
> magnification, it looked like terrible.
> Oh, one problem...I forgot to buy some drill bits (DUH!)
>
> Now, some help required: what type of containers can ferric chloride
> be safely kept in and used for etching...I am looking at using those
> glass preserve jars with the funny external locking mechanism and the
> rubber o-ring for holding etchant and boards.
> Basically, what type of seals (paper, rubber, fibre etc.) are ferric
> proof?

The locking mechanism will corrode very quickly. I use empty plastic milk
bottles for etchant and developer; they seem to last for ever, and the price
is right.

Leon



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