SMD soldering practice board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 06:57:04 am
content: I've had a project ongoing for a while to update a processor board for a DRO (digital readout)http://www.shumatech.com/web/products/dpu-550for my small mill.The board is partly populated and to get the extra features, I need to add some components all of which are SMD, smallest is 0603I've had some success at hand soldering SMD components but want to get a bit more practice before I tackle this job.What I need is something to practice on - a simple kit or even a non functioning practice only board.Any suggestions?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 07:00:16 am
content: can you make your own PCB's ?

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 07:07:44 am
content: Quote from: Simon on August 18, 2010, 07:00:16 amI don't have the setup for this (or the need really).Any boards that I have had made in the past have been done through a Chinese PCB manufacturer. Less mess and probably cheaper - certainly better quality than I could manage.At this stage, I'm thinking a kit of some kind but most of these seem to be through hole style rather than SMD

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 07:10:56 am
content: I've been practicing on and off by stripping parts off of old PCI cards, cleaning up the parts and board, and resoldering everything (not necessarily where it goes, just for practice). If all else fails it's a cheap way to go, as it'll only cost you consumables and old computer parts.Hope that helps

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 07:22:53 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on August 18, 2010, 07:10:56 amI didn't think of that! I'm sure I've an old motherboard or two tucked away somewhere.I can pick up cheap SMD components on eBay and not have to worry if they're fakes

author: joelby
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 07:54:37 am
content: Another thing you can do is attack a blank (copper) PCB with an engraving tool to cut out pads for SMD parts - I've done this successfully down to 0603 for prototyping relatively simple circuits, but it'd work okay for soldering practice too. You can buy grab bags of thousands of resistors and capacitors on eBay for a few dollars.

author: terabyte
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 04:56:56 pm
content: Surface Mount Soldering Kithttp://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8404

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 18, 2010, 05:04:35 pm
content: and it's got my name on it !!!

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 01:03:37 am
content: A bit of late night searching turned up this supplier of practice boards and dummy components (http://www.practicalcomponents.com)I'll drop them an email and see what their pricing is like.Another alternative: Is anyone here looking to practice their PCB layout skills?You design a simple practice board and I'll get some made up.

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 03:04:35 am
content: Quote from: tumutbound on August 19, 2010, 01:03:37 amMy skills are weak, but I have a suggestion. Why not make it something you might need anyway? Say like aUSB to Serial adapter? Left to my own devices I'd probably try something like this first.Just a thought.

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 03:31:28 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on August 19, 2010, 03:04:35 amMy skills are even weaker. The last PCB I designed was using Bishop graphics stuff, that dates me a bit!I'd also though that a practice board that is actually something usable would be a good idea. Someone mentioned a Simon kit from Sparkfun but I don't really have use for one of those.A previous post mentioned getting an old PCB, removing the components, cleaning up the board and using it for practice.I've found a dead Netgear switch in the bottom draw so I might put it in the oven and see If I can get the old components off.Update: DJPhil, I was reading another post of yours about cheap LEDs. Followed the link mentioned and found that they have practice boards for sale, 3 for $1.50! Only one is SMD but at that price...

author: DJPhil
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 03:59:42 am
content: Quote from: tumutbound on August 19, 2010, 03:31:28 amSure enough!It even looks like an unused PC card! At that price you're saving money over the desolder/clean method, and you get to work with pristine material. You might try contacting them to see if they'd consider selling you a few that are just SMD. Never know!

author: GeoffS
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 04:21:47 am
content: Quote from: DJPhil on August 19, 2010, 03:59:42 amA bit of further browsing turned up an SMD practice kit for $7.95. Totally non functional but at that price, who cares.I've placed an order for this (and a stack of other cheap components, most of which I certainly don't need - but I can't resist anything shiny!)

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 19, 2010, 06:41:14 am
content: well if your ever monitoring currents and want some nice SOIC8 MAX4172 chips let me know, last time i couldn't resist anything shiny I cleared farnell's stock of them and now I'm not sure I'll be needing them