Homebrew PCBs

I am a beginner and I intend to etch the PCD usind ferric chloride.

I want to know whether | should use marker to draw my PCB connections or is there any other technique to transfer the PCB to the board. Thanks.

		
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----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Naveed Alam" <naveedguy2@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, February 11, 2005 5:59 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] PCB beginner


>
>
> I am a beginner and I intend to etch the PCD usind ferric chloride.
>
> I want to know whether | should use marker to draw my PCB connections or 
> is there any other technique to transfer the PCB to the board. Thanks.

I used to get very good results with a fine paint brush and cellulose paint, 
diluted with thinners. The thinned paint made it easier to get fine lines. 
The paint was a better resist than the markers available then, and much 
cheaper. I use the standard UV exposure technique now, of course.

Leon
--
Leon Heller, G1HSM
http://www.geocities.com/leon_heller 



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In a message dated 2/11/2005 12:03:12 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
naveedguy2@... writes:

or is  there any other technique to transfer the PCB to the board.  Thanks.



If you have a Radio Shack (Tandy) store within reach, their  
pressure-sensitive circuit patterns are the best thing since Swiss  milk-chocolate!  With 
those, you can "rub-on" a PC pattern as fine as any  photographic method.  But it 
DOES mean only a ONE-TIME pattern, of  course.  You must first clean the 
copper with some household cleanser such  as Comet, etc., then rinse that 
SUPER-well, and dry, and I usually at least  "wipe" the surface with lacquer-thinner 
(acetone should do), and dry.   Then, apply the "rub-on".  then etch.  
 
It is best to WARM the ferric chloride solution to about 38-40°C.  It  will 
work much faster.  If hotter, it might loosen/remove the rub-on  stuff.  Not 
sure.  I'm too shy to try!  
 
Now the "professional" way to do PCB's is to make a 2x or 4x "artwork" and  
then make negative films with which you "contact-print" onto a photo-sensitized 
 etch-resist over the copper, but to do this successfully, one must have  
experience, and a professional PCB house to do the actual "printing" and  
etching.  Best, find a PCB house that will allow you to come over and gawk  and ask 
questions.  Many won't HEAR of such a nice accomodation to other  than a 
$250K/year customer, but some will treat young hobbiests with  civility.  TRY it!
 
Jan Rowland


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