Homebrew_PCBs

I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.

If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off. They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.

I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC, 7 small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I think one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.

Sincerely,

Ms. smilingcat

I'd love to see your design!



On Wed, Nov 28, 2012 at 8:15 PM, smilingcat90254
<smilingcat@...>wrote:

> **
>
>
> I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
> source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.
>
> If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
> will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
> design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
> charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
> They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.
>
> I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
> circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC,
> 7 small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter
> so you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I
> think one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ms. smilingcat
>
>
>

--
If you ask me if it can be done. The answer is YES, it can always be done.
The correct questions however are... What will it cost, and how long will
it take?


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

What are you plating to the board? Tin, copper to copper, via holes?



Jeff



_____

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:15 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's





I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.

If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.

I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC, 7
small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I think
one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.

Sincerely,

Ms. smilingcat





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I'll certainly enjoy studying it.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:15 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's

I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.

If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.

I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC, 7
small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I think
one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.

Sincerely,

Ms. smilingcat





------------------------------------

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links

I would also like to see your design. Is it posted yet? Kevin


________________________________
From: Rick Sparber <rgsparber@...>
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:36 PM
Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's



I'll certainly enjoy studying it.

Rick

-----Original Message-----
From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:15 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's

I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.

If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.

I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC, 7
small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I think
one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.

Sincerely,

Ms. smilingcat

------------------------------------

Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Me too, interested in that design.


2012/11/29 Kevin Byrne <kbyrne10@...>

> **
>
>
> I would also like to see your design. Is it posted yet? Kevin
>
> ________________________________
> From: Rick Sparber <rgsparber@...>
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:36 PM
> Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double
> sided PCB's
>
>
>
>
> I'll certainly enjoy studying it.
>
> Rick
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:15 PM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
> PCB's
>
> I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
> source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.
>
> If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
> will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
> design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
> charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
> They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.
>
> I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
> circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC,
> 7
> small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
> you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I
> think
> one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ms. smilingcat
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

He has posted a PNG of the schematic on the Electronics_101 Files area:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Electronics_101/files/Constant%20Current%20Source/ireg2.png

Discussion of the specific merits of the design and its construction should occur on that group.


Steve Greenfield AE7HD

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Vicent Colomar Prats <vicentecolomar@...> wrote:
>
> Me too, interested in that design.
>
>
> 2012/11/29 Kevin Byrne <kbyrne10@...>
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > I would also like to see your design. Is it posted yet? Kevin
> >
> > ________________________________
> > From: Rick Sparber <rgsparber@...>
> > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:36 PM
> > Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double
> > sided PCB's
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I'll certainly enjoy studying it.
> >
> > Rick
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> > On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
> > Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:15 PM
> > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
> > PCB's
> >
> > I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
> > source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.
> >
> > If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
> > will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
> > design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
> > charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
> > They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.
> >
> > I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
> > circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC,
> > 7
> > small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
> > you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I
> > think
> > one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> >
> > Ms. smilingcat
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I've also posted here as well. BTW, Steve I'm a gurrrlll. See it under Files/CONSTANT CURRENT SOURCE in this group.

Sincerely,

Ms. Smilingcat KI6YMF ;)

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "AlienRelics" <alienrelics@...> wrote:
>
> He has posted a PNG of the schematic on the Electronics_101 Files area:
>
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Electronics_101/files/Constant%20Current%20Source/ireg2.png
>
> Discussion of the specific merits of the design and its construction should occur on that group.
>
>
> Steve Greenfield AE7HD
>
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Vicent Colomar Prats <vicentecolomar@> wrote:
> >
> > Me too, interested in that design.
> >
> >
> > 2012/11/29 Kevin Byrne <kbyrne10@>
> >
> > > **
> > >
> > >
> > > I would also like to see your design. Is it posted yet? Kevin
> > >
> > > ________________________________
> > > From: Rick Sparber <rgsparber@>
> > > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 11:36 PM
> > > Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double
> > > sided PCB's
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > I'll certainly enjoy studying it.
> > >
> > > Rick
> > >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> > > On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
> > > Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 9:15 PM
> > > To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> > > Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
> > > PCB's
> > >
> > > I just posted on electronics-101 with an offer to post a constant current
> > > source design and theory of operation for use in plating PCBs.
> > >
> > > If anyone is interested in 0-5 AMP constant current source speak up and I
> > > will post a schematic, BOM, and a layout here. It's relatively simple
> > > design. Power source for the circuit comes from an old 12V car battery
> > > charger. The stupid ones which doesn't know when the battery is topped off.
> > > They can supply 10,20 30AMPS at 12V.
> > >
> > > I'm in a process of setting up a plating for my PCB's thus I designed a
> > > circuit for such use. component count was one reference supply voltage IC,
> > > 7
> > > small signal transistors, one pot, trim pot optional, Analog panel meter so
> > > you know what you are putting out, power transistors and 9 resistors I
> > > think
> > > one small cap for feedback stabilization filter caps.
> > >
> > > Sincerely,
> > >
> > > Ms. smilingcat
> > >
> > > ------------------------------------
> > >
> > > Be sure to visit the group home and check for new Links, Files, and Photos:
> > > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homebrew_PCBsYahoo! Groups Links
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not 6"x12"

