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Step 3Making and Preparing the PCB
There are numerous resources on the Internet that describe the process of creating PCBs.
Transfer
I had (and still have) considerable difficulty getting consistent transfers onto the copper board. I currently use Press-n-Peel Blue Transfer Film from Techniks.com. I have also tried following the process detailed by riccibitti with little success (my impatience). It seems as if everyone has a preferred and flawless method, and none of them work well for me! I end up using a Sharpie to fill in the mask. This is overall the weak link in the making of PCBs.
Etching
After several frightening attempts at etching with Ferric Chloride over a pan of warm water in my kitchen, I moved into a chemistry lab and used the technique described in the Instructable Stop-using-Ferric Chloride. The materials were cheaper, more readily available (local hardware store and CVS), cleaner and safer. The initial etching was fast and aggressive, although I had some trouble with subsequent batches.
Cutting
I don't have a good method for cutting PCBs. Suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated.
Drilling
To drill the holes I used a Dremel tool with drill extension and a 1/32" bit for most holes. For the diode and holes for the speaker, battery, switch, and audio connection, I used a 3/64" bit. Bits are from Lee Valley.
Transfer
I had (and still have) considerable difficulty getting consistent transfers onto the copper board. I currently use Press-n-Peel Blue Transfer Film from Techniks.com. I have also tried following the process detailed by riccibitti with little success (my impatience). It seems as if everyone has a preferred and flawless method, and none of them work well for me! I end up using a Sharpie to fill in the mask. This is overall the weak link in the making of PCBs.
Etching
After several frightening attempts at etching with Ferric Chloride over a pan of warm water in my kitchen, I moved into a chemistry lab and used the technique described in the Instructable Stop-using-Ferric Chloride. The materials were cheaper, more readily available (local hardware store and CVS), cleaner and safer. The initial etching was fast and aggressive, although I had some trouble with subsequent batches.
Cutting
I don't have a good method for cutting PCBs. Suggestions and recommendations would be appreciated.
Drilling
To drill the holes I used a Dremel tool with drill extension and a 1/32" bit for most holes. For the diode and holes for the speaker, battery, switch, and audio connection, I used a 3/64" bit. Bits are from Lee Valley.
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Nov 3, 2009. 8:15 AMadumas
says:
hi is it possible you could send me the schematic and PCB versions. I'd like to make some modifications. My email address is zbayoff100@yahoo.com. Thanks
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7
Nov 6, 2009. 4:55 PM
matth3w (author)
says:
matth3w (author)
says:
The schematic, board layout, and a custom library for the ATS are now attached to step two. They are for Eagle 5.4.0. Good luck with your modifications; please post the results.
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Apr 29, 2009. 5:30 PMchristopherlita
says:
what size does this image need to be?
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7
May 1, 2009. 2:20 AMmatth3w (author)
says:
matth3w (author)
says:
The full size image is 601 x 728 pixels at 300 dpi. Click on the little "i" in the upper left hand corner of the image to access several different sizes of the image. The two key sizing dimensions are hole spacing for the components (holes for most of the components are spaced one-tenth of an inch (0.10" standard spacing) apart) and width of the board (it has to fit in the tin). Make sure that the transfer image/mask you print matches these constraints.
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