I have used a sharpy marker and drawn on copper and dropped into etchant.. For simple discretes, not semi things.
When I started circuit boards, I did the exact same thing. The problem was that alot of the tracks were cracked and/or washed away, and some tracks were 1/2 touching. Also, this method was a disadvantage because you need a super-fine marker, a magnifying glass, and
excellent eye-hand co-ordination. The only good thing to this method is that it is the cheapest in cost.
And I have done schematics on napkins, like all good engineers when they have an idea at lunch time... hehehe.
good one :wink:
...then printed on laser photo paper (certain brand) and ironed onto copper and etched (believe it or not it works).
I use the photo-transfer method. I print on a transparency compatible for inkjet printers (because my printer is an inkjet), and I peel off the protective coating off the board, place the transparency on and cover it with glass, and I expose it under UV compatible light for 60 minutes.
I know some of you think I'm nuts to do 60 minutes instead of 20 minutes, but at least it works great! then I go on to my favorite part! I take a large yoghurt container, and fill it about 1/2 way with water, and I pour the same amount as 5 or 6 tablespoons can hold. then I put the board in, close the container, and shake the d**n thing for 1 minute at a time, and within 2 minutes, the board comes out nice.
Then I etch it.
and I drill
AFTER etching because the copper rings (surrounding the drilling spots) guide my drill bit into the right place :wink:
Let me tell you, it is a little more expensive, but considering that I use the same chemicals for as many circuits as possible, I save alot of money.
This means that I
don't empty the etchant and replace it. Ditto for the developer.