Oops. There should be a nonspecific gender version of he/she/his/hers for the internet.

Steve Greenfield AE7HD

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "smilingcat90254" <smilingcat@...> wrote:
>
> I've also posted here as well. BTW, Steve I'm a gurrrlll. See it under Files/CONSTANT CURRENT SOURCE in this group.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ms. Smilingcat KI6YMF ;)
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "AlienRelics" <alienrelics@> wrote:
> >
> > He has posted a PNG of the schematic on the Electronics_101 Files area:
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Electronics_101/files/Constant%20Current%20Source/ireg2.png
> >
> > Discussion of the specific merits of the design and its construction should occur on that group.
> >
> >
> > Steve Greenfield AE7HD
> >

What are you using for through-hole activation?



Jeff



_____

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 5:55 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's





Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided
PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
6"x12"





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I've ground up artist's charcoal using 400 grit or 800 grit sharpening stone then add the powdered charcoal into india ink based on some polymer. I checked to see that the artist graphite did indeed conduct. Measured about 500 ohms per 6 "squares" (distance/cross sectional area) or so. Not very scientific but it will do.

Smilingcat

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Heiss" <jeff.heiss@...> wrote:
>
> What are you using for through-hole activation?
>
>
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
> Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 5:55 PM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
> PCB's
>
>
>
>
>
> Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?
>
> I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided
> PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
> copper.
>
> You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
> would have to be different.
>
> And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
> 6"x12"
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

How are you getting the charcoal/ink mix into the holes? What size holes
are you using?



Jeff



_____

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 11:52 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's





I've ground up artist's charcoal using 400 grit or 800 grit sharpening stone
then add the powdered charcoal into india ink based on some polymer. I
checked to see that the artist graphite did indeed conduct. Measured about
500 ohms per 6 "squares" (distance/cross sectional area) or so. Not very
scientific but it will do.

Smilingcat

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com> , "Jeff Heiss" <jeff.heiss@...>
wrote:

>
> What are you using for through-hole activation?
>
>
>
> Jeff
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com

<mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
[mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
<mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com> ]

> On Behalf Of smilingcat90254
> Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 5:55 PM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>

> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double

sided

> PCB's
>
>
>
>
>
> Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?
>
> I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double

sided

> PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
> copper.
>
> You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
> would have to be different.
>
> And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
> 6"x12"
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The ink I'm using is Higgins black magic. Says its waterproof after it dries and it IS.

The minimum hole size I currently have are 20mils in diameter. some are at 28mils and others are at 32mils. mounting holes are 100mils.

The charcoal is very fine probably below one mil in diameter. Very fine dust. mixture can be painted on but that's messy. My boards are pretty small so I have only limited number of holes and its just as easy to use a sewing needle. Dip the needle into the ink mixture and get a drop on the needle. insert the tip of the needle into the hole. Capillary action pulls the ink into the hole. I tap the board on a table, covered in throw away paper to catch the excess droplets popped out of the hole. I do this about every ten holes or so. Then I dry it out completely to cure the ink. With only about 20holes or so, the ohmic reading I get from one side to the other side is around 100-200ohms. I think its good enough. Will see.

This idea isn't mine, it came from Thinktink.com. I don't like the idea of agitating the plating solution with aeration. I think that's only bad idea from them. Rest seems pretty sound.

