my first boards were 0805 & 32-tqfp nearly a year ago using solder paste w/ a kapton stencil on a hotplate. my latest is 4x4x0.9mm (QFN) and 3x3x.9mm LGA (leadless) packages with 0402 components. i haven't gone smaller yet, but when the need arises i am sure it will be no problem. the one tool that has probably aided in the process the most is a good stereoscopic microscope - to me, that makes all the difference in the world, along with good solder paste, flux and patience.
sorry the recom units don't fit your need, they are a bit expensive but sure will save you some time.
bob
--- In Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com, Aaron Turner <synfinatic@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks everyone for the feedback!
>
> I'm beginning to hear more and more about the hot-plate method of SMD
> soldering... is that something that's viable for a 64-TQFP? I was thinking
> I may need to go with something like the AT90USB1286 for my receiver since a
> standard ATmega328 doesn't seem to have enough flash for everything I need
> to do. I was thinking that the easiest way to go is to connect my board to
> a Teensy++ 2.0 via standard PTH, but based on some of the feedback I've
> gotten here and other places I'm beginning to think more aggressive.
>
> David- those SMD to PTH converter boards sound interesting... I'll look into
> those.
>
> Ryan- Thanks for the comment about placing SMD & PTH parts- that wasn't
> something I had even considered!
>
> Bob- The recom r-78xx series looks interesting and very efficient, but it
> seems pretty expensive and voltage IN/OUT really doesn't meet my needs. I
> need both a buck and step up solution.
>
> Tom- Very cool. I'll be sure to check out your vids!
>
> --
> Aaron Turner
> http://synfin.net/ Twitter: @synfinatic
> http://tcpreplay.synfin.net/ - Pcap editing and replay tools for Unix &
> Windows
> Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary
> Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
> -- Benjamin Franklin
> "carpe diem quam minimum credula postero"
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>