Printing a PCB can be rewarding. You have a compact and neat platform to house all the important electronic components.
Printing a PCB can be a challenge. You have a lot of constraints and variables that can throw an absolute wrench (spanner) into the works.
The first version of the PCB was printed, transferred, etched in costly chemicals, and components were soldered to it. Great. When I was trying to figure out where to place each component, I noticed that nothing lined up. All my components were on the wrong side. This wouldn't have actually been a problem for anything except the transistors and Arduino. In fact, if those were soldered to the other side of the board, it may have worked. But that solution was inelegant and prone to other problems.
Mirroring the transfer was the obvious solution but a host of other problems was seen with the design including its size and layout.
A second revision to the board was created. It was a simple matter with EasyEDA. The schematics were already done so revising the layout was simply a matter of starting with the last step. For the second revision, the Arduino was turned 90° to ensure access to the USB port while it was not inside the pipe. Great for updating the firmware. Descriptive text was written right on the copper layer so identifying the parts was not difficult after printing. This text had to stay clear of any traces. The board was shortened and condensed to the point that two could be printed on a single blank copper board. These prototyping boards were quite inexpensive since they were also one-sided.
Etching the second board was a whole litany of uncertainties. For starters, different methods of transferring toner-to-board were tried. Most notably, using tape to hold the transfer paper in place while ironing it. This method failed. Don't bother. Don't bother pressing the transfer paper while it cools either.
The next uncertainty was etching with the new recipe of etchant solution. If you recall, the first batch was mixed with the wrong proportions. Luckily, it was a simple 2:1 ratio so making it 1:2 meant that all I had to do was mix equal parts of the existing solution and hydrogen peroxide solution. That was done by measuring up to the same line on the bottle and using the label as a marker.
The new solution worked well enough and it was clearer than the ferric acid I used last time. The problem was that the board etched well at the sides first but the insides were still thick with copper. When the second board was etched I rocked the solution back and forth the whole time. This etched the board remarkably fast, probably five minutes, and it was even.
The boards were cut apart on some table mounted shears. With four boards to trial the circuit, one of them was bound to be usable.
Printing a PCB can be a challenge. You have a lot of constraints and variables that can throw an absolute wrench (spanner) into the works.
The first version of the PCB was printed, transferred, etched in costly chemicals, and components were soldered to it. Great. When I was trying to figure out where to place each component, I noticed that nothing lined up. All my components were on the wrong side. This wouldn't have actually been a problem for anything except the transistors and Arduino. In fact, if those were soldered to the other side of the board, it may have worked. But that solution was inelegant and prone to other problems.
Mirroring the transfer was the obvious solution but a host of other problems was seen with the design including its size and layout.
First version of PCB with one problem
A second revision to the board was created. It was a simple matter with EasyEDA. The schematics were already done so revising the layout was simply a matter of starting with the last step. For the second revision, the Arduino was turned 90° to ensure access to the USB port while it was not inside the pipe. Great for updating the firmware. Descriptive text was written right on the copper layer so identifying the parts was not difficult after printing. This text had to stay clear of any traces. The board was shortened and condensed to the point that two could be printed on a single blank copper board. These prototyping boards were quite inexpensive since they were also one-sided.
Two optimized boards can fit on one blank
Etching the second board was a whole litany of uncertainties. For starters, different methods of transferring toner-to-board were tried. Most notably, using tape to hold the transfer paper in place while ironing it. This method failed. Don't bother. Don't bother pressing the transfer paper while it cools either.
Misguided attempts at streamlining the process
The next uncertainty was etching with the new recipe of etchant solution. If you recall, the first batch was mixed with the wrong proportions. Luckily, it was a simple 2:1 ratio so making it 1:2 meant that all I had to do was mix equal parts of the existing solution and hydrogen peroxide solution. That was done by measuring up to the same line on the bottle and using the label as a marker.
Using a label to mark level
The new solution worked well enough and it was clearer than the ferric acid I used last time. The problem was that the board etched well at the sides first but the insides were still thick with copper. When the second board was etched I rocked the solution back and forth the whole time. This etched the board remarkably fast, probably five minutes, and it was even.
Etching boards in new mix of etchant
The boards were cut apart on some table mounted shears. With four boards to trial the circuit, one of them was bound to be usable.
Circuit boards being divided
The rest of the weekly summaries have been arranged by date.
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This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
This disclaimer must be intact and whole. This disclaimer must be included if a project is distributed.
All information in this blog, or linked by this blog, are not to be taken as advice or solicitation. Anyone attempting to replicate, in whole or in part, is responsible for the outcome and procedure. Any loss of functionality, money, property or similar, is the responsibility of those involved in the replication.
All digital communication regarding the email address 24hourengineer@gmail.com becomes the intellectual property of Brian McEvoy. Any information contained within these messages may be distributed or retained at the discretion of Brian McEvoy. Any email sent to this address, or any email account owned by Brian McEvoy, cannot be used to claim property or assets.
Comments to the blog may be utilized or erased at the discretion of the owner. No one posting may claim property or assets based on their post.
This blog, including pictures and text, is copyright to Brian McEvoy.
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