And their lack of good current source.

BTW, you will see a revised schematic for the current source and a thermal shutdown. If people are more inclined in opamp implementation I can do that too.

Thermal shutdown circuit has not been built yet. I will do that tomorrow and check its behavior against my analysis. Past experience says that Vt+ is actually lower than designed value by about 50mV to 100mV. Vt- should be very close to Vbe at onset of turn on so I should be within 10mV or less. Based on crude first pass design. Took me about 5 minutes to do :).

I think I will create a new artwork for this discrete implementation. I use TO-92 transistors and 1206 sized caps and resistors. Anything smaller and my old eyes and my unsteady hand has trouble.

sincerely,

Shawn

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Jeff Heiss" <jeff.heiss@...> wrote:
>
> How are you getting the charcoal/ink mix into the holes? What size holes
> are you using?
>
> Jeff
>

I'd be interested in some details on how you are going to do the through hole plating.

Thanks
John



From: smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:54 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's



Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not 6"x12"


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

OK already seen your reply to others.

John


From: John
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:51 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com ; smilingcat@...
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's



I'd be interested in some details on how you are going to do the through hole plating.

Thanks
John

From: smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:54 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's

Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not 6"x12"

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Conductive Ink;- I remember reading of a conductive ink for THP made from Indian ink and Grapite power mixed together to form a "gummy" solution.
The Graphite power is obtained from most locksmith suppliers, used for lubrication in car locks in freezing weather conditions.
Please add me to the list for your plating set-up....sounds good! chester



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

One thing to consider about plating holes, so far as I know, is that the plating in commercial processes is generally done before circuit etching. Otherwise, getting an electrical contact to each hole may be challenging.

Another approach may be to simply prepare the board as usual, drill the holes, then use a reactive silver paint to "plate" the holes. In the past year, two such paints have been developed based on the Tollens reaction.

In the first reference, silver acetate is prepared and when heated in the presence of ammonia is reduced to silver. In the second article, diethylamine is used to produce formaldehyde upon heating, which then reduces the silver. ACS used to have the full abstract of the Walker and Lewis paper, which has sufficient experimental detail to repeat the results. Unfortunately. that abstract seems to have been taken down. Nevertheless, here are the references for those who may have access:

1) http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja209267c
http://news.illinois.edu/news/12/0112ink_JenniferLewis.html
Citation: Walker, SB and Lewis, JA; JACS 2012,134(3):1419-1421.

2) http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/am302505j
"DEA in the silver ink decomposes at temperatures higher than 50�C and
generates formaldehyde, which reacts spontaneously with silver ammonia ions to
form silver thin films." (Chen, S-P, et al., November, 2012)

Although the films are thin, they are highly conductive and might be suitable for conducting signals in a double-sided PCB.

John


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Advances in Conductive Inks across Multiple Applications and Deposition Platforms

http://www.ipcoutlook.org/pdf/advances_conductive_inks_ipc.pdf

No access restriction

John



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Thanks, that is a nice review. An important point, which the review also mentions, is the difference between "paints" and reactive precipitates. In reactive silver precipitates, there is no binder to interfere with conduction.

I hope that review remains freely accessible. Unfortunately, it doesn't include experimental detail. I was a bit disappointed in the ACS for taking down the abstract.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: John
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:50 AM
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's



Advances in Conductive Inks across Multiple Applications and Deposition Platforms

http://www.ipcoutlook.org/pdf/advances_conductive_inks_ipc.pdf

No access restriction

John

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

A youtube video shows plating surfaces using silver nitrate, ammonia, sugar,
and sodium hydroxide. Will this work for via plating or would the silver
rub off too easily? The video description says "thin layers of silver can
be wiped off with a cloth if the silver goes where you don't want it.
Thicker layers can be removed by applying hydrochloric acid." If it could
work, a big positive is it does not require hole activation and thus have no
limit on hole/via diameter.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUX_cpFWNso







_____

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of John
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 3:05 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com; smilingcat@...
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
sided PCB's





OK already seen your reply to others.

John

From: John
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:51 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
; smilingcat@... <mailto:smilingcat%40earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
sided PCB's

I'd be interested in some details on how you are going to do the through
hole plating.

