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

Well,

I can't say as it was bad or good, certainly nothing like the
commercially produced boards I have worked with in kits.

The transfer process went good - I used that Pulsar brand Toner
Transfer System paper. I printed out the schematics (.012" wide
traces which was part of my problem) on the paper. Using an iron set
at about 3/4 the way to MAX and pressed down hard for about a minute.

I then let the board cool for a couple of minutes, placed it in water
for about a minute and the paper came right off leaving the toner.

I used the circuit boards and etchant that comes with the Radio Shack
starter kit. I simply placed the bottle in some Tap-hot water for
about 10 minutes to warm it. Poured it into the tray that came with
the kit, put in the circuit board, and placed a small piece of wood
under the tray so I could rock it back and forth (wave action).

In about 10 minutes, the copper was gone. I then used the solvent
that came in the kit to remove the toner and all was done.

The traces are a bit "pitted" in areas. Some of the spaces between
the traces didn't etch away completly. I should be able to scrap away
a small groove with a sharp hobby knife to create the gap needed.

It does appear as though they are good enough to be used (provided I
can scrape away the material where needed).

Now, the next part I am unsure of. I suspect I can solder it up as I
would with any other board. I suppose there my be some problems as
the copper isn't tinned, but I hope to get past that okay. After
soldering and cleaning, do I need to do anything else?

TIA

Chris