Post #3754897
2026-07-12 05:58 UTC
Trying a relatively simple home-bake double sided PCB etch. This is a dual-band HF filter with a micro relay to switch between 30m-40m and 20m-15m using SMD components. I have modelled the designs and laid out the pcbs in kicad, using chebyshev values. Previous design I used for the digital pixie works okay, but it is not quite as ambitious in the cutoff, does not use SMD components, and has a manual switch. Plus the skirts on this new filter are a lot sharper to get a decent cut off. I printed the front and back copper for the boards from kicad onto a4 and traced the outlines of the pads using pin-pricks through the paper, scored between the pin dots on the copper with a modelling knife and ruler.
I could have ordered the pcbs from an online fabricator using gerbers from kicad. But this is a proto-type and I am not sure how well, if at all it will work. I didnt want to fork out for boards that Im not sure will work.
Replies (1)
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@spmatich@ioc.exchange 2026-07-12 10:48
Etching deity 1, Stephen 0 Etched PCB fail. The copper was eroded under the etch-resist ink. So there is not much left. Perhaps left too long, but also there is still copper between the pads in places where there was no ink. I will make sure the copper is thoroughly cleaned before I apply the etch resist. I might even go something a bit more heavy duty than the etch resist pen. Nail polish?