In article <H0000b5f11cf080d.1010753047.ln4p1327.ldn.swissbank.com@MHS>, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes >What equipment do you use to apply the etch-resist pattern to the >boards, etch them, and then bond them together? > >Is it all very expensive for a hobbyist to produce one-off boards for >experiments & prototypes? (Probably nothing as complicated as a Q40 >board.) In comparison to, say, the cost of digital photography with >film scanner, A3 printer, software, consumables? > >(Probably another stupid question from an ignoramus)
If you are interested in developing electronic skills with 'one-offs' you do not need to go to the bother of using PCB's ( Printed Circuit Boards - named after a screenprinting technique used ). There are several 'prototyping' systems, like 'breadboard' and 'veroboard' where you place the components and connecting wires in place, or solder the links for a permanent connection. You can make very sophisticated designs this way, but each one is manually assembled as you do it. Visit places like Maplins are see what is available. There are a lot of catalogue companies, like Radio Spares, Rapid, etc to order components from. Another way is to use a of line copper tape that you just lay on to a suitable surface ( even cardboard ) to link up the circuit design. It is worth 'PCB' when you wish to have more than one. For basic design work you can use any CAD style software to layout the circuit. Invent your own component 'library' or use an existing one, and alot of work can be done for very little extra outlay ( as you most likely already have the software ). With circuit design software you can get many freeware or shareware programs that will do a lot. Commercially you pay for the ability and sophistication of the program - which does not accord with ease of use. -- Malcolm Cadman
