Homebrew PCBs

frankwinter1 wrote:
> This subject seems to come up every now and then.
> 
> I wonder if anybody has come up with information about how to metalize 
> inside the via holes?
> 
> I am not a chemist so please keep any information suitable for a dummy.
> 
> I have tried silver paint but it is too viscous and it would need some 
> suction or pressure to give a smooth surface. Also it is most 
> important to me to be able to be left with a suitable hole for IC pins.
> 
> My hobby is RF electronics and I need to use squillions of vias for RF 
> ground connections. Some as small as 12 mil.
> 
> Any solutions (pun intended) for that problem that don't involve 
> buying gallons of the stuff and don't require a bank loan would be 
> most useful to me.
> Frank VK4BLF (QTHR)
> 
> 


You have to realise that the copper electroplating step is only one of 
many stages to fabricate a PTH PCB. Each of the stages, dry film 
laminations, making holes conductive (or "activated" for subsequent 
electroplating) and electroplating have their own problems. All require 
a lot of learning and you will make many a dud PCB before gaining 
confidence.
In short your best to follow Markus's advice and purchase the necessary 
chemistry. Even so there is a lot to know about tank construction and 
what to do when the chemistry mysteriously stops working.

Adam