Homebrew PCBs

Do you have a digital camera? Can you take a photo
of your solution? When you have something that looks
like http://www.techfreakz.org/cucl2/?slide=5
the solution is probably right.

If you're getting brown or sludge, then first bubble
air through it or add H2O2. If that doesnt help, then
start adding HCl until it turns blue-greenish.

Adding too much HCl won't slow down the reaction
but not having enough CuCl2 will.

Here's another idea: 
does anyone know if copper powder is cheap?
The reaction would likely go a lot faster
since the suface area of powder is drastically
greater than when using plain old scrap wire
or boards.

~rolan

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Stefan Trethan 
<stefan_trethan@g...> wrote:
> I see...
> 
> Thanks for the explaination.
> I already had the idea that basically the same might happen after 
writing the post.
> 
> But i don't fully understand why all of these 3 parameters must be 
adjusted.
> I only adjust one, the color. If to brown it doesn't work and H2O2 
(obviously regeneration) is added.
> 
> The density: I don't monitor at all. But my H2O2 and HCl guide did 
say if there is any brown mud 
> settling on the bottom simply filter it through filter paper to get 
it out.
> from the page you mentioned: "Etch rate will slow down and sludge 
may form with increasing density" - 
> has this experienced one of you? is this really happening?
> Is the homebrew Hydrometer enough for normal work? but how to start 
if not bying the cucl but rather 
> starting with etching solid copper (or using my now in use fluid)? 
How exact has this to be?
> Isn't there another method of getting the copper out (electrolytic 
deposition?)?
> 
> Acid concentration:
> I also don't monitor it, but it is too high, get fumes i think.
> I don't like the titration, i don't like buying a buret and a 
stirrer and indicator etc.
> But i believe this is quite important if bubbling...
> 
> 
> Also if only 3% HCl:
> 
> Don't you get a lot of fumes from bubbling attacking any nearby 
oxidizeable material?
> 
> 
> I principially like this idea of regeneration (not bying any H2O2) 
but my knoweledge about chemistry is 
> very poor.
>