[sdiy] SMD component kits and tweezers

[Robin Whittle]

I just bought some books of SMD components from this eBay seller in China:

  http://myworld.ebay.com/tedchen1632/
  http://stores.ebay.com/DIYGSM-Wholesale

Smaller quantities of these components are also available, but I though
it was worth getting the book arrangement to save the hassle of storing
small strips myself.

I got a book of 1206 resistors, a book of 1206 capacitors and a book
which combines both 0805 resistors and capacitors.  There is a smaller
range of resistor and capacitor values in 0805 range.

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/200803386184  USD$49 + shipping
    1206 resistors:  170 values 0 to 10M ohm.
    50 pieces each = 8500 pieces.

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/200803387491
    1206 capacitors: 38 values 10pF to 22uF
    50 pieces each = 1900 pieces.

  http://www.ebay.com/itm/200800859686  USD$29 free shipping
    Yageo 0805 resistors 63 values 0 to 2M ohm, 3025 pieces.
    Samsung/Murata 0805 capacitors 17 values 15pF to 1uF 700 pieces.

All the resistors are 5% tolerance.  Capacitors below 220pF are 5%.  The
1206 values between 220pF and 0.01uF are 10% and above that they are
20%.  The 0805 capacitors 220pF and above are 10% except for the Samsung
0.47uF 50V X7R which is marked +/- 80%, which strikes me as odd.

With faster shipping (rather than "economy") all three cost me USD$143.70.

I haven't used any yet, but everything looks really good.  All the
strips of components have their value stamped on the back.  The pouches
are clearly labelled.  I don't plan on using sizes other than 1206 and
perhaps 0805 for my projects.  I think its very nifty to have a complete
set of these parts taking up just half the volume of a shoebox!

I have various tweezers from craft shops.  From the UK I bought this
exceptionally fine pair of tweezers:


http://www.rapidonline.com/Tools-Equipment/Erem-Tweezer-125mm-AA-SA-SL-86-1546

Its early days in my surface mount adventures, but these purchases look
most promising.

  - Robin          http://www.firstpr.com.au/rwi/dfish/