Photoessay; Making PCB using carbon paper and marker.

[jpm83]

O.K. Here we go.

First you need a cleaned board, carbon paper and a transfer that has been flipped over. You can use sand paper, steel wool or acetone to clean the board.


Next tape the transfer to the carbon paper.


Then tape the transfer carbon paper combo to the PCB.


Here's the paper on the PCB.


Now use a center punch or something like that to mark the holes.


Now mark the traces using a non-writing pen or a dull needle like I did.


The outcome should look like this. Now just draw the pads and traces using a etch resistant marker pen.


Here is the board masked with marker. You should try on a small test piece Whitch marker is best for you're etchant. And you should get marker that has a quite spongy tip, because the wax of carbon paper can choke the tip of the marker.


Here is the etched board. It ain't pretty but thats because my drawing skills aren't that great.


And finally here are the three boards I did today. From up to down Axis Wah, Ross compressor and ROG Peppermill.

Janne

[theehman]

How about some smaller pics?   

[jpm83]

I'm working on it. WOW they really are BIG.

Janne

[jpm83]

Now they are a bit smaller.

Janne

[theehman]

Nice job!  I used to do it a similar way but I just marked the pads with a nail and drew the traces all in (no carbon paper). If I ever make boards again I'll try the carbon paper method.

[jpm83]

Thanks for the feedback. It's nice to know that someone had some new ideas from this essay.

Janne

[John Lyons]

Those look nice! Thanks for the essay Jpm83.
With Ferric chloride the marker is not as critical.
With Muratic acid and Peroxide (H2o2) sharpies do not work at all.

I've been using model paint (enamel) with a small brush to touch up small chips in photo paper toner transfers.
I really need to find a good paint pen...

John

[arma61]

Good job, thinking that on 26 dec 2007 you started a post named "Could carbon paper be used to ease PCB making with sharpie", and now you're ready for a photoessay, that's cool!!

Cheers
Armando

[miqbal]

Commercial pcb always use a thin green layer to cover the trace from corrosion, and I think it is also useful to prevent short circuit caused by solder-iron bubble during soldering. I remember my electronic teacher at junior high ever used it for his home made pcb, but it was yellowish in color.
Any idea what kind of material that can be used (that thin green layer) for diy-level project?
I just don't know what to ask for while at the store...

[bside2234]

I don't know what kind of mask you could use but I have used nail polish before to cover the traces. Many colors to choose from too!

[jpm83]

Good job, thinking that on 26 dec 2007 you started a post named "Could carbon paper be used to ease PCB making with sharpie", and now you're ready for a photoessay, that's cool!!

Cheers
Armando

Thanks for the reply. I just took photos from every step I was doing, and the masking method I used was successful, so I just made this essay from the photos I had.

Janne

[mac]

I have some muratic acid at my construction site, i'm going to try this method, never did a board. Thanks.

mac

[hillio]

With Muratic acid and Peroxide (H2o2) sharpies do not work at all.

Yes they do.  I use HCL and H202 (and CuCL2) with Sharpie-drawn boards all the time.  It works fine as long as you don't leave the boards in the etchant for too long.

[John Lyons]

I have done tests and etched many many, boards with with Sharpie touched up traces with muratic and H202. They all have eaten through the sharpie. I have drawn lines with 2 or three layers or sharpie just to see what happened, the traces resisted the acid for most of the etch but ultimately were eaten through.
I use 1 oz and even 2 oz copper clad. Maybe it works on 1/2 oz copper though...
I have since switched to enamel paint which is 100% resistant.
I scrape any blobs or enamel with a razor knife to reform the touched up traces or pads.

John

[hillio]

I use the 2 sided boards from Radio Shack.  I'm not sure of the specs. 
The boards I have done with sharpies are definitely not perfect, but are more than adequate.  I just did a board for a BSIAB2 and a 10w TDA2003 practice amp yesterday that both turned out OK.  I'll try to get a picture of them when I get a chance.

I'm interested in hearing details on your techniques using enamel paint.  I'm sure that would work better than a marker, and one wouldn't need to do 3 or 4 layers to make sure the traces come out OK.   What kind of brushes do you use that work well for the smaller traces?

Darren