Homebrew PCBs

On 22/01/12 07:50, matrice197 wrote:
>
> I am going to be building my first UV exposure box here soon. As a rule I
> like to source as much as I can locally. For a UV source, I looked to Lowes.
> I found replacement bug Zapper bulbs (purple, 'u' shaped), or clear mercury
> vapor bulbs. Both were priced around 15 dollars. Which would be best?
> Considerations for ballast?
>
> As a secondary I thought about getting UV leds since I wouldn't have to fuss
> with a ballast
>
> Can I still use hydrochloric as my etchant?

Hi,
I'd guess the clear mercury vapor bulb would deliberately have the UV filtered 
out, but i'm only guessing.

I'd think the easiest and cheapest way to get UV lights and fittings is from 
hacking some uv nail curing lamps off ebay:

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=uv++nail&_sacat=See-All-Categories

Hydrochloric acid doesn't etch much on its own. A bit of it (like 1-10%) mixed 
with ferric chloride works very well and doesn't go off or need heating like 
ammonium persulphate.