Hi Fellows:
Found you guys through a query on another group (QRP-L) that I am a
member of.
I am new to the list but have been in Electronics and Ham radio since
1965 and worked in a communications lab for quiet a while at SW Research
Institute. Therefore I know I don't know it all and am teachable. I do
have a general sense for what is going on, just not the specifics to
implement yet.
I have laid out many a board, run the ovens, temperature controlled
solder flow machines, the agitators and so forth for use with Mil-Spec
work ect.
I know all the knobs to turn temperature read-outs to look for and the
timings for most types of double verses - single verses - triple layer
boards and the procedures to operate all of the "proper" equipment, but
have never done one without the expensive equipment working in a
research environment provided.
So this is a whole different world.
Although the theories I am reading about in your procedures make perfect
sense there are still some missing links to tie up and a few mind sets
concerning quality to over come.
So here I am now wanting to do my own at home and learn from you guys
about how it is accomplished, but with as much precision and quality as
possible.
I have a two HP printers - One is a HP DeskJet 712C - the other is one a
friend has given me recently which is a old HP Series II Black and White
Laser printer. I also have a Panasonic Plain Paper Fax Copier which uses
a roller for the ink.
Now after reading and looking at most of the files after joining and
looking at the graphics of the CAD/CAM systems in the file and link area
I decided on using "Express PCB" and have installed it on my system,
probably will get into "Eagle" once I get the hang of the board building
procedures themselves.
I have my first board laid out (just a little simple keyer to start
with) before I tackle the receivers, transceivers and attenuators, dip
meters and filter boards, ect that I plan on doing and have on order
some single side blank PCBs along with a few parts from a surplus
distributor.
The question now lies in which method should I use -
The print inkjet and then copier method or the direct laser printer
method?
The "oven method" or the "iron on method"?
Does either have more consistency over the other?
Does either produce better results at lower temps?
What is the best chemical etchant to use with our homebrew stuff vs.
what I am used to in the machines which make their own "special" ready
mixed brand.
I have read so much I guess I have read myself into a quandary.
7&3 fer nw,
KE5CTY (old calls WB5ZQU - WY5L)
http://www.qsl.net/ke5cty/Code may be dying but the pioneering spirit that put the code there in
the first place is still going strong.