First Foray Into SMD Work

[NQ6U]

Bought one of these a while back, just before I got a job that uses up pretty much all of my free time:

http://fivedash.com/images/large/rx-ensemble-ii_LRG.jpg

It's a Softrock RX Ensemble II SDR receiver. I've been wanting a chance to play with an SDR and this one was relatively inexpensive. With my middle-aged eyesight, though, I'm a bit concerned about working with those tiny chip components but since it seems that's the way electronics hardware is headed, I guess I need to learn. I bought some new tips for my soldering iron and was given a one-pound roll of .015 solder (probably a lifetime supply), now I'm ready to give it a try. I hope to get to work on it today.

[NY3V]

Bought one of these a while back, just before I got a job that uses up pretty much all of my free time:

http://fivedash.com/images/large/rx-ensemble-ii_LRG.jpg

It's a Softrock RX Ensemble II SDR receiver. I've been wanting a chance to play with an SDR and this one was relatively inexpensive. With my middle-aged eyesight, though, I'm a bit concerned about working with those tiny chip components but since it seems that's the way electronics hardware is headed, I guess I need to learn. I bought some new tips for my soldering iron and was given a one-pound roll of .015 solder (probably a lifetime supply), now I'm ready to give it a try. I hope to get to work on it today.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE3L96XQsa8

You can also use a hot skillet if you don't have a hot air gun.

Mhz just blows on his! ;)

[KG4CGC]

<snip>
Mhz just blows on his! ;)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c79/bebop5/3f4bc8d0.jpg

[K7SGJ]

Carl, something that may help is to use a very very small dab of super glue (applied with a needle or something similar) to the chip, cap, or resistor and place it into position on the board. Press down for a moment, and then it's just a matter of going around soldering them in, and you don't have to worry about messing around with the alignment while you are trying to solder them in at the same time; which usually ends up with a shit connection or solder bridge. If you ever need to replace a component, after desoldering it, use a pair of needle nose pliers, and twist smartly on the component and it should come right off. Good luck.

[kf0rt]

Eyesight is an issue. I use an OptiVisor for this; actually pisses me off when I can't find it. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353299135&sr=8-1&keywords=optivisor

Nerdy, but essential and seems to be a critical tool here.

[W5GA]

+1 for the visor...an indispensable tool.

[KC2UGV]

Eyesight is an issue. I use an OptiVisor for this; actually pisses me off when I can't find it. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Donegan-OptiVisor-Headband-Magnifier-Magnification/dp/B0015IN8J6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1353299135&sr=8-1&keywords=optivisor

Nerdy, but essential and seems to be a critical tool here.

My near sight is near perfect, and I still use one of those. Mine has the light on it too. Either that, or for a quick job, a helping-hands magnifier.

[K7SGJ]

The optivisor is a great tool. You can also use it to moonlight as a gyno quack.

[N1LAF]

You can use a toaster oven for larger projects.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aFEDmsMAqlc

The toaster oven does quite well. You will need to apply solder paste first, then place components. The solder paste is tacky perfect for placing components. When heated, the solder will 'reflow', and the components will recenter.

More...

http://n0m1.com/2012/02/15/toaster-oven-reflow-smd-soldering/

[N1LAF]

More...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j0impc6ebQ