All electronics utilize circuits as a means of transmitting and using electricity, so anyone interested in electronics as a hobby or career should familiarize themselves with circuit boards. Fortunately, constructing a homemade circuit board is a relatively simple and straightforward task. With some basic tools and a few hours to spare, anyone can build their own circuit board and create the foundation for a much deeper experience with electronics.
Instructions
Making A Basic Printed Circuit Board
1 Draw the circuit pattern on regular paper with a pencil. Mark where you will need to drill holes.
2 Place tracing paper over the first sheet and trace the pattern with the overhead projection pen.
3 Tape carbon paper to the copper side of the copper clad board. Neatly tape the tracing paper over the carbon paper.
4 Once again trace the pattern with the overhead marker. Remove the tracing paper and carbon paper; the marker's ink will leave the pattern on the copper board.
5 Wait 10 minutes for the ink to dry, then place the copper board in a container, and submerge it in the etching solution. Allow the board to simmer in the solution for a couple of hours.
6 Clean the board with tap water.
7 Drill holes where components will be attached.
8 Use thinner to remove the remnants of the marker ink. This completes the basic structure of the circuit board.
