Hello, First off, thank you to every one of you for answering the other thread. It's given me plenty to research and perhaps over analyse. I think I'm going to go for the ready kit put together by Rapid, this is written up below. But before I do that I'm left wondering something.. Where I have my nails done they use one of the little UV boxes. They're here on eBay; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180104409706 Now what I'm wondering is. Would one of those do the job? Or more to the point, would it be cost effective to strip one down and use the parts. Thereafter ALL you need is an enclosure and some perspex. Also today it's become clear regarding 4mm glass that suppliers either only stock UV-blocking glass, or don't even know at all. No one knows what they're selling anymore or even cares!! This is the UK, it's a dump full of under achievers and everyone has a degree in Travel & Tourism or Marketing, everyone else is on state benefits. So.. The nail box up above? :-) Warm thanks, Alison The following will need to be viewed in a fixed font such as Courier to all line up; " Sourcing a UV Exposure Box for PCB Development. ----------------------------------------------- 0. Introduction 1. What's For Sale? 2. Ultraviolet exposure unit with timer 202E 3. Ultraviolet exposure unit with timer 202E - Starter Kit 4. UV tubes available on eBay 5. Flight case style enclosures 6. Minimum parts required 7. Conclusion 0. Introduction --------------- I wish to start developing PCBs using the Photoresist and UV Development method. In the past I have used a Dalo pen and drawn everything out, using ferric cloride to etch the copper off. I would like to design more complex circuits on a PC and print to transparancies. The immiediate requirement is to source a UV Development box. There are two options; Build One; Buy One. When considering building one the light output has to be in the range of 400nM. There is absolutely no point in approaching DIY outlets as they have haven't a clue what you're talking about (I've been out hunting today). Blacklight dark UV tubes for making your white t-shirt glow are NOT suitable. UV LEDs have been suggested as a possibility. These would need to be of a high candle output documented to be in the region of 5000-7000mcd, these can only be economically sourced from Hong Kong. There is a documented concern that UV LEDs placed in a grid fashion will result in exposure hot spots on the resulting PCBs. The projects are documented on the net, yet there are no examples of the PCBs which have been produced. This is a natural concern despite excitement in using such devices. It would be brilliant to have a compact UV light box. 1. What's For Sale? ------------------- There are very few UV boxes out there. The most basic are about �120 all in, ranging to �1000's for double sided vaccum models. There are very many UV tubes for sale on eBay. UV LEDs are also available. 2. Ultraviolet exposure unit with timer 202E -------------------------------------------- This is sold by Rapid for �115.68 (�98.39+VAT) item number 34-0700. It is also sold by Maplin for �105.14 (inc. VAT) item number YA36P. It uses a 6-minute mechanical timer. It uses two 8W 12" (304mm) tubes, 15" maybe??. The exposure area is 240 x 165mm (9.5 x 9.5"). The overall unit dimensions are 438 x 184 x 102mm (17 x 7 x 4"). http://www.rapidonline.com/productinfo.aspx?tier1=Tools%2c+Fasteners+%26+Pro duction+Equipment&tier2=PCB+Equipment&tier3=Accessories&tier4=Ultraviolet+ex posure+unit+with+timer&moduleno=29468 http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=YA36P&DOY=7m4 3. Ultraviolet exposure unit with timer 202E - Starter Kit ---------------------------------------------------------- This is available from Rapid for �129.54 (�110.25+VAT) item number 34-0690. It includes a number of accessories making a saving of about �20 if bought seperately. It is Kit B. These accessories are; Rapid Quantity Description Unit Sub (inc.VAT) ----- -------- ----------- ---- --- ---- ----- 34-0796 (1) Artwork Drafting Pack �4.95 �4.95 (6) Assorted Sheet Transfer ----- 34-0105 (3) 100 x 160mm SS Photo PCB �2.49 �7.47 34-0115 (1) 203 x 114mm SS Photo PCB �3.49 �3.49 34-0295 (1) Polifix Block �1.95 �1.95 34-0745 (1) Polypropylene Chemical Tray ----- 34-0395 (2) Developer Crystals �0.79 �1.58 34-0385 (1) Seno GS Etching Kit �8.95 �8.95 ======== �28.39 (�33.36) ======== 34-0700 (1) UV Exposure Unit - 202E �98.39 (�115.68) ======== �126.78 (�148.97) ======== A saving of some �20 is made as predicted. When offset against the standalone cost of a 202E, the above items are provided for an imaginary cost of some �10. 4. UV tubes available on eBay ----------------------------- A wide range of UV tubes are available. Most are marketed for use with Fly Killer devices and for curing Acrylic Nails in beauty salons. 