At 06:14 AM 6/8/2004, Harry Pfeifer wrote: >For PCB layout software, I have used Protel Easytrax and Protel Autotrax for >many years. They are now in the public domain which makes them free > >For etching boards, I use a plastic food storage box about 4 inches deep and >12 inches long, put the PCB in the box and cover it about 1/2 an inch deep >with etching solution. I put an object about 1/2 inch thick under the centre >of the box so that it will rock up and down then use a heat gun such as is >used for stripping paint. By waving the heat gun back and forth as I rock >the box I get good agitation and plenty of heat. One benefit of this method >is the small amount of etching solution required, which I re-use Something you may want to try: float the PCB on top of the etchant with the copper side down. This works with FeCl - I haven't tried it with Ammonium Persulphate. The board should be dry before you try floating it. That's how I used to make boards while living in a tiny basement suite many years ago - there was a free-standing space heater with a flat top within reach of my work table. I just set the glass tray holding the etchant on top of it. The advantage of this was no agitation needed - the used etchant simply floated to the bottom of the tray. Don't remember who told me about this technique - way too long ago. But it worked OK. dwayne -- Dwayne Reid Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd Edmonton, AB, CANADA (780) 489-3199 voice (780) 487-6397 fax Celebrating 20 years of Engineering Innovation (1984 - 2004) .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .-. .- `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' `-' Do NOT send unsolicited commercial email to this email address. This message neither grants consent to receive unsolicited commercial email nor is intended to solicit commercial email. -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList mailto:piclist-unsubscribe-request@mitvma.mit.edu