Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!uwm.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!hp-pcd!hpcvia!otmar From: otmar@hpcvia.CV.HP.COM (Otmar_Borchard) Newsgroups: sci.electronics Subject: Re: plated thru holes Message-ID: <27510003@hpcvia.CV.HP.COM> Date: 31 May 90 19:25:53 GMT References: <1109@uvicctr.UVic.CA.UUCP> Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Corvallis, Oregon Lines: 39 > I am designing double sided boards that I am planning to etch myself. > Now, I want to start using pin arrays and realized that I will now need > plated thru holes (where the copper lines the hole itself making a nice > connection between top and bottom traces). Is there a way I, > a hobbyist with measly resources, can build a two-sided board > with plated thru holes? I would like to avoid the following: > > tremendous equipment expense > having to spend more than $10 per prototype board (outside the costs > of blank PC board) > > Craig --------- I worked in an electronics repair shop for the USMC a few years ago. We did a lot of work on double sided boards and used a lot of products from a company called PACE, Inc. They specialize in printed circuit rework and repair. They have something called a CIR-KIT that has parts to repair runs and plated through holes. If your boards will have a small number of plated through holes you could use some of the eyelets they sell. To install an eyelet, you drill a hole through the run and the board, place the eyelet through the hole, flare the ends of the eyelet, then tap them flat with a hammer and punch. After you solder them to the runs they make a reliable plated through hole. Pace makes a variety of sizes to fit different thickness of boards and different diameter component leads. I'll stick their address on here in case you want to contact them. Good luck! --- Otmar Borchard Hewlett-Packard Corvallis, Oregon Pace Inc. Pace US-West 9893 Brewers Court 14451 Chambers Road, Suite 100 Laurel Maryland 20707 Tustin, California 92680-6913 (301)490-9860 (714)838-8100