PCB consruction ABC's

[Bloy2004]

I've done some searches looking for the making of home custom PCBs from the blank board to finished board with components.
Could someone provide a site or information going through all the steps to PCB construction?
I understand there are many ways to the same end.
This "reflow" thing eludes me...maybe it's not for the home hobbyist.

Thanks Much!

John (Bloy)

[philba]

there are, literally, hundreds of sites that describe the process but there are many directions you can go. First, what are you trying to accomplish? Build one board or develop a skill and make multiple boards? If you just want to build one board, then you might want to consider having a board house do it - sparkfun has a pretty good and cheap offering.

Before you make the board, you will need to have a design. I use eagle pcb layout software but there are many. there is a book by Al Williams that is pretty good - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/007...83155&v=glance

There are at least 3 major methods once you have a design: toner transfer, photo and milling. Toner transfer uses a laser jet or copier to lay down the artwork and then heat is used to transfer it to the copper (google toner pcb). Photo uses photo-sensitized board that you expose an image of the board on and then develop it (just like a photograph, old style). google photo pcb. Milling uses a cnc machine to remove the the unwanted copper. Each has pros and cons. google milling pcb. photo and transfer use a chemical etchant to remove the unwanted copper.

By the way, reflow refers to a method of soldering surface mount components by heating up the board to "reflow" the solder (usually solder paste). Think of it as baking up a board... You don't need to worry about it.

[venomx999]

Here you go dawg
http://pminmo.com/pcbmaking.pdf