Homebrew PCBs

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dale Mosby" <dale@...>
To: <Homebrew_PCBs@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 29, 2006 4:50 AM
Subject: [Homebrew_PCBs] Question: using surface mount resistors/caps ?


>I have made some printed circuit boards using common components
> requiring drilling. I would like to start using some simple surface
> mount resistors, capacitors, and transistors to reduce drilling and
> reduce space. I am wondering about the best techinque to use these
> devices on boards.
>
> I did a bit of experimenting with a board using some 1206 size
> resistors and it seems that using these components will be quite a
> useful addition to board construction.
>
> One recommendation I heard was to use just a small bit of glue to hold
> the components in place, then once all places come back and solder
> them all. I tried this and it did work, but I have some concern about
> the stability of the glue over time and how this might impact long
> term reliablity.
>
> I also tried just holding a resistor in place with some tweezers and
> soldering them. This also worked but obviously requires an extra hand.

Put a little solder on one of the pads, place the part with the tweezers and 
apply the soldering iron to tack down that end. Solder the other end and 
then the first end, properly.

Leon