On 29 Jul 2014 14:44:59 -0700, you wrote:
>Stefan,
>
>>Look into getting a hot air rework station. Chinese will do.
>It seems that some of the rework stations come with or without a soldering iron, is that a good thing?
>Historically, I have never liked integrated components so a heat gun may seem more appropriate.
Rework stations have more control over the heat, and more control
about where the hot air goes. You can remove parts with a hot air
gun, but I've got no idea of what it may eventually do to the parts.
>
>>You need small tips for the iron and multimeter.
>May I ask, which sizes I should consider for the iron and multimeter tips.
>I am also thinking if I don't purchase an integrated workstation, it might be good to purchase a new soldering iron.
Iron, 1/16 maximum for the SMT soldering or less if you can get it,
too small does not work, the plating area is very small and often gets
worn off, and thus just sits there warming up the part.
Multimeter tips, try needle tips, but also note that you're putting a
lot of pressure on a small area with something very smart, so sticking
a solder joint is much better than a trace or a lead.
>
>>I won't go into recommendations since I feel anything short of JBC is not worth my while and you did not want >top of the line.
>I respect that...maybe some of the other members of the group have some recommendations on Chinese branded rework stations or guns.
I got a "blackjack' from circuit specialists (IIRC), is not so bad,
but is also not all that wonderful. You really want one that has a
suction tip inside the area that's being heated, thus the chip will
lift right off.
I've had much more luck with a square cup type of tip for a Metcal
iron, much faster, does not overheat the chip as much. May not have
had the air temperature up high enough.
>
>>Steinel heat guns are good, I believe some Sears/Craftsman in the US are Steinel OEM.
>>Must have closed loop adjustable temperature control, not just two fixed power settings.
>How do I determine if the device has a closed loop adjustable control?
Temperature dial rather than "high" "low".
>
>>You may or may not need magnification, depending on eyesight.
>Yep, need this too. Some times those tiny devices can be pretty hard to see.
>Any recommendation...?
I have a binocular microscope, American Optical. You want one with a
2 or 3 inch distance between the objective lenses and the object.
There are ones that are used for wafer examination, and have maybe a
1/4 inch maximum clearance.
Harvey
>
>Thanks.