[sdiy] SMD packages & adapters

[Rob Keeble]

Hi
SMD is increasingly attractive for Synth DIY (component variety, high
density PCB's). Its where the market is going, so we need to get real.
SOIC/DIP adapters are rather expensive in the UK, so I get mine at 2.39
dollars from these guys in the USA:

http://cimarrontechnology.com/index.asp

They take Paypal, and the parts arrive within a few days. Very nice.

In terms of soldering I use the same gear I have for thru' hole...like 3mm
tip. However a 1mm tip is better as it will heat the joint and then cool
quickly. I must get one... heres a guide on SMD soldering...

http://www.twyman.org.uk/PCB-Techniques/index-frame.htm

If you are laying out PCB's then extend the standard SMD pads so you can do
manual soldering. I am seriously considering moving to SMD for all my IC's.

Hope this helps....its not scary at all.

regards Rob
www.emulatorarchive.com


Well, I seem to have no choice but to step into the world of SMD devices
for this digital delay project.  Suitable audio CODEC ICs simply aren't
available in through the hole packages.

So I'm hoping someone can give me some pointers as to what SMD packages
are fairly easily soldered by hand (I've got just an ordinary
temperature controlled soldering iron with the smallest tip being about
1mm across - although I guess I could file down the tip smaller).

Also, I'd like to build the whole circuit on solderless breadboard
first, and finally onto 0.1" pitch stripboard, so I will need adapters
for the SMD devices.  I know this has been mentioned before, but at the
time I didn't take much noticed (thought I'd be safe from SMD for a
while!)  Preferably I'm looking for a UK based supplier.

Thank you,
Seb