[sdiy] DIP LM13700 discontinuation

[sleepy_dog at gmx.de]

Benjamin Tremblay via Synth-diy:
> I don’t have much money for electronics. My purchases come in drips. $15 or $8 here and there.
SMT variants of ICs are already cheaper than DIP ones

>   I’m using a fat chisel tip on my soldering iron because I don’t have budget for a new set of tips.
I solder LQFP chips with my trusty 3mm chisel from my Weller-HOBBY
station for 70 bucks or so from 10 years ago.
I also solder 0.1mm copper wire pieces to individual QFP pins (0.5mm
pitch) with that tip. It only is in the way in very crowded situations,
where I wish I had a 1mm chisel instead of 3mm (I don't really like the
cone ones like we have at work), but that's so rare I have not bothered
buying one.

> I’m low on solder.
What can I say. That's a problem ;) It doesn't have anything to do with
lack of DIP parts, which probably need more solder than SMT
counterparts, going through hole and all.
(ok, when sloppily drag-soldering, maybe not)

> I’m not going to have capital for tools and pcb fabrication. I never will.
Have you looked at the prices at e.g. JLCPCB? Large PCBs tend to cost
extra, forgot at what size they consider it large,
but a single digit amount of USD for 5 or even 10 smaller PCBs, double
sided, ... If you are patient, shipping is not expensive.
https://jlcpcb.com
The 2$ they state there is, IIRC, only for the first order.
Do you actually get PERFBOARD that's cheaper than that? I doubt it. You
could, thus, at least try their first offer ;)
They'll probably also throw in a coupon for SMT assembly when signing up
for the first time.
The fact that higher numbers of the same are cheap is nice for Synth DIY
modules - get 5 VCAs or what have you.
With screwed-on controls, you'd maybe not even need PCBs as big as a
typical module (remember, big PCB = expensive)

> I use what I can get, and that’s how I will carry on. I do happen to have a cheap soldering microscope, but no nifty tools to make smt convenient.
My "nifty SMT tools" comprise a pair of "Weitus" precise pliers from
aliexpress or so, and a bit of cheap no-clean flux. (I prefer fluid,
with a droplet applicator similar to stuff for eye drops or so, not a
pen that gets dirty, and is usually a bit big)
I also have the ATTEN 858D+ hot air thing with a bunch of different
diameter tips - don't use it often, because buying solder paste, to go
that route, I do find too expensive / w wasteful, as that stuff goes
stale quickly.
I do have an optical  microscope, which I use infrequently, mostly for
checking for tiny shorts and stuff. I managed without one for years
before I saw the AmScope offer. (yes, it is very nice to have it.)

> I was able to tack a ram chip onto my Teensy the stupid way and I know every time I do it that way I roll the dice to see how many times I have to do-over until all the pins are properly connected.
Watch SMT soldering tutorial videos e.g. by eevblog, and practise -
perhaps with some of the cheapest fake parts from ebay, then they are
good for something ;)
"Do over" doesn't sound right. Removing some excess solder with
wick-drenched flux works in a second.
Possibly, your solder is too large in diameter i.e. feeding too much,
for SMT stuff.

> Electronics will never be about gear or toys or well-stocked shelves above my tidy workbench.
I have a very slim work bench that shares the working space with some
1980's...90's power suplies I got at ebay, an oscilloscope, soldering
station and a fume catcher.
I don't think it is a luxurious setup. I have been using SMT as much as
possible for many years.
Because it's cheaper. Boards get cheaper when smaller, also.


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