anyone know of a cheap pcb maker?

would be a one off; artwork most likely printed on a sheet of A4 (low tech!).

(looking to use SM components so dobt I can draw the fine lines myself).

try a search on

www.instructables.com

that may have a cheap low tech solution.

google pcbtrain
single sided - DIY is possible - laser print artwork onto photo paper & you can iron it onto the copper & it works as an excellent etch resist. My mate at work has done fine geomerty SMD boards double sided this way!
Bob

Something like this?

clicky linky

^^^^ how much?!!?!?

I have heard about the photocopying onto transparencies and then ironing but not tried it in anger; maybe worth a go.

re: pcbtrain - quote is £ 74 !!?!? I can get a speedo for that much so not locost by a long way.

[Edited on 7/9/07 by 02GF74]

To get a one etched should be fairly cheap, if you tell them that you will drill the holes yourself, as this is the expensive part of the job.

I'd use the PCB etch thingy from Maplins. Pretty cheap (as long as you've got a laser printer!!). Results are good as long as the laser printer drum is in good shape.

We have an etch tank and boards here ,if you send me details I'll have a look at it- we can work from a photocopy or life size drawing etc
atb
Mike

^^^ thanks for offer - I know, keep telling others to google and should have done so my self.


Found something about using plain paper instead of trasnparency/slides; the plastic ink is heated on then the paper is soaked and rubbed off to leave the inky bit - seems like it may work better than trasnparency.

Will give that a shot first.

How complex a circuit and how little space do you have?

Can you use strip board. You can certainly mount SO8 packages on that and with some care and ingenuity probably others too. My dash controller is built on stripboard and contains quite a few smd. It was only ever meant to be a prototype but as it works fine it's stayed.

I use PCBtrain for prototyping at work but then I don't pay the bills. They do good work.
jk

o2gf74,
as I said in my 1st post photo paper works best for this, plain paper is OK
Bob

Use strip board. Much cheaper just drill out the tracks where you dont want it to join. Although PCB looks nicer its not cheaper for a one off.

TBH I dont' like strip board as it is much more brittle but can be quick for very simple circuits.

What I plan to do would be qicker I reckon using a pc board with routed tracks (and SMD components) rather than soldering links between tracks, cutting them etc.

Just need to get some glossy paper and do the artwork then see how it goes. Ofcourse it could all go wrong if I am unable to solder on SMD components - tips (SIC) any one?

A very very hicost way is Jabil

Thats who i work for and can't believe ive come home from work to read about pcbs

SMD - pointy tweezers & fine tip soldering iron. Get solder onto one pad (on the board) & glue the device on with that (positioning it with the tweezers). Then solder the other pad(s).
If you struggle you might want to tin all the pads first with solder (then suck it all off with wick). Use old tin/lead solder if you can
Bob
PS I have to use one of those great big anglepoise magnifying glasses..... you might be younger than me