What is the right amount of bubbles to see with Copy Cad?

[emobley]

Hello,

I've had my Copy Cad kit for a month now and have acheived some nice results. However, I find myself using more current than the specified 25 ma per square inch as this is the only way to get any visible bubbles. I'm using a battery charger set at 6 volts and 6 volt Radio Shack bulbs to control current.

Am I doing something wrong? Instead of measuring surface area in a precise manner and adjusting current accordingly, I find myself simply increasing the current until I get some bubbles. I just get the feeling that I'm winging it. Or are the specified current settings for a 1.5 volt supply and I need to do something different with a 6 volt supply?

Speaking of bubbles, what is the right amount to see?

Thanks,

Ed

[mcaswell]

Basically, if it's working for you, stick with it. The amperage requirements are a guideline. It's possible that small errors in calculating the area, power fluctuations etc, are causing you not to trust your results.

It's hard to put into words the amount of bubbles you should see, but "moderately vigorous" seems to fit well.

[emobley]

I would describe my bubbles as barely perceptable when using the current guidelines - that's why it takes me so long to get a good layer of zinc.

When you describe the bubbles as moderately vigorous, would you compare them to a carbonated beverage that has just been poured? You wouldn't happen to have any pictures?

Thanks,

Ed

[mcaswell]

Yes, that's an even better description. Try turning up the current and you should see more bubbling and a faster plate.

No pictures, but feel free to send us some. We're hungry for all kinds of images, succesful jobs or not, to improve our support system.

[emobley]

Thanks....looks like I'll be cranking up the current. Hopefully I can get the same good results without waiting for an hour.

Since the battery charger I'm using is most likely not full wave rectified, I'm wondering if that requires more current than using a full wave rectified device?

[mcaswell]

Sorry, I didn't notice that you were using a charger. It's not the best option for plating, because the current cyles off and on. Try using a 6V battery instead. You can put the charger behind the battery to keep it charged if you want.

[emobley]

The bulbs that I'm using to control current remain lit. Are you saying the current from the battery charger cycles in a way that is not perceptable to the human eye but will impact plating?

Thanks,

Ed

[mcaswell]

Yep - that's exactly what I'm saying. As you've noticed, they work, but batteries give a constant current and therefore work better.

[emobley]

It's almost midnight your time and you're answering my questions...what great service!

Last question: I don't have a six volt battery, but I do have a twelve volt. Is there any difference as far as plating is concerned with using a twelve volt versus six volt setup? I thought all your recommended current settings were specified at 1.5 volts. Should I simply be concerned with the current as measured with my ammeter?


Thanks,
Ed

[mcaswell]

Ideally, you should be plating at 1.5 - 3 volts @ 25 milliamps per square inch. The 6 volt supply is TOO HIGH for this application.