Making PCB traces?

[marcoskohler]

On most sites I see, there are PCB layouts for every circuit...obviously this is extremely useful, but I am using perfboard and if I dont have connecting traces, my connection is going to be more sloppy and different. Do people actually make their own PCB traces? If so how? It was my understanding that this involved alot of work and was $$$. I'm a little lost. Thanks.

[alteredsounds]

Hi! There's alot of circuit layouts for using veroboard, perfboard with copper covered rows.  I like using this stuff and the pad-per-hole stuff is nice too.  I'm just getting into making my own PCB's and tbh it isnt really very expensive, just requires, like most things, patiance and practice.

[marcoskohler]

yeah Im using perfboard with copper holes, but the way you wire THAT is different than with a PCB trace, as a PCB trace you can just trace a common ground line and be done with it. On a perfboard you need to think about stuff like that...unless Im stupid

[Pushtone]

There is a ton of info here on making PCBs. Use the SEARCH function.
There are folks using a laserprinter/photocopier with a product called PnP Blue but some are doing the same thing with glossy photo paper.

The supplies are available from www.smallbearelec.com
Costs to make 3 to four stompboxes:
PnP Blue $2.00
Copper clad 3" x 5" $4.00
Etchent $10.00
Total $16.00

There is a photo-essay on the www.tonepad.com site.
Follow it closely and you will turn out many PCB like these
http://www3.telus.net/david65/pedal-pics/EtchResultsVSM.JPG

[Pushtone]

Not my idea (got it from a post here at the forum) but here is a great way to combine the PCB layouts on the net with Perf-board construction.

Simply print the layout (to scale if necessary) and tape it to the perfboard. I've had nearly 90% of the holes line up. Stick the component lead right through the paperlayout and use the layout traces as a guide. Works great!. I have a pic somewhere of a MosFet booster done on perf with the paper layout pinned down by all the parts. I'll see if I can find it.

[RaceDriver205]

You can use PnP i you have a laser printer/copier, but as a lot of people dont the other option is to trace the artwork onto the board with carbon paper and then write over it with a etch resistant pen.
Oh, and that method sucks, so make sure you have a laser printer

[markm]

My life changed for the better when I went with PNP Blue and began etching boards.
I highly suggest it to anyone.
   MarkM

[gaussmarkov]

aron's beginners' project is all perf and it gives a good intro to how you can make a circuit right from the schematic.  the same principles can be applied to perfing things laid out for pcb's.  pushtone describes a great way to do that.  a lot of forumites like to make their perfboard layouts free-style from pcb layout, just doing an approximate version.

the basic idea is to use the leads from the components to make trace-like connections.  bend and solder.  for small circuits, i think that it's less work than etching. 

in my experience, the PnP thing really dominates when there are lots of components and you need a tight layout.  and etched or printed cb's are essential when you are using surface mount components.

hope this helps, gm