Easy way to make your own PCB?

[therecordingart]

Ok guys...I checked the Meta threads and searched, and I still haven't found anything that I understand.

I've started DIY with making stompboxes, and now I have a few that I want to make in a more "pro" manner. This being said I'd like to make the PCB, but don't know the easiest way to do it.

Should I do the whole laser transfer/etching thing (which I'd need some helping learning how to do) or is there an easier way?

I've been using the Radio Shack PCB's w/ the copper holes and just connecting the leads from the resistors, capacitors..etc to each other, but this is too cluttered for my liking.

 

[fum]

you could check out pcbexpress.com, or one of the other online places.

they have software, you do your layout, order, and they send you the board.

Otherwise, the most consistent results I've gotten are printing to transparency (or vellum), and using positive photo resist board and an etch tank.

Check the gyraf site:

http://www.gyraf.dk

hit diy projects, and scroll down until you get to pcb making =)

Regards

ju

 

[CJ]

HowtoPCB

 

[electronaut]

After making all my own boards for a couple of years, I've recently become incredibly spoiled by (gasp!) the non-DIY Gerber file approach. There's something to be said for having perfect sized plated holes, soldermask, screen printed legend, and double sided boards with perfect registration.

My neighbor recently bought a hot-air soldering station and is making all his boards with surface mount components. It's incredible how small he can get his boards, despite the circuits being very complex. For stompboxes, this could be the way to go.

There are many threads on PCB layout software and PCB boardhouses on this forum.

E.

 

[therecordingart]

This might be an odd question, but is there anyway to some how use perfboard without having to hook together all of the leads? Like a really super conductive paint to paint the circuit?!?

 

[Guest]

there are a few easy ways to do the pcb printing .

in my holy opinion if your just proto typing an idea to se if it works

use the pre-sensitized boards , their easyier than holy hell.

just they cost a bit.

but in the long run they do work ! , so if your idea blows , then

you only lost 10-15 bucks no harm done , and you can go home and have a nice snack and watch some tv.

if your idea is good , and you like it and would like to tile your ceiling

with it , then you might look into learning to make a silk screen ,

( thats easy as hell too , hoby lobby has a kit made for kids

make sure it's photo sensitive emultion) and

a kit for adults , they both work)


but the silk screen would only be if you wanna do multiple runs.

plus you can make your own component silkscreen (top overlay?)

ive made and developed a silksreen in a hotel bathroom before

an art show. :twisted:

the cool thing with silkscreening your pcb design , you can use normal acrylic paint , after it dries , chuck it into the raido shack pcb etch.
20 minutes later (keep shakin) your board is done.

yeah you can call pcb express too , i guess

but thats too easy .

 

[Kev]

I think Jakob had a PCB making page or link on his site.
Also another Group DIY'er had a great PCB making page.

use google and I'm sure you can find something.

 

[martthie_08]

If you understand a little german (or maybe try a web page translator) you should check this site:

http://diy.musikding.de/berichte/grund/platlicht/platlicht1.html

Have a look around that site, if you are into effect pedals!

 

[Mendelt]

How about using an etch resist pen or transfers to draw the traces on the board and then etching?

I think that's the simpelest way.

 

[gyraf]

It is.

And it's easiest if you have a copy of the layout that you tape to the pcb, and use a marker or a nail and a hammer to mark up the holes to be drilled. This provides efficient navigation when drawing the traces with the permanent marker..

Jakob E.

 

[Guest]

I've gone from etch resistant pen to transfers..
Primarily because it's difficult to get the pen to draw thin lines with enough ink to resist the etch
And if you get some of the Seno transfers - they already have patterns that you can use - 8 pin sockets, edge transfers that fit the pattern of Molex connectors etc...

 

[adrianh]

The resist pen it is very had to get .007" (inch) traces and .007" (inch) spaces. The PCB houses have been doing it that tight for over 10 years.

7 mil x 7 mil is standard.

Guys here in the US try http://www.pad2pad.com/
They appear cheaper for small boards than the other guys.

 

[Rochey]

you may want to try olimex (www.olimex.com)
their boards are cheap as chips, and they accept brd files (from Cadsoft's Eagle PCB software) directly.

This method is WAY easier than etching your own boards. I've done both, and believe me - waiting a few days for a board to arrive vs. printing on lazer, ironing the pcb on and praying like hell that it transfers in 1 peice is an easy competition.

Provided that you're clever with your "per board size" - Olimex will panelise for you to make it up to 1 Eurocard in size. (160mm x 100mm)

Olimex ship World Wide as well... (more than just america - ho ho )

Let us know how you get on.

Cheers

R

 

[ToobieSnack]

seems like i read somewhere... you can print on clear transparency film and lay this on your pcb and expose it to light...like a photograph....
anyone know of this method?
thanks
ts

 

[maneco]

http://www.pablin.com.ar/electron/trucos/placaci/index.htm

 

[PatinaCreme]

Here try this

http://www1.electusdistribution.com.au/images_uploaded/pcboarde.pdf
Etching Your Own PCB's PDF- Very good article on DIY PCB's.

its from the newbie meta

It takes you through just about all the methods.
It helped me to understand and to make my own boards.


Patina :grin:

 

[Kev]

does my old page still work ??
it had some links at the bottom of it, that pointed to other DIY PCB makers
http://recording.org/users/kev/HowtoPCB.htm

when I had a bit of a google looking for it I found this at another forum
http://diendansv.hutech.edu.vn/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4052&whichpage=10
:shock:
cool

 

[PatinaCreme]

PCB tips from Patina

I just made some boards so the method is fresh in mind.
Here are my tips:

I. get yourself an old fish tank light, bubbler, and heater.

II. goto hardware store and pick up UV lights to replace the tank bulbs.

III. pick up tupperware-esk container and shallow etch tank at dollar store - check this out and follow steps 4 tuppertank
http://www.electronics-lab.com/articles/tupper_tank/

V. buy from electronics store (I use http://www.web-tronics.com/)
1. pre-sensitized board the size you need
2. Prepare artwork
a. either copy art work from original creator onto acetate (over head projector film)
b. print out artwork from computer cad program
c. draw your own circuit on acetate film
3. developer
4. etching solution - I say forget ferric chloride and go straight for sodium hydroxide. [ I put a giant plastic bowl into the microwave until the liquid is hot. Then I pour it into the tupper tank with bubbler and heater.]

VI. Make yourself an exposure box with the fish tank uv lamp.
1. you need the lamp
2. two pieces of plexiglass or glass
3. a box or old suitcase --briefcase

- check out kev's site
http://recording.org/users/kev/HowtoPCB.htm



VII. Then just follow these steps :
this web page will show you step by step with photos.
http://web.media.mit.edu/~ladyada/resources/inhouseetch.html

Good luck!
Patina
:wink: