How to Make a Circuit Board

Yes, it is possible to make a circuit board at home with a few simple and inexpensive tools. I can step you through it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a breadboard
• a soldering iron
• isopropyl alcohol
• stiff 1/2" paint brush
• solder
• flux
• alligator clips
• multimeter
• electronic components (resistors, capacitors, processors, etc)
• scrap paper for notes
• a blank circuit board
• a battery or other power source
• a schematic
• needle-nose pliers
• razor knife or Xacto knife
• (wire strippers, optional)
• copper electrical wire
• compressed air

1. Study your schematic. If you are creating a circuit that was already designed, make sure you have all of the components you need; make especially sure that your resistors have the proper ohm-rating. If you are designing a new circuit, make a sketch of your schematic before starting.

2. 
    
   breadboard

   Lay out your circuit on the breadboard. Place your components on the breadboard in the exact configuration you intend to use on your circuit board.

3. Apply power and test. Connect your power source to your breadboard. Test all switches and lamps. If your circuit isn't working the first time, and it rarely does, make sure all of your components are firmly pressed into the breadboard. If it's still not working, use your multimeter to determine where the loss of continuity (or other error) might be. Then, check you schematic to ensure your transistors are installed correctly and your resistors have the proper rating.

4. Build your circuit board. After you get everything working on the breadboard, you're ready to build your circuit board. Make sure all of your equipment, materials, and hand tools are clean and available before starting. Use your soldering iron, flux, and solder to secure the components to the circuit board.

5. Clean up. After soldering a component, use compressed air, isopropyl alcohol, and a small stiff paint brush to clean the residual flux and debris from your circuit board. A thorough cleaning will prevent corrosion and unintended continuity between components.

6. Test your circuit board. Apply power to your circuit board and test all switches, lamps, processors, motors and any other comopnents you can test before installing the circuit board into its casing.

Tips & Warnings

• A breadboard helps you lay out your compnents and ensure your circuit works before soldering it to a circuit board. Radio Shack carries inexpensive ones, and Archer makes them.
• You can find a multimeter for under $15 on eBay or at Radio Shack.
• A disposable razor is a suitable wire stripper.
• Unless you need the components on the breadboard for the circuit board, leave them on the breadboard so that you have a quick visual reference of your circuit layout.
• To prevent damage to your components, use an alligator clip as a heat sink when soldering the leg of your component to the board. Place the alligator clip on the component leg between the comonent and the place you are going to solder.
• If you are going to install your circuit board in some kind of casing, make sure you solder your components close enough to the circuit board to prevent them from rubbing up against the casing or being smashed when you put the casing together.
• While building your circuit board, occasionally test your newly-soldered components for continuity. Doing so will help you to catch any errors before you apply power to your circuit board.
• Components can be purchased in small quantities through Radio Shack or Fry's Electronics. Both have Web sites.
• Soldering irons operate at extremely high temperatures. Use caution while handling a soldering iron. Always use the proper eye and body protection.
• Solder contains lead, a substance known to be harmful when ingested. Do not hold solder in your mouth while soldering. Use protective gloves while handling solder.
• Isopropyl alcohol, though an every-day household item, can cause skin and eye irritation. Use safety glasses while handling isopropyl alcohol.

[benco9]

on 1/13/2010 Thanks very much, gonna go buy a bit of tools myself, always had an eye for this.

[digupstuff]

on 3/20/2009 WOW! Very good article here! 5* <3 Dig :D XOXOX

[deepthinkin]

on 2/22/2009 This would make quite the science project for my kid! Thanks for posting.