Colander ground plane prototyping boards

[ppppenguin]

Over in another place https://www.vintage-radio.net/forum/show...ost1635697  there's a discussion about prototyping boards with pads on one side and a ground plane on the other. They are known as colander ground plane boards. I have used them and they are excellent. For video and RF work you really want the ground plane. Even for audio having a ground plane stops all sorts problems.

I haven't bought any for years and I remember them as bit expensive. A quick google says that various places have them available (Vero make them, amongst others) but the prices are indeed a bit expensive for amateur use. An example:
https://roadrunnerelectronics.com/protot...it-boards/

It would be cheaper to have them custom made in China.

[Mike Watterson]

I've used vero style stripboard with copper foil stuck on plain side up to 2GHz. SMD on trackside and you can split a track into two for some SO 4/6/8/16 devices.
I just used map pin from track side to pierce copper foil where a connection is needed.
Doing that for a 20 years.

At a pinch you can use cut up coffee tin etc, but harder to pierce. The printed "ink" outer is solderable.

[jimmc101]

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I've just replied on that forum, I prefer this type Circuit Development Square Pad Board. I've used it for several projects, but as you say expensive.

This looks more reasonable Oktapad Single Height 3U Double Sided Stripboard Eurocard Prototyping Board PCB, 100x160mm -

Jim