Homebrew PCBs

Hi Patrick,

I use Eagle Lite.  That version will do small double sided boards 
free.  Download from http://www.eaglesoft.de/freeware

Prep your boards the normal way

Put board on a block of wood covered with a doubled paper towel

Set iron to cotton/wool setting with no steam (you need to 
experiment with correct temp.

Place board on board, align artwork (trimmed to slightly larger than 
board), cover with another doubled paper towel (be careful not to 
let transparency slip)

Apply iron for 20-30 seconds.  Gently lift from one corner making 
sure to hold down transparency while lifting paper towel.  
Transparency will usually stick but will stop after transparency 
gets it's fill of paper fibers.

Iron and check progress every 30 seconds or so to see when toner is 
melting.  You need to get it all melted, but not so much that it 
smears badly.  Watch for traces that are starting to spread and 
don't let pad holes close completely.

When you think things are melted well enough, remove the board from 
the block of wood and set it aside to cool.

Start your next transfer if you have more.

When the first board has cooled to the touch, but is still warm, 
peel the trasparency from the board; starting at one corner.  If 
little or no toner stays on the transparency, you're done.

If a lot of toner stays on the transparency, stop peeling as soon as 
you notice that.  Iron more and try again.

Once the transparency has been removed, you may notice some residue 
from the transparency.  Clean this off with soap, water, and a 
toothbrush.  You don't need to do this under running water.  Wet the 
board, apply some soap (I use liquid hand soap), scrub the board 
thoroughly (shouldn't have any problems with toner being removed), 
rinse board, blot dry and store in plastic bag until ready to etch.

That's it.

I cut and paste my design and array (panelize) it so it fills as 
much of the transparency as possible.  I leave enough empty space 
for a 1" boarder around the perimeter and 0.3 inches or so between 
patterns.  Keep your fingers off the toner side and store them where 
they won't collect dust.

Make sure there's no dust on the board or transparency when you 
start transfering.

Regards,
Dennis

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "braincambre500" 
<braincambre500@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Sir Dennis,
> 
> Yes, I just got back from Office Depot and have in hand...
> 
>             an HP Laserjet 1020 printer
> 
>                          +
> 
>              50 pack of laserjet transparencies
> 
> I am looking forward for tonight, as I will try my hand and
> iron...making my first toner transfer.
> 
> Do give me some points, if you would, as I am presently making my 
PCB
> design in my "Paint' Program in Windows 98. Is there a better 
program
> to use?
> 
> I always look forward to your great advice, as you have walked down
> the road, that I am about to embark!
> 
> ...your friend, Patrick
>