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

[Michael Bachman]

Although our tech does all the SMT by hand, looking through a
stereoscope, I have friends that use a USB magnifying camera and a 7"
LCB monitor.  I tested this out and it works great.  Much easier on
the eyes and you have much more freedom of movement.

So use that old outdated PC, pick up a cheap monitor and shell out $40
for a USB magnifying camera..that and a good fine soldering tip and
you're golden. (also, liquid rosin is the key for those fine pitch
parts)

On Fri, Dec 20, 2013 at 11:54 AM, Randel Osborne
<randel at redshift-consulting.com> wrote:
> I recently started using an Oster electric skillet and infra-red heat gun to
> do SMT soldering, and am very pleased with the results. I think that it is
> simpler and cheaper than a toaster, and seems to result in less melting of
> plastic connectors.
>
> -Randel
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> On Dec 19, 2013, at 9:35 PM, Michael Bachman <bachmanm50 at gmail.com> 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?
>
> The smallest part is a SOT23, resistors and caps are 1206, the ICs are
> all SOIC.. no fine pitch.
>
> I don't see any DIY kits out there in SMT.. they are all still TH.
>
> 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?
>
> Mike
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