Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@y..., "caveteursus" <j.walton@a...> wrote:
> If I had a design with hundreds of boards, or multilayer boards, or 
> even tens of through-holes on 4 or 5 boards, I think that I could 
> find better uses of my time than etching them "homebrew" style.  
> Homebrew is great for PROTO's and One-off's, where you would like 
> something in a couple of hours, but the personal economics quickly 
> get swamped.

I have to admit I tradionally prototype using wirewrap method. I find
this faster with debugging. But since everyone is moving to highspeed
devices with more compact densities, (like PGA), I have no choice but
figure a way to easily make multilayer, (or doubly sided) boards at
home. The cost of sending away for boards to be made is a little
costly for me.

You are right about the economics part.

I was considering saving all my pennies and buying a commerical
prototype PCB plating machine. They are around the $1000.00 mark,
(the cost of sending out 20 boards to be made). I can always make my
money back by making prototypes for others at half the cost but this
isn't the main reason. But the main problem is making the holes
conductive in the first place which Adam address. This method seems
the easiest but major draw back is the experimenting with chemicals
to get the right ratio.

This is my first plan. My second plan would be to register in a local
community college PCB manufacturing course and use thier equipment.
$200.00 for the course and 50 prototypes made. ;) Cheaper I think.