If you're experimenting with your reprap, you will probably want to modify your electronics. Breadboarding doesn't work for SMD components so you need to build your own PCB.
Making a Homebrew PCB has many advantages such as instant gratification and low cost. There are many different techniques but the fastest/easiest/cheapest way is to use an inkjet printer capable of directly printing on CDs and use an etch resistant ink. You can find answers if you are looking for bits and pieces and willing to try a few things out but until now it has been the EE experimenter's best kept secret.
However, I made it easier and made an idiot-proof step by step guide along with a kit for those that just want to get started and make PCBs quickly and easy without doing any hacking or major modifications. I also made several innovations and improvements such as a special laser cut stencil and finding the best possible ink after many different trial and error tests.
Yes there are limitations and sacrifices but I don't claim this is the only way nor do I claim it is the best way but rather a way that works for sure and easy to follow.
I have written this guide to provide 100% reproducible results. I cover everything from how to prepare the circuit board, how to save the image, how long to bake the board at what temperature to dry it and how long to etch the board in great detail. Follow these instructions and you can have a board in a matter of minutes.
Check out the tutorial
here
Check out the kit
here
Making Homebrew PCBs has never been easier.
