sound practices reading club /37

Here is another circuit construction technique that, just like the one we read about last time, will put you miles ahead of what just about any manufacturer is able to offer. We are reading Point to Point Teflon Boards by Mike Vansevers, from sound practices issue 2. In it, Mike describes what is so snazzy about teflon, followed by step by step instructions of how how to make your own boards. A bonus PP driver/line amp schematic is part of the example.

teaser quote: ‘Eggs, water, dirt, magic markers, you name it, it won’t stick to teflon. Most glues don’t either. Therein lies the rub: attaching copper to teflon isn’t easy or cheap. […] Our alternative method will be a point-to-point circuit board built on teflon, the best of all possible worlds.’

my take
There is a couple of things I like about the article. Most of all, it is that it introduces a construction technique that allows you and me to implement a superior solution when a printed circuit board seems inevitable. It can be used for non-tube circuits too, like DACs or speaker x-overs.

And it does not need to be teflon. Because the second thing I like is that the article triggers reflection on board materials. What do you fancy, in terms of dielectric absorption and resonances? Something like wood, cork or ceramic tiles? (watch out: jc told me recently that the glazing on most tiles contains metal particles, making these tiles not fantastic insulators) As long as the material can take the heat involved and can be drilled, why not?

Now go and read the article, see you next week.