Homebrew PCBs

The problem with DLP is that larger boards are very inconsistent, and 
even smaller ones give variable results. Right now I am working with 
an HP 2200 that is very simple to modify to pass thick boards and 
requires no MCU to simulate sensors, but it does not work 
consistently. I am hoping to use it as a test bed to explore dlp 
further and get the kinks out. Meanwhile I did modify an inkjet (see 
<http://www.marksData.com>), which was fun, but I think dlp has more 
potential. DS boards on a plotter should be easy - just make 
registration holes on the Y axis with pins to locate the board. Do 
one side, flip and do the others. That's the way my cnc router works, 
though you can do it optically as well with a camera on the plotter head.

Mark


At 06:43 AM 3/10/2011, you wrote:
>Sorry, I chose this post as the most recent of yours to reply to; I 
>used to dabble in trying various methods of DIY PCB's and I did try 
>the plotter method with a 7440, trying to figure out which Staedler 
>red pen will suffice,(argh!) but I couldn't do double-sided boards 
>without figuring how to register the board in a way for the plotter 
>to do the second side.
>
>Even with a laser, I'm not sure if this an obvious issue or not a 
>concern as you are only doing single-sided work.
>
>For me, I find Sunday coupon pages printed on my old laser printer 
>adequate enough but the real issue that eludes me from quick PCB 
>fabrication is through-plating.
>
>I am intrigued though, why did you stop going with the direct laser 
>method? The pictures you provided were most impressive but perhaps 
>you ran into the same issue with double-sided boards?
>
>
>--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, mlerman@... wrote:
> >
> > I'm interested in the optics, too. If we could produce a spot of 
> .001 inch or so, we could use it to remove paint resist from a pcb, 
> just like a cnc router. Then etch and done. The plotter can be a 
> simple xy - used ones with a resolution of .001 inch seem to be 
> readily available.
> >
> > Mark
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------------
>
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