Custom Boost PCB
I finalized my custom layout for the PCB (printed circuit board) I'll be using in my boost effect pedal, and here it is in all its tiny glory. All that remains is to drill the component/wire holes and start adding the goodies.
The final dimensions ended up being 1 3/8" x 13/16", so it will fit exactly where I want it to inside the effect's shell. =)
posted by Maury @ 10:08 PM Permalink | 4 comments so far 
4 Comments:
How painstaking was the process of lacquering (or whatever) the traces? Did you use some kind of template? I can't imagine doing that by hand. Looks nice...
It was really easy. The hardest part was scoring the full size sheet to get just the little corner I needed.
As far as the traces, I scanned my perfboard and used it as a backdrop for placing my components in Photoshop (using circles and ovals and such, all taking up the right amount of space). I went through 4 layout revisions before getting things as small and close I needed them to be.
Once that was done, I just built the traces and pads in Photoshop (all at 400 DPI), then printed it out on a transparency. I then ironed it onto the copper-clad board until the toner transferred, which took about 3 minutes.
Next, I dumped it into the etching chemical (I like Sodium Persulphate since it's mostly clear and easier to see through), and in about 15 minutes, all the copper was eaten away — except for what was left under the black traces. Slap it acetone, and you get nice, shiny copper traces.
=)
Ah - I was thinking that you had to paint all the traces on by hand. That would be insane.
I was wondering the same thing. Hand-painted traces would count as cruel and unusual punishment.
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