4W 6" (152mm) straight tubes; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UV-Fluorescent-Tubes-for-Fly-Killers-4w-6_W0QQitemZ260 104226984QQcategoryZ72361QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 9W 6" (152mm) nail curing double tubes; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4-pcs-x-9-Watt-Bulk-Tube-For-9W-36W-UV-Nail-Lamp-Dryer _W0QQitemZ220098117777QQcategoryZ67653QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 25W 9" (229mm) U tubes; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/UV-Fluorescent-Tubes-for-Fly-Killers-25w-9-U-tube_W0QQ itemZ260104226614QQcategoryZ72361QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 22W 8" (203mm) Circular tubes; http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Replacement-UV-Tube-for-Electric-Fly-Killer-Circluar_W 0QQitemZ320099011789QQcategoryZ72361QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem 5. Flight case style enclosures ------------------------------- It would be intended to fit a self build unit into a small flight case. These are relatively expensive to buy. I have a small case here which is 283 x 235 x 90 (11" x 9" x 3.5") external dimensions, it was purchased for �9.99 and contains a hobby drill. It seems that to obtain the smaller flight cases it is economically easier to buy something else and to use it's presentation case, thus discarding it's contents. Makeup boxes, hairdryers, all sorts of low priced items come in perfectly adequate aluminium flight cases. My full size budget flight case which can be bought for �11 in a local DIY store has external dimensions of; 464 x 328 x 150mm (18 x 13 x 6"). It is made as cheaply as possible yet you could not achieve that level of build yourself without significant outlay. 6. Minimum parts required ------------------------- This is assuming use of a full size budget flight case, with basic ON/OFF operation; Quantity Description Unit Sub (inc.VAT) -------- ----------- ---- --- ---- ----- (1) Flight case �11.00 �11.00 (4) 12" UV tubes �5.00 �20.00 (4) Starters �1.00 �4.00 (2) Ballasts �7.50 �15.00 (1) Rocker ON/OFF Switch �1.00 �1.00 (1) IEC 3-pin socket �2.00 �2.00 (1) 4mm Cut glass (local) �5.00 �5.00 (1) Other unknowns (fixings etc.) �20.00 �20.00 (1) Travelling costs �15.00 �15.00 ======== �93.00 (NA) ======== The above does not take into consideration PCBs, developer etc. It appears cost effective to buy the UV 202E kit from Rapid for an approximate �35 extra. The above also does not take into account stress and rushing about. I could have the kit on this coming Tuesday after the Easter bank holiday weekend. 7. Conclusion ------------- It will be more practical and straightforward to buy the complete kit for �129.54 (�110.25+VAT) item number 34-0690, from Rapid. At this early stage in my experiences with UV development it makes sense to buy a prepared kit with instructions where it is all there for you from the moment go. Having spoken to my Mother who knows everything her comment is, "You're just like your bloody Grandfather, you'd lick a farthing out of a turd." In other words, buy the kit. "
PCB UV Box - Follow Up
Started by ●April 7, 2007
Reply by ●April 7, 20072007-04-07
"Aly" <,shfskfjsf@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote in message news:ifedndT2PNQUeorbnZ2dnUVZ8tSdnZ2d@bt.com...> Hello, ><SNIP> Oh well *sighs*. Another complete waste of time. I'll go back to sucking cocks on Tuesday morning. :-( And to think I was even remotely capable of this.
Reply by ●April 7, 20072007-04-07
On Apr 7, 7:01 pm, "Aly" <,shfskf...@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote:> Oh well *sighs*. Another complete waste of time. I'll go back to sucking > cocks on Tuesday morning. :-(Wow, your job is EXACTLY like mine.
Reply by ●April 7, 20072007-04-07
"larwe" <zwsdotcom@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1175988114.692699.64450@q75g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...> On Apr 7, 7:01 pm, "Aly" <,shfskf...@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote: > > > > Oh well *sighs*. Another complete waste of time. I'll go back tosucking> > cocks on Tuesday morning. :-( > > Wow, your job is EXACTLY like mine. >Thanks Lawre. That put a smile on my face. :-) On a bit of a downer here. I just do the embedded/digital stuff as a little hobby.
Reply by ●April 7, 20072007-04-07
On Apr 7, 7:29 pm, "Aly" <,shfskf...@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote:> > Wow, your job is EXACTLY like mine. > > Thanks Lawre. That put a smile on my face. :-) On a bit of a downer here. > I just do the embedded/digital stuff as a little hobby.Hmm, but I usually get the downers on a Sunday, not a Saturday! Back on-topic, I'm sure I've told this story before, but here goes again: Back in Oz, I used to go out once every few months with a bunch of consultants and a sort of "consultant finder" guy. Basically, he would advertise sort of like the Ghostbusters - 'we do anything, ready to believe you' and when he got a call for some kind of job, he'd pass it onto one of his network of worker bees. So, all we 20something, well-dressed guys are sitting in a posh restaurant in Melbourne. The waitress comes up to the table and says "What do you all do?". Quick as a flash, the networking guy says "I'm a pimp, and these are all my rent boys". She looked around the table, saw nothing to contradict this statement, and walked away. And really, it isn't so far from the truth.
