Homebrew PCBs

> 1) Does the fuser element take 110V AC (I'm in the US), or do I need
> a DC power source?  I have some SSRs that are good to 20A, and would
> like to use one to control the temperature.

All i've seen use direct mains AC.
The SSR are probably ideal.

> 2) Since I'm starting to tinker with microcontrollers, I would like
> to hook a PIC ADC port to the thermistor to create a crude
> temperature indication on an LCD and provide feedback for the SSR
> control.  Are laser printer thermistors particularly "noisy" at any
> give temperature?

No, not noisy. they are NTC thermistors usually. Of course you might have
small switching noise from the heater.
I do not like the idea of using a micro for a one-transistor problem, but
hey, i'm not your mother.

> 3) Finally, I think I'll hook a hand crank onto the geartrain.  Is an
> *ultra* smooth feed required, or would I be able to crank it manually
> with acceptable results?

I cranked for a couple of boards with no trouble. But then i mounted a
"chicken grill" motor (small AC motor with heavy gearing in smal case - 
cheap).
the motor is ideal as i now need only one pass.

>
> Probably a bit much for a beginner, but I would like to give it a
> shot anyway.  Thanks for any help or pointers you can give.

dump the microcontroller, the rest is just perfect.

ST