Hi.
Just the other day I did the following :

1. Downloaded a PCB design from Elektor web site in PDF format.
   ("Electronic RPG Dice Roller", Jan-2003)

2. Printed it on my LaserJet 4plus on  sheet of standard "Coated Inkjet
   Paper" (made to print "photographs" on inkjet printers).

3. Took the "reflected" version and ironed it onto the copper laminate.
   (Old, standard iron put at "cotton")

4. Put the laminate into water for some 5-10 mnutes until the paper
   could be pulled of. Had to manualy (thumb) clean out some stuck =
paper.

5. Etched in "Ammonium Persulphate" (a standard ethcant) in an empty
   plastic food contained put into a larger plastic food contained =
where
   I pured hot water now and then to keep the etchant at about 50 deg =
C.

6. Drilled with a Dremmel on a Dremmel stand using Carbide bits.


Observations :

- The "coated inkjet paper" actualy gave better results (for me!) then
  the "Press-n-Peel" material from Techniks I'v also tried. But I think
  I heated the PnP material to much so it curled. Have to experiment =
more.

- I made a single side PCB from double sided, 0.5mm, 35my laminate. The
  "other" side just etched away during the process.

Currently I'm looking for some cheaper way of getting "Ammonium =
Persulphate"
or "Sodium Persulfate" then the electronics distributors.

When I started etching PCB (late 70's) I used a mixture of =
"hydrochloric acid"
and "hydrogen peroxide" diluted with water. This was fast and etched =
fine
at room temp.

As "etching tank", for hobby use any plastic container works.
=20

And, finaly, if you're looking for low cost PCB laminate and drills, =
see :
http://w1.121.telia.com/~u12103129/


Jan-Erik S=F6derhol,.


Jai Dhar wrote:

> Hello all,
>
> I thought the next step-up for me in the EE world would be to finally =
try my
> hand at creating my own PCB's instead of using damned Veroboard. I =
have been
> reading up on the etching process and it's requirements, so I have =
just a few
> questions. Most importantly, how did you guys make your etchant =
tanks? What do
> you recommend for someone starting? Keep in mind cost is an issue, =
and I don't
> need something high-tech at all. From what I understand, basically =
all you need
> is a glass tank of some sort, a bubble generator, and some etchant =
solution. Is
> there anything else? I guess if I could get recommendations on all =
three, it
> would help me out a lot!
>
> Thank you everyone,
>
> Jai



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