Homebrew PCBs

Stephen Bartlett wrote:
> There are two basic types of home-use UV tubes, which look like
> fluorescent tubes, but are varying shades of dark blue.  It has been
> years since I looked at a lamp catalog, but as I remember, the types
> with designation ending in  "/BLB" are "black light blue," have a clear
> tube, produce reduced visible light, and cost much more than the "BL"
> type, which have an internal fluorescent coating and emit more visible
> light.  Assuming the BL type will work for you, they should save you
> money in initial cost.
> 
> Steve Bartlett
> 

Yep, I used the "BL" type for my original light box, and they worked 
great. You buy them as lamps for "insect zappers". Lot cheaper than BLB, 
and I believe they emit same level of 365nm, which is what you need for 
photoresists. The "BLB" lamps are mainly for special effects but 5 X the 
cost. Both lamps are safe for skin, but I'm not sure about staring 
continuously at them. visit Sam's F-Lamp FAQ

http://members.misty.com/don/f-lamp.html