This group sure looks like a good idea.
I have several interests. One is trying the CuCl etching method. See:
for details. It looks cheap, and minimizes environmental impact. I am
interested in hearing from anyone with related experience.
Another is trying to make prototypes with laser-printed PCB patterns
more consistent. At present I use Dyna Art paper which I like.
I haven't tried any other method, though, and am interested in
inexpensive alternatives which work. For example, I read somewhere on
the net that clay-coated 80 pound (I think) paper works well. I have
been unable to find it at Staples here in Canada though apparently it
is available in the US.
I also have some old silk screens with old PCB patterns. (Many are
from early Elektor projects, though they are not labelled, so I am not
sure what each one is. I plan to clean these screens and reclaim them,
unless someone can help me identify the Elektor projects. In
exchange I would try printing some of the patterns on PCB's.
I think Javex does the trick to remove the old silkscreen stencil. I
am interested in learning about how to apply new photoemulsion to the
silk screen, and reproduce PCB art on the silk screen.
I use Ivex WinBoard. Does anyone know if there is a way to laser print
the PCB pattern to mylar or the like (clear plastic), and use this to
print to the photoemulsion.? Is there a computer method to turn a PCB
pattern to a negative one, for laser printing? Is there a photemulsion
which would respond to a laser printed positive on clear plastic, so
a negative would not be required?
That's it for now. I look forward to seeing the group grow and pool
knowledge and experience.
Grant
