SMD

[mlucitt]

Luckily, we are all old enough to remember the Rinehart method. Kids nowdays would look at you kinda funny if you said that to them.

 

[laatsch55]

Far as I know Rhineharts lived up north. That's how we referred to em---Ya know-- "Up by Rhineharts"--

 

[mlucitt]

True, we learned cursive by the Palmer Method. Rineharts were confined to the New England area.

 

[mlucitt]

Here is the result of my first attempt at SMT soldering. I used a bit too much solder but it runs up the leg of the device so fast. I could have pulled it off but that seems to be a quick way to ruin the whole thing.

 

[Gepetto]

Pretty good Mark, it takes practice...

 

[jbeckva]

Well, with these SMD's (small pin count.. pins halfway "visible") I can handle them. We used to call 'em "flatpacks" in my Nav days.

The trick is to preflow just a very small amount of solder before the chip is mounted and use (repeat.. use) flux. Then when you have at least one pin anchored (doesn't have to be "perfect" just yet.. just enough to make sure the rest are perfectly lined up), use a dental pick to apply downward pressure while applying the heat right at the junction of the pin "tip" and the pad. Wait for the solder to flow up the pin.. take the heat away.. then a few secs later release the dental pick.

It's those bassid chips that have the pins rolling underneath the package that are a real pain and need special tools.

 

[laatsch55]

Looks good Mark. Thanks for the tips there Jerr.

 

[mlucitt]

At least they will never fall off...

 

[laatsch55]

Not cold anyway.

 

[mlucitt]

Lee, if you send me your Brown Dogs and your SMT chips, I'll install them for you. Joe says I need practice. I promise not to put them on backwards. I could even test them in the PL 2000 'cause I'm going to install some 14-pin DIP sockets.

 

[laatsch55]

OK , I've got 10 adapters that need the op-amp installed. Let me get the op-amps ordered and I'll send em to ya.

 

[mlucitt]

I can order those little suckers, I have a Mouser order pending. Do you want the OPA2134? Mouser P/N is 595-OPA2134UAE4. They are only $3.10 a piece, and you need 20 of them for 10 adapters?

Mark

 

[laatsch55]

Yep, those are the ones. Get after it. I'll mail the adapters tomorrow.