Thanks
John

From: smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:54 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's

Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided
PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
6"x12"

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

The mixture you describe is the Tollens reagent/reaction. As mentioned earlier in this thread, there are modified versions of that reagent that make more durable silver coatings and may therefore be superior for plating holes.

John

----- Original Message -----
From: Jeff Heiss
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2012 12:26 AM
Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's



A youtube video shows plating surfaces using silver nitrate, ammonia, sugar,
and sodium hydroxide. Will this work for via plating or would the silver
rub off too easily? The video description says "thin layers of silver can
be wiped off with a cloth if the silver goes where you don't want it.
Thicker layers can be removed by applying hydrochloric acid." If it could
work, a big positive is it does not require hole activation and thus have no
limit on hole/via diameter.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUX_cpFWNso

_____

From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of John
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 3:05 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com; smilingcat@...
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
sided PCB's

OK already seen your reply to others.

John

From: John
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:51 AM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
; smilingcat@... <mailto:smilingcat%40earthlink.net>
Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
sided PCB's

I'd be interested in some details on how you are going to do the through
hole plating.

Thanks
John

From: smilingcat90254
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:54 PM
To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
PCB's

Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?

I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided
PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
copper.

You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
would have to be different.

And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
6"x12"

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Has anyone tried this? I cannot see how the silver will deposit onto an unprepared fibreglass PCB, If it does then it would cover all the board! or am I missing something? from my assaying days as far as I am aware Hydrochloric [muriatic] acid will not disolve silver, nitric acid will, and a combination of the two [aqua regia] will disolve gold and silver and pretty much any other metal.
I may be way off, or i dont understand this process, perhaps someone more enlightened could shed some light on this, as I am also interested in thru hole plating.

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "John Anhalt" <janhalt@...> wrote:
>
> The mixture you describe is the Tollens reagent/reaction. As mentioned earlier in this thread, there are modified versions of that reagent that make more durable silver coatings and may therefore be superior for plating holes.
>
> John
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jeff Heiss
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Sunday, December 02, 2012 12:26 AM
> Subject: RE: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided PCB's
>
>
>
> A youtube video shows plating surfaces using silver nitrate, ammonia, sugar,
> and sodium hydroxide. Will this work for via plating or would the silver
> rub off too easily? The video description says "thin layers of silver can
> be wiped off with a cloth if the silver goes where you don't want it.
> Thicker layers can be removed by applying hydrochloric acid." If it could
> work, a big positive is it does not require hole activation and thus have no
> limit on hole/via diameter.
>
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUX_cpFWNso
>
> _____
>
> From: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com [mailto:Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com]
> On Behalf Of John
> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 3:05 AM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com; smilingcat@...
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
> sided PCB's
>
> OK already seen your reply to others.
>
> John
>
> From: John
> Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 7:51 AM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
> ; smilingcat@... <mailto:smilingcat%40earthlink.net>
> Subject: Re: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double
> sided PCB's
>
> I'd be interested in some details on how you are going to do the through
> hole plating.
>
> Thanks
> John
>
> From: smilingcat90254
> Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2012 10:54 PM
> To: Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com <mailto:Homebrew_PCBs%40yahoogroups.com>
> Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Re: Want to plate drill holes for your double sided
> PCB's
>
> Oh someone wanted to know what am I plating?
>
> I was going to plate my drilled out hole with copper so that on double sided
> PC, i'm not having to stick a piece of wire and solder both top and bottom
> copper.
>
> You could also use it to plate tin if you want. But your plating solution
> would have to be different.
>
> And minor correction At 5 Amp you can plate 6"x6" double sided PCB not
> 6"x12"
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

On 03/12/12 08:29, David wrote:

> Has anyone tried this? I cannot see how the silver will deposit onto an
> unprepared fibreglass PCB, If it does then it would cover all the board! or
> am I missing something? from my assaying days as far as I am aware
> Hydrochloric [muriatic] acid will not disolve silver, nitric acid will, and a
> combination of the two [aqua regia] will disolve gold and silver and pretty
> much any other metal.

Except Ruthenium.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Ng4sOVkns&noredirect=1

I may be way off, or i dont understand this process,

> perhaps someone more enlightened could shed some light on this, as I am also
> interested in thru hole plating.

...