Homebrew PCBs

In a message dated 5/21/2003 6:59:00 AM Central Standard Time, 
MartyGrove@cfl.rr.com writes:

> Anyway, one question I do have is: what are you doing with the circuit 
> boards you are building?  Are they for private use, are you selling them (kind of 
> like a small-scale quick-turn business), or is this simply a hobby to see 
> it's possible to make quality boards using homebrew techniques?  I'm simply 
> curious about this.
> 
Marty:

Another old duffer's input on this point:  Once upon a time when I was 
younger than today...  when I had a professional job where I had to make more than 
two or three identical circuits, I BOUGHT PTH boards.  I did the art 2x using 
Bishop Graphics stick-on patterns and tape.  Still have about $500 worth of all 
that, and still NO PCB software!  

When I need ONE relatively simple one- or two-sided board, up to, say, 6 
DIP's, max, I did 'em myself using Radio Shack FeCl³.  I tried Ammonium Persulfate 
once, but NO WAY at home, ever again!  Whew!

Sad it's not economical to get a professional house to do a 4"x6" board with 
up to 200 holes, PTH, for less than $100!

I have, of late, learned to appreciate the wonders of reTIREment!               
Jan Rowland


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