Ultra Probe Circuit Board Problem

Irishman299

(@irishman299)

Eminent Member

I etched the Ultra Probe board today after multiple problems, mostly my screw ups. It came out beautiful; I couldn’t do a better job. But I forgot to tape the backside, I thought about it all night, don’t forget to tape the backside and I did it anyway. So, I etched the copper off the back, I know I am not the first and probably not the last. My question is can I just glue a piece of tinfoil on the backside in place of the copper for the shielding?

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Topic starter Posted : 15/02/2026 10:15 pm

RadTekMan

(@radtekman)

Reputable Member

It seems that’s always what happens! Alternative shielding may work, but is was designed having copper right on the board. Personally I would make it right the first go instead of populating it and having trouble anyway. Say you still make another one, you have all the parts to swap unless you get extras of everything. Really just up to your preference.

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Posted : 16/02/2026 9:49 pm

peteb2 reacted

Ovi4

(@ovi4)

Honorable Member

@ irishman: no, definitely you cannot do that because of multiple reasons. 1: there are multiple grounding vias which need to be soldered to the back side and 2: the whole mechanical integrity of the grass ring relies on that back side foil where you need to solder that brass ring so the board is locked in place to it to mechanically secure the 2 cables (the signal coax as well as the other shielded cable which carries the power rails) and both of their shielding also needs to be soldered to the back side copper. So….that copper part is essential unfortunately Another reason is keeping the board square in relation to the thread of the solder sucker body so when you try to fasten it together you will not cross thread the already fine and fairly fragile aluminum thread.

This post was modified 4 months ago 2 times by Ovi4

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Posted : 17/02/2026 10:32 pm

peteb2 reacted