Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Len Shelton" <len@...> wrote:
>
> Yes, it is a Roland. Sorry. I was thinking of the HP plotter that
I've have
> sitting on a shelf just waiting for a purpose.
> 
> 
> Maybe this is an old subject for this forum, but being relatively
new here,
> and for the sake of discussion, what was the way of the Dodo?

Yea, c'mon guys, not everyone here is a jaded oldster with original
posts in the 2 digits.

If you search the archives for something like "direct plotter pcb",
you may find more info. However, some of the problems are that when
the pen runs back over a track, it messes it up, and the line widths
are not reliable. Tough to run traces between IC pins, that sort of thing.

However, another idea was to coat the PCB in etch resistant paint,
specifically Dykem metal marking fluid, and use a scratch awl (diamond
or carbide tipped) in place of a pen in the plotter, and scratch the
outline of the traces. Search the archives for "scratch and etch".

Also check the Links and Files for more info on both.

Steve Greenfield