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What are some tips for Printing and Etching a 2 Layered PCB at home?
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PeterKevin 3 years ago
Hello, I am a beginner with the experience of having etched just one board (2 inches x 3 inches) for a circuit I found online. And also I am just an ordinary person who worked as a computer operator all my life. Now when I am jobless (owing to the corona scenario), I am doing some hobby electronics by watching YouTube videos. Currently, after having done a CharliPlexed 4x4x4 RGB cube - wherein I used a generic PCB and lots of wires, I decided to do a PCB on my own using EasyEda  desktop version. I did the schematics, but the AutoRouter always generates two layered design. Though I am trying to get it all done on a single sided board, still, I would love to try and learn more about Double Sided board. Someday, I will even etch one. The big issue is that I am unaware of how to do that. I mean, those YouTube Videos - they make things look like "very very easy". When I tried doing both sides (just the tracing or transferring the circuit and the top layer for the one I mentioned above) - things went wrong - and I could not get the Top Layer text align with the acutal circuit. As it was just one sided PCB, I could (and did) give up doing the top layer. But this will be impossible for a double sided board! As such, I would love to know some real tips and probably those will help me get educated as well. Thanks for reading this and sharing some tips for a Novice. Stay safe.
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andyfierman 3 years ago
[https://docs.easyeda.com/en/Export/Export-PCB/index.html#Print-PCB-and-Etching](https://docs.easyeda.com/en/Export/Export-PCB/index.html#Print-PCB-and-Etching) The biggest problem is lining up (registering) the two side. I've never done a double sided DIY PCB but I'd guess that you need to put the contact sheet on one side and expose the etch resist for that side then drill a couple of the holes so that you can register the second side. Don't forget to (a) get the negative/positive photographic sense and (b) the true or layer mirroring of the top or bottom prints right. Read more though because the last time I DIY'd a board it was single sided using a Dalo pen (and commercial layout was done using Chartpak black tape).
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martin 3 years ago
In the same boat as Andy. I've done a few single-sided with solder mask, but never figured out an elegant way to align the sides, but maybe more importantly, to do proper vias. I did DIY boards for a while for the learning experience, but with JLC pricing and turn around times, dealing with chemicals lost its appeal.
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PeterKevin 3 years ago
@andyfierman > The biggest problem is lining up (registering) the two side. This was the only problem and it became a major one when I tried etching the single layer PCB with the Labels of the parts/components at the top. Thankfully, it was a single layered design so I cleaned off the top layer after I realized that these components did not align right with the circuitry on the board. Maybe I should keep on trying and figuring out a way to get the alignment and positioning correct.
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PeterKevin 3 years ago
@martin I get you :) I have to wait for these restrictions in India to ease and once this happens, I will order those from the JLCPCB.
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andyfierman 3 years ago
@PeterKevin See my post in your other topic. Or do you know anyone with a CNC router or end mill? Or if your board is simple enough: [https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/etch-resist-pens/1892273](https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/etch-resist-pens/1892273) [https://www.amazon.co.uk/PCB-Etch-Resist-Staedtler-Simple/dp/B00R830PQG](https://www.amazon.co.uk/PCB-Etch-Resist-Staedtler-Simple/dp/B00R830PQG) which is the same as this: [https://www\.cricklewoodelectronics\.com/Etch\-Resistant\-Pen\.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw\_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0qsGAVMXryRrh6nzF\-wMw2a\_wDWzZ8XGEw94Hr43tx8a0dsJHcvgIRoCnNQQAvD\_BwE](https://www.cricklewoodelectronics.com/Etch-Resistant-Pen.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw_NX7BRA1EiwA2dpg0qsGAVMXryRrh6nzF-wMw2a_wDWzZ8XGEw94Hr43tx8a0dsJHcvgIRoCnNQQAvD_BwE) Except... I couldn't find one on Amazon India. :)
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andyfierman 3 years ago
Or draw the circuit directly? [https://www.amazon.in/Circuit-Scribe-Conductive-Ink-Pen/dp/B00OZATJ3A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C2FNJZS86QIB&dchild=1&keywords=circuit+scribe&qid=1601557144&sprefix=circuit+scr,aps,159&sr=8-1](https://www.amazon.in/Circuit-Scribe-Conductive-Ink-Pen/dp/B00OZATJ3A/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C2FNJZS86QIB&dchild=1&keywords=circuit+scribe&qid=1601557144&sprefix=circuit+scr%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-1) Think you can get the Staedtler in India. It's not a specialised etch resist pen, just a permanent marker but it might work for you? Have a look for: lumocolor permanent
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PeterKevin 3 years ago
@andyfierman Thanks. Yes, I did have a look at this "Pen" some two months back when I was trying to etch a board for the ATMEGA 328P, but its pricey and I wasnt sure if it could draw on the PCB. I had posted my question but that never got answered. So I got myself to etching using Ferric Chloride. I used my inkjet printer to print the circuit on Glossy paper and then the iron (for ironing clothes) to transfer it on the Copper plated board. That worked and I was happy. I have added this pen on my wishlist - and will surely consider buying it once life (professional) gets back on track. Much appreciated that you went off your way and searched out this for me. Stay safe :)
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andyfierman 3 years ago
@PeterKevin, You too: take care.
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