SMD kits - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 03:57:43 pm
content: I'm setting myself up for SMD soldering as that seems to be where everything is moving towards. Does anyone have any recommendations on some good, inexpensive, hobby kits that are SMD based that I could use to practice my skills? I'm a ham radio operator so anything RF based would be awesome, but I'd be interested in any variety of kits.

author: tggzzz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 05:42:05 pm
content: Quote from: moya034 on December 02, 2015, 03:57:43 pmShameless self-promotion leads me to say that in my experience it is easier than I thought. FFI seehttps://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/category/homebrew-pcbs/The only additions I would make are:for desoldering use a hot air gun with the appropriate shape nozzlefor small boards (e.g. those below) I'll use a hot air gun for soldering the components as well; have very slow airflow so you don't blow the components awayIf you want to make some RF filters or attenuators with up to 6 0603 elements in a Pi or Tee configuration, and BNC or SMA edge connectors, have a look athttp://dirtypcbs.com/view.php?share=9240&accesskey=68558f214f2a895afd7efd8e22594ae4That is $14 for ~10 boards each containing a 6 element Pi, 3 element Pi, 6 element Tee, 3 element Tee layout. (If that link doesn't work, usehttp://dirtypcbs.com/view.phpand wait for it to load, ignore all the PHP errors(!), and search for "50ohm RF Tee & Pi Filter/Attenuators")Note the caveat that I consider them experimental, but you can see two 3 element Tee HPFs athttps://entertaininghacks.wordpress.com/2015/08/10/measuring-rf-filters-with-a-homebrew-1-5ghz-scalar-network-analyser-costing-3248/

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 09:54:44 pm
content: eBay has listings for "solder practice boards" that can get you started, some less than $1.00 each shipped.They even do something simple as a means of checking your work (usually light up LED's). Other sources such as Aliexpress or DX.com also carry them last I checked.Also, old boards from broken or no longer used products are also good for desoldering and soldering practice (doesn't have to work, and particularly useful for IC packages not used on the practice boards).

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 02, 2015, 10:11:18 pm
content: fine tip for the iron. fine gauge solder , syringe with tacky flux, pen with rosin flux.0805 is a walk in the park.0603 requires you to carry an umbrella before going to the park0402 : add bowler hat, scarf, gloves before going to the park0201 : add wellingtons and goggles before going to the park01005 : get the hazmat suit out ...

author: jmegar324
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 01:37:58 am
content: You should also look into making a toaster oven mod its a lot easier

author: moya034
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 03:11:13 am
content: Quote from: free_electron on December 02, 2015, 10:11:18 pmI have some Kester 186 RMA liquid flux... can you recommend a good tacky flux?

author: jh15
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 03, 2015, 03:59:17 am
content: Be sure to watch Dave's videos on drag soldering.

author: nanofrog
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 04, 2015, 09:34:49 am
content: Quote from: moya034 on December 03, 2015, 03:11:13 amKester RF741.CML Supply offers a smaller syringe that contains 6cc (here), instead of the 30cc that Kester offers (here). They also split up Kester's Easy Profile 256 in syringes too (Kester only sells 500g or larger cartridges or jars).

author: savril
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 07, 2015, 03:06:19 pm
content: SMD solder pratice board are a good start as you mind destructing pads or components.See that topic :https://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/smd-soldering-practice-boards/

author: Landrew2390
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 10:22:33 am
content: QuoteYou forgot one.1206 : You don't even have to get out of bed

author: jancumps
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 08, 2015, 01:28:59 pm
content: @free_electron's own book + PCB:http://www.siliconvalleygarage.com/published-works/mastering-smt.html