[mepod]

i like making my own pcb's, but i sometimes worry that the traces are going to be scratchd away, or that they will degrade over time. is there spary of some kind that i can spray the board with to cover up the traces?

 

[dokebi]

You can use pcb tin plating products.

 

[firefox360]

What I'de like to know is how do you make your own PCB's? How much does it cost you to do so each time? I'de like to be able to make my own if it's not too too difficult.

 

[jboehle]

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q...ransfer+method

 

[Garbz]

http://headwize.com/projects/garbz2_prj.php

It's cheap, and easy. A package of etchant costs about $13AU and lasts me 4-5 projects. Blank PCBs are <$10 ea single sided. Printer paper costs about $1.

I use a PCB Lacquer from my local electronic components supplier, but most acrylic sprays will do. It just keeps the air out.

 

[firefox360]

Nice! Thanks! Now just need to figure out how to get the ammonia to etch... I already know where to get the copper boards and whatnot.

 

[mepod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garbz I use a PCB Lacquer from my local electronic components supplier, but most acrylic sprays will do. It just keeps the air out.

If i spray the PCB before the components are on, can i still solder through the lacquer and make a connection?

 

[PinkFloyd]

Once you have populated your board you can pot it with hot glue or encase it in resin.... the tracks will not move.

 

[mepod]

Hmm thats somethign to think about.....

I looked at a local (very local, almost 3mins away from where i live) Home Depot and Canadian Tire, and no one there ever heard about using lacquers or acrylic sprays for pcb's. They said I'd be better off using enamel. Do you think enamel is an ok spray for pcb's?

 

[Emon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mepod If i spray the PCB before the components are on, can i still solder through the lacquer and make a connection?

The lacquer works like a solder mask, so no (I think?). You'll want to cover the solder pads prior to spraying. Office or craft stores should sell little round paper stickers in various sizes that would be perfect.

As far as what will stick to and be safe for the PCB, pretty much anything. It's just fiberglass and copper. You could even prime it and paint it if you wanted. It would look really sweet, that's for sure.

 

[MacTheCat]

The motherboard of my PowerMac is painted dark blue and, yes, it does look awesome.

PinkFloyd: So did you ever make an amp that was fully encased in resin? I remember that thread from a while back and I never looked back at it.

 

[DaKi][er]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emon The lacquer works like a solder mask, so no (I think?). You'll want to cover the solder pads prior to spraying. Office or craft stores should sell little round paper stickers in various sizes that would be perfect.

You can get proper PCB stuff in a can that protects it and you can solder through it, nearly all electronics places should have it
This is what my local store has- http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=NA1002

 

[mepod]

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[mepod]

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[mepod]

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