Homebrew PCBs

On Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:31:28 -0000, you wrote:

>I am new to the group. Where do i begin with doing my own printed circuit board? is there any books on the topic

While there are books on the subject, many of them are at the very
technical level aimed at industrial processes.

Perhaps the best way to answer the question is with a series of
questions so we can give you some specific answers.



1) there are (mostly) 3 methods to making a board, mechanical etching
(using a CNC machine), toner transfer (using a laser printer, paper,
laminator) and photoresist (generally using pre sensitized boards and
an inkjet printer).  Which of these is best depends on your resources
and the kind of board you want to make.

2) Layout programs go from free to very expensive.  It all depends on
how much money you want to spend, and in the free (or free varieties)
of the program, how big a board or how complicated a board you want to
make.  Some other parts depend on what operating system you will use.

3) What kind of a board do you want to do?  General electronics?
Digital?  Analog?  RF?  These choices determine the program to some
extent and also the production method.

4) do you want to make a single sided board or double sided (more
complex, but often nicer to work with)?  Do you want to do through
hole parts or surface mount (some differences, but not as extreme as
you may think).

5) will you be making boards from pre-done plans or are you going to
design your own?


Lots of questions, I know, but these are the factors we all consider
in making or designing boards.  Take them one at a time, and see how
you feel about the answers.  There's no right or wrong answer here,
and you most likely will change your mind as you gain more experience.

You can look through the archives of the group, and also look at the
files section.  

Please ask questions.

Harvey

>
>~ryan