SMD reflow test board - interest? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bit.cyber
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 12:13:39 pm
content: Hi,Hopefully this is being posted in the right category - here goes...After expending some effort to convert a toaster oven into a solder reflow oven I'm now considering how to test/tune it. Yet I'm unable to find suitable test boards, with stencil, components, etc. So, I'm going to look to design up a couple of boards and batch produce them if there's demand. Thus to the question: general level of interest for such a kit?The cost would be minimal'ish - that's the point, particularly if they'll be junked - let's say $15-20 with everything (although I haven't run the full numbers). Bulk ordering should make this possible.I have a couple of designs in mind: a 'junk' test board with sample components, but otherwise doesn't do anything. Then a design or two could also serve a useful purpose, of course assuming the reflow works, e.g., a bidirectional level shifter board - 5.0 V to 3.3 V - or whatever (I'm always looking for one of these and have to order it from Sparkfun or whomever).Thoughts?(For the record, I did find a test board from Beta Layout -http://www.beta-layout.com- but the shipping was EUR20 for a EUR14 kit. Definitely defeats the purpose. I would just be posting anything, which is significantly cheaper.)

author: ebclr
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 02:05:27 pm
content: It's not worth reinvent the wellUSD 1.60 free shippinghttp://www.ebay.com/itm/2pcs-Logic-Level-Converter-3-3V-5V-TTL-Level-Converter-for-Arduino-Raspberry-new-/332166434539?hash=item4d56a98eeb:g:yOUAAOSw4A5YvokP

author: bit.cyber
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2017, 03:01:12 pm
content: I would totally agree with "not worth to reinvent" the wheel! There just isn't any economic sense.However the "wheel" I'm thinking of here is to primarily be able to test my home built reflow oven, without ruining some more expensive boards/components that are ready and raring to go. The mention of something useful was in relation to if everything does work out then to have something other than just a board that makes it's way quickly to the bin. Apologies if this wasn't clear.Anyway, good to hear your thoughts.

author: daveatol
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 12:55:44 am
content: Just reflow some of your PCB coasters with a few cheap parts on that fit the footprints

author: bit.cyber
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 03, 2017, 10:13:14 pm
content: Firstly, thank you for all the suggestions for useful suggestions.Secondly, oh crap - where do I start!So basics first: boards that are generally 20 mm x 10 mm or alternatively 40 mm x 20 mm. With headers at the standard pitch of 2.54 mm (100 mil), so suited toward breadboard work.(While I do a lot of arduino development I agree that not everything has to be a shield. My last project was based on Arduino Minis, so hardly shield material... e.g., check out a front panel board I produce at:http://lagrangianpoint.net/product/programmable-load-front-panel-pcb/)But after this, I'm not sure where to start! I like the sound of the "PCB antenna or antenna connector and preamp / filter" - that should be a challenge, but I should be careful as I don't really have the test gear to adequately test it.As for a thermocouple board, I like the idea - particularly given my base level multimeter (Fluke 117) and even my Agilent multimeter (33401A) don't have a temperature input. Always the way, a feature missing somewhere and one wishing they'd spent the extra dough. Ah - but maybe there's the idea...All are tempting...