DIL package disappearing? (was: CA3046 replacement)

[Karl Helmer Torvmark]

On Tue, 6 Jul 1999, Rick Jansen wrote:

> It would be another thing would be if manufacturers are phasing out the 
> DIL package altogether. Hobby electronics would suffer quite a bit! If I 
> look inside a modern piece of equipment it's all SMD devices though, I 
> guess the industry is getting past the DIL package for production purposes.
> 
> Although I never tried yet, I assume SOP's (small outline package)
> ic's are solderable with some experience and patience, a steady
> hand, good eye sight, a magnifying glass, a very fine soldering iron
> and some muscle relaxant. (A beer and solder party!)

Soldering SMDs may appear daunting at first, but really, with a little
practice it isn't bad at all. Just solder down the corners first, then dap
solder over all the pins without caring too much if you solder pins
together. Finish the job by using a bit of solder wick to suck away the
excess solder. Done!

You can even do half-pitch PQFP packages (for those >300pin ICs....) with
this technique, if you practice. Get a good tip for your soldering
station. Small diameter solder may be a help, as well as those
magnifying-glass lamps if you got one of those. 

Of course, those with terminally bad eyesight or unsteady hands may have
problems, but most of us should get by.

-----------
Karl H.