Homebrew PCBs

I had some missing contact areas the first time I tried the Pulsar
system.  I was able to solve the problem by running the board through
the laminator multiple times.  I found it wasn't hot enough unless it
was too hot to continue holding in my hand.

The 9 inch laminator is slow to warm up.  The "WARM" sign just starts
to show up after about 15 minutes on my machine.  Nevertheless, I get
good contact after 15 minutes with six passes of the board. 

I really like the sponging style of board etch.  I've produced 8
different boards averaging about 6 square inches each with a total of
4 ounces of etchant.  There's no exhausted etchant to dispose of
because I squeeze the used liquid out on a newspaper as its being
used. I also like the fact that latex gloves, and a piece of sponge
comprise the total of required equipment.  It also works well at low
temperatures.  There is no need to heat the etchant. 


> I used Ferric Chloride and followed the instructions on the "15 Minute
> PCB" page. I etched two boards 1 was 2"x1 1/2" and the other was 2
> 1/2" x 1 3.4" and they both etched in a bit less then 1 minute each.  I
> warmed the etchant in warm water as I was doing the etching outdoors
> and the temp was 34deg F.  I haven't etched a board in over 20 years
> and did not believe it would be that fast.  They both came out very
> good. I did not see any sigh if traces widening as others have seen.
> I will try to post some pictures tomorrow.
> 
> The larger board did not come out so good with the WhiteTRF.  I
> believe it was due to me not waiting long enough for the laminator to
> warm up.  They say it should be warm enough in 12 minutes but the
> 'ready' light does not fully illuminate for 45 minutes in my workroom.
> I sent the first board through after about 15 minutes.  The 2nd board
> went through about 50 minutes after turn on and, except for the
> blurring because I sent it through the printer twice, came out like I
> would expect.  All in all for just starting to get the hang of this, I
> am very pleased.  
> 
> I have no idea what the WhiteTRF costs.  It came with the starter kit
> along with a roll of tape to remove the excess white and a can of
> 'Goof Off' to remove the GreenTRF and Toner after etching.  The
> WhiteTRF comes in a roll (like a bolt cloth would) 8 inches wide by 15
> feet long, the same as the Green TRF.
> 
> Wayne
>