[FoxHunt] Grinding out PCBs (A waste of time)

Wed, 6 Nov 2002 17:19:13 -0600

If someone already has a board made for a given project, I agree.  But there
are occassions when I need a one-of-a-kind board.  And then I'm not willing
to pay the set up and minimum production costs to have just a single board
made.  I'm bicycle mobile a lot, and I have a need for switching power
supplies, remote PTT circuits, etc. that can't be found elsewhere.  I
understand your point completely.  But until FAR Circuits or anyone else
becomes willing to make me just a single PC Board, I'll be stuck making my
own one-off boards.

As far as the attenuator project goes, I'd buy the board way before I'd make
it.  Simply for the reasons you pointed out.  Cost, time, etc.

Jack KE4LWT

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]]On Behalf Of [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2002 4:47 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [FoxHunt] Grinding out PCBs (A waste of time)

Ok, here I get on my soapbox.  I don't say this to insult anyone one but I
think
making your own PCBs is a huge waste of effort.

I've done the iron-on, etch pen, grind methods and I want to say to
everyone - what
is the point?!   It reminds me of an article I read about a kid in the 30's
who made
his own tubes.  Sure you "CAN" do this but why?   When you consider that you
will
need to buy blank copper boards,  etchent, small Drill bits, some way to
trim the
PCB, some soft of iron-on "stuff" and spend a lot of time screwing around
with all?
For what?  It won't make a better (or even as good) a board.  The used
chemicals
stain your cloths (and fingers) and are bad news (What?  you flush them down
the
drain???) it stinks, it's hard work and it's pretty close to pointless.

If your frugal go for boards from Alberta which don't have solder mask or
silk
screen.  They just about give them away.  And these are "real" double sided
boards
meaning they have plated through holes.

Ok, that's my tirade for today.

73 de Jay W0VNE
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