Reply by ●April 7, 20072007-04-07
"larwe" <zwsdotcom@gmail.com> wrote in message news:1175988798.136290.195950@y66g2000hsf.googlegroups.com...> > And really, it isn't so far from the truth. >lol. actually working that way is fun. it sounds a bit like the year 2000 here. there was a team of us and we'd just have requirements fired at us by Directors (largish tech company, 200+ on site, open plan, banking) and go away and research them. some of the best years of my life. it doesn't seem the same anymore. work hard, play hard. and we did play. get your passport, we're off in 2-hours. :-) The lady serving had probably heard it all before. :-) I don't think I dare say the things that probably ran through her mind. She probably thought it was another chat up line.
Reply by ●April 8, 20072007-04-08
larwe wrote:> > So, all we 20something, well-dressed guys are sitting in a posh > restaurant in Melbourne. The waitress comes up to the table and says > "What do you all do?". Quick as a flash, the networking guy says "I'm > a pimp, and these are all my rent boys". She looked around the table, > saw nothing to contradict this statement, and walked away. > > And really, it isn't so far from the truth.She walked away thinking, "I've heard THAT line way too often!" ;-) -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida
Reply by ●April 8, 20072007-04-08
Aly wrote:> "Aly" <,shfskfjsf@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote in message > news:ifedndT2PNQUeorbnZ2dnUVZ8tSdnZ2d@bt.com... > >>Hello, >> > > <SNIP> > > Oh well *sighs*. Another complete waste of time. I'll go back to sucking > cocks on Tuesday morning. :-( > > And to think I was even remotely capable of this. > >I missed something -- why are you giving up? You seemed to have a good handle on this, certainly more than some folks who get paid to do this kind of stuff. Is it just that you feel that buying the kit is admitting defeat? -- Tim Wescott Wescott Design Services http://www.wescottdesign.com
Reply by ●April 8, 20072007-04-08
In message <ifedndT2PNQUeorbnZ2dnUVZ8tSdnZ2d@bt.com>, Aly <?@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl.invalid> writes> This is the UK, it's a dump full of under >achievers and everyone has a degree in Travel & Tourism or Marketing, >everyone else is on state benefits. >Now that's just unfair, what about the valuable contribution made to society by all the meeja studies graduates? I don't work my ass off contributing my tax pounds to fund them for nothing, I value the opportunity to be served at McDonalds by a Travel and Tourism graduate, I thoroughly relish being asked if I want help with packing at my local supermarket by a marketing graduate. I'm proud to be able to say that my taxes enabled a generation of f***ing wasters to be able to work for just over minimum wage in call centres, supermarkets and fast food outlets and I am grateful for the current government's education plans for generations to come, where else would we find the fodder to staff our supermarkets and serve our skilled Polish immigrant craftsmen? Besides, if nobody went to university, who would get jobs to support everyone else on state benefits? -- Clint Sharp
Reply by ●April 8, 20072007-04-08
"Aly" <,shfskfjsf@sliuflky4iuhdf.erl> wrote in message news:ifedndT2PNQUeorbnZ2dnUVZ8tSdnZ2d@bt.com...> Hello, > > First off, thank you to every one of you for answering the other thread. > It's given me plenty to research and perhaps over analyse. > > I think I'm going to go for the ready kit put together by Rapid, this is > written up below. But before I do that I'm left wondering something.. > Where I have my nails done they use one of the little UV boxes. They're > here on eBay; > > http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180104409706 > > Now what I'm wondering is. Would one of those do the job? Or more to the > point, would it be cost effective to strip one down and use the parts. > Thereafter ALL you need is an enclosure and some perspex. Also todayit's> become clear regarding 4mm glass that suppliers either only stock > UV-blocking glass, or don't even know at all. No one knows what they're > selling anymore or even cares!! This is the UK, it's a dump full of under > achievers and everyone has a degree in Travel & Tourism or Marketing, > everyone else is on state benefits. > > So.. The nail box up above? :-) > > Warm thanks, > > Alison >There's nothing special about these light box things. Don't allow distraction by talk of weird and wonderful exotic materials. The nail hardener thing (also insect killers, currency detectors et al) wouldn't be worth the effort to break down and the UV tubes will be be quite weak. It's quite painful to look at the bare blue light of a real UV box. Built a box 7 tears ago for small 'one off PCBs'. Works well. Vital key is those UV tubes which Maplin offers at �16 for 2. Mine uses 4 Maplin UV tubes just clipped into 2 of those cheap 12V dc, camping florry lights thingies. Stuck in a MDF box lined with cooking foil, with a normal glass window and a 12V power supply. High density black lines, printed on matt film and 7 minutes exposure gives lines as fine as I can deal with. (ie those thin buggers that end up going in between the 0.1" IC pads). -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com
