[sdiy] More SMT project pictures

[Tony Clark]

> Allow me to ask (another) dumb question:  How does one solder a surface
> mount component w/o a vapor-phase/solder-paste set-up?
> 
> Seems to me to be a 'don't try this at home" sort of deal, no?

   Every module I have made was soldered by hand!  The way to solder SMT 
is rather simple:

   1) Apply a small amount of solder to one pad.
   2) Position the part in place and quickly solder it in place.
   3) Apply solder to remaining pad(s).

   Usually I'll place all of one value on a PCB at a time, so I'll go 
through and do step 1 to all of the parts I'm going to put on.  Not only 
does it save time, but it also helps me keep good visual track of where 
the parts should go (so I don't have to keep referencing the component 
placement sheets).

   As someone else mentioned, you do need fine solder wire (I use 0.020 
_ROSIN CORE_!), and a good fine tip.  The tips that come with most 
soldering irons will be too wide at the tip for good work.

   Cheers,

   Tony

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
         The E-Music DIY Archive - New Site Coming Soon!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"We wouldn't want to ship something that doesn't work"
   - Carl Stork, general manager, Microsoft Windows division
     Excerpt from EE Times April 2, 2001