[sdiy] Cyclone SID

[Tom Arnold]

On Fri, Mar 10, 2006 at 02:58:04PM -0500, elmacaco wrote:
> Hand soldering SMT isn't something I want to sign up for, but hopefully
> there will be ways to get your stuff machine done for cheap eventually.

Actually, if you have a set of standard rework masks, some paste solder, and
a hot air tool, its easy to do large SMD parts by hand.  You put down the
mask, slather on some paste, lift off the mask, place the part, zorch it
with the heat gun ( with proper shield installed ).  Done.  Small parts are
only a little harder because you have to hold them down or they'll blow off
the board.

I'll eventually make the transition to all-smd, but for right now and my
goals for building things  there is just something Zen about process of
stuffing a board/forming the leads/soldering/trimming that I enjoy and use to
relax.  If you collect all your trimmings, you can reuse the small leads for
jumpers or just dump them in your recycling bin.  Metal recycles very
well...

-- 
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 - Tom Arnold       -  Free Synth DIY webspace http://www.sdiy.org 
 - SynthGeek        -
 - BBD Fanatic      -  "...is it a virus, a drug, or a religion?" 
 - echo evho wjxo   -    Juanita Shrugs. "What's the difference?" 
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