Homebrew PCBs

I've posted a pic in <FILES / PULSAR / Robert Hedan> to give a general idea
of the quality of the etch I was able to achieve.  I'm hopeful that others
will also start uploading pics of their results for comparison.

Note this pic was taken after extensive brushing with a sponge in FeCL and
the traces are not damaged in any way.  I was trying in vain to remove all
the copper around the PCB, but I gave up once I got the 4 corners cleared.

I have no idea yet why the unprotected copper along the border is so
difficult to remove.  The inner circuits were totally etched and I continued
scrubbing the edges for a few minutes; FeCL still all over the inner traces.
This gives you an idea on the reliability of the green foil used to protect
the toner.  That stuff is excellent for people like me that need more time
to get things done.

I'm deviating a bit from the official Pulsar directions and I am sanding the
silkscreen side with 600 grit sandpaper prior to toner transfer.  The epoxy
is extremely glossy, I am sure a light 'roughing' would help the toner
adhere much better; give it something to hold on to.

This board is by far the best one I've done yet.  I'm already looking
forward to the next test on small SMD traces.

Robert
:)







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