FW: Surface mount synths??

[Joachim Verghese]

On 11 Jul 1996, Lahlum-FLR111 Ross wrote:

> It is possible to solder surface mount parts yourself.  All you need is
> solder paste and a heat gun that gets hot enough to melt the solder. 
> The molten solder tends to hold the components in place. While I have 
> never built an entire board this way, I have used this method to 
> replace individual components. It should work for an entire board if
> you're careful.

There's an alternative (better?) method - use a soldering iron with
accurate temperature regulation. Set the temperature at around 320
deg(C) / 600 deg(F). Apply paste flux (e.g. from ESP) to the PCB
pads and component leads. Use a large tip for the soldering iron.
Apply generous amounts of fresh solder to the tip, and slowly "smear"
the molten solder over the joints with the tip (similar to wave
soldering).

Using this method the components and PCB won't be subjected to excessive
heat as with the hot air method. If some of the joints are left without
solder, you can always add a little paste flux and try again.

Note though, that this method only works with paste flux.

-joachim