[sdiy] To SMT orNot to SMT.. that is my question

[Gordon JC Pearce]

On Thu, Dec 19, 2013 at 09:35:22PM -0500, Michael Bachman wrote:
> OK, I just spent the last year working on a analog sound card.
> 
> It was at the point of needing a revision.. so I did it.. in SMT.
> 
> Now I am wondering if this was a mistake..(and big waste of my Holiday
> vacation)
> Can your average DIYer build and SMT board?

Yes, trivially easily.

> The smallest part is a SOT23, resistors and caps are 1206, the ICs are
> all SOIC.. no fine pitch.

That's probably bigger than most people can cope with comfortably.

Some of the older members of the list may struggle with 0204.

> I don't see any DIY kits out there in SMT.. they are all still TH.

I hate having to deal with through-hole these days, because I have neither the patience or dexterity and I have to put a huge nozzle on my welding torch.

> The size is nice, a 35% reduction  and SMT parts are more
> prevalent..stuffing houses love SMT...but I am about to rip up the
> whole layout and go back to TH.
> 
> Opinions?

Leave the through-hole blacksmithing in the past where it belongs.

-- 
Gordonjcp MM0YEQ