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learning to solder SMD parts — Parallax Forums

learning to solder SMD parts

InSilicoInSilico Posts: 52
edited 2009-02-19 03:03 in General Discussion
I've been making PCBs with through-hole parts like DIPs, etc for a while now.

I'm thinking of trying out soldering some SMD parts to cut down the amount of drilling necessary and to save board space
plus some devices come only in SMD sizes. And people will have that "OMG" reaction lol.gif

Has anyone tried the "reflow skillet" method that Sparkfun has written about? (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/tutorial_info.php?tutorials_id=59)·It seems too good to be true to be able to solder these tiny things with only ~$30 to spend on a skillet available·wherever kitchen products are sold.

I think I can get some solder paste from Mouser (is this appropriate? http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZZMvzaWvWjU0hlXlLX4pmUz009T2cFBjtpKg%3d)

If this can do the job then I can go ahead and try it out on simple circuits (like 555 timers) before going the whole 9-yards on a "real" project

Help is much appreciated!

Comments

  • Timothy D. SwieterTimothy D. Swieter Posts: 1,613
    edited 2009-02-16 04:32
    There are some other threads on this subject that were recently discussed. Also, there are some great tutorials online with videos on how to use a standard soldering iron to do SMT soldering. In addition there are articles in recent past issues of Nuts&Volts, Elektor and Make magazine that cover the basics.

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  • Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL)Bob Lawrence (VE1RLL) Posts: 1,720
    edited 2009-02-16 05:17
    This is one of the older topic that Tim mentioned.

    http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=782524

    Also you could have a look at this site if you want some SMT kits/Parts to experiment with.

    www.vakits.com/index.php?osCsid=285027d0cd4cf2fb25c1f8e2f16f01e6

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  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2009-02-16 12:43
    I bought the paste that is listed in mouser. It is not really electronic paste. It might work, but the package says that it solders at 450, and remelts at 600+ degrees. The grains are large, and would not work in a stencil.
  • CannibalRoboticsCannibalRobotics Posts: 535
    edited 2009-02-17 02:18
    Take an old junked board with some SMD components. Remove them, clean up the pads and practice putting them back on. You need a very sharp soldering iorn. That's how I started.
    Jim-

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  • InSilicoInSilico Posts: 52
    edited 2009-02-17 10:34
    @ Erik: I have no plans to do a stencil, so it may work. I'm looking for other solder pastes I can work with. Is there such a thing as (relatively inexpensive) solder paste that doesn't require refrigeration or·expensive shipping methods? I can't imagine requiring something super special.

    @ CannibalRobotics, Tim: I might just then start out soldering them with a good iron and ordinary rosin-core solder, then experiment with reflow soldering. I'm putting the reflow idea on the backburner for now...

    @ Bob: I didn't know kits for solder practice existed, I'm gonna have to take a look into it.

    If I'm missing something important, I would really like to know. smilewinkgrin.gif

    Thanks for all the answers!

    Post Edited (InSilico) : 2/17/2009 10:39:42 AM GMT
  • Erik FriesenErik Friesen Posts: 1,071
    edited 2009-02-17 12:32
    InSilico, try alldav. Get the no clean paste. It is lead free but works ok. You can also get small quantities from SRA. They also sell inexpensive hot air stations.
  • InSilicoInSilico Posts: 52
    edited 2009-02-19 03:03
    Erik, thanks for the suggestions! I'll keep those sites in mind when I actually start working with SMD parts.
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