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Re: PCB through hole activation for copper plating


 

what is the reason ... process....? to use Calcium Hypophosphite when home brewing a PCB?

On 06/11/2020 01:29 PM, Jim Higgins wrote:

Hypophosphites can be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine and some other controlled substances requiring similar reactions, so it's hard to get in the USA. No telling what you'll get from Asian vendors on Ebay, or if you risk seizure by customs. If you do order from them, you better specify DHL shipping or you might not have it before autumn.

If the PCBs are only 2-sided, and you're willing to drill 0.062" holes, you might try brass eyelets available for this purpose from Mouser. The holes will be 0.045" when the eyelets are in place.


Or solder copper wire in the holes... something I wouldn't want to do if there are many holes... but for a one of a kind home-made board that's the way I'd go if I could tolerate the required hole size.

Jim H



Received from Terry Gray at 6/10/2020 23:58 UTC:

Does anyone on the list have access to Calcium Hypophosphite?? This stuff is impossible to find in the US, being a "controlled substance".? For crying out loud. I really can't see the point considering the volumes we are talking about!

Alternatively, do any of you chemistry majors out there know of a substitute formula using more easily available chemicals?


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