On 21 Mar 2012, at 01:19, P.Berk wrote: > Can anyone point me to how to convert a full-size pc board diagram from an > old magazine to a form that a pc board manufacturer can use. I have some 8 x > 8 inch diagrams which I need 2-3 boards made. > Thanks for any help Phil Berk
1] Scan it, autotrace it, spend hours retouching it. Import vectors into PCB program in whatever format it understands. I use Osmond PCB and it imports DXF. Mess about with it some more filling paths. Probably end up disappointed with result. Send to board house eventually. 2] Scan it, import it into your PCB program as a background to trace over. Place components and tracks to match your scan. I use Osmond PCB, it places a background PDF to trace over. Send to board house. 3] Laser photocopy from magazine onto a fine surfaced calendered or chalk coated paper - iron toner onto FR4 copper board, etch, clean toner off and drill. 4] As 3, but use expensive blue Press 'n' Peel paper, sold for the purpose. 5] As 3 and 4 but scan from magazine into computer and output onto paper using a black and white laser printer. 6] Replicate the circuit on perforated board, vero, tripad, single pad, point to point wiring, Roadrunner etc. 7] Photocopy mag. Tape photocopy onto FR4 copper board. Drill all holes through and deburr. Use permanent marker pens, Staedtler Lumo series, maybe Sanford Sharpie or similar, to draw interconnecting paths. Paint on girly nail varnish for large areas of retained copper. I always go for a dark hue to suit my complexion. Erm, I mean choose dark because you need it to show up well so you can see where you put it, don't use clear. Etch board. 8] As above but use 'Letraset' style rub down transfers onto copper instead of using pens. Hard to find maybe these days. Check your craft shop, see if they have suitable sets of lines. 9] Use a RepRap with a pen to draw your PCB design onto copper. http://ultimachine.com/content/printing-circuit-boards-mendel If you do your own etching, whatever you use as an acid resist, degrease your copper boards first and don't touch the surface with your greasy fingers. Wear thin cotton or latex gloves if necessary. 8x8 is a fair old size, good luck. John S -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "neonixie-l" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/neonixie-l?hl=en-GB.
