Homebrew PCBs

The reason that having the ferric chloride dark is an issue for me is that I
use a translucent tub that sits over a 200W incandescent bulb. I am able to
slowly slosh the liquid back and forth while looking at the board being
etched. As light shines through the copper free areas, I am able to monitor
the process.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of toddroberts2001@...
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2013 7:59 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] ferric chloride question

Thanks for the postings as I try to keep up with the list.
I tried Leon's suggestion recently and sure enough, adding a little
Hydrochloric acid to some used Ferric Chloride solution cleared up the
sludge that was on the bottom of the container after sitting a while. The
solution is still dark, but nothing wrong with that.
Thanks again - 73 Todd WD4NGG
 
In a message dated 2/12/2013 9:36:48 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
rgsparber@... writes:
Leon,

I'll try that today.

Any idea  why the ferric chloride is getting darker?

Rick

-----Original  Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com  [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of Leon Heller
Sent:  Monday, February 11, 2013 6:40 AM
To:  Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] ferric chloride  question

On 11/02/2013 13:06, Rick Sparber wrote:
> I have been  using the same ferric chloride for a while and it still 
> does a fine job  of etching my boards. But it has become darker and I 
> see some  precipitates forming. Does it just need a little water?

A little  hydrochloric acid should remove the sludge.

Leon
--
Leon  Heller
G1HSM
 


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