Does anyone know if they still sell the old PCB making transfers? You know, the ones that are self stick shapes that used to be used to make PCB's. I'm having a hard time finding them, so any leads to somebody selling them will be appreciated.

 

Wow, that's an oldie. I know I still have a folder with a bunch of those rub on designs, from before toner transfer, even perfboard. Couldn't even guess where to look in this clutter. They must still be around, don't think they go bad with storage, and were quite common. Might check some surplus sites.

 

@HarveyH42 - yeah, I know it's old technology, but then so am I. I guess I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and take the time to learn one of the pcb/cad programs. None of them so far are very intuitive to me, but then again I don't know enough about computer stuff either. Can barely figure out posting in forums.

 

I searched through my bookmarked surplus sites, didn't find any. Search for the product name 'Direct Etch' and the maker 'Datek', didn't go to Digikey, to see if the still stock it, but apparently the company still makes it.

I use PCB Wizard, for artwork, and LiveWire for circuit design, same company, and they work together. Not sure if it's still being sold, or what the free trial policy is these days. I got the free version years ago, worked fine for my needs, so never purchased, or updated. It was only limited to size and complexity, which was quite generous.

 

HarveyH42, Yeah I did the round of all the surplus and electronics places too They see to be available in the UK but not in the US

The pcb programs and toner transfer seem to have become the new standard. I have both of the cd's for "Circuit Wizard" and "Live Wire" Plus all the different free programs on the net, just have to take time to learn them.

Thanks for your help!

 

All Electronics Incorporated sells the blue Press-n-Peel or as some call it, "Press-n-Pray" transfer film under PCB Materials.

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/TEK-5/TECHNIKS-PRESS-PEEL-PC-BOARD-KIT//1.html

 

@ radiohead - that is all I could find too. But that isn't what I am looking for. They used to make transfers that looked like the dip socket mounting with the holes and you put hem on the blank board. They also came with circles to use as pads and a thin roll of tape that you mad your circuit layout with. Then you etched the board and removed the transfers and drilled the holes.

 

Try an art supply store -- that transfer stuff was popular before making PCBs became popular.

 

This may help. Scroll down to the "P" sections.
(Printed Circuit Board - Chemical - Accessories)

http://www.calcentron.com/Pages/philmore/philmore_home.htm

I guess you can still buy this stuff... I didn't dig that deep.

edit: The phrase I searched on was "rub on transfers direct etch"

 

Gee, I forgot all about Philmore stuff.
http://www.calcentron.com/PDF_Documents/philmore_pdf/philmore_printed-circuit_chemicals_acc.pdf
Dry transfer stuff starts on page 227, and the circuit dry transfer stuff starts on page 228.

 

@rdl2004 - Welcome to AAC! Glad you joined! Searched every combination I could think of ,but not that one.

To everyone ,thanks for helping! This place and you guys are the best!

 

Well so much for fining the transfers After finding the brand name for them and calling all across the US, all of the stores said the same thing - no longer made! So on to learn pcb/cad.

 

Ever tried using a sharpie marker? I haven't but I've heard it works. Could save you the hassle of learning how to use the software.

 

I'd used Staedtler permanent Lumocolor markers in red (for overhead projectors) with better results than Sharpies. Those Lumocolor pens I had to order, though. I still use them for touch-ups with laser toner transfers.