Homebrew PCBs

i got out my box of lenses and built a "optical bench".
Ok, ok, it is only a board, a white shoebox as screen, and a flashlight,  
but... better than guesswork.


The results seem very promising. i could reach the required magnification  
in a semi-dark room easily with the flashlight brightness through a piece  
of paper.

Best seem to be lenses with very short focal lengths (~~~5cm).
I also tried using a mirror to deflect the projection, and it too worked  
surprisingly well.

I'm still unsure whether i should make the projection screen above or  
below the drilling table. above the table requires big cutouts, but below  
would need a semi-transparent projection screen. I guess paper would  
work...


One BAD, BAD thing is because of the lens, if you move the board right the  
image moves left, and vice versa. same for up/down. But i don't want to  
make a more complicated setup with multiple lenses and mirrors and  
whatnot. I think one will get used to the reversed movement.

The whole thing will be made from MDF or plywood, not sure if i should try  
to seal the dust out or just keep everything open so i can easily remove  
the dust.. also, the lens should be mounted in a way that allows to adjust  
it, not sure what i will do there..


Well, i'll let you know what i come up with.

ST