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

----- Original Message -----
From: "KE5CTY Bob" <rtnmi@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2005 10:30 PM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Which Printer


> 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.

I get very good results with positive resist PCB material by printing a
transparency onto tracing paper using a laser printer, UV exposure with a
simple home-made exposure unit, development in sodium hydroxide solution and
etching in ferric chloride.

73, Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
leon.heller@...
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller

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