Homebrew PCBs

--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "Don" <dk31415926@...> wrote:
>
> --- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, "donahn" <donahn@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi,
> > 
> > I was wondering if anyone makes copper covered perfboard for 
etching. 
> > Basically, just a copper covered board that's been pre-drilled. 
> > Searching on google I can find regular perfboard, perfboard with 
etched 
> > pads, perfboard with etched strips, but no perfboard with an 
intact 
> > copper coating.
> > 
> > It seems like this would be the ultimate rapid prototyping kit 
using 
> > toner transfer, especially if you were only using through-hole 
> > components.  Just etch and start soldering your components in!  
No 
> > drilling.  For SMD, just send all your vias to a pre-existing 
hole.
> > 
> > I can't be the only person to have thought of this, so are there 
some 
> > drawbacks to this I'm not aware of?  Does anyone know of a 
supplier for 
> > such a board?  Is there some problem using PCB software with a 
board 
> > with predrilled holes?
> > 
> > Cheers,
> > Don
> >
> 
> This kind of thing is what we used to prototype on back when
> I was an R&D tech. Take a look here:
> 
> http://www.vectorelect.com/Vectorbord.htm
> 
> There is a special tool you can buy from them that will
> cut a circular gap around a hole to make a pad. The proto-
> typing system worked great as I recall but the tool was
> pricey and broke easily. I imagine it could be etched like
> any other board if you could get your layout tools to
> understand it.
> 
> -don
>

This may work, though the website has some broken links so I can't 
get a detailed description.  But thanks, I'll look into it!

-Don

P.S. the prototype system also sounds interesting, if I could just 
get the website to work.