Homebrew PCBs

Some electronic components can absorb humidity and when going through the
thermal soldering cycle the humidity can expand and cause microscopic cracks
that later allows more humidly to get in and possibly degrade internal
circuits.

Baking is a common requirement for some complex ICs but I have not seen it
for LEDs.  For non-military-medical ... applications I would not worry about
it for hobby use.

Bertho

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From: jharig23@...   Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2011 07:42
Hello,

I am very new in the world of DIY PCBs. As a basic example, I'm going to
make a very simple LED circuit. I've ordered up some SMD LEDs and matching
current-limiting resistor. 

The interesting thing is that the bag the LEDs came in had a label
indicating that I should bake them. I did a quick search, and found one set
of instructions indicating baking at 80 degrees C for 24 hours. 

I know that this is not really specific to construction of the PCB, but I
thought one of you might be able to help me. How do you guys handle this?
Toaster oven? Or is there some kind of small oven that I can buy? What do I
put the LEDs on when I bake them? A baking sheet? Sorry for being obtuse - I
just really don't know where to start.

Thank you for the help.

James



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