Hi JaY
Thanks for the data on the reference design I will read this after tea! The question on DIY through holes is that the holes are drilled then the PCB is placed in an electrolyte bath and copper deposited in the holes. This is a bit of a black art as the coating has to be homogenous and coat only the sides of the hole as the holes may also be required to take the leads of components. I don't know of any DIY methoid for producing through plated holes.
Regards
Pat |